Recap: Blue Jackets 5, Caps 4 (OT)
by J.P. on Nov 1, 2009 8:58 PM EST
in Game Recaps
134 comments
[AP Recap - Game Center - Game Summary - Event Summary]
For the second time in two games, the Caps ended up on the wrong side of a see-saw affair after dropping a second-consecutive home overtime loss, this time to a chippy Columbus team. The loss in the standings, however, is potentially trivial as compared to the loss of the two-time reigning League MVP, Alex Ovechkin, who left the game in the second period with an upper-body injury (left shoulder?), presumably suffered on what looked like a fairly innocent collision with the Jackets' Raffi Torres.
The game itself was pretty standard fare for the Caps of late - stretches of hard work, flashes of high-skill, some brain cramps, and a result that was anyone's guess up until the end (discounting the empty-netter against Philly, the Caps have now played seven consecutive one-goal games, and eleven of their last dozen have been single-goal affairs). The effort concluded a four-games-in-six-nights stretch by a team that iced more than a couple of players who were clearly not 100% healthy, and, at times, it showed. But it's another point in the standings and the team will welcome the chance to catch its breath a bit this week.
Ten more notes on the game:
- Mike Knuble's neutral zone slashing penalty with 2:24 left and a one-goal lead was Alexander Semin-esque, but probably was only the second-dumbest Caps' penalty on the night, behind Brian Pothier's utterly unnecessary overtime interference.
- Speaking of Semin, he had six shots on goal in the game's first 22:01... and none thereafter. Remind me again which Alex didn't play most of the second and all of the third.
- You've got to feel a bit for Jose Theodore, who was victimized by two hard-luck plays that resulted in Columbus goals (one bad bounce off the end boards and a wrap-around on which the knob of his stick got stuck in the net on the other side of the goal).
- With Mike Green apparently a game-time decision due to a lower-body injury (one that may have in part explained why he was beaten so badly by Rick Nash on the Jackets' superstar's) tally, it was a somewhat curious decision by Bruce Boudreau to play Quintin Laing over Tyler Sloan. Did the move pay off? Well, Laing did score the goal that put the Caps up 4-3... but he was also on the ice for both Columbus power play goals.
- Back to Knuble, he had a brilliant shift on an early third period penalty kill, followed up by a terrific screen on Brooks Laich's second goal of the game. Both were a joy to watch...
- As was Laich's game, elevated after the loss of Ovechkin and after he noted in a second intermission interview that "it's a big hole, but I still think we have a very good hockey team." Brendan Morrison also deserves praise for his effort.
- Nicklas Backstrom must be feeling better - he scored a goal on which he deserved a tertiary assist for his behind the back pass to Semin, and he won 53% of his 19 faceoffs. But you've got to wonder why he was out there for the defensive zone draw moments before the first Torres goal.
- Not only is Sean Avery a world-class tool, but he's also just flat-out wrong - Ken Hitchcock's got Gabby by at least 25 pounds.
- I have no idea what Jeff Schultz was doing when he didn't slide to his right to pick up a streaking Jakub Voracek (who had to be slashed by Knuble) late in the second.
- The Caps didn't lose their fourth home game of the last season until January 13, but have now already four of eight at the V.C. this season.
And so it's "wait and see" on Ovechkin (Tuesday, earliest), and it's "wait and see" on the team as well - wait for a complete, sixty-minute effort from 18 skaters and you'll see one every week or so... and they're due for another one pretty soon.
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It’s official, the 2009-10 WSH hockey club is the SchizoCaps.
by TylerG on Nov 1, 2009 9:02 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
A new-to-me Capsblog is District Puckhouse. They have a transcript of a post-game interview with AO:
http://districtpuckhouse.blogspot.com/2009/11/alex-ovechkin-post-game.html
IS PAЯTY NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 1, 2009 9:02 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
The way the team’s played the last few games, by no means do they deserve the day off.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 1, 2009 9:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The way the team’s played 3 games in four days, by no means will they skate tomorrow.
by redlineblue on Nov 1, 2009 9:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
They shouldn’t skate, but they don’t deserve a day off. Make em watch tape!
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 1, 2009 9:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Good point on Laing. I love the guy and his heart and hard work, but he’s showed why he hasn’t reached the NHL on shot blocking alone.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 1, 2009 9:06 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
It’s hard to blame Q for either PP goal he was on the ice for. Both goals started low on the boards and went to wide open players on the far side of the net. Our D just can’t close the passing lanes fast enough. I still think he’s what we need on the 4th line.
by Kewibr on Nov 1, 2009 9:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not blaming him specifically on any goal. However, he has what, one blocked shot so far? And he hasn’t really impressed me with his defense this year at all yet, or at least, not the level he was showing last year.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 1, 2009 9:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
He blocked a shot in the third period.
/answering rhetorical question
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
by jordanDC on Nov 1, 2009 11:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
They know they need to stop taking dumb penalties. They know they need to play more defensive-minded hockey when they have a late lead. We keep waiting for improvement, but maybe this is what the Caps are.
by Kolzilla on Nov 1, 2009 9:07 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
They know they need to play a full 60 minute effort.
Knowing what you need to do is easy. Actually doing it is difficult. But it’s what the great teams do.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Nov 1, 2009 9:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m wondering if this group of players is actually capable of doing that. If they are, why haven’t they done so yet?
by Kolzilla on Nov 1, 2009 9:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The Wings of the early 2000s may have also had this problem . They played in a weak division, and achieved huge point totals, but played mediocre to average hockey against teams in their division. I dunno, I just think if you put a team with Black and Gold or Black and Orange sweaters in front of the Caps, they just know what to do, and they do it. It’s kind of obnoxious.
Also, look at the second game against Philly, the Sharks game, and the Bruins game. They’ve proved the can do it, they just haven’t done it consistently yet.
And I’m still a huge believer of the mindset that the Caps best defense is a strong forechecking game that keeps the puck out of our zone.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 1, 2009 9:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I made a FanPost for updates/commentary/links etc. regarding Ovie’s injury:
http://www.japersrink.com/2009/11/1/1110520/ovechkin-injury-updates
IS PAЯTY NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 1, 2009 9:10 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
The hockey deities clearly wanted the BJs to win. That’s all I can figure.
About 15 minutes in, I said “Who the hell is out there wearing 28, and what did he he do our Sasha?!” And then Real Sasha came back for the second half. Sigh.
There are not enough superlatives for B.Mo so far. Gotta think there’s 29 other teams out there kicking themselves for not taking a chance on him.
Good on Q for getting his first goal of the season. I hereby propose we now give him a pig-themed nickname. “Oink”? “Piggy”?
by RedBirdie on Nov 1, 2009 9:14 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Babe, cause eventually Boudreau will have to say “that’ll do pig” and send him to the press box or to Hershey.
by Kolzilla on Nov 1, 2009 9:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i was just about to say babe haha
somebody mentioned “swine Q” in the gamethread. that’s not bad either!
by twistedlogic on Nov 1, 2009 9:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Again with the nickname forcing..
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
by jordanDC on Nov 1, 2009 11:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Some thoughts
Mike Green is going to have plenty of time to heal up during the Olympic break.
Jeff Schultz may have erred, but by no means did Knuble have to slash anyone in the last two minutes of the game. This wasn’t 2 feet in front of the goal. I thought a vet like Knuble was supposed to help this bologna, not start imitating it.
If Nylander isn’t going anywhere, I want to see him in the lineup and playing significant minutes until he inevitably gets injured, at which point we can free up a near $5M cushion, followed by a trade for a decent #2 type defenseman.
Our PK has moments, but for the most part, is unreliable, again.
This is getting old.
Russian Machine Never Breaks
by macvechkin on Nov 1, 2009 9:23 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I also think there’s an increasingly glaring need to replace Pothier with a steady 2-3 calibur D-man. Easier said than done, of course.
by Kolzilla on Nov 1, 2009 9:30 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I think there’s a huge issue among us, as Caps fans, to over think about things after losses. Yeah, we’ve lost two in a row in OT, but the team has yet to lose a game by more than one. This stands out like crazy to me. We’ve been in EVERY game we’ve played so far, and no team is going to go 82-0, and the Caps are currently 8 points ahead of Tampa, second in our division, and we’re sitting in second in the eastern conference. If anything, a team like this needs only a kick in the pants or a few minor tweaks. Why overhaul a machine if it’s just a little less efficient out of the start than two other machines?
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 1, 2009 9:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
This.
The Caps are sputtering, and mostly winning. Does anyone believe they’re going to keep sputtering indefinitely? I don’t, and when they fire on all cylinders for a few weeks at a time there will be Hell to pay. They’re much closer to that than to blowing a gasket.
by redlineblue on Nov 1, 2009 9:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Nobody is clamoring for 82-0, but these problems don’t resolve themselves. The effort will be there when needed, there is no worry there. The division and #3 seed is all that matters to me in the regular season and we will get it…but that doesn’t mean we will magically have better defensemen and stop taking HS penalties in March and beyond.
Russian Machine Never Breaks
by macvechkin on Nov 1, 2009 9:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
They don’t resolve themselves, no, but I don’t think we need to be calling to move players. Yeah, tonight, a lot of Caps should have played better. And I think a lot of guys will improve on that. This just wasn’t a good night for the team, and I’d like to think that the coaching staff (Bob Woods) and the players can watch tape, see what we see, and fix it. And it may not be an overnight fix. It might be gradual over a few months. But as long as we’re where we are, there’s no reason to panic, and we don’t know now what we might need at the deadline.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 1, 2009 10:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I dunno WM, it’s not time to panic by any means, but I think it’s fair to point out areas of improvement that could be made to the personnel. This team is very good but does have some flaws. Maybe Pothier and Poti improve. Or maybe Poti has lost a step and Pothier just isn’t that great. I believe this team could really use another solid D, and have believed that for a while. If they get the cap space I’ll be shocked if it doesn’t happen.
by Kolzilla on Nov 1, 2009 10:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
If it could have happened, it would have happened already. We’ve “Needed” this solid D-man since 2007.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 1, 2009 10:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Solid D-Men don’t come cheap, though, e.g. Pronger, Boumweester, etc.
When Hell freezes over, I'll play hockey there, too.
by Steck It Out on Nov 1, 2009 10:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’d even take a Kubina or Scuderi type. Agreed that an elite D has been and probably will be nearly impossible to get via trade.
by Kolzilla on Nov 1, 2009 10:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
we don’t have the cap space for a bouwmeester anyways. we dont even the cap space for alzner and/or carlson
by twistedlogic on Nov 1, 2009 10:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I am not expecting anybody like Pronger, but rather guys who can deliver solid performances like PIttsburgh got last year. Has anything changed for these 7 plus Sloan since last May? I’d be mortified if this is the group we take into the playoffs. Eventually the Nylander thing will shake out, and I would hope we move some of our “depth” in the deal. Not really expecting this in the first half of the season, but from a fan’s perspective, I wouldn’t mind sooner than later.
Russian Machine Never Breaks
by macvechkin on Nov 2, 2009 12:43 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
“mortified?” over dramatic much? Are you one of those who also cringes at the thought of Chris Clack being a Captain of a Cup winning team?
by RedBirdie on Nov 2, 2009 9:48 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
In case you didn’t understand, I’m talking about the group of 7 defensemen (I won’t even count Sloan anymore). And yes, I stand by that sentiment.
Russian Machine Never Breaks
by macvechkin on Nov 2, 2009 10:24 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
and I stand by my statement that you’re being over-dramatic.
by RedBirdie on Nov 2, 2009 10:39 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
We will not win in the playoffs with this group of seven defensemen.
Bland enough for you?
Russian Machine Never Breaks
by macvechkin on Nov 2, 2009 11:23 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I think that there’s a bigger issue with the forwards not committed to defense. We’ve seen the Caps own elite NHL squads with 4 Bears and 2 Caps.
by red army line on Nov 3, 2009 9:20 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Nylander is tied for second in scoring for the Griffins. Is there a Les Cunningham Award in his future?
(p.s. — we know, he’s probably played his last game as a Griffin. His conditioning stint is up on Tuesday).
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Nov 1, 2009 10:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
haha…funny! what do we do with him now anyways?
by twistedlogic on Nov 1, 2009 10:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
We have one, maybe two, solid defensemen in HER right now. Oh, for some cap space so we can get 27 in DC.
by mechanicsville on Nov 1, 2009 10:16 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
i'd be all for moving poti and pots
if a better option presented itself.
poti and pots….pretty poor pairing. holy p’s batman!
by twistedlogic on Nov 1, 2009 10:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I saw plenty of effort tonight. There was a lack of discipline and there were a lot of bad calls and bad luck. But from my vantage point in California, the only players who didn’t look like they were skating hard almost every shift were Backstrom and Semin — and they’re sick or hurt.
2 days off is just what the doctor ordered. I disagree with WM — everybody ought to get a mental health day tomorrow.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 1, 2009 9:45 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
I’m more of the Bob Knight thought process when it comes to coaching, Coach K.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 1, 2009 10:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Backstrom is definitely sick and was iffy for today’s game.
I heard that Semin got cross checked near the end of Friday’s game and was in pain. But in an interview yesterday, said he was fine.
by CapsFan75 on Nov 1, 2009 10:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
semin is always in pain. he gets his flu shot and is day to day
by twistedlogic on Nov 1, 2009 11:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I heard that somewhere…
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Nov 1, 2009 11:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
busted.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
by jordanDC on Nov 1, 2009 11:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Through all this I kinda forgot we’ve gotten points in 9 straight.
"And next year it will be ours."
by Ovechwin on Nov 1, 2009 9:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
By the way, Flash looked good again tonight.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 1, 2009 9:47 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I’m totally in his camp if he keeps this effort up. All of the complaints I had about him last season seem to be addressed – he’s harder to push off the puck, he’s winning battles, he’s more consistent in his own end.
Consider me a fan (a serious reversal), pending a reversion to prior form.
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 1, 2009 9:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
also
he fits in well with Backy + Semin, which is good b/c those two seem to only work well with Ovie.
by DonnieKnutts on Nov 1, 2009 9:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
My feeelings are along the same lines. I’ve always felt he’s got a much bigger upside than Fehr if he could get stronger on the puck and be less of a liability in his own zone. I stuck up for him last year until his play in his own zone and his lack of physical presence just became too damning. Plus, his 2nd year of disappearing in the playoffs didn’t help.
Hope the lack of mono plus being physically stronger makes his play much stronger down the stretch and in the playoffs this season. If so, he’d be the best buy on the entire roster.
A man gotta have a code
by CP2Devil on Nov 1, 2009 10:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Honestly, his season last year didn’t need any defense. I think any team in the league would take 19 goals for under 800k. They can’t all be superstars. And if a 19 goal guy can get better, than that is a good thing all unto itself.
by HateOffSeason on Nov 1, 2009 11:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Definite member of the Flash lobby. I see steady improvement on a really top notch set of hands and think this guy is a perfect second line player. My only fear is that they put him back on a line with Fehr, with whom he seems to defer to, even though I think he’s a clearly superior scorer.
I’d love to see Flash on the second line and Fehr on the third line. Other than Fehr for Q, I really like the forwards we put on the ice last night. That is a strong 4 lines… Sorry Boyd, love the effort, and you’ve been a core guy who gave his all, but there are just too many guys with more size and/or skill than you now.
Aucoin is making it really hard to send him down (as long as his responsility in his own end continues to improve).
God kills a kitten every time Sidney whines.
by Chris meet Alex on Nov 2, 2009 11:01 AM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Video of Ovi’s fall @CSN. I wish they will also put up video of the scrum at the bench.
Crossposted to the injury fanpost.
IS PAЯTY NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 1, 2009 9:53 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Essay question:
The result of tonight’s game wouldhave been different if the Caps had a dedicated enforcer because…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 1, 2009 10:04 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
It wouldn’t have gone to OT b/c said enforcer would have been skating in Quintin Laing’s spot and he scored a goal?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 1, 2009 10:08 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
This.
When Hell freezes over, I'll play hockey there, too.
by Steck It Out on Nov 1, 2009 10:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Recca recca rec rec.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
by jordanDC on Nov 1, 2009 11:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
because…..it would not have been different
by twistedlogic on Nov 1, 2009 10:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I can’t get all bent out of shape about this one. The Caps generally made Steve Mason look bad (which he’s been fine at doing on his own lately), and they had to recalibrate to make up for the 13 or so minutes Ovechkin didn’t get to skate. There were a couple of fluky goals for Columbus, and Green look bad enough on Nash’s goal that he looked as if he had a back problem.
Keep in mind, no team has fewer losses in regulation than the Caps. They keep managing to scoop up points here and there, even if the wheels are a little wobbly.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Nov 1, 2009 10:12 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Correctamundo. But, you have to ask yourself, will that extra point make a difference down the road?
When Hell freezes over, I'll play hockey there, too.
by Steck It Out on Nov 1, 2009 10:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
As far as at least a 3 seed in the East. Probably not.
by mechanicsville on Nov 1, 2009 10:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i dont wanna count my chickens before they hatch. florida came on strong at the end of last season. didnt really threaten the caps, but if the trend continues, we’ll make it much easier for upsets to occur. but yea….probably not
by twistedlogic on Nov 1, 2009 10:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It’s the NHL. You never know.
The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.
by Steck It Out on Nov 1, 2009 10:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Who would have had Joe Sacco as the early front runner for the Jack Adams?
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Nov 1, 2009 10:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And Anderson for the Vezina (maybe Hart too) and O’Reilly for the Calder?
by red army line on Nov 2, 2009 9:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Be careful guys! That Carolina is going to challenge this year.
Too lazy to find the sarcasm font.
"And next year it will be ours."
by Ovechwin on Nov 1, 2009 10:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe not.
Signed,
Eric “Mr. 226th in Scoring” Staal
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Nov 1, 2009 10:33 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
My fantasy team reads your post and heaves a suffering sigh.
by mercurialwinger on Nov 1, 2009 11:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m hoping for one major upset come playoff time. I hope the Pens come into the playoffs all cocky and overconfident. I’m sure that’s not an unlikely scenario especially if they win the regular season title in the Conference with plenty to spare and have such a great track record in the playoffs.
I hope they come in overconfident and get …… dumped in this year’s playoffs. I don’t care what round or what team does it, as long they are dumped.
by CapsFan75 on Nov 1, 2009 10:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m thinking the Caps don’t get both Philly AND PIT. Seems too unlikely to me.
by red army line on Nov 2, 2009 9:32 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Green is injured. He was iffy for today. He admitted to a fan at the Sports Collector show in Chantilly that his knee is injured. Although the CI and Times reported other injury.
I am STILL annoyed that we lost. I hate losing games where we’re leading with less than 3 minutes to go and still manage to lose.
by CapsFan75 on Nov 1, 2009 10:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I worry that they’re going to try and encourage Green, Semin, Backstrom and soon Ovie to play through injuries that they probably should rest up for instead. This is not the time to try and tough it out.
by Kolzilla on Nov 1, 2009 11:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
They’re going to have roster problems if that group misses time.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Nov 1, 2009 11:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
rather the wheels be wobbly than have no wheels at all (I’m looking at you, Carolina and Detroit!)
by RedBirdie on Nov 2, 2009 9:50 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
So far I’m not regretting skipping NHL Center Ice this year. This is first time in 10-15 I have not subscribed. From the description of the game today I’m glad I didn’t see it.
But Brawndo's got what plants crave. It's got electrolytes.
by hotdog88gt on Nov 1, 2009 10:17 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
if you chg your mind, the early bird special ended Saturday.
The other thing about Center Ice is you can see all the great players GMGM should be acquiring at the trade deadline for teams that fall short.
by Icebat on Nov 2, 2009 2:47 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I actually thought it was a fantastic game. Frustrating, sure, but those two teams played their hearts out and battled in a way I hadn’t seen yet this year. Felt a bit like a playoff game (fluky goals, goalie interference against, and all)
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 2, 2009 8:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Observations from Section 421
1) Great effort by Laich, Knuble, and Laing to pick up the slack for Ovi being out in the 2nd and 3rd. Awesome effort and rewards reaped.
2) Mike Green had a 9 game point streak? Who knew? For a 9 game streak it’s been a quiet time. Then again, it’s great going.
3) How awesome was that to see Q bury a goal in the 3rd. It was 30 seconds from being the game winner.
4) Don’t be too hard on Green on Nash’s goal. Nash undresses the best of them like that. He’s got as many moves as Semin and he’s not afraid to shoot the puck or get his nose dirty. He’s fun to watch.
5) What the hell happened on that dump in? Was it the boards, the ice or both that shot the puck right to Umberger? Or was it the invisible ice gopher?
6) Sweet screen shot by Brooksie to give the Caps a 3-2 lead.
The officiating left a lot to be desired tonight. The penalty on Pothier in the OT was pretty shaky as a call.
Ah well, it is a point and no one in the East got 2 points for this game…and we finally scored on Mason….
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on Nov 1, 2009 10:33 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
definitely an invisible ice gopher. i don’t think i’ve ever seen a puck do that before. it’s one thing for it to hit the boards and bounce back at a funny angle, but this one came around the boards and just sorta jumped out. never seen that happen before
by twistedlogic on Nov 1, 2009 10:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’ve seen it quite a few times. It’s obnoxious and should never happen.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 1, 2009 11:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The Pothier penalty is one I give him a pass on, it looked to me he was expecting the player to lean into him to assert his position on the ice and that Pothier was just trying to lean back. He looked very surprised that the guy didn’t fight or position and was so easily knocked off balance. Even in my beer league I expect an opposing forward to lean in and establish position, it seemed just weird and out of place soft.
God kills a kitten every time Sidney whines.
by Chris meet Alex on Nov 2, 2009 11:20 AM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Any objective thoughts on the officiating? I’m not saying they didn’t deserve some penalties, but pretty much from the beginning of the game, it just seemed like the zebras were deliberately not calling some. And others that they did call, crap. And I’m confused — if the guy has the puck, you may have committed holding, or hooking, or slashing, but how on earth can you be called for interference? And I think it happened twice.
by gfcaps fan on Nov 1, 2009 10:33 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I thought the Pothier penalty was a foul. But the goalie interference on Steckel. Not no how, not no way.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Nov 1, 2009 10:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I guess the word is out that you can get advantage by pushing a Cap into a goalie. Either goalie, doesn’t matter which one.
by gfcaps fan on Nov 1, 2009 10:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Boudreau didn’t seem to like it either. He uses colorful language.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
by jordanDC on Nov 1, 2009 11:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
and made sure those of us at home could very clearly read his lips.
by RedBirdie on Nov 2, 2009 9:52 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
True, he is the easiest coach to read lips I’ve ever seen, he clearly waits until he’s foul-mouthing the refs to enunciate, since he mumbles the rest of the time.
God kills a kitten every time Sidney whines.
by Chris meet Alex on Nov 2, 2009 11:22 AM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed on the terrible Stecks call. I do wonder, however, if they hadn’t nabbed him there (and known they were wrong in retrospect), if they might not have called it on the Laing goal – Steckel was very much in the crease and there was some contact, IIRC.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 2, 2009 6:37 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
From the benefits of overhead slomo, I think Steckel’s activities in that goal were fine. Steckel digs out the rebound and makes a pass to Lainger, all with his back to the goalie. If he was interfering with Mason’s ability to move, at all, he sure sold it well (he was Definitely interfering with Mason’s ability to see, but that’s legal)
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 2, 2009 8:34 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And from replay, Stecks had disengaged from the goalie and was moving away when the shot came. Still could have called interference, but there were definitely factors involved not to as well.
by HateOffSeason on Nov 2, 2009 8:54 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
shifting viewpoints a bit...
So does it concern anyone here who follows the caps that they have again lost two straight in OT at home versus some teams that on paper we should have beaten with a little more ease?
This trend of so-so efforts and up & down scoring – read as see-saw – is just maddening! I mean, don’t get me wrong, i’m glad that they at least have 1 point rather than 0, but giving these teams a chance in OT is just frustrating.
Is there still something missing on the team? A voice in the locker room? Some accountability? A bottle of tamiflu? A leprechaun, his pot of gold, and his four leaf clover?
What gives? Not to say that they are putting forth a poor effort, but should they have had a more killer instinct ingrained at this point?
by migz on Nov 1, 2009 10:50 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Too many mistakes at inopportune times is their problem. All 6 losses this year were heartbreaking affairs where they had the lead in the 3rd period.
It’s not that they don’t try but there’s always a mistake that does them in.
by CapsFan75 on Nov 1, 2009 10:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
agreed. two rather dumb penalties (and a really bad bounce) cost us this game.
by twistedlogic on Nov 1, 2009 10:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The Caps were shutout twice by Columbus last year, once on home ice. This is objectively an improvement.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Nov 1, 2009 11:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
hahaha. True story peerless.
And damn, i think Theo is still looking for his jock on the ice after that Rick Nash goal.
by migz on Nov 1, 2009 11:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
by twistedlogic on Nov 1, 2009 11:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
From the other point of view, and infinite improvement.
by red army line on Nov 2, 2009 9:35 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
yes, I jumped up and did the happy “Ha! Mason ain’t shutting out the Caps this year! Whooooooooo!” dance when the first goal was scored. Moral victory.
by RedBirdie on Nov 2, 2009 9:54 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
NYI is a good team. Do not sell them short.
But Brawndo's got what plants crave. It's got electrolytes.
by hotdog88gt on Nov 1, 2009 11:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m going to go ahead and say that they’re an awful team that works very hard and has the potential to be good in a few years with another couple of high draft picks. Save Streit, their blueline is horrendous. They’ve got one line of promising forwards and guys that are playing way over their slot on a contending team.
They’re well coached and trying to make up for lack of talent with guts. It’s admirable, but it’s not the same as being a good team.
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 2, 2009 12:16 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
They are a billion times better with Doug Weight on the ice.
Which is kind of saying something.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 2, 2009 12:33 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I’m selling “NYI is a good team.”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 2, 2009 6:37 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
But I have seen some of both NYI and Columbus this year on Center Ice, and they both played really well for them against the Caps. Something to get used to — everybody’s gunning for the Caps this year.
I’m not unhappy with the effort the last two games. Discipline, sure. But the effort has been there, other than guys we know are sick.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 2, 2009 8:36 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Something to get used to — everybody’s gunning for the Caps this year.
Is it “gunning” or the fact that they know that the game won’t be particularly physical (from a hitting standpoint, not a cardio standpoint), so it’s in many ways an easier game to play?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 2, 2009 8:39 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No, they suspect the same that we do — that guys are playing hurt (Green) or sick (you pick ‘em, depends on the day), and taking advantage. If Ovechkin’s injury is minor, you know he’ll try to come back and play before he should. If it hurt enough that he stayed out of the game as a precaution, at least a few days and a game would probably be a good idea. That shoulder’s going to be a target the rest of the season.
by gfcaps fan on Nov 2, 2009 9:14 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Perhaps a little from column A and a little from column B. I don’t think this is necessarily and either/or thing and (at least to me) it seems like the Caps are a major road draw and a team that opponents “get up for”.
That said, knowing that they aren’t a particularly physical team, opponents seem more willing to go into corners and do the dirty work – their less likely to surrender a pound of flesh for their efforts than they otherwise would be.
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 2, 2009 9:20 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And of course, I meant they’re instead of their. I’d blame the lack of caffeine, but I’ve been up for hours.
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 2, 2009 10:26 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
One of the hazards of being a top team in the league… The Caps can’t sneak up on folks anymore.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on Nov 2, 2009 9:02 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I am paranoid that the Isle will win the Stanley Cup before the Caps. Note: I was a big time Islander hater in the 70’s and 80’s (and did not feel sorry for them during their terrible stretch.)
by CapsFan75 on Nov 2, 2009 4:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Poti made a huge boner by laying on the ice on the winning goal. I can understand the Potislide to break up an odd-man rush, but there were too many dudes able to get open and create opportunities in that particular situation at the end of the game.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
by jordanDC on Nov 1, 2009 11:10 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Poti had a microcosm of JP’s description of the game – stretches of hard work, flashes of brilliance (there were a couple of stick plays that made me go, “damn, that was nice”) punctuated by brain cramps. All this resulted in me not knowing whether or not Poti being on the ice was a good thing or not at any given moment.
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 1, 2009 11:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Definitely agreed.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
by jordanDC on Nov 1, 2009 11:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
the thing that drives me NUTS with Poti is he’ll be really good, even great, at doing all those little things, at being in the right place, but if he’s going to screw up, oh dear lord, he does it spectacularly. And painfully. And “oh my god, you are not a rookie, WTF was that?!”
by RedBirdie on Nov 2, 2009 9:59 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Heard in Section 421...
“Poti, who are you, Wade Redden?”
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on Nov 2, 2009 10:38 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, but Schultz isn’t a vet making multi-millions (and the owner of an Olympic medal). I expect better out of a guy like Poti.
by RedBirdie on Nov 2, 2009 12:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t know what sign the Blue Jackets were born under, but karma was definitely on their side tonight. Morrison and Poti hit posts/crossbars, a riduiculous bounce gives Umberger an empty net tap-in, Theo gets his stick caught in the net leading to another easy goal, the best player in the game gets hurt and has to leave early and the refs gift wrap a win. And I won’t even go into the fact that the ref is totally out of position and ends up blocking Laich’s easy clear with 25 seconds to go which would probably would have iced the game. Sometimes, it just isn’t meant to be.
by b.orr4 on Nov 1, 2009 11:27 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
agreed. Karma wanted the Caps to beat the Flyers last Tuesday. Karma extracted her price for that last night.
by RedBirdie on Nov 2, 2009 10:00 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Jason Chimera
is a bald douchebag. Ovie rails him with a clean hit and then he’s being Pouty von Cheapshot the rest of the game.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
by jordanDC on Nov 1, 2009 11:33 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Clearly, I hope 8 is back next game, but assuming he is, I think this was a good chance for the rest of the guys to see what it’s like to shoulder more responsibility. It was a great effort for a point, and I think (hope) that some of the lessons of the game (such as working through an obvious jinx) and some of that feeling of oh yeah, we can’t sit back, will continue to carry through. And yeah, add me to the flash bandwagon, too.
by #Six on Nov 1, 2009 11:47 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Despite the obvious heartbreaks, it’s great to see the team step up their game with Ovie injured and actually play well (in stark contrast to those few games he was out of last season).
"My face is my mask."
by jakeshapiro on Nov 2, 2009 12:11 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Not enough love on this board. 6-0-2 in our last 8 games and we’re complaining? The Blue Jackets had just about everything go their way tonight and we still managed a point out of it and were 22 seconds away from both points. The lucky bounces, some of the questionable calls…not to mention this was our 4th game in 6 nights.
Granted it’s a downer to hold the lead that late and lose in OT, but the way we battled in the 3rd period with Ovie out was good to see. The dumb penalties will have to stop, but the only way to make them stop is to go through this until they do. Knuble had 2 bad penalties but really the guy had a whale of a game besides those 2 incidents. Brooksie’s interview between period was fairly prophetic.
There were a lot of little mistakes tonight that got amplified with all the bounces and calls Columbus got. I’m sure the guys are banged up and fatigued after this stretch of games as well. No panic here, there were plenty of positives to take out of the game tonight.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 2, 2009 12:48 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
We’re spoiled that’s for sure.
"And next year it will be ours."
by Ovechwin on Nov 2, 2009 12:54 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Me like this analysis.
The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.
by Steck It Out on Nov 2, 2009 1:24 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
halfway decent for a man without an avatar..
by Natty Bumppo on Nov 2, 2009 3:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, yes, but there are things that need complaining about. Do you think BB is blowing the 6-0-2 sunshine? When you rely on talent alone over execution it will eventually bite you. Let’s stop with the talk of other teams getting all the bouces and calls, I’m pretty sure the other teams can sing that same song. Did we not score on a 175 foot bouncer a few games ago?
Russian Machine Never Breaks
by macvechkin on Nov 2, 2009 1:25 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Well they all agreed it hit Knuble’s stick so it wasn’t a 175 foot bouncer ;). I wouldn’t blow the sunshine even if the team was 14-0-0 there is always going to be stuff you can improve. But the final results will tend to paint a picture one way or the other.
Take Backstrom’s goal tonight…if he doesn’t finish that play off I bet there would be groaning over that line being “too cute” with the puck and not making the simple play enough. But because he scores it becomes one of the prettiest goals of the season so far.
Semin is a complete enigma though. The guy has a terrific release and always seems to think he needs a better angle or that someone else has a better angle. He could get off as many shots as Ovie does if he just fired it on net. Not saying that’s always optimal but he definitely needs to trust his shot more.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 2, 2009 1:38 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m a fan. I’m not a coach. It’s his job to not blow the 6-0-2 sunshine. I can blow whatever sunshine I want :D
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 2, 2009 2:48 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
That 6-0-2 mark is deceiving, as it glosses over the “how” in those wins.
This isn’t the playoffs. A win isn’t a win. For a team that shouldn’t struggle at all to make the playoffs, to a large extent it’s much more important how they play than the sum total of points in the standings.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 2, 2009 6:40 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Knuble was awesome on the kill, but anyone else wonder WTF the BJs we’re doing? Three guys around him, one using an outstretched arm to try and stick away the puck, the other two standing around watching. I couldn’t believe one of them didn’t just bowl him over. Pathetic.
Still epic effort and good awareness that they are being lazy fools.
God kills a kitten every time Sidney whines.
by Chris meet Alex on Nov 2, 2009 11:33 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Thus far...
Sure there are a lot of positives in the Caps play of late, as they (like Mike Green) have gotten points in 9 straight games (6-0-3), and have lost only one game in regulation in the conference (to the Rangers back on Oct. 8). In fact, the last time the Caps didn’t get something from a game, it was Oct. 10 at Detroit.
All that said, the Caps clearly aren’t playing their best hockey right now and are not getting any breaks. The last time the Caps did not play a 1-goal game without an empty netter was the San Jose game on Oct. 15. That’s only one of 3 games that were settled by more than one goal (along with opening night in Boston, and the home opener vs. Toronto, that almost became a one goal game). That all of the Caps losses have been by one goal is a good sign though.
The record of a team in 1 goal games (either way) isn’t really indicative of a team’s overall play. As we saw yesterday, one goal can come about when the boards decide to set up RJ Umberger for an empty netter. What is a sign of real quality is a team’s record in games decided by 2 or more goals (again, not counting empty-netters) and in this case, the Caps are 3-0. This indicates there is a lot of talent on this team.
The next issue in determining quality is the number of games that are decided by large margins, vs. the number of games decided by 1 goal. In this case, the Caps have 3 decisive games, and 11 games decided by 1 goal. If a team has a bad record in decisive games, then a large number of close games is a sign that the team is exerting a good effort. However, in the Caps case, since their record is good in decisive games, it’s a sign that the effort isn’t all there.
Obviously, there’s more to it than this, in that the quality of the opponents has to be taken into account, but how many of the oppoents in these close games are going to make the post season? The Islanders? Probably not. Atlanta, maybe, but Kovalchuk better get healthy quick. Columbus should, ditto for the Rangers, Devils, Flyers, Red Wings.
Interestingly, two of the decisive wins came against the top regular season teams in each conference from last season.
There’s great quality here in DC (which we know) and there’s also the capability for much better play. I think we will see it, but it’s up to the Caps to figure out how to get the players to perform.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on Nov 2, 2009 9:17 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
21 | 13 | 4 | 4 | 30 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
19 | 8 | 4 | 7 | 23 |
|
Atlanta
|
18 | 10 | 6 | 2 | 22 |
|
Florida
|
19 | 8 | 9 | 2 | 18 |
|
Carolina
|
21 | 4 | 12 | 5 | 13 |
(updated 11.20.2009 at 9:16 AM EST)
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
