Recap: Caps 3, Wild 1
by David M. Getz on Nov 13, 2009 10:54 PM EST
in Game Recaps
171 comments
[AP Recap - GameCenter - Game Summary - Event Summary]
The ability to cycle the puck is one hockey's criminally underrated and under-appreciated skills. It's not particularly flashy and it doesn't make highlight reels, but it sure is difficult to pull off. You need players who are smart, unselfish, positionally sound, patient, and willing to dig pucks out of the corners, win board battles, and go hard to the net, and you need them all the do it at the same time. Easier said than done.
But as difficult as the cycle is to pull off, it's even more effective. Obviously a team can't score when they can't get possession of the puck, but more importantly being forced to constantly defend against the cycle is, frankly, both mentally and physically exhausting. It forces the goaltender to stay alert and on the ready, and to move back and forth to take away angles, even when shots aren't being put on the net. It wears skaters out by forcing them to constantly chase the puck (remember, no one skates as fast as a puck moves coming off a stick) and fight for possession along the boards. For everyone - the goalie, the guys on the ice, the guys on the bench, the coaching staff - it's demoralizing, and you start questioning what it's going to take to get the pressure off, let alone score a goal. In short, it wears you down. Anyone who doubts that ought to have a conversation with someone from an NHL team that's had the misfortune of facing the Detroit Red Wings in a playoff series.
Needless to say, an exhausted, demoralized team is one that's going to have a hard time winning, and that's something the Capitals coaching staff should make sure their team doesn't forget. Because when the Caps work the cycle like they did tonight, it's hard to imagine anyone beating them.
Ten additional notes on the game:
- Brian Pothier's had two goals and three assists and posted a plus-7 rating since being scratched against the Devils last week. That's good...right?
- The way Mathieu Perreault set up Pothier's goal by drawing the defense to him in order to create space and then moving the puck in to that space was not only a great play, it was a sign of a polished playmaker. Isn't there a way to get him more than 9:05 of ice time, especially when the team's down to eleven forwards?
- A lot has been said about what the additions of Mike Knuble and Brendan Morrison could mean for the Capitals locker room, but you know what? If every guy on this team played with the tenacity and attitude of Chris Clark, they'd be just fine.
- Cal Clutterbuck goes in to Mike Green with a a full head of steam and leaves his feet and...nothing. Not okay.
- Speaking of reactions to Clutterbuck hits, Nicklas Backstrom's cross check was a bad one. If you're going to let the play go, let it go; if you're going to retaliate and assert yourself physically, earn your two minutes. Fouling a player hard enough that a penalty is called, but not hard enough to have any other impact is about the worst thing you can do in that situation.
- You can't say enough about the way Tomas Fleischmann's playing this season. The most notable difference? Last season he would be invisible for games at a time. This season it's hard not to take notice of him on just about every shift.
- Not a flashy night, but a good one for David Steckel, who had four shots, two hits, a takeaway, and won 83% of his draws. Now if he could just start finding the net...
- After Wednesday's game I wrote, "There's perhaps no unwritten rule I hate more than when referees do everything in their power to avoid putting a team on a 5-on-3." I'd forgotten about the don't-call-a-late-penalty-against-the-trailing-team-in-a-close-game one.
- The Capitals would have been up 3-1 with four minutes left in the game if Alexander Semin has made more of an effort to get to the net on the Brooks Laich semi-breakaway he'd set up rather than floating on in.
- The Caps have now gone four games without giving their opponent more than three powerplay opportunities, good news for a team that's struggled with for discipline for most of the last 14 months.
Of course, as nice as it was to see the Capitals outwork the Wild and keep the pressure on, we know all too well that this team has lapsed at times when they've started to play like this in the past. Fortunately the Caps should get a good test tomorrow night against the Devils, giving the coaches and fans a better idea where they stand.
Or maybe that's just me trying to find a silver lining in having to see the Caps play the Jacques Lemaire-led New Jersey squad.
Game highlights:
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I thought the Caps had already established that it was OK for teams to target 52. Apparently they felt the need to re-establish it tonight. Groan.
by TylerG on Nov 13, 2009 10:56 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
It does seem like the majority of the times we make this complaint — they ran our star and no one stood up for him — the run-ee was Green. Maybe there’s something about him that discourages standing up for?
I know that’s a ridiculous suggestion. The idea that I actually believe is that the “discipline” message is crowding out the “toughness” message in everyone’s mind, and no one seems able to strike the right balance between them.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Nov 13, 2009 11:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It wouldn’t be a ridiculous thought at all if his teammates aren’t as fond of him as others. Don’t know if there’s any evidence of that, but I sadly have been on teams where some guys were stuck up for a lot more than others.
Also, Green’s goal was about as great a mishit as you’ll ever see. 99% sure he was aiming high glove on that shot, but he didn’t get all of it and it went straight to the low stick side. Totally threw off Harding.
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by Ben Rothenberg on Nov 14, 2009 3:49 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I had a similar goal in inline last week, actually. Two on one, but the defender overcommitted to my wing, so I played for the shot. Big windup motion, tried to sell it far side, but I shanked the wrister – the goalie was moving, though, so it blooped in low blocker side (I’m a southpaw) and he couldn’t stretch that leg out far enough to get back to that post.
Lucky goals are still goals, I guess. =)
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by winterion on Nov 14, 2009 10:46 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I honestly can’t buy that. These guys are all pros, they grew up with Green, and they know he is a key part of the team. Last year I heard people suggesting basically the same thing about Crosby; that the players didn’t like him because of the whining and attitude so they stuck up for him less. I have a hard time seeing that in the NHL in general, and specifically there doesn’t seem to be any evidence that anyone on the team has a problem with Green. The Caps don’t stick up for Green, Semin, or Ovechkin. It’s a team mentality, not an issue with Green.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 14, 2009 11:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It's time to get used to
nobody standing up for the guy that went down, and for the team to start making them pay for it. That’s the philosophy, and this was the first time this year I’ve had any confidence they could actually do it.
by bronco6778 on Nov 13, 2009 11:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hey guys...
Capitals’ Mike Knuble breaks finger crashing into net, out 3-4 weeks
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS (CP) – 1 hour ago
WASHINGTON — Washington Capitals right wing Mike Knuble has a broken finger and will be sidelined three to four weeks.
Knuble was injured on a power play in the first period of Friday night’s 3-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild. He crashed into the net when defenceman Marek Zidlicky sent him hurdling over goaltender Josh Harding.
The Capitals said Knuble will have surgery. The team did not say which finger was broken.
Knuble has five goals and 10 assists for the Capitals this season. He was one of Washington’s major off-season acquisitions, signing a US$5.6-million, two-year deal on the first day of NHL free agency in July.
Sorry boys…
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by BReynolds on Nov 13, 2009 10:57 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
BR — it was good to have you in the game thread.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 13, 2009 11:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Was a pleasure being around for it. Always nice to watcha game while interacting with the so called enemy and still be able to be civil about it.
BTW. The only jersey I own that isn’t a Wild jersey? Ovechkin.
Good luck along the way. Can’t wait to watch you guys in the playoffs.
http://www.hockeywilderness.com
by BReynolds on Nov 14, 2009 12:13 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Stop back and watch them with us! Y’know, assuming we make it, etc.
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by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 14, 2009 12:16 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
be sure to join us more frequently!
by RedBirdie on Nov 14, 2009 12:18 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed. Enjoyed having you by.
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by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 13, 2009 11:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yikes. That’s going to hurt, I think.
Our lives are this moment, the music, the dance ....
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by gotsparkly on Nov 13, 2009 11:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yep. Big skates to fill, has Mike Knuble.
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by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 13, 2009 11:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Laich and Fehr seem to have gotten something of a start, though, on that whole go-to-the-net thing, and I was positively shocked to see Flash screening the goaltender at points this evening.
Our lives are this moment, the music, the dance ....
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by gotsparkly on Nov 13, 2009 11:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, sucks. Does that mean keeping Perrault up here is not a problem now (at least until Knuble returns)?
by bigeugene on Nov 14, 2009 9:33 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
maybe. who is going to play RW1 and 2 tho?
by twistedlogic on Nov 14, 2009 10:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
If Ovi’s back, Perrault will have his typical line mates with him, Clark and Fehr. If Ovi’s not back, I assume Bradley moves up and Boyd Gordon goes back in on the 4th line.
I assume: Ovi/Backstrom/Flash and Laich/Morrison/Semin are the top two lines.
(Unless they wish to try something wierd — I floated a wierd proposal earlier.)
by CapsFan75 on Nov 14, 2009 10:50 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I had a feeling that was trouble.
"And next year it will be ours."
by Ovechwin on Nov 13, 2009 11:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I saw a lot of good out of E. Fehr today.
I was real happy to see Brooks Laich get a goal at the end. He earned that one with a beautiful clear that wasn’t icing (refs absolutely made the right call on that one) and he played great in this one.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 13, 2009 11:04 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Clutterbuck’s run at Green should have been met with mayhem and sandpaper. Instead, it was met with a tissue. That’ll teach the other teams……
by Pi on Nov 13, 2009 11:06 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
And Zdlicky sent #22 to the locker room, not to return…
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by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 13, 2009 11:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
one thing i've noticed with Ovie out..
..beside the obvious, is that we don’t have any real impact hitters besides #8…we’ve got some big defensemen who move their weight around but nobody really capable on our forward lines of delivering a momentum-building hit. Brads throws the body but rarely in open-ice. I can’t honestly remember a highlight-worthy hit from anybody on the Caps this entire season.
by DonnieKnutts on Nov 13, 2009 11:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
As much as I dislike him as a player, Erskine has had three or four solid “holy fuck” hits this season.
Void Boyd! Go with Perreault!
by jordanDC on Nov 13, 2009 11:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’ve seen Semin deliver some hits in the last 2 games.
by CapsFan75 on Nov 14, 2009 9:37 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The way Semin outmuscled the Minny defender at the blue line and then went in for a shot was a thing of beauty. Anybody who says Alex can’t play tough hasn’t watched him enough.
by b.orr4 on Nov 14, 2009 9:40 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Though anyone that says Semin doesn’t play tough has plenty of evidence at their disposal as well.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 14, 2009 11:32 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think the evidence goes down dramatically if you differentiate between laziness and lack of toughness.
by Yoshietree on Nov 14, 2009 12:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
no, not a tissue, but a slight cross-check bump to the back! nothing says “don’t go after our best player on the ice” more than that!
by twistedlogic on Nov 14, 2009 8:59 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’d just like to note how much I love Minnesotans. Such a delightful change from the usual obnoxious fans that come to the Phone Booth.
Ref’ing was…….odd. And the linesmen? They really didn’t want to call icing.
by RedBirdie on Nov 13, 2009 11:23 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
It’s all that Minnesota nice they have.
"And next year it will be ours."
by Ovechwin on Nov 13, 2009 11:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You betcha.
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by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 13, 2009 11:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
perhaps its because off their jerseys? I’d be an obnoxious ass if I had to wear orange, a waddle bird, or a buffaslug, too.
I spoke to a couple and now my accent is back full force. I dropped a “what did yooooo think aboot the game?” on the Metro and got some funny looks.
by RedBirdie on Nov 13, 2009 11:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Most surefire way to regain the accent is to have a conversation with folks from back home, that’s for sure. Second best is to get a tad drunk.
by cuqui on Nov 13, 2009 11:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m actually a DC native! In Wisconsin and Minnesota, everyone commented on my “southern” accent. When I moved back to DC, for the first couple of years, people asked me what part of Canada I was from!
by RedBirdie on Nov 14, 2009 12:12 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
When I moved to MN, everyone asked where I was from. When I told them Maryland, I always got “You don’t sound like your from Maryland.” Then I had to explain the difference between the DC and Baltimore accents.
by ennisj471 on Nov 14, 2009 1:58 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Lol…try the Eastern Shore. Nothing says Maryland like an accent from 1800’s Alabama.
by HateOffSeason on Nov 14, 2009 9:26 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
little bits of Bal’mor creep into my speech- like “orils” for Orioles. I sound like the bastard love child of Maryland and Alberta, particularly after several beers.
by RedBirdie on Nov 14, 2009 2:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i’ve been asked if i’m canadian as well, and i’m from the dc area… very interesting. must be all the hockey :)
"No Brooks Laich, no win. Know Brooks Laich, know win."
by kellobellow on Nov 14, 2009 2:28 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The Wild fans I came into contact with were all great, hard to hate them.
Actually, my issue was w/ the jackass Caps fan in our section who was yelling all game long and by the end was basically screaming at us – our entire section, in general – about how we were all morons because we wouldn’t join him in a “Ref you suck” chant.
by Becca H on Nov 13, 2009 11:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
nice fans, AWFUL team name
bring back the NORTH STARS. The Wild? Ugh
by DonnieKnutts on Nov 13, 2009 11:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, Wild is not the best team name. I preferred the name “North Stars”. But they had to go move to Dallas and adopt that awful uniform with the big star on the helmet that reminds me of a certain football team who plays in the same region. Ughhhh!
by CapsFan75 on Nov 14, 2009 12:43 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
haha yeah, a friend who was with me but not a big hockey fan commented on that… the gist was “wild? what kind of name is that?!”
"No Brooks Laich, no win. Know Brooks Laich, know win."
by kellobellow on Nov 14, 2009 2:29 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It sounds like a soccert team name — concepts rather than plural nouns.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Nov 14, 2009 10:43 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I sat two rows in front of a DONKEY that just kept spewing hockey terms with no god damn idea what they meant. He narrated the whole game, loudly. He said “LINE CHANGE” whenever we changed lines.. Insisted that Kolzig was backing up ‘that one guy’ in Tampa.. was railing against Theodore all game: “NICE STOP VARLY! THEO WOULDN’T HAVE STOPPED THAT HE SUCKS THREEORMORE LOL”
I had to get drunk FAST so I didn’t care so much. So annoying.
Void Boyd! Go with Perreault!
by jordanDC on Nov 13, 2009 11:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The price of prosperity, my friend…
Russian Machine very rarely breaks.
by macvechkin on Nov 13, 2009 11:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I know :(
Void Boyd! Go with Perreault!
by jordanDC on Nov 13, 2009 11:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hey, I hopped on the bandwagon during the “prosperous times” and never once have I yelled “LINE CHANGE”. Swear!
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by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 13, 2009 11:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I remember that I used to say things like “Line change!” and “Penalty!” all the time.
Being five was awesome.
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by winterion on Nov 14, 2009 11:02 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, I did it when I was teaching my husband about the game, but I tried not to force the whole section to hear it. Of course, the seats were a lot emptier back then…
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Nov 14, 2009 12:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I really lucked out tonight. I had to sell my extras: not only were they caps fans (although I wouldn’t have minded Wild fans), they were both former D3 college players who knew the game.
Best ecomment of the night: “That guy looks more lackadaisical than Green. I didn’t think that was possible!”
by RedBirdie on Nov 14, 2009 12:14 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Heh, some guy behind me said that about Green and Semin. S 425 by chance?
by bigeugene on Nov 14, 2009 9:37 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
on Semin
said in the GDT..his lack of follow-through on the Laich play was glaring but he seemed pretty fatigued toward the end there. he had PK minutes tonight and led all forwards in ice time. not a great excuse, maybe, but an explanation at least.
that said, i don’t think it would’ve been an automatic goal anyway…my guess is it would have been blocked by their covering D. an attempt for sure, though.
by DonnieKnutts on Nov 13, 2009 11:28 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
I thought for the most part Sasha worked his ass off tonight. The past two games he’s really been bearing down.
by cuqui on Nov 13, 2009 11:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Amen, Semin has looked inspired. Great to watch.
by Bman21212 on Nov 14, 2009 12:13 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
On that same shift Semin was fighting like hell near the circles and by the shift’s end he was clearly tired.
by fnralch on Nov 14, 2009 12:11 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
A comment that really belongs in the OT Hockey thread, but
I hope Ovie’s first week back goes as well as Kovalchuk’s. Thrashers are 2-0 since he came back, they laid a 7-0 beatdown on the Kings (!) tonight, and Kovy has seven (7) points in two games.
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by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 13, 2009 11:29 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Those first three paragraphs…nailed it. And don’t forget about another impact the cycle can have – it ramps up the crowd more each time. It’s like everyone smells blood in the water; I could feel the energy in the stands rise after each cycling shift. Great, great stuff from the boys tonight in that regard.
How about Josh Harding tonight, huh? Didn’t see that coming – not sure he deserved the first star, but he was damn good. And part of me thinks there was no first star from the Caps because it was really a team effort, goalie to D to forwards.
Also, I thought Semin had flashes of brilliance…and Flash was downright brilliant.
by Becca H on Nov 13, 2009 11:34 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
The feeling tonight is different – now the electric exhilaration of the second Florida game, or the giddiness after eleven shootout rounds and a great goalie duel, but just sort of a feeling of “rightness”, a job well done with more work yet to do.
Maybe it’s the trap stuff, or just the usual elation tempered with concern for #22. Who, I’m sure, will be just fine in the long term. The team may miss him more than AO, though. Oddly enough.
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by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 13, 2009 11:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’ll miss Knuble too, but I see this as a chance for others to keep stepping up. Fehr and Clark in particular have been playing well and are needed now more than ever.
by cuqui on Nov 13, 2009 11:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
They’ll keep it up as long as old 85 sticks around.
Void Boyd! Go with Perreault!
by jordanDC on Nov 13, 2009 11:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I feel like this was the hardest-fought game of the season so far, and it shows. I’m scared it was a Pyrrhic victory, with Knuble out 3-4 weeks.
"My face is my mask."
by jakeshapiro on Nov 13, 2009 11:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Gives us a little more time to figure out how to fit 7 guys into the top 6, though.
Also Nylander or no Nylaner, keeps MP in the clear.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks.
by macvechkin on Nov 13, 2009 11:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And to think I was worried about which of our “Top 6” forwards would be bumped down to the third line with the return of Ovi. But, then again, the chance to play with Perrault will actually be a treat.
by CapsFan75 on Nov 14, 2009 12:45 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Gotta Rec’ any comment that correctly uses the phrase, “Pyrrhic victory.” However, I am not scared. In the words of Yogi Bera, “We have deep depth.”
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by Boggles on Nov 14, 2009 2:07 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And that is, without any doubt, the best kind.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 14, 2009 11:21 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That Perreault kid's pretty good, eh?
Another solid game filled with scoring chances, intelligent play, and lifting up whoever was on the ice with him.
Void Boyd! Go with Perreault!
by jordanDC on Nov 13, 2009 11:42 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
4 points in 5 games, +5 and making veteran players around him better. let’s hope he doesn’t fade because a guy like that is the type that pushes you over the edeg in the playoffs.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks.
by macvechkin on Nov 13, 2009 11:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Let's just keep a level head about it
He’s not walking on water, he’s skating on it. And it’s frozen. He does it really well, but we need to be reasonable. I do not think he’s really at the level of an 80 point NHL player right now. That’s not realistic to expect. He’s gotta still be running on some adrenaline and I think at some point he’s going to hit a wall. Do I hope to be proven wrong? Completely. If he’s legitimately a point per game guy with spare part wingers… damn. But as DMG notes, right now he looks real good and makes me excited for the future.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 13, 2009 11:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Boudreau on Perreault: “We’ll keep him as long as we can. If we can afford to keep him [under the salary cap ceiling], we’ll keep him.”
Per TEB
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by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 14, 2009 12:04 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Nylander through waivers and Knuble to LTIR (presumably) should help ensure that.
Void Boyd! Go with Perreault!
by jordanDC on Nov 14, 2009 12:24 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
But Nylander’s not off the books until he’s either assigned to the minors or loaned to another league.
I think. And it’s way too late to be digging through the CBA.
Besides, that’s going to happen any minute now. Right? Right??
Russian Machine very rarely breaks.
by macvechkin on Nov 14, 2009 12:51 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
He’s playing reasonably well in his own end too. I’d love to see this team roll three legit scoring lines — particularly since they’ve got the wings to pull it off.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 14, 2009 12:05 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree, when healthy we have the wings to pull it off. The problem is, to really do it probably requires demoting Flash at a time when he doesn’t really deserve a demotion. I guess you could try him with Laich and Fehr but I want to see him with a sniper that can really finish some of those nice passes. There’s absolutely no reason he can’t get 10 minutes of ice and no reason he can’t get a sniff of the PP, especially with AO out.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 14, 2009 12:11 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
At most we only have one game more without AO, but I think he’s playing tomorrow. Can Flash play RW or would they move Semin back up to the top line?
IS PЯESS BOX NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 14, 2009 12:14 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Don’t ask me what BB is going to do. If Flash is as good as BB thinks he is then he can play RW. I wouldn’t be shocked at all to see AO/Backstrom/Flash. I’d rather AO just sit but if you’re right I could easily see that top line.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 14, 2009 12:17 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, BB said the Caps needed to replace AO’s one-goal-per-game production, which Flash pretty much did all on his own. I didn’t know to watch him last year, but this year he’s looking pretty good.
And he said in his NHL on the Fly interview that he was liking the extra ice time.
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by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 14, 2009 12:23 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
What’s wrong with Ovechkin and Flash as the LWs and Semin and Knuble on the right?
Laich-Perrault-Clark ain’t half bad as a third line. Bradley-Steckel-Gordon to shut down the other team’s top line. And Eric Fehr, as usual, the odd man out.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 14, 2009 12:46 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
But not until Knuble comes back! And until then he gets to audition with instant offense. He’s got the guy we’ve all been pining for him to play with. The guy that can carry the puck, and dish the puck. With Laich he’d have a partner in crime to maintain possession and get a cycle going down low. The line really could succeed. For 9 minutes a night.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 14, 2009 12:50 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And until Knuble were down, we were actually wondering what point per game winger was going to have to move down to the third line (Semin, Flash, Laich). How many teams actually have that luxury?
At least Perrault seems to be a treat to play with.
by CapsFan75 on Nov 14, 2009 10:53 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Or will Boyd Gordon be the odd guy out? Wally Pipp’ed.
by CapsFan75 on Nov 14, 2009 10:47 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think the team should just call the 4th line “Laing-Steckel-Gordon-Bradley” because one of those guys is likely to be injured at any given time, just because of what they’re asked to do.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 14, 2009 11:22 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Bradly is shockingly durable consider how he plays and what’s asked of him. Although he’s been known to come back to games after getting 10 stitches inside his nose. Ouch. Steckel’s been pretty sturdy except for that freak broken finger a couple seasons ago.
Laing, however, is a “WTF?!” injury waiting to happen!
by RedBirdie on Nov 14, 2009 2:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I assume that AO/Backstrom/Flash will be the top line as soon as he’s back. (I had assumed that for over a week.)
If Ovi’s not back tonight, I figure they’ll stick Fehr in Knuble’s spot, leave the “2nd line” alone, move up Stecks or Bradley, and Boyd Gordon then returns. (In reality, one of our “2nd” line forwards led the forwards in ice time and was VERY close to the ice time of our blue liners with the most ice time.)
Flash/Backstrom/Fehr has worked in the past.
by CapsFan75 on Nov 14, 2009 9:46 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I figure they’ll stick Fehr in Knuble’s spot
I’d be surprised if that happens. In fact is there a stronger word than surprised? I think we woulda seen more of Fehr with Flash/Backs last night if that were a possibility.
by Yoshietree on Nov 14, 2009 10:51 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Unless they stick Clark. I saw Clark there more than anyone last night but actually saw Fehr with Flash/Backs for at least one shift.
by CapsFan75 on Nov 14, 2009 10:55 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
When Bradley gets more ice time with the duo, one has to think Fehr’s chances aren’t all that likely.
by Yoshietree on Nov 14, 2009 11:01 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think the compliments are anointing him, just recognizing what he has produced where others have failed, at least first go round. BTW – it’s more like a 65 point pace and if he could deliver at a 40-50 point pace that would still be a great accomplishment – and valuable.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks.
by macvechkin on Nov 14, 2009 12:07 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
With the stolen assist he’s basically a point a game since he got up. Everyone knows how much I like his game so I’m definitely not rooting against him.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 14, 2009 12:10 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Or here’s my radical proposal. So that Ovi doesn’t get uber minutes as soon as he’s back, let’s put Ovi on the line with Perrault and Clark. This gives Perrault a chance to work with top flight offensive talent and a good way to work Ovi back gradually. (We’d leave the current 2nd line alone and put Fehr with Flash and Backstrom, a line that has worked well before.)
Voila! Three scoring lines, even with Knuble out. BTW, Fehr has been getting us points lately. He got an assist tonight and a goal on Wednesday.
by CapsFan75 on Nov 14, 2009 12:49 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
What, and play Ovi 9 minutes a night?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 14, 2009 12:57 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No, Ovi wouldn’t get only 9 minutes. total He would play on all power plays as well, of course. The so called “third” line would get more ice time, in general.
by CapsFan75 on Nov 14, 2009 9:48 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Intriguing. I have Ovi pegged for about 15 minutes for his first game back, but Kovy just came back from IR with 3-4-7 in two games, and I guess Ovie will want his regular minutes right away.
In a semi-related note, Even after sitting out five games, AO is still tied with Kopitar for first in goals at 14 apiece. The Thrashers’ 7-0 thumping of the Kings tonight meant that Kopitar did not score tonight.
IS PЯESS BOX NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 14, 2009 1:09 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
But Atlanta certainly did. Frequently. Safe to say the Thrashers are the team equipped to make the Southeast’s bid for a second playoff team? Atlanta’s a much better road team than Tampa, and I’ve got to think they have a better chance figuring out home games than the Bolts do figuring out road games.
No team with Cam Ward should be 2-12-4. Ever. What in the world is going on in Carolina?
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
by winterion on Nov 14, 2009 11:05 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Cam Ward is currently out 3-4 for weeks, as of Nov 8, with a leg laceration. They were reeling even before he got hurt.
So things are really going bad down in Carolina.
by CapsFan75 on Nov 14, 2009 11:17 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, hadn’t heard. Wow, yeah. Not good for Raleigh.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
by winterion on Nov 14, 2009 11:26 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, skate blade sliced his thigh open. Spent a couple days in the hospital. Nasty.
by RedBirdie on Nov 14, 2009 2:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah they stunk before he got hurt. They’ve only played a couple games since he went down. And Ward’s numbers stink.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 14, 2009 11:35 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Carolina’s got a relatively old team, in general.
What a precipitous comedown for Carolina this year. From Eastern Conference finalist down to lottery team, doing worse than last year’s bottom feeders by a lot.
by CapsFan75 on Nov 14, 2009 3:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Or do you mean standard operating procedure
Just like after they won the Cup.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 14, 2009 3:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
BTW
Josh Harding is pretty good, as predicited.
Pardon me while I pat myself on the back…I’m sure there isn’t a line forming. :-)
Russian Machine very rarely breaks.
by macvechkin on Nov 13, 2009 11:47 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I said I was wary of him earlier today as well. He was due for a good game.
Void Boyd! Go with Perreault!
by jordanDC on Nov 13, 2009 11:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Killed it DMG. MP is gets the puck through the neutral zone pretty beautifully. I really want to watch the guy skate live in an NHL game. You see how much respect these D are giving him; and he hasn’t been up long enough to get much of a reputation so you know that means at first look these guys see his speed and have a degree of fear of it. He backed that D back to near the faceoff dot and opened up the top of the circle for Potsy. Amazing. (And for those that remember my cheat sheet for Mackan that’s almost exactly what Mackan’s assist looked like following the Calverton no-goal.)
As for Clutterbuck. God I wish he was a Cap. I’m with everyone that wants the Caps to finally step up for Green, but I’m also with everyone when we decry making guys fight after clean hits. He certainly targeted Green but I didn’t think he left his feet before contact. I can’t say us fighting right there is any better than Rene Smith fighting Sloan. I haven’t seen a replay so maybe he did jump but it just looked like an aggressive hit to me. The proper response is a conversation at a face off circle and then a fight if he isn’t receptive to the message. But at this point it’s a pattern for the Caps and people feel free to continue to make those runs because it never gets to the point of answering.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 13, 2009 11:50 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Plus the ’stache.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks.
by macvechkin on Nov 13, 2009 11:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Rene Bourque btw
wouldn’t you know that I just randomly YouTubed that very hit moments ago. It’s the last “holy crap” hit I recall from this team!
by DonnieKnutts on Nov 13, 2009 11:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I love me some Clutterbuck too.
"And next year it will be ours."
by Ovechwin on Nov 13, 2009 11:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No hating staches. Its Movember after all.
A man gotta have a code
by CP2Devil on Nov 14, 2009 12:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Would you care so much about him
if his name was Cal Smith??
Void Boyd! Go with Perreault!
by jordanDC on Nov 13, 2009 11:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No
No I wouldn’t.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 13, 2009 11:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
So true!
I just LOL’d.
Lulz.
IS PЯESS BOX NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 14, 2009 12:02 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Clutterbourque?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 14, 2009 12:07 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I had followed all the “Chris Smith” comments on Bourque and got to thinking, Chris Smith was one of my grade school crushes.
by CapsFan75 on Nov 14, 2009 9:51 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Looking at the replay it didn’t look like to me that Clutterbuck did anything more than what Ovie does on a lot of plays. Believe me I look at most games through rock the red timted glasses and think half the stuff that goes on in other games that caps would have been called penalties on.
by cwmprthd on Nov 14, 2009 12:45 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The proper response is a conversation at a face off circle and then a fight if he isn’t receptive to the message.
This, folks. Enough bleating about our guys getting “run”—it’s hockey, not UFC.
by bigonetimer on Nov 14, 2009 9:50 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
What does
it’s hockey, not UFChave to do with
Enough bleating about our guys getting "run"?
by David M. Getz on Nov 14, 2009 10:48 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
David, what I mean is that the default response to getting “run” should not be guys flying over and dropping CClutter for a legal hit. I think it’s complete BS for players to rush over and pummel a guy for finishing his clean check. He’s a tough kid, and got popped a couple times—cleanly—later in the game.
by bigonetimer on Nov 14, 2009 12:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not so sure the hit was clean, but I see where you’re coming from. I agree that the response shouldn’t have necessarily been to jump the guy and “a conversation at a face off circle and then a fight if he isn’t receptive to the message” as F&B mentions would be fine – but I didn’t see that either.
by David M. Getz on Nov 14, 2009 12:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The underlying concern—the lack of response—is the heart of the issue I think you’re getting at. I just don’t think this particular incident is the best example of when to respond in the manner you want to see on a more consistent basis.
Sidebar: Clutterbuck was credited with 356* hits and these incomplete, but eyepopping, stats in 78 games last year. Sign me up.
by bigonetimer on Nov 14, 2009 3:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
you know what doesn’t get old? Seeing the Caps at the top of the East! The Caps? My Caps? Oh, they’re in first? Oh? Oh, yes, its very [Mike Green] awesome, thank you for asking.
by RedBirdie on Nov 14, 2009 1:08 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
The guy sitting below me was going on about how the caps were top in the entire NHL.. He was trying to impress some bimbo who didn’t even know Ovechkin was injured and not on the ice. Oy vey. Beware ye who enter section 428, dumb people are afoot.
"And next year it will be ours."
by Ovechwin on Nov 14, 2009 2:00 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Beware ye who entersection 428the world, dumb people are afoot.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 14, 2009 2:01 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Did bimbo appear worth impressing?
But Brawndo's got what plants crave. It's got electrolytes.
by hotdog88gt on Nov 14, 2009 7:07 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That’s irrelevant.
"And next year it will be ours."
by Ovechwin on Nov 14, 2009 4:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
After watching the reply, Erskines hit was awesome.
I feel the same away about avatars as Ovechkin does about speed limits.
by Ovechkin on Nov 14, 2009 1:38 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
What I didn’t like about Backstrom’s x-checking penalty was the weakness of it. The hit was to the head of Nick (though bent at the waist) and that’s probably why he nudged Clusterbuck in the back. Nicky needs to try to leave a mark with his cross-check next time.
And you saw Clusterbuck leave his feet, too? I thought I was the only one.
Someone on the team needs to start taking care of business when these things occur, especially the Green charge.
But Brawndo's got what plants crave. It's got electrolytes.
by hotdog88gt on Nov 14, 2009 7:04 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Peerless:
It might not have been the smartest penalty to take – a retaliatory cross-check by Nicklas Backstrom right in front of a referee – but it is a signal of the further development of Backstrom. There is no "back down" in Backstrom. There is a nasty little edge growing into his game. One might quarrel about whether it was worth it, but last year, Backstrom probably just takes the abuse. Two years from now, he probably clubs the guy and manages to do it in a subtle way.
IS PЯESS BOX NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 14, 2009 7:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Peerless is right. Anything that shows snarl in his game is a positive development. The “how” is coming through, now he just needs to work on the “when”. “How” always has to come first, though. I’m not going to crucify him for it.
Our lives are this moment, the music, the dance ....
Fan Clubs: Sloan, Schultz
by gotsparkly on Nov 14, 2009 8:47 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
On a scale of one to ten, that crosscheck was about a two in terms of nastiness. The fact that the ref called that and didn’t call Clutterbuck’s 30 foot run at Mike Green tells you all you need to know about the state of reffing in the NHL today. That and the non-call on the blatant hold on MP by the ref standing three feet away from the play. (The ref outside the blueline was forced to make the call).
by b.orr4 on Nov 14, 2009 9:14 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m sure it’s because I didn’t see it on replay 100 times, but watching Nicky carry out that crosscheck live, it looked plenty vicious enough to me.
Void Boyd! Go with Perreault!
by jordanDC on Nov 14, 2009 10:18 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
didn’t call Clutterbuck’s 30 foot run at Mike Green
Maybe we have different definitions of illegal hits, but it looked like Clutterbuck actually pulled up a bit going into Green.
by Yoshietree on Nov 14, 2009 10:54 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I haven’t watched a replay, but on the live feed that 30 foot run at Green looked to me like he hit him just after the Green got rid of the puck, perhaps because he saw Clutterbuck coming. Also, Green appeared to stay on his feet. And the hit was not high. It just looked clean to me.
by renstar on Nov 14, 2009 10:54 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And this is part of the issue with Green getting run, too. Green himself loves to play on the edge — to hold the puck just that split second longer to open up the play, even if it means he’s going to get hit. I’m not saying that’s what happened last night, but sometimes Green (and Ovi and Semin) put themselves in harm’s way knowing that that’s exactly what they’re doing.
I’d like to see all of them play a bit more defensively in the regular season [means Greyson], but I don’t want them to change how they play either. I guess you just watch ‘em and hope they don’t get hurt.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 14, 2009 11:28 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’d like to see all of them play a bit more defensively in the regular season [means Greyson], but I don’t want them to change how they play either. I guess you just watch ‘em and hope they don’t get hurt.
This is pretty much what it boils down to. We are concerned about the habits they develop over 82 games. That applies not just to effort but to how they play. If we want them to be offensively sharp and able to play like this in the playoffs we have do deal with it in the regular season, too. I think as they age they’ll develop better judgment (well, 2 of the 3) about when it’s time to take those risks and when you just make the simple play, but they aren’t there yet.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 14, 2009 11:44 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
2 out of 3? Why don’t you think AO will develop better judgement?
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Nov 14, 2009 4:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Because he’s pretty obviously a puck hog that is only concerned with one thing, the Richard Trophy. That kind of player trait doesn’t just disappear. That’s why I call him AO, It’s a combination of AI and TO, a perfect description.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 14, 2009 4:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
AI and TO, so that’s why he doesn’t practice and undermines the team’s injury reports. It’s all starting to make sense…
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Nov 14, 2009 4:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And the pictures of the topless calisthenics…
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 14, 2009 5:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
New tattoo…
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 14, 2009 5:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
oh, topsless workout photos is just to please his female fans. :)
by RedBirdie on Nov 14, 2009 6:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think the point was to highlight Nicky’s development as a physical force, and I totally agree with the assessment. I started to take notice of this during the Rags series. One play ag. Dubinsky if I recall-knocking him off the puck, gaining control and setting up a goal. And he’s picked up where left off last season.
by mechanicsville on Nov 14, 2009 2:15 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
That play will go down in Nick Backstrom lore for all time
Even if you undersold it in your description.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 14, 2009 3:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It was Callahan. One of my favorite Caps plays of the season.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Nov 14, 2009 4:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And just before that Backis got his stick on Callahan’s, preventing a tap-in goal. All in all a sensational series of plays by 19.
by cuqui on Nov 14, 2009 4:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, we are seeing more edge in both Backstrom and Semin. I’ve been seeing Semin delivering some pretty good hits in the last 2-3 games.
by CapsFan75 on Nov 14, 2009 9:52 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Still would like to see Backstrom spend a summer with Forsberg and learn the nuances of being a prick on the ice.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks.
by macvechkin on Nov 14, 2009 2:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
he develops a little more of a “prick” side each year. He is only 21.
by RedBirdie on Nov 14, 2009 2:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
but Foppa offers the AP version of the course. ;-)
Russian Machine very rarely breaks.
by macvechkin on Nov 14, 2009 2:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
He’ll probably be spending a couple of weeks with him this spring in Vancouver.
by cuqui on Nov 14, 2009 4:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
How cute, Foppa is going to cheer on his country.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 14, 2009 5:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The Clutterbuck hit wasn’t any worse than one of the same type Ovie dishes out 15 or 20 times a season – aggressive and borderline, but clean nonetheless.
Best way to respond to an aggressive, borderline but clean hit? Take 2 points from em.
by jpbryant on Nov 14, 2009 11:01 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Best way to respond to an aggressive, borderline but clean hit? Take 2 points from em. borderline clean hit in return.
by Pi on Nov 14, 2009 11:04 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I would rather take two points away from them and make them watch the playoffs from their living room, but to each his own.
by jpbryant on Nov 14, 2009 11:11 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
the two are not mutually exclusive. in the long, a little grit will improve are 2 pt chances. and the playoffs will be more enjoyable for all of is if Green is not watching in a body cast……
by Pi on Nov 14, 2009 11:22 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
They aren’t mutually exclusive. The Caps are going to make the playoffs this year. The two points last night are nice but we would make the playoffs even if we got 0. But now we’ve seen teams taking runs at our skill players repeatedly all season and nobody on the Caps has responded appropriately. That pattern is at least as important as the points we get in any one game, probably more so.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 14, 2009 11:46 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I agree completely, and I think it’s also worth pointing out that it makes sense from a cost-benefit standpoint. You might lose three or four points over the course of a season as the direct result of sticking up for teammates, but you have the potential to lose a lot more than three or four by letting your skill guys get run down, and you almost certainly lose more if those guys end up being hurt from being hit over and over.
by David M. Getz on Nov 14, 2009 12:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I just haven’t seen any factual evidence that would suggest sticking up for your teammates results in fewer injuries. Hockey players will be hockey players, and hard hits and injuries will be a part of the game regardless of whether you’re the San Jose Sharks or the Philadelphia Flyers. I think that from an opinion point of view, you could make just as strong a point that constantly sticking up for your teammates results in more injuries.
Now if your teammates aren’t standing up for one another because they have chemistry issues, then that strikes me as a serious problem. I don’t think we have any reason to believe that’s the problem (though I’m sure some will speculate). It seems that for the most part this team truly enjoys playing together.
I think the question to ask is this – Why aren’t players retaliating for these actions by opposing teams? I think there are a handful of possible answers, and not all of them speak badly of the Caps and their Stanley Cup hopes.
by jpbryant on Nov 14, 2009 3:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think our boys enjoy playing together. I attended a practice once and saw several of the guys (specifically Fehr, Semin, and Laich) bantering around during the ending drill.
by CapsFan75 on Nov 14, 2009 3:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
They’re not just going to make the playoffs. They’re probably going to have a top 3 seed if the rest of the Southeast keeps playing like they do.
by Wheeler on Nov 14, 2009 3:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
South East = South Least this year. Of course, we could say North East = North Least as well. (The Atlantic Division seems to be the equivalent of Division 1 this year. They have the concept of divisions in some of the larger swim team organizations like NVSL where teams move up and down between divisions, based on the previous year’s performance although the decisions are subjective.)
by CapsFan75 on Nov 14, 2009 3:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not saying that the Caps needed the two points or won’t make the playoffs. I’m saying the best way to punish a team is by making sure they don’t – taking away their two points.
by jpbryant on Nov 14, 2009 3:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t agree that teams have been “running” our skill players any more this year than last. If I’m the opposing coach and I don’t fancy a 200 ft. bob and weave from ToughLife, I make sure he’s hammered below the face off dots in his defensive zone every chance I get.
by bigonetimer on Nov 14, 2009 3:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Best game of the year so far in my mind. Yes, they’ve looked more explosive in other games, but the consistency last night was excellent. Shift to shift guys were moving their feet and putting pucks on the net. I thought it was Stecks and Pothier’s best game of the season by far.
A man gotta have a code
by CP2Devil on Nov 14, 2009 12:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
59 | 41 | 12 | 6 | 88 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
57 | 25 | 21 | 11 | 61 |
|
Atlanta
|
57 | 25 | 24 | 8 | 58 |
|
Florida
|
58 | 24 | 25 | 9 | 57 |
|
Carolina
|
58 | 21 | 30 | 7 | 49 |
(updated 2.9.2010 at 9:00 AM EST)
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