Game Day Open Thread - Caps @ Devils
by J.P. on Nov 14, 2009 5:00 PM EST
in Game Day Open Threads
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PrintWashington Capitals at New Jersey Devils, Nov 14, 2009 7:00 PM EST
Tonight's probable netminders:
Have at it, people.
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C-A-P-S CAPS CAPS CAPS!
Let’s go tonight boys!
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
Not to be confused with the cheer that will ring out in the Prudential Center tonight:
D-E-V-S TRAPS! TRAPS! TRAPS!
by Tromni on Nov 14, 2009 5:16 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
I’m not too big on Gordon myself. Or maybe you were just sighing at the fact that Ovie is out.
"Alex Ovechkin makes Chad Johnson look like he's reading the paper."
A little bit of both. Ovie out, Gordon in isn’t something I think any Caps fan prefers.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
I’m guessing it moves him to 3rd line wing. If Gordon takes 4C, then it my lines would be
Semin – Backstrom – Flash/Laich
Fehr – Morrison – Flash/Laich
Clark – Steckel – Perrault
Laing – Gordon – Bradley
(I just put Center and Wings, didn’t take the time to put RW/LW)
Why would 85 be moved to wing? Steckel would be moved to wing before him.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
Gordon played a fair amount of wing last year. I’d go
Fleischmann-Backstrom-Semin
Laich-Morrison-Fehr
Bradley-Perreault-Clark
Laing-Steckel-Gordon
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 14, 2009 6:07 PM EST up reply actions
Steckel is one of the best face-off men in the league, and Perrault is a playmaker. MP can still do work from the wing, but Steckel can’t do his work as a wing. Didn’t Perrault play wing his first game or two up in the big league?
Perreault’s linemates have basically all been wings so far, so I guess he’s played only center.
If it were up to me, Steckel gets to see some 3rd line action after he scores a goal or two — not before.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 14, 2009 6:21 PM EST up reply actions
You know I agree, but maybe Steckel should get a taste of the 3rd line tonic that woke up Sloan, Clark, and Fehr.
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...
No MP was playing center. I also think BB just said that he thought MP was a better playmaker than Steckel so he was better suited for a 3rd line center than Steckel.
It’s great that Stecks is awesome at faceoffs but he can’t make much happen after that.
After Knuble got hurt he had Steckel playing wing last night so he obviously has confidence in his ability to perform there.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
I do like Gordon, and I definitely prefer that Ovi take the full time he needs to come back 100%.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Nov 14, 2009 5:40 PM EST up reply actions
Theo
I’m getting a little scared when Theo’s been in net of late because I think his reaction time has seemed to be very slow since we lost to CBus in OT
Visual representation of the current league standings:
Caps are sitting pretty right now – no division leader has a bigger lead. Atlantic is really tight, as is the Central.
(And I wish Google spreadsheets would let you tweak the color scheme — garish!)
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 14, 2009 5:23 PM EST reply actions 4 recs
This graph makes the NYI look really good.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
They’ve been taking a ton of games into overtime – they’re 7-6-6. Managing to get some points even when they don’t win.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 14, 2009 5:34 PM EST up reply actions
Their bar is just so big they look better than any other team.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
They’re the best worst team (the bottom-of-division with the most points)
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 14, 2009 6:05 PM EST up reply actions
Could all 5 Atlantic teams (plus WAS, BUF, and BOS) be the in the first round this year? Not out of the question.
It wouldn’t surprise me if half of the teams to make it to the playoffs in the Eastern Conference were from the Atlantic Division. The Devils, Rangers, Flyers and Penguins have all made the playoffs two seasons in a row. I think the Atlantic is one of divisions in the league from the perspective that all of the teams (excluding the Islanders, of course) are all pretty good teams who are pretty evenly matched.
And the year before that, the Devils, Penguins, Rangers, and Islanders made it. Three straight years of the Eastern playoffs being half-Atlantic.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Nov 14, 2009 9:56 PM EST up reply actions
At this point it would be more of a surprise if there weren’t 4. The more interesting question is how Canada will feel when they don’t have a team in the EC playoffs.
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...
That would be absolute hell for CBC if nothing else.
I think Ottawa has a shot, though, if Leclaire can get his shit together.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Nov 14, 2009 10:09 PM EST up reply actions
I haven’t really watched any of their games so I have no idea how they look. I just think they need to have a lot of things go their way for it to work 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...
Agree that Ottawa looks pretty good. More than that, they look pretty dangerous. They’re a team everyone’s going to hate to play, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them steal a round in the playoffs.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 14, 2009 11:15 PM EST up reply actions
How big of an impact are Michalek and Cheechoo making. If those guys are carrying a big part of the load I’m weary.
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...
I think it’s pretty minimal. Michalek has had a big game here and there, but Cheechoo has been pretty invisible from what I’ve seen.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Nov 14, 2009 11:27 PM EST up reply actions
To my eyes, Michaelk is playing very well at both ends, which is what he does. (10 points – 7 goals and 3 assists, in 17 games) 18:57 a game says how much they’re relying on him.
Cheechoo is worse than invisible. 1 goal, 2 assists in 17 games, less than 13:00 a game. Terrible. 32 shots, so his shooting percentage is 3% — he may be a bit snakebit, but he’s got to bury some of those.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 14, 2009 11:32 PM EST up reply actions
The pacific and the Northeast look fabulous!
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
Sadly, of the three teams that are basically out of it at this point (Toronto, Carolina and Florida), two are in our division. Makes it hard to make trades — there probably aren’t many sellers just yet.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 14, 2009 5:36 PM EST up reply actions
Heading up the Turnpike as we speak. Gonna make as much noise as possible for the Caps, especially when they score(it’s incredibly dead quiet in The Rock when the enemy scores).
Whooooooooo!
MOTIVATE SEMIN
by Holt Worth on Nov 14, 2009 5:45 PM EST via mobile reply actions
fortunately, im riding shotgun.
unfortunately, it’s with Devils fans
MOTIVATE SEMIN
by Holt Worth on Nov 14, 2009 6:23 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Instead of watching the game tonight, I’m getting guilt tripped into going to a formal at GW by my creepy ex-girlfriend who’s going to awkwardly hit on me all night. Shoot me now.
My subtle way of fighting back is by wearing the goofiest, ugliest suit I’ve ever seen—bought it at a thrift store last week for 2 bucks.
"My face is my mask."
Always nice to see former Bears making it to the show.
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 14, 2009 6:13 PM EST up reply actions
Another 60 minute effort?
maybe not with back to back tilts … wonder if the guys will have enough energy to stay disciplined against the Devils. I can dream right?
Was just watching fox 5 DC and their sports segment consisted of a piece about the last place redskins and the last place wizards. Absolutely no mention of the first place caps against the second place devils?!?! DC area people need to rethink their priorities.
by Knubles and Bits on Nov 14, 2009 6:35 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Welcome
Yeah and last night’s postgame led off with an interview with the Redskins tryout punter. Just something we have to live with.
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...
Even better…said punter got released today. Really makes that interview so important.
by HateOffSeason on Nov 14, 2009 6:54 PM EST up reply actions
Hoo boy. Baby Pens @ HER tonight.
And former Bear Graham Mink is playing now for the Rochester Americans, in an eye-bleed sweater:
IS PЯESS BOX AGAIN? DЯAT. SHOUT OUT TO KИUBLE.
They need to face off against the barber shop Habs jerseys.
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...
Keeping up with your sig lines is fun, BTW.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Nov 14, 2009 7:03 PM EST up reply actions
Glad he sits tonight so we can have a 100% Ovie on home ice Friday. It makes me feel slightly better about $7.50 beers.
by Knubles and Bits on Nov 14, 2009 7:07 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I hate CSN+ they are always putting up graphics that don’t fit on the screen because they apparently don’t realize they are not being broadcast in 16 by 9
CSN+ apparently also turns my TV into a circa 1985 television.
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...
I’d settle for SD right now. This is garbage.
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...
Seriously
I’m waiting for it to say “buffering”
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...
Don't know why, but having flashbacks
of cal clutterbuck’s ’stache last night just looking at your avatar Fehr and Balanced.
It's my way of participating in Movember.
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 Rob Parker on Nov 14, 2009 7:10 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
He bowed to the peer pressure of the Ladies of the Rink. We like the ’stache.
Fight, you time-wasting figure skaters!
How could I resist?
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...
NJ announcers brilliant. Describe Ovechkin’s 2 missed games last year to visit his ailing grandfather as from suspensions.
Yup, followed by immediately complaining about the penalty call
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 14, 2009 7:14 PM EST up reply actions
But Doc is in the HoF
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...
Except Flash lost it twice on the cycle. Guess he just needs to shoot and forget that control stuff.
by HateOffSeason on Nov 14, 2009 7:13 PM EST up reply actions
Good movement on the PP. I think it started after it broke down but great job. BMo should stay on the point.
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...
I went from 6 to 12.
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...
MP w00t
Great job on that shift. Great job.
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...
But he's so bad at D he's still a -
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...
Nothing is more satisfying and indicative of a team's
intensity and desire than watching them cycle effectively and relentlessly
Did you just re-read last night’s recap?
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...
The good thing about having the lead against the Devs is it forces them to play better hockey, so thanks for that, boys!
Hi friendm perhaps you’d feel more comfortable hooking your shiz up all avatar like while there’s a break in the action.
"I'm just doing karate and trying to get females pregnant."
by Bald Pollack on Nov 14, 2009 7:20 PM EST up reply actions
The bad thing is the ATDHE feed is NJ. Whining has reached critical levels.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 14, 2009 7:19 PM EST up reply actions
I’d rather watch it than listen to this garbage.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 14, 2009 7:21 PM EST up reply actions
Watch with the sound off, you know what’s happening anyway.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Nov 14, 2009 7:22 PM EST up reply actions
Wrong
“Ok boys, we just need to tighten up defensively.”
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...
Doc’s great call that being down 2-0 is ok because we are suspect on D. Silver linings…there’s always a really dark cloud to go with them…
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 14, 2009 7:21 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, like I posted earlier, he claimed Ovie was on suspension not visiting his grandfather last year.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 14, 2009 7:20 PM EST up reply actions
Beagle to Boyd Kane on a PK for a shorty.
WBS 0, @HER 1
Neuvy in goal.
IS PЯESS BOX AGAIN? DЯAT. SHOUT OUT TO KИUBLE.
Grudgingly becoming a Flash believer.
by bigonetimer on Nov 14, 2009 7:22 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
I still don’t get what he didn’t do last year to make people not believe in the numbers. He battled a serious illness midway through the season and it killed all the momentum he had built up for himself. If he credits putting on 10 pounds of muscle this offseason to his current surge, how much you think he lost while he was sick?
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 14, 2009 7:27 PM EST up reply actions
I argued in favor of his production versus cap hit in the past, but my gripes were that he wasn’t crashing the net, got pushed off the puck easily and often looked disinterested in the defensive zone. He’s addressed all of those so far this year.
No one was disputing that 19 goals for 750,000 was a great deal.
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 14, 2009 7:30 PM EST up reply actions
OK Fantasy Players...
ESPN says that now is the time to pick up Eric Staal. Seriously.
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...
I’ll give up Jamie Benn for him.
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 14, 2009 7:25 PM EST up reply actions
You would.
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...
Fuck ’em.
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 Rob Parker on Nov 14, 2009 7:32 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah we’re not exactly at full strength either.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 14, 2009 7:33 PM EST up reply actions
BB’s NHL interview:
“I’ll take something positive out of (winning without him) but I’ll never say I’m glad he’s out because he’s the best player in the world and a coach would have to be stupid to say they were better without the best player in the world,” Boudreau said. “I’m only stupid sometimes.”
IS PЯESS BOX AGAIN? DЯAT. SHOUT OUT TO KИUBLE.
Note to Comcast: How fun is it showing HD broadcasts of the Wizards getting blowed out?
"I'm just doing karate and trying to get females pregnant."
I hope their ratings are shit tonight and they read the writing on the wall.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 14, 2009 7:41 PM EST up reply actions
Theo with a yoog save
After some lazy D
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...
Yeah Satan called during the period to let me know hell was freezing over.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 14, 2009 7:46 PM EST up reply actions
Success!
Per TEB:
Mike Knuble underwent successful surgery on his broken finger today. The time frame for his return is the same.
IS PЯESS BOX AGAIN? DЯAT. SHOUT OUT TO KИUBLE.
F-f-f-fingerbrace, f-f-fingerbrace.
Fight, you time-wasting figure skaters!
by boutros23 on Nov 14, 2009 7:49 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Matty!
Per WashCaps:
Mathieu Perreault (1g-2a) leads all Caps in scoring vs. NJ this year
IS PЯESS BOX AGAIN? DЯAT. SHOUT OUT TO KИUBLE.
CSN+ went black for me again.
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...
Just call…it’ll come back before you get a person to talk to ;)
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 14, 2009 7:56 PM EST up reply actions
he’s Flying all over the ice, stretching time and D to the play he foresees. he puts his body where it doesn’t quite belong, and the bad guys’ best hit on him doesn’t work out as planned. then he’s gliding benchward with one leg bent and his jersey stuck in the back of his pants. Is Matthieu Perreault…mini- ’ vie?
(Guy Lafleur lifer ranting here, but Dayum…)
Be thankful we’re not playing the Pens when they’re down 2 games to none at home in a series. The next 6 calls would go their way.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 14, 2009 8:04 PM EST up reply actions
Btw, something else I learned from the NJ broadcast. Apparently one of the toughest shots to stop is one top shelf just under the bar. Who knew?
wha???
i step away to pick up my girlfriend from the metro and get the chili cooking … it’s tied up??? well I shouldn’t be surprise, should I?
Pretty sure that was just a long shift.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 14, 2009 8:14 PM EST up reply actions
Says something though that Semin would even give him that feed. Everyone loves #85.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 14, 2009 8:15 PM EST up reply actions
So it would appear that we no longer wait until the third to give up.
by Knubles and Bits on Nov 14, 2009 8:16 PM EST reply actions
You knew that was a goal
The second Semin turned that puck over.
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...
Another 3-2 loss to NJD
And this time we can’t even bitch about the trap. We went up 2-0 and gave up 3 unanswered. They are gonna lock this shit down from here on 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...
If they’re only going to play 20 minutes, they need to play them at the end, not the beginning.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Nov 14, 2009 8:30 PM EST up reply actions
The Capitals lack both the discipline and defensive skill required to truly ‘lock down’ a game. They take too many bad penalties and turn the puck over way to much.
That’s not completely true. They aren’t able to do it consistently, but when they put their minds to it (like they did last night, or opening night against Boston) they can absolutely shut down teams. Clogging up the neutral zone isn’t the only way to lock down a game, and when the Caps skate hard and play their game they can pin the other team in their zone effectively keeping them from getting any offense going.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Nov 14, 2009 10:20 PM EST up reply actions
I think the best example of that this season was the SJS game – that was a full 60 minutes of forechecking lockdown, without trapping the neutral zone.
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 14, 2009 10:23 PM EST up reply actions
But their inability to lock down games consistently, instead relying almost solely on the odds that they will probably be able to outscore most teams on any given night (which will only get you so far), leads me to believe that the Capitals are not as committed in their focus to the defensive aspect of the game as they are the offensive. The defensive game of many of players considered to be the ‘best’ on the Capitals is some of the worst I have ever seen from players who are widely considered to be the most talented in the league at their respective positions. When they aren’t being lazy or just plain careless, they often appear to lack the basic fundamentals of how to play away from the puck, something they appear disinclined to learn, because many of these players have been in the league for several seasons with minimal improvement to their defensive game.
relying almost solely on the odds that they will probably be able to outscore most teams on any given night (which will only get you so far)
Like, to game 7 (in round 2) against the eventual SCF champs? Or 1993 the last time the trap won something?
As to the rest of your assertions, you are trying to base your entire opinion of the Caps on two of their worst performances of the year with the 2 time defending MVP in the press box. The vast body of evidence suggests that they are pretty damn successful at what they do. Do they have things to work on? Indeed. Do they need to be more consistent? Indeed. Can they come to play, run and gun, and bury any team in the league? Definitely. What they need to do is get to the point where they can win 4 out of 7 against any team. They’ve got time.
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...
Clearly I meant 2003. My bad.
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...
I was gonna say, Brodeur didn’t get all those stunning 16 save shutouts in the finals because the Devils were playing firewagon hockey.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Nov 14, 2009 10:56 PM EST up reply actions
1993 would take us back to the start of the Lemaire-Brodeur marriage… that’s where we send Kyle Reese.
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 Rob Parker on Nov 14, 2009 11:00 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
I do admit I was rather confused by the reference to 1993 until you corrected yourself, because Jacques Lemaire and his evil neutral zone trap of doom didn’t arrive in New Jersey until the ‘93-’94 season (and though you will probably regard it as a moot point, the Devils managed to learn and adapt their style of play to Lemaire’s defensive system in just a single season, as Lemaire’s first season as head coach of the Devils was punctuated by a trip to the Eastern Conference Final, to be followed up by a Stanley Cup victory the following year. Under a good, competent coach who has the backing of the General Manager to reward players who buy into playing responsible defensively with more ice-time and punish those who do not by cutting their minutes or benching them altogether, regardless of whether they are a first-line forward or a fourth line grinder, it should not take particularly long time to teach a team to play well defensively).
When I said that the Capitals style of play would only get them so far, I meant that it would carry them into the playoffs and, depending on what time they draw as their first round opponent, perhaps as far as the second round, there will be many more postseason exits similar to the one we saw last season. The Capitals lack the defensive depth and security in goal that is all but required to win it all. As boring as you may find the defensive aspect of hockey, it is that side of the game that is often the difference between bowing out in the second round and going on to win it all because during the playoffs, every team tightens up defensively and the already stingy teams like the Devils become even stingier. The Capitals will then be forced to find an alternative means of winning, as they will not be able to score the same amount of goals during a game as they would in the regular season to compensate for their deficiencies on the blueline and between the pipes. In my opinion, the Capitals are currently not a team built that is built to 1-0, 2-1 or 3-2 their way through the playoffs, which is why they appear to hit a brick wall whenever they come against a team who may only score two or three goals a game but is able to make those goals stand up for the win by playing a disciplined defensive system.
There is more than one way to skin a cat, though. No one would mistake last season’s Stanley Cup winning Penguins blueline for the Jacques Lemaire coached, Scott Stevens led d-corps the Devils possessed from ‘95-’03. However, hey did have several solid defensive defensemen and a few good puck-moving defensemen in addition to a goaltender whose adventurous puckhandling may have led to a few bizarre goals by the opposing team, but who made the big saves when his team needed him to. This is something that I believe the Capitals happen to lack at the moment, which is also why I think the Capitals are not just yet a legitimate Cup contender. They will either have to make some major personnel moves, such as turning over the job of #1 goaltender to Simeon Varlamov and acquiring a solid defensive defenseman or two to shore up the blueline, or teach the players they already have a more responsible way of playing without the puck.
The Caps D needs some work, but I’ve said that all along. That’s not a point I ever disputed you on. The Caps D is really not that much worse than the D the Pens used to win, the D the ‘Canes used to win, or the D the Lightning used to win. If they’re playing well at the right time and the forwards play the way they can then I don’t think the Caps have to make any stylistic changes. This style of hockey can win a Cup. Do I want Karl Alzner up here? Yeah. Would I like an upgrade at the veteran D spot? Yeah. But those are separate issues from everything we’ve argued about. Defense <> the trap.
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...
As boring as you may find the defensive aspect of hockey
I don’t know how many more times I can say it, but defense is not the same as the trap. The trap is a very defensive system, but not all defensive hockey is the trap. Pittsburgh had a great defense, but they did not trap. Same goes for Anaheim, Carolina and Tampa Bay and they were not boring teams to watch.
It is not good defense that is boring, it is the trap that is boring, because the trap affects not only how a team plays defense, but also how the entire game is played by both teams. The Devils aren’t boring because they are good at defense, they are boring because they use the trap.
And of course Caps could improve at D/G. That’s hardly some ground breaking analysis.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Nov 15, 2009 2:04 AM EST up reply actions
I don’t know what point you are trying to make that is different from what I said (and I get the feeling you are basing your opinions on the Caps-Devils games, which look particularly bad because BB believes in exciting hockey doesn’t know how to coach against the trap). There have been major improvements in many of the players’ defensive games though.
Contrary to your argument that the Caps don’t have the personnel to lock down a game, the Caps do have the ability to stifle a team’s offense (including very good offenses like Boston and San Jose) and don’t have to win every game in barn burning fashion. They just don’t do it by clogging the neutral zone, and many players (such as Semin) haven’t shown the consistency and discipline to do it night in and night out, but that doesn’t mean they can’t lock down a game.
Just because they aren’t playing a boring trapping game like the Devils does not mean they aren’t effective defensively. Once again, there is more than one way to lock down a game defensively.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Nov 14, 2009 10:52 PM EST up reply actions
Maybe the Caps should be sentenced to watch the 7th game of the Carolina-NJ playoff series for lessons on how to beat the NHJ Devils.
I don’t think “keep it close and hope Brodeur falls apart in the last 2 minutes” is the strategy BB should be preaching.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Nov 15, 2009 12:04 AM EST up reply actions
Definitely not. But there is plenty of tape on how to do it. It’s not rocket science, it’s a matter of choice.
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...
