Recap: Caps 4, Rangers 2
by Becca H on Nov 17, 2009 10:40 PM EST
in Game Recaps
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The Caps' performance tonight was about as uneven as the horrible MSG ice, with just as many ruts and bumps along the way. But there was more good than bad as the Caps earned their first regulation win in New York since 2004 - and Bruce Boudreau became the fastest coach in Caps' history to 100 wins.
Naturally any night instantly becomes better when someone like Alex Ovechkin makes his return - and it didn't take long for #8 to put his stamp on the game. He capped off a dominant end to the first with a power play goal and threw his body around with reckless abandon, to the tune of seven (credited) hits. The only slightly uncharacteristic stat on the night for Ovie? One shot on goal (along with six that either missed or were blocked).
Of course, in true Ovechkin style, one shot was all he'd need.
Ten more notes on the game:
- The Caps were without Erskine and Ovechkin against the Devils, and thus without any physical presence. With both players back in the lineup, the bodies were flying once more - and it was contagious. Ovechkin's seven hits were complemented by thirty others from throughout the lineup. Although any night when New York's Chris Higgins is credited with seven of his own is a night to question the validity of the stats.
- Which is more surprising - that Nicklas Backstrom finished with an even 50% success rate on faceoffs...or that Morrison won just three of eleven?
- They may have allowed a power play goal to a team that has struggled with the extra man recently, but the Caps' penalty kill was aggressive and effective. Especially good PK performances by Dave Steckel, with his usual calming influence, and Brooks Laich, with his usual awesomeness. Er, willingness to block shots.
- On the flip side, the power play showed no ill effects from getting the world's best player back and struck twice. And the key thing about both tallies was the traffic - Ovechkin's shot went through about 276 bodies (give or take a hundred) on its way in, while Laich picked up another of his typical crease-crashing goals.
- Speaking of Laich, he continues to lead the team in power play goals with five and is now tied with Semin for second among Caps' goal-scorers.
- Okay, that Marian Gaborik guy is pretty good. His game-tying goal in the third was one that only a handful of guys in the league could have gotten - although one of them had a nice view of it from the visiting team's bench.
- Semyon Varlamov performed well but wasn't tested all that much, facing just twenty shots and stopping eighteen of them. He didn't seem all that comfortable in net tonight, though, and appeared to lose track of the puck a little too much - particularly late in the game.
- Let's trademark this thing right now: the Matt Bradley hat trick. That's a goal on Henrik Lundqvist, a fight, and a busted-open face. After all, anyone that awesome deserves his own hat trick.
- The Rangers came out absolutely flying to start the first, with five quick shots - and one quick goal - on Varlamov before the game was five minutes old. After that, however, the Caps took over and didn't allow another Ranger shot on goal until the second period.
- How about the defensive trio of Mike Green, John Erskine and Brian Pothier? They combined for a goal, an assist, a +3, 10 shots on goal, 4 hits and 6 blocked shots. Not bad.
It was a little rocky at times but overall not a bad outing for the Caps, who pick up the two points they needed to reclaim first in the East (for now) and did so with the help of - but not just because of - Alex Ovechkin.
They "blew" a lead, but there's no shame in doing so when the guy stealing the lead is named Gaborik. They played physical, but not at the expense of generally sound, disciplined hockey. They maintained a lead, but didn't play as if they were afraid to lose it. And they come away with a good team victory...no buts about it.
Game highlights:
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Not drunk enough, Miss H.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
He helped in the neutral zone to push the puck forward along the boards, but I was surprised he got credited with an assist as Redden looked to play the puck before Bradley took the puck down and scored the goal. More of an assist than some that are credited but there is no consistency on how plays like that are scored; guess they didn’t deem Redden to have control of the puck or something like that.
15 for 15 games played…even though he may miss the 50 in 50 by NHL standards..
Promote the game, it's the NHL, not SCHL
According to Joe B, Gaborik’s boyhood hero? Peter Bondra.
What a game. Awesome. Congrats to Bruce (4th faster coach to 100 wins in NHL history!), and the rest of the team.
Matt Bradley, I think I love you.
Easy to imagine – I’ve heard that line from a lot of Slovaks.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 17, 2009 10:51 PM EST up reply actions
I didn’t know Slovaks loved Matt Bradley that much.
by Whisp on Nov 17, 2009 11:33 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Matt Bradley’s goals in life:
1. Save the Earth
2. regularly score on Lundy
3. Have Slovaks love him
by RedBirdie on Nov 17, 2009 11:36 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Slovak Suzy, American Matt, did the Jitterbug out of Slovak land?
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 17, 2009 11:37 PM EST up reply actions
You’d be surprised at what Slovaks love.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 17, 2009 11:37 PM EST up reply actions
“They “blew” a lead, but there’s no shame in doing so when the guy stealing the lead is named Gaborik. They played physical, but not at the expense of generally sound, disciplined hockey. They maintained a lead, but didn’t play as if they were afraid to lose it. And they come away with a good team victory…no buts about it."
Awesome. I love it.
Please, sir, I want some BMo.
Also, I had no problems at all with Erskine’s penalty when he knocked Avery on his ass. Avery deserves it for punching Varly, and while I know some people will say otherwise, I have less of a problem with a penalty of that nature than an obstruction foul. Good job, Ersky.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 17, 2009 10:53 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
More annoying is Avery getting away with that crap. Until he gets nailed for it, he’ll keep right on doing it.
Exactly – and if it continues, imagine what’ll happen to goalies in the future.
Please, sir, I want some BMo.
by Steck It Out on Nov 17, 2009 10:55 PM EST up reply actions
Hard to see. Little shots to the head aren’t easily detected by the refs, and unless the league will fine or suspend, which they won’t, he’ll keep getting away with it.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 17, 2009 10:55 PM EST up reply actions
Since it was captured on video, any chance it gets sent to the league office? I figure the answer’s no, but it’s worth asking.
No one was hurt, and if it gets sent, you’re going to start sending facewashes too. It’s just not going to get penalized. That’s an instance where the best punishment would be to be lax on the player who retaliates.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 17, 2009 10:58 PM EST up reply actions
“Avery Rule 2: No obnoxious players with the initials SA allowed in the goalie crease ever again.”
Ah, wishful thinking…take me away.
Please, sir, I want some BMo.
by Steck It Out on Nov 17, 2009 11:01 PM EST up reply actions
if you ask rangers fans, they’ll tell you that avery never gets away with anything because refs are so quick with the whistle on him. (i have no real opinion, just sayin’.)
by Natty Bumppo on Nov 18, 2009 3:14 AM EST up reply actions
That’s what PHI fans say too. I don’t buy it. A) Those guys are good at not letting the refs see what they do clearly and b) the refs are hesitant to keep a team SH all game (or keep putting the same guy in the box repeatedly; see also the Kotalik trip on Poti right after he got out of the box.)
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 actually think they might have a point — some of the time. Like we saw with our guys earlier in the year, once refs notice a trend, they tend to focus on it. So the calling or not-calling of an individual or a team tends to follow a cyclical pattern.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Nov 18, 2009 12:09 PM EST up reply actions
He even had a nice little self-satisfied smile on his face when he watched it on the jumbotron. God, I hate that sumbitch.
"Let the rest be scared of us." - Emo Bunny Sasha Semin
by Scott in Shaw on Nov 18, 2009 1:31 PM EST up reply actions
Ovechkin’s fine hit on Girardi was another example of Right Hit, Right Time.
by redlineblue on Nov 17, 2009 10:55 PM EST up reply actions
And watching Backstrom punch Callahan made me smile.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 17, 2009 10:56 PM EST up reply actions
I can’t get enough of Backstrom’s feisty side. I just about died laughing when he punched Callahan, that was ridiculously awesome.
There’s a distinctly comedic pause before ‘yeah, I’m going to punch you in the head now.’ Cant get enough Backstrom, period.
by redlineblue on Nov 17, 2009 11:06 PM EST up reply actions
Some one get it in slow motion please!
by DaGreatOvechkin on Nov 17, 2009 11:42 PM EST up reply actions
Swedish lessons, with Professor Backstrom.
by redlineblue on Nov 17, 2009 11:58 PM EST up reply actions
It’s pronounced FLYGPLATS!!
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 18, 2009 12:58 PM EST up reply actions
Needs more Bradley. He won the game with his signature Lundqvist breakaway move and doesn’t get a mention until the 8th bullet? Come on, what’s a guy need to do?
Win a fight.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 17, 2009 10:53 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
Haha. It’s funny cuz it’s true.
"Let the rest be scared of us." - Emo Bunny Sasha Semin
by Scott in Shaw on Nov 18, 2009 1:32 PM EST up reply actions
He actually did beat Voros in a fight in 2007-08 when Voros was with Minnesota. Voros had 2 fights that night against Brads and Brash and lost them both…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 18, 2009 2:16 PM EST up reply actions
Voros usually blocks most punches with his face. This fight was an aberration, but a welcome one …
I have a blog too! www.scottyhockey.com
Let's Go Rangers!
by Scotty Hockey on Nov 18, 2009 10:38 PM EST up reply actions
Not too much of an aberration though, he still blocked a few punches. And it’s pretty much a given that Bradley leaves bloodied when he fights, so it’s not all that special.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Nov 19, 2009 12:02 AM EST up reply actions
The Brads goal was a thing of beauty – and credit to Brads on the fight, he did better than he usually does, IMO.
Hope Laing’s okay.
Our lives are this moment, the music, the dance ....
Fan Clubs: Sloan, Schultz
Sucks for Q, but Beagle’s performance tonight reassures me. He played with a lot of hustle and kept his nose in the dirty spots. I’d like to believe he can step right into Laing’s role (assuming Laing is out for a while).
Please, sir, I want some BMo.
by Steck It Out on Nov 17, 2009 10:59 PM EST up reply actions
Is Q on the two way deal still?
If so, doesnt he get “sick pay” at his higher pay level?
The man deserves so much more – he is the reason I watch hockey.
by S h a g g y on Nov 18, 2009 11:15 AM EST up reply actions
“I don’t know what to say other than I haven’t seen stuff like that in a long time,” Laich said. “I mean, it’s humbling. Guys are blown away in the locker room. The Ovechkins, the Backstroms and the Greens are the backbone of this team, but the Bradleys and the Laings, those guys are the guts — and that’s why we win.”
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Nov 17, 2009 11:11 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
Alternate Bradley hat trick:
Get Punched. GWG. Start recycling in visitor locker room.
by redlineblue on Nov 17, 2009 10:53 PM EST reply actions 24 recs
Rec-fest 2009!
Please, sir, I want some BMo.
by Steck It Out on Nov 17, 2009 10:58 PM EST up reply actions
Don’t forget blading yourself a la Ric Flair. How does this guy manage to bleed so much?
Russian Machine very rarely breaks.
He likely also drinks a lot of water. I’ve learned that people who do tend to have thinner skins, which is why when I’m going to have blood drawn, I try to drink a few liters first.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 17, 2009 11:39 PM EST up reply actions
Ref: Bradley, you’re bleeding. Yeah, its you.
Bradley: [turns to ref] I ain’t got time to bleed.
by ns on Nov 18, 2009 9:19 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Psst… take it over here and I’ll Jesse “The Body” Venturec it.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
It's not easy...
…being green.
Or being Matt Bradley.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 18, 2009 1:00 PM EST up reply actions
Just returned home from the Gahden. Good number of Caps faithful in New York tonight. Bravo Caps Nation.
Ice was like playing on sand tonight. The team adjusted from so many east-west and drop passes and got to chip and chase.
by Stephen Pepper on Nov 17, 2009 10:54 PM EST reply actions
But Matt Bradley < Henrik Lundqvist. The more you know.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 17, 2009 10:57 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Nicely played
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 17, 2009 11:38 PM EST up reply actions
Did anyoen else hear the other guy (not Joe B) say how the Rangers were upset about how the Caps kept trying to ruin Lundy? Just about fell off the couch laughing. If you don’t want the Caps to run your goalie, DON’T LET THEM!.
Yes, because the Rags are the ONLY ones who get to run goalies. What stunning logistics.
Please, sir, I want some BMo.
by Steck It Out on Nov 17, 2009 11:02 PM EST up reply actions
I laughed, because they weren’t. Beagle on one play went into him, and in it he was fighting in a position battle. Also, Eff lundy.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 17, 2009 11:03 PM EST up reply actions
I think teams (including Caps) forget how Big the Caps are. When they make other teams carry that weight, leaning on ‘em all night, it’s 2 points/60 min.
by redlineblue on Nov 17, 2009 11:13 PM EST up reply actions
speaking of big
- Boyle, that man is big. seeing him line up for a face-off against Matty P = very comical
by DonnieKnutts on Nov 17, 2009 11:16 PM EST up reply actions
By virtue of having Avery on their team, the Rangers forfeit all right to bitch about what other teams do to their goalies. Same principle applies to Pittsburgh (Kunitz) and Anaheim (Perry) to name a couple.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Nov 18, 2009 12:05 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
We only bitch that our defense is too sissified to do something about it, not that it is happening.
I have a blog too! www.scottyhockey.com
Let's Go Rangers!
by Scotty Hockey on Nov 18, 2009 10:38 PM EST up reply actions
from Corey:
Bradley: “I regularly bleed, so it is nothing new. It seems like my skin is pretty paper-ish, so a few stitches and no big deal.”
I <3 Brads.
by RedBirdie on Nov 17, 2009 11:03 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Gah! Beat me to it by that much!
Please, sir, I want some BMo.
by Steck It Out on Nov 17, 2009 11:03 PM EST up reply actions
Attention all Rink Rats
<a http://www.japersrink.com/2009/11/17/1162516/caption-contest" target="new">Please to be bringing your best captions to this FanShot.
SO FЯIENDS, IS BATTLE NOW.
Corey sez:
“Team official confirms broken jaw for Laing – he is out “weeks” but not sure how many yet."
Please, sir, I want some BMo.
Sucktastic. :P Guess Beagle gets to stay longer than anticipated. Tough break for Q. :P
Our lives are this moment, the music, the dance ....
Fan Clubs: Sloan, Schultz
Think both Perreault and Beagle are safely here — at least for another month or so.
Who will be the next call up from Hershey? Or will Sloan move to forward again?
Tune in Friday to find out whether there’s a callup from Hershey or not. (If Semin’s back, there won’t be but we have to see how bad his wrist is.)
OO48, if you ask me.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 17, 2009 11:45 PM EST up reply actions
Is there an Osala lobby, or do a few of us just stand here on the porch?
by redlineblue on Nov 17, 2009 11:59 PM EST up reply actions
I’ve been a member of the Osala lobby since I first saw him play on a webstream of the Bears. The guy is a staple on my NHL 10 GM campaigns. I’m also about to take gotsparkly’s Fan Club sig.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 18, 2009 12:01 AM EST up reply actions
Depends who goes down and what needs replacing. I could see OO but I’m praying it’s Alzner. Everything that’s come through HER has been gold, so how about that D. I’m ready for Carlznerson.
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...
Do we think Carlson is ready for the NHL now? One of the two Golden Boys coming up on D would be nice, but in no way do I want both Alzner and Carlson learning the ropes on the big club yet.
- which isn’t to say you were implying both should be up here and playing at the same time, but I guess I’m wondering who you think is the better choice.
If you ask me, I say Carlson. He brings a physical attribute the team seems lacking, and also has a cannon on the point. But I have no problem with both learning the ropes at the same time.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuwirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 18, 2009 12:06 AM EST up reply actions
I think Carlson was ready for the NHL coming out of training camp in ‘07-08. Maybe he wouldn’t have been great, but he could have handled it. He opened up a lot of eyes in that camp.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 18, 2009 12:03 AM EST up reply actions
Shaone Morrisonn only played 10 minutes which is very low for him. This is a strong indicator of injury, so maybe a D-man will be called.
But we only have 11 healthy forwards at the moment: Ovi, Backstrom, Clark, Laich, B.Morrison, Fehr, Bradley, Perrault, Flash, Stecks, Beagle.
I’m assuming BG is still out. And we know Semin’s wrist is bad.
Only out weeks for the way he plays. Laing, if you donned a full cage mask, no one would think less of you. Hell, put on a Tim Thomas Approved (Also approved by Whiter) Mage.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 17, 2009 11:54 PM EST up reply actions
He prolly got a concussion too, but that is strictly my own WAG based on the need for overnight observation.
SO FЯIENDS, IS BATTLE NOW.
just got back from MSG
really fun game to watch, a few quickie observations:
- Gaborik owns us…big time
- everybody around me was booing and cursing Ovie in one breath then gasping at his speed and power in the next. Ovie had some solid hits tonight, though he did take a few runs as he is wont to do…he was definitely into this one. Ovie was pretty chippy all night, with the little cross-check to staal and the push on callahan. of course all teams would love Ovie but he would really own MSG if he played for the blueshirts…it crossed my mind, but of course in typical NYR fashion they’d throw a fat salary at him at age 35 after winning multiple cups with us.
- Brash always seemed like a sad character but he seems especially downtrodden in the three or so minutes he gets with the NYR…could swear he was glancing wistfully at our celebratory circle after the game. he’s totally an afterthought on that bench.
- for all the good that we’ve lauded Matty P for, he does have a bit of a tendency to hold on to the puck too long. cost him a couple times today. but overall he was his normal shifty self.
- avery definitely has a thing for mike green. would be kinda amusing to see those two go at it.
thanks for the in-person report!
If Ovie were a Ranger, he wouldn’t just own MSG, I think he’d own all of New York. Forget Jeter and Manning, it would be the Ovie Show 24/7.
I can’t help but feel slightly bad for Brash. I can’t blame him for trying to make the money while he can, but he seemed to love Washington and the team and it was one of the few teams where he really clicked with his teammates.
by RedBirdie on Nov 17, 2009 11:16 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
- for all the good that we’ve lauded Matty P for, he does have a bit of a tendency to hold on to the puck too long. cost him a couple times today. but overall he was his normal shifty self.
that did seem more obvious in last night’s game, but I wonder how much that has to do with his linemates and their positioning?
by ns on Nov 18, 2009 9:24 AM EST up reply actions
His backhand pass from the right side passed Fehr, off Lundqvist and almost on Steck’s tape was beautiful. Too bad Stecks can’t buy a goal. Maybe he needs to take some lessons from Ocho.
by FFSEnough on Nov 18, 2009 9:32 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Potsy, Ovie, Brads, and the Q would have all been good choices.
by DrinkingPartner on Nov 17, 2009 11:23 PM EST up reply actions
Nice. I’d’ve liked to see Brads get it, but Potsy’s another good choice.
Brads should’ve gotten first star, tho.
Our lives are this moment, the music, the dance ....
Fan Clubs: Sloan, Schultz
the empty netter was sublime
and it was dead center, no less. one thing i noticed about pots in person is that he is a really good skater…technically…his backward strides are probably the best on the team.
by DonnieKnutts on Nov 18, 2009 12:18 AM EST up reply actions
He’s a phenomenal skater and when he’s on his game he’s all over the ice. He looked good tonight.
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...
So did anyone see the penalty? If they showed a replay I missed it, so I can’t even snark about it – at least not with any sort of credibility. Not that it’s ever stopped me before, but…
it was right along the boards
…that were outside of my vantage point, but given that it was a high-sticking, i’m assuming it was legit
by DonnieKnutts on Nov 18, 2009 12:35 AM EST up reply actions
It was legit. After the game I rewound all the way and was able to see it. Well. From behind. May have been an acting job, but it could have been a slash before that, too. He just about broke the dude’s stick along the boards. Sill, a penalty resulting in a sutation that should have never existed. Can’t be too upset about it.
Brads would have been my choice...
…but I think he had the hard hat going into the game and was ineligible?
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 18, 2009 1:15 PM EST up reply actions
Quintin Laing hat trick…
A hit, a faceoff win, and a broken jaw on a blocked shot.
Whaddya wanna bet he’s the only guy who gets one of those this year?
If you've read this far...seek help.
…on the Caps, yes.
"Let the rest be scared of us." - Emo Bunny Sasha Semin
by Scott in Shaw on Nov 18, 2009 1:42 PM EST up reply actions
Very encouraging effort tonight once again. Holding a middle-of-the-pack team in their own building to 20 SOG and really smothering them defensively is no easy feat. The Rangers are not a bad offensive team. It looked to me like the forwards were all helping out on D, the forecheck was ruthless and we actually crashed the net hard.
and yet, some idiot is convinced that the Caps D is quite weak. Twitter: helping the rest of the world know you’re an idiot, in 140 characters or less!
by RedBirdie on Nov 17, 2009 11:41 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
In fairness, old people are bad at technology.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 17, 2009 11:44 PM EST up reply actions
Stan Fischler on Twitter is the epitome of all that is wrong with technology in modern society.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Nov 18, 2009 1:12 AM EST up reply actions
Well, he does put the “twit” in Twitter.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Nov 18, 2009 6:25 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
You saw that too? No, Fischler, it’s you. It’s all you.
Our lives are this moment, the music, the dance ....
Fan Clubs: Sloan, Schultz
I know he loves to pick on the Caps’ D, and they do give him plenty of ammo, but at the time he posted it the Caps had limited the Rangers to 11 shots through 2 periods. Way to pick your spots, big guy.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Nov 18, 2009 12:19 PM EST up reply actions
We had some issues getting out of our own zone in spaces there, in the first five minutes and again for a bit in the third. I was a little concerned for a while. They didn’t put many SOG, but some of the ones they did were quality chances.
Our lives are this moment, the music, the dance ....
Fan Clubs: Sloan, Schultz
That would make sense if it wasn’t a second intermission tweet.
Tweet the Maven? Nevermore.
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 18, 2009 10:19 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Tweet the Maven? Nevermore.
Nice.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 18, 2009 11:27 AM EST up reply actions
I would rec that if I weren’t philosophically opposed to Stan Fischler ever being referred to as “The Maven”.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Nov 18, 2009 12:20 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Indeed. This team is going to score. There are very few defenses that will prevent that. When you see a total commitment to team defense, only broken by a lapse at the start of the game and hard work by the other team, it’s nice. The Rangers out worked the Caps when it came to those goals, but Bradley outworked Redden for his goal, Laich worked his goal out.
If we can match the level of hard work from an opponent, I think we’ll win 85-90% of those games, because frankly, I don’t think any teams outside of one captained by a guy named Lidstrom can outskill the Caps, and I’m not so sure they can either.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 17, 2009 11:43 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
the rangers...
will also be better when drury and dubinsky come back. torts mentioned that bradley’s goal was an example of something that the rangers don’t have at the moment…secondary scoring. the NYR right now are not very deep on offense, their 3rd line is not productive and their 4th line is pretty much non-existent
by DonnieKnutts on Nov 18, 2009 12:37 AM EST up reply actions
Drury couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn before he had his head knocked off. I am not expecting much of anything when/if he returns. Dubi could help, but he was slumping too. Everyone not named Gaborik or Prospal have been non-existent. It’s horrible to watch …
I have a blog too! www.scottyhockey.com
Let's Go Rangers!
by Scotty Hockey on Nov 18, 2009 10:41 PM EST up reply actions
So you give up hope on assuming the guy can produce? Let’s be honest – Drury and Dubinsky are better than most of the players you guys have now.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 19, 2009 12:46 AM EST up reply actions
From the box score:
52 M. Green 24:55
3 T. Poti 21:45
55 J. Schultz 20:19
2 B. Pothier 18:36
4 J. Erskine 18:34
26 S. Morrisonn 10:27
I wasn’t able to catch the game. What’s the story there, with ShaMo?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 17, 2009 11:48 PM EST reply actions
Shocker – no one said anything, so I didn’t even notice.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 17, 2009 11:50 PM EST up reply actions
Good question. There is speculation that he was benched after a bad shift that led to a goal. Or he could have been injured. (It’s not usually that characteristic for Bouds to bench a d-man for bad shifts unless he were bad all game.) He probably was on the ice for the 1st Rangers goal, along with Schultz
Whatever it is, I think Erskine has jumped ahead of Jurcina/ShaMo for the time being. We’ll see how long that lasts…
Erskine’s going to ebb/flow, because he’s a 6/7 guy who is far too often flung into a 3/4/5 role by Boudreau, whether by opinion or need. He does his job, and not much else, and it’s good enough for a 6/7, but not much more. It’s my thought, though, that Alzner is the guy who sneaks best into Morrisonn or Pothier’s spot, by playstyle, and Carlson into Jurcina’s. (With all of the other threads about it, I’ll make this short). Neither really slip into Erskines.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 17, 2009 11:58 PM EST up reply actions
I think Erskine got as much time as he did because his job in life was to keep Avery in line, which he did for the most part.
Our lives are this moment, the music, the dance ....
Fan Clubs: Sloan, Schultz
Whatever it is, I think Erskine has jumped ahead of Jurcina/ShaMo for the time being. We’ll see how long that lasts…
That’s up to Erskine (and Juice’s IR stay).
"I'm just doing karate and trying to get females pregnant."
by Bald Pollack on Nov 18, 2009 7:32 AM EST up reply actions
Maybe I’m the only one, but I wasn’t terribly impressed with Erskine last night at all, and really would have preferred Jurcina out there in his place. Last night’s game was one for which Juice’s brand of physical (battling on the boards) is more needed than Erskine’s, imo. And I don’t think Juice gets suckered into that stupid penalty Erskine took.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
And I don’t think Juice gets suckered into that stupid penalty Erskine took.
And when he doesn’t, we’re all yelling that he just watches Avery punch Varly and does nothing.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuwirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 18, 2009 8:03 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I’m not sure about that. It was a love tap from Avery and, perhaps more importantly, a love tap from Erskine. I mean, knocking Avery off his skates is what… deterrent? Retribution? I can’t imagine it was much of either. And given the game situation, I think it was a bonehead play.
All that sequence was was Sean Avery doing his job well (and NHL referees allowing him to get away with it).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 18, 2009 8:14 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah, Erskine’s gotten caught doing something like this before (I remember it from a home game late last year, forget against who). But at least Avery was kept in check for the most part when the two were on the ice together.
The frustrating thing with Erskine is that you can only trust him to play decently for 3-4 games before reverting back to caveman speed and senses.
"I'm just doing karate and trying to get females pregnant."
by Bald Pollack on Nov 18, 2009 8:23 AM EST up reply actions
Deterrent? No. Retribution? No. Justified? Yeah. Frankly, I think it was a weak call at best, and yeah, Erskine doesn’t need to take that penalty. But there’s a small handful of players who will try and pull that garbage, and I’d rather have guys willing to make ’em pay for it.
Also, while maybe not from you, I know there’s more than one person who would have been furious that Jurcina had just watched.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuwirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
I guess what I’m saying is that if you’re going to make ‘em pay, make ’em pay – as Charles Barkley once said, “You get six fouls. Make ’em count.” Otherwise, it’s two minutes for nothing at a bad time. Is there any question that Avery won that round?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Nope, and I agree. If you want to show him you don’t want to take that crap, do more than just kind of putting him on his ass. I mean, nothing like an intent to injure, but really get him.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuwirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
I think it was more of an instincual reaction…Erskine didn’t really have time to think it through. He saw Avery’s hand go to Varly’s head and his he lashed out at Avery. It was all pretty quick. Watching the replay, yeah, it was a soft touch to Varly by Avery, and probably not worth a penalty, but meh.
But yeah, if he’s gonna take it, then he shoulda knocked him down harder.
Reminded me a bit of Backstrom’s “crosscheck” penalty against Minnesota last Friday…it was a love tap and he got 2 mins for it.
One thing I love about Erskine, regardless of how much more muscle he could have put into that hit, is how protective he is of Varly. It’s very big-brotherly.
It’s very big-brotherly.
Which is nice, but it’s also a whole bunch of PIMs waiting to happen.
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, but Erskine’s always been a big body with PIM-ly goodness baked right in. At least he uses it in protection of someone…occasionally.
Yeah. I was taking a shot at myself that wasn’t apparent. My brother used to be the goalie on my team. I brought some big-brotherly crease protection and sat quite a bit for it.
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’m not sure you can chalk it up to instinct. Erskine cross checked him once or twice softly and once that didn’t have the desired affect, he hit him a lot harder and sent him flying. Looked like a conscious decision to me.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 18, 2009 11:32 AM EST up reply actions
The Rags didnt score on that PP
but they did on the following one. I have no problem with what Erskine did. The look on Avery’s face, the incredulous “did you see what he did to me” gape, makes me want to kill.
by S h a g g y on Nov 18, 2009 11:21 AM EST up reply actions
is that correct? It doesn’t seem possible that Big Mo could have played so few minutes without everyone else getting well above 20.
I had the same thought, so I brought out the trusty Calculator on my computer. Adding up all 6 d-men, you expect a total around 120 minutes, minus Ovechkin/Morrison on the point for PPs. I got 113:16 of total minutes, making me pretty sure these numbers are accurate.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 17, 2009 11:59 PM EST up reply actions
Here’s the raw TOI. Caps had 7 power plays (!), so if a forward played point it’s possible that the numbers add up.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 18, 2009 12:00 AM EST up reply actions
Yup. They had 7 shots on goal during the power play. I read the wrong row.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 18, 2009 12:43 AM EST up reply actions
one that leaps at me from the TOI sheet
is Greenie’s shifts in the 2nd period…he played 6 mins 31 secs in the nine-minute stretch spanning 13:40 to 4:16, including a shift over three minutes(!)… there was PP time in there but still, I remember thinking, “Why is Green still out there???” He looked dead tired and there were moments where the Rangers had a half-chance or two because he was a step slow. BB, let’s not burn him out in a November game!
by DonnieKnutts on Nov 18, 2009 12:33 AM EST up reply actions
This really is getting out of control. The team simply cannot be benefitting from that kind of shift length.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 18, 2009 12:44 AM EST up reply actions
Mike Green a step slow is still one of the fastest guys on the ice. I’m not saying the shift length is ok, just marveling at Green’s skating ability.
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...
it’s true but it wasn’t so much skating that was an issue, he just looked tired and was getting muscled around in our zone.
by DonnieKnutts on Nov 18, 2009 12:59 AM EST up reply actions
Watching Green skate live and make great plays look simple with his speed is really impressive. He just gets to the puck and is gone before anyone else can get there.
The greatest trick that Green ever pulled, is convincing the world he doesn’t play defense.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Nov 18, 2009 2:16 AM EST up reply actions 6 recs
Morrisonn, Perreault, and Fehr all sat for the last 16:55 of the game.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Nov 18, 2009 12:07 AM EST up reply actions
So MP and Fehr did get a shift in the third? I don’t remember seeing them out there once the whole period. I can’t remember them after they got caught on a long shift and iced the puck and made BB waste the time 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...
Oh man, I really hope BB didn’t bench MP and Fehr for their play. MP makes one mistake and gets benched, while Semin is allowed to coast for games at a time and see no consequences? Please tell me that’s not the case.
MP is a rookie with fewer than 10 games experience. He’s just not on Semin’s level. I’m more concerned with MP being lumped in with Fehr so much.
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 really did not like MP and Fehr on the same line
by ns on Nov 18, 2009 9:27 AM EST up reply actions
ShaMo didn’t play at all after 3:05 of the third. He may have gotten nicked up or something. I don’t think he did anything that would warrant being benched. He played two long shifts in the first half of the second (including one of 2:01 which included a PK and an icing) and after that he had only 4 more shifts for about 2 1/2 minutes.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 18, 2009 1:21 PM EST up reply actions
returned from MSG – felt real good to be there (frankly, i’ve always been gunshy since seeing Jagr’s ankle injury from the 100’s)
Score before Bradley drops ’em: 0-1
Score after Bradley drops ’em: 4-1
I never understand why coaches tolerate players fighting while winning games. Just stupid. Win, lose or draw, it never seems to fail to put some life into the trailing team.
Random thoughts – Clark is a terrible addition to the top line. Dumping and chasing makes Ovie have nice Hits stateline and all, but i really didn’t think that line generated much ES offense. That said, Clark on PP2 is starting to grow on me. It engages him, and an engaged Clark is a better Clark.
Obviously Bradley must have won his fight because the Caps played better after.
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...
One might recall a certain Maxime Talbot…?
by DrinkingPartner on Nov 18, 2009 7:29 AM EST up reply actions
Except Clark has now earned the 1st line right wing slot by default since the main contenders for that role are currently down with injuries.
So MP and Fehr got benched for the third. Are we going to talk about this?
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...
It seems that if the game is close, Boudreau prefers to go to a 3-line 2-D Pairing rotation, rather than equal shifts. Also, it must be stated that any line with Fehr, no matter which line it’s numbered pre-game, during the game is line four.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuwirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 18, 2009 12:09 AM EST up reply actions
I think Fehr ran accidentally over Bruce’s dog.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Nov 18, 2009 12:15 AM EST up reply actions
Replace “accidentally” with “repeatedly” and “dog” with “son.”
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 18, 2009 12:18 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
TEB’s run-down of Laing’s back luck (and other goodies in that link that didn’t make the print article):
For those keeping score at home, Laing has now suffered a torn spleen, contracted swine flu and sustained a broken jaw in the past in nine months. (He also walks with a permanent limp, presumably from blocking all those shots).
He left out the part where Laing will smile, and tell you it’s all worth it.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuwirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 18, 2009 12:10 AM EST up reply actions
Speaking of smile… I know it wasn’t in the last 9 months, but don’t forget the chicklets lost when taking a puck in the mouth. He had one of the great hockey smiles at one point.
DC, where Hockey is a baffling ordeal.
by Chris meet Alex on Nov 18, 2009 1:02 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Ovechkin got a goal, and it might have been a good thing he got it from the middle of the ice. This is what can happen with the Ovechkin Leap
If you've read this far...seek help.
If/when that happens, I hope it’s in Philly.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuwirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 18, 2009 12:12 AM EST up reply actions
I don’t. Those thugs would probably stab Ovie if he landed in the stands.
/I’m from Philly
"Let the rest be scared of us." - Emo Bunny Sasha Semin
by Scott in Shaw on Nov 18, 2009 1:56 PM EST up reply actions
Alex Ovechkin – 1 SOG, 1 G
Brooks Laich – 1 SOG, 1 G
Matt Bradley – 1 SOG, 1 G
Brian Pothier – 2 SOG, 1 G
SO FЯIENDS, IS BATTLE NOW.
Pothier sucks. He clearly can’t shoot the puck.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 18, 2009 9:25 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Chalk up another report from MSG
If it were up to me Beagle would get the hardhat (and a bullet point). Guy was a demon on the forecheck and crashing the net to create chances, exactly what you want from your energy players. Yet another Hershey call up stepping in and doing a great job filling their role.
Although the numbers don’t look great, but Lundqvist kept this game from being a blowout early.
Rangers fans have an unhealthy amount of love for Avery. Even if he wasn’t on the ice they’d still bitch about how he would get a penalty after every Caps hit (at least in my section, which it sounds like isn’t an outlier).
I definitely saw a lot more Caps jerseys around MSG than in the past. Rangers fans were also far more civil than I’ve ever seen them for Caps games. Made for a strangely low key experience cheering for the visitor in NY.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
Forgot to add, I hope BB doesn’t abandon using AO down low on the PP. Even though AO got his goal from the point the other PP’s looked promising.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Nov 18, 2009 1:42 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Tickets are more expensive now so you are getting many more people who aren’t as hardcore. Damn shame it is.
I have a blog too! www.scottyhockey.com
Let's Go Rangers!
by Scotty Hockey on Nov 18, 2009 10:43 PM EST up reply actions
That’s probably part of it, but I went to the Phoenix game at MSG and caught more shit as a neutral observer wearing a Colgate jersey than I did wearing a Caps jersey last night.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Nov 19, 2009 2:20 AM EST up reply actions
Okay, that Marian Gaborik guy is pretty good. His game-tying goal in the third was one that only a handful of guys in the league could have gotten – although one of them had a nice view of it from the visiting team’s bench.
you’re absolutely right, that was an alex semin goal if ever i’ve seen one.
snark revision: what are you talking about, alex semin was back home in DC for tonight’s game!
by Natty Bumppo on Nov 18, 2009 3:33 AM EST up reply actions
I have one question, and I guess it’s somewhat rhetorical, but do NHL referees even bother to watch Sean Avery? There should be a League directive to mandate “blow the whistle, immediately locate and watch Avery.” Dude’s a joke.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 18, 2009 7:25 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
If Ameritel could pay a salary for one dedicated ref all year, I could get behind it.
"I'm just doing karate and trying to get females pregnant."
by Bald Pollack on Nov 18, 2009 7:34 AM EST up reply actions
Maybe they could just assign the job to one of the triplets.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 18, 2009 7:57 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Maybe the refs don’t do this, buy I sure do. There was plenty of John Erskine putting him on his ass/face last night, which is lovely.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 18, 2009 8:00 AM EST up reply actions
Unintentional, but appropriate nonetheless.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 18, 2009 8:13 AM EST up reply actions
They do know quality.
"I'm just doing karate and trying to get females pregnant."
by Bald Pollack on Nov 18, 2009 8:24 AM EST up reply actions
Thank you for opening the door. But it wasn’t just Avery last night. We were watching for him, but the late hits after the whistle being allowed last night were atrocious. Then the ONE they decide to call was retaliatory for Avery elbowing Varly in the head AGAIN.
Avery’s game has no place in this sport. I have yet to see him stand up for himself when he plays the brand of hockey he’s best known for. We heard last spring how often he was challenged by caps players to fight in the playoffs and refused. The abuse he took from Erskine last night, to any other tough guy/bully in the league would have not been tolerated. Instead, Avery likes to collapse at any contact and stare up at the ref’s with that cry-baby face on asking for anything he can get.
I’m never a fan of somebody getting hurt, except in this case. The league needs to start treating this jackass like Darcy Tucker. Hell, we’ve got enough players, I’d be willing to lose one to a 10 game suspension of someone would drive his head into the boards, just once. Someone get Simon on the phone, Avery needs a good asskicking (literally).
I like to use my wife as a good example for things like this. She’s very passionate about her rooting for the Caps, and is actively trying to learn the game. Watching the game last night, she asked me, simply, “Why does Avery get away with that crap?” (referring to the late hits after the whistle and the elbow to Varly’s head)… My reply was simply… “cause the ref’s didn’t see it…”
The WWE analogy is a great one. And part of the reason I’d be all for giving the goal judges the ability to “even” the playing field during roughing/fighting penalty sorting-out time and instances where majors should be assessed. We’d then be able to rid the game of Avery (for good, since he can’t do anything else but be an ass), and we’d also have somebody to blame when 3rd-man-in, instigator and crotch punching goes uncalled.
Avery’s game has no place in this sport
Unfortunately that’s not really true. He’s not the only guy that plays like that. What doesn’t belong in the game is Avery’s off-ice bullshit. There are plenty of guys that make a living pissing off other players and toeing the line. Do you want to kick all of them out of the league? Or just Avery because he is particularly effective?
He doesn’t fight much but he did fight for Steve Ott in that ridiculous BOS game. People often overlook that. Avery may not fight enough, but he’s not the worst offender.
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...
Avery’s game has a place in the game. He’s just a douche :P
Dallas Stars 4 Life: Stars Blogging From Hockeyville, Iowa
by Brad_Richards_Rocks on Nov 18, 2009 11:06 AM EST up reply actions
The league needs to start treating this jackass like Darcy Tucker.
Avery is a jackass, and I will tell you that what he does on the ice is annoying, childish, and pitiful. But while he is all of those things, I don’t see Avery actually doing half the cheap stuff that Darcy Tucker does. Avery needles people, gets under their skin with words, with the occaisonal shove or face wash, but rarely does it get too physical (for NHL standards, he’s not the biggest guy out there, and there are a lot of guys who will beat the crap out of him if he starts something physical.) His goal is to goad the other guy into a roughing penalty, and if he can do that, it’s a plus for his team.
Tucker is different. Tucker will hit from behind, slash the back of opponet’s legs, go after folks with head shots, etc. Tucker is a dirty player in that he’s trying to injure opposing players, while Avery is trying to goad the opponent into doing something irrational.
A big difference. Avery’s game, while annoying and immature, has a place in the NHL, and what opponents need to do is ignore his antics and focus on his actual play (he’s actually a decent player too). Tucker’s game has no place in the NHL…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 18, 2009 1:28 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
on the telecast last night, they were discussing the quality of the AHL, and Hershey in particular, and said that 23 of the 25 guys on the Caps roster played in the AHL at some point. Interesting. I also couldn’t help but note that MP, Beagle, Laing, Varly, and several others were all either AHL regulars last season, or started the season riding the bus. Simply remarkable.
Nicklas Backstrom
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Nov 18, 2009 10:42 AM EST up reply actions
As for my comments on the game:
I thought our D was great for most of the game. Minus a 5 min stretch at the beginning of Periods 1 and 3. Speaking of which, I hope to hell Shamoo is hurt, cause if BB benched him cause he doesn’t have eyes in the back of his head on Gabby’s 1st goal, I’m gonna be upset. My sights were set squarely on Schultz for his failure to cover the Rag’s best player in front of the net. (He had a good game after that).
While Bradley stole the show, the 10/83/53 (and later the 10/39/53) line was getting their asses handed to them 5 on 5 most of the night. When the Rags were getting extended zone time, it always seemed to be that FWD line that was out there. Very uncharacteristic of that line… I’m not worried.
Ref’s are letting players get away with murder in the faceoff dot. They’ve let Crosby get away with it since he entered the league, and there’s now a trickle-down effect to the point where Beag’s illegal draws were being ignored last night. Rule says you have to be square to the other end of the ice. That’s why those right-angles are on either side of the dot. If you’re not square, linesman should toss your ass out. Crosby should be tossed from just about every dot. Beagle was doing it most of the night last night (and winning draws). A guy who’s not square will win a draw vs a guy who is just about every draw. It’s equivalent to offsides in football and gives the un-square guy the box-out advantage. (Note, 15+39… always square.)
Finally…
Made an error on previous magic number posting.
Magic number for the SE is 61, or, all of our remaining games. Damn those Thrash.
Observations From My Sofa (as opposed to Section 421)
1) There are, at most 10 players in the NHL that work as hard or harder than Matt Bradley. Very few players get as much from their talent as he does. I am so glad he’s on this team.
2) One of the up-to-10 players that work harder than Brads is Alex Ovechkin. His first game back he scores the first Caps goal, creates a number of other chances, and in one segment, knocked over two Rangers (Girardi and someone else) to get the puck from the corner.
3) David Steckel is soooo snakebit, you’d think he was Viktor Kozlov. He’s still great on the dot though.
4) Love how Nick stood up for himself with Callahan.
5) O Donald Brashear, we hardly knew ye…. was he even out there for more than one shift?
6) If Quintin Laing were a TV show, he’d be a medical drama; If he were a song, he’s be a county/western song. What did this guy do to have karma like this? Get well soon, Quint, and get a bigger boat.
7) Good catch by the Joes in the booth about Varly not sticking to the post. Marion Gaborik saw it too and that led to the Rangers second goal. Sure most players don’t make that shot, but Marion Gaborik isn’t most players….
This was one of the best games the Caps have played. To hold the Rangers to 20 shots on goal in their place is pretty damn impressive, and the Caps did control the flow of the game for most of the time. If they play this way against most teams in the league, they’ll win. This was a great effort from everyone.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 18, 2009 1:14 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
What did this guy do to have karma like this?
Leap in front of hard rubber objects traveling at high velocity?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 18, 2009 1:31 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
That does explain some of the stuff, but it doesn’t explain swine flu… unless there’s a rogue puck out there carrying the H1N1 virus…
Has anyone explored if it’s possible to spread a virus from puck to human contact? ;-)
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 18, 2009 2:14 PM EST up reply actions
We’ve also speculated that his compromised immune system due to his spleen issues might have had something to do with contracting H1N1. So in a way, his reckless style of play contributed to him getting the flu…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 18, 2009 7:00 PM EST up reply actions
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