Saturday Caps Clips: Too Little, Too Late; Caps @ Maple Leafs Game Day
by J.P. on Nov 21, 2009 9:30 AM EST
in Caps Clips
32 comments
Your savory breakfast links:
- Recaps and other assorted musings on last night's loss from Corey (blog, article), Tarik (blog, article), Vogs, Washington Examiner, Joe B., Ed Frankovic, OFB, Fight for Old DC and Tic Tac Toe Hockey (pictures).
- Preview of tonight's Caps/Leafs tilt from NHL.com, and be sure to check out our SB Nation partner (and good buddies) Pension Plan Puppets for the very best coverage from the other side of tonight's match up.
- Is Alex Ovechkin the best left wing in NHL history? Proteau says yes, Pelletier says not so fast. Gotta give a fellow JP the nod on this one.
- Very cool behind-the-scenes stuff from Hockey Night in Canada's Jim Hughson prepping for tonight's game. [CBC]
- Interesting question: Does star power matter for the NHL in the U.S.? To bring it home a bit, I'll ask this: If the Caps had the same record and recent success but had done so without Alex Ovechkin, would there be as much interest in the team? [Puck Daddy]
- Tomas Fleischmann gets a little recognition from Pierre LeBrun. [ESPN]
- A nice look at Chris Clark's resurgence from OFB's intern. Sidenote: OFB's intern needs to negotiate a new title, one that doesn't have "OFB's" or "intern" in it. [OFB]
- George McPhee did a phoner with Toronto's sports radio station yesterday and touched on a number of topics, including his change of heart regarding head shots (spoiler alert: it's pretty much because he's now got kids playing the game). [FAN590 (audio)]
- Today (or yesterday) in Matt Bradley Week news: a feature as FanHouse's Fight of the Week. [FanHouse]
- AO is Russia's third-richest athlete. [Alex Ovetjkin]
- The Caps will hold their first "Caps Care Casino Night" in January, "where fans will be able to mix and mingle with the entire team along with coaches, alumni and owners." My guess is that Caps alum Rick Tocchet will not be there. [Capitals]
- And a good time was had by all at Hockey n' Heels. [Hockey Mom, OFB]
- The cases for and against five countries winning the gold in Vancouver. [The Hockey News]
- Some interesting stuff from Sergei Fedorov (including a couple of mentions of old Caps teammates), who's still making headlines in North America from an ocean away. [Hot Ice]
- Finally, in case you're wondering, the Caps have visited Toronto for a Hockey Night in Canada twice since the lockout and won both games (December 23, 2006 and December 6, 2008).
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We should be calling Alzner up from Hershey for this one. You know – HNIC, Toronto, stars all in alignment, etc.
I have as many wins in a Capitals uniform as Michael Belhumeur does.
by marky narc on Nov 21, 2009 9:41 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Calling Alzner is something that can happen if one of our injured guys can go on LTIR.
by CapsFan75 on Nov 21, 2009 11:09 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Reading OFB’s game summary reminded me of my first impression of Carlson in a Caps uniform. He seemed slow. Not mentally, he seemed to be making good decisions, and wasn’t noticeably hesitating, it just seemed like he just wasn’t fast enough to compete in open ice. That was a bit disappointing since the word was his skating was pretty good. It was especially apparent in that one odd man rush where he couldn’t catch up to his man and Fehr saved the play with a good backchecking lift check from behind the guy in the slot.
By the end of the game however, I seemed to have forgotten that impression. Either I had taken a few isolated incidences out of context, or Carlson sped up. I have a feeling that it might have taken a little mental readjustment on his part. In the AHL he can probably almost coast as fast as most guys can skate. In the NHL he had to adapt to the fact that everyone is probably as fast as he is and he has to hustle every play, and not put himself in situations where he has to catch up.
by HateOffSeason on Nov 21, 2009 9:43 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
From Ed Frankovic
Ovechkin needs to realize that he is going to face a wall of defenders when he comes down the left wing and figure out a way to give up the puck before hitting massive traffic. Some simple give and go type of plays could open things up for these two guys (Ovechkin and Semin) and get the defense more off balance. The moves Ovechkin makes are becoming predictable to defend.
I was at the game and this is exactly what it looked like the issue was for Ovie.
by kfjje on Nov 21, 2009 9:48 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Ovie looked flat to me. There were shifts where he just didn’t look like he had any energy, and it wasn’t even the end of the shift, but pretty much the beginning. Other times he looked like he was playing hard. Something was amiss, for sure.
by terpgrrl on Nov 21, 2009 9:52 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
This has kind of been my issue with Ovechkin since last year. He would fly into the zone, 1v3, and with most of his support still trying to enter the zone to help, he would rip a shot and off we would go the other way.
At least last year he scored a bit this way. This year he isn’t. It is way too predictable, too easy to defend, and negates any reason for us to put the most talented people around him on the first line. If he wants to just singlehandedly try to beat teams (and so scary talented and physical that sometimes he does) we should center him with Steckel with Sloan on the other wing. Win the faceoffs for him, then have a defensive line out there for when the puck comes roaring back out of the opponents zone after one shot and zero pressure.
For a guy that likes to forecheck, and #8 obviously does with his high energy and huge hits in the offensive zone, it is a shame that often he puts himself in situations where he can’t use that part of his game. Hell, I wouldn’t even mind seeing him dump and chase against the trap, as long as the rest of his line is in the same general area so that they can help him out.
Or unless Perrault is out there to man people off the pucks in the corner and feed it back out into the slot.
by HateOffSeason on Nov 21, 2009 10:00 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I love MP and I’ve withheld calling for him to be playing with AO. That’s a huge reward that I don’t necessarily think you earn in ~10 NHL games. But MP is the cure to the AO one on three. MP is more likely to be carrying the puck, opens more space in the offensive zone than any other player not named AO, and can make those short passes to open men as well as almost anyone. I’d like to see AO let MP carry the puck more and just roam the zone like a shark looking for open ice to get a shot off.
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 21, 2009 2:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Would that line have Backstrom as center and MP at wing or Perrlault-cho cinco at center?
by hockeyman33 on Nov 21, 2009 2:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Probably move MP to wing so there is still a defensively responsible center on the 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 21, 2009 2:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
better than matt bradley at wing. sheesh.
by Natty Bumppo on Nov 21, 2009 5:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I read that lovefest on OFB for Chris Clark and cringed. Yeah, Chris has worked hard to come back from his injuries, he’s not afraid to mix it up and he competes every night, but , skill-wise, he’s clearly not the player he was three years ago. He’s got one goal in 22 games, has the worst plus/minus on the team and is tied for the most PIMs among forwards. Numbers aside, he he just doesn’t contribute much offensively. There’s a definite place for him on this team, but it’s no longer on the first two lines.
by b.orr4 on Nov 21, 2009 9:54 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Does star power matter for the NHL in the U.S.?
Are hockey fans human?
A nice look at Chris Clark’s resurgence from OFB’s intern.
Chris, you can do better! (Besides, aren’t you married already?)
George McPhee did a phoner with Toronto’s sports radio station yesterday and touched on a number of topics, including his change of heart regarding head shots (spoiler alert: it’s pretty much because he’s now got kids playing the game).
Yup — Matty Perrault, John Carlson, Varlamov, Neuvirth….
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 21, 2009 10:01 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
Funny, I was thinking to make that remark.
by gfcaps fan on Nov 21, 2009 11:38 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No Laing = No Heart
Just 6 more weeks.
Actually the last 5 minutes or so were quite exciting.
by Greg.O on Nov 21, 2009 11:34 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
So wait, with everyone else out, Laing was the last straw and we should expect awful play until the New Year? I buy that. No wait, I don’t.
I know everyone loves him and all, but Laing is a 4th line guy who plays good ES defense, and shot blocking aside, he’s not pulling his weight on a PK that’s already pretty weak.
"I'm just doing karate and trying to get females pregnant."
by Bald Pollack on Nov 21, 2009 12:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, Laing has got heart, but I haven’t seen much special out of him this year. Besides, minus the game last night, Ovi has hart too
by hockeyman33 on Nov 21, 2009 1:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
As long as we’re not forcing shots from awful angles and going for stuff attempts when the chance clearly isn’t there, I’ll feel better tonight. Also, the “backhanded pass with no look into space” needs to stop if there’s no player there. Last night was ugly. Good time to bounce back.
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 21, 2009 11:56 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Slightly off topic — did anyone else donate blood at the Caps’ blood drive today? It’s been a while since I was able to do so, but I don’t remember my arm ever hurting so much afterwards. Damn vampires screwed up, I guess.
by gfcaps fan on Nov 21, 2009 12:05 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Ugh, I wanted to, but since I spent time in Guatemala less than a year ago, I can’t give blood again until next summer.
"My face is my mask."
by jakeshapiro on Nov 21, 2009 12:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I just got back! It depends on the individual taking the blood. My last two were with the Red Cross, and one I had someone just learning, he took 2 tries to get the needle right, ouch no fun.
"And next year it will be ours."
by Ovechwin on Nov 21, 2009 12:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
In related news, I love the parking thing at kettler. Even if it did make me feel a bit queasy after.
"And next year it will be ours."
by Ovechwin on Nov 21, 2009 12:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You mean the express exit? I’ve learned to love it and hate not using it.
by gfcaps fan on Nov 21, 2009 12:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yep, it’s kinda fun, it’s better than normal parking garages.
"And next year it will be ours."
by Ovechwin on Nov 21, 2009 12:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I think the problems were with the tourniquet. Had to be adjusted several times and therefore the whole process took twice as long as it should have. But I signed up for the next one, anyway. This was I’m at least committed in advance to do this more than once a year.
by gfcaps fan on Nov 21, 2009 12:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I’m going to have some bruises. Even more OT, they really need to figure out what to do with that space at Kettler. Does anyone know if they have any plans for it? The poor Red Cross folks were trying to find our veins in the dark. Now if they were really vampires…
"You punch him, he punches you, and you hope you get the best of it." - Matt Bradley
by mercurialwinger on Nov 21, 2009 4:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
From Puck Daddy's list of 10 Best Teams to not win the Cup in the last decade
9. Washington Capitals
While the basement days during the middle of this decade might be remembered more by fans, earlier in the decade the Caps were playoff guests two out of the three seasons after their Stanley Cup appearance in 1998. The Jaromir Jagr(notes) acquisition from Pittsburgh should have been a boost for the franchise (especially after the back of pucks sent to the Penguins in exchange), but the Czech native’s poor attitude derailed the Caps after just one playoff appearance in his Washington tenure.
Like the lean years seen in Pittsburgh, Washington’s tough times paid off in the long run as they were able to draft Alex Ovechkin(notes) and Mike Green(notes) among the rest of the current supporting cast that has brought the franchise back to “contender” status.
Four Southeast Division titles, five playoff appearances, but just once have they advanced past the first round (last season). With a solid core and budding young goaltender, there’s good reason to believe that the dark days that haunted the franchise post-Jagr will not return for a long while.
I like our chances the next decade, but you gotta work for it – harder than last night . . .
by kfjje on Nov 21, 2009 1:50 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Please God, oh please God, can’t the Caps win at least one Stanley Cup while Ovi is still on their roster. Preferably before the 2013-2014 season.
by CapsFan75 on Nov 21, 2009 4:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
A. Gordon
I’m looking forward to his debut tonight. I guess that means Sloan will be playing “defense.”
by DebCapsFan on Nov 21, 2009 3:01 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
which he did pretty seamlessly last night after Poti got hurt.
by RedBirdie on Nov 21, 2009 4:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
PPP’s game preview:
Capitals at Leafs: Hide
I hope the Caps give ’em a reason to tonight.
by hockeyman33 on Nov 21, 2009 4:58 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Please, no more Ovie in front. Half-boards or point please.
by Jarmo55 on Nov 21, 2009 5:06 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 4:15 AM EST)
Certain photos copyright © 2010 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
