Recap: Caps 4, Hurricanes 3 (OT)
by David Getz on Dec 11, 2009 10:37 PM EST
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In a nutshell, the story of tonight's game was pressure. For the game's first thirty minutes (and then some) the Capitals weren't generating much in the way of sustained offense because they weren't making things nearly difficult enough for the Hurricanes. Carolina was allowed time to clear the puck out of their own end, to skate through the neutral zone, and to move the puck deep in Caps territory without too much resistance - and that's simply not going to win you many hockey games. Every team in the NHL has enough skill that they're not going to makes mistakes if you don't pressure them, and it's awfully hard to win when you let the other team do what they want. On one hand you can be frustrated it took the Caps so long to ramp up the pressure they needed to. On the other hand you can be happy they were able to do it - because that's imposing your will in your opponent, and that's what great teams do.
Ten additional notes on tonight's game:
- First things first: if anyone knows the story behind the guy dressed as an astronaut at tonight's game, lay it on us. Please.
- Friday night/Saturday morning Pick 'Em: More Impressive: Alexander Semin's ability to put a puck in a teacup from fifty feet away or his incredible poise in front of the net?
- Speaking of Semin, his first goal was created by a nifty blue line keep-in on the part of Jeff Schultz. Goes to show why discounting the secondary assist can be a mistake. Plus it almost makes up for Schultz doing...whatever it was he was doing on the play that led to Eric Staal's goal.
- The Capitals had 40 shots on goal tonight. The Hurricanes attempted 37.
- We've been pretty vocal about the number of hard hits Mike Green has taken this year and whether or not something needs to be done to try and dissuade opposing players from taking those liberties. Well, if Green is going to respond to getting hit hard like he did tonight, maybe we'll pipe down (though we will note that there's no reason to wait to get hit before you start dishing them out, Greenie).
- I don't care who you are, taking a puck off the mouth and coming back to the game to score a shorthanded, game-trying goal on a wicked slapshot off a nice interception is simply bad ass.
- You can critique Chris Clark's play, be frustrated with his offensive output, wonder if he's worth his cap hit, and even question if he should relinquish the captaincy, but you can't not love the fact that he doesn't take any crap from anybody. Ever.
- If you're trying look for answers as to why Tomas Fleischmann either seems to be invisible or generating high quality scoring chances, look at his play away from the puck. When he's moving, he creates chances. When he isn't, he doesn't.
- Fans in attendance got their money's worth tonight. I mean, it's not too often you see seven goals in a game played under pre-lockout rules.
- It was only forty degrees out today - how could the ice possibly be as bad as it seemed?
Tomorrow the boys will be up in Canada to take on the Leafs in a Hockey Night in Canada show down. Here's hoping they used that energy they saved in the first half of tonight's game to pull out a win.
Game highlights:
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It’s OT then a shootout, but I forget how long OT is. Not 20 minutes I don’t think. 10 or 5.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Dec 11, 2009 10:49 PM EST up reply actions
What’s to mention. Seemed like typical Theo tonight.
by Yoshietree on Dec 11, 2009 10:45 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I’ve gone on record as a Theo defender, but i’m on my last for him. It was a Three-or-more night.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 11, 2009 11:47 PM EST up reply actions
The team really can’t afford for him to need another mental health break right now. He needs to right the ship.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
Maybe so, but it’s more because the Caps are the highest scoring team in the league. They’ll get by, but good Theo makes for happier Caps fans. .842 sv % tonight isn’t cutting it.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
That’s exactly my point. Despite all of Theo’s flaws and holes, the team still wins with him in net. Does it cut it to be the team’s true #1? Absoletly not. But he plays well enough to win. Go look up Grant Fuhr.
I know teams have won the Cup in the past with a question mark at goalie. But IMO the path to the Cup is much easier if you have confidence in your guy between the pipes. I have confidence in Theo to win more often than not. When you’re backstopping the Caps that is inevitable because they score so much. Do I have confidence in him to steal a 2-1 game from the Penguins in game 7 when we’re out shot 30-20? Absolutely not? More importantly does the team? All it takes in the playoffs is a softy like the second one tonight, at the wrong time, and a series is suddenly in jeopardy.
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Dec 12, 2009 12:40 AM EST up reply actions
Different era, but I get your point. It makes for less stress if he can wait until the team has scored a few before letting them in.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
Point granted. But on most nights he plays, he makes enough saves to give the team a chance to win. Will he steal games for the team? ……maybe 2-3 a season. But the way this team is built, he doesn’t need to in the regular season and one hopes that he won’t have to be in any games in the playoffs. Despite all of his flaws, to include looking like swiss cheese at times, he’s doing (and has done) an admirable job at what he was brough in to do….be a place holder for Varly and Neurvith.
I think this is fair enough. It’s important to remember that he was never intended to be the franchise’s long-term solution in goal; that was and is Varly and Neuvirth. I want to see how Neuvirth does this week, since I have to figure on him getting at least one start this week.
Yes, I’m frustrated and concerned by last night’s performance, but only in the short term. Fortunately, the Sharks lost last night in an 11-round shootout. (No, I couldn’t sleep.) Yes, I realize that the top of the standings doesn’t matter in the playoffs, but it still gives me warm fuzzies dammit. I’m hoping Theodore can hold down the fort until Varly gets back, but what I saw last night was …. meh.
Unleash the Alex!
the top of the standings doesn’t matter in the playoffs
Until you get to the Cup finals, right? I know we’re a long, long, way away, but every little bit will help if we get there.
No, agreed, but ask the Sharks how much the President’s Trophy helps in the playoffs.
Unleash the Alex!
Home ice certainly helps against really good teams like PIT and CHI and DET.
At the end of the day it helps, but not having home-ice doesn’t mean it’s the end of the world, I think you’re trying to say. Playing hot at the right time is more important than having been better.
by red army line on Dec 12, 2009 8:20 AM EST up reply actions
Well, without home ice we could’ve seen PIT in 5 or something. Didn’t help enough, but I don’t doubt that it did help.
by red army line on Dec 12, 2009 10:06 AM EST up reply actions
well he wasnt bad
that first goal wasn’t really his fault (fleischmann got beat at center ice) and the shorty was a bullet to his to blocker side so you can’t really blame him for poor play.
by twistedlogic on Dec 12, 2009 12:38 AM EST up reply actions
The blame isn’t entirely on him; certainly that much is true. But I think we’re all expecting a bit more of Theodore than he delivered last night. A good goalie makes all the stops he should make and a few of the ones he shouldn’t, and Theodore did neither, IMO.
I think what it comes down to is that he’s good enough in the regular season, because the Caps score as prolifically as they do. But okay play isn’t going to cut it come playoffs time, and that’s what matters.
Unleash the Alex!
awww well i admit he should have made the stop on that staal goal but the first goal? that was a perfectly executed 2 on 1. marty brodeur wouldn’t have stopped that. plus the stick save he made on staal later in the game was a great stop. with all of the odd man rushes carolina had early, they could have gone up by a lot more than 2 goals.
by twistedlogic on Dec 12, 2009 9:44 AM EST up reply actions
Well done DMG. The shot was more impressive than the poise, but the poise with no time to spare was impressive.
Fans in attendance got their money’s worth tonight. I mean, it’s not too often you see seven goals in a game played under pre-lockout rules.
Perfect. What was going on out there? At least it was consistent but it was also absurd.
Has Gleason played his way on to Team USA yet?
Great observation on the effect pressure (and the lack thereof) can have on a game.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
Along with what DMG said, the play Gleason made on Semin’s breakaway at the end of the 2nd was excellent, rebound aside and all.
"After the Cold War, the AK-47 became Russia's biggest export. After that came vodka, caviar, and suicidal novelists (and a couple good hockey players)."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 11, 2009 11:01 PM EST up reply actions
Oh, no, I thought the poise was more impressive — it’s the thing we’re not always sure Semin has. Everyone knows about the hard, accurate wrist shot, but we’re never entirely sure if we’re going to see perseverance and drive in the crease as the period is dying. It’s the quantum leap between being good and being committed.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Dec 11, 2009 11:46 PM EST up reply actions
I can see your position, but his patience and poise with the puck was there. He lost the puck on the rush and Ward poked it right back to him. All he had to do was not Jizz his pants and play it cool. The shot from distance. Wow.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
Eh, maybe.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Dec 12, 2009 12:21 AM EST up reply actions
It was Stephen Walkom and Don Van Massenhoeven — a couple of old-school dinnosaurs who didn’t get the memo that the league is trying to open things up and, well, call the rule book.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Dec 11, 2009 11:48 PM EST up reply actions
Just got home from the game, great time!
Can’t tell you why the spaceman was dressed the way he is. I can tell you he won fan of the game.
Theo looked really slow, and I was sitting at the other end of the ice.
Good Sasha was on full display tonight. If only he could play like that 82 games a year plus playoffs.
Cam Ward was out of his mind most of the night.
That was a sick play by MP to set up Flash.
The ice was terrible. Any word on when Ted gets full control over VC?
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Dec 11, 2009 10:52 PM EST reply actions
Major Tom to Ground Control
Nice CCCP sweater over to the left…
ALEX, FЯEE
by EmilyB on Dec 11, 2009 10:54 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Whenever anyone says that DC is a hockeytown, I’ll reference this and the red bodysuit guy and say that DC has a large chunk of fans of the spectacle rather than fans of the game.
"After the Cold War, the AK-47 became Russia's biggest export. After that came vodka, caviar, and suicidal novelists (and a couple good hockey players)."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 11, 2009 11:03 PM EST up reply actions
People dont make a spectacle of themselves in hockeytown? Not buying it.
by redlineblue on Dec 11, 2009 11:29 PM EST up reply actions
I’m guessing it’s not on a regular basis, no.
"After the Cold War, the AK-47 became Russia's biggest export. After that came vodka, caviar, and suicidal novelists (and a couple good hockey players)."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 11, 2009 11:36 PM EST up reply actions
2 guesses left!
Hockeytown gerrymandering cracks me up. 15000 people know 15 TV cameras will be at the game, and you can tell ‘what kind of town’ this is based on what one NASA-lover wore to the game?
Mayor of hockeytown lilbit Grinchy.
by redlineblue on Dec 11, 2009 11:47 PM EST up reply actions
It’s not just one game I’m referring to, but good on you for taking things out of context.
"After the Cold War, the AK-47 became Russia's biggest export. After that came vodka, caviar, and suicidal novelists (and a couple good hockey players)."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 11, 2009 11:53 PM EST up reply actions
Green should play wingah?
"After the Cold War, the AK-47 became Russia's biggest export. After that came vodka, caviar, and suicidal novelists (and a couple good hockey players)."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 11, 2009 11:37 PM EST up reply actions
Major Tom?
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Dec 11, 2009 11:48 PM EST up reply actions
His poise down the boards and anticipation followed by a perfectly accurate pass certainly was impressive.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
He’s gonna need to take a discount. Someone will offer a nice raise after seeing this year.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
Seems to me like he’s old enough to put value in winning over money. Plus, I don’t think he’ll have more talented linemates on any other team (unless he’s a #1C). No doubt it’s fun to go out with Ovechkin/Semin almost every shift.
Maybe that’s me being realistic, maybe it’s wishful thinking. Would be nice to have him back.
by red army line on Dec 12, 2009 4:32 AM EST up reply actions
We’ll see what he says and does. Remember that he actively wanted to come here when he found out that Washington was interested, and I have to think that he likes it here thus far. There’s still over half a season to play yet plus any postseason that might come our way, and play in the postseason is going to make a difference in contracts.
Unleash the Alex!
Caps can afford to bring him back next year and give him a moderate raise. There’s got to be $2 Million in your budget for a second line center.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 12, 2009 10:38 AM EST up reply actions
Brendan Morrison would be a pretty good third line center to have…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 11, 2009 11:10 PM EST up reply actions
Not if Mackan’s ready, though.
I can’t honestly believe he will be, though…
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 11, 2009 11:11 PM EST up reply actions
I may be in the minority here but I like having Morrison on the point for the PP….actually more so than OV
I lived with a blind guy for a while, then he figured it out and demanded back rent.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 11, 2009 11:12 PM EST up reply actions
I definitely agree, though people seem to give me crap for that sometimes.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Dec 12, 2009 12:46 AM EST up reply actions
Not sure if he’ll be ready just yet but he’s going to fight for it and he’s going to have a more significant role on the team I’d imagine. At least get some PP duty. If he’s ready, awesome. That saves us some serious coin.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
We’ll save some money and spend a lot more this summer. I hope MP’s ready.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 11, 2009 10:59 PM EST up reply actions
He’s been a big surprise. I wonder if Mackan is anywhere near ready to challenge him. Don’t know what to expect from him either, but I’m excited for him as well.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
The Ferries have lost six straight, though Mackan’s being largely productive.
I think FBK have poor goaltending, but googletrans swenglish makes it hard to tell.
Team Sweden WJC training/selection camp starts soon.
ALEX, FЯEE
I am totally pumped to see that. It’s so hard to gauge him just by numbers when I’ve never seen an SEL game in total and I don’t know anything about his team. I suspect he’s not at the top of the depth chart so him producing for them is like MP producing for us, but I have no idea. I know it’s a low scoring league so any production from a young guy is a good sign, but I’ve never gotten a good reference point on him. The World Juniors are going to be great to see if the Swedish games are carried over here. I hope NHLN and CI get their act together and give us more than the obvious games.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
A lot of our guys are associated with an awful lot of unfortunate nicknames. AND ONE FANTASTIC ONE.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 11, 2009 11:06 PM EST up reply actions
he was hustling to every puck too. gotta love the spark he plays with. created several turnovers right behind cam ward too.
by twistedlogic on Dec 12, 2009 12:47 AM EST up reply actions
Can’t be too rich, too thin, or have too many playmaking centers.
/yeah yeah Nyls. Not going there, thankyewverymuch
ALEX, FЯEE
or have too many playmaking centers.
and yet, just today the proprietor of another SBN blog was disagreeing with you…
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 12, 2009 1:24 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
After tonight’s game, I am no longer convinced Erskine is an NHL-caliber defenseman in any circumstance though I am quite convinced he has no place on a team with legitimate Cup hopes. He was simply over matched all night long and it is only a matter of time before he really starts to hurt the Caps.
7th man at best. Not a great night for him at all. Juice and Erskine is a terrible pair.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
Agreed. Stecks had a tough night. he can’t have had more than 10 mins, if that much.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 11, 2009 11:05 PM EST up reply actions
Someone needs to explain to me why Eric Fehr logged less than 10 minutes.
by mechanicsville on Dec 11, 2009 11:40 PM EST up reply actions
I was very confused by the lack of PP time. I thought there was a new rule that said the Caps get a minimum of 10 minutes per night, and on special nights they can take that in chunks of 5, 7, or 9 minutes. Damn those refs for not knowing about this new rule!
He was +1 with one assist. It’s a good thing professionals are choosing who suits up for games.
But Brawndo's got what plants crave. It's got electrolytes.
Yay for results-based analysis!!!
By this logic, Theo had a great game because he got the win.
If you really think that Erskine deserves a sweater every night if other options (such as Pothier, Morrisonn, or Alzner) are available, I really don’t know what to tell you. Erskine is simply atrocious as a regular NHL defenseman. He looks decent on occasion, but every time he’s on the ice, he’s a defensive miscue or lost footrace waiting to happen. When Pothier comes back, I imagine that they’ll be paired up again. Watch them when they’re on the ice and focus on how often Pothier ends up skating around simply to cover for Erskine’s errors.
Erskine has value, since he’s cheap and can fill in adequately for injured players, but he should not be getting 15-17 minutes of ice time a night on a team that has Stanley Cup aspirations.
"We’re still working on some things over in Europe, and we’ve been close in the last week or so. Some things get in the way, but we’re just trying to work that out, and hopefully it can be worked out soon."
He’s still not as cheap as I’d like a 7 defenseman to be.
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 12, 2009 3:40 PM EST up reply actions
Fair enough…but we’re stuck with him. It could definitely be worse – we could be paying Jeff Finger something like 4m/year for 4 years.
"We’re still working on some things over in Europe, and we’ve been close in the last week or so. Some things get in the way, but we’re just trying to work that out, and hopefully it can be worked out soon."
The VC was dead tonight for the most part and then they played ’Unleash the fury" in the 2nd period and I chuckled like " wow, this is desperate". But it got the crowd into it and it seemed to spark the team. Flash forward to the press conference and Bruce actually mentioned it. Pretty funny.
So assist to the Caps in-house people?
" 60 percent of the time...it works everytime"
You’d think a team who’s:
Leading the league in points
Playing their first home game in over a week (with 3 road games in the process)
Not going to be on home ice in almost two weeks
…wouldn’t need to have the trademark PR piece played halfway through the game as a wakeup call. Learn something new every day I guess.
"After the Cold War, the AK-47 became Russia's biggest export. After that came vodka, caviar, and suicidal novelists (and a couple good hockey players)."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 11, 2009 11:29 PM EST up reply actions
But...
they did need it. The PR crew saw it. Used it. And it worked.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
Right, hence the learn something new part.
"After the Cold War, the AK-47 became Russia's biggest export. After that came vodka, caviar, and suicidal novelists (and a couple good hockey players)."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 11, 2009 11:33 PM EST up reply actions
I guess it proves the PR team is pretty savvy. I thought it desperate when they played it so early, but then again, what did they have to lose. Shows what I know. Thought maybe they should have played it again at some point. Maybe they could have averted the tying goal. Heh.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
The two goals on three shots against Theo sucked the life out of me so I imagine it was similar for other people. The place was definitely rocking hard and into it after the boring hockey stopped.
Hockey players aren't like other people. Witt after being hit by a car:
I’m okay. No big deal...I’ve got to go play some hockey. I’m a hockey player.
VC is often dead on Fridays
Don’t know why but I feel like the phone booth consistently had it’s worst atmosphere on Friday night.
Am I alone on this thinking? If not, anybody got a thought as to why.
And “end of busy week” is a nonstarter… Don’t go there; it’s Friday night for eff sakes.
DC, where Hockey is a baffling ordeal.
by Chris meet Alex on Dec 11, 2009 11:58 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
More non-die hards in attendance?
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Lots of people going to see what a hockey game is like instead of hockey fans going to support their team? I dunno, who knows?
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Oh I was thinking fewer people going and not being as into it because they have other stuff going on that night.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
I don’t know about other Friday’s but to be honest the way the game started with Carolina scoring about 2 minutes in kind of kills the initial energy. Then before you can get back into it Theo gives up a killer softy. Then on top of that Ward was stopping everything in site for the first 30 minutes. I think those factors, more than anything, took the fans out of it early on tonight.
I managed to stay into it throughout the course of that brutal first half but I can understand those that became somewhat disinterested. I’ll also add that I’m not a loud/excitable person in general, so even my continued focus on the game likely didn’t help lol.
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Dec 12, 2009 12:20 AM EST up reply actions
Exactly, the first goal really got the crowd juiced because to that point Ward had seemed impenetrable no matter how much pressure the Caps put on. Once Semin scored there was sort of that rush of excitement as in, “this may happen!” You should have heard it when Semin potted that second one with .6 to play in the second. Nearly took the roof off.
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Dec 12, 2009 12:29 AM EST up reply actions
After the first, I was describing Ward as doing one hell of a Ryan Miller impersonation, and I didn’t like it one bit. Glad it only lasted one period.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
That was pretty good, but “took the roof off” in my mind gets reserved for the Fedorov goal in Game 7 against the Rangers. That was loud – and stayed loud.
Unleash the Alex!
and stayed loud.
That was the best part.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Dec 12, 2009 11:28 AM EST up reply actions
The final minutes of Game 7 will go down as one of the coolest sports moments in my life (and I’ve experienced some pretty awesome sports moments, final four, anyone?). I will never forget that feeling.
My eyes were watering as well. They also watered in the next Game 7 when the guys all came out on the ice and saluted the fans. I was a mess.
I think all the games have a great atmosphere except for Wens games. Those can be sort of quiet.
Hockey players aren't like other people. Witt after being hit by a car:
I’m okay. No big deal...I’ve got to go play some hockey. I’m a hockey player.
Not to mention the manatees
She has death in her eyes
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 12, 2009 10:54 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Just realized. With Theo in goal, it’s gonna be another long stretch of one-goal games, mostly settled in OT or Gimmick, and an extra standings point for most of our opponents.
ALEX, FЯEE
I’m hoping Neuvy steps to the plate.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 11, 2009 11:07 PM EST up reply actions
Anyone hear any word if Varly will be travelling out west with them next week?
I lived with a blind guy for a while, then he figured it out and demanded back rent.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 11, 2009 11:08 PM EST up reply actions
If Varly needs to be with the trainers, and if the trainers need to be with the team, then Semyon will travel.
ALEX, FЯEE
Tankya
I lived with a blind guy for a while, then he figured it out and demanded back rent.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 11, 2009 11:26 PM EST up reply actions
Are they going to do the annual team dinner on the road trip next week? They need Semyon on the road trip so that Perreault doesn’t have to pay for it all by himself. Note: to those unfamiliar with the team dinner, the rookies have to pay for it all.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Very good, and, unfortunately, very accurate observation. At least the offense is pretty much a full strength now, with Knuble back. We’re going to need it.
Knuble looked kind of rough out there to me , but I have to chalk that up to first-game-back blues. He’ll be fine.
Unleash the Alex!
He looked good to me. Set up two or three good chances in the crease, worked hard behind the net.. he’ll get his points.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
This. He looked like he was a bit behind and a bit rusty in his passing. That’s okay, one has to expect that.
Perreault, on the other hand, was a monster out there. I love watching him.
Unleash the Alex!
Hopefully, he’ll start getting rewarded with consistent scoring.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 11, 2009 11:55 PM EST up reply actions
If he is constantly playing with Fehr and Flash I think he will. Those guys are much more capable with the puck than the guys he has been with for the last several games.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
Why was Flash on the rightwing tonight and Fehr mostly on the left? MP could of had 4-5 assists tonight if Flash were the opposite shot.
by lolCaps-project on Dec 12, 2009 12:00 AM EST up reply actions
so MP with F snd F for 2nd line….if you keep the Care Bears as 1st line do u make Laich Morrison and Knuble as 3rd? Myself I prefer breaking up the Care Bears and putting Knuble on the 1st when he is healthy
I lived with a blind guy for a while, then he figured it out and demanded back rent.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 12, 2009 12:07 AM EST up reply actions
I’d much rather see Fehr back up with Morrison and Laich…drop Semin down to play with Flash and young Perrault.
Semin with Flash and Perrault could be scary for good reasons as well as bad ones depending on the night
I lived with a blind guy for a while, then he figured it out and demanded back rent.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 12, 2009 12:11 AM EST up reply actions
Yes take away Fehr’s net presence and big body and make the softest and shortest line in the NHL. Wonderful.
Give FPF time to develop. I just don’t understand why Fehr was on the right side—taking Fehr’s tap-ins on the correct shooting angle.
by lolCaps-project on Dec 12, 2009 12:12 AM EST up reply actions
The FPF 115 line? The future’s so bright I gotta wear shades?
Unleash the Alex!
by gotsparkly on Dec 12, 2009 12:19 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
The way Semin’s scoring goals, and you want to give him 3rd line minutes? Can’t say I agree with that idea.
by mechanicsville on Dec 12, 2009 3:20 PM EST up reply actions
Moving Semin up to the “Top Line” seemed to get them reignited last night.
That line works well a lot of the time but occasionally they need to be broken up if they get too cute.
One way or another, the Caps need more than one scoring line. With the talented wingers (and centers) they have, they certainly can arrange their cast of characters to do that. What is the best way to maximize productivity from the current group? Good question. There are several combinations that have been productive.
Rocking the Red since 1975
I’d personally like to see more of Ovechkin on line one and Semin and Backstrom on line two. Ovie’s going to be dominant no matter who he plays with; Backstrom and Semin are very, very good, but not quite at the same level, but letting them play together could mean the line as a whole could be dominant. Something like:
Ovechkin-Morrison-Knuble
Laich/Fehr-Backstrom-Semin
seems like it could result in two consistent scoring lines.
That’s a great line recommendation. We know that Laich/Backstrom/Semin is productive. That was one of the lines during our two recent lopsided victories. I’ve always been curious to see what the Semin/Backstrom/Fehr line would do. I think Semin’s been teamed up with just about every top winger at even strength this year, except Fehr and Knuble.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Yea I miss Varley, but we need to keep him rested and healthy for the playoffs. Being 8th isn’t too much worse than 1st. Not having a healthy Varley, well we all saw game 1 of the Rangers last year…
They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.
Greenie's turnover
Curious why you all go so easy on Green’s turnover leading to the Gleason goal. That was every bit as terrible as Semin’s back against the Devils that had this entire board calling for Semin to be traded immediately. Given that the turnover was on the PP and led to a shorthanded goal that tied up the game, maybe it was even worse.
Did you see the GDT? Aside from numerous Jizz jokes, we all ripped Green a new asshole as well. And then he redeemed himself by winning the game.
:shrug: That’s how it works.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 11, 2009 11:17 PM EST up reply actions
Green had an absolutely brutal game — until that last shot…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 11, 2009 11:18 PM EST up reply actions
Well put sir. The entire game my brother and I were pissing our section off cursing him. OT comes…first words out of his mouth “I love Green”. Granted he didn’t mean it, but he redeemed himself for the rest of the game (almost).
Can’t sleep, clowns will eat me?
Unleash the Alex!
by gotsparkly on Dec 12, 2009 3:56 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
It was pretty bad, but it wasn’t as bad as some of Semin’s. At least Green was trying to pass to a teammate and if CAR doesn’t aggressively attack there the pass gets through. CAR doesn’t have an aggressive PK so, while it was dumb, it had a prayer. Plus, he doesn’t do that nearly as often as Semin does. And people in the GDT were all over Green all game for playing stupidly.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
That was every bit as terrible as Semin’s back against the Devils that had this entire board calling for Semin to be traded immediately.
I don’t really think that’s fair. It wasn’t as if everyone suddenly turned on Semin because of one play.
Yes Jizz does serve a purpose at times
I lived with a blind guy for a while, then he figured it out and demanded back rent.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 11, 2009 11:25 PM EST up reply actions
i had to read that sentence a few times….
by twistedlogic on Dec 12, 2009 12:50 AM EST up reply actions
Green gets a pass all the time from you guys for lazy passes and turnovers. I like Green, but he does get off easy for making the same mistakes as does Semin. I may be wrong about the exact game, but I think it was the first Devils game where Green turned the puck over right in front of the net resulting in a goal. He got off pretty easy. If that had been Semin, you all would have burned down his house.
This will make you angry
Team gave him the hard hat tonight.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Saw that. He’s a favorite of BB. BB can’t even compliment Semin when he saves the day. And he did save the day. Without those 2 goals there would not have been overtime in which Green could redeem himself.
Not sure if BB gives out the hardhat.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Not meaning that I thought he does, just that he could talk about the OT goal witha smile, but not what led up to it with anything more than a clinical approach.
Indeed, the last player with the hat gives it out. I believe that was Matt Bradley this time.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 11, 2009 11:35 PM EST up reply actions
BB can’t even compliment Semin when he saves the day.
Not true. Boudreau lays plenty of praise on Semin (some wording is a little odd because it’s translated from English to Russian and back):
“He is a talented guy, and he is able to guess the movement of his partners. Previously, the main problem for Semin was his English. Alexander reads the game better than 95 percent of the players on earth! But because he didn’t speak English well, he didn’t have a full rapport with his partners.
“Now, Semin is much more attack oriented. But at the same time he has started playing better in defense. He has a +27 rating. We rarely lose when he is on the ice. True, Alex sometimes takes a chance when he goes on the attack, but that is typical for a fast-attack forward.”
I don’t think there is anyone that can move better than him. Whenever Semin has the puck, you get the feeling that he’s got it tied on a string. He works it with really high speed. That is why Alexander averages more than one point per game.
“And you have to consider that he doesn’t always play every shift with Ovechkin. He doesn’t get 23 minutes per game, but only 19. Ovechkin will play on the PP for the entire two minutes, because he assumes the position of a defender. Semin only comes out on one special team, sometimes getting only one minute. But he can accomplish so much!”
“Alex is so skilled with his stick that he doesn’t lose battles for the puck. He is aggressive and fights to the end, especially in the last few minutes of the game.”
I have read all of this before. BB rarely says much positive about Semin to the press after a game, such as tonight. After his first game back from the wrist injury, he was actually damned with faint praise. All BB could say was he was well rested, he should have a lot of energy. He would not say the same thing about Green.
I don’t know where you’re getting that from. Boudreau’s called out Green very bluntly and directly several times since he’s taken over.
Not proportionally. Green is the favored son; a regular guy, easy to understand. BB knows him really well. That’s the way it is. But I think BB should recognize when in public he is giving different treatment to players for the same actions — whether it’s for play gaffes or playmaking — and the message that sends. Semin is important to the success of this team and it would help if the coach would reflect that with positive statements.
What makes you say Green is the favored son? Boudreau’s called him out plenty, and in very blunt language. I think he likes him, sure, but I don’t think he gives him inordinate amounts of praise or is unwilling to criticize him.
But I think BB should recognize when in public he is giving different treatment to players for the same actions — whether it’s for play gaffes or playmaking — and the message that sends.
But different players are different. They have different expectations and different roles and respond differently to different amounts of praise and/or condemnation. Treating them all exactly the same way would be a mistake.
Sure they are different, and I did not mean
“treating” them the same in a player/coach relationship, but public treatment or assessment of their contributions. It would seem pretty normal to me to positively talk about your goal scorers and playmakers in a game, but BB does not always give credit where it is due, particualrly in Semin’s case.
And somehow Flash gets love poured on him by BB non-stop, but Fehr can’t seem to buy a compliment. Who cares? The Semin Lobby is more sensitive than a burning herpes sore.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Rob Parker on Dec 12, 2009 12:13 AM EST up reply actions 4 recs
The Semin Lobby is more sensitive than a burning herpes sore.
Wow. Congratulations, you’ve won this thread.
Both arguments make sense to me. Though I might be part of the Semin lobby, at the end of the day we don’t hear everything, especially what happens when BB talks to the players in private. That should hold more weight than words said in a press conference.
by red army line on Dec 12, 2009 4:39 AM EST up reply actions
That definitely should hold more weight. I also wonder why we have to rely on Russian translations to get the comments that DMG provided. Why aren’t our beat writers giving us that stuff directly? Are only the Russian correspondents directly asking BB about Semin? Or is he giving them different answers because they are Russian?
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
Searching for a jizz-penicillin joke here…
"After the Cold War, the AK-47 became Russia's biggest export. After that came vodka, caviar, and suicidal novelists (and a couple good hockey players)."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 12, 2009 12:15 AM EST up reply actions
speaking of not buying a compliment
from TEB
*Perreault returned from food poisoning and recorded his first point in nine games when he set up Tomas Fleischmann’s goal. But, as Boudreau said when asked what he thought of the rookie, his line was on the ice for the Hurricanes’ first two goals.
by DonnieKnutts on Dec 12, 2009 12:29 AM EST up reply actions
Ha. Nice. I guess you have to notice that but when the D make such bad plays on those…
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
In the post game on the radio Bruce mentioned that MP rebounded after a tough first period. That he has a long way to go but when he’s moving his feet he’s very good, and its very contagious.
"I think the relentless negative coverage in The Washington Post is a real difference from previous years," Redskins general counsel David Donovan said. "But in terms of the way our actual fans are behaving, we don't see any difference."
Interesting stuff. I didn’t think his first was that rough, but I’m not looking through BB’s eyes. The first goal Flash did a poor job covering when Green went deep and the second goal there were several breakdowns not related to MP. I’d like to hear what BB thinks he needs to work on exactly.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
I imagine the we are reading too much into it. Nothing specific that he did wrong but when you are out there for two goals against, it is a rough start. He was remarkably tempered in his praise though which was interesting.
I’m guessing that BB wasn’t that pleased with the way the game went and wasn’t really willing to offer much in the way of praise without offering some critique.
"I think the relentless negative coverage in The Washington Post is a real difference from previous years," Redskins general counsel David Donovan said. "But in terms of the way our actual fans are behaving, we don't see any difference."
You’re probably right. A minus is a minus and it still sucks to get one. But considering his relentless forechecking and ability to set up less than top notch scorers I thought he’d earned some slack. That’s probably why MP is still on the Caps, though.
I was just curious if BB was aiming at a “he needs to generally get stronger and get a little better in all areas of his game” type comment or a “he needs to be better at D, or do such and such better” type comment.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
That still goes back to issue of roles and expectations, though. Matt Bradley or David Steckel’s going to receive more attention for a hat trick than Alex Ovechkin not because people value them more or like them better, but because it’s more interesting to talk about people exceeding expectations.
The same can be said of poor play too. When John Erskine takes a restraining foul people may be frustrated, but they’re not surprised given his skill set. When Backstrom or Semin or Green take them, they’re more likely to get irritated because they see them as more avoidable.
You go, Gangsta
No, not angry. Not even a bit. Team’s privilege to award the hard hat to whomever.
ALEX, FЯEE
I understand your concern, Jizzrocks, but Green gets called out for his nonsense just like Semin does. He was skewered when he turned that puck over and he got skewered against Ottawa. He doesn’t have five years of track record doing this, he has a Norris runner-up, and we hope he’s still developing as a hockey player. Semin has a longer track record and hasn’t seemed to improve his decisionmaking much in the least 2-3 years.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Rob Parker on Dec 11, 2009 11:32 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I cannot tell you the number of times we sit at home watching games and groan, “Green!” Terrible pass! Move your feet! What are you doing! I know he was Norris cup runner-up etc. ANn Semin has the stats to support his worth as well. I just think many of you do not like him because you cannot know him. He is not an outgoing personality like the other young guns.
I disagree. In some respects I’d rather not know him. Green’s personality does not attract me to him. His game does. I love Semin when he’s on his game, but he’s inconsistent, and it’s not new. If Green is still making these same mistakes in 3 years, you’ll hear a different tune. It has nothing to do with Sasha having an enigmatic personality, it’s all on the ice.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
I don’t follow Green on twitter because from what I’ve seen, it would sour me on him.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
sorry guys shit game tonight must do better will be back tomorrow go caps.
"I think the relentless negative coverage in The Washington Post is a real difference from previous years," Redskins general counsel David Donovan said. "But in terms of the way our actual fans are behaving, we don't see any difference."
Green’s probably a cool kid, but he’s got a few years before he really turns himself into a man; he’s into his MTV image at the moment.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 11, 2009 11:42 PM EST up reply actions
I just think many of you do not like him because you cannot know him. He is not an outgoing personality like the other young guns.
Why? What’s given you the impression that (1) anyone cares what Semin’s personality is like, at least in terms of how outgoing he is, (2) people are more likely to forgive Green for his on-ice mistakes because of his personality, or (3) that any of the criticisms of Semin are unwarranted or invalid?
Truthfully, Ovechkin’s really the only real outgoing of the three. Green likes flash but he doesn’t say much and speaks so softly you have to strain to hear him, and Backstrom’s not exactly clamoring to hog the spotlight either.
Obviously a lot of people who post here care about his personality — do you not read all of the snarky comments posted here about him? I guarantee you that if Semin spoke English to the press and regularly engaged with a smile, much of the snarkiness would go away.
Sure, people would still complain about play (as if they were all out there on the ice at the same time and saw the play from ice level), but he would get more benefit of doubt. As with most things, people tend to focus on mistakes (that they all make), but forget the more numerous times Semin contributed. Again, his stats bear that out.
I can’t speak for everyone, but I loathed Fedorov last year for exhibiting the same tendencies that Semin has re: penalties, and the former was much more accessible to the local media.
"After the Cold War, the AK-47 became Russia's biggest export. After that came vodka, caviar, and suicidal novelists (and a couple good hockey players)."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 12, 2009 12:03 AM EST up reply actions
Did not loathe Feds. I would hate to be loathed every time I made a mistake. I greatly enjoyed having Feds here last year.
Did I say I hated him “every time” he made a mistake? I said he exhibited the same tendences on penalties that Semin continues to demonstrate. Moreover, considering his experience, wouldn’t it reasonable to set a higher bar of expectation?
"After the Cold War, the AK-47 became Russia's biggest export. After that came vodka, caviar, and suicidal novelists (and a couple good hockey players)."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 12, 2009 12:32 AM EST up reply actions
Obviously a lot of people who post here care about his personality — do you not read all of the snarky comments posted here about him?
For example? I read snarky comments about him (and a lot of other players), but nothing to suggest people don’t like him because he’s quiet. And if someone does, and that clouds their judgment, fine. But that’s not the case for everyone, or even a majority, and the criticisms of Semin are still valid. To say it’s because he doesn’t speak to the media or that it’s his personality that predisposes people to criticize him doesn’t really do much because it’s an effort to dismiss the criticism as invalid rather than refute it. Even if he rubs people the wrong way, the fact is that he has a history of bad turnovers and bad penalties.
Sure, people would still complain about play (as if they were all out there on the ice at the same time and saw the play from ice level), but he would get more benefit of doubt.
I suppose that’s possible, but what would matter would be the content, not the fact that he was doing it. That’s part of the problem, though. When he does speak, Semin doesn’t come across very well. I don’t think ice level vision has anything to do with it, though. A mistake’s a mistake, for whatever vantage point you view it.
As with most things, people tend to focus on mistakes (that they all make), but forget the more numerous times Semin contributed.
I don’t think that’s true. If people were focused solely on his mistakes and not what he does to help the team win, wouldn’t they think the Caps would be a better team without him? But I can’t recall anyone – and certainly not a significant number of people – saying the Caps would be a better team if they were to lose Semin and make no effort to replace him. It’s not an issue of addition by subtraction, it’s an issue of asset management, and whether the Capitals can use their existing resources in a way that’s more likely to win them a Cup (or give them sustained success).
by David Getz on Dec 12, 2009 12:13 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I don’t think ice level vision has anything to do with it, though. A mistake’s a mistake, for whatever vantage point you view it.
And saying you have to see it at ice level to criticize basically means that nobody can criticize anybody unless you’re on the team. If that’s the case, what are we doing here?
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
No one would ever suggest losing Semin and make no effort to replace him — that’s pretty dumb (and bit of a disingenuous statement). I have read enough posts here and there on the subject to get the distinct impression that he is somewhat of a polarizing player — people either love him or hate him. People who do not like him focus more on the mistakes and devalue his significant contributions. Many seem to think he should be a differnt kind of player from what he is — grittier, for example. That’s not his style or strength. He has strengths others do not have and never will.
I have read enough posts here and there on the subject to get the distinct impression that he is somewhat of a polarizing player
The reason he is polarizing is because the Semin Lobby can’t accept criticism of his flaws. Nobody ignores his contributions. As the founder of the 85 Cent Club I get sick of seeing the position mischaracterized, and I get irritable. Nobody called for his head for one mistake. People got tired of seeing a long established pattern of mistakes, injuries, indifferent play, and crippling mistakes. He can be phenomenal. He can be the best player on the ice. But the 85 Cent Club is concerned that he won’t be that guy for 4 playoff series in a row. If he can’t give you that guy, or even just cut the terrible gaffes, then he can’t justify 6+ million. If we won’t resign him for 6+ million, then we shouldn’t let him run to the KHL for nothing. It becomes a matter of asset management so that we still have something to help the team, even if that player(s) is not quite as good as white hot Jizz.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
As the founder of the 85 Cent Club
That new?
"After the Cold War, the AK-47 became Russia's biggest export. After that came vodka, caviar, and suicidal novelists (and a couple good hockey players)."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 12, 2009 12:33 AM EST up reply actions
A Brazilian dollars.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Rob Parker on Dec 12, 2009 12:39 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
You’re really stepping up your game, Eddie Eagle, aren’t you?
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 12, 2009 1:47 AM EST up reply actions
I disagree with you and believe you are overly critical. I certainly accept “fair and balanced” criticism, but I do not find that here much. I can yell, “Semin—no!” at the TV with the best of you. But, watching the success of his considerable gifts on the ice the last few years proves to me that the gifts outweight the gaffes.
Have to pack it in now. Good night.
But, watching the success of his considerable gifts on the ice the last few years proves to me that the gifts outweight the gaffes.
Agreed – but the question isn’t whether Semin’s skill is greater than Semin’s gaffes, it’s whether Semin’s net contribution (skill – gaffes) is greater than what the Capitals could add to their roster in place of Semin by trading him and/or using the salary cap space his absence from the roster
So if Semin creates 40 goals and is responsible for 15 going in (by flaws or by not preventing a preventable goal), he has positive value. But if you bring in a guy who creates 30 and isn’t responsible for any going in, you’re in better shape. Even if you bring in a guy whose net contribution is smaller but who makes less because people pay for offense, you’re in better shape because you’re getting the same production for less money.
the goals-gaffes thing is kinda hard to quantify
and also hard to quantify the other things that semin provides, like the way he can create space for others because of his speed and stickhandling. also, if we’re talking about him as an “asset,” then surely we’d have to take in consideration how exciting of a player he is, and how fans enjoy watching him play.
by DonnieKnutts on Dec 12, 2009 1:01 AM EST up reply actions
At the end of the day though it’s about scoring more goals than the other team. I’d take a trapping team that wins 1-0 or 2-1 every night over a team that wins 5-1 half the time and loses 4-2 the rest of the time. Semin is a very high-risk-high-reward venture. Personally, I think the Caps need his offense in later rounds of the postseason to win the series.
by red army line on Dec 12, 2009 4:45 AM EST up reply actions
I agree that it’s hard to quantify, but I was just providing numbers as an example as a way of pointing out that the important thing isn’t whether Semin has a net positive value, but whether or not keeping Semin is the maximum net positive value the Capitals can get given their assets.
if we’re talking about him as an "asset," then surely we’d have to take in consideration how exciting of a player he is, and how fans enjoy watching him play.
I wholeheartedly disagree. I want the Capitals to win the Cup, I think most fans want the Caps to win the Cup, and the Caps players and management to win the Cup. You pay guys or make personnel moves based on how likely they are to win you the Cup, regardless of how they do it. That’s their value, regardless of how flashy they are or whether they’re a fan favorite.
but the question isn’t whether Semin’s skill is greater than Semin’s gaffes, it’s whether Semin’s net contribution (skill – gaffes) is greater than what the Capitals could add to their roster in place of Semin by trading him and/or using the salary cap space his absence from the roster
and there’s the unrelated but important fact that he DRIVES US ALL UP THE WALL WITH HIS INCONSISTENCY. He’ll put together a great 10 games, and we think “man, he’s turned the corner,” and then he shows up to a couple of games with no brain.
Which, by the way, Green did tonight.
Which, by the way, we all tore Green a new one for tonight.
Semin is polarizing because no player in hockey exemplifies greater extremes of on-ice talent.
Semin’s like someone who bakes you cookies four times but slaps you in the face twice. And the way some of us are wired, we might remember the face slaps a lot longer than the cookies. Even if the “net positives” outweighed the “net negatives.”
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 12, 2009 10:24 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I don’t think it’s disingenuous in the slightest. You said, “people tend to focus on mistakes, but forget the more numerous times Semin contributed.” My point is that people aren’t forgetting all the points he has scored or the games that wouldn’t have been won without him because the conclusions people reach about the guy don’t seem to support that.
People who do not like him focus more on the mistakes and devalue his significant contributions.
I don’t think that’s true. I think people look at the things he does, good and bad, and form an opinion of him. I don’t think anyone is trying to play up his mistakes or devalue the good he does. I don’t see the incentive for that.
Frankly, I’ve generally seen it more going the other way. People who criticize Semin, or even want him gone, seem more than ready to acknowledge his incredible talent and all the points he’s scored – or if they don’t they get set straight pretty quick – but I feel like people who lobby for him aren’t willing to hear any criticism, even when justified.
Many seem to think he should be a differnt kind of player from what he is — grittier, for example.
I don’t think that’s the case. I think what people want is for him to not turn the puck over and take bad penalties. He can do that without changing who is fundamentally is as a player.
The real issue is whether one wants the complete Semin package—high ups and low downs—or someone with a ceiling not nearly as high but who is at least invisible in his downs. (to think of it in terms of waves, Semin’s performance wave as a big amplitude—do you want that or a wave with smaller amplitude?)
by red army line on Dec 12, 2009 4:47 AM EST up reply actions
Maybe I have a selective memory, but I can’t remember Sasha making a mistake since the Devils game.
by mechanicsville on Dec 11, 2009 11:50 PM EST up reply actions
Granted, he was out a few games, and I should probably revise that to day I don’t remember any heinous (oh my god, what were you thinking) mistakes.
by mechanicsville on Dec 12, 2009 12:00 AM EST up reply actions
Right, but the Caps went on a 6 game win streak, so of course he didn’t cost us any games. And against BUF it was a team effort to get the loss. They haven’t been as egregious but it’s a real small sample size.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
Gotta start somewhere.
"I think the relentless negative coverage in The Washington Post is a real difference from previous years," Redskins general counsel David Donovan said. "But in terms of the way our actual fans are behaving, we don't see any difference."
True, but he’s always been like this. He’s had several streaks of much longer than 6 games where he was very good and not hurting the team. When is Evil Semin going to return?
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
I would say as soon as he’s able to grow the goatee, but it’ll likely be sooner than that.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 12, 2009 1:50 AM EST up reply actions
The fact is, he’s only 25. I think that we often forget how young he is (these guys) really are. There is plenty of room for Sasha J. to grow and be a bit less flaky. I’m not saying that this is the time, but Its not inconceivable that he will eventually mature beyond his lazy stick penalties. I just hope that he does it in a Caps sweater, or barring that, in the KHL.
"I think the relentless negative coverage in The Washington Post is a real difference from previous years," Redskins general counsel David Donovan said. "But in terms of the way our actual fans are behaving, we don't see any difference."
He already has improved. He is now a Plus player. And even though he’s taken his share of bad penalties, he takes less of them that he did when younger.
Interesting note on Semin that we learned at Caps Con. He was only 5’11’ and 170 lbs or so at age 17-18. A guy who basically grew late.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Interesting point about the age of our big guns. Right now, they are mostly what? 21 (Backstrom) to 25 (Semin, Ovie)? Strong future.
However, how many strong players do we have in the system? I don’t mean Hershey as a team, because we know they are leading their division again, but in terms of how many guys there will make a significant contribution? I would think that this coming year, and the following year, could be very important drafts for us.
How long does it usually take a good player to reach the NHL in a good teams system? I’m not talking about superstars, we all know they will make it quickly, but more like Flash and Fehr kind of guys who can contribute 15-20 goals a year? If it takes 3-4 years, the next couple of drafts will be making their NHL presence when our stars are 25-29 years old, very much still in their primes. Yes, we want to win a cup this year, and next, etc…But the next couple of drafts could be make or break for us to be serious contenders for the next decade.
by HateOffSeason on Dec 12, 2009 9:51 AM EST up reply actions
I think the important thing is that the core of the team will be draftees- AO, Backstrom, Green, Varlavirthby, Carlznerson, Mackan, etc. The rest can probably be filled with low-priced FAs or by-then recent draftees. And I don’t think the system the Caps play will change significantly while AO is here, which in my mind means the Caps will be akin to the Devils in that regard—some years better than others, but always hangin’ around and dangerous with those couple of star fixtures.
by red army line on Dec 12, 2009 10:11 AM EST up reply actions
Caps will have as many as six prospects playing in World Juniors this month. Stafan Della Rovere and Cody Eakin reported to Team Canada’s selection camp today, Carlson reports to Team USA on 12/22, Mackan is Captain of Team Sweden, and Orlov and Kugryshev will arrive with Team Russia.
That’s a pretty deep prospect bench.
ALEX, FЯEE