Recap: Caps 4, Devils 1
by J.P. on Dec 26, 2009 10:16 PM EST
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Though the schedule on either side of the Christmas holiday was light for the Capitals - just two games in eight days - the competition presented would offer the Caps an end-of-the-calendar-year measuring stick of sorts, as the Southeast leaders met each the Eastern Conference's other two division leaders.
The result? Two wins by a combined score of 9-3 and a seat back atop the Conference - and the League - after tonight's 4-1 win over a Devils team that had won five straight and nine of ten and sported the East's best goals against average. For one night, at least, the Caps are the best team in hockey... and their number one goalie hasn't played in nearly three weeks.
Ten more notes on the game:
- Nicklas Backstrom notched his 200th career point... and his 201st... and his 202nd. He now has 11 goals and ten assists in his last dozen games, and will be no doubt named to Sweden's Olympic team tomorrow. It's been a good December for St. Nick.
- It's also been a good month for Alex Ovechkin, whose third consecutive three-point night gives him seven goals and ten assists in nine December games. He's also now has the League's best plus-minus.
- The third member of the top line, Alexander Semin, notched an assist... and a new one-year deal.
- Michal Neuvirth would probably want back the one goal he allowed on the night, but you've got to be thrilled any time you play the Devils and you're by far the better #30 on the ice (as Neuvirth himself put it, ""I just beat the best goalie in the world, so it is amazing."). Neuvy's rebound control was outstanding, and he was good when he needed to be early - the Devils fired half of their shots in the game's first twenty minutes.
- The Caps failed to score on a full minute of 5-on-3 time, and are now 4-for-14 (28.6%) on the season with a two-man advantage (their average 5-on-3 has lasted 45 seconds), with two of the four goals coming in the same game against Florida. Not good.
- Matt Bradley's game-winner (a bad miscue by Martin Brodeur - everyone knows that you call for the fair catch there) gives him seven goals on the season, tied for the most he's had in any season since the nine he scored in his rookie year for San Jose.
- Mike Green is certainly doing everything he can to try to make Team Canada. He now leads all NHL blueliners in points, is tied for the lead in plus-minus and is one-goal out of the top spot. Besides those numbers, he didn't have a single giveaway tonight and led all Caps with 4:33 of shorthanded ice time for a penalty kill that went 4-for-4. There's no way he doesn't make the team.
- Brooks Laich finished the night with a minus-rating on the night, didn't have a shot on goal and only won 43% of his 14 draws. He now has one goal in his last 17 games. 'Sup, Brooksie?
- Just curious - what's AO doing skating a 1:40 even strength shift in the third period up 4-1? That said, his average shift length was "only" 59 seconds, which trailed Green (1:05) and... John Erskine (1:03)?! No Devil averaged more than 52 seconds per shift, a number that seven Caps topped. Despite the long shifts overall, Green was the only Cap that played more than twenty minutes on the night.
- David Steckel fired five shots on goal and won 15 of 21 draws (71.4%).
With the Hurricanes on the horizon, the Caps go from playing the best to... well, other than the best, so focus and effort will be important. Then again, they always are, and when they're present, this Caps team can beat anyone and any team, as they showed tonight.
Game highlights:
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“Eastern Conference lead,” eh? Funny, they seem to also be leading the entire League.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
More reporting fail? League hates the Caps?
"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."
I wouldn’t put too much stock into a weekend web programmer’s not knowing the schedule being cause for image issues.
"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 26, 2009 10:35 PM EST up reply actions
…for the league.
"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 26, 2009 10:36 PM EST up reply actions
east-ie boys? really? wow.
"No Brooks Laich, no win. Know Brooks Laich, know win."
by kellobellow on Dec 26, 2009 11:11 PM EST up reply actions
Backis by the numbers
Lars’ career numbers as of 12-26-09, his 202nd game and 202nd point.
ALEX, FЯEE
by EmilyB on Dec 26, 2009 10:50 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Sweet! Gotta love the goal totals comparison against ’07-08. He is the man.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 27, 2009 1:18 AM EST up reply actions
He should have won rookie of the year IMO. But giving it to Kane made sense to earn the NHL some money
by Garyland1177 on Dec 27, 2009 2:10 PM EST up reply actions
Kane had more points and goals. Don’t know how you give it to Nick over Kane. If BB had started the season with the Caps or the season was ten games longer maybe Nick catches him but it was the right call, IMO.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
So good to see Greenie play a statement game like that. I’ve got my fingers crossed for him (not because I like Canada, but because it would so clearly mean so much to him)
Nicky rocks, there’s nothing else to say.
Neuvy………all smiles here in Ohio for him!
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
visiting family for the holiday……..sigh. (family does not bring smiles to my face.)
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
Where in Ohio? I am visiting fAmily in monroe
by Doncosmic on Dec 26, 2009 11:07 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Spot on J.P. The absolute biggest key to beating the Devils is getting the early lead (despite what our season record may suggest). Neuvirth’s strong first period was instrumental to that end. He definitely let in a bad goal, but it wasn’t a back-breaker and he rebounded solidly so that it didn’t end up hurting the team. Erskine was solid, but I’m not sure that justified his shift length. And as good as Green was tonight (and against BUF) I don’t know that you can really say “there’s no way he doesn’t make” Team Canada. There’s just too much competition, the narrative against him is strong, Team Canada tends to be conservative, and he has little experience playing for Canada. I still think he’s probably a long shot, and still don’t want him on that team.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
by Rob Parker on Dec 26, 2009 10:26 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
My mind has been changed. We’re talking a 7th D here who may or may not see much ice. If he’s playing well, dress him, if he’s letting the pressure get to him, sit him. Guess that makes him a low-high-risk/high-reward player, if that makes any sense.
Bottom line: he’s an arrow I’d want in my quiver.
That said, yeah, my wording is strong and ale-aided.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
a couple of time Mike Babcock has indicated that he’d like an offensively minded D-man (without naming names) in his arsenal. And I don’t doubt for a moment that he’s told Yzerman that numerous times.
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
They do seem to covet puck movers, and there aren’t many better than Green. J.P., you may be right, and he surely would be a great 7 D to have just in case, but there are several other guys that could make that claim. If he does go 7 D might be ideal; he still won’t get as worn down, but gets the confidence boost of playing for Team Canada, and may still feel like he has something to prove after being benched.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
For what it’s worth, Grapes is pro Green (4:35 in).
"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 26, 2009 11:08 PM EST up reply actions
I’m thinking nothing, especially after I saw Robidas was on the blueline.
"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 26, 2009 11:12 PM EST up reply actions
I’d rather green not make the team so that when russia wins we can all say, “canada lost because they didn’t bring green”
by CAPFan4Life on Dec 26, 2009 11:49 PM EST up reply actions
You know if he doesn’t make it, he’s reachin’ for the Häagen-Dazs.
But in all seriousness, making it would be great for his confidence, and he’s a player for whom confidence is critical.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
That is essentially what I argued over at PPP back when we were discussing Canada’s D. No matter what, that’s a weapon I want access to.
I also don’t think he’d disappoint.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 27, 2009 12:38 AM EST up reply actions
other awesome stats tonight:
Jeff Schultz, tied with Mike Green to lead NHL +/-
Green sits 28th in points
Backstrom and Green are both in the top ten in assists
Of the top 20 point scorers in the NHL, Ovie has played the least number of games.
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
Did Sarge come back to the game? He got hit under the visor and went back to the trainers’ room. Joe B and Locker said the caps were going with 5 D after that.
ALEX, FЯEE
Uh… I know that AO is currently leading the league in +/-… did you mean for D?
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 27, 2009 12:39 AM EST up reply actions
Brooks Laich finished the night with a minus-rating on the night, didn’t have a shot on goal and only won 43% of his 14 draws. He now has one goal in his last 17 games. ’Sup, Brooksie?
He definitely earned that minus too. He made a lazy play trying to swoop out of the zone with that bouncing puck instead of stopping and making sure he got the puck out (or at least making sure the Devils didn’t get it cleanly). He wasn’t the only one to mess up on that play, but it was a noticeably bad play by a guy who is struggling recently.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 26, 2009 10:31 PM EST reply actions
Just sitting down to dinner, but I wanted to give everyone who was at the game a shout out. Y’all were LOUD! Us common folk just watching on TV could tell how loud the arena was, and I think it affected the game.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 26, 2009 10:32 PM EST reply actions
Week in review. Particularly good week to review. Christmas lamb, etc. We did make one dish new for tonight — you take a cauliflower, break it into bitesized pieces, toss with oil, salt and pepper, and then cook at 500 degrees (turning every 15 mins) for 45 mins to an hour. Turns into candy. It’s fantastic.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 27, 2009 12:43 AM EST up reply actions
The crowd was awesome tonight. It had a pre-playoff feel to it, like they knew that this is one of the teams the Caps might be crossing sticks with in the postseason.
And they’re really starting to get the goalie taunting down.
Unleash the Alex!
I said a couple weeks ago that it would be interesting to see how the crowd reacted to playing a team that was high in the standings but not a natural rival. It’s really, really good to see that fan awareness around here is high enough to bring the extra energy in a December matchup with the Devils.
OT - going to pop in on FTF
for the Sharks/Ducks game.
Just FYI, if you feel like jointing.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
Just saw Wysh and Dimitry’s tweets about Caps having a 2 year window since Semin signed only a 1 year extension. What? Are they watching the same team I am. They beat the Devils tonight with Semin doing very little. Would they miss Semin? Sure. But they can use cap money to fill other holes. The window is much longer than 2 years in my mind, especially if Baks is signed to a long term deal that doesn’t totally hamstring things cap wise.
A man gotta have a code
I also disagree strongly with their thus-far unsupported assertion.
As Corey and I have been tweeting (and I’ve been saying forever), the foundation is 8, 19, 52 and maybe 40. Beyond that, you have a strong supporting cast of replaceable players and roles. If Semin gets too rich for what he brings to the table, they can go to Plan B without the world ending. The same cannot be said of the other Young Guns.
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I see (and agree) with what you’re saying regarding him being complimentary with an eye towards elite status, I think for me it’s the whole thing about if he walks, the $6m hole that’s left may not collectively get filled by talent unless a substantive FA splash is made, which I think GM may be hesistant to do.
If Flash and/or Fehr (or the organizational equivalent) put in 30 goals, I may revise those remarks.
"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 26, 2009 11:01 PM EST up reply actions
For all Semin’s talent, he’s never hit 40 goals. In terms of actual production, he’s very good, but not great.
He can be replaced, but I agree, it would be a big FA acquisition which has its own attendant headaches.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
Semin’s the only other player capable of those numbers, though.
Prove me wrong, Flash.
$6m is way too much, but I’m glad we’ve still got him.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 27, 2009 12:45 AM EST up reply actions
my concern: players rarely take pay cuts. i’d imagine 6 mil is now the bar whether or not semin improves, and if GMGM thought “well i’m not prepared to pay him 6 mil per for 4+ years,” then he’ll be confronted with the exact same terms this time next season.
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 27, 2009 2:30 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I’m not saying it’d be easy to replace him, but it would be easier than replacing any of “The Big Four,” which would be “alright, we have to rethink what we’re doing here” difficult.
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8, 19, 52 and maybe 40.
I’m very close to being willing to add 27.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 27, 2009 12:45 AM EST up reply actions
Perhaps, but I think he needs another year or two a least before I’d label him the next Young Gun.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 27, 2009 12:46 AM EST up reply actions
As important, 27 is not a guy who’s going to get huge money, at least for a while, because he doesn’t put up big money numbers. This is a good thing.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
+/- ratings
WOW, I just checked that out. 3 of the top five, 7 of ten, etc etc. The numbers are amazing. Even Erskine is top 20 now. Like I said WOW!
A danger to myself and others on the ice
Excellent value for your boxing day dollar. Backstrom’s too good all over—one day he’ll take over a game, even F&B says so. He got some j-tron time for the 200th point and his reaction was very…Swedish. 19 kills it and all, but, um:
Which is weirder: Brads’ bloodless GWG or Erskine rushing end to end against NJD?
I’m hearing Semin signed a $6M 1 yr. extension. Care to take a bow, JP?
Hadn’t caught that, but it makes perfect sense (in an apocalyptic kind of way). 55 had a ‘shot toward goal’, Chris ‘wings of Mercury’ Clark stripped a breakaway—-it was an interesting night!
It sure looks to me that Clarkie’s been skating MUCH better the last couple weeks. That’s a good thing, to be sure.
by mechanicsville on Dec 27, 2009 12:34 PM EST up reply actions
massive headache after getting home from that one – but totally worth it, haha. i told my skeptical friend at the beginning of the night – if they can light up miller for 5 goals, there’s no reason they can’t do (close to) the same with marty. solid 60 minutes.
p.s. i could watch that bradley goal over and over
"No Brooks Laich, no win. Know Brooks Laich, know win."
also impressive (both for the Caps and Devils): Los Diablos have only lost 3 games on the road this season! WOW.
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
Saw the goal Neuvy let in…ugly. Can’t be doing that in the big leagues.
I guess the rest of the game balances that one out.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
It knuckled for some reason — may have been tipped. If so, it was tipped immediately — NHL goalies absolutely have to make that save. Still, it may have been tougher than it looked.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 27, 2009 12:47 AM EST up reply actions
Great 60 minute effort. The Caps came to play and they played like they meant it.
One thing, though – I can’t give all the credit to our boys. The Devils looked off and out of sync tonight. Missed passes on odd-man rushes and ES attacks, blown defensive coverages (how in the name of any deity of your choice does Backis get left alone two feet from the paint, right in front of Marty? That is epic defensive fail right there).
Good to know, though, that when they’re on their game and have a plan, they can beat a trapping team.
Unleash the Alex!
One thing, though – I can’t give all the credit to our boys. The Devils looked off and out of sync tonight.
I think they were off and out of sync:
The last game they played was the 4-0 104-save recordsetting game @Pittsburgh. In the many, many interviews given by Marty! following that game, he noted that the shutout was a true team effort, with lots of blocked shots and heavy hits. (And the Pens can hit right back pretty hard too).
They did have a nice long rest after that game, but I think they were a bit drained physically and mentally.
ALEX, FЯEE
However, the Caps played very, very good hockey tonight. And I’d like to note how much fun it is to watch two very good teams have at it.
ALEX, FЯEE
I was thinking (and hoping) before the game that Marty B and the Devils would not be as sharp tonight. After winning the milestone game, the next one out would be an anti-climax. There’s more at stake in battles between the Pens and Devils as opposed to Caps and Devils, being as the Devils and Pens are in the same division.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Epic fail on the post-game video. Audio on Bruce’s post-game goes in and out. I thought it was a problem with Comcast, I didn’t know it was Stretch fail.
"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."
i definitely thought it was my computer, haha.
"No Brooks Laich, no win. Know Brooks Laich, know win."
by kellobellow on Dec 26, 2009 11:40 PM EST up reply actions
same here. but other video seems fine. Including the player interviews, featuring a smiling baby-cheeked Neuvy, laughing about being one fluky bounce away from shutting out MB.
Also: Mike, shave. It’s December, not April.
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
Am I crazy or has a good portion of the team gone through this scruffy facial hair phase? I wonder if it’s some sort of subconscious reminder, to have a playoff mentality all year long.
Or they’re just lazy. Whatevs.
If facial fur gets me a 60 minute effort from the team, I’ll personally steal all their razors.
Unleash the Alex!
You are not crazy. I’ve noticed it all season, and it seems like they guys are taking turns at it. I don’t mind, they’re winning.
"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."
“Ok, guys, here’s the deal. Everyone has to take two weeks where they don’t shave. Not only will it help us win, but it drives the ladies crrrrrrrrrazy.”
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
Also, Semin occasionally answering a question before it’s translated to Russian for him. Of course, would be nice if he’d answer in English, but that will never, ever happen.
"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."
a bad miscue by Martin Brodeur – everyone knows that you call for the fair catch there
…awesome.
Great, great game – very entertaining and well-played and, dare I say it, a 60 minute effort from the boys! I’ll even take back my consternation about Neuvirth getting the start tonight, he was very impressive (minus his second straight dribbler…knees together, young man).
Very excited for Semin’s new contract – I think a year is perfectly fine, I’m happy with anything that shifts the focus squarely on Backstrom’s new long-term deal. And speaking of Backstrom…love him more every single night, there are just no words for that kid. He’s threatening Monsieur Laich for top spot in my heart, that’s for sure.
And we shall not speak of the aforementioned Monsieur Laich’s performance tonight. Ick.
Speaking of Nicky’s contract, better get it done sooner rather than later. The price is going to keep going up.
"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."
Congrats Becca on getting your Semin signed. Good move by both sides on that one.
Btw, the goal on Neuvy went under his right arm, not through his legs. He should have had it but Erskine provided a partial screen.
by Ed F - WNST on Dec 27, 2009 12:11 AM EST up reply actions
Holy…just checked out the video of Semin talking about his new deal, I’ve never seen him look so smiley and excited!!
Someone paid me that kind of money to do what I love, I’d be smiley and excited, too.
"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."
He was at, what, 4.5 million? Now up to 6?
Nice raise, but it’s not like he was going broke before. But good to know he’s going to be in hte fold for at least one more year, I guess.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
I dunno, he had a big grin plastered to his face for about a week after winning worlds in 2008!
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
I love the goalie taunt!
MAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRTY!
MAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRTY!
MAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRTY!
"And next year it will be ours."
Any truth to this?
there were more devils fans in the crowed then i have ever seen in D.C. since i first started to like them in the early 90’s.sucks we all got our hearts broken but still id say it could have been 15-20%devils fans,atleast the ones wearing jerseys.
"And next year it will be ours."
Hells no. There were a number there but I’ve seen more in games last season, and certainly nothing close to the show the Flyers or Pens put up.
Unleash the Alex!
Yea, I wasn’t there but I seriously doubted the devils traveled that well.
"And next year it will be ours."
They did make a big deal about it on MSG in NJ, but it was a single section of about 20 seats in the eagle’s nest or wherever.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 27, 2009 1:03 AM EST up reply actions
based on what I heard after their only goal, I’d say NO. Then again there wasn’t much for them to cheer for in that game.
Who’s saying there were a lot of Devils fans in the crowd?
by Gin and Tonic on Dec 27, 2009 3:36 AM EST up reply actions
Observations from Section 421
Still can’t stand up for goals…and since I have to just wait for this spider bite to heal, I have to miss part of the game if I want to go to the rest room (I can’t stand in line to wait…)
1) Does Karl Alzner ever make a mistake? Every time he has the puck he seems to efficiently move it out of the zone.
2) Despite the Bradley goal, I think Marty played pretty well. In the first few minutes he robbed Ovie and Nick.
3) Sure Nick had a good game, but how many times did Semin set him up perfectly on the 5-on-3 where he whiffed? I counted three. A goal there would have been the back breaker. Thankfully, Green buried one early in the 3rd to finish of the Devils.
4) A “We Want Wings” cheer on the scoreboard is pretty tacky and it gives the impression that Caps management wants the players to rub it in on opponents. If they get 5, great, but let’s not rub it in the face of the opponent (Teams from Pennsylvania are exempt from this….)
5) The Semin signing is a mixed blessing. Sure, he’s back for 2010-11, but after that, he’s off to the highest bidder….would have liked to see a 2 or 3 year extension.
6) Nick’s next up on the extension parade….I expect his number to be about the same as Semin’s $6M. If that’s the case, then the two of them will be playing for $12M next year (their cap hit this year is $7.2M). That makes the difference $4.8M….know anyone with that cap hit?
And so the Caps played the likely starting goalies for USA and Canada in the Olympics and they hung 9 goals on them…it may not be looking good for a medal for either team. But before that, the Caps have the Hurricanes coming to town…then a trip to California…
So far, so great…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 27, 2009 1:21 AM EST reply actions 3 recs
MikeL — just want to say I always appreciate these. I often have nothing to add, so I don’t comment, but you always bring a good perspective and they’re a treat to read. Thank you, and hope the recovery goes well.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 27, 2009 1:33 AM EST up reply actions
Does Karl Alzner ever make a mistake?
On occasion, which is still an amazing feat for such a young D. Man, it is good to have him up here. He’s god fantastic vision.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Dec 27, 2009 1:49 AM EST up reply actions
Granted, the Caps didn’t score on the 5 on 3 but when Los Diablos had killed off the penalty, they still had not cleared the puck out of the defensive zone and the Caps then scored. NJ was not technically on PK but in reality they hadn’t finished the job.
I’ve been saying it for a while. The PK is not over until your guy’s out of the box AND the puck is out of your defensive zone. So many times, the Caps might skate off a penalty but get scored upon right away since they still haven’t cleared out the puck.
Rocking the Red since 1975
I agree with this. You’re still in trouble until your guy’s out of the box and you have control of the puck. If the penalty expires and the other guy has the puck, you’re still busy and at a disadvantage.
Though Green’s goal isn’t technically a PP goal, it came from a PP and that’s the idea.
Unleash the Alex!
Perfect example was Buffalo’s goal the other night when Knuble inexplicably went to the bench after coming out of the box rather than joining the play while Buffalo had the puck (which was behind Neuvirth in a matter of seconds).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
naive question from me: do you think that’s on the player or on the coach? is it possible he was called to the bench?
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 27, 2009 12:24 PM EST up reply actions
It’s on both – the coaches should tell him whether he’s to join the play or come to the bench, but he’s ultimately got to recognize the situation. There, the bench obviously said “come” before he got out, but he made the wrong judgment once he was sprung. And the goat rodeo at the bench once he got there b/c Laing and Alzner not knowing who was to go on didn’t help either.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Spot on. The coach normally makes the initial call but it’s a Cardinal rule that you join the play if your team is on the defensive (think back to the discussion we had a while back about a stick breaking in the defensive zone). Knuble didn’t appreciate the defensive threat so he went to the bench. Oops.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
I would not be surprised to Semin sign up for more years some time next year. (But at least we got him for one year and that’s a good start.)
Rocking the Red since 1975
He won’t re-extend unless we give him 150% of what he asks for. The point of this deal is the same as what has been talked about on the rink for a while now. Semin wants to understand his value in the NHL and have the flexibility to return to Russia without starting a cold-war. Caps want flexibility. This deal works great for both teams as it lets Semin test the FA waters and see what he’s worth after next year.
This deal works great for both teams as it lets Semin test the FA waters and see what he’s worth after next year.
that scenario doesn’t exactly “work” for the caps, though. not if he walks with no return in value.
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 27, 2009 12:26 PM EST up reply actions
How many major assets like Semin do teams ever see walk without return in value. There is always a trade market for a guy with his skillset and losing him for nothing is hardly a concern with a 1 year deal now or a 5 year deal. As I said below, there’s now way we were going to lock him in at anything reasonable for more than a couple years. The guy believes he’s worth bank (and he probably is to quite a few teams). We’ve now locked him into a Tender for next year that we don’t have to worry about another team taking him from us, leaving this team without a reliable #2.
If the Caps can’t take home a cup with this or next year’s squad, then somethings going to have to change. This deal gives the Caps a very strong 2 year window at the end of which they have the flexibility to dump Semin at the trade deadline in 10/11 for a key piece they may be missing this year or win the cup. It also gives the team an extension on a 1A type player for a managable cap-hit. More importantly, it gives the Caps more room to extend Nicky to some 10 year, 70M deal, and really put a strangle hold on our young guns for the foreseeable future.
not to pile on the superlatives but19’s goal was about as good as it gets for me…that was a devastating shift for the cbears.
also, a shoutout to the captain for a great backcheck
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by bigonetimer on Dec 27, 2009 9:58 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Notes from my couch (I finally get to go to another one on Monday! Been so long since I’ve been to a game (health, family, holidays and general divvying of tickets to friends have kept me out of 414).
-I stood up and cheered for Clark’s back-check on the break-away.
-I spent 1.5 hours this AM trying to pull up the game a couple years ago where three grasping the puck penalties were called in one game. Why? Because I swear Chris Ciamaga was a ref for that game in his rookie year. And I swear if he never ref’s another game it will be better for the league. The hook call on Semin was atrocious, just about as bad as the minor love tap that gave us a PP on Green’s rush up ice. Both called by him and both regrettable. Atleast Green’s was from behind and …MAY… have cost a scoring chance, but …ugh…
-While I have been giving the Caps quite a bit of crap lately about their 5 on 3 capabilities under Bruce, while they didn’t cash in last night, they did what they needed to do. Less shots from the point, more cross-crease passes…even if those passes were more attempts to get a carom off of Ovie infront of the net, and on the wrong side for Nick to do anything with.
-We all used to wonder how the hell Kozzie would score so little on a line with Ovie and Nick. While 8/19/28 has looked awesome lately, do we still wonder how Kozzie was invisible? Semin’s played great games lately and creates space for the other two, and they are cashing in, even if Jizz isn’t getting credit on the scoresheet.
—as for his extension. Quite a surprise to see that come across yesterday, but I can’t say I’m surprised at the outcome. Semin wasn’t going to take a discount on a long-term deal, but would probably be willing to take what he believes to be a discount for a deal that lets him test the market sooner and gauge his real value to the NHL (or KHL for that matter).
-One more piece of evidence that the Caps show up for the best teams in the league and take time off versus the ones that are not as much of a challenge.
-PK was fantastic last night, and the 39/19 line is quickly becoming a force.
I agree with much of that post. Semin & Backs have had some success with that PP set-up, in the recent Sabres game and the Dec. 3 Panthers. Too bad last night it did not work, but has. They probably should have tried something else after the 2nd attempt. Semin seemed frustrated with it after the 3rd time. His penalty was totally wrong on that ref’’s part. I hope someone reviewed it and told him so. Of all the people to have it happen to . . . Semin was doing what he usually does really well: stealing the puck without truly commiting a penalty.
This was the first game I have been to in several years and I was worried the game was going to be a slow one since it was NJD we were playing. Turned out to be a really good game. Maybe it was because I havent been to a game for some time but I kinda thought that the 22-9-14 line lacked a little energy from my view in section 418. And how about the Erskine spin-orama, maybe it was may #4 jersey that did it.
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