Recap: Caps 8, Flyers 2
by J.P. on Dec 5, 2009 10:39 PM EST
in Game Recaps
333 comments
[AP Recap - GameCenter - Game Summary - Event Summary]
Memo to the NHL: The Caps aren't a one man team.
In the eight games that Alex Ovechkin has missed this year, the Caps are now 6-2-0 (both losses coming to New Jersey) and have averaged 4.63 goals per game and their power play has connected at a scorching 40.63% rate. For all the times AO has carried this team over the past handful of seasons, the team now is fully capable of picking him up every now and again, as they did when they killed off his majors against Buffalo and Carolina and as they now have in killing off his two-game suspension with a pair of blowout wins. Don't rush back Alex - your teammates have your back.
As for the specifics of tonight's game, it pretty much ceased to be one after Daniel Carcillo lost his mind and the Caps made his teammates pay for it. Pacifist Pete and the Flyers... a match made in, well, somewhere.
Ten more thoughts on the game:
- Nicklas Backstrom was a wizard all night and ended up with a goal and four helpers. He now leads the team in scoring, has the Caps' last two five-point nights, nine points in his last three games, and 21 points in 11 career regular season games against Philly. So to that "not a one-man team" point, there's AO and Nick...
- And Alexander Semin, who had a relatively quiet pair of helpers. An interesting note on Semin, he now has 22 points in his nine multi-point games and just one point in his 11 single-point or scoreless games (h/t @nateewell). So on some nights he's a two-plus point per game guy and on other nights, he's nearly invisible. This is why he's the source of such frustration. Still, further to our "not a one man team" point, there's AO, Nick and Sasha...
- And Mike Green, who now has as many points as Ovechkin after a two-goal, two-assist performance. He also has more points than any defenseman in hockey and 25% more points than any Canadian blueliner. So AO, Nick, Sasha and GreenLife52...
- And Tomas Fleischmann, who lit the lamp twice and now has ten goals in just 18 games on the season, eight of which have come in games in which The Great Eight did not play. AO, Nick, Sasha, GreenLife52 and Flash...
- And Brooks Laich, who also reached the ten-goal mark tonight after going seven games without a tally. His tenth goal in last year's 23-goal campaign came on December 28. AO, Nick, Sasha, GreenLife52, Flash and Laich...
- And Eric Fehr, whose two assists run his career-best point streak to six games and who has 13 points in games since returning from injury. AO, Nick, Sasha, GreenLife52, Flash, Laich and Fehr...
- And Brendan Morrison, who had on assist on the night and now has more points (23) in 29 games this season than he had in 62 games for Anaheim last year. AO, Nick, Sasha, GreenLife52, Flash, Laich, Fehr and BMo...
- And David Steckel, who finally scored his first goal of the year (hey, it needed a bullet). AO, Nick, Sasha, GreenLife52, Flash, Laich, Fehr, BMo and Stecks...
- And goaltending. The Caps have allowed just 2.11 goals against per game over their past nine games, and have a .930 save percentage over that stretch. AO, Nick, Sasha, GreenLife52, Flash, Laich, Fehr, BMo and a pair of capable netminders...
- And yet, in an 8-2 rout, Alexandre Giroux ended the night with a minus rating.
And so it's off to Tampa where it might be Steve Downie's turn to pull a Mike Duco/Daniel Carcillo and where we might have to list two Bolts goalies as probable for the game. Enjoy tonight's win - games like this don't come along often... though there's no reason they shouldn't.
Game highlights:
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That picture is tremendous.
I could have been equipment manager, but nooooo!
by boutros23 on Dec 5, 2009 10:42 PM EST reply actions 3 recs
As is the writeup. That game would be fun against any team, but against Philly, it’s priceless.
by grapejoos on Dec 5, 2009 10:47 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Yeah, JP, I don’t know if you’re saving the best Caps photos somewhere in particular, but this is one I think we’ll come back to again and aagin. This one says “team.” This one says “joy”
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 6, 2009 2:03 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
If only there was more orange in the background.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Just sad to not see MP on the score sheet. He is exciting, and he makes that third line dangerous, but they just aren’t scoring. I like him on the 3rd line, I like having a 3rd scoring line, just wish he had some guys who could finish.
And while not a member of the CBo lobby, why not him instead of Giroux? Or OO? Or Bouchard? Or hell, give Varly a small stick and let him play wing over Giroux.
by HateOffSeason on Dec 5, 2009 10:46 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
MP was a minus tonight as well. However, having watched the game, that wasn’t his fault. He was making plays. Giroux was mostly invisible. I’d rather give CBo a shot at redemption if he’s up for it. Or Gordon or Bouchard.
MP got his minus on the second goal. He was playing the wing’s defensive position and covering his point like he should. You can see him to the right of the goal scorer. Not much you can say about that, unless you want him to run from his responsibility to cover that guy. But that’s BB’s call.
Listen to Ol' Hank Murphy and eat your damn onions.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 5, 2009 11:03 PM EST up reply actions
Nice breakdown. Definitely not criticizing MP’s play, he looked good. One has to wonder how many hits he can take, though. He got taken into the boards hard again tonight.
Yup, and got up slow after Carle cleared him out in the crease. But he keeps getting up. And he’s good at avoiding totally square contact. I’m staying hopeful.
Listen to Ol' Hank Murphy and eat your damn onions.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 6, 2009 12:01 AM EST up reply actions
And yeah, he made a lot happen. He absolutely spun Pronger around in the corner in the third after his slick little move at the blue line and backhand shot.
Listen to Ol' Hank Murphy and eat your damn onions.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 5, 2009 11:04 PM EST up reply actions
One thing getting AO/Knuble back will do is allow MP to play with Fehr/Flash instead of these scrubs. I can’t effing wait to see it.
by Kolzilla on Dec 5, 2009 10:53 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
I would rec that comment if I could
by washfan29 on Dec 5, 2009 11:02 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Via mobile you can’t rec.
Listen to Ol' Hank Murphy and eat your damn onions.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 5, 2009 11:04 PM EST up reply actions
You could always view the full site version from the mobile device.
by Gin and Tonic on Dec 5, 2009 11:32 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
My bad. It appears that doesn’t work either.
by Gin and Tonic on Dec 5, 2009 11:41 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
We’ll probably have a pretty good guy moving down to the third line for Monday’s game against TB. So that should give Perreault someone good to work with then.
The next question is - if Bradley can’t go, who takes his place on the fourth line?
Rocking the Red since 1975
“He’ll never make it through waivers!”
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 5, 2009 11:27 PM EST up reply actions
I was assuming Clark would move to the 4th line if Bradley’s out. Will they still keep Giroux when Ovi’s back?
Rocking the Red since 1975
And yet, in an 8-2 rout, Alexandre Giroux ended the night with a minus rating
OMFG! Please put him and us out of our misery already! Isn’t it obvious? He doesn’t have what it takes. End. Of. Story.
Excellent recap!
Also love that Carcillo’s lost marbles still appear to be strewn around the Wachovia Center even after the game was over – I haven’t seen someone lie this much in a long time. Guess that’s what happens when even your coach and teammates call you out for being a moron. Backpedal, backpedal, backpedal.
What’d he say?
Listen to Ol' Hank Murphy and eat your damn onions.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 5, 2009 11:12 PM EST up reply actions
Here’s what Corey’s been tweeting:
Carcillo told CSN Philadelphia that he saw Bradley drop his gloves. Those gloves were still on when he cocked “the punch.”
Carcillo also said: “[Bradley] came at the shift before and he had been talking to me.” Really? Find that a little hard to believe.
(And our fearless leader pointed out that the shift chart would prove otherwise…)
Carcillo: “I don’t know why he took so long to drop his gloves.” Because he didn’t want to fight, maybe?
Got that link open in another tab, but thanks. Carcillo is an idiot.
Listen to Ol' Hank Murphy and eat your damn onions.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 5, 2009 11:21 PM EST up reply actions
Watch the replay. Carcillo got ahold of Bradley’s jersey before Brads even starts trying to get the mitts off. Douche play.
After your evening Duco tonight, don’t forget to wipe your Carcillo.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Carcillo makes contact before the gloves hit the ice. That’s not legit.
Listen to Ol' Hank Murphy and eat your damn onions.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 5, 2009 11:22 PM EST up reply actions
Trade him for Chris Bourque.
Oh, wait…
by sixsevenfiftysix on Dec 5, 2009 10:48 PM EST up reply actions
Maybe we can trade him and Nylander for the Anaheim Ducks. Yes, all of them.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Dec 5, 2009 10:49 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
That deal would put us in even worse Cap space problems than we already got.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Ovechkin and Nylander and Theodore for Getzlaf and Niedermayer and Perry?
by red army line on Dec 6, 2009 8:56 AM EST up reply actions
The fact Giroux was a minus on the night is as good a reason as any to ship his arse back to Chocolatetown.
"And next year it will be ours."
Careful with that. There’s another certain Rink favorite that was minus.
Listen to Ol' Hank Murphy and eat your damn onions.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 5, 2009 11:13 PM EST up reply actions
He could have had a few points tonight. He definitely was creating all over and I loved some of his defensive work down low.
Listen to Ol' Hank Murphy and eat your damn onions.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 5, 2009 11:22 PM EST up reply actions
He makes me smile on every shift.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
The way he dekes around two or three guys below his own goal line to generate a breakout out of nothing is just amazing.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
The official NNHL game thingy shows that Chris Pronger’s very first hit of the night was on Mathieu Perreault.
Brave Sir Pronger!
FЯEE ALEX
Even though Pronger is so much bigger.
In honor of Pronger, I invented a word: “Prong”. Definition of prong is to make a hard shoulder hit in hockey that may cause injury. Green was “pronged” by Pronger last year. Ovi was pronged by Mike RIchards at the 2004 World Junior games.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Slightly OT – that pic JP used there was the one I was referring to before ;) Will still dig up some others if I can.
I’m thinking that all the talk in yesterday’s clip thread of our love for Steckel and helping him score brought about that goal.
I love that picture, but it #needsmorebeefcakeswithicing
I didn’t realize it was him at first but when I saw the way Green celebrated I knew it was Steckel.
Listen to Ol' Hank Murphy and eat your damn onions.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 5, 2009 11:25 PM EST up reply actions
I wish I could take more joy in that moment…
by sixsevenfiftysix on Dec 6, 2009 12:04 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah. Didn’t last nearly long enough.
by mechanicsville on Dec 6, 2009 12:25 AM EST up reply actions
To think how handsome they’d be carrying a cup around.
#eyesontheprizeladies
"Eloquence, brought to you by a peanut butter, egg and dice sandwich."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 6, 2009 12:14 AM EST up reply actions
I had the good fortune to be having a conversation with a Flyers fan that started before the game and ran through the second period, so it wasn’t a stretch to let him know every time we scored.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Dec 5, 2009 10:55 PM EST up reply actions
First snow of the season AND epic win over the Flyers, including a Steckel goal?
Feels good, man.
I wanna hug somebody, but that’s the downside of watching games at home by myself. :( Only bad part of the day.
My friends bday also
I love his bday
by washfan29 on Dec 5, 2009 11:08 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Happy birthday to them!
I’m hoping the team pulls off something similar for mine later this month… :)
My friends 15 how old are you? Just kidding
by washfan29 on Dec 5, 2009 11:26 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Hahahaha little off his and my age then
by washfan29 on Dec 5, 2009 11:31 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
My birthday was yesterday. The Caps certainly bookended it well with a 6-2 win the day before and an 8-2 win the day after.
"My face is my mask."
My birthday usually falls either Game 6 or 7 of a Stanley Cup Final (no joke).
I say this year the boys should give me a wonderful present.
My birthday was the night of Ovechkin and Crosby’s dueling hat tricks. It was probably one of the best presents ever – I hate Crosby on principle but man, that was a fun night!
My girlfriends bday is may 4 and mines may 6 Shes a pens fan which I think is annoying as he’ll
by washfan29 on Dec 5, 2009 11:33 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Sounds like she’s an ex-gf.
Listen to Ol' Hank Murphy and eat your damn onions.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 5, 2009 11:36 PM EST up reply actions
Wow everyone jumped on me cause of that though
by washfan29 on Dec 5, 2009 11:40 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
You had to know it was coming.
Listen to Ol' Hank Murphy and eat your damn onions.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 5, 2009 11:41 PM EST up reply actions
Yea kind of did
But I didn’t expect more people to join into the mini thread inside of the thread to let me know
(you)
by washfan29 on Dec 5, 2009 11:46 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
You could easily turn all this into positive attention..
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
end it now if you want to end the pain
Rock the Red! Rock the White! Rock the Blue! Rock the Pens!
by RedskinFan4Life on Dec 6, 2009 7:43 AM EST up reply actions
oh, very awesome. My birthday was the February game against the Pens this year. The Caps laid the smakedown on the waddle birds. It was awesome.
Great present.
I would like an early birthday present this year — a Caps’ Stanley Cup. I would also like to buy a jersey in honor of one of my favorite players but first I have to see if he’s still on the team. We’ll know by my birthday.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Sorta related: will the SCF be later this year due to the Olympics? I remember they ended in mid-June in 2006, when Turin interrupted the season.
by red army line on Dec 6, 2009 9:00 AM EST up reply actions
I guess if they’ll be as late then the Caps can give me a birthday gift of a SCF berth.
by red army line on Dec 6, 2009 9:00 AM EST up reply actions
My bday last yr was our first lost 2 the penguins in the second round of the playoffs :(
by washfan29 on Dec 5, 2009 11:29 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
They love us!
Listen to Ol' Hank Murphy and eat your damn onions.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 5, 2009 11:22 PM EST up reply actions
December is off to a wild start, i almost wish AO would sit out a few more games
I know what I want for Christmas but it doesn't ship until early June...
I would like to posit 2 things:
Alexander Ovechkin is not the MVP this year; his team is clearly not-dependent on him to win big games.
Alexander Ovechkin is the MVP this year; who knew, including us, that these Caps are that good without him? It took Alex having a very “reckless” week to bring his team to a new level.
Alexander Ovechkin, it’s what he does.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 5, 2009 11:04 PM EST reply actions
The team is not dependent on him. However, they still sorta are since by his being reckless (injury + suspension) other guys have shown us what they can do.
by red army line on Dec 6, 2009 9:01 AM EST up reply actions
Giroux is playing poorly, but the guy has earned a chance to prove himself at the next level. He has done so much for the organization in Hershey. And for all the bashing of Giroux, he really hasn’t hurt the team with mistakes, other than one penalty. Mike Green makes more big mistakes per night, far and away.
We’re frustrated with him and his time here because he’s taking NHL time from kids that have a future within the organization. Giroux most likely doesn’t. Plus he’s not that great at this level, as we’ve seen over and over again now.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I dunno I feel he almost signle handily cost us the last Canadians game
by Garyland1177 on Dec 5, 2009 11:43 PM EST up reply actions
And for all the bashing of Giroux, he really hasn’t hurt the team with mistakes, other than one penalty. Mike Green makes more big mistakes per night, far and away.
Yet when it comes to actually helping his team, the only thing Giroux has done since the recall is turtle a couple nights ago.
"Eloquence, brought to you by a peanut butter, egg and dice sandwich."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 6, 2009 12:19 AM EST up reply actions
the guy has earned a chance to prove himself at the next level
I agree 100%. He set an AHL record. He earned that opportunity.
And now he’s had that opportunity. He does not belong at the next level. Done. Time to go back to the AHL.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 6, 2009 1:17 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
He’s had that opportunity multiple times.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I don’t think we can blame this one on Bettman. NBC (supposedly) made their choice clear, and wouldn’t have been happy if they hadn’t gotten their pick.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Dec 5, 2009 11:13 PM EST up reply actions
Good on Stecks; he really needed one.
tictactoehockey.blogspot.com
myunjustifiedego.blogspot.com
by turnituptoeleven on Dec 5, 2009 11:14 PM EST reply actions
Karma's a bitch if your a Flyer
Wasn’t it about a year ago that Philly crushed us 7-2 in Philly after we had like 26 shots in the first period? So. Sweet.
A little moron, err, more on Carcillo.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 5, 2009 11:14 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
I don’t recall cussing #4 all night…huh? The Flyers must really suck.
by mechanicsville on Dec 5, 2009 11:56 PM EST up reply actions
Stay Classy..
Did anyone touch on the Philly crowd re: ref injury in the GDT? They cheered the whole time he was on the ice and then booed when he managed to get to his knees. Despicable.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Awful. But I wouldn’t generalize such behavior as being representative of all Flyer fans, just as not all Caps fans threw garbage at Philly players after they won Game 7 two seasons ago in our barn.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
(Not saying you did, jordan, but others have and will)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Agreed. I was in the BSH thread for a bit and they were very hospitable and mostly had an objective take on Carcillo (lame cheap shot). I left by the time the ref got hit because the game was out of hand and I know what it’s like to be in a shitty mood.
Listen to Ol' Hank Murphy and eat your damn onions.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 5, 2009 11:49 PM EST up reply actions
Cross posting from Free Alex thread:
Tonights amazing win Took several signs with me in case any other caps fans needed one. Proudly displayed it between the action and hopefully some others saw it. I was in section 112. Directly across from the caps bench. I hope they saw it too.
On the rudeness note of philly… Only one incident in the concourse between 1st and 2nd periods. But the BOO’ing of the official that got drilled in the head w/ the puck. That was just unbelievable.
by highslot84 on Dec 5, 2009 11:40 PM EST
Outstanding!
FЯEE ALEX
Two goals including the game winner for CBo tonight in Hershey.
There’s no place like home…
FЯEE ALEX
the teddy bears flying onto the ice after the first goal are pretty hilarious
"No Brooks Laich, no win. Know Brooks Laich, know win."
i just about died laughing. Chris Bourque…..with Teddy Bears!
actually, I think its a lovely idea and would love to have Teddy Bear night at the VC. Against the Penguins.
sweet
Rock the Red! Rock the White! Rock the Blue! Rock the Pens!
by RedskinFan4Life on Dec 6, 2009 8:01 AM EST up reply actions
if that doesn’t deserve a big “welcome back” (from hershey at least), i don’t know what does
glad to be able to take my c-bo bears shirt out of retirement :)
"No Brooks Laich, no win. Know Brooks Laich, know win."
Here’s one thing that Corey had to say about the game:
“Boudreau said he had Green, Alexander Semin and Nicklas Backstrom were on the ice for the power play to help Steckel get a goal and not to run up the score. Let’s just say it accomplished both objectives.”
Rocking the Red since 1975
I love our team. I love our team…. I also loved that Clark gave up a really good scoring chance just to pass to Stecks to see if he could score.
Hee. Let’s hope this carries over to the TBL game.
Our boys are unselfish when it comes to helping other guys reach their goals.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Except when they are too unselfish. But I was pumped to see how happy everyone was for Steckel.
Listen to Ol' Hank Murphy and eat your damn onions.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 6, 2009 12:13 AM EST up reply actions
There does come a point, but when you’re up by 5 it’s allowed
They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.
Pretty remarkable that in an 8-2 victory, we’re so focused on goal #8. It’s why I love this team. They care so much about each other. They’re a team.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 6, 2009 1:32 AM EST up reply actions
I also love this team. As far as forwards go I love all of them with maybe the exception of 33. I also like most of our D-Men on most nights… To that extent I really hope we resign all of our UFA’s and keep essentially the same team next season. With the exception of 92 of course.
by Garyland1177 on Dec 6, 2009 12:48 AM EST up reply actions
Alexander Semin and Nicklas Backstrom were on the ice for the power play to help Steckel get a goal
Think of it as priming the pump…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 6, 2009 1:21 AM EST up reply actions
er. so is that like Geno and Sid?
…. oh Flash. Or maybe, it’s because Flash plays with Fehr when OV’s out, and Flash plays with OV when OV’s in. Or something. I don’ t know. :(
When Ovie gets back, do you think it’s possible to disguise him or something so Flash doesn’t know it?
by Becca H on Dec 6, 2009 12:20 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
At least he didn’t use Erskine’s sticks today; walk before you run.
"Eloquence, brought to you by a peanut butter, egg and dice sandwich."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 6, 2009 12:23 AM EST up reply actions
speaking of Geno, did anyone see him ummm try to make new friends tonight with (Fraser, I think?)? Malkin took objection to something and was sitting on top of him cross checking him on the ice then elbowed him, can’t find the video on Youtube yet, but hoping someone posts that.
Promote the game, it's the NHL, not SCHL
all I can find is from the pittsburgh post gazettes coverage during the game:
“2nd Period 2:45: Malkin and Fraser have an impromptu Roman-Greco wrestling match in the right faceoff circle in Chicago’s zone. No calls. As play moves back to the Penguins’ zone. Malkin pops Fraser with an elbow and drops the Chicago antagonist. Play is stopped. Malkin gets two for high sticking. Fraser two for roughing. Malkin has to be smarter than that. Fraser is their version of Matt Cooke. He’s trying to get a star player off his game. Malkin’s lucky the penalties are a wash. Officials normally get the retaliation penalty. It’s four-on-four for two minutes.”
Just saw the replay on NHL on the Fly, why isn’t it on Youtube yet? grrrr
Promote the game, it's the NHL, not SCHL
Please tell me how Malkin and Frasers penalties wash here?
Malkin elbows in retaliation
right, stars get preferential treatment. Going forward though if Ovi the big bad russian did this, he will now get ejected and fines will come down from the head offices.
Promote the game, it's the NHL, not SCHL
Yeah, pretty lame. I wouldn’t expect much outrage over it because it doesn’t fit the narrative.
Listen to Ol' Hank Murphy and eat your damn onions.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 6, 2009 2:04 AM EST up reply actions
Yup. If it didn’t make the Daddy’s dishonorable mentions, it ain’t going to be noticed anywhere else. I’m with you — that elbow is worse than anything Ovechkin’s done. An intentional dangerous act that had no hockey justification and has no business in the game. But ain’t nobody going to be talking about it tomorrow…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 6, 2009 2:49 AM EST up reply actions
This. There’s also a certain bongo-like quality to it — you can tell Malkin is letting him have it to the extent that Malkin can do so, but that just isn’t physically powerful enough to get people to notice.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Dec 6, 2009 3:23 AM EST up reply actions
This is the second game this year that Brads has been a player the other guys rally around. Ovie has also been that player a couple of times.
I just love the way this team is starting to gel, to fight for one another – they really seem to care about one another and legitimately go to battle when one of their own gets knocked down in some way. Talent aside, that’s the kind of cohesion that wins Cups.
/sappy mushy stuff
I was thinking this one...
Team…
"Eloquence, brought to you by a peanut butter, egg and dice sandwich."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 6, 2009 12:33 AM EST up reply actions
And this is why maybe the things with Ovi had to happen. Sucks for him and sucks for the team in some ways, but they’re becoming a better team for his absence.
FЯEE ALEX
Bruce also said that Bradley is one of the most popular players in the locker room
by Garyland1177 on Dec 6, 2009 12:49 AM EST up reply actions
anyone still think we need a fighter on this team?
Rock the Red! Rock the White! Rock the Blue! Rock the Pens!
by RedskinFan4Life on Dec 6, 2009 8:06 AM EST up reply actions
Actually, yeah, I think they might. I think maybe Carcillo doesn’t pop Bradley if he knows he’s going to have to face a real fighter for what he’s done.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 6, 2009 9:31 AM EST up reply actions
So, um, the Caps outscore their opponents 14-4 in two blowouts without Ovechkin. It’s clear with the extra ice time, others on the team are shining. Does this teach us anything about what to do when OV comes back? With OV in the lineup, he’ll score, but the team will often struggle to score in addition (e.g., scoring 1 goal against Toronto or 2 against Buffalo). Any way to reconcile these trends?
Well, the other guys have said that they try to get Ovechkin the puck and get out of his way. Maybe that’s not how it needs to be?
FЯEE ALEX
I wonder if the reality of it is that you don’t have OV carrying the puck into the zone 10 times a game and losing it on a deke or fan 8 of those times.
Maybe Ovi needs to not be the one carrying the mail as often?
We;ll see what they do when he comes back. Hopefully they’ll keep the whole “team” thing going.
FЯEE ALEX
Agree that AO shouldn’t carry the mail, as you know (or should know).
Listen to Ol' Hank Murphy and eat your damn onions.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 6, 2009 12:49 AM EST up reply actions
maybe but I feel this could be coincidence. I feel if OV were in the last 2 games we probably would have had more. He tends to be more passive when we have big leads IMO
by Garyland1177 on Dec 6, 2009 12:51 AM EST up reply actions
Maybe put AO in Giroux’s spot, b/c no one is scoring from there…
by red army line on Dec 6, 2009 9:06 AM EST up reply actions
True! Putting Ovi with MP and CC may actually motivate our 1st and 2nd line cast of characters to play better since they won’t be looking to pass to Ovi all the time.
Rocking the Red since 1975
I doubt we’ll see that happen. Ovie + Backstrom = win too much.
by red army line on Dec 6, 2009 11:05 AM EST up reply actions
On the Steve Downie point...
One more before bed, but on this point …
And so it’s off to Tampa where it might be Steve Downie’s turn to pull a Mike Duco/Daniel Carcillo
If I am Rick Tocchet, I scratch Downie if I can after seeing what the Caps did to the Panthers and the Flyers after both teams pulled stupid bush-league crap. If not, he gets a very stern warning about behaving himself.
FЯEE ALEX
If I’m Rick Tocchet, I just take the over.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Dec 6, 2009 12:40 AM EST up reply actions 5 recs
Shocker…from behind enemy lines:
About 2½ minutes after Mika Pyorala tied the game, 1-1, by knocking in a fat first-period rebound – a goal that ended the Flyers’ eight-period scoreless drought – Carcillo was hit by Matt Bradley’s high stick near the sideboards.
Carcillo retaliated with a cross-check and dropped his gloves. Just as Bradley dropped his gloves, Carcillo decked the Caps’ right winger with a right to his face.
Revisionist history is fun, isn’t it, kids? Next week: how the South won the Civil War.
I’m gonna get the papers get the papers.
"Eloquence, brought to you by a peanut butter, egg and dice sandwich."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 6, 2009 12:42 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
And just for shits and giggles, the CSN Philly take on things:
Bradley got a high stick on Carcillo at the boards and that triggered the fight. Except referee Stephane Auger never saw it. Carcillo cross-checked Bradley and that led to shoves. Carcillo dropped his gloves, but grabbed onto Bradley, who dropped his right glove with his left glove still on.
Whatevs ;) Take the 2 points and get the hell out of Philly, right? They can cry about a phantom high stick as much as they want – we’ll take the win.
Night, all!
I mean, after all the bullshit Carcillo was saying to justify his fight, don’t you think he would have mentioned the high stick if it happened? If even he isn’t saying that then how can they keep spewing that.
Listen to Ol' Hank Murphy and eat your damn onions.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 6, 2009 12:50 AM EST up reply actions
This reminds me slightly of the Walker incident in last years Bruins-Canes playoff. At least in so far as two sides seeing a play differently.
Carcillo’s actions and denile garner a higher level of moronity, IMO, due to CLEAR vidio evidence.
If you don't wanna get hit, KEEP YOUR HEAD UP!
Walker’s was at least as egregious as Carcillo’s. But yeah, they are similar plays and I thought back to that play too.
Listen to Ol' Hank Murphy and eat your damn onions.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 6, 2009 1:07 AM EST up reply actions
I’m back :P One more quote, thought this was interesting – from the neutral observers at NHL.com (emphasis is mine):
[T]he story of Saturday’s game centers on Carcillo, who lost his cool 14:33 into the first period after getting hit cleanly by Matt Bradley near the penalty boxes. Carcillo first cross-checked Bradley while he was on the ice, earning a two-minute minor penalty. He then instigated a fight with Bradley, good for another two minutes. Finally, before Bradley could get both gloves off, Carcillo cold-cocked him with a right hook to the face. That was good for a five-minute fighting major — and on top of that he was issued a 10-minute misconduct and a game misconduct.
…okay now I’m really going to bed.
so much juicy stuff in that gamer. Like:
“It shouldn’t have happened,” Holmgren said. “That’s the bottom line. Yeah, (Bradley) hit him. It was a good hit. Danny gets hit and carries on, goes about his business and plays the game, we’re not shorthanded for nine minutes.”
and (emphasis mine)
“There ended up being a confrontation after the original two-minute penalty, which shouldn’t have happened because if we’re going to the box in an undisciplined manner we’re not going to win hockey games,” Laviolette said. “What happened after that it looked like the two guys looked at each other like they were going to fight and Danny got his gloves off quicker and popped him one, but Bradley’s gloves were coming off as well it looked like to me. My whole point is it should have been avoided.”
The funny part about the hit was that it was Bradley who ended up on the ice after hitting Carcillo. Almost looked like Brads got the worst of his own hit. And Carcillo took offence at that?
He didn’t take offense, he was talking shit about how he owned Bradley.
Listen to Ol' Hank Murphy and eat your damn onions.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 6, 2009 2:09 PM EST up reply actions
It’s certainly interesting how much we hear about Philly’s depth. That’s all.
by turnituptoeleven on Dec 6, 2009 1:00 AM EST reply actions
I would say we hear about it legitimately. That team has no excuse for being as bad as it presently is.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Dec 6, 2009 1:10 AM EST up reply actions
this game is proof that i am no longer allowed to watch caps vs. flyers games (watched the loss, missed the two wins)
as much as i would have loved to see this one – it’s worth the sacrifice ;)
"No Brooks Laich, no win. Know Brooks Laich, know win."
already watched the highlights about 8 times, haha :)
"No Brooks Laich, no win. Know Brooks Laich, know win."
great game! my only quibble
…CSN ran a clip during the 1st period in which Boudreau said, of Tom Poti: “When he’s on top of his game, he usually is the difference between winning and losing.”
REALLY? Not that Poti had a stinker but he was on the ice for both Flyers goals. I feel like Poti is overrated by Gabby while Pothier is underrated. It’s hard to complain after an 8-goal game but I’m still a little miffed that Pothier got the healthy scratch…esp. over Erskine!
Ah well. I’m enjoying the W.
excepting the occasional brain fart, Poti is needed on the PK. With Gordon out indefinitely, the caps were without 2 of their 3 go-to PKers. But he does have his absolute boneheaded moments.
Erskine I get for the Flyers game. BB wanted that big body out there. Turns out, wasn’t really needed, but there was no way to know that before the game. Besides, given Pothier’s past history, he’s gonna come out and light up TB on Monday.
The Boudreau Effect
I may do a FanPost about this, but does anyone else have an opinion about “The Boudreau Effect” as I call it? Basically, since Thanksgiving 2007, an innumerable number of NHL coaches have been axed with the expectation that it will turn their awful team into a contender immediately, for some reason. Too bad that Boudreau was the only case of that plan working out, and it wasn’t even what McPhee really had in mind. He’s just an infinitely better coach than Glen Hanlon.
I don’t think that Peter Laviollette is a bad coach at all, but it doesn’t mean that Stevens was at fault for the Flyers not cutting it this year.
Am I off base or full of hot air with blanket statements here?
Worked pretty well for the Pens.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I dunno, it worked with Dan Bylsma and the Pens. Plus Scott Gordon and John Anderson are both in their second years and are getting some decent results right now :)
FЯEE ALEX
Paul Maurice did alright for 3/4 of a season + postseason. But yeah, I definitely think BB’s success has something to do with it.
by red army line on Dec 6, 2009 9:08 AM EST up reply actions
No argument. I guarantee you he’s the reason Cory Clouston, John Anderson, Dan Bylsma, and Scott Gordon are in the NHL.
FЯEE ALEX
And Joe Sacco.
Listen to Ol' Hank Murphy and eat your damn onions.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 6, 2009 2:14 PM EST up reply actions
firing a coach midseason b/c of an underperforming team
has been happening in all sports for many many years. Boudreau was hardly the first
by DonnieKnutts on Dec 6, 2009 11:07 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah, that’s a given, but what I meant was that teams seem to be jumping to that as the quick fix more and more now, especially in hockey, with the expectation that their team will immediately turn around. Some of the coaches fired in the NHL over the past two seasons didn’t necessarily deserve to lose their job…
Homer's take on Carcillo
From today’s Philadelphia Inquirer:\
“Carcillo was hit by Matt Bradley’s high stick near the sideboards.
Carcillo retaliated with a cross-check and dropped his gloves. Just as Bradley dropped his gloves, Carcillo decked the Caps’ right winger with a right to his face.
As Carcillo threw the punch, Bradley appeared to throw off his right glove as if he wanted to fight.
Auger gave Carcillo two minutes for cross-checking, two minutes for instigation, five minutes for fighting, a 10-minute misconduct, and a game misconduct.
Bradley got zero minutes."
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/20091206_Rude_welcome_for_new_coach.html
Also some "Tough Love"
from the same source:
Mike Richards said he asked the referees for an explanation of the penalties and didn’t get one. After the game, Richards talked to Carcillo about showing more discipline.
“All I can do is hold people accountable here,” Richards said, “and I don’t think it’s going to be a problem anymore.”
LOL
Strange Days
My apologies to Jim Morrison but take Carcillo’s outburst out of the mix and there were only 4 PIM’s charged to each team. For the Caps vs Flyers?! Strange days for sure.
the refs really just let them play. I’m a bit surprised the Flyers weren’t pushing the envelope a little bit more by the third. Maybe Lavy screamed at them after the first and threatened the castrate the next guy who took a dumb penalty?
That
Is all Lavs. You know that was a big point of his message in the second intermission.
Listen to Ol' Hank Murphy and eat your damn onions.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 6, 2009 2:17 PM EST up reply actions
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
82 | 54 | 15 | 13 | 121 |
|
Atlanta
|
82 | 35 | 34 | 13 | 83 |
|
Carolina
|
82 | 35 | 37 | 10 | 80 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
82 | 34 | 36 | 12 | 80 |
|
Florida
|
82 | 32 | 37 | 13 | 77 |
(updated 4.12.2010 at 9:21 AM EDT)
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