Wednesday Roundup - Gamenight: Caps @ Rangers
by J.P. on Feb 11, 2009 6:47 AM EST
23 comments
[AP Preview - WashingtonCaps.com Preview]
If there can be a turning point in a season that was largely on the right track from the get go, it came for the Caps on December 23 at Madison Square Garden.
Washington entered that game with an impressive 20-11-3 record, but still reeling from a 7-1 thumping in Philly a few days earlier and playing in a building in which they had not won since prior to the lockout, all with nearly half of their payroll in street clothes.
Jose Theodore had gone 3-3-1/3.67/.868 in his previous eight appearances, and 11:15 into the game, the Caps were in a 3-0 hole that would extend by one five minutes into the second period.
Shortly thereafter, Alex Ovechkin took over, the rest of the team followed his lead, and Shaone Morrisonn's goal in the first minute of overtime sent the Caps into their Christmas break euphoric.
Ever since midway through that second period, the Caps have been on fire, posting a 14-5-1 record. Ovechkin has racked up 17 goals and nine assists in the 19-plus games, Mike Green has 11 goals, 15 helpers and a plus-12 rating in 18 games, and Theodore has gone 12-4-1/2.15/.922. The power play has clicked at 25.6%, and the penalty kill has... well, it's been crappy (though it has been 84.6% successful over the last five games, unsurprisingly coinciding with Tom Poti's return to the lineup).
As for the Rangers, since that glorious night, they've gone 7-8-2 (including 0-4-1 in their last five), have been shutout three times, allowed ten goals against in a single game, and are seemingly moments away from bringing Sean Avery back to Manhattan for an encore performance of his one-man off-Broadway show, "Weapon of Mass Douchestruction." Good luck with that.
But every game on the NHL schedule presents new challenges, and it's rarely easy sledding on the road, so expect a close game. Oh, and if the Caps dig themselves an early hole, you might not want to change the channel - you never know what might happen next.
Elsewhere 'Round the Rinks:
Bruce Boudreau has been a pretty good coach so far in his stint in the NHL, FYI.... If Dennis Maruk scored 60-goals in Washington in the early '80s and no one heard it, did it make a sound?... With the Caps playing the Rangers, I figured it'd be a good time for this Cap of the Day.... Bear Tracks!... Another shutout for Braden Holtby.... Happy 32nd Birthday to former Caps farmhand Dwayne Hay.
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Trap game? It’s got all the makings: a team with high expectations on a long losing streak, embattled coach with his job on the line, coming off a shutout to their hated rival and a hated ex-teammate looming in the wings. I don’t think tonight will be easy, but the better team should win.
by b.orr4 on Feb 11, 2009 8:56 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Yup.
As long as they don’t slack off and think it’ll be an easy game. I think this game is winnable (and Ovi’s gone a couple of games without a goal, I think he’s due), but we need to take it seriously and not blow it off.
by gotsparkly on Feb 11, 2009 9:21 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Theo’s got a 7-game win streak at the Garden. We just got to come out strong. How about another goal in the first minute of the game? :)
by Simply Sensational on Feb 11, 2009 9:54 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Any other Rink-ers going to the game?
I’ll be there tonight, section 232, row A, rocking the red 8.
Also, from Mirtle’s link, only 5 active coaches have won the cup? That’s kind of crazy to me.
by grapejoos on Feb 11, 2009 10:01 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Sec 120 Row A. First time in the Garden.
by topshelf_22304 on Feb 11, 2009 1:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Nice seats! Let’s hope you can get Ovi to jump into the glass after a big goal.
by grapejoos on Feb 11, 2009 1:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
1) Amazing that Renney has survived this season. After that hot start the Rangers hardly even look like a playoff team, let alone a Cup contender
2) If they think adding Avery will be the missing link, they’re gonna be sadly mistaken. Also, why is it a given that he’s going to NY? If he’s brought back on ’re-entry waivers, about 15 or so teams have first dibs, on sloppy second with Sean.
by Fauxrumors on Feb 11, 2009 10:07 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
The Rangers started off the season 13-4-2. Since then they’ve gone 12-16-3. Think there might be a trend there? If Avery can turn that team around, he’s worth every sloppy cent they pay him.
by b.orr4 on Feb 11, 2009 10:28 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Even worse, how many of those 12 W’s since that hot start have come in OT/SOs? Probably 1/2!
by Fauxrumors on Feb 11, 2009 10:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Beagle in, Semin out?
Maybe, according to Tarik
by Simply Sensational on Feb 11, 2009 10:42 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Why am I laughing at your first line?
by b.orr4 on Feb 11, 2009 11:00 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Because you’re a sick little monkey.
Me, I like the idea of Jay Beagle, as fond as I am of CBo and think he’d’ve been a closer choice. One, he’s been out with a concussion all season, so he missed the call-up train earlier and Boudreau hasn’t had a good look at him in the NHL yet. It’s kind of his turn. Two, I understand he’s a big guy who brings a lot of grit and toughness and the odd pair of dropped gloves to the table. Haven’t we been saying that’s what we need?
by gotsparkly on Feb 11, 2009 11:14 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I remember not being disappointed with Jay Beagle in pre-season.
Proposal on the floor: Jay Beagle will heretofore be known as BirdDog. Can I get a second?
Pick SPG for your chance to win probably nothing.
by xiix on Feb 11, 2009 11:21 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
no nicks until he scores his first NHL goal : )
by bigonetimer on Feb 11, 2009 4:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm still thinking about Mt. Capsmore
What was less likely:
Morissonn’s goal against the Rangers in OT, or
Langway’s goal against the Rangers in OT
?
by bilspacecadet on Feb 11, 2009 11:37 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Langway's
Cause it was a bigger goal (playoffs) and he had not scored in a few years (at least it seemed that way). Mo’s good for a pair or two a season.
(I still think it was tipped – but they were never going to review that just so Langway would get the credit)
by vt caps fan on Feb 11, 2009 11:56 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I meant a one or two not a pair or two. My B
by vt caps fan on Feb 11, 2009 11:57 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Puck Daddy Rumors
In the Puck Daddy trade rumor chat today, David Pagnotta said that the Devils, Bruins, Habs, and Caps have inquired about Pronger’s availability. Who knows how true that is, but good to see that GMGM is doing his diligence. Obviously I don’t see this happening unless Nylander wanted to go to Anaheim and Anaheim wanted him, both of which are doubtful at best, but interesting nonetheless…
by grapejoos on Feb 11, 2009 1:50 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Beagle call up
I guess it’s only fitting since the dog show left MSG last night…ba dum dum.
Man, this Caps team just keeps getting bigger and bigger…
by dcrock on Feb 11, 2009 1:57 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Bad Ice Part Deux
According to Kolbe (who was just on XM) MSG just made new ice after the dog show finished last night. Since a new sheet usually takes a week to truly harden, the Caps should feel right at home tonight.
by b.orr4 on Feb 11, 2009 2:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Sigh…plus just as warm in NYC as it is here today (+/- a few degrees)…hopefully MSG has better environmental controls than the Booth.
by PaintDrinkingPete on Feb 11, 2009 2:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Anyone catch the Sports Bog – Dan reported that the NCAA is checking into this because of the Frozen Four. Glad they are looking into it, hopefully they have new suggestions or can force upon us a change (in a good way). But I doubt they’ll do anything…. its the NCAA….
by vt caps fan on Feb 11, 2009 3:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
22 | 13 | 5 | 4 | 30 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
19 | 8 | 4 | 7 | 23 |
|
Atlanta
|
18 | 10 | 6 | 2 | 22 |
|
Florida
|
20 | 9 | 9 | 2 | 20 |
|
Carolina
|
21 | 4 | 12 | 5 | 13 |
(updated 11.21.2009 at 12:53 AM EST)
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
