Thursday Roundup - Rangers 5, Caps 4 (SO)
by J.P. on Feb 12, 2009 6:45 AM EST
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[AP Recap - Game Summary - Event Summary - WashingtonCaps.com Postgame]
I suppose it's fitting that on a night when the puck was bouncing all over the ice, the game would be decided on fortuitous carom.
But lest the Caps or their fans convince themselves that they were the victims of bad luck last night in Manhattan, a quick glance at the third period score sheet will surely render that notion a fleeting one:
An embarrassing dive in front of his own net by a veteran player (and for all of you who don't understand "how they call the dive and the penalty," this one was for you - no Ranger went with Poti); a silly and selfish penalty drawn way too easily out of the team's best player; a delay of game (natch); and Shaone Morrisonn's brutal penalt(ies) du jour.
Credit the penalty killers with earning last night's point, as they snuffed out all six Rangers penalties (9:43 of extra man ice time, 0:36 of which was 5-on-3), but when you're in the box for 9:25 of a tied third period, it's impossible to get your best player his minutes or generate much flow offensively.
So yeah, the Caps got beaten by a bad bounce. But perhaps the real luck was in making it to that point to begin with.
Some thoughts on the game:
- Mike Green had an uneven night - two great goals, a plus-three rating (up to +27 on the season), four hits (including a biggie or two) and 28:06 of ice time. But his decision to go to the bench rather than follow the play into his defensive zone as he exited the penalty box (after serving one of those "good" slashing penalties - his goalie was dead to right) was a proximate cause of the Paul Mara goal. On the whole, of course, we'll take it.
- Eric Fehr continues to make the most of his ice time, with a goal, a helper, and a plus-two rating in just 12:51 (thanks, again, to those third period penalties). The "Triple F" line of Fehr, Sergei Fedorov and Tomas Fleischmann had two goals, three assists and a plus-eight rating on the night.
- The "Triple B" line of Donald Brashear, Jay Beagle and Matt Bradley had two fights and nine hits, but I'm not sure what purpose either of those fights served other than to energize a team desperate to show some spark (hint: not the Caps).
- Alex Ovechkin was credited with 13 hits, but was pretty well contained offensively. Ovechkin-Nicklas Backstrom-Michael Nylander? Not working. At all. Seriously.
- Jose Theodore was very good in the third period and lucky at other times during the game. Still, giving up four goals to a team that can't score is ultimately on him (and I'm sure he'd like to, say, cut off the cross-crease pass on the Naslund goal, if he had it to do over again). And not knowing the rule on the shootout winner? Inexcusable (and obviously the result of not playing enough video games).
- Back to Mo - he now has 57 PIMs in 45 games after having 63 in 76 last season (in two-and-a-half more minutes per game). His play on the Markus Naslund goal was simply atrocious, but hey, he had an assist and a plus-one rating, so it wasn't all bad (on the scoresheet, at least).
- When I said the Caps miss Viktor Kozlov, I wasn't even considering shootouts, where they use him every time out. And speaking of the shootout, I know AO's all-time record, but I still say he has to be used and in one of the first two slots - you wouldn't want to potentially lose a shootout without him even getting a chance, would you?
- Karl Alzner had a tough night with a minus-two rating and only 14:05 of ice time, and a fairly inexplicable misplay on (I believe) the Lauri Korpikoski goal.
- They killed penalties well, but the trio of Brooks Laich, David Steckel and Boyd Gordon combined for a minus-eight rating, no shots on goal, and a minus-26 Corsi rating (and didn't even win 50% of their faceoffs).
- Tom Poti was not Tom Poti.
- Is Jeff Schultz the quietest +18 you've ever seen?
In some ways, it would be nice if the Panthers and Hurricanes were a little closer in the standings (be careful what I wish for, I know), because the Caps' biggest problem right now isn't the defense or goaltending. It isn't the penalty kill or the power play. It isn't secondary scoring or team health and depth. It's focus, and it's the result of having to play out the rest of the schedule while waiting for the playoffs to roll around. But if they wait until then to start trying to string together a consistent effort, they may find it harder than they think.
Elsewhere 'Round the Rinks:
A couple of good "Get to Know the Caps" vids here and here (h/t HFBoards).... Happy 29th Birthday to former Cap (and former sixth overall pick, believe it or not) Rico Fata.
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“Alex Ovechkin was credited with 13 hits, but was pretty well contained offensively. Ovechkin-Nicklas Backstrom-Michael Nylander? Not working. At all. Seriously.”
Putting Nylander on a line with Ovechkin is like putting a side car on a Ducati motorcycle.
If you've read this far...seek help.
I think that this just goes to how much the team needs someone like Kozlov out there. When it’s three “skill” guys (8-19-92/91/28) the line just doesn’t seem to do much.
I’m not sure exactly what it is, and I’ve already said this, but if Kozlov’s presence makes Ovi and Backstrom better without adding anything on the score sheet I’m okay with paying the man.
I agree, that line did not work and I pray to never see Nyls up there again. He continually did his circle-back move when Ovi and/or Backs were trying to break out. The first line’s effectiveness was very limited, although Ovi had 2 wicked shots in the 3rd that Lundqvist was lucky to stop.
Having attended the game, I agree with everything JP said. I think it’s time to keep Mo out of the lineup for awhile, unless it’s absolutely necessary to trade him. He can’t be helping his value.
Further to my point on the fights:
"We needed to be more physical and be more involved so that we would be tougher to play against," said Lundqvist. "And right away we had Orrsy and Voros step up, and that was a big thing to show that we were ready to battle." [Hockeyfights.com]
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
To steal from Lundqvist’s quote, what about the Caps needing to “be more physical” and show that they “were ready to battle”? If Brash and Brads were shrinking violets instead of accepting the challenges, how would that have helped the Caps? Or better yet, how did the fights hurt the Caps? (I think we can handle 5 minutes without the entire 4th line together).
We had no lead at that point, nor any momentum to lose. Both teams picked up the physicality after the two scraps, to me there was no noticeable difference. Those fights did not make it “tougher to play against” the Rangers, as Hank said.
Sometimes it seems like we want it both ways. We want Brash to pummel whoever take “runs” at our skills guys, goalie, etc, but then we question his decision to go mano y mano against a fellow heavyweight. I thought both fights energized both teams.
"We had no lead at that point, nor any momentum to lose."
Going into the game the Caps had won 4 of 5 and the Rangers had lost 5 straight. Additionally, the Rangers had scored only 4 goals in their previous 4 games. Two minutes in to the game the Caps might not have had momentum to lose, but the Rangers surely had momentum to gain (they ended up scoring the first goal 5 minutes later).
The Rangers first goal had nothing to do with either fight, and the Caps responded just three minutes later. I don’t buy that argument.
I guess what I’m saying is, just because we’ve won more games than the Rangers of late doesn’t mean we back down from a physical challenge. Yes, if Orr had decisively won the fight of course the Rangers would’ve had a spark, but if Brash had decisively won, the Caps would’ve had the same. It’s exactly the type of spot I think Brash should pick. Why not? Early in a game with no momentum set, freakin’ go for it! When was the last time you saw Brash decisively lose a fight. Not risky in my view.
On the flip side, Brash was an idiot for fighting that guy Bitz from Boston recently. Tie game, 10 minutes left in the 3rd period….huh? Win, lose, or draw, the B’s and their crowd loved that their unsung guy dropped ‘em with a legend. That was a poor decision, but I don’t think last night was.
When was the last time you saw Brash decisively lose a fight. Not risky in my view.
I don’t think Orr had to “win” the fight to fire up the bench. He just needed to hold his ground and not get his ass beat, which he essentially did. The Bradley fight just reinforced the Rangers “we’re gonna be scrappy tonight” mentality.
I would like "Brash to pummel whoever take "runs" at our skills guys, goalie, etc, " yes. That is his job. What’s not his job is to engage a guy on another team that’s desperate for a spark and provide that spark.
Brash needs to pick his spots, and I don’t think that should’ve been one of them (especially given that he’s let other spots go unpicked, so to speak). And the Brads follow-up was possibly even worse (though after posterizing Voros last year, he’s let somewhat off the hook).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
To be fair to Brash, there was another point in the game where someone was trying to goad him into fighting (I don’t remember who), and he didn’t even blink.
It was Voros, and you’re right – Brash didn’t take the bait (lucky for Voros, too).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Is Jeff Schultz the quietest +18 you’ve ever seen?
I still can’t understand why Schultz gets such a bad rap with fans. I’ve been impressed with his play for most of the season (almost all the time) and the improvement on his positioning since last year is remarkable.
I’m not sure why people don’t recognize that to be a solid defenseman one doesn’t need to score or make the big hit….ofcourse I’d like to see him use his big body more, but me thinks that will come with time….he’s only what 22 years old?
While polluting my lungs during one of the home games last week I was debating the point with a couple of other fans and a Greek gentleman compared him to Chara…well I went back and looked, check out Zdano’s stats during his second full season. I’m not saying that Schultz will ever hit or score like Chara, but the numbers are interesting.
by Yoshietree on Feb 12, 2009 7:44 AM EST reply actions 3 recs
well I went back and looked, check out Zdano’s stats during his second full season. I’m not saying that Schultz will ever hit or score like Chara, but the numbers are interesting.
Smells like a fanpost…
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Feb 12, 2009 7:59 AM EST up reply actions
Smells like a fanpost…
Can you define what that means? Are you trying to say that no matter the player I will say he’s great because he’s a Cap? If that’s the case you might want to go back and read a few of my posts on Tarik’s site. I base my opinion first on what I see, and then look at stats.
But before I go on a rant I want to know what you’re trying to say.
He was just pointing out that it looks like something that is worth its own post and not buried in a game thread. There is a tab at the top called “FanPost”
Don’t be so quick to take offense. (I think he was actually complementing the post)
PS. You can highlight your text and click the quotes and it will end it for you.
What he said. Believe me as a Schultz supporter I relate to you brother.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Feb 12, 2009 10:06 AM EST up reply actions
I agree. Now I am not a huge Schultz fan, but so many fans love players that rock the boards and expect a guy of his size to do so. Where nailing a player into the boards makes for great sound effects and can provide some intimidation it rarely is the best play. Angling players, keeping them to the outside, using one’s reach is typically a much better play because you can control the player and still be in position. Schultz is pretty good in those areas. He also tends to make the right pass the few times he is needed to. The one area where he tends to get beat is due to his lack of speed when in the neutral zone…and this will never change and tends to be a challenge for many guys his size.
by CapsFanSince1979 on Feb 12, 2009 8:21 AM EST up reply actions
Since you brought up Schultz
I wrote this a few weeks back, but since we’re talking about Jeff I thought it would be worth re-posting (I updated Jeff’s #s through last night):
Big defenseman take a lot longer to grow into their body. Schultz has played 148 NHL games and he’s only 22 years old. He’s still a baby in terms of the maturation process for guys his size. Still, his numbers compare very favorably to a couple of other very successful and big defenseman at comparable stages in their careers:
Schultz- 148 games played, 6 goals, 28 assists, +34
Pronger- 124 games played, 10 goals, 34 assists, – 33
Chara- 149 games played, 4 goals, 16 assists, -34
by b.orr4 on Feb 12, 2009 9:55 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Excellent post, sir. You hit on pretty much everything I was thinking.
While I love Mike Green, I am glad to see someone question him for something for once. If I recall correctly, his penatly was good because he let someone behind him (again), and his decision to go to the bench after the penalty was awful. Everytime I ever question him about anything I get trashed.
Bottom line is that I don’t see how this team can ever win a Stanley Cup playing defense like this. No way. I mean, I know Jose did not have his best game, but it could easily have been 8-4 last night without him. Playing D like this will get a team laughed out of the playoffs.
I’m not sure the D is as big a problem as some think. I mean, the D wasn’t a problem against Detroit. Or Boston. Or Jersey. And so on.
The D, like the team as a whole, is prone to mental lapses. But when they’re focused and playing well, they’re quite solid. Cup-winning solid? I’m not so sure about that – I would LOVE to see them figure out a way to get another Top-4 guy in here. But I’ve seen what this group can do when they’re on, and it’s good enough to get out of the East.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Fair enough, but the playoffs are not a couple of one-offs against Boston and Jersey, they are best of 7. I think focus and consistency are even more of a concern during the playoffs, and that the playoffs will bring out the defensive weaknesses even more. Again, granted, tonight might not have been the best example because Tom Poti was just off, but the Kings is another recent game where one can see these problems.
I definitely think they need another top-4 DEFENSIVE defenseman. Unfortunately, they do not go on trees. Oh, and Mo has got to go.
It's clearly
an issue of focus. Which is why I feel a little more comfortable about the playoffs than some. When the guys are FOCUSED they can pretty much beat anyone in the league. Sure you can call them “one-offs”, I call it a “season series”.
vs. BOS 2-0-1 1gm left .833
NJD 2-0-2 .750
PHI 2-1-0 1gm left .667
NYR 3-0-1 .875
vs. EAST 27-7-5 .756
Obviously the playoffs are long and very tiring and taxing on a team, but let’s be honest, the Caps are good, real good, and have a legitimate shot to win the Conference IF IF IF they keep their eyes on the prize come April/May
The only two comments I would add is
1) I really do not understand why the Nasland goal was allowed. My complaint is not whether he kicked the puck in. In my opinion it should never have been allowed due to goalie interference. After the puck hit Nasland’s stick, Theodore stopped it with his right leg and then Nasland’s body took out Theodore’s leg which drove the puck into the net. I believe the defenseman in front was Poti and he completely pulled off Nasland (not making any contact with Nasland at all). This was clearly goalie interference resulting in a goal.
2) I know Green made a mistake on the Mara goal, but Theodore should have had that. There was no screen on the play, Mara’s shot was from a good distance and Theodore had come out to cut down the angle.
3) I really questioned the calling up of Beagle, but I was impressed how he played with the rest of the Killer B’s.
by CapsFanSince1979 on Feb 12, 2009 8:28 AM EST reply actions
Forgot my other comment….where the heck is Backstrom. He has seemed close to invisible since he went to Sweden for the allstar break.
by CapsFanSince1979 on Feb 12, 2009 8:38 AM EST up reply actions
I disagree,
1) The puck was in the net before Naslund was. Theo didn’t even complain after the goal saying that he was interfered with. Poti and Mo just got outworked on that goal (and on a couple of other occasions as well).
2) That goal went through like 3 sets of legs before it went in.
3) I thought Beagle looked pretty good, if only he’d buried that one over Henrik’s glove.
As for Backstrom, agreed. He’s been a non-factor (although he’s been winning a ton of faceoffs)
2 points
1) This has me very worried:
“I don’t know if you seen my reaction, but I was pretty jacked,” he said of his fist-punch to the glass celebration after each goal. “I was pretty wound up. I think we’re happy with the point. We wanted that second one, but we played well. It felt like a playoff game.”
If Green thinks the team played well overall, then he was part of a different game than I watched. It was a terribly undisciplined effort, and he was one of the worst. It’s like watching Brett Farvre throw a 50 yard touchdown early in a game and just knowing, just knowing that the price will be 2-3 interceptions in the game because the guy decides he can just throw the ball up in the air.
Too often the D tried to stop guys with sticks instead of taking the man (All of them, not just Green). Too many sloppy, lazy penalties. And everyone was more focused on getting up the ice than on defending their own goal.
Until this team develops a killer instinct and some discipline, it ain’t going nowhere in the playoffs. This was exactly the kind of game the Caps lost to the Flyers last postseason.
2) Jay Beagle is better than Chris Bourque. Jay Beagle is the kind of guy who is better in the minors than in juniors/college and who is better in the NHL than in the minors. He still needs some more time at Hershey, but he really impressed me.
Bruce thought they played well also.
I didn’t think that they played a terrible game, there were a couple of lapses that cost them. Was it their best game, certainly not.
What does worry me about this team is that they don’t seem to be able to step on anyone’s throats. When they play against the Isle’s its a close game, when they play against the rags, its a close game. When they play against the Bruins, its a close game.
I hope that they can go down to Fla and just hammer the two teams down there this weekend.
The second period was pretty terrible, and in my book it’s pretty hard to play well when at least a third of the game more or less stunk to high hell.
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Agreed
I mean, the power of positive thinking is good and all but let’s be realistic. Focus, discipline, consistency and attention to detail are problem areas…all areas which one typically looks towards a strong on-ice leadership and competent coaching staff to minimize and overcome.
If their mindset is to accept such sloppy efforts then I worry they’re just going to saunter into the playoffs and proceed to get bounced fairly easily. For the rest of the regular season they could use a little less complacency, more maturity and a sense that the process of winning is just as important as simply being slightly better than their opposition.
i hate to bring this up, as I love Ovi
but some of hits in this game were borderline dangerous. he saw him leave his feet at least 3-4 times on some of his bigger hits. am i missing something in regards to this “leaving your feet” rule in the NHL? announcers keep talking about it when guys get penalized but it has not been mentioned when Ovi does it?
please lay some knowledge on me.
Ovi does tend to leave his feet, and I have been attacked by some Caps fans when I admit it. That said, I don’t see it as malcious or unusually dangerous most of the time. I did not notice anything particularly dangerous last night, but eventually it is goin to start being called, and it is going to cost the squad some goals if he is not more careful.
Ovi plays on the edge. We all know it. He has to be careful, but also he can’t be thinking about it, so until it becomes a legitimate problem (not one created by a few whiny opposing players), what’s the concern?
And I did see him leave his feet on a hit on Mara (moments before Mara drew him into that x-check).
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yes, he is passionate player that plays on edge, and that is why we love him. BUT, players will start retaliating and its best that the target is not your star player. The penalties will come, too.
he was trying to get the Caps to play more physical and leading by example, but he looked freakin pissed last night. all the more reason to get more physical players in the game so Ovi doesn’t have to pick up the slack on scoring AND crunching.
This Ovi’s -hits-are-dirty thing has turned into a meme. His hits are exactly the same as they were in his first year, you know, when everyone was talking about what a clean, but complete, player he was. Hell, his very first hit on his first shift looked like one where he left his skates. It’s just that now, the press hysteria about headshots coupled with opposing teams badmouthing Ovi in order to prime the refs to make a call result in people viewing Ovi in a different light. Meanwhile his play has not changed at all.
It’s not just Ovi. Is there any doubt that Scott Stevens’ blast on Kariya in the finals several years ago would be called a cheap headshot if it happened today?
his hits last night were not of the same variety or intensity as usual.
by ns on Feb 12, 2009 1:52 PM EST up reply actions
I’m pretty sure they called that hit a cheap (or at least unnecessarily vicious) headshot at the time. But such was Stevens’ game. He’d get your head if it was available.
As for Ovi, he leaves his feet with some frequency. I agree with the “plays on the edge” statement, and everyone who pays attention to his physical game knows it. I’m not sure if I think it’s dirty or what (I probably would if the shoe were on the other foot and he wore orange), but it is a big part of his physicality which usually earns praise.
Last night he seemed extra frustrated (and, by the way, he usually goes into hitting mode when he’s frustrated). Playing with Nylander will do that to you, I think. He only got a handful of good shots away on the night, although a couple in the 3rd were lasers that many goalies wouldn’t have stopped.
More signs that this team is not ready for playoff hockey
a) Yesterday a Rangers player was jawing with Ovechkin after some hits, really getting under his skin. And the dude did his job. Ovechkin went after him with a little cross check. – tweet – two minutes in the box for the Caps’ best player.
That chippy stuff will be 10 times worse in the playoffs. If you retaliate, they win.
b) I mentioned it in the game thread, but the Caps were beat twice for goals by a player coming right off the Rangers bench during a line change. I thought one of the plays was clearly too many men on the ice — the other guy was still on — but it counts just the same. The problem is with focus and awareness. The defenders need to be aware of who’s coming on and off the ice.
The ice
The MSG ice was disgraceful. (And in the NHL’s backyard no less.) It clearly took the Caps’ skill away and turned it into a game of lucky bounces and such. Certainly 20 or 30 percent of the reason NYR couldn’t get a PPG in the 3d was that the puck was all over the place. Just painful to watch on TV too. Lame.
It was bad, but, in their defense, MSG had a valid excuse. Tuesday night was the Westminster Dog Show and the ice had been melted in advance of the event. So after the dog show ended about 10:00pm, they had to start laying down a new sheet of ice. According to the NHL ice guru, it takes a good 10-14 days for new ice to harden and MSG had one day before they played last night’s game. It’s not surprising the ice was as crappy as it appeared. No such excuse applies to the Verizon Center.
I gotta believe that they just laid the dog show floor ‘over’ the ice, just like they would an NBA floor….
Actually, Kolbe was on XM yesterday and he was talking specifically about how they had taken out the ice for the dog show and the new ice was going to choppy last night.
Oh gosh. Wow. MSG is teh stupid. The NHL has got to do something about that building/ice. I don’t watch NYR/MSG games on CI because it’s just brutal flow/play.
For some reason, when I first read the last sentence in the posting above, I saw “brutal foreplay”…
Sean Avery is with the Ranger’s AHL team, I believe…. ;-)
by MikeL-Pivonka on Feb 12, 2009 1:07 PM EST up reply actions
Speaking of brutal foreplay, Marv Albert used to call games in that building….
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
so sick of this
It’s becoming more and more clear that, until this becomes a players union v. owners issue, I think we (and the players) are just going to have to suffer with the league-wide ice issues. I can’t think of another pro sport where the playing surface is so critical, and yet is allowed to be as sub-par and inconsistent by league and ownership. It’s an affront to the players and the game.
When one of the darlings shreds their knee in a rut, maybe then it will get the required attention it deserves.
Shootouts
I know most of our games don’t end in shootouts, and it’s a non-factor come playoff time, and we haven’t been that bad this year (2-3 I think), and the Ranger’s win the majority of their shootouts thanks to Lundqvist and his huge pads, but….it’d be interesting to see Mike Green out there in the top 3?
I was confused why he wasn’t out there last night considering he seems to be toying with goaltenders at the moment…
They don’t allow in the Gimmick for a player passing from the left face off circle to Green coming down the right side for a wrist shot.
If you've read this far...seek help.
+1
Maybe they should amend the rules to allow players to either take a breakaway or take a pass for a one-timer (like in the accuracy competition). Hey, in for a dime, in for a dollar in the Gimmick, no?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
How about we just eliminate the damn thing entirely? Play 5 minutes of 4v4 and then 5 minutes of 3v3. If no one scores, everybody takes the point and goes home happy. And while I’m ranting, I’m thinking that those two fights last night are the perfect argument for people who want to ban fighting: totally orchestrated, instigated by a desperate team and adding nothing to how the game was played. Just four guys fighting for the same of fighting.
Of course. But as long as it’s a joke, it might as well be a funny one.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
First OT – 5 minutes of sudden death at 4v4
Second OT – A guaranteed 5 minutes (no OT) of 4v4 with NO GOALIES. And it’s a penalty (making it 4v3) if any player spends more than 3 seconds in the crease.
Third OT – Each team chooses a player. Best 2 out of 3 Indian wrestling.
by Gould Old Days on Feb 12, 2009 12:47 PM EST up reply actions
Sorry — “(no OT)” should be “(no SD)”
by Gould Old Days on Feb 12, 2009 12:47 PM EST up reply actions
1999 Draft a Bust
1) Almost the entire 1999 draft was a bust compared to the pre-draft hype that it was ’the deepest in 20 years, etc.
2) Other than the twins-Sedin, the only player from that first round that became a marquis player, if you can call him that now, is Martin Havlat, taken 26th by ottawa. (The Caps picked Kris Beech)
Wonder if Rags fans realize that part of the reason Poti disappointed them and Gomez, Redden, Naslund, etc. are disappointing them now is that skill players playing on crap ice can’t do their thing.
Related: look at Henrik Lundqvist’s career home/road splits. At least someone’s benefitting from that slop…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
It was partially ghost written.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
BTW, the Rag fans were booing Redden incessantly every time he touched the puck (and Gomez, to a lesser extent). What a mess that might turn out to be.
don’t worry, Avery will save the day. Unite the lockerroom and bring the toughness they so desperately lack.
There were actually people chanting “we want Avery” last night. The whole arena didn’t participate, but it was definitely noticeable.
I disagree – he’s had some good games.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Beg to Differ
Since Poti has returned, the PK has been killing penalties at better than 87 percent. Their season average had been about 79 percent and in the previous five games before he returned, the penalty kill was 69 percent. They’ve gone from terrible to great on the PK since he’s got back in the lineup. I don’t there’s a person on the team (player or coach) who isn’t delighted to have Poti back.
Odd birds
Hockey fans are strange. They live and die by stats, standings and howling over every mistake and crap play in the latest game. I can’t say for certain, but I’m pretty sure Boston, San Jose and Detroit fans are grumbling about something or someone as well.
While the Caps are not in 1st in the East they are comfortably in the top three or four. Last year at this time they were struggling to be in the playoffs at all. I don’t want to go into the three years before that. Personally, I’m enjoying this season just as I enjoyed last night’s game.
Maybe I’m a “the cup is half-full” kind of guy, but I think we took home a point on the road while playing without a few of the essential players. I saw a team, whose penalty kill has been struggling dig a hole for itself in the third and not give up a short handed goal. I saw a defenseman tie a record (a record of consistency that seems to be getting ignored here after a week of speculation of whether he deserves an award or not) , make some great hits, and in 28 minutes of ice time make a mistake or two. I saw the star player do something he rarely does: retaliate; so rare is this, in fact, that I can’t remember him ever having done so before. I saw a team hold onto its focus enough to take a team with a lot of talent, that started the year red hot, to the third shooter in the shoot out, despite some questionable calls and non-calls.
And I’d like to see the Caps record after a two or three day layoff. It seems they play a little less focused when they’ve been sitting around.
My bottom line is, I’m enjoying the hell out of this season so far. Like every other season in the 40 or so I’ve been watching hockey it is up and down, but it is by far one of the three or four best I’ve seen by this team. I’m not going to judge it by any series of games or plays, nor am I going to speculate on the playoffs. Whatever else may happen, right now, this is a satisfying time.
I hate Pittsburgh. And the Pens too.
by B8ovin on Feb 12, 2009 1:08 PM EST reply actions 4 recs
Wow..
when I saw the length of this comment when I posted it I was floored. Sorry. In my defense, this is only the third time I’ve commented in a year and a half of reading this blog. I guess it was pent up.
I hate Pittsburgh. And the Pens too.
Good stuff, and never a need to apologize for posting so much good stuff
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Oh, and to answer your question…
With 0 day off – 4-5-1
With 1 day off – 20-5-1
With 2 days off – 8-4-1
With 3+ days off – 2-1-2
Not too much there, other than a poor record on the back end of back-to-backs and, yeah, some struggle (2 wins, 3 losses) in the limited sample of long breaks.
And we definitely nitpick every game, but I think we do a pretty good job of seeing the forest for the trees – it just might not seem that way in the immediate wake of a disappointing loss. But your perspectives certainly helps in that.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
No doubt. In fact, almost all playoff games are played with a one or two day rest, so combine ‘em and you’ve got 28-11.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
since I love running numbers...
28-11 is equal to 16-4.5.
So as long as those 4.5 losses aren’t in the same series, I’m happy.
If we didn’t bitch and moan on this board about non-calls and our least favorite D-man of the minute, what would we all do at work?
the chick in the white bikini that likes Theo aint really that hot either……
by Pi on Feb 12, 2009 1:29 PM EST up reply actions
help me out JP, I trying to show Beethoven (took me awhile, but i got it) that we like to bitch and moan for no reason around here……
by Pi on Feb 12, 2009 1:36 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t know about that. Our bitching and moaning is usually very focused and well-deserved. There’s always room for valid criticism, even when things are, for the most part, going very, very well.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Now that the horse is flogged to death...
(and no that is not a euphemism), let me clarify one point: valid focused criticism is not what I’m gently refuting here. Stupid penalties, Nylander’s ridiculous play (can he have a three digit number? I’d like him to change from 92 to 360), and Semin’s inconsistency are concerns to me as well. But the failure to note Green’s benchmark goal in favor of his bad decision seemed arbitrary. And the criticism of Ovie’s penalty without the perspective of how rare it was seemed to have no context.
In any event, I love this blog and look forward to reading it everyday. If my comments made it seem I was discontented in any way I failed to be clear. The humor and insight here add to my overall satisfaction of being a Caps fan and reiterate the class and intelligence that separates us from the Philly and Pittsburgh mob (random, unnecessary dig at those fan bases offered without apologies).
I hate Pittsburgh. And the Pens too.
Nothing but fair points there, and I guess you see part of what happens when I write my recaps moments after a disappointing loss and without the distance and perspective a night’s sleep might provide.
That said, I’ll take being too critical of the team over not critical enough, most of the time. :)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
On three of the four Ranger goals, there was someone making a mistake (I think Mara’s shot from the point wasn’t anyone’s fault, he took a shot in to the crowd in front of the crease and it found it’s way through…)
On the first Ranger goal, they suckered Alzner. They made it look like they were going to the middle with the pass, and they were, but not to the guy in the middle. Alzner indicated to someone to get Callahan, and Callahan immediately went to the net as Alzner stepped up. One good pass, and bingo, a goal. On the Naslund goal, Poti let Naslund get behind him and Naslund’s made a living scoring goals like that.
Still, it was a good effort and they go something from it. This weekend should be good, although I’d rather play Florida when fresher.
Think Neuvirth will start Saturday? I’d start him Sunday. Despite that FLA is a better team, they don’t have anyone up front like Vinny and Marty…
I was curious about BB’s cats and dogs lineup last night: 6 centers in the lineup and no Erskine? And for cryin out loud, please get Nyls off RW on the 1st line. He doesn’t have the speed to keep up with 8-19, and his style of play is ill suited for the wing.
On the plus side, Triple F looks like a really nice combo of strength, speed and touch—I hope it gets another look in Tampa. Fehr actually was a menace last night, and Flash was as physical as I have seen him play for us. I hope it’s a revelation and not anomaly
I thought Beagle had a hell of a debut—3 shots, 2 hits, two takeaways, no penalties; despite a crappy night in the dot (29%) he was everything he was billed to be. Short of burying that chance late in the third, he looked like he belonged out there. The whole fourth line looked pretty damn good last night….they did their jobs, which is more than can be said for half the D.
Love that Triple F line. I don’t know what you do with Semin if you keep it, but I think the F’s work well together. Don’t look now, but Fehr seems to be stepping up just like many have begged him to.
Triple F, 8-19-25, 28-92-21, 10/87-39-15, imo
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Playoffs lines
For the postseason, I think you put Semin on line 1. Give up on Nylander. Put Kozlov on line 3 and watch him play well because there’s no pressure on him.
Ovechkin Backstrom Semin
Fleischmann Fedorov Fehr
Laich Steckel Kozlov
Brashear Gordon Bradley
by Gould Old Days on Feb 12, 2009 4:11 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t care what the lines are (though JP nailed them) as long as Backstrom and Nyls are no where near each other….especially on the PP. It drives me absolutely crazy to see them both out there, especially when Fedorov is out there also. Someone explain to me what the point of having a playmaker and a playmaking figure skater out there at the same time is.
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Florida
|
53 | 25 | 17 | 11 | 61 |
|
Washington
|
54 | 28 | 21 | 5 | 61 |
|
Winnipeg
|
56 | 26 | 24 | 6 | 58 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
53 | 23 | 24 | 6 | 52 |
|
Carolina
|
55 | 20 | 25 | 10 | 50 |
(updated 2.10.2012 at 9:27 AM EST)
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