Recap - Caps 5, Pens 2
by J.P. on Feb 23, 2009 6:43 AM EST
87 comments
[AP Recap - Game Summary - Event Summary - WashingtonCaps.com Postgame]
To paraphrase our friends from the Steel City not too long ago, don't both sides have to do some winning for something to be a rivalry?
The Caps - almost every single one of 'em - showed up on Saturday and made rather quick work of a Pens team that was wrapping up a brutal road back-to-back (Saturday afternoon they won in Philly) for their fourth win in the last five match ups with Pittsburgh.
For the non-local media, the story was once again Alex vs. Sid (see this morning's Clips), but for Caps fans who've been paying attention, the real story was that the Caps showed up and took care of business at home against a team they should beat.
It was by no means perfect - three minor penalties in each period, a shaky start for the goalie on whom all hopes are pinned - but it was both satisfying and relieving, especially with another, tougher rival up next on the schedule.
Some thoughts on the game:
- Jose Theodore's rebounded (get it?) from two bad goals in the game's first 25 minutes to end the afternoon with great numbers (31 stops on 33 shots). Since getting yanked in NYC on December 23, he's 15-4-2/2.20/.921.
- The team's secondary scoring - an area of weakness lately - came through in a big way, with goals from Brooks Laich, Sergei Fedorov, Alex Semin, and a defenseman not named Mike Green.
- Nine minor penalties is way too many, even if some of the calls were questionable.
- Mystery du Jour: why did Gabby put out three forwards in the four-on-four on which the Pens scored their first goal? And speaking of four-on-four, how can this Caps team be in the bottom half of the League in four-on-four goals?
- Nicklas Backstrom had four hits to go along with his two helpers. Kid's playing with a surprising amount of jam lately, and he even looked good on the penalty kill.
- The third defensive pairing of John Erskine and Milan Jurcina was pretty much exactly what you'd want them to be - strong and physical. Erskine always seems to play better after getting a game off.
- Michael Nylander continues to underwhelm.
- You might not have noticed it, but Jeff Schultz had another hugely effective game. No Cap skater played more even strength minutes against the Pens' best player (Evgeni Malkin, natch) than Schultz did, and Sarge was +1 with four hits on the afternoon.
- Alex Ovechkin saw less than twenty minutes of ice time for only the fourth time since December 13, but still managed a goal, an assist, nine shots on goal and five hits. Per Vogs, the Caps are now 35-2-1 in games in which he scores. MVP much?
- Alex Semin is an excellent penalty killer. Really. He should do it more often, not just because he's good at it, but it seems to focus the rest of his game as well.
- Shaone Morrisonn may be having a disappointing season, [cue NFL Films voiceover] but for twenty-five seconds in the middle of the second period, this young man from Western Canada was a god, racking up a goal, an assist and a plus-two rating. [And... scene]
- Brooks Orpik growled at Tomas Fleischmann early on, and Flash disappeared for the better part of the game.
There's plenty more to take away on the specifics of this game, but much of it was discussed in the 500+ comment open thread and the 150+ comment post-game thread, so go read up or chat it up in the comments here.
Bottom line: message sent, message received - the train seems to be back on the tracks... for now, at least.
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Go figure, Tom Poti had the second highest TOI yesterday, and he and Crosby were jawing and poking at each other more than once behind the play.
And agreed on Semin’s PK work and lobbying for more time there.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Feb 23, 2009 7:35 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Yes! – Though Poti’s elbowing penalty in the third was the definition of a dumb penalty.
Good: the Caps were 8/9 on the PK.
Bad: the Caps had to kill nine penalties. Seems like the only one we didn’t pick up was our usually obligatory delay of game penalty while already down a man.
I have as many wins in a Capitals uniform as Michael Belhumeur does.
by marky narc on Feb 23, 2009 7:55 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Did you see the hit Poti had on Malkin against the glass?
It was right in front of my seats. Poti SMASHED an unaware Geno into the boards and the look-smile on Poti’s face as Malkin headed for the bench was priceless.
by Wisper on Feb 23, 2009 10:54 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I almost fell out of my chair when I saw Schultz hit – and he did it right and cleanly, every time. I’ll admit, I thought iat first he wasn’t all that, but I’m beginning to think that the getting beat thing is sheer inexperience, and he’s better than a lot of people give him credit for.
Backstrom – what can’t that kid do? Seriously, he does it all. Physical play, skill play, PP, PK, you name it, he does it and is getting better and better at all of it. I’d like to see him win draws more often, but he’s getting there.
Far too many stupid penalties. Like I said yesterday, it’s a good thing for us that the Pens’ PP can’t find their collective a** with both hands and a map right now, or we’d’ve gotten torched. Philly’s PP is much better, and we need to freakin’ look out.
I’ve noticed that we have problems 4-on-4 – I wonder if that’s because we run three F and 1 D on the ice like you said. We should be much better than we are, and maybe in the next few games I’ll see if I can figure out why.
Crosby was jawing at anyone who would listen. I didn’t see the wrangle at the bench, I’m on the wrong side of the ice to see the benches clearly, but this Ovi/Sid thing is just funny to me, less for what it is than for the hoopla around it.
Was glad to see all the secondary scoring. Fehr was all over the place and working his butt off – didn’t see too much of the scoresheet (I think he had one assist?) but he definitely made his presence felt.
The stands were an interesting place, as usual. Not sure why they did Unleash the Fury when we were up 5-2, unless they just wanted everyone to get the wings. :) Still, ’twas good.
Now. Philly. That’s going to be a tougher, tighter game, and probably an uglier one. We’re going to have to do what we did on Sunday with fewer penalties, but I want a curbstomping. Will I get it? Probably not, but I can still want it.
by gotsparkly on Feb 23, 2009 8:09 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
…Not sure why they did Unleash the Fury when we were up 5-2, unless they just wanted everyone to get the wings. :) Still, ’twas good.
I wondered the same thing…but I’m guessing they wanted to keep the crowd fired up in front of the national television audience.
by PaintDrinkingPete on Feb 23, 2009 8:42 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You could well be right.
It certainly worked, if that was the intent. Pierre McGuire finally noticed that Washington’s barn is loud this year. I wonder if we can out-loud a Don Cherry suit … but the jersey foul that would probably happen in the process is not to be contemplated so I’ll leave that alone.
by gotsparkly on Feb 23, 2009 8:52 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
McGuire is Don Cherry mini-jingo. You could feel the lament in his voice yesterday when he remarked that the Caps bench was “really giving it bad to Sidney all game long.” ‘Course, he made no mention that Sid’s mouth was running like a broken water main, only that the Caps were using words that were not suitable for the tellie. I almost shed a tear along with him. Almost.
McGuire is just another homer who wants to tap Sid’s nads.
by bigonetimer on Feb 23, 2009 9:00 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Heh.
I was in the stands, so I don’t know what was on the NBC broadcast. Sadly, I was surrounded by Penguins fans. I’ll have to give it to my seatmate for selling his tickets to Pens fans.
I’m curious to see if the same thing happens on March 8th.
by gotsparkly on Feb 23, 2009 9:09 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It didn’t look that bad on TV, mostly red out there. Empty Netters tried to make a consolation that when the Pens scored they could hear applause.
It didn’t look as bad or embarrassing as the Monday Night Football game vs the Steelers. Where 50% of the fans were wearing Black and Gold.
On that note, my wife is die-hard Steelers fan, but I’ve gotten her to be a Caps fan. I was in the other room for the Fedorov goal and she yelled out: “We scored!” I was upset until I saw that she meant the caps
by snowburnt on Feb 23, 2009 10:11 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes,there were Pens fans around in the seats and they made some noise. They abused the horn a little bit to shout “LET’S GO PENS”, at which point Horn Guy switched to “LET’S GO CAPITALS”. Bruce (the organist) did not catch on, sadly.
by gotsparkly on Feb 23, 2009 10:14 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
We did, however, abuse the Chicken Dance again, always fun.
by gotsparkly on Feb 23, 2009 10:15 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
McGuire is Don Cherry mini-jingo.
I can’t imagine Cherry saying that Ovechkin is “quite frankly, the best player in the league”.
by David M. Getz on Feb 23, 2009 10:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
hey, I said mini : )
it’s the tone in his voice, D, like he has to vomit in his mouth and clear his throat when he says it. Grapes may not say it, but he knows it.
by bigonetimer on Feb 23, 2009 12:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Absolutely
I thought it was a bit over the top, but it was a “Premier Game” so I guess they figured, these people paid extra money to be here… they sold the place out… give them the video.
Plus, the National Television spotlight proabably played into it as well.
I think they should a) update that video with some new clips for next year (and like the “Life is a game of inches” video, work in some Caps Highlight clips) and b) don’t make it an obligatory event every night at the first TV timeout after the 15:00 mark in in the 3rd. Bring it out when we NEED it.
by Wisper on Feb 23, 2009 10:58 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The penalty kill was looking awesome against the Avs also. it seemed like we spent more time in the offensive zone on the PK than the other teams did on the PP these past two games.
by snowburnt on Feb 23, 2009 10:07 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’ll cheerfully take it. :) I’d just like to spend less time shorthanded, is all.
by gotsparkly on Feb 23, 2009 10:10 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Nylander
looks like a headcase out there. like an old starting QB that is just realizing that he isn’t what he was and tries to force plays. this does not usually end well =/
by ns on Feb 23, 2009 8:16 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Crosby =Avery?
Great recap, per usual. Watching Crosby constantly yapping, hitting late, hitting from behind, quasi-spearing Brooks Laich, etc., etc. etc., I couldn’t help but think that Crosby is rapidly becoming a very talented version of Sean Avery. That none of his teammates came to his defense when he got in that dustup with Ovechkin spoke volumes. And the recent survey of players which listed him as the biggest whiner in the league confirms what his peers think of him. The Caps had a game plan yesterday to get under his skin and knock him off his game and from all appearances it worked perfectly. Not that I care, but someone in that organization needs to sit down with Crosby and tell him that’s not the way the “Face of the League” should conduct himself. I could be wrong, but I can’t think of another superstar in any of the other major sports who whines as much as he does. Hell, soccer players don’t cry as much as he does. It’s gone beyond comical into embarrassing.
by b.orr4 on Feb 23, 2009 8:52 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
King losing his crown?
His outbursts and late plays antics remind me of a child’s temper tantrum. You’d think Lemieux would have had that sit down talk with douche bag by now.
You’ve got to learn to handle defeat, not just victory, well.
by ns on Feb 23, 2009 9:13 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t want to belabor this point, so I’ll try to keep it short and to this post. I’ll start by saying that I’ve always been a very appathetic Crosby hater. On these boards I feel I’m usually in the crowd that says that he is a good player but I’m glad I have Ovi to root for. I don’t like the nicknames and the BS that goes along with “us” hating Crosby, but yesterday really made it tough for me to keep that position.
It isn’t the fact that Crosby bitches and moans, talks a lot and says that every hit against him (there or not) is a cheap shot. Its how much he uses his stick. When he gets into it he uses his stick like a sword…. parry, thrust, thrust. To my eyes, the thing with Ovi started when Ovi skated by him (didn’t touch him) and Sid gave him a shot in the mid section with his stick then pushed him over the boards from behind. Brooksie was playing hard in front of the net and Sid took exception. Rather than giving a face wash or pushing Laich out, he does a “Hooks” McCracken impression. Its disgraceful.
For the sake of the NHL, I hope that Crosby can grow up a bit. For now, count me in the camp that says that Crosby isn’t the best player on his team, let alone in the NHL.
by Sct112 on Feb 23, 2009 9:15 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Lebron James is crying because you did not include him in this list of whiners with incredible game.
by vt caps fan on Feb 23, 2009 10:11 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
“That’s my Quarterback you’re talking about! My Quarterback, man!”
by snowburnt on Feb 23, 2009 10:15 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Caps’ leader in third period TOI: John Erskine. Over eight minutes.
by TylerG on Feb 23, 2009 9:04 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Mystery du Jour: why did Gabby put out three forwards in the four-on-four on which the Pens scored their first goal? And speaking of four-on-four, how can this Caps team be in the bottom half of the League in four-on-four goals?
It was going to be 4 on 4 for about 12 seconds and then the Caps would go on the power play, with Semin coming out of the box. So Boudreau had Ovechkin out there as a defenseman/point so that the power play would be fully set up as soon as Semin got out. And Semin actually scored on the ensuing power play.
Not saying it was the right call, but that’s what he was probably thinking.
by Gould Old Days on Feb 23, 2009 9:17 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I buy the explanation, but it looks like he jumped the gun. Lesson learned, you’d think.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Feb 23, 2009 9:24 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It was over 20 seconds, plenty of time for a team to lose a faceoff and still carry the puck up on the rush. Which is what happened.
by TylerG on Feb 23, 2009 9:27 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Kinda like leaving a bad pitcher in that’s going to be up next inning so that you could have a pinch hitter instead of a new pitcher batting?
by snowburnt on Feb 23, 2009 10:17 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Honestly, that was the first thing I noticed, and pointed it out right away. I thought everyone thought I was nuts, and while Theo had some blame, I ultimately blamed (and still blame) Bruce on that goal. Even if the third forward was Gordon.
How the HELL does Shaone Morrisonn keep getting a sweater?
by Whiter Mage on Feb 23, 2009 11:12 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Tagging more along those lines, Ovechkin, Laich, Gordon, Green is not a combo I really want at any time. I don’t even understand how the four get out there. If you’re going for a 4v4 aggressive shift, use Ovechkin – Backstrom – Fedorov – Green.
How the HELL does Shaone Morrisonn keep getting a sweater?
by Whiter Mage on Feb 23, 2009 11:13 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The third defensive pairing of John Erskine and Milan Jurcina was pretty much exactly what you’d want them to be – strong and physical. Erskine always seems to play better after getting a game off.
Agree 100% on this one. I’d like to see what Kronwall can do in a month when he’s fully integrated. This team could have a very effective defenseman rotation for the playoffs.
by Gould Old Days on Feb 23, 2009 9:19 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I've liked what I've seen of Kronwall so far.
He’s pretty smart and can deliver some pretty good smacks, but mostly he’s invisible, which in a S@H defensemen isn’t a bad thing.
by gotsparkly on Feb 23, 2009 9:37 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Schultz & Green
Tarik had Schultz and Green as a pairing in his pregame. One thing I meant to watch for but forgot to was whether this pairing stuck. (Besides, there wasn’t that much EV time to watch).
Did anyone else notice this? Is Schultz a good foil for Green?
by Gould Old Days on Feb 23, 2009 9:45 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Did anyone else notice this? Is Schultz a good foil for Green?
I’ve always liked the pairing because I’ve felt it gives a chance for Green to get deeper on 5v5, but then again I’m a mark for Schultz.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Feb 23, 2009 9:54 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
We want Wings, we want Wings!
Anyone else get a chuckle out of the irony of hearing this during a Pens game? I was thinking that I bet Crosby and Malkin say this all the time to Shero…
by brs03 on Feb 23, 2009 9:56 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Whooping Gonch
Can someone explain the reason for “Whooping” Gonchar?
by Sct112 on Feb 23, 2009 9:58 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Because this area has a love for doing that to defensemen who later win a Cup elsewhere?
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Feb 23, 2009 10:01 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It just doesn’t make sense to me. I always thought (and this is slightly before my time) the reason it was done for Murphy was that his departure was not on the best of terms. ie Florida should be whooping JayBo when he leaves town… but Gonchar was shipped off as part of the firesale… if we whoop Gonchar we should have been whooping Bondra… Heaven forbid
This sort of stuff frustrates me. Know why you are doing something fans and do it for a good reason… I want to yell at everyone during the anthem too… This isn’t an Orioles game you lemmings…
by Sct112 on Feb 23, 2009 10:09 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
The Anthem
SRSLY. Abusing the anthem is stupid. If there’s anything the Caps barn does that I can honestly say I really hate, that’s it. What gets me is, almost every fan I’ve talked to hates the practice .. so why are we still doing it?
I think of the whooping Gonchar as a warning to the goalie more than anything else. He’s a good player who’s gone elsewhere.
by gotsparkly on Feb 23, 2009 10:13 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
150% agree with you. They do it at all the local games. Go back to Bal’mer you mouth breathers!
it would be one thing if they said Caps in the anthem, or if we did the standing ovation like in Chicago (can’t do that now, that’d be copy catting)
by snowburnt on Feb 23, 2009 10:22 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m from Baltimore (now live in VA), go to O’s games and proudly shout “O” during the anthem…when I’m at an O’s game or Baltimore related function. I DO NOT shout “O” at Caps games, and I agree it has no place there. My 2¢.
by PaintDrinkingPete on Feb 23, 2009 11:05 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
One of the 400 Sections
has started the “RED” yell during the Anthem’s “And the rockets RED glare….”. That’s now begun to moderately catch on. Though I’m sure there are plenty of Anthem Purists out there that view this as patriotic blasphemy as well.
You will NEVER kill the Anthem-O. Its in this area’s DNA. Lookit… people are STILL doing the O chant and that team hasn’t won 80 games or been to the playoffs since 1997 and we’ve had our own (even worse) team for 4 years now. Think about when the eventual day comes where the O’s are competitive again.
Accept it and move on.
by Wisper on Feb 23, 2009 11:08 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
What bugs me is when people yell “O” at Nats games.
How the HELL does Shaone Morrisonn keep getting a sweater?
by Whiter Mage on Feb 23, 2009 11:15 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I guarantee most of the people doing it don’t even know that it’s an homage to the Orioles.
I went to about 10 Caps games a year when I was 8-12 and thought that it was just something people did at the national anthem. It wasn’t until I went to a game with someone out of state before they were like: we don’t do that in Pittsburgh.
I am a bit of a national anthem purist: I get pissed when I see guys wearing hats through it when they’re at the games…but I like it when they do something at a certain point in the anthem, it shows they’re paying some kind of attention to what’s going on rather than just giving lip service to it, at least if it’s relevant to the team playing.
by snowburnt on Feb 23, 2009 11:21 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
+1
I am pretty much exactly the same way.
How the HELL does Shaone Morrisonn keep getting a sweater?
by Whiter Mage on Feb 23, 2009 11:26 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You are right, most folks have no idea that is actually an Orioles thing and has meaning, just not to the Caps… Lemmings ;)
by Sct112 on Feb 23, 2009 11:27 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I'd rather people just sing.
Come on. The Canadians sing theirs, loud and proud. Granted that theirs is easier to sing, but why can’t we do that? Just sing, even if you can’t hit that upper end or the low notes. There are people around you who can.
by gotsparkly on Feb 23, 2009 11:32 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
amen to that. At the Caps Toronto game in December, everyone at the ACC stood up and sang O Canada and it gave me goosebumps.
by Sombrero Guy on Feb 23, 2009 12:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Probably not.
It’s still dumb and disrespectful and I still hate it.
by gotsparkly on Feb 23, 2009 11:24 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The problem with "RED" is...
it’s a Hurricanes thing. It sounds especially stupid when we’re playing them, but if you’re going to do something during the anthem keep it original.
FTR I hate the “O”. But I guess it’s better than “RED” if people can’t just be normal during the anthem.
by brs03 on Feb 23, 2009 1:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I believe (but I’m not 100% positive though) Gonchar wanted to go and said he wanted out.
Bondra didn’t want to leave and was extremely emotional when he was traded.
Why do we do it to Gonchar? I want to say cause he’s playing for pitt. If he was playing in NJ or TB we probably wouldn’t do it. But the fact he plays for pitt makes it a bit more easier to WHOOP, because of Murphy
by vt caps fan on Feb 23, 2009 10:17 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Good enough. Although, with few exceptions I think that everyone wanted out of Washington at that point.
by Sct112 on Feb 23, 2009 10:21 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah it’s true everyone wanted out. (Can’t really say I blame them though)
by vt caps fan on Feb 23, 2009 10:43 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Except Kolzig. I’ll always love him for that.
by David M. Getz on Feb 23, 2009 10:51 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I loved Gonchar as a player but was annoyed when he signed with the Pens and made comments to the extent that “We could never beat them (Pens) so I’m glad to be joining them.” I’m sure that quote isn’t word for word but that was the gist.
by RED503 on Feb 23, 2009 10:50 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes that’s what it was. That’s why he gets whooped. For that comment. I forgot about it I knew there was some reason why – but it’s this comment.
So for that reason I hate Gonchar.
by vt caps fan on Feb 23, 2009 11:43 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
it’s totally stupid…didn’t seem to take Larry Murphy off his game, and it is a complete misapplication for Gonch. It’s like it’s some primordial vestige of mindless cheering(?) left over from the pre-lockout area…motion to bag??
by bigonetimer on Feb 23, 2009 10:25 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I love the whoop.
1) It’s something no one else does
2) It’s applicable only to offensive defensemen who have left the team (Gonch, Eminger come to mind) who have had struggles defensively
3) It’s something no one else does(Except my college now that I’ve started it).
I always was told it originated from when Murphy let up the puck in the offensive zone, and so they started whooping like the three stooges would (Implying he was a stooge). Some asshat at ESPN said it was a turkey call popular in our area (Cause, yeah, Caps fans = Turkey hunters).
Personally, I love the thing. I’ll continue to do it. I recall not being the only person who whooped Kolzig when he skated out to touch the puck, and a medium amount of people whooped Eminger.
“O” and “Red” during the national anthem bug me, but I sing along, and I’m sure that bugs some people. The Whoop is something that ONLY Caps fans have, and it’s great. I remember a game last year where the Pens fans were so confused we were whooping that they started whooping Schultz, which made me laugh so hard.
Like it or not, it’s a tradition we have in a town that really doesn’t have that many associated with hockey.
How the HELL does Shaone Morrisonn keep getting a sweater?
by Whiter Mage on Feb 23, 2009 11:19 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t have a problem with it, but I don’t want to do it just to do it. There needs to be a reason. If the reason is that we do it to former offensive defensemen, I don’t think that its a great reason, but at least there is a reason.
by Sct112 on Feb 23, 2009 11:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I agree that it’s a crap reason, but it’s something to do. I’ve seen lamer traditions start in other places for lamer reasons.
How the HELL does Shaone Morrisonn keep getting a sweater?
by Whiter Mage on Feb 23, 2009 11:34 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I gotta disagree about doing that to Eminger, I think one of the major criteria in WHOOP’n someone is the fact that they had to be good when they played for the Caps.
Emmy got a raw deal here, and never got to ‘prove his worth’.
I don’t whoop Emmy
I do whoop gonch.
by vt caps fan on Feb 23, 2009 12:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think he’s proving his “Worth” in Tampa now. He’s not good enough to play top 4 minutes, let alone be a 1-2 guy like they have him down there. I never liked the guy, and I think he’s proving why he was sitting in the press box night after night.
How the HELL does Shaone Morrisonn keep getting a sweater?
by Whiter Mage on Feb 23, 2009 12:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Bottom line: message sent, message received – the train seems to be back on the tracks… for now, at least.
At least until some other mediocre pile of crap comes in and beats us because ‘we couldn’t get up for the game.’ But seriously folks, only 7 points back of Boston. Win our final game against them and start TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS against the Southeast and that #1 seed is tantalizingly close…
Russian Machine Never Breaks
by macvechkin on Feb 23, 2009 11:32 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Boston can wait (until Saturday)
Right now… ALL I CARE ABOUT is the F@#$-ing Flyers.
(Although PITT – PHILLY – atlanta – BOSTON…. that thrasher game is shaping up to look like a textbook trap game)
by Wisper on Feb 23, 2009 11:34 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Doesn't it, though?
It will either be a trap game or an absolute curbstomp. Me, I think it’s easier mentally to play every single game at the same level than it is to let up for Atlanta and get back up for Boston. Don’t know if the boys feel the same wya, though.
by gotsparkly on Feb 23, 2009 11:54 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
if we lose to the A-T-L i am going to vomit and then eat it. surprisingly the thrashers are significantly better on the road than at home, though.
Russian Machine Never Breaks
by macvechkin on Feb 23, 2009 12:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That’s one hell of a visual.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Feb 23, 2009 12:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully we’re not headed towards a late night FanShot on Thursday. Or I’ll just post that bacon explosion link and nobody will know the difference…
Russian Machine Never Breaks
by macvechkin on Feb 23, 2009 12:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
surprisingly the thrashers are significantly better on the road than at home, though.
Because no one’s watching and there’s no pressure.
Burn!
by David M. Getz on Feb 23, 2009 12:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No one watching on the road? Have you seen ATL's Home Crowd?
Me neither.
by Wisper on Feb 23, 2009 12:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Big deal. My dog does that every day. Actually, I think he likes it.
by b.orr4 on Feb 23, 2009 1:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I admit it already looks tantalizingly close. But I’m not going to cry if we don’t get it :x.
How the HELL does Shaone Morrisonn keep getting a sweater?
by Whiter Mage on Feb 23, 2009 11:35 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Agree with You on Nyls, Still Not Sold on Schultz Though
DMG:
While Nyl’s has and continues to underwhelm since the begininning of the year I don’t see him going anywhere due to his contract and the salary cap situation either before the trade deadline or even during the summer – do you?
I know you like Shultz and all but I’m still not sold on him. I guyess the hits everyone is talking about happened at the the far end of the ice on Sunday since I couldn’t/didn’t see em from my seats though the scorekeeper did credit them….
by markbona-capsfan99 on Feb 23, 2009 2:29 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I would be shocked if Nylander’s moved during the season. I think it’s possible, but unlikely that he will be moved over the summer.
I think Schultz is a legitimate second pairing defenseman at this point. He could probably stand to hit a little more but so much of his game is based on being positionally sound and taking away opportunities for the opponents to create offense that I think he doesn’t want to risk taking himself out of position.
by David M. Getz on Feb 23, 2009 2:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
They may not be able to trade him, but I have a gut feeling they might buy him out. Unless I’m mistaken, the amount would be 70-80% of the remaining contract spread out over twice the remaining years. If my numbers are right, that’s a cap hit of about $1.8 million a year. Steep, but it would give them some breathing room.
by b.orr4 on Feb 23, 2009 4:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think they use average value for buyouts, they use actual salaries, thus he’s owed 5.5M for next season and 3.0M the season after that for a total of 8.5M. They could buy him out for $5.66M and then spread it over four years at 1.415M per. So in 09-10 and 10-11 they’d save about 3.4M in each season but in 11-12 and 12-13 they’d have 1.415 in dead space each year.
I can’t envision this not happening, we need to make a couple good Cup runs before the Semin/Backstom contracts have to be addressed. Hopefully by 11-12 the cap will be up past the $56 and change it is now and the 1.415 in dead space would be easier to swallow.
Russian Machine Never Breaks
by macvechkin on Feb 23, 2009 4:38 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Very good explanation, macvechkin. If anyone’s interested in examples, they have some at nhlscap.com.
I disagree on the likelihood of a buyout. If the team buys out Nylander, they don’t have any great options for a second line center which would probably mean they’d have to hope they could find someone better than Nylander at a lower cost. It’s possible, but it’s no sure thing and I don’t know if the team is going to be willing to gamble like that.
With that said, I would not be surprised to see Nylander, Clark, or both bought out this offseason.
by David M. Getz on Feb 23, 2009 4:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
We’ll see how much of a liability he is during the playoffs. He’ll be 37 when next season starts and I can’t imagine him improving…
Russian Machine Never Breaks
by macvechkin on Feb 23, 2009 5:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Since the beginning of the 2006-07 season – when his NHL career began – only eight defensemen in the entire NHL have a better plus/minus than Schultz.
With all due respect, what the hell else do you want from him?
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by J.P. on Feb 23, 2009 2:54 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
To piggy back on that: in 06-07 Schultz was tied for second overall; first among defensemen in +/-. In 07-08, he was fourth overall and led defensemen in +/-.
by David M. Getz on Feb 23, 2009 2:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Short of bringing up a fanpost I did on the matter awhile back, the kid is the youngest, least experienced player getting regular minutes, and doing a damn fine job of it.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Feb 23, 2009 3:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I liked that one a lot.
Here’s the link for anyone who hasn’t seen it. If you haven’t, check it out. It’s a good read.
by David M. Getz on Feb 23, 2009 3:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks man, didn’t want to come across as too much of a pimp.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Feb 23, 2009 4:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Per TEB
Also, there’s been a scoring change on Brooks Laich’s (the fifth) goal from yesterday’s game. Alexander Semin has been credited with the second assist, rather than Shaone Morrisonn. So the goal reads Laich from Tom Poti and Semin.
ShaMo can’t buy a break… their taking away points from him 24 hours later.
by Sct112 on Feb 23, 2009 2:38 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
59 | 41 | 12 | 6 | 88 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
57 | 25 | 21 | 11 | 61 |
|
Atlanta
|
57 | 25 | 24 | 8 | 58 |
|
Florida
|
58 | 24 | 25 | 9 | 57 |
|
Carolina
|
58 | 21 | 30 | 7 | 49 |
(updated 2.9.2010 at 9:00 AM EST)
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