Recap - Capitals 2, Predators 1
by J.P. on Mar 11, 2009 6:42 AM EDT
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[AP Recap - Game Summary - Event Summary - WashingtonCaps.com Postgame]
For an inter-Conference match-up, last night's Caps/Preds game had an awful lot of fireworks, but none quite as brilliant as the grand finale authored by a trio of Russians momentararily masquerading as pyrotechnicians.
From the opening draw - or, more accurately, 51 seconds thereafter - the game was an unlikely pitcher's duel between two netminders each of whom entered the night with a save percentage under .900, and a surprisingly chippy affair that featured three fights in the game's first 25 minutes.
Most importantly, of course, the Caps halted their four-game slide and re-established a double digit lead over second-place Florida in the standings.
Some thoughts on the game:
- The Caps did a lot of things well last night, but for all the talk of how the team needs to go to the net more to start scoring some ugly goals, it didn't happen - Dan Ellis may have made 42 saves on the night, but he had a pretty unobstructed view of nearly all of them, and the Caps had very few second chance opportunities.
- Speaking of Ellis, while he's had a rough 2008-09, let's not forget that he led the League in save percentage a season ago. Marty Gerber he ain't.
- And while we're talking goalies, Jose Theodore had a quietly brilliant night, and avoided what would have been potentially been an odd stat, had he shutout out the Preds for 60+ consecutive minutes and lost.
- The entire blueline was good, but stepping up in big ways were John Erskine (especially holding his own with Wade Belak) and Shaone Morrisonn (breaking up a 2-on-1 and breaking Jason Arnott). The entire D-corps combined to have just one giveaway.
- Alex Semin was great, especially early, and had four takeaways, nary a giveaway, and took a hit along the boards to start the play on the game-winner...
- However, he and Alex Ovechkin combined to have 14 shots blocked and another nine miss the net entirely. AO has been settling for too many 30-footers lately, which makes you wonder how that heel's feeling.
- As mentioned yesterday morning, Nashville was 27-6-2 when scoring first and a League-best 15-0-1 when leading after one period. Add an OTL to each of those marks.
- Great coaching: having Sergei Fedorov out on defense in the overtime. His joining the play was game over.
- Not-so-great coaching: having Nicklas Backstrom out for an offensive zone draw in the last minute of regulation. Backstrom was 9-for-24 (38%) on the night, while the rest of the team was 30-for-45 (67%). Fedorov was 16-for-23 (70%). Brooks Laich was 4-for-4 (100%). Seriously, Bruce, it's almost playoff time. Every single offensive and defensive zone faceoff is starting to matter.
- Speaking of Laich, another strong game for him.
- Viktor Kozlov's two helpers were both beauties, and the patience each of the finishers showed on their goals was fantastic.
- If Matt Bradley was a Run-D.M.C. record, he'd be Tougher Than Leather, but only because they never released one called I Got Away With A Hit From Behind.
- Well over 1,000 comments on the game thread? Awesome. (Oh, and if you haven't heard, "rec'd" is the new "+1".)
Next up? Philly. It's beginning to look a lot like April...
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I guess the Bra Boys are both sagging a little bit this morning
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 11, 2009 7:26 AM EDT reply actions
Clearly they need more support. ;)
"For reason, ruling alone, is a force confining; and passion, unattended, is a flame that burns to its own destruction.
Therefore let your soul exalt your reason to the height of passion; that it may sing; " - The Prophet
I think one is swelled up a little bigger than the other right now
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 11, 2009 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions
This win was due to JT60 keeping bailing the team out as well as Arnott deciding to pass when he should have shot. He has a lethal shot.
And this isn’t the only game I’ve seen in the past week where the officials have been laying off on calls. If Bradley had hit any other player but Tootoo he’d have been sent to the box. There were holds, and hooks on Semin that were let go. Very strange.
If at first you don't succeed, don't try parachuting.
Yes – and that bump by Green in the defensive zone late in the third was an obvious interference they let go.
I have as many wins in a Capitals uniform as Michael Belhumeur does.
most impressive defensive display of the season?
Save for a few 2 on 1’s (bad line changes?) the Caps D did pretty well. Passing lanes were clogged, rebounds handled well, and as JP noted one give away. Those defensive zones give aways have plagued the team all year! That is the type of goodness I like to hear and see.
Jose was stupendous. His best game of the season as well?
Ovi is still ailing. Saw him flexing his foot a few times after he lost the puck on one of those get-the-F-out-of-my-way drives to the net. You could tell he was frustrated.
Le Lapin was on a mission…just wish his linemates could keep up with him more often. While he used to be the idiot savant of the Caps, he is becoming one of the most well rounded players on the team. Him and Laich were the best forwards out there, on both teams.
Someone mentioned in the Schultz post that he was the slowest Cap only to Juice. I have to disagree on that. I think Juice can out skate Schultz easily…
It was nice to see the Caps play so damn hard for the whole game and get the pay off. A nice gritty display of hockey last night. nicccce
I think you’re supposed to see a doctor when that happens – isn’t that one of the Cialis disclaimers?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 11, 2009 9:10 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
word. would be awkward/painful checking opponents in that state…
by ns on Mar 11, 2009 9:11 AM EDT up reply actions
Maybe you have to play the game sitting in a bath tub?
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 11, 2009 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Every single offensive and defensive zone faceoff is starting to matter.
Another night where Steckel was over 50% on the draw, yet got only 9 more seconds TOI than Fehr did (12:30 to 12:21). They might as well dye their hair red.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Mar 11, 2009 8:36 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Is 12:30 really that low for Stecks on a night when the team was only shorthanded for 2:47?
Is 12:21 (all even strength) really that low for Fehr when he’s playing on the third line?
I like both of those guys, but thought the TOI was pretty well-managed last night, given the line combos and low special teams chances.
Then again, with Brash and Brads combining for 6:52 of a 62+ minute game, you might have expected a little more ice.
Speaking of ice, is Georges Laraque really defending guys like Wade Belak? Six shifts, two fights, 2:08 TOI. Sweet.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I understand, I mean, the reason why Fleischmann got 18 minutes was because he was on the Fedorov line.
Still, most of Laich’s ES was with 16 and 39, and he got 5 more minutes (2:14 of which was PP time)…
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Mar 11, 2009 9:28 AM EDT up reply actions
rec'd
Mind boggling. Bruce, if you are going to preach about going to the net, you need to put guys that will go to the net on the ice. Those two should be leading the way (with Laich) for garbage goals.
And that’s one line. Literally. And Fehr wasn’t going anywhere near the net last night (not that he was by any means alone in his avoidance of the paint).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 11, 2009 9:11 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Expect the comic book and cartoon shortly.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Mar 11, 2009 1:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Thought Semin deserved the #1 star by a wide margin. His play to start the GWG reminded me of -dare I say it? - Mario Lemieux. Absorb a hit while keeping control of the puck, pivot to get an angle, and slide a soft pass to a teammate in a good position. That pass isn’t easy to make, and he put it where Kozlov could do something with it. Also thought his defensive play, particularly his backchecking, was outstanding. IF, and this is a big if, I know, but IF he keeps that up, the Caps will be a bitch to deal with.
In general, I thought the Caps were engaged and dominated the play. The Preds got a semi-flukey early goal and started playing for a point. The Caps are still way snakebit — they should have had 3-4 goals in regulation — but they ground away at it. Compared to the listless efforts against, say, Colorado or Carolina, I will take it. When a team is playing not to lose and has a goalie that simultaneously gets real lucky and has a good night, goals can be tough to come by.
Finally, I gotta think that AO is dinged up. He has not looked like himself in a while now.
I believe that a double “dash” in front of and in back of text will -give that effect-
by PaintDrinkingPete on Mar 11, 2009 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions
His play to start the GWG reminded me of -dare I say it? – Mario Lemieux.
Grrrrrrrrrr… Let’s not start comparing guys like Semin to Lemieux just yet, okay? Adam Oates is acceptable, though I don’t know that he’d have taken this hit so well.
(okay, I’m calm now…just ease off the 66 references =)
by docciavelli on Mar 11, 2009 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Calm yourself, Doc – he was talking about one play. Eric Godard could look like Mario for one play.
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Hmm…the only way Godard would look like 66 is if he made a Flyers goaltender break his stick, or if they were going to make a new Clark bar called the “E-God.”
Of course, Godard could be the “deadwood” Semin was referring to.
I used to think I looked like Mario occasionally on the ice. Then I saw the tape.
by docciavelli on Mar 11, 2009 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions
I dunno. Lemieux looked a lot like Godard when he was repeatedly cross checking Todd Krygier while Krygier was on the ice back in one of those 90’s playoff rounds (i think the only one we won)
by Sombrero Guy on Mar 11, 2009 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions
heh, heh. Monday we couldn’t talk about Corsby and today we can’t mention Lemieux. They have more demi-gods in Pittsburgh than the Egyptians.
by b.orr4 on Mar 11, 2009 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
…and Mario could look like Chuck Wepner for one play.
Signed,
B. Gould
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Mar 11, 2009 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions
There were plenty of others that could have been called, but they played within the rules as McCreary and pal were interpreting them last night, so good on them.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I found it a bit amusing that in the last few minutes Laughlin was admitting there were a few calls that were let go against Washington. He doesn’t strike me as the kind of guy to call out the referees against the Caps too often, but he was spot-on there. Maybe I don’t give him enough credit.
by docciavelli on Mar 11, 2009 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions
I’ve always found Laughlin (and Joe B) to be pretty unbiased when it comes to penalties.
by OvechkinLaichsSemin on Mar 11, 2009 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Locker is actually very objective when it comes to the officiaiting.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 11, 2009 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Dude, compared to the morons in the Pitt booth, Joe B and Locher are paragons of objectivity and insightful analysis.
I don’t know who those two guys you have are, but somewhere two villages are bemoaning their lack of an idiot. I picked up the Pitt feed for the game against the Caps last weekend, and those guys are perhaps the most one-sided homers this side of Hawk Harrelson, minus the wit.
Must’ve gotten hired for their ability to defend the legacy of Alex Semin the First (aka, Mario Lemieux) ;)
The best is when the Penguins suck and the Pens announcers get depressed and surly/sarcastic. It’s like hearing a choir of angels singing.
by grapejoos on Mar 11, 2009 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Didn’t he score the OT game-winner last year to salt away the division? Or the game before the division was won? I seem to remember him cranking up a slapper that got into the net to seal a victory in a crucial game during the stretch run.
Either way, that was a big one last night.
That was the last game of the season against Florida. And he was set up by a beautiful behind the back blind pass from Semin. A thing of beauty.
The Florida goal has my vote as Feds’ best. I’ve been down on Feds recently, but big time players score big time goals. Last night, and the one against Florida are big time goals. I hope all of the young guys watch everything he does, from how he tapes his stick to how he chooses his spots. I think, and hope, the Caps have more than one “Feds” in the stable right now. (whoa)
Maybe I’m imagining it, but his play seems to have stepped up lately. It’s been mentioned that after a severe ankle sprain it can take a few months before you’re back to 100%. I think Feds is finally starting to feel completely healthy again. In retrospect, the injury may have been a blessing if it allows Sergei to go into the playoffs feeling fresh and strong.
he seemed much more agile last night, which showed with his puck entry, which also allowed Green to take a seat for a rare breather.
by ns on Mar 11, 2009 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions
The OT winner in Game 7 against the Flyers when AO set him up perfectly to finish into an open net. Duh.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Road Warriors
Lost in last night’s win is just how great the Caps have become on the road. In their last 15 away games they’re 11-2-2. I haven’t run the numbers, but my guess is if it’s not the best record in the league over that span, it’s in the top two or three.
Crazy that their home dominance and road woes of essentially traded places.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
They’re just getting too cute at home. I think the whole “Rock the Red” lollapalooza has turned them into entertainers at the VC where on the road they’re just a hockey team with a lot of talent. Spending most of the remaining schedule away from DC may be the best thing for them.
The irony there is that I bet the 18,000+ fans at any given home game would prefer more grinding and banging. They’d definitely prefer more winning.
Say what you will about the number of Caps die-hards vs. bandwagoners, but the most beloved teams the franchise has ever iced have been hard-working and tough to play against squads – not figure skaters.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Has this organization ever had a figure skating team? Early/Mid 80s? For as long as I can remember they have always had skill guys that complement the grinders rather than the other way around (current team excluded).
That’s kind of my point – the fanbase appreciates work ethic.
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rec’d(I’m not sure I’m OK with this designation). If they had played the game last night at home, fans would have been doing backflips out of the arena. I mean, who doesn’t love pools of blood on the ice.
To clarify, the “rec’d” thing isn’t so much saying it, as clicking actions, then Rec.
by grapejoos on Mar 11, 2009 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Agreed. You don’t have to be fancy or cute or pretty. Work hard, kick their asses, and we’ll go home happy. :) It’s that simple.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Mar 11, 2009 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Nick Backstrom: “This team win is for Brash and Bradley and Erskine. That got in those tough fights. That was huge.” (TEB)
Love that quote! Even though they lost 2 of the 3 the fights decisively, those three guys were the epitome of toughness last night. Seeing a couple of your bros go down in a hostile setting is a huge rallying cry, and the team answered the call. THAT is exactly what the Caps needed going into the tail end of the season and the playoffs, and I think we’ll look back on this Nashville game as a turning point.
by Cluster on Mar 11, 2009 9:55 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I think Brash and Brads should alternate sitting while Erskine is around. Enough toughness between whatever 2 or one ice, and it allows for a more useful player to dress
Who is a more useful player on the Cap’s roster? I understand and agree with the gist of what you are saying, but I’m not sure that the alternatives really make it worthwhile.
I like Bradley because he works damn hard, Brash, eh, if you wanted to sit him and throw Nyls onto the line I guess I can see a potential upside with that (though not much).
Someone that can do more than just “work the cycle”. Laughlin and B brought a good point with that – its one thing to just cycle the puck, but you eventually need to make a move and create a scoring chance. Brad and Brash are terrible at that. Hershey followers have mentioned that Beagle might be a good fit for that, or even Bourque.
There is definitely a place for having a good shift, cycling the puck. And those guys do it well, but there is no (offensive) punch on that line. And while the cycling might tire out defenders, its tiring out the oppositions 4th line, so really, its a wash. As I said before, I agree with the principle of what you are saying. Unfortunately, reality sets in. Chris and Jay aren’t on the roster right now, would you put Nyls on that line instead of Brash?
As an aside, how to these 4 callups work? Are the Caps limited by contracts/cap/etc. or can they bring up Beagle and just scratch him every night?
I’m a little concerned about the team going into Philly without Brash and possibly Brads. I’d bring up a tough guy from Hershey instead of reinserting Nyls into the lineup.
Agreed in theory, but with only four call-ups available to them under non-emergency circumstances, one wonders if calling up a guy to play seven minutes is worthwhile.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I don’t believe you can make an emergency call-up when you’ve got a healthy scratch (which Nylander may or may not be by Thursday).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
What can Brash do that Nylander can’t?
Oh, wait…
by Gould Old Days on Mar 11, 2009 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Get waived/traded.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 11, 2009 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
I’m thinking it is a made up injury so that he can play a game and aggravate it.
I’m not sure what incentive Nyls has to go along with the ruse, but it seems like GMGM is really interested in saving his 4 callups.
Speculation time!
What for, do you think?
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
Koz
I’ve become a big fan of Kozlov lately. All he does is win battles along the boards and make near-perfect passes to his talented linemates. I wish he would pot a few more, but if he has an assist or two per game in the playoffs, I’ll take it.
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it 1000 times…Kozlov is nothing short of amazing along the boards. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone on par with him…the way he can go up against two, and sometimes three, opponents along the boards and come out with the puck is disgusting.
To borrow an answer used for another older Russian, lemme get back to you in June.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Mar 11, 2009 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions
I think so.
It can’t be overstated how much chemistry he has with Ovie and Backstrom. No one else has seemed to fit on that line.
by Scott in Shaw on Mar 11, 2009 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions
I could ramble on and on and on about the pros/cons of resigning him for two years….BLUF is that I think I would, at the right price, because he is, as we’ve all heard, the round peg for the round hole.
Also, I think he’s a good influence on the Alexes…not in the way King Feds is, but more like a cool uncle.
I don’t know that I’d pay him a dime if he has another horrible playoffs.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 11, 2009 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Demanding
Let me get this straight.
You want him to perform in the playoffs,be the cool uncle, and the round peg for the round hole… Are you really a Washington Caps fan, how have you developed such high expectations?
In all seriousness, I tend to agree… especially when there are other guys in the fold that are dodecagons that with a little work can fit into the round hole. (Fehr?)
I don’t want to worry about the playoffs until the regular season is over :)…
kidding of course, but how do you define a horrible playoffs? Less than a point per game? Is he sucessful if he averages a 3-5 points per series….ie if there is another 7 game series, he goes 1G 3A -2 and the Caps win..success or not success? If they lose?
I’m not sure that I can give you figures now, but I’ll know em when I see ’em.
I’ve said before that points are not necessarily the most important part of Kozlov’s game. (I think others agree). If him being on Backis and Ovi’s line makes them 1.8 ppg players, if he gets 0.3 ppg he’s worth it.
by Sct112 on Mar 11, 2009 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’d say that Kozlov producing numbers analogous to his regular season numbers would be a successful playoff to me. So if he plays, I dunno, 18 games, I’d like to see nine or ten points out of him, but seven or eight might be enough to make me happy.
But career-wise he’s had no goals and six assists in 21 games. If keeps doing that, there’s no reason to keep him on the Caps. They don’t need him to make the playoffs, so if he’s not going to help them win in the postseason, I don’t think he has that much value.
by David Getz on Mar 11, 2009 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Cool uncle
Yeah, I can see that. I’d love to see more crashing the net while he’s fending off 2-3 guys.
I live in the same building as Kozlov, and have crossed paths with him in his workout gear (shorts). The dude has redwoods for legs. Being 6’5" helps, but after seeing his build out of a uniform its clear on why he’s a beast along those boards.
I live in the same building as Kozlov, and have crossed paths with him in his workout gear (shorts). The dude has redwoods for legs.
He’s a hockey player.
He’s a hockey player.
No kidding? I’d never have guessed.
But yeah, hockey players are going to be stacked in the lower body – that’s what skating like that takes. Most of them are stacked up top, too.
Now excuse me while I have happy thoughts about shirtless JT60.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
I remember there was one picture of Ovechkin that was part of the rookie year piece on him on the Post where there was a picture of him bench pressing where his upper body was decently built but his legs were enormous.
Upsides and downsides. On the one hand, you don’t wind up looking like this idiots who have bigger calves than biceps. On the other hand, it’s hard to find pants that fit in the thighs.
Wow – in a thread AND FanShotted? This must be my lucky day. :)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Its going to be nice to have it on the front page down the side for a couple of days. I’m going to come here a lot more now ;)
We may have to start a Scarlett Rink microsite for this stuff. :)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Seriously?
The thing I dislike the most about the Club Scarlet stuff is that their explanations and focus are insulting to women who know the difference between freezing the puck and icing it. I’ve looked through that site, and I did not find ONE rules tidbit or term that I didn’t already know and understand on my own after reading this site and CI and watching a season’s worth of games (give or take a few).
I like the concept and understand what they’re going for, but it feels patronizing to me. Give me my puck talk with a side of hot hockey players instead of girl talk with a side of hockey, thanks.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Mar 11, 2009 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Really, Club Scarlett is great, for people like my fiancee. She went on it and registered and read the rule sheet, and now loves understanding what I mean when I’m yelling at the television while she’s doing homework.
If we waive Morrisonn and give him a soapbox, a pack of Krispie Kremes, and a microphone, do you think Brian Burke will claim him?
THANK YOU!
I feel the same way. It’s nice to know I’m not alone on this one.
What’s your feeling on the Red Rockers?
"For reason, ruling alone, is a force confining; and passion, unattended, is a flame that burns to its own destruction.
Therefore let your soul exalt your reason to the height of passion; that it may sing; " - The Prophet
Hey, if you clowns can make bra jokes all day long, one picture isn’t going to destroy your precious little enclave.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
So much to learn
The male ego is a pretty fragile thing, if you start fawning over JTs bare chest we’re all gonna get a complex.
Hahahaha.
I’d ask you to post yours, but I’m not sure that’s a good idea. :D
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Mar 11, 2009 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
re:Koz
Koz slows down the Caps offense in a good way. A very good way. During the recent offensive slump (I’m excluding the pens game) the offense was disorganized, frantic, and pressing. Koz changes that. Koz and Feds should get the offensive energy harnessed soon.
I'd wager
if Kozlov is getting one or two assists per game in the playoffs, we are all going to be meeting on Pennsylvania Ave in early/mid June.
Question....
Would Barack Obama know what the parade was for?
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
TooToo Much
I did not see the head-butt and our windy announcers did not mention it. Was it bad enough to rate a reaction from the NHL?
Unintentional, I think. But there were a couple of helmet contacts in that fight: One from head on, and one where Bradley’s head bumped the back of Tootoo’s helmet. I think the latter contact is the one that cut him.
So maybe they should require all players to remove their helmets before fighting. You know, for safety.
by Gould Old Days on Mar 11, 2009 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Rec'd
Signed Gary Bettman.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Mar 11, 2009 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t THINK it was intentional, I think he was just off balance, but I could be wrong.
by Sombrero Guy on Mar 11, 2009 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions
I didn’t think that it was that egregious or intentional.. I didn’t see anything while the fight was actually happening, and I thought that Tootoo ducked his head to avoid a punch and as he came up caught Brads in the face because he was leaning over. Something along the lines of you coming up and clocking your head (Tootoo’s helmet) on the open cabinet door (Brad’s face) .
And Tyler types faster than me… :(
I don’t think it was intentional either, but I dislike Little Bunny TooToo so much that I wouldn’t mind if he got into trouble for it. :)
"For reason, ruling alone, is a force confining; and passion, unattended, is a flame that burns to its own destruction.
Therefore let your soul exalt your reason to the height of passion; that it may sing; " - The Prophet
XD
Little Bunny TooToo = win
That made me laugh. A lot.
I don’t think there was an intentional kicking motion from Flash, either – I think he was trying to position himself to catch that puck on his tape, not kick it into the goal. They washed the goal out anyway. Intentional doesn’t seem to mean that much to ref’s.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
Flash's "kick"
I don’t think he was trying to kick it in the goal, but I do think he was making a kicking motion — to stop the puck to position it for a shot.
by Scott in Shaw on Mar 11, 2009 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions
I think it was an intentional kicking motion. I’m sure he didn’t mean to kick it into the net – since that’s not a goal and all – but he definitely meant to play it off his foot. I think that’s what the rule is about.
It was kind of surprising how long it took the Nashville TV crew to notice it/saying it should be overturned.
Feels like it's been a while for Theo
He was superb last night—great rebound control and three or four big time stops to keep us in it in the first 40 minutes. His glove is nasty. Still, this first or second shot thing is ALARMING. I now expect it to happen when he’s in the net., it’s the biggest save of the game he’s not making routinely at this point and I can’t think of another Caps (or any other) netminder plagued with this tendency. You G’s out there: is it a concentration thing? Too tight? Not enough crease running in warmups? What gives?
I’m not sure I fault JT60 entirely for that. They were buzzing WAY too much in the opening seconds and we couldn’t clear the zone to save our lives despite multiple opportunities. That goal was the fault of everyone on the ice, not just JT60.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
For me personally, the toughest save is the first one of the 2nd period. I’m in the same goal for warm-ups and the 1st period, but after that I have to go down to the other end with minimal time to scratch my crease / pick out reference points for playing angles / get adjusted to the different lighting and background / etc.
by Kerry Fraser's Hairspray on Mar 11, 2009 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Defense, for once
After the first barrage by the Pred’s, I feel like the caps overall played one of the most sound defensive games of the season. Had we have put some of the chances away/actually on goal, and had Ellis not made over 40 saves, we could have easily put this away really early.
But overall, I was pleasantly surprised the way the team played overall, and was extremely happy to finally have a road game. xD
Regarding the 1000+ comment thread....
JP, can we have a separate thread for each period, please? No need for a new one for OT/Gimmick, I don’t think, but the thread crashed my work browser several times.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
Will do for road games – homers aren’t as busy, since so many folks are at ’em.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Bradley should start a new band – “Leading with my face”
If we waive Morrisonn and give him a soapbox, a pack of Krispie Kremes, and a microphone, do you think Brian Burke will claim him?
He would fit only too well in the Small Faces
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 11, 2009 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions
I guess the Force wasn’t with him last night… (or in most of his fights, for that matter…)
by MikeL-Pivonka on Mar 11, 2009 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Notes from Last Night...
1) If Dan Ellis isn’t playing like he’s from another planet, the Caps easily get 4 or 5 goals. They took 92 shots (yes, that’s the right number) and 44 went on goal. They had 25 blocked, and 23 missed the target (some of the misses were due to Ellis being strong, you try to hit a spot…) Ellis was the #1 star last night and should have been, he was incredible.
2) Great PK last night for the Caps. The Caps killed off all the short-handed attempts (all 2 of them) but also outshot the Preds 2-0 during Nashville’s PPs. Really!
3) Brooks Laich was 4-0 on face-offs last night…maybe he should be taking more draws. The only Cap below .500 was Backstrom at 9-15. In close games, late, Feds, Laich or Steckel should take all of the defensive draws. Feds was 7-0 in the defensive zone last night…
If the Caps play this way tomorrow up in Philly, I don’t think even Nitty can save them…
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