Recap - Maple Leafs 2, Capitals 1
by J.P. on Mar 6, 2009 6:38 AM EST
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[AP Recap - Game Summary - Event Summary - WashingtonCaps.com Postgame]
Ever wonder what life would be like if the Caps hadn't won the 2004 Draft Lottery? Me too. Almost every day. It's a mildly interesting thought exercise that inevitably ends in blessings being counted, lucky stars being thanked and so on.
But if you ever wanted to get a glimpse of what it might actually look like on the ice, imagine last night's Caps with Cam Barker on the blueline (perhaps in lieu of Mike Green - the Caps wouldn't have taken three blueliners in the first round in '04, would they have? I digress...). It's a downright mortifying thought, isn't it?
But here's the thing - while the Caps played without Alexander Ovechkin, so did the Maple Leafs, and yet they managed to score goals (plural). For 59 minutes and 39 seconds, the Caps couldn't score on a goalie who hadn't won an NHL game in calendar year 2009 and who was backstopping (for the first time, mind you) a team that has allowed the most goals in hockey. And that was that.
Some thoughts on the game:
- We're big Jeff Schultz fans (bordering on apologists) around here, but Sarge has hit the skids of late (not nearly to the point where this jackassery is clever or warranted, however). He was minus-two on the night and is now minus-four in his last eight games (in four of which he has been minus-one or worse), which is notable in that he hadn't been a minus player in any of his previous fourteen games (and was plus-15 in that span). There may not be another defenseman on the roster who would have benefited more from a top-four blueline acquisition at the deadline, but alas...
- Alex Semin is a phenomenal talent and just about the only skill player who stepped up in AO's absence. Even before his goal, Semin had ten shots on goal or otherwise attempted and three takeaways against nary a giveaway. But he couldn't do it alone.
- I'm not sure I've ever seen Bruce Boudreau yell as much as he did on the bench during the third period.
- Matt Bradley was good at what Matt Bradley is good at - five hits in under eleven minutes, a decent fight in the first and even a plus-one - but terrible at what he's terrible at, namely converting chances.
- Brads wasn't alone, of course, and Tomas Fleischmann and Eric Fehr failed to finish several quality opportunities.
- With Tom Poti out of the lineup (more or less - his night made Michal Neuvirth's look tough), Mike Green played a whopping 31:03 and had just one giveaway (Milan Jurcina had five times as many in less than half the ice time). Sergei Fedorov also gave the team everything they asked of him, putting in more than 22 minutes on the blueline.
- Michael Nylander: still floatin'.
- I'm not sure why there was no penalty called when Jason Blake ran through Jose Theodore on Toronto's washed out goal, and I'm not sure why there was no wash out when Blake ran through Theodore on Toronto's second goal.
- Speaking of Theodore, he was both good and lucky at times, but both traits were absent on the Leafs' first goal.
- Nicklas Backstrom had a strong night in the faceoff circle, winning ten of 16 (63%), but that's about all the praise he'll get for that game.
- Despite having only 17 skaters, Donald Brashear played just 5:15. Eight shifts. But hey, no one ran Jose! Well, except Blake.
The Caps won't practice today. Perhaps they'll have one of those closed door, players only meetings. Then again, maybe this sort of thing just happens this time of year - here are three choice quotes from last night's post-game:
"It's evident now that we are not winning hockey games becuase we are not playing the full 60 minutes. Most goals scored at this time of the year are scored by going to the net and chipping away, and we've got to do more of that."
"It's frustrating. We have to figure out what's going on, bare down and start winning battles. We lost it at the end of the first period. It wasn't any good in the second. The third was better, we started to win more battles, but..."
"No reason in the world we can't score more than one goal,'' said a frustrated [head coach], his forwards lacking not only in finish, but in net presence, the critical element of being able to stake out territory in prime scoring areas. ''Right now we are inbetween everything."
Yep, those are quotes coming in the wake of last night's loss, but they're from Milan Lucic, Patrice Bergeron and Claude Julien, respectively, and they're talking about the Bruins' 2-1 home loss to the Phoenix Coyotes. Sound familiar?
Expressing a similar sentiment, Flyer bench boss John Stevens said of his team's home loss to Calgary, "It sure looked like we didn't have any energy there tonight. I don't have an answer for you at this point. It was just an awful effort by our hockey team, right through our lineup."
Yes, these are indeed the dog days. But the barking had best end real soon, otherwise the playoffs will be a real, well, female dog.
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Excuse Me?
1st goal: Erskine fails to clear, gets to running around in his own end, drops his stick, ignores defensive coverage in favor of getting a stick from Laich, man loose in front, goal.
2nd goal: Erskine decides to lay down in his own end for who-knows-what-reason, gets up, and with no where better to go, decides to screen his own goalie on a shot from the point, goal.
And you want criticize Schultz for his -2? Please.
Yes. Erskine was fairly terrible and deserving of blame, but I thought that was a given.
Schultz hasn’t been as steady recently as he had been. Do you disagree with that?
And you’re excused (but only because you’re so well-mannered – “Excuse Me” and “Please”!)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Recently, no one on the team has been as steady as they had been. Nothing about Schultz’s play stands out from that trend and so possibly is more indicative of the team than the individual.
Have you ever noticed how often posts are critical of this defenseman’s or that defenseman’s play of late, and it just so happens that the defenseman in question has recently been paired with Erskine?
It’s a great point – I remember we made the exact same point when Jurcina was skating with Fedorov early on, in fact (“Oh, he only stunk because he was stuck with Erskine.”)
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While Juice didn’t/doesn’t only stink when with Erskine, he’s a far better player when paired with someone else.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
While Juice didn’t/doesn’t only stink when with Erskine, he’s a far better player when paired with someone else
Doesn’t that indicate that the player isn’t very good??? I mean… if the only time you’re “decent” is when you’re paired with a Top 2 defenseman… that doesn’t say too much for your abilities. IMO
Kozlov’s much better with AO and Backstrom than he is with, say, Fedorov and Semin. Does it mean he isn’t very good?
Some guys are complimentary to one another, others aren’t. Sometimes you get more out of a guy playing him with one guy than with another. I don’t think it necessarily says all that much, frankly.
That said, no, he isn’t very good.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
It probably doesn’t help that Erskine, our slowest defenseman, is often paired with Schultz and Jurcina, our 2nd and 3rd slowest defensemen (not necessarily in that order). You just can’t have a pairing with that little foot speed and expect good things to happen. Especially when they don’t move their feet enough, as Schultz and Erskine were both guilty of last night.
If Pothier can come back and add a skating element to that 3rd pairing, we’ll be in much better shape.
At this point, I think I’m buying the flu bug. At least, I hope hope hope it’s a flu bug. Otherwise, it’s a mess in our locker room I don’t wanna think about.
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?
Game notes
Well said JP. I don’t think Schultz is playing worse lately, I think he’s playing the same way (not worth of a NHL spot if you ask me) all year. Let’s not believe that much in plus/minus, Niedermayer is -13 this year.
Theo made some good saves. To be honest, I kind of expected that we would be up 3-4 goals by the time they even get near our net. He couldn’t do much on the first goal, and the second he should have been up faster, but I’m not sure he ever saw the shot. On both goals, our D got schooled.
The Leafs have only a fraction of the Caps talent. But I have the impression that they compensated with heart. They were fighting for every puck, together as a team. It seems they were faster to reach the puck, like they had fire on their butt. I forgot the last time the Caps played with that same fire, end of last season, very beginning of this season?
Recent losses aside, we still have two issues to solve:
1) clear the crease. Watch the voided Leafs goal as perfect example. This problem has been masked all year by OVI and the Caps talent. Will it be masked in the playoffs too?
2) be in THEIR crease. Run to the net. Stop making their goalie look like supergoalie.
Would have been nice to have solved this with some trades. But we didn’t, so we have to improve on team effort, sacrifice, focus, determination and heart.
Couldn’t do much on the first goal? What if he’d been, y’know, in position on that near post?
And I agree – the lack of traffic the Caps generated in Marty Gerber’s kitchen was unnerving.
And I still believe that Schultz not only will be an excellent defenseman, but that he already is damn good.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
look I don’t hate the guy and definitely don’t belong to the jackassery club you reported… but shouldn’t excellent defensemen do something… defensivy? He was just standing there both goals (and so many goals this season). Replays don’t lie.
I agree with this… I’m not a Schultz fan. For someone of his size, he should be much more of a presence when he’s on the ice. He’s too “soft” if you ask me.
Yes, he’s “soft” because apparently playing solid, smart, positional defence and not throwing yourself into people like Phaneuf is a bad thing.
Are you one of those guys who yells “shoot!” during a Pepco Energy Services Power Play too?
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 6, 2009 10:40 AM EST up reply actions
Sarge is and probably always will be a whipping boy for the majority of fans. He’s just so tall and gawky looking that every mistake he makes is magnified for the casual fan. I know management won’t give up on him because he does so many little things so well (is there another defensemen on the team who makes a cleaner breakout pass?), but I wonder if Jeff has the internal fortitude to ignore the boo birds who are getting on him like they got on Larry Murphy. He seems like a sensitive kid and I worry that after a while he’ll start taking the negative comments to heart. If he puts on another 20 pounds of muscle and occasionally slams a guy into the boards, I think most fans will cut him some slack.
How does Flash get back on track? He could have single-handedly provided the goals needed to win last night. After everyone agreed he turned the corner and was finally living up to his potential, he’s done nothing. When was his last goal, the one where he split the D (Edmonton?)?
I know that the PP/offense really misses Ovi, but why isn’t there ever someone in front of the net? Didn’t Laich call himself out on that just two days ago?
He had that lucky goal against Boston and another in February against the Rags. But he’s now at two goals since January 14, one of which was garbage.
21 games. Lots of ice time. Few goals. Not OK.
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And Bradley’s broken stick was just plain rotten luck.
I have as many wins in a Capitals uniform as Michael Belhumeur does.
The Goodm, The Bad and The Ugly
The good was that the effort last night was almost 100% better than the previous two games along with the number of high quality chances they created. The bad was that with that number of high quality chances, they managed one stinking goal. Memo to Caps shooters: that was a Maple Leaf on Gerber’s chest, not a bulls eye. And Steckel, when you’ve got two guys lying on their stomachs and a gaping net five feet away, try lifting the puck an inch or two off the ground. The ugly was Erskine’s play. That clearing attempt on the first goal was mind-boggling.
Even the good here is damning by faint praise…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
On The Schultz Bashing
I am getting sick of it. People were friggin Wooping him on Tuesday. I have an idiot in my section I have actually yelled at a few times that thinks its clever to yell “SCHULTZ!….YOU SUCK”.
He hasn’t had his best games as a Capital recently, but he’s 23 years old and is going to make some mistakes. He also had the team’s second best +/- among defensemen, and yet there are some Capitals fans that take great pleasure in heckling hima nd trying to bring him down.
I’m getting sick of it. It seems like there is a certain group of Caps fans that no matter what, must have a player on the team to act as a lighning rod. I dunno, maybe I am weird but I find more enjoyment in cheering and supporting my team, and save the booing and heckling for the opposition.
I’ll agree with that 100%. … while I’m one that has made light of my dislike for Schultz, I find it very disheartning listening to our own fans heckling him at games. You don’t have to be a fan of the guy… but when he’s in a RED sweater, he’s the same as OV or Semin or Backstrom… He’s a Capital. (I still don’t like his play… but I’ll continue to pull for him, his size alone should indicate tremendous upside.)
A wise man (and poster on this site) made the profound assertion that Schultz is “a litmus test for hockey IQ: If you think Schultz is a weenie who doesn’t hit people enough, you’re a [colorful adjective] idiot. If you think he’s a quality D — and arguably the best $$ deal in the league — then you are worthy of roaming the earth.”
I’m not sure it’s quite that cut and dry, but it’s like I’ve always said – there are two kinds of people in this world, those who categorically separate everyone into two groups, and me.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I’m not sure it’s quite that cut and dry, but it’s like I’ve always said – there are two kinds of people in this world, those who categorically separate everyone into two groups, and me.
I’m not sure if you made that up but kudos if so.
That’s disgusting and embarassing that “Caps fans” are whooping ANY Caps player, much less a guy who is that young, has that much potential, and is easily one of our top 4 defensemen. Schultz is going to be a very good defensemen in the NHL for a long time and will be a top pairing guy some day. Those fans, hopefully, will feel like idiots then.
by grapejoos on Mar 6, 2009 10:14 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Doubtful – they’ll have a new whipping boy and will have forgotten ever having booed 55.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I don’t hate him but I think he has no place on a NHL team. I think his high +/- is not indicative of his poor game all year long (do you really believe Niedermayer is a bad defenseman cause he’s -13?). He’s not the scapegoat of the recent losses though, on that I agree. I also agree that people should not insult him. But to be disgusted at negative comments about him?. Everybody has opinions that, when expressed within the limits of decency, should be respected.
no doubt, but the fact is that Schultz is less deserving of negative comments than any number of other guys on the Caps’ backline.
As was said above, there will always be whipping boys. Schultz is one. Jose is another. No matter what they do, some people are predisposed to hate on them, and hate they shall.
(Btw, I’m not saying that mauree here is one of those haters)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I don’t hate him but I think he has no place on a NHL team. I think his high +/- is not indicative of his poor game all year long (do you really believe Niedermayer is a bad defenseman cause he’s -13?).
I think plus-minus has its limitations and is really more relative to the team than anything else. That said, Schultz was tied first in plus-minus his rookie year, first last year, and is second to Green this year, and I don’t think it’s a coincidence.
Worth noting: Schultz has played with Green the most at 5-on-5 and has the second highest 5-on-5 QUALTEAM of the regular D’s, so that hasn’t hurt his +/-. Just sayin’.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Worth noting, but he also led the team’s defensive in +/- his rookie year when he had a poor quality of teammates rating.
I’ve given up trying to argue with some of the morons in my section who blame Schultz for everything bad that happens.( Although I couldn’t contain myself when this idiot behind me starting cursing out Jeff after Erskine’s turnover caused the first goal). Haven’t they learned anything after they rode Larry Murphy out of town? I just don’t understand this need to eat your young.
I’m pretty upset right now. Why are you guys losing to the Maple Leafs? Do you understand what this is going to do to our rebuild?
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At least you can take solace in the fact that last night probably gave Sens fans some heartburn.
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I was going to cheer for the Caps in the playoffs but after last night I just don’t know. Do you hate us?
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really, what was Gerber trying to prove last night though? He could have let both Semin and Flash score… As you saw last night the key to beating the Caps, is play with some heart.
Presumably since he’s a UFA in 17 more games, Martin Gerber is desperately trying to prove that he’s an NHL goaltender before losing his job forever.
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We’re going to finish 9th again. I can’t take it. :(
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Well we tried to take out Finger, but the sonofabitch came back.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
Yeah, that was not terribly well cleaned up.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I loved it when the maintenance guy came out to try and clean it up. When he squirted water on the blood it actually became much redder and tripled in size. You could hear the crowd go “Eeww”.
what happened there anyway? Puck to the face? Seemed like a lot of blood lost in a short amount of time.
I think B.Orr4 made the point above about Schultz being a sensitive guy. While you would think that a professional athlete making 800K+ shouldn’t be affected by cat calls and booing by fans, I have to wonder how much it does affect his play. He does seem to be pretty quiet, and I have seen comments by bears fans in the past alluding to his play being negatively affected by heckling bears fans.
I think at the bottom of it all is that casual fans want/expect a guy that is 6’6 to play like an angry stick smashing ogre, and that isn’t Schultz’s game.
He’s a young guy and a big target. It has to bother him, especially when he knows that others are more deserving.
It’s the pros and he has to deal with it, I just wish fans would understand that for a guy that size, he is very good for his age. Pretty much all big defensemen like that take some time to a) find their agility and b) learn the angles well enough to make up for the lack of speed.
It’s all but inevitable with a guy that size. Happened to Pronger, happened to Chara, and is happening to Valabik in Atlanta. There’s a part of me that wishes McPhee or Boudreau would say something simple and to the point about Schultz being a quality player.
I just don’t get why it’s him. I guess it’s the lack of hitting? Erskine and Jurcina certainly are good at making me spew profanities, but Schultz doesn’t usually (though he did in the 3rd period against Philly a few weeks ago).
It’s the lack of hitting, pure and simple.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I think a large part of it is the hitting. People see his frame (which is huge) and think he should be a big, tough, defender. My opinion is that Schultz’s game is essentially go out and play 20 minutes without making mistakes and big hits often lead to being out of position, so he doesn’t pursue them.
But then, I think hitting overall is overrated for defensemen and underrated for forwards.
When he looks bad nobody misses it. Its really tough to not see the 6’6 guy looking like a pylon, even to the novice eye. He also skates more, and against better players than Juice or Erskine.
Right, and when he looks good, nobody notices it b/c it’s just sound defense.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Right – I meant “nobody” as in “nobody with merely a superficial knowledge of hockey.”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Hey, I’ve made that analogy before and you never +1ed me!!
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I’ll +1 you for the nostalgia trip alone.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Mar 6, 2009 11:49 AM EST up reply actions
BB mentioned in his post-game that there’s a player who spoke to him about being really nervous lately. I was trying to think of who it could be, but really couldn’t narrow it down- is he talking about Flash? Mo? Schultz? Backstrom?
Which has me wondering: even with last year’s intro to the playoffs, this team is still very young. Discipline and focus are certainly issues, but what about leadership? It doesn’t sound as though there’s a leader in the room right now, and I think that might really help, especially with the young guys. Maybe it would be a good idea to (perhaps temporarily) pass the C on to someone else.
+1
I’ve been singing this song for quite a while (as have others). This team misses Clark, not necessarily his play, but his lockerroom presence. I’m a firm believer in shared leadership is no leadership. Someone needs to be steering this ship because nobody is right now. I know Bruce said that its Clark’s C. Fine, but if that is the case he needs to go to Clark and have him hand it over till he gets back.
Yeah, it’s been a while since Wendel suited up. :\
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Oh, you have some sort of lesser Clark, sorry.
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I’d take W. Clark and his greying mane right now…that guy was a truly great leader, and you know, actually knocked the snot out of someone when they transgressed.
We pretty much devolve into idol worship when Wendel gets mentioned. If you have five minutes you should watch this video about Wendel titled “ALL HEART”.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEltpSMTDPM
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that is a plus one, sir.
I watched the vid trib the night they put his number in the rafters, and there are some similarities
I was there that night. :)
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Wait, really? I should have bought you a beer.
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We should have coordinated :(
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
I actually FanShotted the quote.
If I had to guess – and it’s nothing more than that – I’d go with 19, 55 or 23.
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The more I think about it, the more it’s gotta be a D. I mean, what kind of F gives a crap about making a mistake? :)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I would really wager it’s Schultz. He’s been so tentative and he takes a lot more heat from the crowd every game than most guys.
yeah you’re probably right. My money too is on 55.
by Sombrero Guy on Mar 6, 2009 10:05 AM EST up reply actions
I think that, more than anything, this team needs a montage.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Why not have a montage LAST NIGHT.
Thanks for the two points. Bunch of jerks.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Maybe if your coach wasn’t so motivated to win when he plays in that building, he wouldn’t have in turn motivated his team to do so. Jerk.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Listen, let’s be reasonable.
You’re both jerks.
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Hey, sounds like a WaPo board!
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Mar 6, 2009 10:31 AM EST up reply actions
Quiet you dirty Hungarian.
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I don’t know you dumb pollack.
Do we fit in yet?
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Where the hell did you guys come from?
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?
Come on, that’s a bit redundant.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Mar 6, 2009 10:37 AM EST up reply actions
I was going to say, this is the type of hi-minded discussion that got SBNation interested in both you you guys right?
You must not visit our site much.
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High-minded = J.P.
Sarcastic-minded = us.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
More sex jokes than you can poke with a stick.
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Here, this is one of our better articles:
http://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/2008/8/26/599297/a-cautionary-tale
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Tampa’s going to get the first pick anyway, and then move to Canada and steal more Leafs thunder (No, that was not a pun saying they’d move to Thunder Bay, but the Thunder Bay Lightning makes a lot more sense).
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?
Theodore
I stick by the “Your team should be able to win if the goalie keeps it to 2 goals or less” rule. Obviously this depends on how the team is playing as a whole (and the opponent) but I stand by it..
Theodore, imo, had a decent night, and certainly better than his recent play. Caps offense failed on this one (I was thinking to myself upon hearing #8 was out that there’s absolutely NO reason they shouldn’t be able to beat a team that just traded off plenty of talent for rebuilding. Sigh.
But then again they were without Poti and wasted a roster spot on him. Unfortunate that everyone’s going to say the team can’t float without Ovechkin, whereas missing a 6th D-man, and screwing up all the lines because of it, is what I like to believe killed any sense of chemistry.
And Nylander.. I was hoping he would have some kind of confidence now that he was here for the long run.
by OvechkinLaichsSemin on Mar 6, 2009 10:07 AM EST reply actions
Agreed. He was lucky a few times, and it was the Marlies. But 2GA in this league should equal 2 points.
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Yeah, if your goalie only gives up a pair you should be expecting a win.
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Especially with the second best PP in the league against a team that gives up a PP goal 1/4 of the time.
The offense was the big problem last night no doubt.
And Nylander.. I was hoping he would have some kind of confidence now that he was here for the long
Did Nylander play last night? I don’t think I saw him on the ice. And on the subject of Theo, can someone explain to me how Blake wasn’t called for goalie interference on the second goal?
Bad missed call.
And Nylander definitely played – he was noticeably terrible.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
You want bad missed call?
Last game Clarkson nailed Finger into Toskala and the net flew off the moorings. The puck went over the goalline where the net would have been and the ref cited a little known rule to count the goal.
The only problem? That rule only applies if the defending team knocks the net off on purpose.
And maybe it was a missed call because Theo dives.
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Last game Clarkson nailed Finger into Toskala
I believe that means Clarkson Fingerbanged Toskala.
Russian Machine Never Breaks
by macvechkin on Mar 6, 2009 11:26 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
The only time I noticed Nylander was when he pulled out his patented 720 in the defensive zone maneuver.
Has there ever been a guy who looks like he’s having less fun durinhg a game? I’ve never once seen him smile on the ice, even after goals. And I’ve gone to a bunch of practices and the guy never laughs there. He barely talks to anybody as well. If there’s a cancer on this team, it’s probably him. For all the good things McPhee has done, Nylander has to rank as his worst mistake. He may well be one of the top ten free agent busts in NHL history.
Yeah, he never seemed like the jolliest guy, and it certainly can’t be fun for him out there right now. I can’t imagine he is a good locker room presence for this team – totally lacking confidence, totally pressing, and maligned by the fans (and possibly teammates).
And Nyls as one of the top 10 worst free agent busts? I don’t know. The cap era is certainly going to recalibrate things. Briere will almost certainly be worse – despite being much better than Nyls, his contract is absolutely insane and he’s already made of glass. He’s 31 now – imagine when he’s 35 and is still owed $7 million for the year.
Here’s an outdated list of some. Holik’s has got to be up there.
Um, he really does suck.
Stop drinking the homer Kool-Aid.
I could be a plus 14 if I played with Nicky, Ovi, and Semin.
He sucks.
I joined.
No you couldn’t.
But thanks for that comment. It adds a lot to the discussion.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Since the only +14 on the team is Jeff Schultz…yeah. Ok, let’s talk about it. To say Jeff Schultz is a wonderful NHL ready defenseman is wrong. He’s a developing one, though. Throw the plus/minus stat out the window for a little bit, (But I’ll get back to it).
I don’t like Jeff Schultz. I never have. I have hope for him, though, because he does his job. Imagine you’re playing with Ovechkin, Semin, and Backstrom. What the hell, I’ll give Schultz Mike Green to work with as a partner (Even though the caps rarely have the same d-parings for 3 games in a row). What’s Jeff Schultz’s job on that? Is it to stay at home, and be the defenseman who is wonderful and keeps them from scoring?
No. Jeff Schultz’s job is to keep the puck in the offensive zone. Why? Because our team’s game plan is PRESSURE. Look at the games we’ve played well. The games we win, and we look really good, we keep the puck in their end about 40%+ of the time. Schultz may not be a great defenseman, but he keeps the puck in the zone on clearing attempts in his area, and to use a baseball term, if he were a shortstop, he’d have really good range.
Ovechkin, Semin, AND Green are prone to turn overs. Who looks bad when your guys turn the puck over? Oh, the defenseman who didn’t. Schultz looks bad because he’s put into shitty situations. Sometimes he looks bad for other reasons, but for the most part, it’s because he’s either on the PK, or because of a lame turn over (And it happens all the fucking time).
He’s not the worst defenseman on this team. Look at Jurcina and Morrisonn before you look at Schultz. But the reason he’s +14 has a lot more to do with him keeping the puck in the zone than him watching forwards skate past him scoring.
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?
But the reason he’s +14 has a lot more to do with him keeping the puck in the zone than him watching forwards skate past him scoring.
I don’t know about that. He has the lowest Corsi rating of the team’s defense and is third best among six when it comes to GA/60 in 4-on-5 situations.
Unrelated – the two ’Skins fans in Section 111 with the Snyder/T.O. sign… wtf?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
The only situation I can think of actively boo’ing a player on the team I’m rooting for is if Synder brings T.O. on board.
Unless your team gets him under control. Everyone thought Randy Moss was cancer until Belichick whipped him into shape.
If your team is well run you can take on projects for players who have enormous talent but not the best bedside manner.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
Well, best of luck anyways.
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
Those two looked they were headed back to their double-wide after the game. Really, weren’t they the epitome of the arrogance of Redskin fans. Someone gives them great seats and they come wearing Skins jerseys and holding up a sign for Dan Snyder. All I can say is thank God they weren’t in front of me. They’d have both been eating cardboard two minutes into the game.
I was really impressed by how many people make the effort to wear red to your home games watching the Caps-Pens game a few weeks ago.
I thought it was nifty. Too bad my AO jersey is black. :\
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
Yes, those sweaters should have been shipped out during the yard-sale.
The city is actually going nuts about this rock the red stuff, the pro-shop at the Caps practice rink there can’t keep the $110 hoody sweat-shirts on the shelves.
What global slow-down?
It's Amazing
The rink looks great on TV.
When I go to Toronto FC games I love that everyone wears red too and it really adds to the sense of the opponent being against everyone.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
This is a post-Obama world…your AO jersey is African-American
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 6, 2009 2:07 PM EST up reply actions
Misery Loves Company
Last ten games:
Washington 5-5 (3 game losing streak)
Boston 3-5-2 (3 game losing streak)
San Jose 5-4-1 (3 game losing streak)
How’s that for bizarre?
See over our last 10 we’re better than boston and SJ. Nothing to see here. Move along.
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?
One of these things
is not like the other:
Washington 5-5 (3 game losing streak)
Boston 3-5-2 (3 game losing streak)
New Jersey 8-2-0 (4 game winning streak)
The Bruins are like 5th or 6th on my Teams I Fear in the East List. I shall pay them no mind.
Russian Machine Never Breaks
Pittsburgh 7-2-1 (5 game W streak)
by OvechkinLaichsSemin on Mar 6, 2009 11:12 AM EST up reply actions
This doesn’t necessarily mean things will work out, but now is not the time when you want to be peaking as a team. If ever there is a time to start building momentum, it’s now. Teams can’t stay hot forever, not even San Jose and Boston after the starts they had.
So, the Caps may be sucking now, but I’d much rather this lull (if that’s what it is) happen now than a few weeks from now.
Is the reason that everyone is so high on Tavares that people are terrified of what Don Cherry’s reaction would be if Hedman went first?
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?
Yes
I mean, he’s a great offensive talent but if he goes second then you’ll think that his Ovechkin rant was a pleasant discussion of etiquette.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Thanks. They’ve managed to find that sweet spot where they are pulling away from the real dreck of the league and are still so far from the playoffs as to make any attempt based solely on waiting for a miracle.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Yeah, isn’t the real reason you went out and got Kolzig because you thought Gerber could get you to the playoffs, and Olie could play for you? :3
Actually, I really like Gerber, and would have loved him in DC…as a back up.
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?
Burke is craftier than I thought.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Signed Pierre McGuire.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Mar 6, 2009 11:47 AM EST up reply actions
no
SIGNED PIERRE MCGUIRE!!!
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Duly noted.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Mar 6, 2009 11:50 AM EST up reply actions
Why was Poti in the line-up
I still think questions should be asked about Poti.
A groin injury, especially when playing at VC, should be healed completely before trying to play. I’m no doctor, but if he aggravated it during the warm-up, it seems to me that it wasn’t 100% healed.
So I ask again: why was he in the line-up? That’s a boneheaded move and someone should be held accountable for it.
On Poti -
My understanding is that teams are limited to just four call-ups after the trade deadline, not counting emergency call-ups. In order for a call-up to qualify as “emergency,” he has to replace a guy who “played” in the last game, but needs to go on IR.
Therefore, Poti “playing” last night allows them to make an emergency call-up today.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 6, 2009 11:22 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Wow…that is both an incredibly compelling explanation as to why he was out there last night and sad to think about. Do we really need to save those 4 call-ups for non-emergency situations? Alzner and Varlamov seem possible. Does Potier’s count?
Pothier wouldn’t count, but on the others, you never know… no reason to waste ’em, right?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I don’t think it would be wasting a call-up to bring in a 6th healthy defenseman. Certainly not as much of a waste as putting him out there for 7 seconds and dropping 2 points to a bad team.
I hear you. Just rationalizing the move.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
And what, you didn’t get that explanation from the local beat writers?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Didn’t he have a few games/weeks to get back down to the AHL without going through waivers again? Hence going down when he did?
J.P.? DMG?
Confessions of a minor Schultz hater
I think the frustrations with Schultz lie in two places. High expectations and his lack of skating prowess.
The guys he plays with (noted above, too) make his average speed and coordination look much worse then it is, though its the worst part of his game.
To be honest though I still expect things to click. He does the small things very well as you’ve noted and the game will slow down for him. He’s been pushed up faster then he should have been and the Caps can’t afford to hide him ever which has exposed his developing game.
To Schultz apologists:
I understand ‘waiting’ for this guy to develop, but is it really all that awful to consider sending him to Hershey for a tune-up, if not a little bit of a confidence builder? Obviously being sent down will initially drive him nuts, but he simply is not playing well. I’d much rather have Kronwall or Alzner up there.
by OvechkinLaichsSemin on Mar 6, 2009 11:16 AM EST up reply actions
Oh? I thought he was on a 2-way stil.
by OvechkinLaichsSemin on Mar 6, 2009 11:28 AM EST up reply actions
Despite what NHL 09 may have you believing, all a 2-way deal means is that the guy gets paid a different amount in the NHL and the AHL. It doesn’t mean you get to go to the AHL without passing waivers.
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?
=P I was honestly just under the impression that he could still pass through without waivers, regardless of what NHL 09 says. I don’t even own a console.
by OvechkinLaichsSemin on Mar 6, 2009 11:41 AM EST up reply actions
Even without the waivers issue(s) I disagree, if I can extend your logic, we should also send down Flash/Fehr/Laich because they haven’t been scoring. Is Mink more effective than any of those guys? I think not.
If the team had great defensive depth, maybe I could see that but Schultz has been the team’s third best defenseman for most of the year, and was a quality NHL defenseman last year. I think he’s at the point where he needs to work through his struggles at the NHL level.
Correct. There is no way he’d hone his skills or build confidence going down to the A. If he’s having problems he needs to sort them here.
I’m starting to think the kid’s not even NHL quality, to be frank.
by OvechkinLaichsSemin on Mar 6, 2009 11:29 AM EST up reply actions
I’m not buying it. I remember when the Caps had a top pairing of Doig and Kiwi. The Caps have at least 4 NHL quality guys (I’m not counting anyone in Hershey), and even Erskine and Jurcina would play for most teams. The D corps still needs improvement, but it is not nearly as bad as you think. I think.
Yeah, let’s not be morons and just give up on Ryan Whitney Jeff Schultz.
Russian Machine Never Breaks
Mike Milbury has no problem trading away Jeff Schultz.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Mar 6, 2009 11:32 AM EST up reply actions
Excellent summary of last night JP.
Exactly my thoughts on the entire game. Only thing I’d like to add is that whoever the two asses behind me were that decided to talk about how bad the Caps d was all night SHUT UP.
“Told you we needed Pronger” “Why didn’t we trade Nylander for Pronger” On and on and on….
Unfortunately, Z, people who are that ignorant clearly are not readers of this blog and therefore will not see your note. You might have better luck on Tarik’s blog. :)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I dunno, JP. I’m pretty ignorant.
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?
You’re not that ignorant. Or pretty.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Nylander for Pronger?
DAMMIT! Why didn’t I think of that?! I could have texted GMGM about it… that would have been SWEET!
Come on people. Not dealing Nylander for Lidstrom was the REAL mistake made at the deadline! How could GMGM be so dumb!?
Gotta Love
Friday’s at the rink… although the Caps have looked terrible and we have discussed little of substance this morning. I’ve successfully spent 3 hours at work, while only doing 20 minutes of actual work.
I’ve done maybe a half hour of work all week. Really surprised I’m still employed.
by OvechkinLaichsSemin on Mar 6, 2009 11:49 AM EST up reply actions
Japer’s Rink may cause me to fail English.
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?
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
53 | 28 | 21 | 4 | 60 |
|
Florida
|
52 | 24 | 17 | 11 | 59 |
|
Winnipeg
|
55 | 25 | 24 | 6 | 56 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
52 | 23 | 24 | 5 | 51 |
|
Carolina
|
55 | 20 | 25 | 10 | 50 |
(updated 2.9.2012 at 9:25 AM EST)
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