Capitals/Rangers: By The Numbers
by J.P. on Apr 11, 2009 9:38 PM EDT
114 comments
And so it's set.
Caps vs. Rangers. Red, white and blue vs. blue, red and white. Four prior playoff meetings split down the middle - two series apiece, 11 wins apiece. Bobby Carpenter (and a pick) for Mike Ridley, Kelly Miller and Bob Crawford. Jaromir Jagr (and a ton of cash) for Anson Carter. John friggin' Druce.
Back to the here and now, the Miracle on 34th Street. The League's best penalty kill against its second-rated top power play. A showdown of overly handsome goalies. John Tortorella, Sean Avery, Colton Orr vs. Donald Brashear, Alex Semin vs. Marc Staal... the list goes on and on. There's history and there's present-day animosity.
There'll be plenty of time to dive into those storylines and others in the days ahead, but first things first - the numbers. Below are the Caps team and individual stats (after the jump) from this season against the Rangers.
Head-to-Head:
| Game 1 | W, 3-1 |
| Game 2 | OTW, 5-4 |
| Game 3 | W, 2-1 |
| Game 4 | SOL, 5-4 |
| Record | 3-0-1 |
| GF/Game | 3.50 |
| GA/Game | 2.50 |
| Goal Diff/Game | 1.00 |
| Powerplay Success | 20.0% |
| Powerplay Opps. | 15 |
| PP Per Game |
3.75 |
| Penalty Kill Success |
92.9% |
| Times Shorthanded | 14 |
| Times SH/ Game | 3.50 |
| Save Percentage | .910 |
| Save Pct. Against |
.888 |
Capitals Skaters vs. New York
| GP | G | A | P | +/- | PIM | PPG | PPA | GWG | SOG | PCT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Ovechkin | 4 | 3 | 2 | 5 | -1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 30 | 10.0 |
| Nicklas Backstrom | 4 | 0 | 5 | 5 | -2 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 8 | 0.0 |
| Mike Green | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 37.5 |
| Tomas Fleischmann | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 22.2 |
| Alexander Semin | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 17 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 50.0 |
| Eric Fehr | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 14.3 |
| Brooks Laich | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 14.3 |
| Viktor Kozlov | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 16.7 |
| Shaone Morrisonn | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 33.3 |
| Michael Nylander | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0.0 |
| Tom Poti | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 100.0 |
| Boyd Gordon | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 | -1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0.0 |
| David Steckel | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 | -3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0.0 |
| Jeff Schultz | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0.0 |
| Karl Alzner | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | -6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0.0 |
| Sean Collins | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0.0 |
| Sergei Fedorov | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0.0 |
| Jay Beagle | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0.0 |
| Matt Bradley | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0.0 |
| Donald Brashear | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0.0 |
| Chris Clark | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0.0 |
| John Erskine | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0.0 |
| Alexandre Giroux | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0.0 |
| Andrew Gordon | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0.0 |
| Bryan Helmer | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0.0 |
| Milan Jurcina | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0.0 |
| Tyler Sloan | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0.0 |
| Keith Aucoin | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 |
| Brian Pothier | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 |
Capitals Goalies vs. New York
| GP | GS | MIN | W | L | OT | GA | GAA | SA | SV | SV% | SO | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jose Theodore | 3 | 3 | 177 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 3.05 | 79 | 70 | .886 | 0 |
| Brent Johnson | 2 | 1 | 69 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0.87 | 32 | 31 | .969 | 0 |
| Simeon Varlamov | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 0 | 0 | .000 | 0 |
Capitals Centers' Face Offs vs. New York
| GP | FOW | FOL | TOT | PCT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Steckel | 4 | 27 | 14 | 41 | 65.9 |
| Sergei Fedorov | 1 | 11 | 6 | 17 | 64.7 |
| Boyd Gordon | 4 | 22 | 13 | 35 | 62.9 |
| Michael Nylander | 4 | 14 | 16 | 30 | 46.7 |
| Brooks Laich | 4 | 11 | 13 | 24 | 45.8 |
| Nicklas Backstrom | 4 | 24 | 33 | 57 | 42.1 |
| Team Total | 4 | 113 | 105 | 218 | 51.8 |
And now, for getting through all those stats, your moment of zen:
2 recs |
114 comments
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Bongo vs. Staal 2
I like where this is going.
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Apr 11, 2009 9:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Theodore v. Sir Henrik….tough matchup there
by Theo60 on Apr 11, 2009 9:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I am just so disappointed in that he could not follow up 2nd half of Dec, Jan and Feb with a decent finish like he did last year with the Avs. He’s hard to defend at times, that was an awful performance tonight…..Once upon a time not too long ago he was on part with Luongo, Kiper and guys like that and now, well there’s no comparison sadly
by Theo60 on Apr 11, 2009 10:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Motivation is something that has been hard to come by for the month of march, and many of Theo’s goals were the product of horrible or lazy defense. If Theo and the guys come out Wednesday/Thursday like this I will be concerned.
by Ovechwin on Apr 11, 2009 10:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They shouldn’t come out lazy. Especially when the Rags are in town. I went to one of the Rangers/Caps games this year, and the atmosphere was great and the game was hard fought.
by bigmac1124 on Apr 11, 2009 10:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s what I’m saying, I don’t think they will have these problems in the playoffs.
by Ovechwin on Apr 11, 2009 10:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
see that’s what I always say in his defense that the defensemen are not very good at times and the forwards get lazy, but see that’s the problem, always needs excuses. I expect a former Hart/Vezina winner, age wise at least in the prime of his career, to make saves consistently even when the team’s D is less than average. You flat out expect better than 2.85/ .900 numbers from a true number 1 who always needs excuses made for him!
by Theo60 on Apr 11, 2009 10:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You flat out expect better than 2.85/ .900 numbers from a true number 1 who always needs excuses made for him!
I agree, but I think it’s very much fair to say that Theo’s been a lot better since late December and he’s been about 2.60 and .910 since then. That’s not great, but it’s a lot better than the season-long stat line.
by David M. Getz on Apr 11, 2009 10:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
that’s a fair point, BUT does that get you by Lundquist and the Rags? That’s the overall concern I have, even as a huge Theo fan, that he’s just still not quite all the way back to his pre-lock out form which I really thought he would be at this year after last year’s finish, and this year’s Dec-Feb run
by Theo60 on Apr 11, 2009 10:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Offense is where this team lives and dies. The Rangers have more goals against than for. Also we won’t have anymore players passing up shots to give people points or goals.
by Ovechwin on Apr 11, 2009 10:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
tough to expect to go far in the playoffs on 5-4 wins tho
by Theo60 on Apr 11, 2009 10:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, if you keep getting them, they let keep on playing
never let the truth get in the way of a good story
by toymechanic on Apr 11, 2009 10:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
well it will be tough to get them, taht’s what i am saying, scoring 5 goals in the playoffs vs. lundquist, brodeur and thomas….seriously that’s a tough expectation
by Theo60 on Apr 11, 2009 10:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Do you really expect Theo to play that badly? He has let in less than 4 before.
by Ovechwin on Apr 11, 2009 10:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
no and i will be the most wishful fan that he plays better and will play better but i guess just could have done without the 6 goals against in the last start
by Theo60 on Apr 11, 2009 10:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Last game of the season is always weird, particularly when there’s nothing to play for. Just chalk it up to “I hope he got that out of his system.” Jose has a habit of standing tall(ish) for big games.
He’s an average goalie. If the other players play like they should, that’s all this team needs.
by Gould Old Days on Apr 12, 2009 8:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hate to be cliche but...
A win is a win, no matter the margin.
by Ovechwin on Apr 11, 2009 10:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think there’s a pretty decent comparison to Kipper, frankly:
JT – 31-16-5/2.81/.901
Kipper – 45-24-5/2.84/.903
As for Jose’s finish, in Colorado they needed to play well down the stretch and did. This team could take it easier and did.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 11, 2009 10:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
agreed that this year the stats are comparable, yet it seems every “analyst” is picking the Kiper to be the reason why the Flames would succeed while Jose is the reason while the Caps fall short, and frankly, can you disagree with that?
by Theo60 on Apr 11, 2009 10:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
With the stats as they are, yes. Win is a win, regardless of how many are needed – also, Jose isn’t going to be the reason if the Caps fall, it’ll be our defense.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Apr 12, 2009 1:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Listening to “analysts” can be dangerous. I swear that some of the guys I hear on NHL Home Ice have not actually watched a Caps game this year. I will lay money right now that the Capitals defense, and not Jose Theodore, will be the reason for any disappointments. It’s fine to expect numbers from a goaltender, but a dose of reality is needed in judging the results and the Caps defense is brutal.
by urhockey22 on Apr 12, 2009 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We’ve seen Greenie get agitated by Ruutu before. Avery is 100x the agitator Ruutu is, I’m calling that we see Greenie get some serious chirping his way courtesy of Avery.
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Apr 11, 2009 9:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Nothing like beating a Tortorella team.
This is gonna be great.
by fat_daddyo on Apr 11, 2009 9:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
So we’ve got:
1. Bos vs. 8 Mon: An Original six slugfest.
2. Was. vs. 7 NYR: The biggest city in the world vs. the most powerful city in the world.
3. NJ vs. 6 Car: Brodeur vs. Ward.
4. Philly vs. 5. Pitt: Two Evils: One Rink
and that’s just the Eastern Conference…
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Apr 11, 2009 9:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think every EC team is very happy that Philly and Pitt are meeting in round one…not to mention the TV ratings that will draw for NBC/Versus.
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Apr 11, 2009 9:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ll get started my predictions on paper early:representing
1. Montreal in 7 (upset special, and a reverse lead pipe lock)
2. Caps in 5
3. NJD in 6
4. Flyers in 7 (this pick representing purely my fondest hopes)
by fat_daddyo on Apr 11, 2009 10:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Flyers should beat the Pens. It will probably be just like the Caps/Flyers series from last year. The only reason Pitt destroyed the Flyers last year was because the Flyers were still beaten from the two series pryor when they played a total of 12 games opposed to the Pens’ nine games played.
by bigmac1124 on Apr 11, 2009 10:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Montreal beating Boston is NEVER an upset.
I have as many wins in a Capitals uniform as Michael Belhumeur does.
by marky narc on Apr 11, 2009 10:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here’s mine:
Broons in 4 — I think Montreal
Caps in 6
Hurricanes in 7 — I think this is a terrible matchup for the Devils due to the Hurricanes’ style
Pittsburgh in 5 — Again, a terrible matchup for the Flyers
by Gould Old Days on Apr 12, 2009 8:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
didn’t finish the thought on Montreal, but you can all guess. They’re in trouble right now. I think Price will fall apart.
by Gould Old Days on Apr 12, 2009 9:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with these picks, but I’ll give an extra game to the series that can take it (B’s in 5, Caps in 7, Pitt in 6). CAR-NJ is a coin flip.
by grapejoos on Apr 12, 2009 7:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Two Evils, One Rink is classic.
But New York’s not the biggest city in the world 
by David M. Getz on Apr 11, 2009 10:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
shhhhhhhhh…don’t tell them, they’ll never shut up.
by fat_daddyo on Apr 11, 2009 10:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I think it comes in around 4th biggest
by bigmac1124 on Apr 11, 2009 10:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My understanding is that it’s behind Mexico City, Tokyo, and Seoul.
by David M. Getz on Apr 11, 2009 10:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This seems accurate, though everywhere you go you will get a different bit of statistics.
by bigmac1124 on Apr 11, 2009 10:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, size of city is ranked by different measure. So in some obscure way, I might be right, but for the most part, just listen to DMG.
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Apr 12, 2009 1:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
In urban area, it’s third behind Tokyo and Jakarta…….
by Pi on Apr 12, 2009 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're right! This moment brought to you by DMG!
=)
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Apr 11, 2009 11:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I really wish that instead of rec’ing, that symbol would just fly over your post…
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Apr 12, 2009 1:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh lord, that would rule.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Apr 12, 2009 1:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
so it’s possible the caps will play lundqvist, brodeur and tim thomas in succession. joy!
by Natty Bumppo on Apr 11, 2009 9:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Alex Semin vs. Jordan Staal.
Might want to change that to Marc
never let the truth get in the way of a good story
by toymechanic on Apr 11, 2009 9:53 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Whatever. Staals are Staals. :)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 11, 2009 10:20 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Unless it’s Eric, he’s the only Staal who isn’t overrated. Ugh.
by wittcap79 on Apr 11, 2009 10:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nah, Eric Staal is overrated too, if only because I am told that being a Staal means you’re one of the ten best players in the NHL, which none of them are.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Apr 12, 2009 1:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Huh. I think he’s actually the most overrated of the lot.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 12, 2009 7:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t know. I don’t get why everyone seems to be on Jordan and Marc’s jock when the only one who has actually accomplished anything worthwhile is E. I don’t think he’s a top 10 player in the league, probably not even in the conference, but out of those 3, I’ll take big bro.
by wittcap79 on Apr 12, 2009 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Definitely not in the Conference. If you want to make it close how about top 10 in the division. I think you can even make a case to keep him out of that group.
by Fehr and Balanced on Apr 12, 2009 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed, but Eric’s a 100-point guy who dropped to 70 the following season and has hit 82 and 75 since, yet most people think of him more as that 100-point guy than the guy who can’t score a point a game, imo. But you sure can’t take that Cup away from him.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 12, 2009 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
rec’d
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Apr 12, 2009 1:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
/tj
Congrats to BU on a deflected goal over the goalie’s shoulder in OT.
/tj
"Thank God there is a sport for middle-sized white boys.."
by Bald Pollack on Apr 11, 2009 10:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I feel bad for Miami, it would have been nice to see someone other than North Dakota or a Boston area team win it bit oh well. I should have gotten ticks for one of those games this weekend.
by bigmac1124 on Apr 11, 2009 10:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You don’t really deserve to win if you can’t hold a 2 goal lead with less than a minute left. Just ask Princeton.
by wittcap79 on Apr 11, 2009 10:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t really feel as bad for the goalie as everyone else seems to – BU’s second goal was completely the goalies fault.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Apr 12, 2009 1:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think this post should be stop one for all the “bring up Alzner for the playoffs!” fans.
by David M. Getz on Apr 11, 2009 10:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Noted that ugly minus number as well.
by fat_daddyo on Apr 11, 2009 10:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Um, it’s kinda tied into the moment of zen…
"Thank God there is a sport for middle-sized white boys.."
by Bald Pollack on Apr 11, 2009 10:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah. Fifteen of those are the five for fighting and ten for a misconduct for not having the jersey tied down.
by David M. Getz on Apr 11, 2009 10:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I forgot about the ten minute misconduct facepalm
by Ovechwin on Apr 11, 2009 10:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
J.P., great post and amazing that you’ve got it online within minutes of the finale. Why am I not surprised? Japersrink rules.
by cuqui on Apr 11, 2009 10:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Heh, thanks.
Now if the Habs and Caps can just win a round, I can use the one I put together for Montreal. :)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 11, 2009 10:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So the Caps play the Habs if they beat the Rags?
by bigmac1124 on Apr 11, 2009 10:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If the Habs pull it off, yeah. Thanks reseeding.
"Thank God there is a sport for middle-sized white boys.."
by Bald Pollack on Apr 11, 2009 10:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m certainly in favor of saving you the work
never let the truth get in the way of a good story
by toymechanic on Apr 11, 2009 10:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
HAH, I’m not the only one who made some preemptive postings. Well played, well played, but then again, you’ve been doing this longer than I have…
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Apr 12, 2009 1:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
so does the “avery factor” increase the likelihood of brashear getting a sweater? personally, i’d rather see aucoin continue playing. we have other guys who can take care of the pest if needed.
by mechanicsville on Apr 11, 2009 11:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
If anything dressing Brashear plays into Avery’s hands by giving him one more guy to try and goad into penalties.
by David M. Getz on Apr 12, 2009 12:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Avery isn’t in Brash’s weight class, and the two have never fought, despite obviously having a ton of opportunities to do so.
In fact, Avery’s never fought a Cap.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 12, 2009 7:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My own personal predictions:
Boston in 6 vs Montreal (Montreal spend the last half of the year self-destructing)
Caps in 6 vs NY (Somehow they’ll find a way to win, even despite Avery. Heck, the Rangers were chippy even before they acquired Avery. Okay, Sasha, make sure to faster the fighting straps this time.)
Carolina in 7 vs NJ (Carolina was hottest team. NJ had played like crap. Or does today’s game mean that NJ has turned it around just in time.)
Pitt in 7 vs Philthy (and end up with nothing left for round #2)
by CapsFan1975 on Apr 11, 2009 11:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
On Brash. He’s gotten injured the last two times he’s gotten into a fight.
by CapsFan1975 on Apr 11, 2009 11:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
excellent point! this is one of several reasons i’m favoring aucoin.
by mechanicsville on Apr 11, 2009 11:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Aucoin has been fantastic. So has Alzner….Caps are looking great in the future. Look at the trade deadline…everyone wanted our young.
Here are my comments on the Caps. http://capnouttheice.wordpress.com/
by Mulator on Apr 11, 2009 11:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Alzner was anything but fantastic for the second half of his time in DC. His plus minus was terrible and he gave the puck away a lot more than any Capitals defenseman. It’s possible he’d be better than Jurcina or Erskine as the team’s sixth defenseman, but any more than that I wouldn’t buy.
by David M. Getz on Apr 12, 2009 12:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
For the future of our organization we should probably give Alzner the Filatov treatment and call him up to experience an NHL playoff run.
by Fehr and Balanced on Apr 12, 2009 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
An AHL playoff run won’t hurt him any. I am pretty comfortable with the way our young players developed with AHL playoff experience. And I like the idea of him getting substantial ice time during that time…
The Caps shouldn’t have any issues of making the playoffs year in year out for the foreseeable future…Columbus is another thing entirely.
by Yoshietree on Apr 12, 2009 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You are absolutely right about Brashear. Really hated to see the knee injury. Still, he skates like a shark waiting to see some little fish lying up against the glass….when he sees the fish…..BAM! You get your feelings hurt…No sleeping on the Ice Charlie….No Sleeping…if you sleep….you wake up via the Shark. After that…you skate around with your head on a swivel (making you less effective)..knowing that there is a shark around.
by Mulator on Apr 11, 2009 11:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have to tell you: Theo is the weak link. Next to the Theo weakness is Schultz. I know the Caps have the offense, but the D is where we are in trouble. Still, as bad as the Defense seems to be, it did get us here.
I think the Caps/Rangers will be a great series. I honestly hope that every series goes to the last game this year. I hope that Brashear comes back into the lineup. I want Keith “Good luck catching me” Aucoin is in the line up. I also want Alzner back.
Goalie wise…God only knows. Theo is hardly the consistent player we need.
On the Ranger side, very few to be concerned about. Sporadic and fluky. Looking forward to the next round (Unless our Goal and Defense utterly fails!).
by Mulator on Apr 11, 2009 11:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
put kiprusoff with the caps and theodore with the flames and you have the same goalie. and i don’t hear anyone saying that kiper’s standing in the flames’ path toward success. four months of solid goaltending from jt60 gives me plenty of confidence. if the caps don’t win at least a couple rounds this year, i’ll be surprised if we’re hanging it on the netminder.
by mechanicsville on Apr 11, 2009 11:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I honestly don’t think the Caps have confidence in Theo. When he is in goal, they play cautiously. When (way back when) Johnson was in goal, the Caps attacked. With Varli in the goal, the Caps have no idea and attack…only to find out that when the Caps D skates out of zone (especially Green behind the Opponents Goal) and an odd man occurs, Varli gets the save. I say go with the unknown. Theo is too small, and too streaky. He is either on or off….completely on or off.
by Mulator on Apr 11, 2009 11:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And Varls has exactly 5 games in the NHL, and he’s very aggressive. You’re going up against a Ranger club that I know is full of playmakers who would lick their lips with his game film. Now, I would hope and pray and defend why Varls would do better, but I don’t see it yet. Theo gives this team the best chance to win.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Apr 12, 2009 1:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Theo is too small
Theo – 5’11" 182 lbs
Varls – 6’1" 183 lbs
/just saying.
by Yoshietree on Apr 12, 2009 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can only go off what he’s listed as. If you have somewhere that shows he’s smaller, I’d love to see it.
by Yoshietree on Apr 12, 2009 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I honestly don’t think the Caps have confidence in Theo. When he is in goal, they play cautiously.
I’d love to know where you’re getting your information. No offense, but nothing frustrates me more than blanket statements like the one above. What gives you the impression the Caps play tentatively in front of Theo? Is it the lack of offense in those games? Or the fact that Caps defenders feel uncomfortable pinching into the offensive zone because they don’t want to risk an odd man break going the other direction?
I daresay that the Caps feel mighty comfortable with Theo as their netminder. Your comment might have held a little bit of ground in the beginning of the year while Theo and the D ironed out communication and positioning preferences, but I just don’t feel that one of the Caps issues is that they play with more confidence in front of a goalie who has played 5 NHL games.
by Yoshietree on Apr 12, 2009 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have to tell you: Theo is the weak link. Next to the Theo weakness is Schultz. I know the Caps have the offense, but the D is where we are in trouble. Still, as bad as the Defense seems to be, it did get us here.
I can buy Theo as the weak link, but the next weakest link isn’t Schultz since (a) he’s a good defenseman and (b) the team’s defensive struggles are in large part due to a lack of discipline.
Frankly I still wonder how people can think Schultz is a problem.
by David M. Getz on Apr 12, 2009 12:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He can poke check and play good positional defense, but while it’s getting better, Schultz has a tendency to be a screen on some plays. I think Jurcina and Morrisonn are bigger problems, but the only time I ever notice Schultz is when he’s screening the goalie.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Apr 12, 2009 1:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It just heuristics. I basically only notice Schultz in only four situations:
- he’s in front of the net and there’s a goal against. I think "That guy is huge, and he screened the goalie. What was he doing?
- someone makes a move and gets past him. I think “That guy can’t skate”
- he hits someone. I think “That guy is huge. Why doesn’t he ever hit anyone?”
- he takes a shot. I think “That guy has a great shot. Why doesn’t he shoot more?”
What I don’t almost ever notice are the dozens of solid positioning plays he makes all the time. They’re not even really events, just part of the flow. The stats tell me he’s a very effective player, but my memory tells me otherwise because I only notice and remember bad things.
But then, I’m the kind of person who’s more willing to believe empirical evidence than my own memory, so I’m a big Schultz fan. And every once in a while I remember to focus on him and see the solid play that is most of his game.
by Gould Old Days on Apr 12, 2009 9:14 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
No doubt Schultz has a period of time where he was playing too tentatively and wound up screening the goalie and I think he’s generally past that. No doubt that Schultz is as best the team’s third best defenseman, I also think he’s at worst it’s fifth best.
by David M. Getz on Apr 12, 2009 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think he’s a problem per se, I was more playing devils advocate. I do think he does fall in the 4-5 range of our d-men (Behind Pothier and Poti, for sure, and imo behind Erskine when Erskine is on his game).
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Apr 12, 2009 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We watched BU’s great comeback vs Miami of Ohio. My daughter (a BU alum) was nearly ready to give up when they struck for the first of their two late goals. (I figured they might have a chance at a second once they got the first.)
Their PK was great. BU sounds like they got similar strengths and weaknesses as the Caps. Great offense. Goal tending a bit inconsistent.
by CapsFan1975 on Apr 11, 2009 11:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
At mechanicsville.
I agree. I would rather see Aucoin there instead of Brash. He has an offensive upside. Brings lots of energy. (Let’s put him on a line with Semin. It worked great on Sunday.)
by CapsFan1975 on Apr 11, 2009 11:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The problem with Aucoin is his size (when you think about intimidation). The guy looks to get hit. Brashear looks to hit. Although the need is different, in some games, the need is there. Ever watch Pothier go into the corner? Great player (and improving with confidence), but he is not about to hit anyone….he skates in looking over his shoulder and bailing at the last second. We need a hitter. Aucoin bails at the last second (much like St. Louis) and does well doing so, but still the need is there. What is the right combination?
by Mulator on Apr 11, 2009 11:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I can buy Aucoin for Brash. I can’t buy Aucoin for Gordon, when this team needs penalty killers. Hopefully, if Aucoin is in there, he proves me wrong. I’d like nothing more.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Apr 12, 2009 1:57 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Aucoin may be small and get hit, but as long as the line he’s on continues to generate goals (as it seems to have done since his last callup), I think he has to play. Brash can step in if the toughness is needed, but scoring goals is how you win.
by grapejoos on Apr 12, 2009 1:58 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’ll take Aucoin over Brash if he plays like Marty St. Louis.
by Gould Old Days on Apr 12, 2009 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The problem with Aucoin is his size
I think you’ve got a subconscious size thing going on…
Aucoin – 5’9" 187 lbs
Other smallish players in the NHL
St Louis – 5’9" 177 lbs.
Gionta – 5’7" 175 lbs
Savard – 5’10" 196 lbs
Avery – 5’10" 195 lbs
Drury – 5’10" 200 lbs
Briere – 5’10" 175
Derek Roy – 5’9" 188
/I can keep going
by Yoshietree on Apr 12, 2009 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
To be fair, Aucoin is really more like 5’7’’, 165 and doesn’t have the skill of those other guys.
That said, I don’t think it’s too much of an issue for him.
by David M. Getz on Apr 12, 2009 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
To be fair, Aucoin is really more like 5’7’’, 165 and doesn’t have the skill of those other guys.
Agreed, just going off what his yahoo bio says…
And yes, he does not have the skill that some of the players there have, but he also plays much bigger than his size. I have yet to see him shy away from a play due because of an imminent hit.
I just don’t like blanket statements…and too small to play in the NHL is up there.
by Yoshietree on Apr 12, 2009 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have yet to see him shy away from a play due because of an imminent hit
One of these days I’m going to learn to proofread…
/sorry for my sucktitude
by Yoshietree on Apr 12, 2009 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
2 comments comparing Aucoin to St Louis? There is no comparison. (Briere and St Louis are not as tall as listed there, but it’s immaterial.) Look at the amount of skill those guys have. Aucoin is a great AHL player but he’s had opportunities and never shown the ability to translate that skill to the NHL like all of the guys you listed. I don’t think size is determinative but if you want to be a small guy in the NHL you have to have a ton of skill. Aucoin doesn’t have that so I wouldn’t expect anything from him but 3/4th line energy guy. I’m ok with that.
by Fehr and Balanced on Apr 12, 2009 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Again, let me reiterate, I do not think Aucoin has anywhere near the skills as the players listed above. And agreed, he is nothing more than a 3/4 line energy guy. I was just trying to make the point that small forwards can and do exist in the NHL. There are several other small energy forwards out there, I listed the players I thought Mulator would recognize…apparently a mistake on my part.
Again, I have no misconceptions about the type of player Aucoin is, but like the other “smaller” players I listed, he plays bigger than he actually is…and quite frankly, the secondary scoring on the Caps began to show some life with Aucoin on the big club. Coincidence? Maybe, maybe not. But in the 12 games he’s played in DC:
The Caps are 8-3-1
Primary Scoring (OV/Backs/Semin/Green): 23G-34A
Secondary Scoring (everyone else): 20G-36A
by Yoshietree on Apr 12, 2009 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just think if you are trying to project a guy’s place in the NHL you should look at similar type players. He hasn’t shown the ability to be a top 6 forward at the NHL so you need to look for small checking line guys. Off the top of my head the only guy I can think of that plays 3/4 line and is under 5’10" is Jordan Tootoo and there is a huge difference between his game and Aucoin’s game.
The secondary scoring has been in and out all year. There were stretches when we were pouring on the goals from all lines, there were stretches when the young guns carried us, and there were a couple stretches where we just weren’t scoring. I think it would be extremely anomalous for any team to be drastically affected by the insertion of a different player on the 3/4 line. On such a small sample size with no logical explanation I would not draw any conclusions about Aucoin’s impact on our secondary scoring.
by Fehr and Balanced on Apr 12, 2009 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Again, I"m not drawing any conclusions…I’m just pointing things out…you call it a small sample size, I call it 15% of the season.
I have never compared him to other smaller players, I simply pointed out that small players do exist in the NHL. Quite frankly, your Tootoo example is another great one.
And I might make the argument that the logical explanation for the forwards is the same one that exists for the defense upon Pothier’s return (last night excluded)…energy/adrenaline is contagious.
by Yoshietree on Apr 12, 2009 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ever watch Pothier go into the corner? Great player…but he is not about to hit anyone.
Apparently you and I just watch different games….
Pothier has played in NINE games since coming back from over a season off due to injury. During that time he’s averaging a hit per game…which is a better hit per game average than King Karl who has 23 in 30 games.
He’ll never be a Jurcina or an Erskine, but dmen don’t need to hit to be effective.
by Yoshietree on Apr 12, 2009 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Pothier is lining people up for devastating body checks, something is flat out wrong with how our system is working, and with how Pothier is playing. Different people have different jobs, and Pothier’s isn’t to be Scott Stevens.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Apr 12, 2009 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We need a hitter about as much as Detroit does…
by wittcap79 on Apr 12, 2009 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
22 | 13 | 5 | 4 | 30 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
19 | 8 | 4 | 7 | 23 |
|
Atlanta
|
18 | 10 | 6 | 2 | 22 |
|
Florida
|
20 | 9 | 9 | 2 | 20 |
|
Carolina
|
21 | 4 | 12 | 5 | 13 |
(updated 11.21.2009 at 12:53 AM EST)
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
