Game (3) Day - Capitals @ Rangers
by J.P. on Apr 20, 2009 7:00 AM EDT
214 comments
By now you know that the Caps' chances at a comeback in this series aren't great. But as a wise man once said when being informed that he was a 3,720-to-one long-shot at success, "Never tell me the odds."
The task at hand for the Caps is the exact same as it was heading into Game 1 - win one game, and do it four times. To be sure, the margin for error has been greatly reduced. But win Game 3 and all the pressure is back on the Rangers not to choke away Game 4. Win Game 3, and it's anyone's series. Win one game - something the Caps have done 50 times since the puck dropped on the season way back in October - and there's life.
And make no mistake about it - there's no reason the Caps can't win that one game.
Despite the "Rangers are dominating the Caps" meme that has been circulating among hockey pundits and bloggers for a couple of days now, there's little evidence to support it.
Yes, Henrik Lundqvist has been the best player in the series through two games (and, as we said before, the Rangers' only path to victory in this series is if that's the case). And the Rangers have blocked a lot of shots (though they're not a big shot-blocking team, so one wonders if that will last). But the fact of the matter is that the Caps have had two horribly uneven performances and have lost a pair of one-goal games.
They may not be up where it matters most, but Washington has won 61.9% of the faceoffs in the series, is outshooting New York 70-45, and posted eye-popping Corsi numbers in Game 2. The Rangers have scored all of three even-strength goals in two games, put up a typical 0-for-5 on the power play in Game 2, and they don't have a single goal yet on which they've done even an ounce of "dirty work." With even an average outing in goal for the home team in Game 1 and a bit of luck on a shot that cleanly beat Lundqvist and rang off the crossbar in Game 2, the New York media might still be talking sweep right now, but burying their team rather than driving the bandwagon.
But if the Caps keep playing the way the did in Game 2 - squeezing the stick to saw dust, lobbing 40-foot wristers on net, refusing to make life difficult for Rangers defensemen in the corners on the forecheck and cycle, looking to beat blueliners one-on-one to the point that even the best player on the planet becomes easy to defend - the way the Rangers have played thus far will continue to be good enough.
Perhaps it would be unfair to say that the Rangers haven't won either game so far - the Caps have lost one and Henrik Lundqvist won the other - and it certainly doesn't matter how I choose to describe it, but the series has been closer than a 2-0 deficit would indicate, and it can be a hell of a lot closer after Game 3 if the Caps play like they're capable of playing. It's now or never for leaders to lead, for young guns to fire, and for a decorated bench boss to show that he knows that there's more to coaching than changing line combinations every couple of periods.
Since Bruce Boudreau took over behind the Caps bench some 17 months ago, his team has often been at its best when it has needed to be, be it an 11-0-1 run to make the playoffs on the last day of the 2007-08 season or forcing a Game 7 after falling behind 3-1 in the series to the Flyers a year ago. Right now, they need to be at their best - and there's every reason to expect that they will be.
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I’m expecting quality play tonight – the first two games seemed to be finding the best mix of goal scoring and goaltending. Combine them and you’ve got one hell of a team – they just need to show it.
by OvechkinLaichsSemin on Apr 20, 2009 7:54 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Just get that first damn goal, and let the flood gates open. Wondering what the line combos will be, we all saw how gassed the studs were by the end saturday.
Yeah, and I’m new to commenting, been following the site all year, thought I’d dip a toe. Nice to be here.
by thatswhenthewho on Apr 20, 2009 8:18 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Welcome!
As for the lines, I think you’ve got to swap someone in for Kozlov on the top line RW, and I wouldn’t hate seeing more ice for Nyls and less for Feds.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 20, 2009 8:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hate to say it
but let’s be real…Feds has looked slooooooowwwwwww in this series. That doesn’t bode well for us IF we manage to get out of round 1.
by wittcap79 on Apr 20, 2009 8:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You saw feds??? He’s been invisable for the last 2 weeks… for someone of his “character” he seems to really be trying to lead in the locker room and not by example!!
by Scofield on Apr 20, 2009 8:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Do you have evidence that he’s leading in the locker room? Have either of the team’s young Russian wingers played the kind of games they need to through two?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 20, 2009 8:30 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Touche…. I was giving his $4m contract the benefit of the doubt. :-)
by Scofield on Apr 20, 2009 8:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He’s looked slow for weeks. I’d thought that his long injury layoff would be a blessing in disguise come April when he’d have gas in the tank, but that appears not to be the case.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 20, 2009 8:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Feds has been a profound disappointment. Makes me look like a fool for thinking him such a pivotal factor in this season’s playoff success.
by Stephen Pepper on Apr 20, 2009 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There’s plenty of playoff hockey yet to be played – at least as much as has already been played.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 20, 2009 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think you’re alone though. A lot of people thought he’d be a big help, especially after the legs he showed post-trade deadline last year. This year… not so much.
by Fehr and Balanced on Apr 20, 2009 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There is a part of me that really would like to see some serious line/d combo shuffling tonight, but I don’t think its gonna happen, since by all rights it should be at worst a 1-1 series right now.
But yeah, please get Koz off that first line. I’ve been a fan of his all year, but he was absolutely brutal on Saturday, as we all saw.
by thatswhenthewho on Apr 20, 2009 8:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
pretty sure he will NOT be resigned next year, whether he retires or not. $4mil will come in damn handy in the offseason.
by ns on Apr 20, 2009 9:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think he might still get resigned.
Just 4 million is a joke.
I might be the only one, but i actually thought he looked a bit more perky in a few of the games in the early part of last month. But these past two weeks he has been laboring heavily.
by Chimaera on Apr 20, 2009 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If by perky you mean committing HHT fouls most every game, sure.
Ben Olsen > Wells Thompson
by Bald Pollack on Apr 20, 2009 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let’s not forget that the guy is almost 40 and his legs probably don’t last like they used to. In this case, BB should probably cut his ice time a little.
by bigmac1124 on Apr 20, 2009 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was also sort of shocked that he didn’t get rested any down the stretch. It was clear that he was gassed then. Seems like a combo of the ankle injury and his age catching up to him. Not sure why they continued to play him, especially when he wasn’t really contributing.
by Vickster on Apr 20, 2009 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What I know can probably fit in the palm of my hand, but wouldn’t it make sense for that swap to be someone like Laich? Clark was great in that position way back when. Maybe Bruce is playing poker again by saying he’s not ready yet?
by gfcaps fan on Apr 20, 2009 8:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gut check time.
Now is when they find out who can be a part of a future cup run and who will shy away when the going gets tough.
If anything, tonight, I want a leader to show up. Someone to grab the game by the throat and move forward. We don’t need a guy doing it alone, but we need someone saying it’s on me.
by Chimaera on Apr 20, 2009 8:20 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Alex O. is that player. What we need is someone to calm him down and allow him to play the game that netted him 65 and 56 goals. That player is supposed to be Feds, but he’s slipping in lots of ways these days. Alex is clearly stressing himself nuts – Semin needs to step up and dominate the way he did last year, and maybe he’ll see that he doesn’t have to do it all himself.
They can win this series. Hell, they can win 4 straight, even; they have before, many times.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 20, 2009 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What he needs is the coach to remind him to use his teammates. JP mentioned it on Mirtle’s post about OV but he looks like Kobe Bryant and the rest of the Caps are playing like the Lakers without the winning.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Apr 20, 2009 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess more what I mean is that one of his peers needs to tell him that. BB is a great coach as we’ve seen, but I’m betting Fedorov or Semin, even, getting in his face and saying the same thing would have more of an impact.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 20, 2009 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s what Feds is getting paid to do, frankly.
And I think the jury is still out on Boudreau as “a great coach.” So far, he’s shown that he can get a talented bunch to win regular season games. But a great coach gets the most out of all of his players, and I don’t think we’ve seen the best a lot of these guys have to offer.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 20, 2009 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good Point
Coming from Federov it could have added weight. It might even just need to be someone on his line to bitch at him about passing the puck.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Apr 20, 2009 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Boudreau Unprove
Agree completely that the jury is very much out on Boudreau. I remember when he was promoted there was a lot of talk about he had “won at every level he had coached at”. In the time I was in the camp of wanting to get a proven coach such as Hartley (who was available at the time if I remember correctly) Then they made that run at the end of the year last year, he won the Jack Adams and us doubters were very happily wrong.
I’m hoping at this point that this is something of a “Sophmore Slump” because I feel he is being outcoached in this series. (Which really isn’t that big of surprise when you consider how much longer Tortorella has been a coach and the fact that he has won a Cup) The Rangers came into this series very well prepared and they seem to be very commited to Torts and what he’s preaching.
by Vickster on Apr 20, 2009 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know
I know the story is that Boudreau is being outcoached but the Caps are carrying the play. They just have an anemic powerplay and are up against a hot goaltender. At some point it’s up to the players to perform.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Apr 20, 2009 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree PPP, I’m not really sure what else BB could be doing right now except, I guess, getting guys to hustle on the backcheck and go to the net. Some of the Caps may be constitutionally unable to do those things.
by grapejoos on Apr 20, 2009 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He can impress upon them the importance of dumping the puck into corners and retrieving it, of faking a shot every once in a while and moving a foot or two to either side so as not to have your point shot blocked, of cycling the puck down low, of going to the net for rebounds, of passing to teammates, of covering the point when the defenseman goes in deep… point being, he can make adjustments. He can, in a word, coach.
Or he can just post new lines and rotate 6th/7th defensemen in and out of the lineup.
Either/ or.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 20, 2009 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yes
But do you think that Boudreau isn’t telling them those things?
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Apr 20, 2009 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He can tell them whatever he wants but when Flash gets double the ice time that Fehr gets the real message is sent loud and clear.
by Fehr and Balanced on Apr 20, 2009 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good Point
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Apr 20, 2009 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Accountability, at times, has been a bit of an issue, and the result is, in part, what you see on the ice in terms of free-lancing and not everyone reading from the same sheet of muzak.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 20, 2009 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe that’s the problem. They’re playing elevator muzak when they should be a part of a symphony. There’s almost nothing complicated about BB’s system, as evidenced by the NYR’s ability to simply get in the way and drop to block shots.
There are 4 (sometimes 5, Feds) World Class players on this team who can do a lot more than they are. Simple is good until it’s been defeated.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 20, 2009 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fair enough. The accountability has not been there a lot of the time in terms of playing time, and I guess that is the only way to get the point across. Perhaps I am wrong, but I assume BB and the staff coach the team on all of these things since he frequently brings them up when discussing games with the media.
by grapejoos on Apr 20, 2009 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anyone want a few wingers scratched tonight for other players? Say, Flash out, Aucoin in? Nylander out, Aucoin in? After watching some games last night it was nice to see teams not playing a choking defense for once.
uhhh...uhh...uuh...uuh...uhh...uhh...
by hotdog88gt on Apr 20, 2009 8:30 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I want Aucoin in and would probably scratch Kozlov, though that might be a bit knee-jerk. Aucoin would help on the PP and would create offense, exactly what the Caps need. But, I’m not aware of a callup, so that’s probably wishful thinking. I would also contemplate putting in Clark if he looks like he can go, but I haven’t seen anything suggesting that’s the case.
by grapejoos on Apr 20, 2009 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Clark’s out for this round. BB said over on CI that he’s still about a week to 10 days away from being game ready.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 20, 2009 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think BB is full of it and is looking to spice things up. He’s throwing the rags off the trail.
by Ovechwin on Apr 20, 2009 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Noted above, and as proven on Saturday, don’t play poker with Bruce. I’m thinking Clark is ready, too.
by gfcaps fan on Apr 20, 2009 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
don’t play poker with Bruce
Why not? He’s likely to go all-in before he has to. :)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 20, 2009 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow, that’s pretty funny
never let the truth get in the way of a good story
by toymechanic on Apr 20, 2009 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, there is that, too. I give up.
by gfcaps fan on Apr 20, 2009 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, and don’t look now, but, by applying the attitudes displayed here on Saturday, it’s a sure thing the SJ Sharks are finished too. They too are facing the insurmountable 2-0 deficit.
uhhh...uhh...uuh...uuh...uhh...uhh...
by hotdog88gt on Apr 20, 2009 8:33 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Am I the only one who feels a tiny bit better that we’re not the only high seed down 2-0?
by thatswhenthewho on Apr 20, 2009 8:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not at all, I felt the same way. And I also think either the Caps or Sharks are coming back, for some reason.
by grapejoos on Apr 20, 2009 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Big? Fast? Skilled? Unable to score dirty goals when it matters most? The Caps are the east coast Sharks. Ugh.
by Fehr and Balanced on Apr 20, 2009 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not to wish ill on another team’s fanbase, but man, that helped make me feel a little bit better when I read that this morning.
by gfcaps fan on Apr 20, 2009 8:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, but...
they’re playing the Ducks. That series IS over. We’re playing the Rangers. We can do this.
/also a Ducks fan.
Matt Wieters took batting practice this morning. There were no survivors.
by duck on Apr 20, 2009 8:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Haha, love your sig. Maybe the Caps can dress Wieters to get the offense kick-started!
by Kerry Fraser's Hairspray on Apr 20, 2009 9:35 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
This morning I began to think to myself that maybe this year was far too much of a contrast from last year for this team to adjust. They had to fight and fight hard to make the playoffs last year. They made it in at the tail end of the season and they went all the way to game 7 and it took over-time to knock them out.
This year they locked it up fairly easily and sat in the 2nd spot for a good long time. Maybe since the road was so much easier, they thought the next step would be that much easier too. Sort of the like the first game of the season this year, when everyone expected us to steamroll the Thrashers, but Thrashers messed that up by deciding they wanted to win too.
I think that the Caps can come back from this if they play their game and shake off the bad habits they developed on their cruise to the playoffs. Quit with the cross ice passes, quit the lazy back-checking, start fighting in the corners and in front of the net. That play is what got them the division and 2nd overall in the East in the first place and they need to re-discover that and re-discover it fast.
by Vickster on Apr 20, 2009 8:43 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
PowerPlay
Here’s a question… Why does BB insist on playing 14/19/28 up front on the PP??? I’m ok with 19 and 28, but shouldn’t that 3rd player be 21?
I watched as the 5 guys (14/19/28/8/52) made a giant umbrella around the offensive zone for 90 seconds at a time, and as soon as 21 entered the picture (I’m not sure of his overall PP time, but it was on the 2nd unit from what I could tell) we had traffic, commotion and chances.
I’m not an Jack Adams winner… hell, i’m not even a Samuel Adams winner, but from the 400’s I can see that there’s a recipie for success and one for failure.
by Scofield on Apr 20, 2009 8:52 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
In fairness to Flush, he did score on the PP in Game 1 on a re-direct.
But I do agree and would rather see 21 out there.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 20, 2009 8:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed… but where was he? right in front of the cage. Where was he Saturday?? goal line corner? half wall maybe? nonetheless nowhere near the crease…
by Scofield on Apr 20, 2009 8:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey, don’t look at me – that last comment filled my “in defense of Fleischmann” quota for April.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 20, 2009 8:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Indeed it did. I’ve decided to test the waters and skip April (and March… And Feb… and Jan… etc, etc, etc)
by Scofield on Apr 20, 2009 9:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m a Don Adams winner.
Ben Olsen > Wells Thompson
by Bald Pollack on Apr 20, 2009 9:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t know what that is… but congrats!
by Scofield on Apr 20, 2009 9:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ugh, you kids and your rock and roll. The original Maxwell Smart.
Ben Olsen > Wells Thompson
by Bald Pollack on Apr 20, 2009 9:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ah yes… I didn’t know that was his name, but the original was great. Used to watch it years back on Nick-at-Nite.
by Scofield on Apr 20, 2009 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m a Rachel McAdams winner.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 20, 2009 9:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree 100% on putting 21 on the PP. I am still baffled as to why he hasn’t been there all series, Flash’s deflection notwithstanding.
by grapejoos on Apr 20, 2009 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Look at the picture I used in the post:
All I can think of is “Come with me if you want to live.”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 20, 2009 8:53 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
To bad its not the mirrored visor… although then you don’t get that laser beam stare. Robocop is not ammused.
by MetalCap on Apr 20, 2009 8:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully he’s not afraid to use some of the people that are coming with him. I’m all for Ovie taking the lead and carry some folks, but he won’t survive and neither will the Caps if he’s trying to do it all himself.
by Sct112 on Apr 20, 2009 8:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
true, but 9 million dollar players need to play like 9 million dollar players.
If that means he needs to score a hat trick all on his own, then fine. I don’t think we need that, but he’s the MVP, so play like it.
by Chimaera on Apr 20, 2009 8:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with Sct here, though – there are other ways to be “most valuable” than scoring goals (i.e. helping teammates score goals.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 20, 2009 8:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
the occasional backcheck
never let the truth get in the way of a good story
by toymechanic on Apr 20, 2009 9:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s the “occasional” part that’s the problem.
And not to absolve AO completely on the Game 2 goal, but a) Kozlov was a complete dog on that play, neither going for the puck on the drop pass nor adequately covering for Green on the point as he went deep and b) AO was interfered with as he attempted to get back in the play.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 20, 2009 9:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great breakdown of the interference over at SS. Money shots (eww):
Nice work, Callahan.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 20, 2009 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Unquestionably the Rags’ non-goalie MVP so far. God I hate him (but not in a Briere kind of way – in a “I wish he were a Cap” kind of way).
by grapejoos on Apr 20, 2009 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
In a Richards/Hartnell kind of way.
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by J.P. on Apr 20, 2009 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can honestly say that I wouldn’t want Hartnell on our team. He reminds me too much of the cheap-shit dirty player that briere is.
And looks like a goddamn poodle. My dog’d be all over that ass.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 20, 2009 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’d take Hartnell in a second…..maybe he’s an ass, but he’d be the Caps ass
never let the truth get in the way of a good story
by toymechanic on Apr 20, 2009 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’d take Hartnell but he’s like the 6th guy I’d take off that team.
by Fehr and Balanced on Apr 20, 2009 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Agreed
never let the truth get in the way of a good story
by toymechanic on Apr 20, 2009 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Aww, I’m touched.
After the obvious Ovechkin, I’d take Laich second off the Caps. Can’t say enough good things about him, and he should have been named captain a while ago.
Swing by The Flyer Frequent. You have nothing better to do.
by Ben Rothenberg on Apr 20, 2009 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Really? Ahead of Green and Backstrom?
by David M. Getz on Apr 20, 2009 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not a very good GM decision right there. Green seems like the easy choice after AO. Easy.
by Fehr and Balanced on Apr 20, 2009 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I dunno, I just don’t like Green’s style. I like my defensemen to focus on defense, and from a pure defensive standpoint I don’t think Green is that special. He also has a tendency to try too much to make things happen himself, forcing the issue when the team is down.
Backstrom is okay, but is probably too prissy to be an effective Flyer. You can never have too many guys like Laich who are great in the room and willing to grind it out on the ice.
I obviously get why Backstrom and Green are better with you guys, but I’d still take Laich.
Swing by The Flyer Frequent. You have nothing better to do.
by Ben Rothenberg on Apr 20, 2009 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m confident if you watched more Caps hockey you’d come around. There is plenty of stuff on this site for you to check out when you’re ready to be disabused of your notion that Green is not effective in his own end. As to Backstrom, he is at least as tough as Gagne and puts Briere to shame. If Flyers fans can live with those guys (and they’d better be able to live with Briere because he isn’t going anywhere) then they could live with Backstrom. I agree you can never have enough Laichs but COL had several Laich-type players and it didn’t do them any good with their top end talent on the IR.
by Fehr and Balanced on Apr 20, 2009 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He’s had some bad luck out there.
by Stonewarden on Apr 20, 2009 9:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think that the only way Ovie won’t play like an MVP, is if he tries to play like an MVP. If he takes 28 shots tonight, and only 8 get in on Lundy, he’s trying to be the MVP but the result will be the exact opposite (unless 3 of those 8 beat King Henrik).
by Sct112 on Apr 20, 2009 9:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There’s some psychological validity to that.
by Stonewarden on Apr 20, 2009 9:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Certainly, I agree.
But I still think we need a big game out of someone. If not him, then who? Yes it’s a team sport, but when your team is scuffling, not getting the scoring it needs, who else to carry them than a guy who’s the best player in the league?
Yes, he can fall in the trying to do too much category, but when it comes down to it, their best player is winning the series. Our best player isn’t. He has the ability to change that. I just want to see it before it is too late.
by Chimaera on Apr 20, 2009 9:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’d go so far as to say if he (and the team) played like they did in Game 1, I’d feel better about things.
Ben Olsen > Wells Thompson
by Bald Pollack on Apr 20, 2009 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Assuming Varlamov plays like a Game 2 version of himself, of course…
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 20, 2009 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Copy that, Vickster.
Last year’s play-off success was, at least in part, informed by all that late season madness.
You can’t just coast and turn it around.
by Stonewarden on Apr 20, 2009 8:53 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
What playoff success last year?
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by J.P. on Apr 20, 2009 8:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Playoff success
Took a better team to 7 and got robbed by a BS call.
by Stonewarden on Apr 20, 2009 8:55 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Not this again… it was a good call, blatant foul against… they just let the first one go :-)
by Scofield on Apr 20, 2009 8:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
All I’m saying, is that last year’s series against Philly was, in the grand scheme, progress.
A liberal definition of success, sure. But I’ll take what I can get.
by Stonewarden on Apr 20, 2009 8:58 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I can buy the “progress” as success, but how much progress did they really make if it didn’t translate to this spring?
I hear you, though.
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by J.P. on Apr 20, 2009 9:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ve never expected them to go all the way this season, but I too thought a first round win was a given. I agree if they don’t improve on their playoff fortunes, this was not a successful season for the team.
by Vickster on Apr 20, 2009 9:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If they don’t get out of the first round this year, no progress will have been made. If it turns out as such, there wil be gloomy days for a while.
by Stonewarden on Apr 20, 2009 9:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ted himself has said if they don’t win a round, this year isn’t successful.
by Chimaera on Apr 20, 2009 9:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And how could it be?
Btw, you heard it here first – if the Caps bow out in the first round (and by no means do I think that’s a give) – they’ll struggle mightily to make the playoffs next year.
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by J.P. on Apr 20, 2009 9:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
- given
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by J.P. on Apr 20, 2009 9:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
that is quite a prediction. is this based on expected personnel changes or the mental block/defeat of the first round loss?
by ns on Apr 20, 2009 9:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’d say the former edges out the latter, depending on the personnel changes.
Ben Olsen > Wells Thompson
by Bald Pollack on Apr 20, 2009 9:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s not. But I think a quick exit here necessarily results in more than just a little tweaking in the off-season, don’t you?
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by J.P. on Apr 20, 2009 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
absolutely. i’m hoping for it, but i’m not sure how much this fan base can take another team enema if it comes to that.
by ns on Apr 20, 2009 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Your unnecessary metaphor aside, what are you talking about? Are you suggesting that the Caps should stand pat and not improve because the CSN ratings might go down a tenth of a point?!
by TylerG on Apr 20, 2009 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
…hence why i wrote:
absolutely. i’m hoping for it
in response to JP…
by ns on Apr 20, 2009 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He said he’s “hoping for it,” it being more than a tweak.
I think there’s a middle ground, especially with $6.5 million of older Russian contracts off the books.
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by J.P. on Apr 20, 2009 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes. Assuming that Kozzy, Feds and Brash are goners and considering that the Caps don’t have any players not already signed who are likely facing significant salary bumps the Caps have ~$7.7M in space to play with. I think that finding some gritty veterans is Job #1.
In a related story, Alex Semin might bring back a nice return…..
by TylerG on Apr 20, 2009 9:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Considering they’re going to have (potentially) 8 d-men in back, expect a move there too.
Ben Olsen > Wells Thompson
by Bald Pollack on Apr 20, 2009 9:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i think improving our D is going to make the difference between another first round loss and playoff success. our D is too one dimensional. a team cant survive on having one puck moving and offensively competent defenseman.
note COMPETENT, not talented.
by ns on Apr 20, 2009 9:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don’t step on my “trade Semin” toes…
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by J.P. on Apr 20, 2009 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ve already proposed a Semin for Schenn trade to PPP. He was not interested.
by Sct112 on Apr 20, 2009 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Toss in Ovechkin and you’re getting close to fair value for Schenn.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Apr 20, 2009 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ovie & Semin for Schenn, Kolzig and Heward… This job is easy, not sure what GMGM and Burke are getting paid for.
by Sct112 on Apr 20, 2009 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A 2C and a top pair D are more pressing needs than gritty veterans. We can find gritty veterans for about 2 mill per. With 7.7-12.2 (if Theo is traded) we can find at least one impact player in a position of need.
by Fehr and Balanced on Apr 20, 2009 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But a large portion of that $7.7m is largely one-year money, since Backstrom needs to be resigned. It’s going to be tough to add a core player (2C/top pair D)… unless Semin is moved.
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by J.P. on Apr 20, 2009 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good point. But we also have Nyls and Poti coming off after the first year of the AS/Backstrom extensions so if we can make the numbers work that year we have a LOT of young (and cheap) talent ready to bolster our ranks. I have faith in Fishman.
by Fehr and Balanced on Apr 20, 2009 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Look how the pens upgraded Crosby’s entire line at the deadline.
The caps should spend on a D man in the offseason, but let kids fill the free agent forward spots and keep the salary cap flexibility.
Then bring in some talent at the deadline which will not have long term salary impact.
by Stormblue on Apr 20, 2009 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
With the guys that are on expiring contracts and all the money that frees up (and a potential JT60 trade) there may be work to be done in the off season but I think it should be relatively seemless (i.e. no major trades and no need to rearrange any of the core/U-25 guys).
by Fehr and Balanced on Apr 20, 2009 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Any Theodore trade will likely have to bring back equivalent contracts.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Apr 20, 2009 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe, maybe not. Depends on the trading partner. We don’t need any value at all for Theo, we just need his cap space.
by Fehr and Balanced on Apr 20, 2009 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Caps would likely have to throw in picks like Loophole Lou’ trick with Malakhov.
Actually, in that case I bet the Leafs would be interested.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Apr 20, 2009 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
To whom are the Caps going to trade a $4.5m Theodore?
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by J.P. on Apr 20, 2009 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It doesn’t matter. He doesn’t have a NMC so he has no say in the matter and there is always a market for veteran goalies. Manny Legace and Martin Gerber have jobs. I don’t care what we get in return. Frankly, I’d take a 6th round pick, give GMGM another shot at finding an SDR, and use that cash on someone else.
by Fehr and Balanced on Apr 20, 2009 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gerber only had a couple of paycheques left when the Leafs picked him up though.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Apr 20, 2009 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What does an NMC have to do with it? My question is who is going to want Jose at $4.5m? That’s more than Gerber and Legs make combined.
But I do wholly agree that I’d be thrilled with simply getting rid of him and his contract.
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by J.P. on Apr 20, 2009 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Chicago? Jk. I don’t know who would want him, it’s too early to tell. What I do know is that there will be a few teams that are looking for a veteran back up, and there will be a couple teams that need to add salary to get to the cap floor. Hopefully there is at least one team that fits both descriptions.
by Fehr and Balanced on Apr 20, 2009 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And the NMC is important because it allows us to pursue all options without considering Theo’s feelings. I don’t see how you can ask why the NMC is relevant after watching the Nyls situation all year. I bet GMGM could have moved him at least a couple times this year if not for that NMC.
by Fehr and Balanced on Apr 20, 2009 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, I obviously understand that, but I don’t see why it was relevant in response to me asking who the trade partner would be. NMCs are rare and I was simply assuming that we all knew that Jose doesn’t have one.
For the record, no one on the Caps has one other than Nylander (whose NMC expires after next season) and AO (who actually has a modified NTC that kicks in on July 1, 2014). Everyone else can be moved freely, and I reserve the right not to mention that they have no NMC/NTC in reference to any possible trade scenarios.
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by J.P. on Apr 20, 2009 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Got ya. Miscommunication. I don’t know who would want him but considering he can be had at almost no cost I’m hopeful someone will take a flyer on him.
by Fehr and Balanced on Apr 20, 2009 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You and me both.
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by J.P. on Apr 20, 2009 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The latter.
These guys worked their asses off to make the playoffs last year and were upset in the first round.
They worked their asses off for about 3/4 of this year and could very well be facing another first round upset.
The motivation to work your ass off in the regular season diminishes in relation to the disappointment of the previous post-season (it’s why so many Cup Finalists have trouble making the playoffs the following season), and for a team that already has demonstrated motivation issues at times, I think it could smack ’em.
I’m sure they’ll still have enough talent to make it back, but it won’t be easy (especially with a potentially unsettled G situation, personnel changes, etc.). I’d expect similar to what Pitt went through this year – a few months of bumbling and then turning it on relatively late.
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by J.P. on Apr 20, 2009 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
if that’s the case, they need a big shakeup.
If that means dealing Semin (and I don’t want to enter that debate) or dealing something or someone to get a veteran presence in here then so be it.
Frankly, if we bow out early, I think it might take getting Pronger or some other key veteran defenseman even if it means giving up some of the farm to do it.
by Chimaera on Apr 20, 2009 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Frankly, if we bow out early, I think it might take getting Pronger or some other key veteran defenseman even if it means giving up some of the farm to do it.
I disagree completely. Pronger would be real nice but the homegrown talent is the backbone of this team and with the wealth of talent we have in the organization it should remain this way. We have enough young talent that GMGM doesn’t have to rush anyone into the Caps lineup and he doesn’t need to hit a home run in every draft (although his record since ’04 has been close to that), he just needs about 2 prospects to contribute per draft to keep the pond stocked. Finally, keep in mind that young talent is cheap talent. When Pronger is UFA after this next year we either have to resign him for a ton of money (jeopardizing our ability to keep the young guns) or sign other FAs to fill that role (doing the same thing to our salary structure). Having young talent that can contribute is the only way to lock up your core players in this day and age. Do. Not. Sell. The. Farm.
by Fehr and Balanced on Apr 20, 2009 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree completely – there shall be no farm selling.
I do not, however, consider Alex Semin to be a farmhand at this point.
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by J.P. on Apr 20, 2009 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Semin can be moved, but I want a stud top pair defencemen for him
never let the truth get in the way of a good story
by toymechanic on Apr 20, 2009 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Semin can be moved. Especially if it means we have the money to sign Komisarek. When I think “Farm” I think Alzner, Carlson, both goalies, and the rookie line. To a lesser extent Godfrey, AnGus, Holtby, SDR, and Kughrachev are in that group to but they are all farther away.
by Fehr and Balanced on Apr 20, 2009 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed.
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by J.P. on Apr 20, 2009 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just re-read my post. It’s a nice feeling that I just named 12 guys that we can potentially expect contributions from (or at least they can become nice trade bait) and I probably left a couple guys off that list.
by Fehr and Balanced on Apr 20, 2009 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But what do you think that would do to Ovechkin to have his best friend moved? Business or not, that might piss him off irreparably.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 20, 2009 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He left his family and his homeland to come play in the NHL and land a $100 million contract. He has always acted like a complete professional. He’ll live.
by Fehr and Balanced on Apr 20, 2009 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly. Its a blessing and a cure. Semin might sign for less but if he gets traded Ovie might get pissed. Overall they know that its business and they can’t be together forever
by Ovechwin on Apr 20, 2009 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder more if Semin would play for another NHL team, or would simply just go to the KHL if traded.
by Stormblue on Apr 20, 2009 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
From what I can tell of Ovechkin, if the move made the team better, he’d be for it.
by David M. Getz on Apr 20, 2009 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think it’d be a hard-sell to convince AO that a team w/o Semin is a better one. The package coming in would have to be an immediate upgrade. After all, I’m not too upset having Semin as out most inconsistent player, if he can do what he can when on top of the ball. That’s a trade-off I’ll take any day of the year. No one in the league, save AO, is as dominant when playing well and focused.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 20, 2009 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think you have to sell the farm to get it done. In either case, why have all those prospects and players if you’re not going to use them?
I think it is nice to have 4-5 defensemen with decent potential, along with the other 2-3 younger players we have in the NHL now. But you can’t suit up 9-10 guys, and you can only have so many forwards.
I’m not saying they will all pan out, but many look pretty good. If giving up Alzner or Carlson meant a long playoff run or two, I think I might be willing to chance it.
by Chimaera on Apr 20, 2009 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Alzner/Green/Carlson/Schultz together long term makes me giddy. I wouldn’t break that up for anything short of a guaranteed Cup (which obviously is impossible). I’m not saying none of those guys can be traded, but trading one/some of them is different from “selling the farm.” GMGM should hoard his prospects until he decides they are no longer in the team’s future, and then trade them for the highest return, IMO. Calrson and Alzner are most definitely in the team’s future so they shouldn’t go anywhere. It would be extremely difficult to get back the kind of value that they will be able to provide for this team long term.
by Fehr and Balanced on Apr 20, 2009 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
the problem is and always has been with that scenario is you have to give to get.
Yes, Alzner and Carlson might be awesome. But a Pronger on this team might not be half bad either.
I didn’t say give up the farm and I don’t really think you have to do it. giving up a first round pick, a choice prospect and something else would not constitute giving up the farm.
I just think at some point in time, you might have to roll the dice and go for it.
by Chimaera on Apr 20, 2009 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can live with something like that, but I have Carlson, Alzner, and Varlamov on a “hands off” list. I wouldn’t entertain any offers for them unless it is for a top pair D or top line F in the prime of their career. I’m not sure how many of those guys teams are trying to trade. Pronger doesn’t fit that bill because we’d only have 1 year of him under contract and then we’d lose him or have to resign him. I would have been more willing to make a deal for Pronger at the deadline since we’d be guaranteed 2 playoff runs with him but financial situations and the asking price made that impossible. I don’t know how much that asking price is going to come down in the off season.
by Fehr and Balanced on Apr 20, 2009 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
In my mind it comes down to
Do you want one Stanley Cup, or many Stanley Cups? Given his age, what does a Pronger really do for this team in the long run?
The flip side of that is that nothing is guaranteed with young players.
While potential for any of these kids is not certain to translate to on ice success and a nice long career, age is certainly going to translate to reduced production at some point. I wouldn’t want to trade away someone with long term potential for someone that is on the back nine of his career, unless there is more than one Cup in the cards.
by Vickster on Apr 20, 2009 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m all for keeping the Farm, personally, but the argument can be made that at least 1 cup needs to be won, first.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 20, 2009 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think the organization has always acted to try to win multiple Cups through drafting and development. Straying from that (*cough*Jagr*cough*) burned them bad and I don’t see them taking the big gambles unless they honestly believe it is going to pay off in the end.
by Vickster on Apr 20, 2009 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
you’ve still got to win that first one though. I’m hoping those young kids can get them there, but tons of teams think they have good kids in the pipeline as well.
I just am throwing it out there that it might be to the advantage of taking a chance now. Not saying that’s the way it has to be done, but I rather have taken the shot then sit around and wonder why the team can’t get out of the first round next year. Even if Carlson, Alzner and others are studs, if they can’t get it done in the playoffs, then there’s no use in having them here.
by Chimaera on Apr 20, 2009 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The issue with that is that we want to win NOW, and they won’t be ready until the FUTURE.
That said, I keep our studs. If it means that AO doesn’t get his first Cup until we’re 26 or 27, then so be it, but from that point, I’d say the Caps are a yearly Cup contender (even though they’ll be a yearly threat from now on, anyway).
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 20, 2009 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’d take turning it on late over the 3 seed and a quarter season of complacency. That first half doesn’t look like it’s hurting the Pens right now.
by Fehr and Balanced on Apr 20, 2009 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s hurting Michel Therrien.
And sure – regular season means nothing, provided you’re in the top 8 when after Game 82.
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by J.P. on Apr 20, 2009 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anyone think McPhee is second guessing his decision to stand pat at the trade deadline?
by Moonage Daydream on Apr 20, 2009 9:44 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
How can he not?
Granted, he had very limited flexibility, but a deal like the Bruins worked for Montador could have been done.
That said, I don’t think he regrets for a second not moving Alzner or any other top prospects.
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by J.P. on Apr 20, 2009 9:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's always funny how a thread twists and turns with a life of it's own
There will be changes either way, early exit or not. Guess it just depends on what you consider major or just tweaks.
Three RFA’s in the back and Five FA up front (3 UFA, 2RFA), all starters for most of the season. Clark is a question mark and anything could happen with Nyls
never let the truth get in the way of a good story
by toymechanic on Apr 20, 2009 9:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
To me, the one that got away is Guerin. That experience and grit is exactly what the Caps need tonight.
by Moonage Daydream on Apr 20, 2009 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Guerin would have been a difficult fit under the cap.
But yeah, it’s hard not to see him out there and wish he was in red.
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by J.P. on Apr 20, 2009 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s not just the cap. Unless, I’m mistaken they had reached their team player limit, so they would have had to move one or two bodies that cleared not only payroll but contracts. As we saw last year, Mcphee has no problem making radical changes at the deadline, so why is there this assumption he was reluctant to do it this year. More than likely, he tried but couldn’t find a partner. That said, there is more than enough talent on the Caps to beat the Rangers, but to do that they need to go to the dirty places on the ice and stop relying on just their ability. I don’t what old timer said it but it’s still true. If you can’t beat ‘em in the alley, you can’t beat ’em on the ice.
by b.orr4 on Apr 20, 2009 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, they were at 50 contracts, but the two went hand-in-hand – they weren’t going to be able to get him under the cap without moving at least one contract anyway.
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by J.P. on Apr 20, 2009 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
How can he not?
Well, Bob Gainey apparently never does or he wouldn’t stand pat at every deadline.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Apr 20, 2009 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think he regrets it. I think he wishes he had the cap to do a move and that people weren’t asking for the moon
by Chimaera on Apr 20, 2009 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Win one game. Do it four times.
Do it.
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by J.P. on Apr 20, 2009 10:01 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
As antithetical to play-off hockey as it may be, I think they need to settle down and play their game, as flawed as it may be.
by Stonewarden on Apr 20, 2009 10:03 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree with this. The Caps have had numerous issues but the biggest one IMO (apart from the game 1 goaltending debacle) is pressing, squeezing the sticks too tight, etc. I agree with Feds’ dad that getting away from the VC crowd should help them.
by grapejoos on Apr 20, 2009 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What’s weird is I was thinking the exact same thing. It seemed like the Caps were most dominant at VC this year when they weren’t selling out as much towards the beginning of the season, and when looking at the end of the year, they won seven games in a row on the road before that awful loss to Florida to close out the season. I am surprisingly confident about tonight’s game, and I am starting to get sick of the “doom-and-gloom” posts. All good/great teams have to face situations like this at one point in time don’t they?
by bigmac1124 on Apr 20, 2009 10:11 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Actually never mind about the seven wins in row, don’t know where I got that, but point being, they got better on the road in the second half of the season lol
by bigmac1124 on Apr 20, 2009 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They did, and I thought more than a few times during the home game struggles that the Caps were trying to do too much to please the crowd. It’s a bit of an unexpected problem with the rabid VC crowd.
by grapejoos on Apr 20, 2009 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
VC Crowd
It’s great that team get to play in front of full house and it’s great that we actually expect great things out of the Capitals, but I have to say, as a season ticket holder for coming up on 10 years now, it can be very frustrating when the crowd turns on this bunch.
There are some fans that seem to think if we aren’t winning 5-1, we are stinking. If we don’t convert every power play, we suck. Having sat through some very bad hockey teams and some truly sucky play, I get very frustrated when people come down on this team for things they don’t deserve. There were games this year where you would have though we were dead last in the East the way some fans reacted. It’s not everyone, but there are some very vocal fans that clearly haven’t been around the block with this team.
There is definite criticism that they should take, but I’ve found the home crowd to be a tad hostile at times this season when they didn’t need to be.
by Vickster on Apr 20, 2009 10:47 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Whoop Whoop Whoop
It’s not just the new fans.
that’s two snippy comments today, way over my limit
never let the truth get in the way of a good story
by toymechanic on Apr 20, 2009 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I get annoyed and have been known to boo from time to time when the Caps 2nd-in-the-league power play can’t get the puck over the blue line. There, I said it.
by katzistan on Apr 20, 2009 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don’t get me wrong, they deserved to be booed sometimes, and I boo them sometimes. It’s the right of every fan to boo. I just don’t think they deserve half of what they get from the home crowd these days.
by Vickster on Apr 20, 2009 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hearing the boos during the second power play Saturday was absurd.
by OvechkinLaichsSemin on Apr 20, 2009 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Shoot High
You want an easy solution to all those ranger blocked shots? Start shooting the puck high. And by high I mean a foot over their head high. Guys are going to be more reluctant to go down if they think they might get one in the face.
by b.orr4 on Apr 20, 2009 10:55 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Problem is, when they shoot high, they shoot it 10 feet over the net. How many times has Semin done that this series?
by katzistan on Apr 20, 2009 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
More slap shots from the point. Those wristers don’t hurt enough.
by Stormblue on Apr 20, 2009 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The low shots are not getting it done, especially since we aren’t getting the bounces to go our way and Lundqvist seems to have down low very well covered.
Slaps from the point will work if they can get traffic in front of the net for deflections/rebounds and if they can fake the defenders so the shot doesn’t just get blocked.
by Vickster on Apr 20, 2009 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Those Wristers are horrible. plain and simple. shoot the puck like a man!
by Scofield on Apr 20, 2009 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
BB is getting out-coached
Tortorella has come up with a game plan that mitigates our offensive and stick skills, especially guys like Ovie & Semin.
We need to learn how to manufacture goals (screens, rebounds) and do so quickly.
More of the same offensive philosophy is going to result in more of the same: losing.
by smutsboy1 on Apr 20, 2009 11:27 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Related: Know what’s funny? The idea that someone thought that firing Torts for Barry Melrose was a good hockey move.
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by J.P. on Apr 20, 2009 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No kidding
Well, Torts gets the last laugh I guess.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Apr 20, 2009 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It wasn’t even their worst hockey move of the year.
by Fehr and Balanced on Apr 20, 2009 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m assuming that would be Boyle?
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by J.P. on Apr 20, 2009 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, it’s gotta be trading Jamie Heward. Who would ever give up on a generational talent like that???
by katzistan on Apr 20, 2009 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah. Not just trading Boyle but the successive trades that reduced the return they got for Boyle. Boyle —> Wishart, Carle, a First —> Wishart, Eminger, Downie, Mezzaros —> Wishart, Noah Welch, Mezzaros, Downie, and a 4th, iirc.
by Fehr and Balanced on Apr 20, 2009 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
While I agree with you to a point, I disagree in that the Caps have clearly dominated just about every other aspect of both games. The first game was a bad game for Jose, and a few defensive miscues, but the Offense was chugging along and keeping the puck in their zone and getting shots. Game 2 was a great defensive effort (overall, i mean) that kept them to a single, lucky goal.
BB’s system is clearly getting half of the job done, in that they’re forechecking and getting shots, but they’re all low percentage shots. Is that poor coaching or poor decision making by the players? No matter what you may say is BB’s responsibility, it’s not him who’s making the decision to try to shoot through 4 players.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 20, 2009 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
we're dominating puck possession
but without good opportunities, there’s not much point.
The Rangers are happy to let us have the puck as long as we take shots that they’re blocking a majority of the time.
BB’s not the decision maker, but he’s the one that game plans and comes up with strategies. Either his offensive strategy is getting beaten by Torts, or the players aren’t listening to him.
One of those things has to change or we ain’t winning nothing.
by smutsboy1 on Apr 20, 2009 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
we’re dominating puck possession
but without good opportunities, there’s not much point.
Sure there is – that’s time when the puck’s not in the Caps’ zone.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 20, 2009 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
if we’re not scoring it doesn’t really matter where the puck is.
by smutsboy1 on Apr 20, 2009 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah but they can’t score when you have the puck.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Apr 20, 2009 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
When it’s 1-0, you’re one break, bounce or great play away from tying the game. When you’re down more than that, you’re not. As bad as the Caps were, they were in Game 2 until the final horn went. Puck possession matters. Scoring just happens to matter more.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 20, 2009 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Rangers game plan on Sunday was to focus on shutting down our offense, and not to be overly concerned with puck possession. It worked perfectly for them.
In theory possession matters, obviously, for the reasons stated above. But on Saturday it didn’t, and if we keep trying the same failing things on offense, possession will continue to not be reflected in the W/L column.
Not sure what else to say.
by smutsboy1 on Apr 20, 2009 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The thing, though, is that NY didn’t do a whole lot to stifle anything. They basically made sure they got back and then fell when we attempted a shot. Granted, if that’s all it takes to beat us, then that opens up a whole new can of worms. The players themselves should have been able to recognize that “if I look like I’m about to shoot, they’ll drop immediately and the puck will hit them. I have to make another move.” That’s where their inexperience comes in (as blatantly obvious as that is), and that’s yet another area where Kozlov/Fedorov/etc. failed to chime in and get things changed.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 20, 2009 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They played great positional defense, closing up lanes, tying up our skill skaters, and not letting any of our big guns have any room to maneuver.
Between that and a ton of blocked shots, I’d say they did quite a bit to shut down the offense.
by smutsboy1 on Apr 20, 2009 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Rags essentially laid a trap of sitting back and letting the Caps come at them. They didn’t try to poke check the Caps as they were rushing into the zone, they let them come in, and then they dropped like flies as soon as they saw a shot coming. It’s effective, but it’s not particularly great D. It’s the fact that the Caps kept falling into the same trap over and over and over again and not realizing it is what killed them in the end, not great D.
(And I’m arguing this in terms of the actual strategy employed, not the fact that it was effective.)
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 20, 2009 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
(And I’m arguing this in terms of the actual strategy employed, not the fact that it was effective.)
well, ok.
If the Caps don’t change anything, it will continue to work for the Rangers.
by smutsboy1 on Apr 20, 2009 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If AO shoots that puck one inch lower we are in OT. Yeah, I know, Ifs and buts and all that. But like J.P. said, we were one bounce from tying that game, the Rags D didn’t exactly take us out of the game.
by Fehr and Balanced on Apr 20, 2009 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s pretty similar to how the Bruins have killed the Leafs the last couple of seasons (don’t laugh!). They’ll collapse 5 around the slot and the crease and just jump on mistakes (easier done than said). The times the Leafs were able to beat them they generally scored early and took advantage of their chances on the powerplay.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Apr 20, 2009 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s a smart tactic if you’re the better team with superior all-around talent.
Which is why I think if the Caps can adjust their offense, they can beat the Rangers like we all expected them to do.
by smutsboy1 on Apr 20, 2009 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tortorella's smug face
How badly do I want to beat him tonight… every time the camera pans to the Rangers bench I want to smack the smirk off his face.
by DonnieKnutts on Apr 20, 2009 11:33 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
No smirking tonight. All I’m expecting is frustration.
by OvechkinLaichsSemin on Apr 20, 2009 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ovechkin’s playing mind games with Torts, now, too. I just hope he knows what to do with what he saw in practice.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 20, 2009 12:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
23 | 13 | 5 | 5 | 31 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
20 | 8 | 5 | 7 | 23 |
|
Atlanta
|
19 | 10 | 7 | 2 | 22 |
|
Florida
|
21 | 10 | 9 | 2 | 22 |
|
Carolina
|
22 | 5 | 12 | 5 | 15 |
(updated 11.22.2009 at 12:47 AM EST)
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