Recap - Capitals 4, Rangers 0
by J.P. on Apr 21, 2009 7:00 AM EDT
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Print[AP Recap - NHL.com Recap - Game Summary - Event Summary - WashingtonCaps.com Postgame]
For those of you without a finger on the stop watch, Simeon "Iron Curtain" Varlmov - he of the limited resume who was "set up for failure" by being given the start in Madison Square Garden (blue glow sticks - scary!) - currently has a 112:25 scoreless streak going, stopping all 55 shots he's seen since Ryan Callahan beat him on the second shot of Game 2. Not bad for a third-stringer, eh, Stan? As the AP put it:
But Game 3's 4-0 whitewashing of the Rangers in their own building was more than just a rookie goalie standing on his head; it was a team effort that overcame subpar performances from its two brightest stars to skate to a relatively easy win when they needed it most.
Some thoughts on the game:
- Rarely does a game have so obvious a turning point as this one had, when Callahan beat Varlamov only to be robbed by the inside of the post moments before the Caps took the puck the other way and scored to make it 2-0 eleven-and-a-half minutes into the game. It wasn't yet "game over," but it noticeably impacted both teams' confidence.
- Nicklas Backstrom is an absolute wizard with the puck, and reminded everyone of that fact last night (especially on his spin move and pass on the Tom Poti salt-in-the-wound tally). But he showed much more of his game on Monday night, winning 57% of his faceoffs, throwing four hits (more than any Ranger blueliner not named Staal), and killing off nearly three minutes of power play time. He was a monster and as good as we've ever seen him.
- Alex Semin had a pair of goals and a helper, but he could have scored four or five times with the chances he got. Of note, both of his goals came when he, Backstrom and Alex Ovechkin were on the ice together - the Rangers simply had no answer for the trio, which scored those two goals in less than a minute of even strength ice time.
- John Erskine has officially moved into Sean Avery's vacant head and has his feet up on his coffee table. Avery had the implosion for which we'd all been waiting, and it's likely not done yet. That said, when someone jabs your goaltender, you have to destroy him, Big John.
- Mike Green just doesn't look right, though he did lead the team with five hits and fired four shots on goal.
- Didn't you used to be the Rangers' penalty-kill? The last time the Blueshirts allowed four power-play goals against in a three-game span was early February.
- Speaking of the power play, can someone please explain why Tomas Fleischmann gets first unit ice time and Brooks Laich (who scored a Brooks Laich classic) doesn't? Or, for that matter, why Fleischmann gets a sweater at all?
- I know the uniform says "Girardi," but I see the number five in that blue and all I can think is "Ulf."
- David Steckel had a bad early penalty and a failed clear that forced Milan Jurcina to take another, but he rebounded to have a strong game.
- Sergei Fedorov is looking his age. Viktor Kozlov is looking Fedorov's age.
- The penalty killers were terrific again, killing all six shorthanded opportunities against (eleven in a row now), winning 60% of their draws and allowing just six shots on goal in 8:16 of man-down time.
- Alex Ovechkin had chances (he was absolutely robbed by Henrik Lundqvist's save of the series when the game was still in doubt), but despite not yet lighting the lamp, he's contributing by setting up teammates and even, yes, on the backcheck (though at least once he was cleaning up his own mess there).
- The defense, as a whole, was quite good. To be sure, the Rangers had too many shots, but most were from the decent areas from which to accept enemy fire. Still, some tightening up will be necessary going forward - the team can't reasonably expect Varlamov to be that good again... can they?
- The Caps blocked as many shots - 13 - as the Rangers did, which is a good thing given how lopsided that stat was through two games.
With a win last night, the Caps once again have life and, for the first time in the series, momentum. And they also have Alexander Ovechkin and Mike Green, who haven't even left their marks on the series... yet.
Win one game. Do it four three times.
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Team's core
Al Koken mentioned that it takes youngsters in the NHL sometimes more time to get acclimated to the post season, and since the team’s core 4 players are all under 25, this off start was not unexpected.
I think we can finally, officially, add another player to the “core” group. Welcome Varlamov!
Backstrom was insane last night. Best player out there not in net.
I guess we can shelve the Trade Semin talk for at least a game or two.
Varlamov has ice in his veins. Ridiculous. I realize the Rangers are a bit offensively challenged, but he was outstanding. Sure, he needs some rebound polish, but his athleticism is off the charts.
It would sound better in Spanish: Pepino —Bambino Pepino—Baby Cucumber. :) I think I like that better than my usual Gnarly Varly
"For reason, ruling alone, is a force confining; and passion, unattended, is a flame that burns to its own destruction.
Therefore let your soul exalt your reason to the height of passion; that it may sing; " - The Prophet
The Chicoutimi Cucumber already exists.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
They have a shot you can get at the clinc for Chicoutimi Cucumber
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 21, 2009 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions
Sorry, it’s been taken…“The Chicoutimi Cucumber,” himself…Georges Vezina
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Apr 21, 2009 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Trade Semin - Wha?
I started reading this blog in midseason when I found it. Love it. Great analysis and high quality comments to boot.
I finally signed up to comment yesterday when I couldn’t believe my eyes seeing comments like “trade Semin,” and “if we lose in this round, we’ve accomplished nothing this year and have to seriously remake the club.”
Both really surprised me, especially coming from what seems to be a pretty quant and reasoned group. Two games is a small sample. Best of 7 is a small sample. Random chance can wreak havoc in a short series. The Caps were quite unlucky to lose Game 1. Game 2 they played quite poorly and were still in many ways unlucky in the loss. They could lose this series in 5 games but that hardly means they should make dramatic changes or that BB is not a good post season coach, etc..
Even if they lose to the Rags, they accomplished a ton this year. Last year they played terribly for such a long stretch that they then had to have an incredible run just to make the post-season. This year, they were so dominant, they played half the season on cruise control and finished 2d in the East. How is that not huge progress right there?
MSM and ex-jocks can talk all they want about how winning in the post season is about “grit” and “poise” and “showing up when it counts.” The reality is that in pro sports generally the variations in skill level from team to team are miniscule, and the difference in winning and losing is the result of random, unrepeatable extremely high leverage events. PIT doesn’t win the SB if Holmes is a few inches further to the outside, they Yanks perhaps are not the team of the 90’s if a 10 yr old kid doesn’t turn a long fly ball into a GW HR. The Caps perhaps don’t lose Game 2 if AO hits the bottom third of the cross bar instead of the top third. The Caps perhaps don’t lose Game 1 if Theo doesn’t allow a shot he has blocked to dribble through his elbow. Etc.
The team may make it to the Eastern finals (play to their seed), they may fail to advance out of this round. Either way, that shouldn’t change the overall strategy of the franchise. That shouldn’t result in the trade of Semin, who has the proven ability to be a 1st line winger on the league’s 2d highest scoring team and the potential to be a great, great player for 10 more years.
Sorry for the long post!
by CarlosLA on Apr 21, 2009 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
I would never trade Semin, personally, but most of the trade Semin talk is generally about the value he could bring in a trade, and it is staggering. He’s essentially LW 1A to Ovechkin’s LW 1. A world class, best player on any other team guy. And he could bring a boatload of talent back into the Caps if he got traded.
But, as I’ve argued before, that’d be stupid in more ways than one. I think Semin’s probably here as long as Ovechkin is, unless he leaves himself. I don’t think he’ll be traded.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 21, 2009 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions
I would never trade Semin, personally, but most of the trade Semin talk is generally about the value he could bring in a trade, and it is staggering. He’s essentially LW 1A to Ovechkin’s LW 1.
A lot of it is based in the idea that the team might have to move one of their “young guns” to work things out under the cap and that he’s the best option.
I don’t see how, honestly. Ovechkin is all professional, but i think he’d be hurt if Semin got traded. I think the Caps have to keep the “Young Guns” together if they want a Cup. That’s the core to build around, and, unfortunately, they’re going to be expensive.
Luckily, they’re not going to be as expensive as Green (the potential, possibly even likely, Norris winner) and Ovie. That and we won’t have Nyles, Feds, Kozlov (likely), and Poti (also likely) clogging up our cap. Something everyone’s going to have to realize is team worth as opposed to self-worth. Ovechkin got his mega-contract for two reasons: because he earned it, and because nobody was going to beat it. If Backstrom and Semin and Green can realize that staying together means Championships, they’ll all take pay-cuts, just like Spezza/heatley/Alfredsson (sp?) did in Ottawa.
They should be that smart, and I think they will be. I think the Caps will be fine with the cap in the future with them.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 21, 2009 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Ovechkin is all professional, but i think he’d be hurt if Semin got traded.
I’d just like to point out that this is really nothing but conjecture. I see it repeated a lot (so I’m not picking on you, DP), but don’t know how factual or valid it is. Maybe it is, maybe it isn’t. All I’m sayin’.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
They’re clearly the closest, pillow-fightiest guys on the team (publicly, at least). I think there’d be some backlash.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 21, 2009 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions
I wonder if they’d (the players) be up for renegotiating a cheaper per year, but long term deal to keep the group together
You can’t renegotiate existing contracts under the current CBA. I wouldn’t be shocked to see Backstrom and/or Semin take less than market value to stay in DC though.
Personally, I see everyone on this team as either “foundation” or “asset.” The former group of players include AO, Backstrom, Green and Laich. Varly could be on his way to joining them.
Semin is close and, to be sure, is one of the most valuable assets, but his durability and inconsistency of effort keep him from that group for me.
No one is talking about giving him away for the magical “second round pick,” but if the right deal was there, I think it’s possible to move him in a trade that betters the team. I’m hard-pressed to envision a realistic scenario in which AO, Backstrom or Green can bring a return that would make moving them worthwhile.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Okay, I’ll give you that, but one thing trading Semin can’t replace is the otherworldly offensive dimension he brings as the SECOND LW. I assumed you meant foundation as the group to build around, and I’ll agree with that. But if you aren’t building around Semin as the next offensive force (which the Caps have done, to this point, by trying to find a center for him – even if vicariously through finding Ovechkin a center), I think the Caps lose a lot to their team. There are good players around the league, but none like Semin. I wouldn’t trade Semin for Hossa, for example. Or Heatley. They can’t do anything by themselves. Semin can single-handedly dominate games.
It would have to be a hell of a return for Semin for them to trade him.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 21, 2009 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions
My point may have gotten lost in there:
I think the Caps think that he’s part of the foundation, now. Maybe not before last year’s playoffs, but definitely now.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 21, 2009 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Heatley can dominate. He was off Spezza’s line for most of the second half and continued to rack up goals. Not saying I’d trade him for Semin (because of Heatley’s contract) but I think Heatley is the better player (and I’d love for Semin to drive a Ferrari to the net like Heatley can).
Boo reference!
Heatley doesn’t have Semin’s set-up ability on top of his hands and wrist shot, though. They’re different players, I grant, but I disagree that heatley’s a better player.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 21, 2009 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions
I wouldn’t want Heatley on my team, for the sole reason of…well, it’s a sore topic, so I’ll let it go.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Apr 21, 2009 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions
if you aren’t building around Semin as the next offensive force (which the Caps have done, to this point, by trying to find a center for him – even if vicariously through finding Ovechkin a center), I think the Caps lose a lot to their team.
Is there a difference between increasing the team’s goals per game by .25 and reducing its goals against per game by .25?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Sorry, don’t follow. Otherwise, I’d say yes, as both are postive stats compared to what they were before.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 21, 2009 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m saying that just because you might not replace his offense doesn’t mean it’s impossible to better the team overall – replacing his O with a corresponding improvement in D could be a net win.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I think not replacing his offense would be disastrous for the team, especially when Ovie’s slumping. Semin’s the only reason we pulled out a lot of those games early on when Alex wasn’t scoring. I think that’s too big not to consider. He’s our only other pure goal scorer who doesn’t need a # 1 center to score (a la Heatley and Hossa). That and his defense is so markedly improved that it makes him all the more valuable.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 21, 2009 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Again, if they’re winning games 3-2 b/c they have a stud D instead of 4-3 b/c they have the stud #2 LW, I don’t see the difference, but this discussion is going nowhere fast.
I dig Semin. Big time. I’m just saying that if the right move came along that made the team markedly tougher to play against in their defensive zone, I’d be willing to wave buh-bye and take my chances with AO, Backstrom, Green et. al. at the other end.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
We can agree that relative value of a goal of offense and a goal of defense are equal standings-wise, but are they equal in terms of contract value?
For example, a lot of research has shown that baseball teams tend to undervalue positional defense. If we could observe a corollary (either way) in hockey, then there might be an exploitable market inefficiency.
My .02: there is only so much ice time to go around, so you want to maximize scoring and minimize scoring within that hard limit. Therefore, the most valuable players are those, like Datsyuk and Green, who can both add offense and play defense. I think, based on his performance this year, that Sasha qualifies as one of those players.
Meh. If you’re not dramatically improving the team’s probability of winning, then, as a fan, I’d take the offense every time. More fun to watch.
Not exactly on point, but I’m fairly convinced that great goalies are the most valuable players in the NHL, and if you believe most of the recent quant work, it’s by a fairly wide margin. It follows that I’d trade Semin for a top 5 goalie, but given Varly and Neuvirth, I’m not sure that’s necessary.
Yes. I would trade Semin and Theo for Roberto Luongo. :)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I don’t think that people on this board want to trade Semin because he can be improved upon (maybe mid-season that was legit, but not any longer). Trading Semin would happen because GMGM was up against a dollar figure that wouldn’t allow him to sign the guys he wanted/needed.
The question then becomes is:
Semin > Backstrom?
Semin > Laich + Alzner + Godfrey?
The salary cap forces these sorts of choices to be made. Would I love to see Semin stay a Cap with Ovie/Green/Varly/Backstrom/Alzner but the salary cap will make this very difficult (not impossible).
Is Godfrey even still in the equation? I know he has a monster shot, but he doesn’t seem to be anything special when compared to Carlson or Finley (i know, but just another D).
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 21, 2009 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions
One other thought, Backstrom was so good he probably needs a separate post because he was just that awesome.
Backstrom was so good he probably needs a separate blog.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 21, 2009 7:33 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Hur kommer jag till Backstrom blogplatsen
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Apr 21, 2009 7:37 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
He’s just rearranging the line from one of the in-game videos they play during intermissions. “Swedish Lessons with Nicky” or something like that. One of the lines was “How far to the airport?” He’s replaced flyg with blog. Clever man, that Peerless.
On a completely unrelated note, the Swedish Chef was clearly the greatest Muppet of all.
I challenge any fan in that video to identify themselves :)
by Stephen Pepper on Apr 21, 2009 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Sergei Fedorov is looking his age. Viktor Kozlov is looking Fedorov’s age.
That’s $6.5 million in cap hit that is playing itself off the roster for 2009-2010. If the Caps can move Nylander, there’s $11.375 million.
Given that the Caps don’t really have anyone in the system who looks as if they could be a top-six forward with attitude next year, there could be money/room available to find that player. I’m not seeing Alex Ovechkin as the big hitter on the top-two lines as a long-term strategy I’d like to keep testing.
If you've read this far...seek help.
While I (sorta) agree with you, this is the kind of thinking that netted us Kozlov, Nylander, Poti, Fedorov and Clark in the first place. I think part of the problem is that you have to sign a guy for several years, knowing full well that in the last year or so of his contract, he’ll probably be taking up someone else’s space, both roster-wise and cap-wise.
If the Caps could make a trade where we swing an excess D-man, a grinder (Gordon) and a prospect for a guy in his mid-20s, I’d be cool with that. Or if we could sign one of the new wave of super-young RFAs, I’d also be OK with that. I’m just worried about tying up cap space with someone who’s, by definition, going to be a role player, when we’ve got Backstrom and Semin coming up for new contracts after next year, and there’s the possibility the cap could go down.
As much as I’m loathe to admit this, I think the Penguins actually showed how to do it this year: let some of your vets go; gain cap space; see which of your young guys is capable of stepping up; and backfill with veterans where needed. I still think their overall plan is a bit shortsighted, since I think trading away a heap of younger guys for old vets quickly begets a treadmill effect, but you can’t really argue with the results at the end of the year.
You can’t argue with the results but I’d rather not take that path. How many picks/prospects have they had to give up at each of the last deadlines to fill out that roster? Last year they gave up 2 roster players, a first, and a prospect (their previous first); this year they gave up Whitney and a pick, although they did get a prospect back and Kunitz is at least still under contract. Filling out your team at the trade deadline is not an efficient way to round out a roster.
Ah Ulf, hope you pass through fire on your way to hell.
The Backstrom play on the second (I think) assist, where he held his ground on an incoming Rag, then making the pass to Semin? Thing of beauty.
Ben Olsen > Wells Thompson
1) Spot on game analysis. Specifically despite the win Green looked awful. Fleischmann is back to his usual form; getting oodles of chances but unable to convert on any. Feds has ‘looked his age’ most of the season (when healthy). He’s done.
BTW, anyone missing Schultz on the back line?
I find sometimes it's easy to be myself
sometimes I find it's better to be somebody else
Hm. I did not specifically follow Green’s play, but my impression was that he played fine. Had some hits and nice rubouts in the defensive zone, a couple good keep-ins, moved the puck nicely through center…I don’t remember anything glaringly awful?
Green
played his defender role well and rarely jumped up in the play. it was a total team effort.
by ns on Apr 21, 2009 8:32 AM EDT up reply actions
He doesn’t have his usual speed, though. He made a few hits, but he looks flu-ish/sluggish.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 21, 2009 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions
Kind of funny how Green gets slammed all year as being either:
1. A mediocre defenseman with amazing offensive abilities.
2. A terrible defenseman who might as well be a forward since that is what his focus is.
And yet when he turns off his forays into the deep enemy territory he gets called out for having an off game.
That said, is there still a shoulder problem or is BB just keeping him on a very tight reign?
by HateOffSeason on Apr 21, 2009 9:43 AM EDT up reply actions
Turning point is right.
That Callahan shot goes in, we’re looking at a completely different game. Was pleased to see that finally some breaks and bounces are going the Caps way. It’s about time.
Regarding Varlamov, he was good. Only seriously tested a couple of times, but he passed ’em when he had to. I remember a couple times thinking, “Theo might have given one up there”. I thought by and large the amount of shots was acceptable, given where they were mostly coming from.
Finally, Henrik won one for his team in Game 2. Time for AO to take one for the good guys in Game 4.
I remember a couple times thinking, "Theo might have given one up there".
I don’t recall any sequence when I thought that, and to be honest, I still think Theo’s getting a bad rap. Not to take anything away from Varly, whom I do think gives us a better chance to win, I just don’t like that all of the Caps problems from Game 1 are being placed on Theo.
As far as the saves Varly did make… a lot of his “great” saves were the result of poor rebound control from what I saw. The initial saves were good, but the rebounds were the ones that were tough, and I don’t think Theo throws that many pucks back out in front.
I don’t recall any sequence when I thought that, and to be honest
But you see, THAT is exactly the problem with Theo. I sure as shit don’t recall thinking that we were in trouble when Gomez came driving in for that first goal of the series…but apparently we were all wrong.
Preee-cisely.
Two times in particular I remember. Naslund was driving down the right wing, had a defender to the inside, and he got to the top of the circle and cranked out a slapper. Now, that was a pretty routine save, as the G saw it all the way, it was not from the slot, and Varly made the save. I just thought at the time that Theo might’ve let that one trickle through.
Second one was more difficult, the Rags had some traffic in front, and one of the D got a shot through. Varly made a pretty nice kick save, showed good reactions. Had the same thought.
Again, I see this point too and I’m not arguing that Varly isn’t the right choice… I think he is the right choice and probably gives us a better chance to win.
My point is too much is being heaped on Theo… Why should Naslund be able to walk in from the half wall to the middle of the circle, unobstructed. Granted the save could’ve been made, and probably should’ve been made… but Naslund doesn’t exactly have a weak and inaccurate shot. Why was no defender there to Block or even obstruct him a little?
The Naslund goal has nothing to do with Theo. Noone, barring a highlight reel save, is going to make that. I don’t think that’s what we’re really talking about.
it’s exactly what I’m talking about… everyone saying Theo’s the reason, he wouldn’t have made this save or that….
I don’t think he’s blameless… not at all. But spread the blame around a little… not every goal is the goalies fault entirely.
by Scofield on Apr 21, 2009 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
The backlash against Theo might be strong, but quite frankly a lot of goalies would stop that Naslund goal. My biggest complaint about Theo (and the reason for my complete loss of confidence in him) concerns his lack of proper positioning. In the last game of the regular season and Game 1 he was routinely out of position and got beat several times on chances that a good goalie stops.
I found myself thinking “I’m not sure Theo makes that save” many times, particularly on some of the Rags’ quick shots from unusual angles. I’m probably being too hard on him, but it’s hard to shake that feeling once you get it.
The Naslund and Antropov goals were not the ones that had people up in arms with Theo. Goals 1 and 4 were the ones that people are upset about. 2 soft goals is unacceptable for a veteran goalie in the NHL. You may not have been looking at the saves Varlamov made and saying “Theo doesn’t make that” but that depends on which Theo shows up, and that’s the problem. If you don’t know what kind of game your goaltender is going to bring, ex ante, then it is hard to trust him in a situation where one bad game can all but seal your season.
I see your point, but from the looks of it… Theo was in decent position, and if that shot doesn’t flutter off Gomez’s stick, he makes the save.
That’s why you see so many of those little flutter-ball shots go in, goalies are expecting a shot with some zip and they read a shooters stick/shot… they react to what they see. one of Theodore’s biggest strengths is his ability to read the shooter (especially one-on-one… I believe BB said something to this effect a week or so ago…i’ll try to locate that). So when the shot dictates high glove (in the case of theo since he’s lefty) and flutters just over the pad, it’s just “one of those things”. I think most goalies would tell you that…. IMO
Maybe…or maybe he should have been tight against the post taking away that entire corner AND the angle.
And there’s no doubt about Theo’s 1-on-1 talent.
There’s also no doubt that Varly has held the Rags w/o a goal for almost 2 games now, rebound control or not. Hasek had sub-par rebound control, didn’t seem to hurt his stats much.
These are the numbers I have come up with for Varly and Theo. I’m not that great with math, but I think I have figured this one out.
Varlamov=Proactive
Theodore=Reactive
Proactive>Reactive
wouldn’t this be contradictary if you chancd the names???
Varlamov = proactive
Lundqvist = reactive (hence why it’s been brought up so much that he sits so deep in the net)
Don’t get me wrong… I’m not bashing Varly, I love the kid and hope he plays like this for the next 15 years in a caps sweater. But I don’t think Lundqvist is a “proactive” goalie, but he’s better than Theo by a long shot… and proven (length of career so far – 6 games is a small sample) better than Varly.
I like Theo, I really do. I think if he would just tighten up his game that extra notch or two he could really be good again. But it just hasn’t happened. He still gives up the softies at some of the most inopportune times and it really killed the team in Game 1, and that combined with Henrik’s game 2 performance just may be too much for Red Jesus and his Apostles to overcome.
BTW, now the pressure is wholly on the Rangers. They haven’t scored in nearly two games; they are facing a waking beast in the Capitals offensive potential; Avery is a distraction; and Torts is going to be apoplectic.
They basically have to win Game 4. So do the Caps.
My only fear is that the Caps pay more attention to the final score from last night than they do the grind it took to get there, and don’t come out focused…
Winner of Game 4 takes the series…
My only fear is that the Caps pay more attention to the final score from last night than they do the grind it took to get there, and don’t come out focused…
I couldn’t help thinking the same thing as the game progressed last night. If the Caps go into game 4 wanting to rest on their laurels, it will be a long night for them.
by Moonage Daydream on Apr 21, 2009 8:34 AM EDT up reply actions
I hope this has flipped the proverbial switch in their heads and they’ll play like we know they can.
So when does Theodore go back in?
Great game by the Caps. About what was needed: an early breakthrough.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
I think i’d rather have Allan Bester at this point than Theodore
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 21, 2009 8:30 AM EDT up reply actions
Awesome little bit that's gone unnoticed...
Varlamov “Sean Averys” Sean Avery with a little groin tap — plays it cool and draws the penalty/misconduct. Czarlamov is ice cold; I love it.
Watch the video around the :38 mark.
The keyboard is mightier.
Oh, Varly definitely lit the fuse on that one. OFB has his postgame remarks:
[Dmitry Chesnokov]: Tell us about the episode with Avery.
Varlamov: “Well, everyone knows that he skates around trying to get everyone fired up. And I know about it. We talked about it at the team meetings as well. That’s why I do not pay attention to such incidents. Yes, I know and actually saw how he was swinging his stick in front of Brodeur. I am ready for his provocations.”
“I just touched him a little bit. And that’s it. He reacted with a lot of emotion. He started yelling something. Of course, I didn’t understand half of it.”
DC: It looked like he hit you really hard.
Varlamov: “It was a good [punch]. It didn’t feel nice. But there’s nothing serious. A game is a game. My main objective is to catch pucks and concentrate on my own game and not to notice what he does.”
DC: It looked like nothing was going to throw you off tonight!
Varlamov: “I try not to react to these incidents.”
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And he did a great job. Suddenly the Rags have a quandary much like the one we had.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
Not quite. All the Rags have to do is play .500 and they win the series in 7. Even after last night, if the Caps play .500, they lose.
The problem for the Rags is that they ARE a .500 team; so essentially they have to play virtually flawless AND hope that the Caps screw up. Which worked for 2 games, although I wouldn’t call their team play “flawless” more like the Caps screwed up Game 1 and Henrik won Game 2 by himself.
Thought the Caps also screwed up Game 2 to the extent that they got frustrated and abandoned the offensive system. They started trying to win with 1-on-1 moves and settled for a lot of wristers from above the circles. That’s not going to work. Getting to the net, like they did early last night, is going to be the ticket.
Let’s hope they keep it up.
Sorry, but your logic is flawed. You’re forgetting that they’re a .500 team because they’re flawed. They don’t need to play flawlessly, they need to play to the level of their ability, nothing more, nothing less and they should win.
The Caps are the ones who need to play beyond their abilities. It’s possible, but difficult. They need to win 3/4, or .750. Their winning percentage this year? .610. There’s a reason teams don’t often come back from down 0-2.
If both teams play to their “abilities” the Caps would win 3/4, I have no doubt about that. Not to mention that’s how the regular season played out.
Sorry, but as good as the Caps have been/are, they are not a .750 team. That would be a 62 win/123 point season, without any “loser points.” That’s just ridiculously good.
You're right
They’re not….
If they are playing 82 games against the whole league. But against the Rags, who you may remember is the team we are playing RIGHT NOW, they had a .750 winning % and a .875 point %
Hmm. The Caps won 3 this season, and lost one. (Yes, it was the shootout, but there is no shootout in the playoffs, so…).
So far, in the playoffs, the Caps have lost 2 and won 1.
4-3. 4 wins out of 7 games. That’s 57%. That’s even worse than their overall record.
Caps record is also skewed (amazingly) by a bunch of losses against non-playoff teams. Caps v. playoff teams is a different team than Caps v. non-playoff teams (as we all know). I’m not buying into this season win % nonsense. There are tops 4 games left. Caps need to win 3. The Caps are the vastly superior team. Despite the 2-1 deficit I think this series is still in the Caps’ hands.
Except that they went 3-1 against the Rags in the regular season, and 2-0 in games not decided by a shootout. The Rangers may be a .500 team, they weren’t this season against a team as good as the Caps.
That said, they’ve won 2 of the 3 games that count so far. The Caps must continue to play like they did in Game 3 until this series (and the playoffs, for that matter) is over.
Ok, doing the above over again, and removing the two shootout games (or treating them as ties), we’ve got Caps: 2 regular season wins, 1 post-season win.
Rangers: 0 Regular season wins, 2 post-season wins.
Five total games (not counting the shootout/ties). 3 Caps wins, 2 Rangers wins. That’s 60%, the same as the Caps total ALL YEAR LONG.
I’m not saying it’s impossible, I’m saying it’s improbable.
For the record, the only shootout in the series was a NYR victory. The Caps won the 5-4 OT game which is a win…in any NHL scoring system.
Yeah, but if you’re going to chuck the SOL, I think you need to chuck the OT win. Teams simply don’t play the same in the regular season OT as they would in the playoffs, due to the different formatting.
Good point. Bad memory for me today. I guess I can still see the argument for excluding the OT win because of the weird incentives for a team like the Rags to go for the shootout, but thanks for pointing that out.
In any event, I don’t think anyone is arguing that the Rags have a 2-1 series lead or that the playoff wins and losses are all that matter. But I do think there is reason to believe that the Caps will beat the Rags 2/3 of the time if their goalie isn’t blowing the game, stats be damned.
I’m not being negative, I’m being realistic. The Caps hosed themselves by dropping the first two games. I’m rooting like all hell for them to win the series, but I think there are some people who are forgetting the magnitude of the task in front of them, simply because the Caps looked great last night.
My point is that, because the Caps lost the first two, all the Rangers need to do is be their mediocre selves for the rest of the series and they can win it. It sucks, but pretending it isn’t so won’t make it go away.
If this improves things:
Just to finish, I don’t think I’m being overly optimistic. If the Rags decide to
be their mediocre selves for the rest of the series
I don’t think they will win it. As long as the Caps come out ready to play like last night.
If the Caps come out and play like they played last night through the rest of the playoffs, the Cup is as good as there’s. Few teams would have been able to stand that onslaught last night. The Caps were completely dominant, with just a tiny bit of luck.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 21, 2009 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree with part of the above…I don’t think the statistical argument applies here. This isn’t like flipping a slightly weighted coin 4 times and hoping it comes up right 3 times, this is about the Rangers having no answer for the Caps offense playing at a high level and no offensive ability themselves whatsoever. These are independent events, this is the Rangers standing in front of a tsunami.
That said, doing this to the Rangers is one thing. Doing this to any team they would play in the second round and beyond is something else. But for now, I’ll jsut sit back and hopefully watch them get through this series in good shape.
Can see Avery learning a few Russian words/phrases to use next game.
I find sometimes it's easy to be myself
sometimes I find it's better to be somebody else
C’mon, folks – you know better than the stuff that came after this post that I had to hide…
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If the pic is out of line, I apologize. I was trying to be tongue-in-cheek. No offense meant to either the gay or BDSM communities.
Given Avery’s smirk when Clarkson chucked him around like a rag-doll, he does seem to enjoy the rough stuff though.
No worries – I just didn’t like where that was headed.
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I watched it all right, more for Torts facial expressions than anything else.
Ben Olsen > Wells Thompson
by Bald Pollack on Apr 21, 2009 8:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Great observation – I didn’t catch it live or in the replay. That’s just unbelievable that a kid playing his second NHL playoff tilt is that cool, confident and calculating. Czarlamov! Love it…
I don’t know how long he can keep it up, but we could be watching the start of something big. This could be like Patrick Roy in ’86.
If the kid plays like Roy the rest of his career, I’ll take that.
Ben Olsen > Wells Thompson
by Bald Pollack on Apr 21, 2009 8:38 AM EDT up reply actions
That’s hilarious :)
He does the quick groin check and then as Avery whips around, he starts looking off to his right, to the rafters, leaning his arm on the crossbar – content that if he didn’t received a penalty for the nut whack then this unpleasant man yelling strange foreign things in his face will eventually be gone and then he can get back to work.
Last comment of the playoffs.
Boy, if me disappearing is what it’s going to take to get a performance like that out of the guys, I’ll see you at the end of the run! Now let’s do it again in Game 4.
No, seriously. I’m getting ready to sit IT certification exams and for the next while will have my nose buried in a network lab or a book when I’m not at the Phone Booth or a bar screaming my head off. SoI will be taking a break from the blogs, following Tarik’s Twitter for Caps news, and I’ll come back and read your fine analyses when the madness is done.
One thing that you didn’t mention that made me giggle a lot – Avery getting a 10-minute boot for a act that didn’t do him any good. Memo to Avery and Torts – Varlamov does not speak English. Chirping at him is a waste of time.
As for Erskine, it looked to me like if the linesmen had not stepped in when they did, Erskine was getting ready to flatten Avery. But when Avery decked Varly, the linesmen were already steering both of them away from the net. To go after him then would have meant a penalty that wasn’t worth it at that stage – Avery was already getting the boot and didn’t get anywhere (thank you language barrier). Avery melted down, and it cost the Rangers, big-time.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
Don’t forget our Twitter, Sparkly. You know, for the real good stuff. :)
And I know Bruce has the “he doesn’t speak English” quote and so on, but what Avery says and how he acts is in the universal language of douche.
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If I were the Rangers, I’d bring in Claude Lemieux as personal coach for Avery. Lemieux could be a total pest/jackass when it was needed, but he could turn it off and just play hockey when that was more important. Avery doesn’t seem to be able to do that.
Moreover, regardless of his behavior on the ice, apparently Lemieux was one of the nicest, most soft-spoken guys off of it.
I think he knows more English than we’re giving him credit for.
by Scott in Shaw on Apr 21, 2009 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions
With respect to OV’s back check on the powst today… If the “cleaning up his own mess” was in reference to his diving play to swat the puck.
I must disagree. The pass hit his far skate instead of being on his stick side (a deflection maybe) and he looked like he readjusted in the last second.
Not saying its never happened before though.
Coin Flips
I agree with much of what’s been said, although I’d quibble with the Fleischmann comment a little. Yes, he didn’t finish his chances, but to be fair, neither did Ovechkin. Have we already forgotten Flash’s deflection goal in Game 1? Bruce keeps him in the game because he’s capable of generating chances like the one last night where Lundqvist robbed him, and the rest of the Caps’ secondary players really aren’t.
To paraphrase one of the in-game videos from the VC, “life’s this game of coin flips. . . the coin flips we see are everywhere around us.” The coin flip last night was Callahan hitting the post. An inch to the right and that puck is in, the game’s tied and the Caps are back to wondering how they’ll beat Lundqvist.
On a higher level, each game of this series is a coin flip, except in this case, the probability isn’t 50/50, it’s more like 60/40 weighted in favor of the Caps, since they’re clearly the “better” team. The problem is, the Rangers got “lucky” on their first two flips, and as we all know from school, the result of the current flip of the coin is totally independent of the ones that preceded it: the probability always stays fixed.
There are 4 games left, and the Caps need to win 3 of those. Wednesday’s game is absolutely crucial, because if they win that, suddenly the probability is on their side. The nice thing about probability is, the Caps are just as likely to win tomorrow as they were last night: 60%.
Have we already forgotten Flash’s deflection goal in Game 1?
Not at all. Nor have we forgotten the three months that led up to it. Flash is a damn good AHLer. He has yet to prove that he’s more than that in my book.
And isn’t it “life’s a game of inches… the inches we see, etc.”?
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Look, if Peerless can turn flygplatsen into blogplatsen, I’m allowed to turn inches into coin flips. . . :)
I’d disagree a little about Flash. 20-ish goals in a year isn’t an accident. He’s way too inconsistent, I agree, but at the same time, if he can put together a run of good games (which he did several times this year), he could be the difference in a series or two.
Fair enough, though I question whether his regular season skills translate well to the post-season.
Also, while I agree about 20-ish goals and note Flash’s development, I’ll ask aloud – do we think that Alex Giroux could not have scored 20 given Flash’s ice time this year? I’m not saying that I’d have perferred it or that it would have been better for the team – I wouldn’t have and it wouldn’t have. But I think that Flash was given plenty of opportunity to succeed, and did so fairly modestly.
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That’s a good question. Still, I’ll take Flash’s 20 goals and decent PK abilities at $750k. Kozlov’s disappearing act is much more expensive.
Sure is, and I think we agree that the best thing about Flash right now is his contract.
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I will say this though, Giroux managed to look pretty lost for the few games he was up here. Maybe he’d look better after a couple of weeks though.
Oh
I don’t know about that. Giroux wasn’t very good for sure, but he created a number of chances, at least two breakaways and drew a penalty shot IIRC, just didn’t finish, much like Flash. I’ll take Fehr w/18 min per game over Flash w/18min per game ESPECIALLY in the playoffs.
And by “created” you mean “cherry-picked.”
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I was more thinking defensively. He took several really bad penalties. Say what you will about Flash, but at least he stays out of the box. Stays out of the crease, too, but what can you do?
And draws penalties at a fantastic rate.
But yeah, Rooster had some bad penalties.
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And draws penalties at a fantastic rate.
I’m gonna go out on a limb and say that it’s because he doesn’t get wiped out everytime someone makes contact with him and instead keeps his feet moving and draws the HHT.
Strength.
For all his faults, the thing about Flash is that he sees the puck a lot more than Fehr does. Good players just seem to have the puck follow them, and that certainly happens to Flash.
He just has trouble burying them.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 21, 2009 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions
Fehr’s big problem is his skating. I think his back/hip injury hindered his development to a tremendous degree. I wish I had seen him play in junior, but I’m guessing that he dominated due to his size. Regardless, he just can’t keep up with Ovie, Backstrom, Semin and Flash.
On a positive note, skating can be improved with dedication. Just look at the strides Lucic made from last year to this year. He looked like a newborn foal on skates last year. This year, he’s actually a decent skater.
Holmstrom can’t keep up with Datsyuck and Zetterberg in open ice but that line is downright scary. If the two skill guys can get possession in the zone (which AO and Baxter should be able to do 90% of the time) then the big guy just needs to get to the net. SOB line dominated during their short time together last night because they got pucks deep in the corner and got the Rags turning to defend all angles and chasing the puck (instead of blasting shots through 2 D from just inside the blueline).
They were also together only for about 15 secs each time they were, and i think that helped. Semin was effective in the very short time, not much time to think about being fancy. I wonder if they planned it that way.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 21, 2009 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Holmstrom gets most of his top-line time on the PP, and I think that Fehr could be effective in a similar role. Holmstrom has also worked hard on his skating. He’s still awkward though. . .
Holmstrom played a regular shift with Hank and Datsyuck last year. He was injured for most of this year and Hossa changed the lines but my point remains that you can be a productive 5 on 5 player despite poor skating if you are used with the right complementary players.
Yeah. I wish I could see Fehr on a line with Ovie and Backis this year, but the few times it happened, their transition offense sputtered. They were great in the offensive zone, but they struggled to get there.
Hopefully, he goes home to Manitoba and works on his skating. Then he comes in here next year and seizes Kozlov’s place on the first line and doesn’t let go.
I think I’m just a little pissed that two players, with similar success at all levels (minus NHL, of course), and completely different strengths and weaknesses get ABSURDLY different playing time for a reason that just isn’t apparent to anyone other than Bruce. Hell, they were pretty good playing TOGETHER on the Triple F line. Just don’t get, that’s all.
When we had a Flash vs. Fehr discussion a while back, I kept coming back to two points:
1) Flash is a better skater than Fehr, which allows him to keep up with the top-six forwards, particularly on the breakout. Fehr is slooooooow.
2) Fehr’s superior defense gives him a comparative advantage at playing on the third line.
I’d like to see what Fehr could do with consistent PP time though. Put Laich in front of the net for unit one, and Fehr for unit two.
That’s fine. I don’t agree with every point but so be it. The fact of the matter is the only person in the entire lineup with less ice time than Fehr last night….
Donald Brashear
I mean, seriously???
RE: Flash
Two words: Jiri Hudler.
Drafted a year ahead of Flash by the Wings in essentially the same draft slot. Perennial AHL star/NHL bust. Put up decent stats playing for the Wings over the last couple of years, but nothing spectacular given the talent level of that team. Questions about his defense/size/desire abounded.
Flash forward to this year: 23/34/57. I don’t know about you guys, but if Flash puts that stat line up while making $750k, I’m freaking dancing naked in the streets. (well, more than usual, anyhow)
I would too. But until then he doesn’t need to be on the first PP over Brooksie. I understand how much potential Bruce thinks Flash has (30-40g, which is absurd) but he got 16min/g this year and put up 19/18/37. I’m sure he’ll get better but by how much? Really? And Hudler put up his stats with 2:30 less per game.
I’m certainly not one for blindly trusting authority, but here’s one case where I’ll give Bruce the benefit of the doubt. He has coached Flash for the better part of four years now. If he thinks he has that kind of potential, and the Red Wings’ scouts thought he had that kind of potential, I’ll buy it.
If his contract comes up, and the best line that he has put up by then is 20/20/40 +10, then we can reassess.
Don’t forget that the Caps’ scouts thought he had that kinda potential, too, or we wouldn’t have traded for him. Everyone sees the potential (even us), just not the results we expect.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 21, 2009 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions
Red Wings scouts saw his potential when they drafted him, but also when they traded him. Maybe Flash is the Red Wings’ Teddie Ruth.
And he played himself off the top line at Notre Dame, right? Am I remembering that correctly?
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 21, 2009 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
which also commends it as a trading commodity.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Apr 21, 2009 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions
Dam good AHL-er. Exactly. He has the good ofensive instincts that place him in the right spot, but lacks the speed, hands, stength to finish
I find sometimes it's easy to be myself
sometimes I find it's better to be somebody else
Speed: check.
Hands: check.
Strength: so-so.
The problem with Flash isn’t his skills. The dude can skate and dangle. You don’t get chances like he does without that. His lack of finish is problematic, and so are his periodic disappearing acts. I think those are more mental/confidence-based than anything else.
Correct
Correct
Weak; no way would I consider Flash’s strength so-so, when he gets checked he’s done. It happened on more than one occasion last night.
And Flash didn’t create his chance last night. Potty did with an amazing pass. Steckel or Gordon could have been standing there for a wide open pass and blown the breakaway.
It doesn’t work that way – unless Flash skates to the open ice, Potsy has nobody to pass to. It was a good play all-around.
It also doesn’t change the fact that Flash can generate those sorts of chances. Say what you will about the dude, but he’s shifty.
I disagree. The other wing did a nice job getting control of the puck on the boards, moved the puck to Pothier and then Pothier hit Flash who was near standing still. He didn’t exactly need a ton of speed or hockey sense to get himself open there. Pothier’s pass made that play happen, if that puck gets out of the zone we may be complaining about Flash being caught in the offensive zone.
I agree with the notion that Flash generates chances others don’t. He does a good job of being in the right place at the right time, but a pretty bad job of finishing (at least since the 2nd half began).
I think Flash made a great move on Lundqvist (not a lot of 3rd liners display that kind of patience in a scoring situation), but Hank just made a better save.
I know they’re different players with different styles…but Flash put up the same points that Laich did last year. Maybe I’m just a Flash lover…gingers have to support gingers or something…but too me that says something.
The problem that I have with Flash is that he’s considered a potential 35+ goal scorers, but has only proven to be a 20 goal guy. Flash has more skills than Brooks does, so the fact that he and Brooks have the same production is frustrating.
If he pots two more in the series my tune might change.
Most importantly, at 725K he’s worth it.
Re: Flash, he had two chances in the slot without a skater draped over him, and both (IIRC) miss the net.
Granted he can generate the chances, but to both paraphrase (and bring home) the Mortal Kombat from last night, he needs to FINISH THEM…
Ben Olsen > Wells Thompson
by Bald Pollack on Apr 21, 2009 8:35 AM EDT up reply actions
The coin flip last night was Callahan hitting the post. An inch to the right and that puck is in, the game’s tied and the Caps are back to wondering how they’ll beat Lundqvist.
Can we please stop ignoring Backstrom’s effort and impact on the Callahan shot? He got his stick on the puck and forced it to that side of the net. Could it have gone in? Yes. Did Callahan just shank it of his own volition? No. And the way the Caps played last night I’m not convinced that we wouldn’t have been able to rebound. It would have been tougher and given the Rags a jump but we dominated that game start to finish. Callahan-off-the-post may have been an early turning point but was not outcome determinative. The game was decided because the Caps outplayed the Rags for 60 minutes, as Torts noted in his presser, refusing to blame bad officiating.
I wasn’t ignoring Backstrom necessarily, since I didn’t say how it happened, merely that it did. Maybe it was all Backis, maybe it wasn’t. But you can’t tell me that wasn’t a seriously lucky break for the Caps.
Yeah maybe it was lucky. But characterizing it as a coin flip is just not accurate. Backstrom played hard on D, then went down, flattened Callahan, two passes later we are up 2-0. Luck? Maybe. Effort? Definitely. The Caps also got lucky that Hank didn’t do a real double pad stack on Semin’s first goal. If he doesn’t get his bottom pad stuck under him he saves that. If AO doesn’t shoot half an inch too high game 2 goes to OT. If Theodore gives the Caps veteran NHL netminding we win game 1. All those things were “lucky.” None of those things were “coin flips.” They were the result of objective actions taken by NHL players. The series is 2-1.
Faith
Have faith, all ye who stood at the edge of the cliff on Saturday afternoon. All ye who were chewing on the business end of a gun, have faith.
uhh...uhh...uhh...
The Erskine/Avery thing has been going on since Game 1, and its really been one of the most enjoyable battles of the series.
I like the Jon Erskine “Pest Killer” gimmick. I would buy an Erskine “Orkin Man” T Shirt in a second
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 21, 2009 8:33 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Nice. Though Ersky did get goaded into a penalty by Avery in Game 1, he has since been in complete control.
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Also, I forgot to mention it, but Scott Gomez is a dirty little bastard, too. Briere-like, even, with that stick.
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Ok, it wasn’t that bad. That kind of crap is going on behind the play all the time – players are usually smart enough to not get caught.
There was another one in the dying minutes as well.
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Didn’t see that. I was too busy commenting. I still have yet to get quick enough that I can comment and watch intently at the same time.
We’re working on the Brainwave Transcriber (© Japers’ Rink Industries 2009) to help with that.
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Hmm. I’m thinking that might be dangerous. All it would transcribe for me is: hockey, boobs, hockey, war, boobs, hockey, cars, war, boobs, hockey, beer, hockey, bikes, boobs, hockey, beer, hockey, boobs, hockey, baseball, boobs, war, hockey.
On the plus side, you could have the most popular site on the internet.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Is that supposed to help the quality of the posts on this site? Better wait for SBN to have a “delete comment” button before you release that one to the general public J.P.
True. Given what gets posted, I shudder at some of the stuff people must have thought, “Y’know, I’ll just keep that to myself” about. :)
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Not at all, just a general thought. But if you want to internalize it…
:)
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End of Game "hits"
The last minute and a half was filled by semi-late hits I guess which were meant to “send a message”. It felt like watching a teenager team getting frustrated and trying to hit everything that moves. But that just let me know the Caps really got inside their heads.
Wether you think you can or you can't, you're right! - Stewie Griffin
by SoMD Capsfan on Apr 21, 2009 8:51 AM EDT up reply actions
Unrelated Scott Gomez Aside
I think he’s playing his way off USA 2010. My dad (a Rags fan) vehemently disagrees. I don’t think he can be used in a checking role and I don’t think there is any way he is above Parise or Stastny on the depth chart.
I think he gets in on experience. And he is still a good center. Renney wasn’t the greatest coach, and the Rags aren’t an offensive powerhouse. I think that’s most of it.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 21, 2009 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions
But where does he play? I don’t think he’s a guy that can be moved to the wing very well so unless we go with 3 finesse/scoring lines I don’t see where he plays. Remember, this is a Brian Burke team. I see Drury on way before Gomez.
That’s kinda what I mean: I think he bumps Statsny out. Not on skill or performance, but on seniority. I don’t like it, but I think that’s what’s going to happen.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 21, 2009 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Bwaahahahahahahaha. Well, if that happens Team USA is a total joke. But I guess after Carlson not making the WJC it wouldn’t shock me. If anything I see Parise playing wing and Gomez making it. But Gomez hasn’t done a thing since he was on NJD and I don’t remember him playing all that well any time he dressed for Team USA.
I honestly can’t remember who was good for USA in the last olympics…
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 21, 2009 1:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Btw, I wonder what Stan Fischler is doing with that broom of his now.
Actually, no I don’t. Ewww…
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He’s probably telling it about the time that Lester Patrick suited up in goal for the Rangers back in 1928. . .
Senile old bastard.
Thanks for posting the link to Stan’s column, JP. As ludicrous as it is the first time around, it reaches new heights of absurdity in retrospect. Peerless he ain’t.
He’s somewhere past “Cheerless” on the dumb as a bag o’ rocks prognosticator. I think Stan needs to retire to Long Island and sit on the porch reminiscing about Andy Bathgate and such
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Apr 21, 2009 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions
Stan’s probably offering it hits from the Scotch bottle…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 21, 2009 9:19 AM EDT up reply actions
Stan makes me miss FireJoeMorgan
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 21, 2009 9:35 AM EDT up reply actions
maybe something involving Larry Brooks…
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Apr 21, 2009 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions
Bullet Points
1) Great analysis of Feds and Kozlov… although Kozlov looked pretty good as the game got later. He had some nice moves and such, but he does need to shoot more. Fedorov needs to get his shots on goal.
2) Fleischmann gets a jersey because he’s not Nylander…
3) Erskine may be the most valuable player on the team right now. He’s figured out how to get the Rangers ticked off… kinda like Sean Avery has tried to do…
Let's go Caps!
Avery Getting Suspended?
Pros:
1) The league told the officials and players that “sending a message” for the next game will not be tolerated in any way, shape, or form.
2) Milan Lucic (an all-star) was suspended for sending a message
3) Avery is no stranger to the NHL’s offices in New York. Heck, he’s probably sharing fashion advice with Bettman’s administrative assistant (by the way, tomorrow is Administrative Assistants day, so take some time out and thank them!)
Cons:
1) The jab to the head he gave to Varly wasn’t anywhere near as hard as some the jabs in the roughing penalties that Orr and Brash got.
2) Lucic received a Match Penalty for intent to injure, Avery received a misconduct
It’s up to the NHL now. I don’t really believe it mertis a suspension (He did get tossed from the game), but at the same time if the NHL wants to “send a message” and create an example, well, the poster child for example setting has given them the opportunity.
Let's go Caps!
I don’t WANT Avery suspended…I want him out there taking 5 stupid penalties again when he loses his cool.
That helps the Caps more than him being suspended
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 21, 2009 9:35 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yes
Leave him in. He helps the Caps more than he hurts them.
by Scott in Shaw on Apr 21, 2009 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Sure, he blew up last night, but he hardly cost his team the game. His pick on Green led directly to a key goal in Game 1, and he goaded the Caps into some dumb penalties in Game 2.
The Rangers’ record with/without Avery speaks for itself. They’re better with him on the ice, and with Drury hurt, they need all the forwards they can get.
good avery can be a difference maker in the same way that bad avery can be a difference maker. i’d rather he sit.
by Natty Bumppo on Apr 21, 2009 1:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Great stuff from Zipay, including:
Speaking of weather stuff, those dumb glowing thundersticks handed out didn’t help either. When did the Garden turn into some small-market joint? You know who enjoyed them the most? The guys in the Caps jerseys I saw stomping the discarded inflatables after the game…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
You know who enjoyed them the most? The guys in the Caps jerseys I saw stomping the discarded inflatables after the game…
ahahahahahahhaha awesome
by ns on Apr 21, 2009 9:42 AM EDT up reply actions
My wife brought that up last night. She thought NYC teams didn’t have to resort to gimmicks like that. (not the island of course – sorry isle fans)
When did the Lightning start playing in MSG? Seriously, an original six team handing out neon thunder sticks? That was lame with a capital L.
LOL
But I like thunder sticks…yay. BANG BANG BANGBANGNBANG! Of course when you (royally, as a fan base) consider yourselves “original” and “real hockey fans” and “lovers of Avery” etc, it seems pretty lame.
And throwing coins on the ice – FREAKING CLASSY. I was pissed when our fans through a towel on the ice – coins with TIME LEFT? disgusting.
Only thing that should be thrown on the ice are hats and an Octopus in Detroit (I don’t care, that sh!t’s tradition and its pretty damn cool) .
by vt caps fan on Apr 21, 2009 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions
Did they throw any loonies? Ovi collects them :)
by Scott in Shaw on Apr 21, 2009 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions
I think the temptation to do so was implied ;-).
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 21, 2009 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe its just me, but doesn’t this bite from Zipay
Love the free press, I grew up and made a career of it, but I’ve gotta laugh more and more at these “expert” bloggers who watch games on TV, never show up at a practice or a game, takes notes from the MSG broadcast, then read and cherry-pick all the immediate post-game reports from writers and columnists actually at the games, “borrow” some of that without recourse, and then post their opinions maybe, oh, FOUR hours later. Great country, this.
Sound like he’s ripping Fischler?
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 21, 2009 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions
I think Fischler’s act is pretty much a joke among the NY press. Really, who calls themselves “The Maven”? Stan’s kind of like that cranky uncle who’s always complaining about today’s kids and how he had to walk five miles to school in a blinding snowstorm. I doubt anyone’s taking him seriously.
Quoth The Maven, “I’ll bore you some more.”
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Apr 21, 2009 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Well, we also thought the Flyers didn’t have to give away t-shirts to make the whole arena orange, but we were wrong about that, too.
by Scott in Shaw on Apr 21, 2009 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions
Who knew all it took was chanting “Poti Sucks” to coax a goal out of him.
Perhaps the verizon center fans should take up this chant.
by Stormblue on Apr 21, 2009 10:13 AM EDT reply actions 4 recs
Well…that sounds fairly obscene.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Apr 21, 2009 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions
Nylander
I’ve been waiting for someone to mention how much better the Caps looked without a certain 92 on the ice. Did I miss it?
In all due fairness to Brash, who in his limited time played really really good, if you ask me, he only played a few minutes. A lot of people think Nyls out is addition by subtraction. I think if his replacement is only going to play a few minutes, it’s not worth it. Put Aucoin in there for 8 or something.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Apr 21, 2009 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions
As frustrating as I feel watcing Nylander can be, I feel the Caps win that game with or without him on the ice.
by PaintDrinkingPete on Apr 21, 2009 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Props to Erskine for NOT laying the guy out for punching your goalie. The ref was right there! Straight to the locker room with him and we get a “poti sucks” chant. That’s REAL enforcement.
Way to keep your cool AFTER he sucker punches you, AFTER he spears you AFTER he punches your goalie.
Avery was one of our best players thanks to Erskine keeping his cool.
Completely agree with this. The idea that Erskine “needs” to do something to Avery when Avery pops the goalie with the Ref already holding onto Avery makes no sense. Why “must” Erskine do anything? Was Varmalov hurt? Was he likely to get hurt? Was Avery going to go unpunished? Were the Caps not going to get a man advantage? Is Varlamov likely to lose his confidence b/c Erskine didn’t get, what, one punch in before the refs would have pulled the whole thing apart anyway?
No. No. No. No. And, No.
There’s some merit to hockey’s various code of honor requirements to match toughness with toughness, etc.. But when the other team acts incredibly stupidly, in a blazingly obvious way, in front of refs who have made it clear (in this game, finally) that they won’t turn a blind eye to Avery’s unsportsmanlike conduct, the only thing the Caps need to do is exactly what they have been doing. Keep their cool and let Avery give them PP after PP.
PS – been lurking since midyear. First post. Love this blog.
Hola, Carlos!
And my reaction may have been a bit knee-jerk.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I just got kicked out of Blueshirt banter for pointing out the rule on follow through.
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot.
you didn’t get kicked out, you were warned
If you have something to bring to the table, by all means do it. If you are just coming over to troll, don’t bother.
The person you replied to was at the game, so didn’t have the benefit of seeing 3 replays of the what happened.
Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers
Big Blue View: Unofficial New York Giants blog
by Jim Schmiedeberg on Apr 21, 2009 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
In fairness, no one here has a sense of humor.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Apr 21, 2009 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions
O -
If a Rangers fan came here and told us to quit bitchin’, we wouldn’t be happy. In fact, we weren’t (see Game 2). Golden Rule and all.
I have tons of respect for Blueshirt Banter, so if you can, try to remember that when you’re over there, you’re representing all Caps fans and, to an extent, this blog (since we’re on the same network and this is fairly your “home”).
And for heaven’s sake, don’t come whining back here about your treatment over there.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I do have respect them and have chosen not to comment over there or about the situation anymore, so its not a big deal.
Cool. Just want to head anything off before it escalates – last thing we need is a bunch of “them” thinking they need to troll here, y’know?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Woooooow.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Apr 21, 2009 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions
I don't know about you guys...
..but I’m definitely looking forward to seeing Philly and Pittsburgh beat the crap out of each other tonight.
Honestly, this has been the most entertaining Round 1 of the NHL Playoffs for a long time.
Absolutely. I hate Philly in a I’d-likely-do-terrible-things-to-their-corpses kinda way, but I’m pulling for them in Game 4. I want this to go all 7.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 21, 2009 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions
That was a great game last night. Unfortunate for Khabi to be sure, but a fun series.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 21, 2009 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions
true, true
I was too wound up to watch the WC game last night BUT i have been watching St. Louis-Vancouver and thinking the Canucks can really go far this postseason.
by DonnieKnutts on Apr 21, 2009 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Dreaded Ice Topic
At what point do we bring up the ugly spectre of the VC ice? I watched Game 2 on TV; then last night on the internet (a little fuzzy). Now I know MSG ice is not known as being anything other than average, but the puck seemed to actually glide. In Game 2 at VC, the puck seemed to almost stop in places, and the players lumbered around the surface (unlike last night) obviously to the detriment to the “more skilled” Caps. Whay ya’ll think?
MSG ice is at least as bad as the VC ice, though MSG ice may have had more time to sit than the VC ice did. There were definitely a couple of plays where the puck hopped when it shouldn’t have, the AO flub at the point to Korpikovsky being one of them.
I thought the announcers mentioned that the circus had just left town, so it probably didn’t sit very long.
To my untrained eyes, it looked pretty bad. I noticed a fair amount of lost edges.
by Scott in Shaw on Apr 21, 2009 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions
At what point do we bring up the ugly spectre of the VC ice?
Last season.
That said, Friday’s weather is calling for mid-70s and humid. Should make for a lovely sheet.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Turn that AC down to 40, crank the dehumidifiers up, and let the ice settle for the week.
We got a game 5 comin’
I’m not always sure that the bad ice is really that much of a detriment. There have been a few times this year where the VC has been cold and the ice has looked relatively good. One of those times, the Canes came in and spanked us 5-2. Also, our forays into Calgary and Minnesota this year (good ice in both) were not terribly successful.
On a positive note, the Caps have clearly received the memo: there are no more “promotions” on the ice during intermissions. They just go straight to the ice cut. And, for Game 1 at least, the arena was REALLY cold.
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Florida
|
53 | 25 | 17 | 11 | 61 |
|
Washington
|
54 | 28 | 21 | 5 | 61 |
|
Winnipeg
|
56 | 26 | 24 | 6 | 58 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
53 | 23 | 24 | 6 | 52 |
|
Carolina
|
55 | 20 | 25 | 10 | 50 |
(updated 2.10.2012 at 9:27 AM EST)
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