One Second In November
by David M. Getz on Apr 3, 2009 11:00 AM EDT
57 comments
One second can change everything.
The annals of sports history are full of games that have been won and lost in an instant. Walk off home runs, buzzer-beating jump shots, last-second field goals, inconceivably fortuitous extra time bounces, and puck ricochets seemingly born of divine intervention - these are the moments that generate genuine drama in the world of sports. For all the hours we spend watching, analyzing, and debating games (a Stanley Cup winning season must consist of at least 5,880 minutes of hockey for the winning team - more than four full days worth) it's the fact that the season can be determined in a moment that captures the attention of millions of fans. If this season's Capitals win an Eastern Conference Championship or even, knock on wood, even a Stanley Cup, it may well be because of such a play. How do we know? Because it has already happened.
On November 15th of last year, the Capitals were in Newark for the second game of a home-and-home series with the Devils, and tied with Jersey at 3-3 after two periods. In the third, the two teams traded goals at the outset. Then, with 8:20 remaining in the final frame of regulation, Devils winger Brian Gionta put one past Jose Theodore to give the Devils a 5-4 lead. Desperate to force overtime, the Caps buzzed around Scott Clemmensen, creating chances but failing to put one behind the journeyman goalkeeper and into the net. For the better part of the remaining eight-plus minutes, the Devils withstood the onslaught of an all out attack from one of the NHL's best offensive teams.
Then, with eleven seconds left Devils forwards John Madden and Jamie Langenbrunner had the chance to seal the victory by clearing the puck out of their own end just one more time, but the puck was held in by Mike Green and directed towards Alexander Ovechkin. An Ovechkin pass to Nicklas Backstrom resulted in an unsuccessful shot attempt and a throng of red and white jerseys, with Devils working to hold the puck until time expired and Capitals working to free the puck and get one last scoring chance.
Somehow the puck came free of the mass of bodies to Clemmensen's left and trickled towards Nicklas Backstrom. In one deft motion, the second year center corralled the puck and calmly sent it across Clemmensen's crease to tape of a waiting Ovechkin, who buried the feed in the back of the net to tie the game at five... with one second left on the clock.
One second can change a game.
The momentum carried over in to the extra frame somewhat - New Jersey was held shot-less while the Capitals tested Clemmensen twice - but wasn't enough, and eventually the Capitals fell in a shootout. At the time the extra point seemed like a consolation prize; a way to salvage an otherwise frustrating evening. Now, with the calender on April and the playoffs around the corner, that point could wind up meaning a lot more. At the moment Capitals stand three points ahead of the Devils in the race for second place in the East which, coupled with the fact that Capitals were only one point ahead of the Devils before their Wednesday night win against the Islanders, means there is a very real possibility that that single point could end up being the margin that gives the Capitals the Conference's second seed and guarantees home ice advantage for the playoffs' first two rounds.
One second can change a season.
Of course, the advantage of the number two seed goes beyond game day locale. Since the lockout, sixth seeded teams have beaten third seeded teams four times while only one seventh seeded team (the 2006 Colorado Avalanche) has beaten a second seed, a trend that seems poised to continue in the Eastern Conference this year. The most likely scenarios have either Carolina or Pittsburgh - two teams with significant playoff experience and hot goaltenders - winding up in the sixth seed. Meanwhile, the seventh seed is most likely to be one of New York, Montreal, or Florida, all of whom have battled inconsistency this season and all of whom will be exhausted from having to scratch and claw their way into the playoffs. Regardless of how the final standings shake out, one thing is almost sure to be true: whomever faces the sixth seed is going to have a much tougher path to the second round than whomever faces the seventh seed. It's that ripple effect that makes the East's second seed so desirable this year. An easier path to the second round means a team that's better rested mentally and physically, which (along with home ice advantage) makes it easier to win the second round of the playoffs, which....well, you get the idea.
Ultimately any measure of playoff success for the Capitals is sure to result in well deserved accolades for the team's biggest names and flashiest players. But that same playoff success may just come as a result of Nicklas Backstrom - a guy who lacks a physical gift as impressive as Ovechkin's power, Green's speed, or Semin's hands, and whose greatest competitive advantage might be what's between his ears - having the poise and the presence of mind to pass the puck with the clock about to hit zero.
One second, even in November, can change a franchise.
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Well done.
"Thank God there is a sport for middle-sized white boys.."
by Bald Pollack on Apr 3, 2009 11:23 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
For the sake of your team hopefully they read your excellant post and come out tonight motivated (unlike Wednesday) to take it to Buffalo. 2nd spot is theirs to lose!
by Fauxrumors on Apr 3, 2009 11:25 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Busy morning for you DMG, an article AND a game day preview… impressive.
by Sct112 on Apr 3, 2009 11:29 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Don't forget
Alex’s presence of mind to be in position to accept the pass and stuff it without mistake. We have a special, special team.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 3, 2009 11:43 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Well written — like poetry.
Some would argue, that beating the Leafs, Panthers, or any other team 1 more time would have been a better one second.
I’ll never forget that night against the Devils though. My friend had just got married and we were all rushing back to the hotel for the after party. We sat down and were able to enjoy most of the third. The groom came in at about 5 minutes left and everyone was still keeping their hopes high because you could just tell the Caps were going to score.
We wrecked that place when Ovi scored. Shots all around!
by zephyr on Apr 3, 2009 11:51 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
nice article! i was at that game, visiting some friends in jersey… and what a game it was.
by kellobellow on Apr 3, 2009 12:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Guess this begs the obvious question – what was the moment of the year?
Gotta admit, Pothier’s goal was pretty damn nice. Green’s record goal against Tampa, too. AO’s “Superman Spin,” as well. You guys can come up with the rest…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 3, 2009 12:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Not that it knocks any out of the top spot, but I’d add Shaone Morrisonn’s OT goal against the NYR capping off that comeback and leading to the Theo we’ve had since that game.
by Ames on Apr 3, 2009 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
That’s a great one.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 3, 2009 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was actually going to suggest that one but I decided against it since that goal was set up by a ridiculous game by AO. Shamo got the final glory but that was another game where AO willed the Caps to victory. If AO scored that goal it could be the top moment but since Shamo scored it drops a little bit in my mind. Probably not fair but that is how I feel about it. I’d say that was the single most important game of the season but not the best moment.
by Fehr and Balanced on Apr 3, 2009 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Of the games I’ve seen, periods 2 and 3 of that game were IMO the best Ovechkin played all season. His two third period goals against the Red Wings were rather tasty, as well.
by cuqui on Apr 3, 2009 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
AO’s tying goal in that game (if I remember correctly) was pretty tremendously triumphant.
Semin’s OT blast in Boston was another fun one.
by grapejoos on Apr 3, 2009 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or Semin’s laser to win the previous Boston game.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 3, 2009 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Indeed. I thought of that one but went with the one in Boston due to the OT and greater embarassment for the $5+m/year man in the net for the B’s.
by grapejoos on Apr 3, 2009 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree. That tying goal was so amazing maybe that is part of why Shamo’s goal doesn’t rank higher for me.
by Fehr and Balanced on Apr 3, 2009 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That is currently my favorite AO-jumping-into-the-glass moment.
by grapejoos on Apr 3, 2009 5:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rec that. On his birthday, no less! I’ll remember that game for a long time. (Plus, as been pointed out here many times, that game was probably a turning point in the Caps’ — and Theo’s — season.)
by Scott in Shaw on Apr 3, 2009 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I actually think the OT goal is on the top of my list. I used to turn games off when the caps go down 3+ goals and for some reason I didn’t that night. Just seeing how excited everyone on the bench and seeing BB smiling at the end of the game just made it stick in my mind.
by Ovechwin on Apr 3, 2009 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Caps fans should be hoping that "That moment’ hasn’t occurred yet!
by Fauxrumors on Apr 3, 2009 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
From a hockey standpoint, I’d have to say Ovechkin’s goal; from a human interest standpoint, Pothier’s return and goal. But I have to admit that one that always makes me smile thinking about is Brett Leonhardt on the bench on the jumbotron with “First NHL game” under his picture.
by David M. Getz on Apr 3, 2009 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gotta go with the Leonhardt moment…any fan’s dream…to suit up for their team just once.
by HateOffSeason on Apr 3, 2009 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, watching Leonhardt take warmups is another one that will stick in my mind for years.
That one I was in my usual seat in 429, having been made late by a SNAFU in picking up my friend’s daughter. I knew Theodore was out and they were trying to get Neuvirth, but work was such that I didn’t know about Leonhardt, so I spotted #80 on the ice and said “Guess that’s Neuvirth … no, name’s too long … LEONHARDT?!” I collapsed against the rail laughing my butt off – it was a good two minutes before I was coherent enough to explain to my friend who didn’t know who Leonhardt was.
And then I watched and said “OMG, this guy’s not half-bad.” I still don’t tthink he would have gotten torched that badly.
Man, what a night.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Apr 3, 2009 1:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And then I watched and said "OMG, this guy’s not half-bad." I still don’t tthink he would have gotten torched that badly.
No way. Would have been a shut out. SUNY-Oswego represent!
by David M. Getz on Apr 3, 2009 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought he went to Neumann.
by Fehr and Balanced on Apr 3, 2009 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Was the starting goalie for the SUNY Oswego Great Lakers
by Fauxrumors on Apr 3, 2009 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
http://neumannathletics.cstv.com/sports/m-hockey/mtt/leonhardt_brett00.html
Either is correct, it seems. Two years at SUNY-Oswego, at least one at Neumann. He wore a Neumann mask at the game, so I’ll assume that’s the one he holds closer.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Apr 3, 2009 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I knew about it, but missed all the fun. We got stuck in traffic on the GW Parkway and didn’t get to the game until the beginning of the second period. I was most annoyed.
by gfcaps fan on Apr 3, 2009 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Sequel. Ovie scores an amazing goal in front of the home crowd and I’d say the 1 second left score in Jersey, that was simply amazing.
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Apr 3, 2009 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not sure that moment has happened yet – in fact, I’m fairly sure it hasn’t.
Offhand, Pothier’s goal is right up there at the top. So is Ovechkin’s buzzer-beater vs. New Jersey. The Montreal goal is a great thing and it’ll be on his individual highlight reel on his eventual induction to the Hall of Fame, but I’m looking for stuff that is season-defining, stuff that we’ll think about years later.
Of the two? So far, I’ve got Pothier’s goal.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Apr 3, 2009 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, I’m fairly sure that when a question is posed asking about an event in the past, that it has, in fact, happened.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 3, 2009 1:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know what you mean, JP, but when you think of “moment of the year”, it refers to the whole year, and the year isn’t over yet. So you could be talking about something yet to happen.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Apr 3, 2009 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don’t tell me what I think – you don’t know me. :)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 3, 2009 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You’re right. I meant I think.Sorry about that.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Apr 3, 2009 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nah, it’s a legitimate enough razz, and he’s just razzing me mostly. No worries.
Lawyers. :)
I was going to drop a tidbit about tonight’s goalie, but if JP’s going to razz me, he can find it out his own self :)
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Apr 3, 2009 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ovi’s trying goal against the Rags on December 23rd. That game was special for a ton of reasons, mostly Jose’s emergence from his doldrums after letting in the 4th goal, but that goal sticks in my mind even more than the Sequel.
by CP2Devil on Apr 3, 2009 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 3, 2009 1:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There so needs to be a ‘caption this’ for what thought is going through Green’s mind at that moment, lol.
“wft?”
by usiel on Apr 3, 2009 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Heh. ‘Caption This’ would be an amusing post category, especially with all the random pictures people seem to love posting.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Apr 3, 2009 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They’d make for decent enough FanShots. But not posts or FanPosts.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 3, 2009 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I so wish we could see the look on Greenie’s face.
by Scott in Shaw on Apr 3, 2009 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No doubt. And the linesman there is thinking, “How the hell do I break this up? It’s like when my one kid is flailing his arms around violently and just happens to walk into my other one.”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 3, 2009 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great pic, btw. Where’s it from? I don’t believe I’e seen it before.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 3, 2009 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Staal turtling is awesome.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Apr 3, 2009 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I really want a screen capture of Semin knocking him silly with that wicked elbow on the way down.
by grapejoos on Apr 3, 2009 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Awesome
Simultaneously a high point and a low point of the Caps’ season.
by Sct112 on Apr 3, 2009 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would have called it one of the stranger moments of the Caps season.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
by gotsparkly on Apr 3, 2009 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Believe it or not I did a Google images search for “semin bongos” (lol) and it was one of the pics that popped up.
by cuqui on Apr 3, 2009 1:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’ll believe almost anything about Google.
by gfcaps fan on Apr 3, 2009 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great, great post DMG. The November 6 game against the Canes was special for me. The Caps were down 2-1 with less than 3 minutes to play and Semin scored twice, including a goal with 10 seconds to go, to win it. I took my 8 year-old niece to her first game and at that moment, when the crowd erupted, a new hockey fan was born.
It’s been said already, but the December comeback against the Rangers and Morrisonn’s OT goal to win it marked a turning point for JT’s season and therefore, in many ways, the fortunes of the team. That would be my moment although it’s hard to overlook Green’s goal in Tampa; it was so emotional with his Dad there. Gotta stop now, before I break down and start crying at my desk. :)
by Lisita on Apr 3, 2009 2:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I met a friend at school who is from TX. He never had any exposure to hockey before but I’ve made it my mission to convert him. We watched that NJD game together and when AO tied the game he jumped up and screamed “Oh Sh*t! Oh Sh*t! I’m officially a hockey fan!” Not sure that it is relevant, I just think it’s a funny anecdote. The intensity of the final minutes of that game combined with the last second goal is the kind of drama the NHL needs to find a way to expose non/casual fans to.
by Fehr and Balanced on Apr 3, 2009 2:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Fun times. I had a similar time when I took a friend who was a teacher of mine to a Caps – Bruins game last year in March. He had never even watched a game. Afterwards, he was, as he always is, trying to sound interested without being committed. Later, I found I couldn’t go to the finale, which I had tickets to. I sold him mine, and after the game, all he could talk about was how upset he was that I as a more “seasoned” hockey fan couldn’t be there to experience the game, as it was the most fun he had had in a sporting event for some time. I think he equated it to Cal Ripken’s last game, and he’s a massive Orioles fan. He’s not a huge hockey fan now, but he’ll watch, and it’s kind of a cool feeling to bring the sport to someone.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Apr 3, 2009 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
21 | 13 | 4 | 4 | 30 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
19 | 8 | 4 | 7 | 23 |
|
Atlanta
|
18 | 10 | 6 | 2 | 22 |
|
Florida
|
19 | 8 | 9 | 2 | 18 |
|
Carolina
|
21 | 4 | 12 | 5 | 13 |
(updated 11.20.2009 at 9:16 AM EST)
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
