Game Day Open Thread - Sabres @ Capitals

by J.P. on Apr 3, 2009 5:00 PM EDT in Game Day Open Threads

Buffalo Sabres at Washington Capitals, Apr 3, 2009 7:00 PM EDT

Next Game

Buffalo Sabres
@ Washington Capitals

Friday, Apr 3, 2009, 7:00 PM EDT
Verizon Center

Game Day - Sabres @ Capitals

posted by DMG about 9 hours ago

60 comments | 0 recs

Complete Coverage >

Tonight's probable netminders:

	GP	MIN	W	L	T	EGA	GA	GAA	SA	SV	SV%	SO
2008 - Simeon Varlamov	4	207	3	0	0	0	6	1.74	98	92	.939	0

	GP	MIN	W	L	T	EGA	GA	GAA	SA	SV	SV%	SO
2008 - Ryan Miller	54	3164	31	16	6	5	133	2.52	1623	1490	.918	5

Tonight's referees (with the Caps' record in games they've called in parens):

7 - Bill McCreary (5-3 in 2008-09; 9-13 over the previous three seasons)

36 - Dean Morton (3-1 in 2008-09; 0-3 over the previous three seasons)

Have at it, people.

Tweet Comment 105 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Read More: Sabres @ Caps(SB Nation game page), Die By The Blade(SB Nation's Sabres blog)

Comments

wonder if mcreary might be in the mood give #26 another good hipcheck? looking forward to watching varly tonight and sure hope flash gets off the shneid!

by mechanicsville on Apr 3, 2009 5:06 PM EDT reply actions

Per Tarik:

Here’s what I expect the rest of Coach Bruce Boudreau’s lineup to look like:
Forward
Ovechkin-Fedorov-Kozlov
Laich-Backstrom-Semin
Fleischmann-Nylander-Fehr
Steckel-Aucoin-Bradley

Defense
Morrisonn-Green
Jurcina-Poti
Schultz-Pothier

by David Getz on Apr 3, 2009 5:45 PM EDT reply actions

Poor Fehr.

by David Getz on Apr 3, 2009 5:45 PM EDT up reply actions

I expect him to do big things in his 8 minutes of ice.

by Rob Parker on Apr 3, 2009 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions

Which arguably might be more than Fleischmann’s 12.

"Thank God there is a sport for middle-sized white boys.."

by Bald Pollack on Apr 3, 2009 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions

No argument.

by HBK on Apr 3, 2009 6:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Anybody got a link tonight?

Thanks in advance!

The keyboard is mightier.

by breed16 on Apr 3, 2009 6:20 PM EDT reply actions

LINK

Supposed to be here tonite.

If that don’t work I’ll see what I can do to find another one.

Incidentally, this link will take you to a page that lists what games are streaming where.

Enjoy.

by fat_daddyo on Apr 3, 2009 6:28 PM EDT reply actions

Thanks!

The keyboard is mightier.

by breed16 on Apr 3, 2009 6:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Wooo-hoooo

Let’s make like an overmatched boxer and clinch!

by fat_daddyo on Apr 3, 2009 7:05 PM EDT reply actions

Don’t look good

by fat_daddyo on Apr 3, 2009 7:10 PM EDT reply actions

My theory is Connolly missed because he was so surprised that puck got through.

by David Getz on Apr 3, 2009 7:11 PM EDT reply actions

I agree.

by Rob Parker on Apr 3, 2009 7:12 PM EDT up reply actions

Let’s see what the PP can do.

by fat_daddyo on Apr 3, 2009 7:13 PM EDT reply actions

Was that Gaustad he hit?

"Thank God there is a sport for middle-sized white boys.."

by Bald Pollack on Apr 3, 2009 7:13 PM EDT reply actions

yup

by Rob Parker on Apr 3, 2009 7:15 PM EDT up reply actions

There we go!

by fat_daddyo on Apr 3, 2009 7:15 PM EDT reply actions

Double nickels.

"Thank God there is a sport for middle-sized white boys.."

by Bald Pollack on Apr 3, 2009 7:15 PM EDT reply actions

Blech

by fat_daddyo on Apr 3, 2009 7:17 PM EDT reply actions

Juice channels his inner Fleischmann there.

"Thank God there is a sport for middle-sized white boys.."

by Bald Pollack on Apr 3, 2009 7:23 PM EDT reply actions

Varly not getting much help here.

by David Getz on Apr 3, 2009 7:24 PM EDT reply actions

Double blech.

by fat_daddyo on Apr 3, 2009 7:24 PM EDT reply actions

2 OGs? Come on.

"Thank God there is a sport for middle-sized white boys.."

by Bald Pollack on Apr 3, 2009 7:24 PM EDT reply actions

I wouldn’t fault Jurcina for that first one.

by David Getz on Apr 3, 2009 7:27 PM EDT up reply actions

Well, not for the deflection off his skate at least.

by David Getz on Apr 3, 2009 7:27 PM EDT up reply actions

Ugly

Buffalo has spent a bunch of time in the Caps end.

by fat_daddyo on Apr 3, 2009 7:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Come on Stecks, you have to earn it.

"Thank God there is a sport for middle-sized white boys.."

by Bald Pollack on Apr 3, 2009 7:30 PM EDT reply actions

New Link

Here

by fat_daddyo on Apr 3, 2009 7:44 PM EDT reply actions

First Period hits

Alexander Ovechkin: 4
Buffalo Sabres: 3

by David Getz on Apr 3, 2009 7:45 PM EDT reply actions

Caps giveaways: 5
Caps takeaways: 1

"Thank God there is a sport for middle-sized white boys.."

by Bald Pollack on Apr 3, 2009 7:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Sounds about right….

by David Getz on Apr 3, 2009 8:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Didn’t the same thing (2 penalties during play) happen in the Isles game, or was it Tampa?

"Thank God there is a sport for middle-sized white boys.."

by Bald Pollack on Apr 3, 2009 8:03 PM EDT reply actions

Tampa

by David Getz on Apr 3, 2009 8:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Man, what a heavy shot from the point by AO.

by David Getz on Apr 3, 2009 8:08 PM EDT reply actions

If they didn’t convert that, I swear…

"Thank God there is a sport for middle-sized white boys.."

by Bald Pollack on Apr 3, 2009 8:08 PM EDT reply actions

Damn, Feds.

by David Getz on Apr 3, 2009 8:09 PM EDT reply actions

Wow. I sit down and turn the TV on after a VERY rough day, to see two sweet goals.

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Apr 3, 2009 8:09 PM EDT reply actions

It’s all for you, WM.

by David Getz on Apr 3, 2009 8:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Same here. Awesome timing :)

I need 100% of you guys to give 110% 100% of the time.

by capsfan4life on Apr 3, 2009 8:12 PM EDT up reply actions

sergei’s got quite the slap shot.

by Natty Bumppo on Apr 3, 2009 8:09 PM EDT reply actions

Kudos to Flash.

"Thank God there is a sport for middle-sized white boys.."

by Bald Pollack on Apr 3, 2009 8:09 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

Wow, I picked a superb time to just walk into the door! :)

I need 100% of you guys to give 110% 100% of the time.

by capsfan4life on Apr 3, 2009 8:11 PM EDT reply actions

I’m more shocked that Flash actually hit 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 8:12 PM EDT reply actions

Next thing you know, Schultz will get into a fight or something…

"Thank God there is a sport for middle-sized white boys.."

by Bald Pollack on Apr 3, 2009 8:13 PM EDT up reply actions

I’m still waiting on the Schultz Gordie Howe hat trick.

by David Getz on Apr 3, 2009 8:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, three rarities in one.

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Apr 3, 2009 8:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Well played, sir.

by David Getz on Apr 3, 2009 8:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Only in the league for 4 years, and already has the third most goals in Caps history. Crazy.

I need 100% of you guys to give 110% 100% of the time.

by capsfan4life on Apr 3, 2009 8:20 PM EDT reply actions

Honestly, that’s a little bit of our history books being thin too. But, yeah, the guy’s a machine.

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Apr 3, 2009 8:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Now I want Kozzy to score, to complete the set.

by CapitalCentre on Apr 3, 2009 8:25 PM EDT reply actions

or Varlamov.

by treat on Apr 3, 2009 8:27 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

That might finally erase the bitter memory of Hextall from my mind.

by CapitalCentre on Apr 3, 2009 8:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Even I knew Bradley wasn’t going, Locker.

"Thank God there is a sport for middle-sized white boys.."

by Bald Pollack on Apr 3, 2009 8:26 PM EDT reply actions

Yeah, I don’t know what he was looking at.

by David Getz on Apr 3, 2009 8:27 PM EDT up reply actions

Nice use of the telestrator to highlight the officials their Locker.

by David Getz on Apr 3, 2009 8:27 PM EDT reply actions

er, there Locker

by David Getz on Apr 3, 2009 8:28 PM EDT up reply actions

That’s quite a lineup for Backstrom to be named alongside of.

I need 100% of you guys to give 110% 100% of the time.

by capsfan4life on Apr 3, 2009 8:30 PM EDT reply actions

I always knew Backstrom was the next Scott Stevens.

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Apr 3, 2009 8:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Farts. Sorry E.

"Thank God there is a sport for middle-sized white boys.."

by Bald Pollack on Apr 3, 2009 8:32 PM EDT reply actions

flyers up 6-0 on toronto in the 2nd. so glad ron wilson will be coaching team USA.

by Natty Bumppo on Apr 3, 2009 8:36 PM EDT reply actions

whoa. make that 6-2.

by Natty Bumppo on Apr 3, 2009 8:36 PM EDT up reply actions

6-3! okay, i eat my words.

by Natty Bumppo on Apr 3, 2009 8:38 PM EDT up reply actions

Because anyone else would win every game with that monster Toronto roster?

by David Getz on Apr 3, 2009 8:40 PM EDT up reply actions

blowout losses don’t speak well for coaches, IMO.

by Natty Bumppo on Apr 3, 2009 8:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Is it wrong that every time I see that short of them playing instruments I think of this?

"Thank God there is a sport for middle-sized white boys.."

by Bald Pollack on Apr 3, 2009 8:36 PM EDT reply actions

McCreary just assumed. His mustache tingles whenever he things he should make a call. I hate that ticky tack call.

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Apr 3, 2009 8:38 PM EDT reply actions

Things = thinks. It’s been a long week.

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Apr 3, 2009 8:38 PM EDT up reply actions

Feds looked like he got some pretty good leverage on that one.

by David Getz on Apr 3, 2009 8:38 PM EDT up reply actions

I just hate that that has the same 2 minute penalty that Flash’s board did. The board was a potential to injure. They shouldn’t get 2 minutes of 5 on 4 because of something that happened behind their net, that didn’t really lead to a turnover.

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Apr 3, 2009 8:40 PM EDT up reply actions

A hook is a hook is a hook. no matter where or when it occurs.

by David Getz on Apr 3, 2009 8:41 PM EDT up reply actions

I could go on, but I don’t think it should warrant a 2 minute penalty if it doesn’t really affect the play. I’ll leave it at that, though, yes, it was a hook.

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Apr 3, 2009 8:41 PM EDT up reply actions

The only problem with that is that it’s almost impossible to say what affects the play. Something that looks like it doesn’t affect the play might result in a guy not being able to get in position and a goal.

by David Getz on Apr 3, 2009 8:42 PM EDT up reply actions

You’re right, and frankly, I don’t have any suggestions on how to make it “better.” But, yeah, as the rule is stated, it was called correctly.

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Apr 3, 2009 8:43 PM EDT up reply actions

Toe Blake?

"Thank God there is a sport for middle-sized white boys.."

by Bald Pollack on Apr 3, 2009 8:39 PM EDT reply actions

Toe Blake is a good guess. I would guess a guy from Montreal would be there too. Maybe Bowman with the Wings?

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Apr 3, 2009 8:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, Bowman seemed like a too good to be true answer.

"Thank God there is a sport for middle-sized white boys.."

by Bald Pollack on Apr 3, 2009 8:42 PM EDT up reply actions

Nice deflection.

"Thank God there is a sport for middle-sized white boys.."

by Bald Pollack on Apr 3, 2009 8:39 PM EDT reply actions

And another guy in double digital goals. Odds on Nylander (8) or Steckel (7) going on runs?

"Thank God there is a sport for middle-sized white boys.."

by Bald Pollack on Apr 3, 2009 8:44 PM EDT reply actions

*or digit goals.

"Thank God there is a sport for middle-sized white boys.."

by Bald Pollack on Apr 3, 2009 8:44 PM EDT up reply actions

I don’t think either will, but I think Nyls is more likely, if only because he gets more PP time and usually better linemates, even if he never knows who they’ll be.

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Apr 3, 2009 8:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Feds has 10 now? Good for him! Just a few weeks ago he was projected to end the season with 8 total

by Icebat on Apr 3, 2009 8:47 PM EDT up reply actions

Good call, good call.

by David Getz on Apr 3, 2009 9:04 PM EDT reply actions

Push or not, it looked like Afinogenov was trying to kick him.

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Apr 3, 2009 9:05 PM EDT up reply actions

That was goalie interference before the shot was even taken.

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Apr 3, 2009 9:04 PM EDT reply actions

Aucoin cracks me up to stay on like that.

"Thank God there is a sport for middle-sized white boys.."

by Bald Pollack on Apr 3, 2009 9:10 PM EDT reply actions

Sekera made a hit that forced ovechkin into the goal.

Also, Miller can rot in Hell.

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Apr 3, 2009 9:15 PM EDT reply actions

Nice stickwork, Roy.

by David Getz on Apr 3, 2009 9:17 PM EDT reply actions

The thing on Laich, right?

"Thank God there is a sport for middle-sized white boys.."

by Bald Pollack on Apr 3, 2009 9:18 PM EDT up reply actions

Yep.

by David Getz on Apr 3, 2009 9:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Okay, where was Pothier on that goal?

by David Getz on Apr 3, 2009 9:19 PM EDT reply actions

Didja ever notice how comfortable the team seems to play on a 1 goal lead?

"Thank God there is a sport for middle-sized white boys.."

by Bald Pollack on Apr 3, 2009 9:20 PM EDT reply actions

*comfy might not be the word, but the one time they played with a 1 goal lead (and you knew the opponents weren’t coming back) was against the Rags back in November, when the Rags were surging.

"Thank God there is a sport for middle-sized white boys.."

by Bald Pollack on Apr 3, 2009 9:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Ugh, WAY OFF on the trivia. Unrec.

"Thank God there is a sport for middle-sized white boys.."

by Bald Pollack on Apr 3, 2009 9:26 PM EDT reply actions

So can we not make a big deal about hanging THAT banner up next year?

"Thank God there is a sport for middle-sized white boys.."

by Bald Pollack on Apr 3, 2009 9:39 PM EDT reply actions

Hopefully it’s secondary to at least one other.

by David Getz on Apr 3, 2009 9:43 PM EDT up reply actions

Oh Feds…

by cuqui on Apr 3, 2009 9:42 PM EDT reply actions

Varly left quite a five hole, too. Damn.

by cuqui on Apr 3, 2009 9:43 PM EDT reply actions

<img src=“]”http://www.forumammo.com/cpg/albums/userpics/10063/Fail-carl.jpg" target="_blank">http://www.forumammo.com/cpg/albums/userpics/10063/Fail-carl.jpg"/>

"Thank God there is a sport for middle-sized white boys.."

by Bald Pollack on Apr 3, 2009 9:43 PM EDT reply actions

Farts

"Thank God there is a sport for middle-sized white boys.."

by Bald Pollack on Apr 3, 2009 9:43 PM EDT up reply actions

Caps had better find some defensive smarts in the next week or so or they’ll be out in 4 in the first round.

If at first you don't succeed, don't try parachuting.

by hotdog88gt on Apr 3, 2009 9:43 PM EDT reply actions

I’d settle for some even strength smarts at this point.

"Thank God there is a sport for middle-sized white boys.."

by Bald Pollack on Apr 3, 2009 9:45 PM EDT up reply actions

The lack of ES production should definitely be the top concern right now. They got a point and clinched with a sloppy, pretty poor effort. Buffalo got some lucky goals but missed some golden chances and the Caps got a ton of PP time.

Oh well. 2 points up after NJ’s win.

by grapejoos on Apr 3, 2009 11:09 PM EDT up reply actions

way too much free skating with the one whack attacks by our guys for the last 5 minutes of regulation

by Icebat on Apr 3, 2009 9:45 PM EDT reply actions

Varly got handcuffed. Oh well. Was a decent game, overall, and I didn’t see but a 3-3 draw, as I missed the first 3 goals. Anyway, just move on, take what you can from the loss, and go. No need to brood with what’s left to be done.

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Apr 3, 2009 10:10 PM EDT reply actions