Recap - Capitals 6, Thrashers 4
by J.P. on Apr 6, 2009 7:00 AM EDT
Email
Print
[AP Recap - Game Summary - Event Summary - WashingtonCaps.com Postgame]
It may have taken 79 games, but better late than never (and perhaps right on time) for a headline like "Depth players lead Capitals to win."
Not only did the Caps get goals from Tomas Fleischmann (first in 16 games), Keith Aucoin (second of the season), Michael Nylander (second in 19 games), Eric Fehr (second in 17 games) and Brooks Laich, but they got five even strength tallies for the first time since February 1 (and for the fifth time on the season).
The path to victory on Sunday was somewhat circuitous (speaking of Nylander), to be sure, but the team still controls its own destiny with respect to the second seed in the Eastern Conference, and that's what matters at present - five points in three games and second is theirs, no matter what Jersey might do. That the Caps still have something to play for right now is a blessing. Let's see what they do with it.
Some thoughts on the game:
- We could agonize over and/or lament the first two periods, but it's seems a waste of time by now [insert snark about how much time we all spend writing or commenting on a blog here]. Either those weren't the "real" Caps, in which case why bother discussing them at length, or they were, and we won't be discussing much of anything in three weeks. They turned it on when they needed to, and it's reassuring to be reminded that they've got that gear, though it's been forever and a day since we've seen three consecutive periods of it.
- That third period, though... man. The forechecking was exceptional, the line combos working, and an active D helped the cause.
- Speaking of those line combos, I think the Caps may have found their third line in Laich-Nylander-Fehr.
- And sticking with combos, given his recent play (one goal since January) and playoff history (0 goals, six assists, minus-14 rating in 24 career games), Viktor Kozlov looks to be playing himself further out of favor time every night. By the end of Sunday's game, he was skating on the fourth line, and if there was a fifth line, he'd have been there.
- Nicklas Backstrom - yes, that Nicklas Backstrom - has been fantastic in the face-off circle for a while now. How good? In his last 15 games, he has averaged just over 16 draws per game and has won a phenomenal 59.9% of them. That efficiency would have him fourth in the League for the season.
- On the afternoon, the team won 64% of the game's 61 draws.
- What, no assist for Jose Theodore on Slava Kozlov's goal?
- I'm growing less enamored of Tom Poti's play with each passing day. If he is in fact healthy, his repeated failures to clear pucks (including once after a clean face-off win by David Steckel on a 3-on-5) are inexplicable.
- If Alex Ovechkin doesn't get to sixty goals and/or pass Evgeni Malkin atop the list of the League's leading scorers, it won't be for a lack of teammates trying to set him up. He must've whiffed on four or five great set-ups, and still wound up with 11 shots on goal (and another 13 that were blocked, missed or attempted). He's now at 507 shots on goal for the season, a mere 40% more than Eric Staal's 360, which is second in the League.
- Oh, and AO was only credited with one hit in Sunday's game, which simply does not mesh with the game I was watching.
- Ilya Kovalchuk is one of those "worth the price of admission" players, but I actually enjoyed watching Jim Slater as much.
- On Kovalchuk - no Cap skater saw more even strength ice time against him than Jeff Schultz... who wasn't on the ice for the Russian sniper's 42nd goal of the year (but was on the ice for three Caps' goals at even strength, and would have been +3 on the day if not for JT60's generosity).
- Given the juxtaposition between their respective energy levels, you'd think Sergei Fedorov was old enough to be Aucoin's father.
- For my money, John Erskine's in the top six (and pretty easily), leaving the last spot for either Brian Pothier or Milan Jurcina, and Pothier's gotta be ahead right now.
- The only two players on the ice who skated fewer shifts and less ice time than Eric Fehr were Thrasher thugs Eric Boulton and Chris Thorburn. The only player who had more points than Fehr's two in the game was Brooks Laich. No one had a better plus-minus rating than Fehr, and no one had more takeaways or fewer giveaways than Fehr. And he's a forechecking machine... who gets no ice time.
And so ends the home portion of the regular season with a 29-9-3 record, one point shy of the franchise mark for home points (62 set in 1985-86 and tied in 1999-2000) and one win shy of the team record set by the 1985-86 squad.
But that 1985-86 team lost in the second round to a Rangers team that finished the regular season 29 points behind the Caps in the Patrick Division, and the 1999-2000 Caps bowed out after five games, victims of one of those 2-vs-7 upsets at the hands of Ron Tugnutt and the Pittsburgh Penguins, so those teams can keep their records - this one has its sights set higher.
152 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
The Laich-Nylander-Fehr line was PHENOMENAL yesterday…what a performance.
Isn’t it strange how much the lineup missed Viktor Kozlov a while ago, and now he’s pretty much played himself into, as Mike Tyson would say, Bolivian?
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 6, 2009 7:24 AM EDT reply actions
Nylander plus 2(?!) and Flash with a forechecker’s goal…shut my mouth.
AO 2 (and, yes, I understand that +/ is a stat with limited utility, but still…) for the second game running is a little disconcerting.
Bummer of the night: I slogged through the first two periods while at the office, left to go home, turned on the game with 10 minutes left in the game, to find out I missed the most exciting 10 minutes of hockey in a month.
Oh, well. Glad they won. Hope they find that gear from the get go after 15 April…
Damn I wish I understood html (or whatever it's called)
the struck-through part above should read "AO minus two (and, yes, I understand that plus/minus is a stat with limited utility, but still…)
for the last month or so, OV has seemed very lazy in his own end. Just sitting there and watching the play when he could he helping out. Earlier in the season he was more involved in helping clear the zone, at least in my eyes. .
Yeah, I’ve noticed some of that too, although him backchecking isn’t unknown, and when he does it boy is he good at it.
I don’t know. The dose of the lazy is really starting to worry me.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
I notice him waiting around hoping that the team can just clear to him for a fast breakaway often. It’s lazy, and but I’m not sure we’ll see him act like that in the playoffs.
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Apr 6, 2009 9:04 AM EDT up reply actions
Could it be that he’s trying too hard for the highlight-reel goal? It’s pretty clear to me that he’s a ham and a showman. He loves the glory and the spotlight, and applause of a highlight-reel goal is absolutely addictive.
Come to think of it … can we trace that hanging out, that laziness, to middle-to-end of February? Maybe … after that goal he scored against the Habs?
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
I can trace it back to “easy” sub 500 teams. I can’t say he’s doing it as a “oh man gotta get on ESPN again” thing, but to me it seems like he’s disinterested in SE division opponents late in the year that aren’t named Carolina.
But hey, that’s pure speculation from me.
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Apr 6, 2009 9:18 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t, I can’t get rid of the feeling that he is something of a show-off. It makes me laugh and I don’t worry too much about Don Cherry’s fussing over it … but when it’s a detriment to his team, I worry about it.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
So in this thread alone, per gotsparkly, AO is “lazy,” “a ham,” “a show-off,” and “a detriment to his team.”
Awesome.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I'll even help!
Sparkly: For your consideration, Frans Nielsen.
Or would you prefer AO and his second straight Hart Trophy?
You people are ridiculous. Seriously. AO, hands down. I can’t even suggest that it’s bad if he takes it too far without getting my sh*t jumped?
And you’re supposed to be the rational and reasonable bunch. You’re acting like OFB. Come off it.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
I didn’t think people commented at OFB that much. :/
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Apr 6, 2009 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions
I checked. Gotsparkly didn’t make this list, so there’s no hidden agenda in her comments. (just kidding) Although mentioning OFB is just asking for trouble from you know who.
I don’t get it. We openly question AO all the time around here. What’d I miss?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 6, 2009 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I think you misunderstood my intent and started abusing me, and it came off as abusing me for blasphemy. What I actually meant was “being a ham isn’t bad, until and unless it starts causing problems in play. Then, it’s bad.”
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
that guy can finish.
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Apr 6, 2009 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions
Giroux tangent – I’m actually a little bit upset that he’s caught Aucoin for the lead in scoring in the A. Would’ve been nice for KA to lead the League.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
if Aucoin keeps playing the way he is now, I’m sure he doesn’t care if he gets the chance to play in the NHL post-season.
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Apr 6, 2009 9:34 AM EDT up reply actions
care as in leading AHL, just realized that was a little unclear.
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Apr 6, 2009 9:35 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree. But in a “it would’ve been a nice bonus” kinda way, y’know?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Oh yeah, I mean I’m sure he’d love to have that notch on his belt, but at the same time, NHL post-season time for a “call-up” is X-mas, Thanksgiving and the fourth of in April.
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Apr 6, 2009 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh, get off my case, JP. :) Being a ham isn’t necessarily bad. It’s good for us in a lot of ways. It’s good for us and it’s good for the league, until he takes it too far, and that’s the only thing I’m concerned about. My concern is if he’s doing it at the expense of the team.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
How is he doing it at the expense of the team?! I mean, seriously. If you’re going to throw it out there, back it up. I don’t think there’s any evidence that AO’s celebrations or his outsized personality are bad for the team. None. Zip. Nada. Zero.
If you think otherwise, don’t just throw shit against a wall, try to make it stick.
What, no love for Steckel’s perserverance after breaking his stick in the first? That was great stuff, and props to him for it. Putting his hand in the midst of battling sticks – that takes guts.
Speaking of broken sticks – didn’t we have one power play where two successive shots broke two Thrashers’ sticks? That was something else.
The first two periods made me want to bang my head into a wall. Like you said, they do that in the playoffs and it’ll be golf time in three weeks. Hopefully they’re like Detroit and can flip the switch when it counts.
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
Yes we did have a PP where we broke two of their sticks. I was half expecting sticks 3 and 4 to go down as well.
Speaking of PP, I sure hope they don’t try to feed Ovie non-stop again. There’s something so unnatural about Ovie’s play when you start to force opportunities on him. Frankly he’s a good enough player that you don’t need to feed him non-stop in order to make a play. The whole game he was shanking shots, going just wide and whiffing. It reminded me of October Ovie.
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Apr 6, 2009 8:37 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah. The silver lining there is that when Ovi falls, the rest of the team comes trough generally. Holy secondary scoring, batman. We wanted it, we got it, and how … and maybe I’m asking too much, but do we have to have it atll at once? Why does it have to be either/or? Why not a little of both?
"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees." - Delores Ibarruri
I don’t even want to start dreaming about what our team could be like if three lines were clicking offensively, we had secondary scoring and ahhhh…okay I’ll stop, you got me dreaming again.
But seriously, if the Caps can get their PK going, can get Nylander scoring (and thus creating three lines of offense) and Ovie continues to be his bad self, the sky’s the limit.
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Apr 6, 2009 8:58 AM EDT up reply actions
Just to go back to a previous musical discussion
I knew they were going to win yesterday when “The Beautiful People” came on my iPod in the car. I just knew it!
I soooo wanted that to be an option when they polled “which song do you want to hear entering the 3rd period?” on the scoreboard.
by Scott in Shaw on Apr 6, 2009 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Was that before or after waiting 30 minutes for an Orange line train that was loaded with families and strollers?
/still bitter
"Thank God there is a sport for middle-sized white boys.."
by Bald Pollack on Apr 6, 2009 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions
Poti...
…i think needs some serious discussion. he was terrible. and that little stint on the PP? you could really see how much he hampered the creativity of the unit while he has out there. he had 2-3 horrendous clears while he was wide open, one of which JP mentioned. did he stub his stick on the boards when trying to clear it?
AUCOIN!! great great game from a hard working and hungry player. i hope he stays as 1 of the 4 call ups. In fact, i believe the Caps have found a place holder for the next season in case they need/want to trade away someone come draft time. i believe there will be some serious activity come draft time…
i want Johan Franzen on this team. I think he would be sick with Semin. Semin-Franzen-Fehr. Sweet jebus it made me happy just typing that.
its amazing how angry watching Schultz makes me but how effective his stats point to him being. i cringe every time he touches the puck. maybe he is incredibly solid positionally, but he must be paired with a skilled and mobile defenseman to be effective. oh, and Schultz in the offensive zone is just plain sad.
Semin put forth another exciting game. some nights he is brilliant at holding onto that puck. that sequence on his goal was plain crazy,
i think Fedorov retires this year. *cough*Franzen*cough*
how bruised do you think Nylander’s ego is? hoping this game helped him turn around his play and effort.
Dare not discuss Poti, lest people freak out.
Oh, and Nylander’s goal celebration was priceless. I’m bitter that I forgot to include it in the recap.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
On the post-game show I heard that the guys were impersonating the celebration in the locker room afterward. Nyles had one of his best games of the season yesterday, if not the best.
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Apr 6, 2009 9:26 AM EDT up reply actions
Tom Poti’s shoulder must resemble pulled pork: He repeatedly had trouble clearing the zone with hard-arounds and the like yesterday.
Related: a pork shoulder is often referred to as “pork butt,” and should be smoked at around 220 degress for about 1.5 hours per pound.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
did a “the more you know” logo just fly over your head?
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Apr 6, 2009 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh yes. And as some around here (I think) can attest to, my baby back dry ribs are competition-worthy.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I (ahem) don’t believe you… and I challenge you to demonstrate your alleged BBQ brilliance to me.
by TylerG on Apr 6, 2009 9:40 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
You guys bring the cold Shiner Bocks, I’ll fire up the smoker.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
You have a commercial smoker or a homemade model, or both?
I ask because I just made me a smoker out of an old refrigerator – always interested in how people do their smokin’.
I have a pretty basic commercial one. I was planning to upgrade this spring, actually.
Speaking of customs, check this one out.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Ooooooh, dat is nyche. I’m generally more in favor of offset smokers, but I can see the utility of that one, and you get extra style points for the keg conversion.
If you’re looking at a capacity and function upgrade, and if your wife or SO will permit it (Mrs daddyo required significant persuasion before she would accept an old refrig in the backyard) I urge you to consider the old refrigerator approach.
You’re looking for one of those old-timey refrigerators with the big silver latches – can find them at a flea market for around 50 bucks. They seal just enough to be perfect for what you want.
You drill a hole in the side, attach a length of flexy pipe to the hole, and the other end of the pipe to whatever you use for a firebox (I use an old metal camping box that I half buried so it will draw well).
Put in wire racks (cheap at home depot).
Drill a little hole for a thermometer in the center. You’re set.
Possible upgrade – install an little fat in the ceiling for convective heat. But I haven’t done that.
Yeah, my current smoker is pretty similar to this model. I was considering the Green Egg for my next one (people like it), but something about the all-in-one-chamber doesn’t sit right with me.
And a buddy turned an old fridge into a keggerator. It was glorious.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Buddy of mine has a Green Egg. Upside – very efficient, so you can smoke for a long time without fiddling with it. Downside – limited capacity; can’t throw a ton of shit in there and stock up. Also somewhat expensive.
On balance, I like them, but would want to have alternatives for volume smoking.
I have a smoker/grill like yours – very good value.
Amazing value. It was $125, I think.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Nice.
Would it be permissible to do a fan shot with favorite recipes? Or is that something you’re not interested in having on your site?
I say go for it. Maybe label it “Off Topic: BBQ Recipes” or something. Who says we can’t rock the ribs while rocking the red?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Done
Added my basic BBQ sauce in the comments. Will follow up with my venison loin, wings, and jalapeno poppers when time permits.
You smoking or grilling these ribs?
If grilling:
Coat with a basic rub (salt, pepper, garlic powder, maybe add cumin and some lemon zest).
Preheat grill ‘til it’s HOT. Turn heat to low.
Toss ribs on grill. Sit back and admire delicious sizzling sound.
Close lid and have a beer or two while 20 minutes pass.
Open lid, flip ribs. Have another beer.
In 20 minutes, open lid and check. The flesh should have started to pull back from the rib ends, exposing about a quarter inch of bare bone. You’re almost done.
Baste on sauce liberally, both sides. Give ’em another 5 minutes. Flip. Another 5. Remove and allow to sit for 10 minutes or so. Cut and serve.
You have to stick around the grill on this one to check for grease fires, which you want to put out as soon as they start.
If smoking:
Put on your favorite rub – basic one as above will work, but more aggressive rubs work with the extra flavor smoking adds.
Stick in smoker at 225 – 250 or so. Close door/lid, go mingle with your guests.
Get ’em out in 3 hours. Cut and serve.
rec’d because I think Tyler just issued JP and throwdown, Bobby Flay style.
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Apr 6, 2009 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions
an* (facepalm)
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Apr 6, 2009 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions
off topic and completely unrelated, I don’t feel so bad about that typo right now because Ted just spelled hair “haiir” in an email to me.
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Apr 6, 2009 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions
Nice.
Btw, if I was a Food Network exec, I’d have a show on the net called “The Bobby Flay Show,” just so people would giggle every time they said “Flay Show.”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Perhaps when one day Japers’ Rink will get so big it will have it’s own convention where we can all meet and have a BBQ cook off.
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Apr 6, 2009 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions
I’ll see your baby back dry ribs and raise you 1 batch of Sombrero’s million dollar burgers.
by Sombrero Guy on Apr 6, 2009 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions
Jesus, stop with all of this talk. It’s making me miss the tailgate I went to 2 days ago.
"Thank God there is a sport for middle-sized white boys.."
by Bald Pollack on Apr 6, 2009 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions
Alright. We need to make a Rink BBQ Battle happen.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
The chairman will be there
"Thank God there is a sport for middle-sized white boys.."
by Bald Pollack on Apr 6, 2009 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions
Japer-con 2009 – Hockey, BBQ, Blogging.
I’d go.
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Apr 6, 2009 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
we’ll all need something to do during the dog days of the off season
by Sombrero Guy on Apr 6, 2009 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions
i am quite skilled at eating other people’s food. i feel this is something needed for said Battle.
by ns on Apr 6, 2009 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, I can’t wait to start keeping Kosher Pesach either.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
Dare not discuss Poti, lest people freak out.
Or let things go, apparently. ;)
That said, he’s gotten significant time on the PP both against Tampa and again yesterday, and not done anything with it. I’ll throw a 5er on injured.
"Thank God there is a sport for middle-sized white boys.."
Hey, we’re arrogant around here, so when we’re right, we serve up gentle reminders thereof (btw, see Aucoin, Keith). :)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
you’re not arrogant, you’re just right.
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Apr 6, 2009 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions
I was waiting for this day I knew Keith was due for some luck with the puck given his work rate. I swear I have no clue what people saw in the other forward choices from Hershey that we’ve seen in DC this season Keith is heads and shoulders above the other choices.
Another shrewd offseason move for GMGM. Now if he could just do the same with blueliners. :-)
Time Flies
Man, where the hell did the regular season go? It seems like yesterday that we were all chomping at the bits for the home opener. Oh well, we could have as few as two more home games or as many as sixteen. If they play like they did in third period yesterday, I’m taking the over.
speaking of season opener, the first two periods felt a bit like the first Atlanta game of the season. I half expected the Caps to come out flat in the third and let up a flurry of goals just like that game.
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Apr 6, 2009 9:31 AM EDT up reply actions
It seems like yesterday that we were all chomping at the bits for the home opener.
No sh*t Sherlock’!! (I hate that time dilation thing. It’s an indication of old age. Sorry to break it to you, b.)
More importantly, can anyone make a guess for me when the first two playoff games are likely to be? The dates, if you can, gentlemen. Thanks.
The schedule went up a few days ago, I think April 15 and then 17. But I’m not 100% on it.
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Apr 6, 2009 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions
I believe half the series get off the 15th and the other half on the 16th. Schedule is not set until matchups are set
from the house that Red Jesus built
Let’s hope the opener is on a Wednesday or Thursday. IIRC, last year they pushed the Caps-Flyers opener back to a Friday start and they guys had to sit around for six days waiting to start.
Btw, no comments on my almost-in-focus, almost-well-lit, nearly-decently-composed photo in today’s post of Ron Hainsey and Brian Little kneeling at the alter of Eric Fehr?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Clearly Schultz got a cheap +/- boost by being out there when he scored.
"Thank God there is a sport for middle-sized white boys.."
But he got a cheap minus when Jose hooked up Slava Kozlov.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
You know I heard that after that play, the team has a new hat that they give out to a player each game.
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Apr 6, 2009 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions
I did, in fact, from my seat in Sec. 111 with my crappy little Olympus point-and-shoot.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
now that I’ve taken a second to look at the photo, it has “caption me” written all over it.
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Apr 6, 2009 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions
Kozlov
given his recent play (one goal since January) and playoff history
I was thinking the same thing yesterday. It’s April: Do you know where your Kozlov is?
Russian Machine Never Breaks
Kozlov, why don’t you have a seat right there.
kidding kidding.
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Apr 6, 2009 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Jurcina is a personal project of mine (getting him off the team, etc..) and his replacement is already in Hershey, Joe Finley. Right now, I suspect in the coaches minds, Juice is the #8 defenseman in the organization (Alzner has got to be ahead of him, it’s the salary cap…)
As for Kozzie, I don’t know what is going on with him at all. Maybe a night off in the press box in Atlanta will do him some good… of course, right now, there’s no one to play that spot. Hopefully they’ll keep Fehr with Feds and Ovie. He’s willing to get his nose dirty and when he plays with Feds, Feds seems to play better…
As for Theo… the only reason I suspect he tried to score was to make sure he got 12 free toppings on his pizza today…
Let's go Caps!
As J.P. mentioned Erskine should be in lineup every game now. He’s shown in the last week the form I saw when he first joined the team. Physical presence without dumb penalties. I notice he’s been more verbal over the last month or so as well. Come playoff time we will need that physicality even more in front of Caps crease.
Glad Juice was shooting the puck yesterday, but he continues to float in and out in his own end. Unless his spark plug, Alzner, is in the lineup I think he needs to get a monogrammed seat in the press box at this point.
Jurcina is a personal project of mine (getting him off the team, etc..) and his replacement is already in Hershey, Joe Finley.
I think it only makes sense to assume Finley will replace Jurcina if you’re planning on having Jurcina on the team through the 2010-2011 season.
Big Joe? hmmmmm....
My socks were not knocked off by his performance in the earlier rounds of the NCAA, that I saw on tv. Particularly when he misplaced his coverage in the OT (in my opinion) and thereby poof goes the game. And zoom goes UNH from the tourney.
I’d bring King Karl up here before Big Joe.
Silly observation — even the techs were having problems yesterday. Did anyone else notice that when they put the scoring summary for the second period on the board that they included two of Buffalo’s goals (I think the first two) from the game on Friday?
Yeah, I saw that as well….I had to do a double-take and confirm my sobriety.
by Kerry Fraser's Hairspray on Apr 6, 2009 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions
I thought the 3rd period was perhaps the best the Caps have played all season. If they can play like that consistently in the playoffs, look out.
So glad to see Flash get off the skids and see Nylander have a good game. As far as I’m concerned, Aucoin can have Brash’s jersey (or Kozlov’s) for the foreseeable future.
Also, Ovechkin owes Bradley an assist. The Art Ross race is on!
Best period all season? I disagree completely. Sure, they played hard and came back but they played a lottery team. They have played with that kind of intensity and effort against top teams in the league, and that is much more impressive to me. For starters, the 3rd period v. DET.
That’s a fair point. I’m probably having a short memory here, and the DET 3rd period is a great example. I suppose it’s just been a long time since I’ve seen them completely dominate another team, regardless of that team’s prowess. And I suppose it’s worth mentioning that ATL has been pretty good of late, but obviously they’re not in Detroit’s league. Domination is domination, and I hope to see more of it. If the 3rd line wakes up and starts producing, the Caps will be in great shape.
Anyone know when the playoff dates are announced? Sunday? Trying to get tickets but a few of the days I wouldnt be able to go.
Related
Last year at the final home game the Caps opened the ticket windows for playoff seats — did they do that yesterday (I left before the jersey-off-our-backs presentation — I was bitter because the idiot four seats over from me won)? Or do they just go on sale Tuesday morning for season ticket holders as announced last week?
by Scott in Shaw on Apr 6, 2009 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions
Yay, maybe Nylander finally found his line that won’t change all the time and he’ll play well on.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
Random Question
Does anyone know what happened to our second Olympia machine? There was only one out there yesterday, and I can’t help but think he was driving a bit fast to be able to finish the whole sheet in time.
[Don’t blame me if this starts a Pollin ice conspiracy rumor.]
How about the Penalty Kill?
Why no love for the PK? 6-6 last night and 12-14 over the last three (86%).
Worthy of mention, to be sure.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Did anyone else see the look on Semin’s face after he scored that goal? He looked absolutely exhausted. Was that the tail end of a very long shift or is he maybe still feeling the flu a bit? It seemed strange that not even the adrenaline of scoring a big goal could put a smile on his face at that point.
Fehr was worth the price of admission yesterday
As great as the goal itself was, what was even more amazing is the sequence leading up to it: he made a great play to keep the puck in the zone when the Thrashers tried going around the boards; he then skated to the other side of the ice and harassed anyone even close to the puck; made a great play to keep it in the zone and under control; once under control, he chipped the puck Laich (?). drove the net and roofed the rebound while being hauled down. Un-friggin’-believable.
If it ain't broke, don't break it.
That finish was world-class, to be sure. He’s buried chances in similar manner before, which makes his tendency to shoot the long wristers all the more frustrating. That line (and the Caps in general) did a very good job forechecking and forcing tons of turnovers in the 3rd.
In defense of long wristers...
When Fehr is on a line where he has to carry the puck in he often ends up in situations with little support. As has been pointed out here, Fehr is not the quickest skater or the best dangler. So when he gets into the zone and the D steps up pushing him to the boards he either has to put the puck in the corner, or put the puck on net. If he was constantly lobbing wrist shots on net when he had clear support from his linemates then I’d be a little more upset, but I think a lot of his long range shots are because he has basically no other option. I don’t think those shots are an indication that he is unwilling or unable to drive the net effectively. It just (again) highlights the need to have him on a line where his skill set can be properly utilized. In a situation with no support, inside the offensive blueline, I would always rather see a player put the puck on net instead of in the corner. If he puts the puck on net at least we may get an offensive zone faceoff to start a shift for one of our snipers.
by Rob Parker on Apr 6, 2009 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
That’s a good point and I agree when that is the case. I think if he is in a situation where he can take a chance rushing the puck or setting up down low without risking a bad turnover, I wish he would do that more. But I’ll admit, I’m not a hockey player, and he probably is thinking the same thing when he lets one of those wristers go. It beats a turnover or a blocked shot.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Japers' Rink
Related FanShots on Japers' Rink
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recent FanShots
The Vault
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- Why the Devils and the Kings are evidence the Capitals shouldn’t trade Alex Ovechkin
- Eulogy: Remembering the 2011-12 New York Rangers
- Stanley Cup Final: 5 keys for New Jersey Devils and Los Angeles Kings
- Friday’s Three Stars: Devils head to Final; Brodeur, Kovalchuk the difference in Game 6
- Devils eliminate Rangers in Game 6, ending fear of the past, setting course for the future
