Recap - Capitals 5, Penguins 4 (OT)
by David M. Getz on May 12, 2009 7:00 AM EDT
257 comments
[AP Recap - Game Summary - Event Summary - WashingtonCaps.com Postgame]
Big-time playoff games spawn some pretty unlikely heroes, a category you could probably put David Steckel in. But even despite the lanky center's crucial deflection, the game's biggest story was arguably the performances by a couple of guys who many fans had all but given up on: Viktor Kolzov and Tomas Fleischmann.
Kozlov has been one of the NHL's most notorious annual playoff disappointments, a winger with top six skill who entered this postseason with six assists (and zero goals) in 21 career playoff games. Fleischmann hasn't been around long enough to garner the same kind of reputation but his demotions both this postseason and last year, coupled with his slow second half of the season and lack of playoff production (even with last night's goal, Fleischmann still only has three goals and no assists in 15 career playoff games), seemed to suggest Flash might be headed down the same road. None of that really matters right now though, and for one more night, at least, we, as fans, are willing to ignore their shortcomings and are happy to revel in their successes.
Some additional thoughts on last night's game:
- The Capitals were out-shot 42-24 on the night. Of course, being out-shot 18-5 in the first period probably had a lot to do with that.
- That slashing call on Brooks Laich with 2:02 left in regulation wasn't a bad call per se, but it was totally inconsistent with how the referees had been calling the games last six minutes or so.
- Note to Milan Jurcina: don't make a behind-the-back, blind hand pass in your own team's slot again. Ever.
- Good coaching move by Bruce Boudreau to use his team's timeout on the icing call with a little under ten minutes left in the third. All too often coaches guard their timeouts all too closely despite the fact that, as they say, you can't take them with you.
- Last night was probably the quietest three point night of Alexander Ovechkin's career, even considering he now holds the franchise record for most points in a single postseason.
- The Penguins got an incredible 72% of their shot attempts on net. For the sake of comparison, the Caps only got 44% of their on net.
- Rob Scuderi had a pretty good night for a guy who finished up with a minus-two rating.
- While it's nice that Fleischmann picked up a goal, it's a little weird that Boudreau decided that one goal was enough to forget all off Flash's poor play and move him back up to the second line.
- Even with the game going into overtime, Jay Beagle skated just 2:06 and Chris Clark just 2:13. Each skated four shifts.
Win one game. Just one more time.
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I don’t know what the general consensus is on how Joey B and Locker call the games, but in my opinion this year they haven’t been too homer-like. They’ve called the game fair and even in Locker’s case called it in favor of the opposition during the playoffs.
I was shocked to hear them up in arms during the last 3 penalties called on the Caps. Was it a professional slip up, or were they genuinely confused/angry over the officiating?
by snowburnt on May 12, 2009 7:22 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
"Are you kidding me?" - Joe B
I completely agree, and I think emotion got the better of them. Not complaining though, its nice to have someone take your side when the refs are screwing around.
by Bonzai on May 12, 2009 7:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree here, and I think the fact that they did mention it is all the more telling about how the game was being called at the time (and that’s sort of a lesson to serial ref-bashers here and abroad: if you save it for when it really matters, it actually means something).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 12, 2009 7:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Guys, you won the game. The penalties were as even as you’re going to get (and Semin got a gift for his dive in the third). Stop complaining about the officiating.
I think things like minor holds and interference will be ignored in the final 5-10 minutes of a game, but big slashes like what was called on Steckel and Laich are called at any time of the game.
While it’s going back to Washington for game 7, and that in itself makes them a clear favorite, the Caps HAVE TO START PLAYING BETTER DEFENSE. Another 40+ shot game for the Penguins. That’s just terrible.
by RCheli on May 12, 2009 9:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was commenting on the fact that the commentators who are normally very professional, “fair and balanced” if you will and they got up in arms over the calls.
That’s all I’ll say about it.
by snowburnt on May 12, 2009 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Steckel call, yes. That was an objective call that the ref has no choice about. Knocking a stick out of a guy’s hands is not a per se PIM. Kunitz clearly didn’t have a good hold on his stick, Laich was just battling for the puck. That should be no PIM, IMO. Just like in game 5 when 3 separate times the refs didn’t call a PIM when a guy had a stick knocked out of his hands (both ways).
by Fehr and Balanced on May 12, 2009 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Big slashes?
That was a love tap and Kunitz should be embarrassed that he got his stick knocked out of his hands like that.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on May 12, 2009 1:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Preach it, Brother P.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 12, 2009 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s in the top 5 things that I hate about the NHL. As you mentioned, the composites break at the drop of a hat (see whoever took the faceoff for the Pens in OT) and it’s now another way to game the system.
So now we have:
- throw back your head to suggest a high stick
- chicken wing an opponent’s stick to draw a hook
- drop your stick if it’s hit
- take an old stick on a shift so that it’ll break
- the classic dive
Who can think of any others?
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on May 12, 2009 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Clutching your own face after a high stick.
Or the advanced variant: dropping your gloves, crumpling to the ice, then clutching your face.
Also, shake your forearm and hand wildly to really emphasize that you’ve just been slashed.
by D'ohboy on May 12, 2009 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Limp to the side like your leg was broken, shakin’ and twitchin’ kinda like you were smokin’.
FYI, it’s supposed to look like a fit or a convulsion… Ya got it down when ya appear to be in pain.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 12, 2009 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I sang all the words ya like, and if ya missed it. . .
by D'ohboy on May 12, 2009 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Your name does not rhyme with “umpty”.
by jimmiebjr on May 12, 2009 8:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
When the opposing D sends the puck into the stands from their own zone, flail your arms about wildly and yell “HEY HEY HEY, delay of game”, even if the puck smacked the glass loudly on its way out in hopes that the ref missed it.
Maybe that’s just the Caps’ opponents.
by Cluster on May 12, 2009 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Joe B gets a pass from me just for the dynamic electric blue suit he was rocking.
Solid….
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on May 12, 2009 9:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
How about a picture for those of us subjected to only Vs broadcasts.
by Moonage Daydream on May 12, 2009 9:17 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Speaking of Comcast's Coverage...
I LOVED the montage (montaggggggggeeeee) of Caps playoff OT winners throughout history that they played before the OT. What a great trip down memory lane.
Rod Langway FTW
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on May 12, 2009 9:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think it’s about time we get some homer coverage. I mean… it’s our coverage, it’s our guys, why not have them pull for the caps a little. not whine or anything like that, but call the game and pull for us. I loved hearing Joe B question that last call. I love that Locker said “it was a penalty, but…” and explain that at that time of the game, and with them letting other things go, they can’t call that one.
I think not only do they get a “pass”… they get kudos for biting their tongues until now with the crap the NHL calls officiating. It’s been extremely bad this year (not just in our series)…
perfect example… how does the low ref not see a puck hit the net above the glass? JB & CL saw it from 4 stories up… and the ref that was 10 feet away missed it? that’s unacceptable.
by Scofield on May 12, 2009 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And it led to a Pens chance. Seriously, is there no discipline for calling such bs?
by DrinkingPartner on May 12, 2009 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree that is is nice to have some hometown bias once in a while…I was in NYC for games 6 and 7 and the announcing on MSG was sickening…however, that said it was the home team and the home channel, so one can only be so annoyed.
by Slaphappy on May 12, 2009 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think it’s mainly due to HD, DVR and youtube. We can see it so much better and we can see it over and over and over again.
They’re probably going to have to step up the review capabilities in some fashion for next season.
by snowburnt on May 12, 2009 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, but there’s no excuse for not blowing the whistle when they clearly didn’t know where it was.
by DrinkingPartner on May 12, 2009 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But then there’s times like the Hossa goal that got waved off because the ref didn’t see the puck.
by snowburnt on May 12, 2009 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That situation blows, but the ref is supposed to blow the whistle when he doesn’t see the puck anymore. That was at least “the right thing to do.”
by DrinkingPartner on May 12, 2009 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The NHL could have some kind of communication between the refs and the linesmen, like they have in some high-lelve international soccer games. That way the center ice guy can help the guy down low.
by meatball20 on May 12, 2009 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
While it’s nice that Fleischmann picked up a goal, it’s a little weird that Boudreau decided that one goal was enough to forget all off Flash’s poor play and move him back up to the second line.
I’m not sure that’s it at all. Rather, by moving Flash to the 2nd line he could move Laich to the 3rd and roll three legitimate lines, rather than having two lines and than a Gordo-Stecks-Brads line that is rather meh. Having Flash as deadweight on the 2nd line unleashed the 3rd, in essence, and it obviously worked – they were awesome in OT.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 12, 2009 7:46 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I think it could be a little psychology on BB’s part. I haven’t followed lineups a lot this year, but maybe moving Flash up was saying “I have confidence in you”. Sometime you have to do something like this to get production. Granted, it has to be done at the right time. You certainly can’t overuse that line or it loses its effectiveness. When Flash found out he was on 2nd line, it probably gave him a boost.
That -- or it was just dumb luck.
Either way, I’ll take the goal and the win!
Game 7 - I believe!!! It’s time for the Pens to go play golf this go-around……
by RedskinFan4Life on May 12, 2009 7:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bruce has a special place in his heart for the guys who came through for him in Hershey: Green, Laich, Steckel, Gordon, and . . . Flash. The guy was money back in 2006.
by D'ohboy on May 12, 2009 8:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This we know, but Bruce has a super-special place in his heart for his illegitimate son Flash.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 12, 2009 8:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But PLEASE Bruce please please please
Don’t put Flash back on the top Power Play unit!
by Vickster on May 12, 2009 8:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
odds are good you will see him.
Who knows. He has scored against the Pens kind of regularly this year. I’m willing to roll the dice that he figured something out. After all, if Semin is playing well, he can just bounce it off his behind.
by Chimaera on May 12, 2009 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
AGREED 100%… his decisions with the puck and lack of passing prowess is killing our zone time.
by Scofield on May 12, 2009 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rather, by moving Flash to the 2nd line he could move Laich to the 3rd and roll three legitimate lines, rather than having two lines and than a Gordo-Stecks-Brads line that is rather meh.
BB alluded to it being more about moving Laich to the 3rd line in the post-game presser.
"Serious question: Is Ovie going to demand a trade if they lose this series? Any chance of this?"
by Bald Pollack on May 12, 2009 9:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also, there’s a new-ish phenomenon in the NHL that’s a variant on the traditional “dive” – hold your stick so loosely that the slightest tap from an opposing sends your twig flying and the ref’s arm into the air to call a slash.
Related – as easily as sticks break nowadays, the League should rethink how it calls slashes on stick checks. What was legitimately good defense to tie up an opponent’s stick in a puck battle only a few years ago is now a minor because the guys are using balsa wood-durable sticks.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 12, 2009 7:49 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
There's also the Crosby "Neck Snap"
Which drew Laich’s first penalty to create the 5 on 3, and which he tried a few minutes later when Pothier gave him a shove, and sent his helmet flying. The dude is a total snake.
The keyboard is mightier.
by breed16 on May 12, 2009 8:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Geno and Sid were begging for calls late in the game. In fairness to them, they had good reason to believe they might get ’em.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 12, 2009 8:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Crosby’s behavior is starting to rub off on Malkin. And not with good results.
by D'ohboy on May 12, 2009 8:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think there was a lot of diving on both sides. Some of Semin’s theatrics had me a little uncomfortable…
by gnuf on May 12, 2009 8:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pothier-The Incredible Hulk
Boy, Pothier’s training regimen must be amazing. Here’s a guy who’s 6 feet tall and 200 pounds and he was able to send Jordan Staal, who’s 6’4" 220 pounds flying to the ice with the lightest flip of his stick. Of course, he deserved the penalty because there was no embellishment on Staal part.
by b.orr4 on May 12, 2009 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I said almost the exact same thing to the people I was watching with.
by D'ohboy on May 12, 2009 9:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There may have been, but Pothier had his stick up high on Staal from next to him/behind him. It’s easy to use the torque of the stick to put a guy down in that situation, no matter what the relative size of the players.
by David M. Getz on May 12, 2009 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Almost looked like a slew foot at first, but when I saw Staal’s reaction, I knew he dove.
He’s been the smarmiest player on the ice. In game 5 after he scored his goal he made it a point to talk shit to the first cap he saw. Then Backs did the same play…just in traffic and the caps celebrated amongst themselves rather than brown-tooth it.
by snowburnt on May 12, 2009 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Semin was tripped twice driving the net—once by Gill, once by Eaton—and neither were called. I don’t want to defend his dive on the Orpik hook, but the refs sure made it seem like that’s what Semin had to do to get a call.
by bige73 on May 12, 2009 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Agreed. He had a semi-break in the 3rd and was clearly tripped with no call. I’m not defending his dive but the refs were not doing him any favors.
by grapejoos on May 12, 2009 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not saying the Pens weren’t diving. I think both sides embellishing things. Deal with the refs you get, I guess.
by gnuf on May 12, 2009 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fra real? Semin was tripped — stick under BOTH skates but never touched the puck — on a breakaway and nothing was called. In general, I don’t find discussions about poor refereeing very interesting (what’s the point?), but I was stunned that Semin didn’t get the call there.
The puck hitting the netting and play continuing was just a standard missed play by the refs — that it happened to result in a good scoring chance for the Pens was poor luck for us.
by CarlosLA on May 12, 2009 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
puck over glass in net
these guys are getting paid too much money and are in too “high” of a position (i.e. the pinnacle of ice hockey refereeing) to miss something that simple. it absolutely CANT be missed… opportunity at the other end or not.
by Scofield on May 12, 2009 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Okay, here’s the thing about complaining about refs: fans, bloggers, MSM are doing it across the board about every major sport in the world where refs play a major role: NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, all soccer leagues, you name it.
I refereed soccer games in college to earn a little scratch. Granted I was far from a trained professional, but i found the experience deeply humbling. Even at the intramural college level, the game moves fast enough that it’s impossible to always be in a good position to make a call and surprisingly often I found myself basically guessing even on simple things like whose ball it was on an out of bounds play. Combine that with the fact players complain after EVERY SINGLE call — so there’s no useful feedback mechanism whatsoever, and, worse, you end up pretty much loathing their lack of sportsmanship and fair play.
Now we live in an age where many of us have large screen HDTVs and DVRs that allow us to endlessly rewind and run replays in super slow motion (I like to slow down the broadcast replay even further!), and inevitably we find error after error in the officiating. No one is ever satisfied to ascribe mistakes to our own fallibility as humans — we much prefer conspiracy theories and so EVERYONE constantly blasts the refs and the leagues for “terrible officiating.”
None of this is to say that there’s no way to marginally and slightly improve officiating in all of these sports over time. For instance, all sports would benefit from more liberal usage of ex poste review at the league level to subsequently punish both diving to draw a call — too common in many sports — and transgressions, whether called fouls at the moment or otherwise, that are intended to injure an opposing player. Suspensions aimed at those two behaviors would quickly improve the quality of play as players would lose the incentive in all but the final game of the year to attempt either. Soccer should eliminate or somehow revise the offsides rule since making that call correctly in real time is literally impossible — you have to look at the player’s position relative to the defender at the very moment the ball is being played on to them from another spot on the field — any fast striker on a well-placed through ball is going to appear offsides on the best executed plays. But I digress.
But I think the bigger issue is that expectations are completely out of line with what can realistically be delivered by humans observing world class athletes in real time. Here I think the leagues are taking completely the wrong approach in by-and-large agreeing with or at best ignoring the criticisms. Instead they should address them head on: we do our best, here’s what we do to ensure we do our best, the refs are only human and they do not have the benefit of super slow motion replays, the games for refs are literally a nonstop barrage of judgment calls and there’s absolutely no bias in any of our officiating.
/rant
by CarlosLA on May 12, 2009 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which is why most of us are really only asking for one thing in officiating, consistency. Just make the same call on both ends of the ice, or don’t, just make the same thing everytime. The refs in this series have been anything but consistent even within each single game, and that’s the frustrating part. The NHL should seriously reconsider having a different crew do each game of each series, that’s just retarded when the games are every other day. Have the same 4 on-ice guys and just rotate them, how freakin’ difficult is that?
by wittcap79 on May 12, 2009 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thx for wading through that absurdly long post!
I think “consistency” is a red herring.
In theory it sounds like a reasonable goal but in practice what does it really mean. I submit that most sports rules are actually “standards” not really “rules” (think of the speed limits in the US — nowhere is the highway speed limit treated as a rule, i.e., each infraction is punished, rather it is always treated as a standard: some speeding is okay in almost all circumstances but too much speeding for the circumstances will be punished). Standards can and often are applied “consistently,” so long as your data set of observations is big enough. I’ve driven enough miles and for enough years to know whether my driving at any given moment is putting me at more or less risk of getting a speeding ticket, and on the rare and unfortunate occasions when I’ve been nailed, I could not in fairness complain.
That said, if you have a small set of observations, and I’d argue that one or even several hockey games are a TINY set of observations, and you start to make comparisons within that tiny data set, then you are bound to find “inconsistencies.”
As for suggestions like increasing the amount of booth or off-ice review, I think the NFL (or last night’s ridiculousness around adding 1.4 seconds to the clock at the end of regulation) show the severely limited utility of using replays in the moment. That’s why I propose using replay only well after the fact to drive down the incidence of behavior detrimental to the game.
by CarlosLA on May 12, 2009 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That 1.4 seconds was horseshit. I bet they went from when he caught the puck rather than from the time the whistle blew.
by renstar on May 12, 2009 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was linesman for 3 intramural hockey games in university and twice forgot to blow a play offside because I was so involved in watching the play. It is a very hard job when you are not a professional. Add in what you noted about players cheating (embellishing and diving are definitely cheating) and it becomes impossible to see everything.
What drives people insane is that the league does a piss poor job of explaining calls, bad calls are so clear thanks to technology, and, sadly, consistency is a big problem.
As for offside in soccer, if I can all it from my seat in the upper deck then I think the linesman can handle it.*
*sarcasm
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on May 12, 2009 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
One thing I was thinking about last night is the possibility of putting the second ref off the ice. Think of all the things we can see at home that they cannot at ice-level. Why not put one ref on the ice and leave the other in the stands or in a video booth and give him an ability to remotely blow the play dead.
by D'ohboy on May 12, 2009 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree 100%. One thing soccer has done really well is that refs are assessed for all top level games and when an interesting situation arises or a play is miscalled, a video is actually put online for every referee to watch and learn from, along with instructions on what should be done and what should be the correct call and why.
Also, the post game reviews, fines, and penalties for diving (simulation of foul in FIFAs overly verbose language) are exactly what the NHL needs.
I disagree on the offside thing though, that is the easiest call to make in soccer if you are or have assistant referees. As to guessing who it went out on, even as an AR you lose track of that stuff, as long as it is along the touch line it doesn’t matter, something like 70% of throw-ins end up in the other teams possession with in 5 touches anyway.
by renstar on May 12, 2009 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't disagree but....
…if the fans and critics don’t play the role of referee critic, who will? Leagues will sweep mistakes under the rug if not held to task for it by the media and fans. Blogs are an outlet for fans to express opinions to an audience they, unlike the media, don’t have otherwise. In professional sports things move so fast I don’t blame referee’s for making mistakes (it happens), but I certainly hold them accountable in the same way I might hold Mike Green accountable for turning the puck over in his own end literally any time he touches it.
On the topic of this series, I would say as one sided as the power play chances have been, there have been a whole lot of good calls against the Caps. They have committed dumb penalties over and over. To be objective, the Caps got the benefit of some downright SHADY calls against the Rangers.
PS – OV needs to stop going Lebron (i.e. making the “C’MON?!?!?” face) anytime someone brushes against him on the ice. Its getting old and I’m a lifelong Caps fan.
by Mixmy1200s on May 13, 2009 12:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Re Sid: you’re telling me that when he is determined none of our D can move him with a running start, but when Laich gives him a little shot in the ribs he falls over like he was hit with a wrecking ball? Laich didn’t need to give him that extra shot but there is no way that was enough to take Sid off his feet.
by Fehr and Balanced on May 12, 2009 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
It’s all circumstantial. People aren’t machines and are not 100% predictable. If something goes wrong you can’t just assume he was taking a fall, as much as we’d like to.
by snowburnt on May 12, 2009 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You’re so optimistic. Alex Kovalev does the same exact thing. Guy is a tank on his skates… when he wants to be.
by Fehr and Balanced on May 12, 2009 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which drew Laich’s first penalty to create the 5 on 3, and which he tried a few minutes later when Pothier gave him a shove, and sent his helmet flying.
I think the call on Laich was because Laich crossed checked Crosby while he was already on the ice. That one’s on Brooks.
by David M. Getz on May 12, 2009 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought the arm went up before that. I thought it was the xcheck that put Crosby on the ice that was the call. It was unnecessary but definitely not enough to put Crosby down. If it was for the xcheck after he was down I can live with that. Brooks has to know when to say when.
by Fehr and Balanced on May 12, 2009 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed, I saw the arm go up before Crosby went down. That’s when Brooks decided to get his money’s worth.
The keyboard is mightier.
by breed16 on May 12, 2009 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
“Should have been a better shot and caught him in the head.”
by D'ohboy on May 12, 2009 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
That quote should’ve gone with the “butt-fugly-in” thread :-).
by DrinkingPartner on May 12, 2009 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't mind the sun sometimes the image that it shows!
They were all in love with dyin They were drinking from a fountain That was pouring like an avalanche coming down the mountain.
by zephyr on May 12, 2009 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was hoping someone would catch that. It’s on my pre-game playlist.
by D'ohboy on May 12, 2009 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just like the “hold your stick loosely” or the “clamp the other guy’s stick to draw a hook” I think soon enough a coach is going to send a player out there with a half-sawed stick and tell him to go find a puck battle to draw a PIM. The NHL has some serious work to do this off-season… and I’m not talking about PHX.
by Fehr and Balanced on May 12, 2009 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Capitals were out-shot 42-24 on the night. Of course, being out-shot 18-5 in the first period probably had a lot to do with that.
Not for nothing, but it’s the 3rd time in 4 games they’ve given up 42 shots (1-2). Granted they won, but it doesn’t excuse the fact that they should ratchet up a little come tomorrow night.
And unrelated to anything other that DMG’s last comment, but it seems like the 4th line might get more than 4 shifts tomorrow. That’s more hunch and guesswork than anything, of course.
"Serious question: Is Ovie going to demand a trade if they lose this series? Any chance of this?"
by Bald Pollack on May 12, 2009 8:04 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Those four shifts say a lot about Bruce’s faith in his captain right now, don’t they?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 12, 2009 8:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh Captain, my captain.
I’m not sure he is long for this world.
by Chimaera on May 12, 2009 9:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I understand the sentiment, but it’s not like that was Clark’s 95th game of the season. Guy hasn’t really played for most of two years. I’d think he gets a pass until October; it’s hard to think he’d be a giant killer in the playoffs. And he did score a dirty work goal in game 4.
by gfcaps fan on May 12, 2009 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i tend to agree w/ his faith in 17… guy gets a bad retaliation penalty last game in his 4 minutes of ice time. he should sit. he’s done.
by Scofield on May 12, 2009 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Btw, the new (to me) sig? Teh awesome.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 12, 2009 8:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bipolar CI posters = comedy gold.
"Serious question: Is Ovie going to demand a trade if they lose this series? Any chance of this?"
by Bald Pollack on May 12, 2009 8:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
re: Shot totals allowed
After the 1st period, Versus interviewed Laich and asked how the Caps gave up 18 shots?
Brooks said the scorekeeping was not accurate. He watched shots deflect off sticks and go wide, or into the netting, then would look up and see the scorekeeper add two more to the Pens total.
The keyboard is mightier.
by breed16 on May 12, 2009 8:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That might explain Game 3, but doesn’t explain Game 5 at VC, unless there was some scorekeeper coup d’etat.
"Serious question: Is Ovie going to demand a trade if they lose this series? Any chance of this?"
by Bald Pollack on May 12, 2009 8:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting to hear that comments from Laich. I was stunned when the announcers mentioned 17 shots for the Pens during the first period. It did not seem to me that they were getting that many shots on goal.
by Moonage Daydream on May 12, 2009 9:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mine too…It just really didn’t “feel” to me the Pens had thrown that many shots at Varly
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on May 12, 2009 9:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agree, my eyes practically popped out of my head when they showed the shot tally midway through the first.
by grapejoos on May 12, 2009 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What’s he doing staring at the scoreboard?
by snowburnt on May 12, 2009 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
After the first 1:30 of an Ovechkin shift, a guy gets bored and you can’t fault him for glancing up when he knows he has another 45 seconds or so before he has to think about getting back on the ice.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 12, 2009 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
BB said the same thing in the presser. He said Pens stats people “pad the stats.” I think the Pens shot total is misleading like some of the games when we got a lot of shots and couldn’t score much. They took a lot of outside shots that were harmless on their own, but meant to create a rebound chance (which they often did). I thought for the most part our D did a good job limiting second chances so most of those 42 were long shots that Varlamov is gonna save most of the time.
by Fehr and Balanced on May 12, 2009 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, but did the Pens stats people pad the VC numbers Saturday?
"Serious question: Is Ovie going to demand a trade if they lose this series? Any chance of this?"
by Bald Pollack on May 12, 2009 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just had a thought…if they’re padding pittsburgh’s shot stats what does that really mean? Mainly that Fleury’s save % will be much worse than Varly’s and that’s about it.
by snowburnt on May 12, 2009 7:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So how does this work? Any game summary that is forced to praise Flash DMG has to write? That’s cold JP.
Also nice to see that we now have two players in the top 5 in post season scoring. Steadily but surely, Backstrom has show the world that he is as good as we all think he is.
by HateOffSeason on May 12, 2009 8:10 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Ha. Nice. Good policy – I’ll look into formalizing it, but then I’d end up writing 90% of the recaps.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 12, 2009 8:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The question remains, what’s Flash gotta do to get into DMG’s good graces? Not only is it a little bit extreme to already compare Flash’s post seasons to Kozlov’s (3 goals in his first 13 post season games vs. 4 goals in 34…zippy the first 21), but in a game that the Caps are so badly outshot Flash had the best Corsi amongst forwards amongst guys not named Bradley.
by Yoshietree on May 12, 2009 8:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry, but Flashes 3 goals don't make up for the hundreds
of turnovers he’s made. Not to mention he has zero assists to accompany those goals. Almost every time that guy touches the puck, it immediately ends up w/ the Pens.
Prime example was a pass Feds made to Flash in front of the net last night. Flash botched it, and Feds actually skated over and picked up his own pass!
Flash needs to go.
by bigeugene on May 12, 2009 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I cringe everytime he tries the curl-and-drag or the pass through the stick of the opposition.
it never works out for him…ever
by snowburnt on May 12, 2009 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t even know how to respond to that without sounding like a deek.
by Yoshietree on May 12, 2009 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You know what let me try. I’m not trying to say that Flash is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Anyone who has been here for the regular season knows that I stick up for him because I think he has not yet hit his peak and that even as inconsistent/frustrating he is right now, he’s a ridiculous bargain against the cap.
But, I also think with criticism should come recognition for one of his better games, and certainly his best game in the playoffs. Not only did he score, but he took advantage of the ice time he had. He was only credited with 1 hit, but he was generally stronger on the puck than he has been in as long as I can remember, was a +1, scored his goal by crashing the net…and continued to be around the crease throughout the game. Forgetting the fact that only Matt Bradley had a better Corsi rating amongst forwards.
Your example is one play during a 60 minute game of which Flash spent almost 15 minutes on the ice. Using your example the Caps would be fielding a team tomorrow night made up of….well no one, because not a single Cap had a perfect game…or anywhere near it.
by Yoshietree on May 12, 2009 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree and he has shown a willingness to get in front of the net that he did not show in the regular season. Many times when his line is on the ice and he does not have the puck, he has been camped out in front of MAF.
by SethB on May 12, 2009 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Three goals in fifteen playoff games, not thirteen. That’s still an 82 game pace of 16 goals (not bad) and 16 points (not good), from guy who doesn’t seem to (yet) be able to handle NHL physicality and doesn’t bring a lot to the table outside of offense.
by David M. Getz on May 12, 2009 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
guy who doesn’t seem to (yet) be able to handle NHL physicality and doesn’t bring a lot to the table outside of offense.
That’s not entirely fair – he has a nice smile.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 12, 2009 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I admit that I have been impressed with his playoff goatee. I thought he was in the ’can’t grow one’ club with Semin and Backstrom.
by David M. Getz on May 12, 2009 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The penalty that Semin drew before he scored was vintage Semin and the only person who should have gone to the box was Semin. I got a huge kicked out of Orpik(?) yelling at him as he lay on the ice. Total riot!
If you’re not going to play Beagle send him back and bring up Aucoin. Do something to roll four lines when your opponent is already doing so.
It would be nice to see AO down by the net, scoring goals, like the MVP of this series has been.
uhh...uhh...uhh...
by hotdog88gt on May 12, 2009 8:31 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I can’t figure out why BB brought up Beagle when he has a guy who has already proven that he gives the energy and toughness the Caps need.
by jimmiebjr on May 12, 2009 9:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My theory at the time was that he wanted someone to play wing.
I guess that wasn’t it.
by Gould Old Days on May 12, 2009 9:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
From a organizational perspective, bringing Beagle up to keep him on line 4 is about right, considering both the TOI the 4th line has been seeing and what Aucoin brings to the Bears’ scoring front.
Moreover, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Brashear get a jersey tomorrow.
"Serious question: Is Ovie going to demand a trade if they lose this series? Any chance of this?"
by Bald Pollack on May 12, 2009 9:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Please explain to me why Capitals management takes into account how the Bears fare in the AHL playoffs when they make call-ups.
uhh...uhh...uhh...
by hotdog88gt on May 12, 2009 9:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If player 1 like mad in the A (and hasn’t in the N) and player 2 doesn’t (and likely won’t), and they’re both in a series where, if they’re pulled out of it, they’re only going to get 4 shifts and two minutes on the 4th line, who’s the better fit in the N? Or more importantly, who’s the better fit in the A?
It’s kind of like the Filatov scenario, in the sense that why would you spit in the face of your affiliate. And if you’re the Caps and your affiliate is two hours away, and you can get emergency callups to the big club same day, why would you risk souring that relationship?
"Serious question: Is Ovie going to demand a trade if they lose this series? Any chance of this?"
by Bald Pollack on May 12, 2009 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If the refs realized this or not, they made up for it by letting go 2 trips on him.
If anyone knows a hooking call on this team it’s Semin.
by snowburnt on May 12, 2009 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Considering what Orpik has gotten away with this series, and the non-call at the end of the 2nd, I don’t really care that Semin had to dive to get a call. Yeah, I don’t like diving and I’d prefer that no player does it… but when in Rome…
by Fehr and Balanced on May 12, 2009 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, Ovechkin’s been scoring by actually shooting the puck, not picking up scraps.
Or did you mean Crosby? Because you said the MVP of the series, and that’s clearly Ovechkin ;-).
by DrinkingPartner on May 12, 2009 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No kidding. Crosby has been unbelievable – and completely reversed my stance on who the best Pen is – but Ovie has more goals and points in this series and is carrying his team to a greater degree overall (IMO). But I must add that there’s nothing wrong with picking up scraps as long as you’re putting them in the net, though perhaps with a more stout D corps, Crosby’s opportunities would not be there, whereas Ovechkin makes his own opportunities.
by grapejoos on May 12, 2009 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Speaking of Crosby, WASN’T IT REFRESHING to see his ass dumped again and again? Pothier had a personal vendetta against Crosby and made sure he got his ass sticked and slashed and hit whenever he was anywhere near the net. That was a great step-up for them last night.
by DrinkingPartner on May 12, 2009 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am always in favor of that. I’m even okay with Laich taking the penalty with the extra crosschecks, or Juice’s penalty in game 2 I believe when he rocked Crosby next to the net. You gotta punish a guy like that and convince him to hang out in safer parts of the ice.
by grapejoos on May 12, 2009 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The problem is he won’t be convinced. He’s determined. He’s just drawing PPs and he’ll keep doing the same. You absolutely have to be smart against him.
by Fehr and Balanced on May 12, 2009 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You’re probably right, but let’s just say I haven’t seen the Caps’ D men dishing out enough punishment to know for sure. But yeah, he’s got tremendous hockey sense and the protection of the zebras, so you have to play smart against him.
by grapejoos on May 12, 2009 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ummm… AO has outscored Crosby… and Malkin. He has damn near matched their output combined. Crosby may be more visible because he carries the puck more but AO has been the MVP. Caps are toast without him.
by Fehr and Balanced on May 12, 2009 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
BTW, AO is first in the NHL in points, goals, and plus/minus for the playoffs, and has already set the record for most points by a Cap in a single postseason. So yeah, I’d say he’s the MVP thus far of this series and the playoffs.
Of course, that doesn’t matter unless the Caps win tomorrow night.
by grapejoos on May 12, 2009 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are all of the penalties dulled out against us “true” penalties? I thought in the playoffs the Ref’s are supposed to swallow their whistle. The penalty we got when some pen broke his stick….then at least 2 seconds later droped his stick and cried to the ref…..come on! The Ref’s are a joke….I do think we need to stop making some real bad plays…But Who cares now. It’s game 7 and it’s in our booth! CAPS!
by Dalehunter on May 12, 2009 9:03 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Slashing a stick and breaking it is an objective PIM. It’s like a puck over the glass or too man men. The PIT player was just making sure the ref saw it. I have no problem with that one. Others though…
by Fehr and Balanced on May 12, 2009 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think what I love best about Steckel’s goal (after watching it yet again) is that it is such a team goal. Nothing says teamwork like the alley-oop of one player lobbing it to another’s stick for a deflection. That line has been awesome.
by Gould Old Days on May 12, 2009 9:21 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
yes. it’s the kind of goals I’ve been begging the team to put together.
it’s such an important tactic in the playoffs.
by smutsboy1 on May 12, 2009 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Following the faceoff win too. That line continues to be the Caps’ salvation.
by grapejoos on May 12, 2009 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Re Semin diving...
Wasn’t he blatantly taken down on his semi breakaway a minute before the second period ended, with NO call?
by S h a g g y on May 12, 2009 9:25 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Flash’s goal negated the penalty. The ref’s arm was up but the Pens never regained control of the puck.
uhh...uhh...uhh...
by hotdog88gt on May 12, 2009 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He means the other one, where there was no call (and he’s right – the Pen did not get puck first or at all).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 12, 2009 9:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
When is a penalty shot given in that case?
by Dalehunter on May 12, 2009 9:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Only in the event that the player has a “clear” breakaway and is denied a scoring chance. Semin didn’t have enough separation to warrant a penalty shot in that case.
by D'ohboy on May 12, 2009 9:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A penalty shot is awarded when, in the judgement of the referee, a player has a clean break away (usually one full stride), is fouled from behind, and does not get a legitimate chance to score.
On the first Semin break, the one where Flash scored, Semin would have had a case for a penalty shot, since he was in the clear, and fouled from behind. That said, he did get up, made a play, and the Caps scored anyway, negating the penalty.
On the second play, I am not sure Semin had a clean break from the defender. There should have been a tripping call, but not for a penalty shot.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on May 12, 2009 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
“Fouled from behind” – ewwww!
uhh...uhh...uhh...
by hotdog88gt on May 12, 2009 9:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Damn DVR. I probably blew by it.
uhh...uhh...uhh...
by hotdog88gt on May 12, 2009 9:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Do we know who is going to be Reffing the game Wednesday?
by Dalehunter on May 12, 2009 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m going with Tommy the pinball wizard and Helen Keller.
by SethB on May 12, 2009 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
Nah, they can’t do two games in a row in the same series…. :-)
by Scofield on May 12, 2009 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He refs by sense of smell….
Can’t be worse, sense of sight sure isn’t working.
by Fehr and Balanced on May 12, 2009 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He knows to follow the flowery scent of Crosby.
by DrinkingPartner on May 12, 2009 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Hillarious!
"Every person is a damn fool for at least five minutes every day. Wisdom consists in not exceeding the limit." Elbert Hubbard.
by Izzyforeal365 on May 12, 2009 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Semin was also blatantly taken down by Gill or Eaton at the end of the second period as he was driving to the net. Actually he was tackled. It’s clear to me he’s got a bad rep among the refs and they’re just not going to give him the benefit of the doubt on tripping calls.
by b.orr4 on May 12, 2009 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He sure got the benefit on the hook though.
by Fehr and Balanced on May 12, 2009 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
For the record, even the Pensblog thought that was at least a penalty if not a Penalty shot.
by gnuf on May 12, 2009 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wednesday
Don’t mean to brag….But Wednesday I will be in a luxury box to see a baseball game eating the free food and drinking the free beer and watching the game….not the baseball game!
I bought the tickets 4 months ago and cant sell them now, but what a night it’s going to be!
CAPS!
by Dalehunter on May 12, 2009 9:42 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I just saw the Versus highlights on the NHL network, and it epitomized why people like me loathe Crosby. On the Caps’ first goal, Crosby took a shot off his body – it looked like it hit him in the midsection. While the Caps came down the ice with the puck right past him, Crosby was just dawdling getting back to the bench. My problem isn’t with necessarily with that. I think it was weak, but that’s my opinion. My problem is with the Versus announcers polishing his knob, saying: “What a gutty effort there by Crosby!!!” . . . Right before the Caps scored because he didn’t hustle back to his bench, choosing to glide back slowly on two skates while the play went right by him. How many times have you seen guys with much, MUCH worse injuries stay in the play despite the pain, or skate/crawl as fast as they could back to their bench??? Sami Kapanen struggling to get back to his bench after getting demolished by Darcy Tucker – THAT was a gutty effort. Crosby’s slow glide back to his bench? Not so much.
Crosby is unbelievably talented. He is certainly one of the top three players in the game. But until the NHL and its various media outlets quit shoving him down our throats and anointing him as hockey’s golden boy, regardless of what he’s doing on the ice or his behavior, people like me are going to hate him.
by D'ohboy on May 12, 2009 9:44 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Excellent point. I think the Pens have been guilty multiple times in this series of stopping their play because they were waiting for calls. That tells me at least 2 things:
1. They get a ton of calls their way.
2. There is a coaching deficiency somewhere in there, for not scolding them for those occasions.
I say, keep it up flightless fowl, so you can get to your end of season meetings to talk about that kind of stuff!
by marks4java on May 12, 2009 9:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And wasn’t it just a few games ago when Federov was hurt…and all you could here was “he was faking” or “he is just trying to buy some time for the caps” Crosby cant carry Feds Jock!
by Dalehunter on May 12, 2009 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
For a guy who’s been in the league so long his name gets misspelled far too often!
by Ovechwin on May 12, 2009 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
On second viewing, it looks like he took it off of his foot. And then he made the “Manning Face” while leaving his defensemen to deal with a 3-on-2. What a gutty effort.
by D'ohboy on May 12, 2009 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You got you Manning Face. I did love watching him glide past the oncoming rush.
by Fehr and Balanced on May 12, 2009 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You are looking at this the wrong way...
As was posted on a Pittsburgh blog, many fans were incensed that Crosby tried to gut it out and get to the bench, instead of just wallowing on the ice for a stoppage in play.
The unwritten rule in hockey (re. Brooks Laich) is that unless you are bleeding to death on the ice, you get your ass up and get to the bench, don’t stop the play.
Considering how we feel about Crosby’s leadership and sportsmanship, or lack thereof, we should all be happy that he didn’t stay on the ice pleading for a stopage from the officials. Hmm…fans wanted him to stay down…kinda says a lot about their knowledge of the game and sportsmanship as well…
by HateOffSeason on May 12, 2009 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ll agree w/ this to an extent. I’m in total agreement that he did right by not laying there and stopping the play… but what he SHOULD’VE done… was get his ass up and get back in the play. hurt or not, you can’t let the caps go right by you 3-on-2 and not even try to do something about it.
by Scofield on May 12, 2009 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Even reaching out and tripping someone (two guys went right by him) would have been a better play than what he did.
Hell, just laying down across the ice would have at least slowed up the Caps’ rush a bit.
by D'ohboy on May 12, 2009 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Those fans are clueless. No decent ref (there have to be some, right?) would blow the play dead because a player took a puck off of his foot blocking a shot. If he takes it in the face and there is blood everywhere, . . . maybe.
by D'ohboy on May 12, 2009 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No… not if a player took a puck off his foot… but if a Crosby took a puck off his foot, we may need immediate medical attention here.
by Fehr and Balanced on May 12, 2009 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I feel pretty good about the Caps chances Wednesday.
Caps role players are confident, the Caps won the last game in OT, on the road, and the Pens had 42 frikin shots on the Caps and still couldn’t get it done.
Semin just needs to show-up like he did in this game, and maybe this time he can actually get a goal.
I expect an enormous game from Ovy… could be one for ages.
The entire sports world will be tuned in for this one… at our very own phone booth.
Waiting a day and a half will be rather hard.
by marks4java on May 12, 2009 9:47 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Momentum
Caps have it. Not that it seems to mean anything. In hockey it seems to be a fickle thing.
by snowburnt on May 12, 2009 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I disagree. The Pens lucked a win in OT in game 3, and went on to win 2 more after that.
I think there’s a lot more going on then some nebulous phenomenon, but confidence and a feeling of invincibility goes a long way. Call it what you like.
by marks4java on May 12, 2009 9:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’d like to think they “lucked” game 5 too. If Poti got a better tap on that puck it wouldn’t have gone in. Course if Poti wasn’t there at all, Crosby would have definitely tapped that one in.
by snowburnt on May 12, 2009 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
After watching the replay I actually think Varlamov was going to make it across to at least challenge Crosby for that tap in. It was by no means a slam dunk.
by Fehr and Balanced on May 12, 2009 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed. I have to believe the two OT losses were in the Caps’ heads given the bad bounces. Last night’s win has to be a yooge boost.
uhh...uhh...uhh...
by hotdog88gt on May 12, 2009 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I live in Pittsburgh and had to listen to the whiny local telecast, which is f—-ing torture to begin with – and the shell-shocked play by play crew repeatedly said there is no such thing as momentum in Game 7.
Riiiiiiiiggggggghhhhhhhhhhttttttt. Like the Pens wouldn’t be pumped to close out game 7 at home themselves.
We got a couple of monkeys of our backs: Fleury was undefeated in playoff OT (no more), the Caps finally won in OT, someone other than Ovie was the hero.
Now the big one coming up: a playoff series win against the Pens. Holy Jesus.
by S h a g g y on May 12, 2009 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well at least you get to see replays when you watch the PIT feed. CSN is terrible about that. And I agree, there is no momentum in game 7. We had momentum (if it existed) against PHI and lost; we had momentum against a much worse Rags team and they came out and took it to us for 40 minutes. We can’t repeat the effort from the last game 7, or last night’s first period. We need to be solid from the start.
by Fehr and Balanced on May 12, 2009 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't buy the momentum thing. We won 2 games in a row then lost 3 in a row.
by bigeugene on May 12, 2009 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We won 5 games in a row. We were due for a let-down. It’s sad that it was a 3-gamer, but whatever. We’ve got a new winning streak to work on.
by DrinkingPartner on May 12, 2009 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
isn’t that the definition of momentum? strings of victories for each team, as opposed to 1-1-1-1-1.
by Natty Bumppo on May 12, 2009 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Pens did NOT want to go back to DC. No, sir, they did not.
uhh...uhh...uhh...
by hotdog88gt on May 12, 2009 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Semin’s awesome when he’s on. There was one pass that he stole it looked physically impossible, like the puck just stuck to his stick. he has amazing stick control and puck handling ability. He just needs to toughen up a little bit and he could be more like Crosby
by snowburnt on May 12, 2009 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You think Semin wants to be like Crosby? I’m pretty sure you’d be the next set of bongos in his path if he heard you say that.
by DrinkingPartner on May 12, 2009 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It would be my honor to have Semin work my sinus cavity.
You know what I mean though, if Semin could add some power moves in addition to his smooth curl and drag routine he’d be unstoppable.
He’s good in front of the net also, but he gets shoved out of there so fast he rarely gets a chance.
by snowburnt on May 12, 2009 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The interesting thing about Semin is that he doesn’t need power moves to be unstoppable, he just needs to be consistent. When he’s on, he’s the best player in the league.
by DrinkingPartner on May 12, 2009 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was amazed by that same play. Rewound the DVR a bunch of times to try and figure out how he did it. Looked like he was playing with a lacrosse stick there!
by CarlosLA on May 12, 2009 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Imagine if our secondary scorers and OV are both on fire in the same game
We need that to happen
by bigeugene on May 12, 2009 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s amazing what a difference Semin makes.
by smutsboy1 on May 12, 2009 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
couldn’t resist, could you…
2008-2009 Colorado Avalanche: Dry Humping Mediocrity
by Mike @ MHH on May 12, 2009 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dude, I had to restrain myself Rec’ing that thing 100 times.
by DrinkingPartner on May 12, 2009 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Btw, did anyone watch the Blackhawks/Canucks game last night?
12 goals in a playoff game (Hawks won 7-5)! It was a crazy offensive night.
by bigeugene on May 12, 2009 10:11 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I did. I had Luongo hoisting the Cup this year, dag nab it! A regular goal fest it was and Vancouver’s five goals just were not enough. Vancouver’s D just could not stave off the Chicago offense.
uhh...uhh...uhh...
by hotdog88gt on May 12, 2009 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He looked bad every game against the Hawks. Even when the Canucks won he didn’t have a good game.
He had a Varly-like "save of the playoffs that was completely overshadowed by 3 softies he let in afterwards.
That said I’m not sure I’d want to play against the Blackhawks this post season.
You think Kunitz or Avery was bad, look out for Byfuglien (sp?)
by snowburnt on May 12, 2009 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’d love to play the Blackhawks this post-season, simply b/c of what it would mean if it was to happen.
But yeah, Big Buff is a tough dude.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 12, 2009 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think about that trade all the time… Too bad CHI didn’t bite
by gnuf on May 12, 2009 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Didn’t we determine they simply couldn’t do it, not that they didn’t want to?
by DrinkingPartner on May 12, 2009 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I believe the cap numbers didn’t work out for either team. They needed to move more than just Bufflin to get Nyls under the cap, and we couldn’t take much more than Bufflin. I think they wanted to move Sopel as well (wouldn’t that have been nice) but we definitely couldn’t afford him. Trying to bring in a third party to make the money work didn’t happen, so we still have Nyls, and they are in the WCF after a huge performance from Bufflin.
by Fehr and Balanced on May 12, 2009 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I heard it was a done deal and the Hawks backed out like punks. Not even contingent on them moving Khabi.
by Scott in Shaw on May 12, 2009 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think about that trade every time I watch the Blackhawks. Every time.
by David M. Getz on May 12, 2009 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree. My second thought when I watch the ’Hawks: Where the F is their playoff learning curve?
by Fehr and Balanced on May 12, 2009 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s coming in the form of Red Wings.
by DrinkingPartner on May 12, 2009 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
…or the Ducks. They’ve got one of the last two SCF winners to contend with next round. Should be interesting.
by Fehr and Balanced on May 12, 2009 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Ducks are really good, but I’d still bet the farm on the Wings.
by DrinkingPartner on May 12, 2009 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What kind of farm?
2008-2009 Colorado Avalanche: Dry Humping Mediocrity
by Mike @ MHH on May 12, 2009 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is it subsidized?
2008-2009 Colorado Avalanche: Dry Humping Mediocrity
by Mike @ MHH on May 12, 2009 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not really comfortable divulging that information…
by DrinkingPartner on May 12, 2009 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, but unlike Avery/Kunitz, Byfuglien (pronounced Buff-Lin for those that don't follow the Hawks)
Is 6 foot 3 and 250 lbs! He’s immense.
by bigeugene on May 12, 2009 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You mean it’s not pronounced butt-fugly-in? I’ve been doing it wrong.
by Scott in Shaw on May 12, 2009 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s his last name not a description so it’s pronounced differently.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on May 12, 2009 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He was also something like 280 when drafted.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 12, 2009 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I keep hearing he’s really more like 260 these days.
by David M. Getz on May 12, 2009 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was pretty excited earlier this season when he was rumored to be one of the players coming to the Caps in exchange for Nylander. Good for the Hawks that they held on to him; for us, not so much.,
by dj-jer on May 12, 2009 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Could you imagine if he was on this squad- I watched their Gm5. That dude’s a tank. I’m a fan of his.
by vt caps fan on May 12, 2009 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Red Wings, should they survive the Ducks, will tame the Hawks.
uhh...uhh...uhh...
by hotdog88gt on May 12, 2009 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not impressed by Luongo, personally. He reminds me way too much of Olie. Great, great goalie, but he lets in softie after softie, and he gets off his game if it goes south even just a little bit. I know there are people in here who would trade Varlamov for Luongo, but I’m not one of them. Varlamov, when rested, has been one of the most impressive goalies this season on any team.
by DrinkingPartner on May 12, 2009 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
dude, come on man, as good as Varly has been, Luongo is the best goalie in the game right now. He did have a terrible game at the worst time vs. the Hawks but you can’t say that Varly 15 games into his career is not tradeable for the top or certainly a top 5 goalie in the game proven today!
by Theo60 on May 12, 2009 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Luongo has never done anything when it counted. Ever. His whole life. He had a team that was built for a deep playoff run, one of the best D corps in the league, and his team puts up 5 goals in an elimination game and they lose. Luongo is trying to become the new Marty Turco, although I prefer that crown goes to MAF, just so I can chant “Fleeeeeeurcooooo.”
by Fehr and Balanced on May 12, 2009 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That Vancouver D didn’t look too hot in the Chicago series. I wanna make a joke about them being penetrated more than Brodeur’s sister-in-law, but that would be tasteless.
I don’t think they were ever hailed as “one of the best”, but I could be wrong.
2008-2009 Colorado Avalanche: Dry Humping Mediocrity
by Mike @ MHH on May 12, 2009 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Only by idiot Canucks fans. If you want a d-corps that starts scrums and never fights they are your group but if you want hockey players the Hawks put them in the shade.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on May 12, 2009 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah they didn’t look that good, but Luongo didn’t help them out. As far as depth I thought the Canucks had a pretty solid group. I’d take their group over any D corps in the east except maybe BOS.
by Fehr and Balanced on May 12, 2009 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The best goalie in the game right now is between Brodeur, Lundqvist, and Kiprusoff (and the other Backstrom). Luongo is a younger Olie. We all know what that means.
And, frankly, based on the past 15 games, I still wouldn’t trade Varly for Luongo.
by DrinkingPartner on May 12, 2009 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kiprusoff is overrated. His ‘04 Cup run and his ’06 Vezina gave him a reputation that he gets by on but he hasn’t done anything since ‘06. I don’t think that CGY team has made it out of the first round since they went to the SCF, and they have had solid D, leadership, toughness, and just enough scoring. If he were really elite they would have made more noise.
by Fehr and Balanced on May 12, 2009 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Everything you (well, I) need to know about Kipper is expressed in this chart from BoA (if it doesn’t come through, the pink line is Kipper’s SV% over the years, the blue line the NHL avg. SV% over the same time period):
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 12, 2009 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ll concede on Kipper, but my point about there being lots more goalies above Luongo remains.
by DrinkingPartner on May 12, 2009 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Luo has never won anything in his life and crumples in big games. I’d take Theo and Varly over him. He’s huge in the regular season but he Jim Carys it every postseason.
by zephyr on May 12, 2009 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Except for the World Cup in 2004.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on May 12, 2009 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Did he even play a game that whole tournament? Winning something as Brodeur’s backup is great and all but has nothing to do with his success.
by zephyr on May 12, 2009 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He had to play the semi-final against the Czech Republic and was an absolute wall. He did however play net for Team Canada so it wasn’t exactly leading a bunch of scrubs.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on May 12, 2009 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hmm fair enough. Brodeur still won the tournament though, right?
In all fairness, I was being a little harsh but I just think he is so overrated. He is a good goalie.
by zephyr on May 12, 2009 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Luo has never won anything in his life and crumples in big games. I’d take Theo and Varly over him. He’s huge in the regular season but he Jim Carys it every postseason.
He’s only been in the postseason twice (part of what makes him impressive, to me, is how well he played with no help in Florida). In 2007 he had a 1.77 GAA and a .942 save percentage. Even after last night he’s at 2.52 and .914 this postseason and had save percentages of over .900 in seven of ten games. For his career he’s at 2.09, .930 for the playoffs.
by David M. Getz on May 12, 2009 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah as I said he’s good, I’m just hating.
by zephyr on May 12, 2009 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s not just about the numbers, DMG. A huge part of goaltending is when you make the saves. He made the saves when he had to against STL but he was consistently failing to come up with saves when his team needed them v. CHI. If he’s as good as his billing he should never lose a game when his team scores 5 goals. That wraparound goal by Kane was just shameful.
by Fehr and Balanced on May 12, 2009 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with that, but my point was more than it’s not fair to say he disappears every postseason given his track record.
by David M. Getz on May 12, 2009 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Theo? Really? You’re going to follow up “crumples in big games” with “I’d take Theo.” You mean the Theo that had all regular season to get tuned up for the playoffs and still failed? You mean the Theo that knew he was on a contender and would solely be judged by his playoff performance and then laid an egg in game 1? That Theo? There are goalies I’d take over Luongo, none of them are named Jose Theodore.
by Fehr and Balanced on May 12, 2009 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
First, read my other comments. Second, I said Theo AND Varly. Like the two of them. Together. Like AND not OR.
by zephyr on May 12, 2009 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought you meant “I would take Varly over Luongo” AND “I would take Theo over Luongo.” I didn’t realize you were picking platoons.
by Fehr and Balanced on May 12, 2009 3:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I was just saying I’m pretty happy with our goaltending situation while excessively hating on Luo.
by zephyr on May 12, 2009 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Did we link to this piece on ice time over the weekend?
uhh...uhh...uhh...
by hotdog88gt on May 12, 2009 10:49 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I had missed it – thanks for the link (and for the 1,000,000th opportunity to correct someone on this blog’s name).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 12, 2009 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The post itself refers to “Jaspers’ Rink.”
Sigh.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 12, 2009 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Better git yo’se’f a mint julip, der, Jasper – you’ve representations to keep up, naw.
by DrinkingPartner on May 12, 2009 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Call the website the wrong name…..that’s a paddlin’
Ron and Fez Noon to Three
by YvonLabresMoustache on May 12, 2009 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Paddlin’ the school boat?
You better believe that’s a paddlin’.
The keyboard is mightier.
by breed16 on May 12, 2009 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bad typo. That apostrophe should be before the ‘s’.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on May 12, 2009 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jerk.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 12, 2009 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Name callin’?
That’s a paddlin’.
by DrinkingPartner on May 12, 2009 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jasper can be so sensitive eh?
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on May 12, 2009 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Be careful, he might bust out Penis Pain Puppies again.
by Ovechwin on May 12, 2009 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s like the Vagina Monologues but with wieners!
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on May 12, 2009 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Playoff Experience
The Pens undoubtedly have more playoff experience than we do, but they have no game 7 experience. I hope that works to our advantage. Guerin, Gonchar, Boucher can all talk to them about what a game 7 means but I think having actually played in 2 game 7s with this squad is a bit of an advantage to us. That said, it’s not enough of an advantage to allow us to win if we don’t come out and play hard for 60 minutes. We need the effort we had last night starting in the second period, we can’t afford that first period again.
by Fehr and Balanced on May 12, 2009 11:51 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
They know both sides of a game 7 as well, perhaps that will be a difference maker.
by Ovechwin on May 12, 2009 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe the reason [Rink whipping boy Caps player] plays badly because of lack of confidence. [insert random positive stat list]
Isn’t someone here supposed to be pointing out that Flash has the 3rd highest shooting percentage on the team, the same # of goals as Backstrom, reminding us that we were told for years how great Bondra was before he showed it on the ice…
(and doing a better job of convincing people that they mean it than I can)
by Icebat on May 12, 2009 2:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Nice, I love Mad Libs!
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on May 12, 2009 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t know about hearing about for years – his second season, Bondra had 28 goals and 56 assists and six goals in seven playoff games. His third season he had 85 points (37 + 48) in 83 games.
by David M. Getz on May 12, 2009 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Beat me to it…I just brought up H-R.com. I knew something didn’t fly with that statement.
by wittcap79 on May 12, 2009 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Man, how can you be a Cap fan and be spouting Shooting %. That’s one of the biggest knocks AO haters throw out there. What do we always say? All that matters is how many go in, not how many don’t (or some variation thereof).
by Fehr and Balanced on May 12, 2009 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, and I still don’t get that argument. Unless it gets down into the 5-9% range it just sounds ridiculous on so many levels.
by zephyr on May 12, 2009 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It just seems to me that at this point it’s one note on Flash and thus perhaps there should be a thread specifically for Flash bashing as we wouldn’t want to detract from great article on much broader/fresher topics like the article one DMG wrote here.
But if you think I am serious wielding those Flash statements around you might want to note that Juice and Clark are up there in shooting percentage too!
by Icebat on May 12, 2009 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
(Just being a bit ornery on the off day before game 7)
by Icebat on May 12, 2009 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
71 | 47 | 14 | 10 | 104 |
|
Atlanta
|
70 | 30 | 29 | 11 | 71 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
70 | 28 | 30 | 12 | 68 |
|
Florida
|
69 | 28 | 30 | 11 | 67 |
|
Carolina
|
70 | 29 | 33 | 8 | 66 |
(updated 3.19.2010 at 1:17 AM EDT)
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