"We're very close to being a very good team. And maybe all it is is a little bit more maturity in some areas, and I think we'll be able to make that step. I believe next year that if you were asking me right now, we'd be very disappointed if we weren't in the final four."
about 3 years ago
J.P.
289 comments
0 recs |
Email
PrintComments
they need to mature quick. Not sure they have all the right leadership and veteran guys in the right places. They need a vet who still has a bit more in the tank.
however, as for his comments, I’m not certain the team shouldn’t be at least a little bit disappointed that they didn’t advance. The better team won, but you can’t tell me they didn’t have a good shot to do so and probably should have.
I don’t know about “probably should have” – this would have been a much quicker series if Varly wasn’t great early.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
i’m not sure.
I think back to game 3, and Varly handed that game to them on a plate, but they couldn’t convert. They win that game, and they were done with this series a week ago.
Very true. I guess I took “probably should have” the wrong way . Pretty clear upon re-reading, though, so my bad.
JP = drained
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Lightning fans.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 14, 2009 7:57 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Varlamov isn't the first, second, or third reason for any problems the Caps had in this series
He was the better goaltender in this series by leaps and bounds. An eleven shot per game advantage is huge in the NHL, given the relative parity among goaltenders in talent. While Varlamov wasn’t as sharp as he was in the Rangers series, owing to a step up in class in talent with Pittsburgh, he was (for the most part) solid. If the Caps had managed to halve the shots disadvantage, this series might have been over in five games. Pittsburgh’s skaters were better than the Caps’ skaters in this series, and that’s going to make for some interesting — and difficult — personnel decisions over the summer.
If you've read this far...seek help.
as usual good insight.
I agree, the fact that on paper the Caps look solid with a slight advantage, and then having them get a very good goalie performance which was unexpected prior to the playoffs, it only makes it more confounding.
The team has more than they showed, and I hope that festers over the summer in some of the players.
Great quote for thought.
My concern is that the org needs to have a bit more accelerated timetable for success. Just winning one more round than the previous year seems too conservative a view at this stage. I think we’re closer than that.
by Stephen Pepper on May 14, 2009 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m fine with that, so long as the progression continues for at least three more years.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Interesting thought JP. I think that we will be very competitive for at least three more years with this core of players. Hopefully during that time we will win at least one cup.
However, without knowing the contract status of any other team, can we always expect the result to be better than the year before?
Boston has an awesome lineup right now, and fairly young. If they can keep it together, they will be as good as or better than we are during the same time period. Same with the Penguins, ton of talent that just needed an infusion of toughness at the deadline.
Who thought NJ would be any good without Brodeur? They had to be on a brink of a collapse, right? And every couple of years when Carolina turns it on, they are damned good, even if it doesn’t look like much on paper.
I think that the Caps will get better, and I beleive that they will win the cup. Expecting that their results will always be better over the carreers of these players is not necessarily realistic though. Every year will be very difficult.
by HateOffSeason on May 14, 2009 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions
The problem with being good is you end up with a bad draft position.
If GMGM turns out to be super cap and talent man we could stay powerful for longer I think, but it’ll be tough and we’ll need a more robust system.
"You will remember the night you were struck by the sight of [18] thousand fists in the air" -Disturbed
Thanks and appreciation to J.P., DMG, Pep and the other Rinkers for making this a fun, civil, spirited and informative ride. I’m one of many who came from the WaPo nonsense and, like one of many, I’m not going back there.
I’m looking forward to the days and weeks ahead, and look forward to bringing any wisdom and smart-assery to future discussions.
I think what this team needs is to get rid of Theo and keep BJ as insurance. I don’t know who will take his contract but it is for only one more year so that might be OK.
As I said in another post, this team needs a D-man who is hated around the league. A D-man who will punish anyone who comes into the crease area (like Gill has done over the years). A big goon of a D-man would be great.
like Scott Stevens, Kevin Hatcher, and the likes?
by RedskinFan4Life on May 14, 2009 8:24 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m kind of asking rhetorically, but I don’t get this love that people have for Johnson. Say Varlamov takes some getting used to the regular season grind, wouldn’t you want a guy who can provide you decent starts and didn’t come off of hip surgery? If Theodore plays well next year, he’ll get extended, if he doesn’t, then the other goalie spot in ’10-11 is officially up for grabs.
by Bald Pollack on May 14, 2009 8:40 AM EDT up reply actions
We’ve got a long way to go before training camp for ‘09-’10, so who knows what happens between now and then. But all things being equal, I would agree with you about Johnson.
Probably can’t cut Theo due to the salary implications and the fact that Johnny shouldn’t be counted on to be healthy all year. Add to that the fact that Johnny is a capable backup, but no more than that.
I’d love to see them give Neuvy, Varly and Theo a shot at winning the #1 job next year, with one of them getting the backup slot and the other going to Hershey.
The appeal of Johnny vs. Theo is simple dollars and cents to me. That extra $3+m or so would come in mighty handy, methinks, especially considering you’ve already got $4.875m of deadweight in Nyls.
But having a guy who can be the #1 for potentially long stretches – something I don’t think Johnny can do – is obviously quite valuable, because, well, you never know. Tyler and I were talking pre-game last night and I asked him what he thought the chances of Varly ever playing again in the AHL (other than for coniditioning) were, and he thought next-to-nil. I thought then (and do now) that it’s much higher, maybe even close to 50% – it’s not hard to envision a scenario in which a guy who has been playing at such a high level in the most intense of circumstances might have trouble being fully focused for Atlanta in October, etc.
Anyway, that’s just rambling. I think that if you can move Theo you do so for the $ it frees up and hope for the best with Varly, Neuvy and Johnny (and if you need to do something at the deadline, you do it).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
depends on how they clear out his cap space and how much Johnny wants.
While he was hurt, he did put up numbers warranting at least a slight raise over last seasons salary.
If you can’t find a taker for Theo, then I’m not certain you could save money, but I still wonder who they get to backup. They need a guy who can play 40-50 games.
However, I’m not exactly enamored with the idea of going with a 21 year old goalie to ride the whole season. Especially one with injury issues and who is a bit raw with just a so/so backup. If a guy who can play as a number 1 in the league can be had for cheaper, I think I would take it.
I think that if you can move Theo you do so for the $ it frees up and hope for the best with Varly, Neuvy and Johnny (and if you need to do something at the deadline, you do it).
Agree with this. Especially the part about trading Theo, which I hadn’t considered. If you can move him, do it. And while I doubt there would be any takers for Nyls, if someone is crazy enough to do it (Tampa, anyone?) then by all means.
Regarding Varlamov, I think there’s a plenty good chance he plays in the A next year. He got hot for a 10 game run, but he was already showing signs of cooling off, and there’s plenty of question whether he can do it for a whole year. Correct me if I’m wrong, but there have been some mutterings about his durability and conditioning level, right? If he shows up to camp out of shape, or regresses some (which young G’s will do at times) he’ll be in the A in a heartbeat. If the Caps had gone real deep this year behind him, maybe he’s the presumptive #1 in October. But they didn’t and I can’t think he is.
Can Theo be sent to Hershey? Can the team Miro Satan him?
by Gould Old Days on May 14, 2009 9:24 AM EDT up reply actions
Not next year…that darn no movement clause. Now in 2010/11, supposedly that clause goes away for him and we can trade him against his will, send him down, or just plain cut him with a minimum in cap issues.
by HateOffSeason on May 14, 2009 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions
You’re thinking Nylander. JT has no NMC.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Yikes…early morning hangover…apparently can’t read. I was definitely thinking Nylander.
by HateOffSeason on May 14, 2009 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions
I think they could, but I doubt they do, just because I doubt the team goes into the season with two rookie G’s on the roster. We’ll see how it shakes out.
I was contemplating Varly and BJ on the Caps’ roster, and see if Theo accepts a demotion or refuses and hits waivers.
by Gould Old Days on May 14, 2009 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Why would we demote Theo? It’s not as if his contract goes away, and it’s also not as if BJ is actually a better option.
by DrinkingPartner on May 14, 2009 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Well there’s no reason to compare Theo to Satan, as his regular season numbers, while not great, were solid (and very good from December to mid March)
I don’t think anyone was or is fair to Theo. He mired in mediocrity, yes, but he was an alright regular season goalie. He had a shaky game 1, but you can never tell what he would have come out with in game two versus the rangers. Theo could still help the club, I don’t think Varly is ready for a starting position.
Maybe getting placed by Varly will light a fire under Theo’s ass. I remember when Johnson was getting more playing time earlier this season, Theo was put in when Brent got injured against the Canes, and Theo came back in and played some of his best hockey.
Frankly, I’m sick of discussion Theo’s mental problems. He’s a professional athlete, he needs to get over it.
I’m pissed that Johnny again missed out on the playoffs, I don’t think he’ll be back next year.
I see McPhee dangling Theo this summer (selling point: Contract year Theo is good!) and either re-signing Johnson, or another potential #1 and minutes eater on the cheap. You slot 40-50 games for Johnson/other cheap option and rotate Varly/Neuvirth/Cheeser in the other 30-40 games.
I do not see Varly (or Neuvirth) earning the #1 spot out of camp for the simple fact that neither has proven capable of handling such a large workload. It would be silly to go into next season without a proven veteran. If they can’t find a taker for Theo it will be him again, and Johnson is the odd man out.
The keyboard is mightier.
If you manage to get rid of Theodore, I say you head into the season with Varlamov as your #1 and resign Johnson as backup. Play them with the same consistency as you did with Theodore and Johnson, and neither o them get too physically worn.
The problem with that plan is that I don’t think BJ is capable of 40 games. i like him a lot, but he’s not a #1 anymore for a reason, and durability-over-games is one of them. I keep Theo this year and hope that Neuvy/Holtby steps up next.
by DrinkingPartner on May 14, 2009 1:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Theo looked remarkable against the Pens I thought. Crosby made a good move, he was in the zone, I’d say that was 45% theo’s fault. The first goal he didn’t have a chance, it was a pretty play and the caps let staal right in.
He looked poised and loose and having fun otherwise.
"You will remember the night you were struck by the sight of [18] thousand fists in the air" -Disturbed
I think it is more durability issues and how much he leaves on the ice every night in exertion and emotion. I don’t think anyone has talked poorly about Varlamov’s conditioning. In fact, didn’t they compare him to Ovechkin in pre draft workouts where he had to restart a workout that usually, in Laich’s words, leaves a player gassed for a day or two? Varly redid the workout without a second thought or concern.
by HateOffSeason on May 14, 2009 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions
In terms of Theo, I’m not getting why everyone is SO negative on him. While I know that he would not have gotten us as far as we did without Varly (especially against the Pens) Theo did get us to 2nd in the conference and won 30+ games. Johnny won games too, but starting in December, Theo was it. Varly is the better goaltender, no question, but given our defense I thought Jose has servered us well so far.
With so many questions surrounding Varly’s ability to stay healthy and how the rigors of an NHL season will wear on him, I think Jose as a back-up would be great. I understand he’s an expensive back-up, but for one season he would essentially be insurance and I don’ think that’s so terrible. (Provided he doesn’t become a locker room cancer which is an X factor)
I don’t think we have to buy him out and I’m not opposed to trading him. I’m just not getting exactly why people have such a negative view of him.
Theo is a good goalie. He’s better than Johnson. He’s also 3+ Million more expensive.
It’s the cap era, baby! If Varlamov is starting, how much does the difference between Theo and BJ matter? Not 3+ Million…
by Gould Old Days on May 14, 2009 9:22 AM EDT up reply actions
I get the money, but that’s why the contract for Theo was short to begin with. We got Kozlov, Brash and Feds off the books and Shamo is likely on a different team next year so it’s not like NOTHING is changing cap wise. I know that having the extra money would be nice, but I don’t think having Theo and Varly next year is such a bad thing.
It’s not that I’d mind having Varlamov and Theo. It’s that I don’t think he’s worth the 3+ extra Million for 30ish games. BJ is perfectly adequate in that role. Apply those resources elsewhere.
With that said, Varlamov has a history of health problems. So life might be better with someone else as #1 during the regular season, and Varlamov being counted on for the playoffs.
by Gould Old Days on May 14, 2009 9:28 AM EDT up reply actions
I’ve been calling for this for a long time now, but if they’d use Varlamov and Theodore as a true tandem pairing, they’d be great. They’d always be rested, and they’d both be confident. The key would be to lay-out the schedule for each goalie prior to the season, and make changes when necessary.
by DrinkingPartner on May 14, 2009 9:42 AM EDT up reply actions
+1
There’s no reason to do what the Habs did with Price. Play them both about 40 games next year and go in the playoffs with whoever got hot or was more consistent during the year.
I disagree, to an extent. I think you need a defined starter suited up for 55-60 of those games.
They could have balanced the play of Theodore and Varlamov in this postseason, but Boudreau showed his lack of confidence in Theodore after yanking him after 1 game. To do so to Varlamov (the future), would be taken a lot more harshly.
One thing I noticed in the 40 minutes Theo was in net is that he is much better with the stick, control of the puck, and directing traffic than Varly. Granted, Varly made a lot of amazing saves, but if Theo had been directing traffic, the Capitals breakout may have been better and resulted in fewer opportunities for the Pens.
I realize much of this is the language barrier, being the rookie, and what not, but Varly really needs to work on stick control (which should not have been an issue for him). His control was nearly as bad as MAF’s. And even “The Save” showed great reflex, puck awareness, and stick strength, but not control.
Now this is nothing that cannot be improved, but it is his biggest weakness, and until he can control and direct the breakout from the dump-in, he’s not ready to be #1.
I think I’m with Tyler on this. Have him work on his conditioning in the off-season, see how his first 15-20 starts next year determine how the rest of the season is going to play out (If he’s moved, Theodore is more likely a deadline deal, unless Vancouver, San Jose and Dallas are insane and want to move their guys).
Along the lines of what FD mentions, you could make it a Varlamov/Neuvirth “Thunderdome” for the other ’keeper spot as well, to keep the feelings of presumption out of the way.
by Bald Pollack on May 14, 2009 9:22 AM EDT up reply actions
So...let's recap
Goalie #1 had a year-long audition to show if he was really a consistent number one goalie who could, if not carry his team in the playoffs, at least show that he wouldn’t lose games. Uh…no.
Goalie #2 has never played more than 44 games in a regular season, never more than 60 in a season, including playoffs. He had a total of 33 games of pro experience in North America before playing in the playoffs. And, he’s had some injury issues.
Goalie # 3 is coming off hip surgery, has not played more than 30 games in a regular season since 2003 and hasn’t appeared in a playoff game since 2002.
Goalie #4 is having a whale of a time in Hershey, but has a total of five games of NHL experience.
Goalie #5 is in Saskatoon
Goalie #6 is in video production
Doesn’t seem we’re quite there yet in goal, as promising as it looks down the road.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on May 14, 2009 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’m not sure being a tourist counts here
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on May 14, 2009 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions
He’ll get regulary duty next year, it seems. Poor Cheese.
by DrinkingPartner on May 14, 2009 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions
absolutely…it’s amazing how quickly a prospect can end up at the kids table of the holiday feast so fast.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on May 14, 2009 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions
Cheese hasn’t exactly earned the opportunity either. If Cheese had been even adequate, Neuvirth would be a backup right now.
by Gould Old Days on May 14, 2009 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions
I guess…it’s just a bad, bad morning… 
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on May 14, 2009 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions
they’re attached to his eyebrows, too…that accounts for the scowl
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on May 14, 2009 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions
on another note, I saw McPhee heading down the steps when I was. he seemed pretty mad. I said, Sorry McPhee, maybe next year. He said thanks. He was going to go to the lockerrooms. Can’t imagine that was much fun.
I can’t believe there won’t be significant changes this offseason.
Depends on what you mean by significant changes. I bet the most significant change is the promotions of Alzner and Carlzon, and the departures of two of Mo, Schultz and Jurcina. Don’t know if that counts.
by Gould Old Days on May 14, 2009 9:25 AM EDT up reply actions
I think I’m with JP (from a previous chat) in that I don’t think Carlson comes up quite yet. Alzner’s a given, though, and I think that Mo is gone. They like Schultz (but they need to send him to the goddamn weight room) so he’s not going anywhere.
And, to be honest, I think we really only need 1 D. We want Alzner to be our #4-7 (likely) so don’t want to push him too far out, and even one strong, competent D can make a lot of difference.
That said, I think McPhee’s #1 task is finding a suitor for Nylander and convincing them that he can do well in a different system. Or maybe simply trading for a bigger cap hit in usable players.
by DrinkingPartner on May 14, 2009 9:40 AM EDT up reply actions
i think throwing mo to the curb is hasty. Schultz still hasn’t progressed (in fact he is probably way worse than last year).
I disagree. Schultz has been way more consistent than Mo, will make (demand) less money, and is still only 23. Schultz is also a positional dynamo, which would have helped us in this series.
I just want him to shoot harder.
by DrinkingPartner on May 14, 2009 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions
Schultz would have kept all of those goddamn 2-on-1s to 2-on-2s. Not to mention, he very rarely made bad exit passes. And that’s something that Erskine, Green, Poti, Jurcina, Mo, and Pothier all did.
by DrinkingPartner on May 14, 2009 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions
With Mo it’s all about the dollars – word is he wants a long (three-plus years) contract at over $3M per, and he’s just not worth that much to the Capitals. They could retain him for less by making him a QO and taking him to arbitration (or letting him take them to arbitration, as it were), but I don’t know they’re going to be willing to do that.
$3 per year? Give me a break. Bye Mo, nice knowing you.
by :hsughrofl: on May 14, 2009 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Exactly. Unless he takes a mighty pay-cut, I don’t see him here next year.
by DrinkingPartner on May 14, 2009 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions
I doubt the team moves Schultz or Jurcina unless they add another defenseman via free agency. They seem pretty committed to Schultz and Jurcina was so good in the playoffs, I’d want to keep him and see what he can do next year.
I agree on Schultz, disagree on Juice. He had some stellar games, for sure, but overall? I thought his slow decision making was exposed this series, he made some horrible blunders (hand pass to the middle of the slot in game 6 comes to mind) and couldn’t handle the Pens’ forecheck. That latter problem, to me, was the #1 difference in the series (a collective problem, not just Juice).
He brings the physicality more than most of the Caps D – but still too infrequently. The only way I see him staying is because he’ll be cheap.
The keyboard is mightier.
My shakedown…
Green – obvious. He’ll be hopefully healthy and ready to roll come october. I’d still like to see him progress defensively, and from the looks of things (last season to this season) that will happen.
Poti – any word on the possible move of TP? I don’t see that being out of the question if they can find a big name D to take his place. It was my recollection that we brought him in to QB the PP, but now he finds 2nd line time, and even then, doesn’t shoot the puck…
Mo – I think Mo’s as good as gone. The team soured on him during the contract dispute earlier, and with the Alzner/Carlson promotion possibilities, I think he takes a hike. Either of the two guys mentioned here can play second fiddle on Green’s line as much as Mo did.
Schultz – The org loves him… he goes nowhere. he’s a great positional D man… if he can find a way to bulk up and play with even a little aggression, he could be solid.
Erskine – just signed an extension, so he stays. I think he was our best D man (overall) in the postseason and eventhough he has his downfalls, he’s still young (especially for a D man) and hopefully can use this post season as a building block.
Jurcina – I’m a juice fan (where I can say that this time last year, I was NOT) … kid improved leaps and bounds from last year IMO defensively AND physically. I’d like to see him get one more year to prove he’s got what it takes… if he can find the aggression he plays with occasionally, he could be a beast. AND … he needs to find a way to release his shot faster, it’s a damn cannon.
Alzner – definitely up here next season. Will probably play 5/6 to start and could get into the top 4 depending. He’s shown he can “hang” already. with another year of maturation and growth, I think he’ll be dandy next year. (replaces Mo IMO)
Carlson – I think he starts the year in the A. Will be the first call-up. He needs to play top-line minutes down there for an extended period. If he progresses as is hoped, he could be a late season call-up/mainstay.
Jay Leach / Dean Evason – I’d be surprised to see either and/or both of these guys back next season. While this won’t drastically change the scheme… I think if BB can find assistants that can light a fire under some of these guys, it may have the biggest impact over any roster changes.
i forgot pothier
pothier – he’s probably back next season, playing top 4. I think he was still hesitant in the playoffs and will have a big season next year.
I expect Carlson to get the same treatment as Alzner (up/down consistently due to Cap injuries).
I’d love him to be starting up on day 1, but in all likelihood, GMGM just wouldn’t have it. Hopefully he really shows up in the games he’s given and makes a name for himself.
by :hsughrofl: on May 14, 2009 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d rather see him dominate the A for a while, first. No need to rush him, especially if we’ve got a healthy Green.
by DrinkingPartner on May 14, 2009 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions
I do have a feeling some of the patience is starting to run out, though…
by :hsughrofl: on May 14, 2009 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions
As evidenced by them thus far, I think they’ll be excellently patient. But I will say that I think they’ll be a little more aggressive than they have been. Which I personally think is good.
by DrinkingPartner on May 14, 2009 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Poti needs to go. Let a team who wants a quasi-top four guy who can play PP and PK (allegedly) take him. Someone will want him. McPhee can do better with that.
Russian Machine Never Breaks
He’s more expensive than any of us would like, but given the options on the UFA market and the depth we currently have, I can’t see realisitcially getting rid of him.
by DrinkingPartner on May 14, 2009 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Well, sure, but for who? What is Poti worth? He’s worth a good bit to us, just because we don’t have a whole lot.
by DrinkingPartner on May 14, 2009 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Another thing to consider is that teams are gearing for ‘10-11 and a (presumably) reduced cap, and are attempting to keep salaries under control. Poti’s signed through then, so his number becomes a little more scary for a club to think about.
by Bald Pollack on May 14, 2009 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Almost every professional who has watched Carlson this year in training camp, London and Hershey, says he ain’t playing another game in Hershey after this playoff series. I’d normally say a rookie needs a year in the A, but I’m pretty amazed from what I’m hearing. Carlson may be ahead of Alzner right now.
by Gould Old Days on May 14, 2009 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Well, that sucked raw.
On the plus side, it will add impetus to ongoing effort to improve the team. There’s no disguising the fact that the Caps need improvements in some key areas.
First off, they’re incurably cutesy. Seeing Sid Crosby bang them home from the front porch all series long throws this area into sharp relief. I’d be perfectly happy to see Semin get traded for a proper 2-way center or a defenseman that can clear the net, move the puck, and create some fear in the hearts of the opponents. He is prime trade bait in my mind – his offensive skills will be coveted, and he’s not part of the long-term answer in terms of a deep playoff run.
Second, they need better depth in the defensive personnel. ShaMo, Juice, Erskine, and Schultz (at this point in his development) are all really 5, 6, or 7 on the depth chart of a good team. Or they ought to be. I might throw Pothier in there as well. Poti is a legit second pairing defender, and Green is (when healthy) a legit top pair defender. That leaves a need for two top-4 defenders. Which is a tough hole to fill, I know. But any upgrade would be welcome.
Then they need to shed Feds and Kozlov. Feds is just too old. Kozzie is a dud in the crunch, and when he’s not scoring he’s not providing anything else either. I’d love to see them jettison Flash, but I doubt it happens, as he’s young and cheap. But for the love of pete, stop giving him top line minutes, stop playing him on the PP, and stop playing him on the PK.
Finally, Bruce Boudreau needs to seriously re-evaluate how he’s doing things. This team has not put together a complete 60 minute effort on a consistent basis since January. It came back to bite them in the ass last night. The inability to show up in the playoffs is inexcusable. I can spot them one game in the playoffs, but they were unable to come out hard in a couple of the Rangers games, and the last, what, 4 games of the Pens series?
We’ll see what GMGM can do – the ball is in his court now.
i’m down with the last part.
I seriously wonder if the team is still inconsistent next season (and I think they will be without a personnel overhaul) if Bruce is on a short leash. He’s a good coach, but if the team can’t get up for mediocre opponents or play a full 60, then I think he might get whacked. It won’t totally be his fault, but you can’t fire the team.
Not recalling where I read it, I saw a post-game BB quote about working harder to stay more consistent, even when you’re facing the Islanders of the world, or words to that effect.
by Bald Pollack on May 14, 2009 9:05 AM EDT up reply actions
Just to be perfectly clear, I’m not advocating the firing of BB.
But he needs to do some things better.
It’s all well and good to say you just roll 4 lines because of the talent you have, and don’t pay attention to matchups. But you’ve got to take any possible avenue for an edge, and that has to include matchups.
I also didn’t see a lot in the way of making changes in response to what the Pens were doing. The Caps had no answers to teh Pens forecheck, but they didn’t seem to be trying anything different, from getting a forward back to help down low, to changing the breakout scheme, or whatever. Maybe the personnel just didn’t allow it. But I would have liked to see the team at least try to find an answer.
Finally, it’s all well and good to say the players need to motivate themselves, and if you can’t get up for a Game 7 there’s something wrong with you. But BB let them play consequence-free for feckless hockey most of the season. The one thing he can control is ice time, and his ice time decisions did not, to me, back up his words.
In terms of the minutes, I really wish BB had played Green less. I think he really crossed the line into being a detriment, especially in this series, especially ending up against Sindey Crosby so many times.
Bruce seems to like to bring up comparable AHL’ers when someone gets hurt and since there wasn’t a Mike Green equivilent avaiable in Hershey, he played Green as long as he and the shoulder were willing to be played. Part of me understands it, but I am also curious as to why they didn’t try anything else at all when it became clearer and clearer how tentatively Green was playing and how ineffective he was at both ends of the ice.
To be fair, he was 2nd among D-men in postseason scoring, so he wasn’t completely ineffective, but I hear what you’re saying.
by Bald Pollack on May 14, 2009 9:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Frankly, Green was better offensively than we could have hoped for, given the obvious trouble he was having in our own zone (though we now know with certainty that his inability to get the puck out may have truly been physical). He was good and bad in the playoffs.
by DrinkingPartner on May 14, 2009 9:49 AM EDT up reply actions
Green's injury
I know everyone kept saying shoulder, but Burnside at ESPN said it was ribs, and it was from late in the regular season. Can’t tell if that was fact or theory.
Consider the source...
ESPN and Burnside are known for quality Hockey Coverage.
like when Green got suspended during the ranger series
"You will remember the night you were struck by the sight of [18] thousand fists in the air" -Disturbed
Well, in this series Green only 4 points over the 7 games and he ended up -5 for the playoffs. Playing through an injury is admirable, but I didn’t see him doing us many favors in the 2nd round.
I still love Green, I think he’s a great player, I just think he was grossly overused against the Pens given his injury.
The real issue is that there was no one to replace him, unless we REALLY wanted Lepisto.
by DrinkingPartner on May 14, 2009 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions
i don’t think that’s all bruce.
If his horses want to go, let them go. I don’t think there was keeping Green on the sidelines.
Bruce can go to a player and say “You’re done.” Saying to Green, “You’re not playing at the level we need you to right now.” is no different than swapping goaltenders.
It had more to do with not having someone they felt could go in in his place.
I don't know about this
2 top 4 d-men would be hugely expensive, so that ain’t gonna happen. It has to happen from within. Compare Pittsburgh’s top 4: Gonch, Orpik, Eaton and Scuderi – not exactly a murderers’ row, but highly effective, hard hitting, puck-moving, and disciplined in their system.
Green is unassailable when healthy. Poti’s skills are evident when healthy – he’s creeping up there, age wise. Erskine and Juice are hard hitting but not good skaters – Schultz is great positionally but also not the greatest skater. Pothier is still finding his game but I think added more as the playoffs progressed. I don’t know if the answer is Carlson, Alzner, Finley or the rest of the prospects.
I think adding one top 4 would be advisable, but probably not practical unless they can dump Nyls salary. But I think defensivley, we need a boost.
2 top 4 d-men would be hugely expensive
Agree. I don’t think they should (or can, for that matter) add two top-4 D via FA.
We’re hoping Alzner steps into a reliable answer. We’re hoping Schulz progresses some. We’re hoping Juice continues the improvement he showed in the playoffs.
But they probably could add one good player in the offseason. Should it be at D or should it be a gritty, effective second line center who will play D and score some ugly goals? Frankly you probably can’t go wrong either way. It will come down to what is available, what the costs are, etc. That’s what GMGM gets paid for.
We’ll need both. Nylander doesn’t fit well in the system, and Feds is likely gone. Brash is maybe gone. Mo is too expensive, probably.
We need a true #2 Center, and a true Top 4 D.
by DrinkingPartner on May 14, 2009 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions
Sure, I think you take whichever’s the best fit in the offseason, and make sure something gets done mid-year, before the deadline, even.
by DrinkingPartner on May 14, 2009 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions
Whatever they do, I hope there is no doubt within the organization that the Penguins dominated this series. I know injuries factor into it, but all the same, the Caps were markedly the inferior team, at least for the last 5 games.
No need for the team to panic and start throwing money around, but they absolutely have some specific areas to look at improving.
Thank God this team isn’t the Redskins or the NYR. I think that, once they can think straight again in a couple of days, GMGM and Leonsis will start talking about whom exactly they want to target.
Also, hopefully, it won’t be so goddamn difficult to draw high-end talent here, anymore, with Feds’ endorsement and the fact that Ovechkin has brought hockey to an all time high here.
So who are the really good fits for our team?
by DrinkingPartner on May 14, 2009 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions
I’ve thought about that too – enticing FAs shouldn’t be hard at all.
by :hsughrofl: on May 14, 2009 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions
maybe we could pick up a Hossa type who’ll take a pay cut?
"You will remember the night you were struck by the sight of [18] thousand fists in the air" -Disturbed
If only :-). But he wouldn’t. He’s taking 7 mil from Detroit this year. And they’ll likely make it farther than we did. Why would he come here, anyway?
by DrinkingPartner on May 14, 2009 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Hossa-type not Hossa. Didn’t the Pens offer him more to stay and he left to Detroit?
"You will remember the night you were struck by the sight of [18] thousand fists in the air" -Disturbed
Indeed he did
They offered him more money and more years on the contract, but he wanted to go to Detroit.
Who else is Hossa-type? Heatley, I suppose. Kovalchuk, etc…
by DrinkingPartner on May 14, 2009 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Isn’t Hossa-esque, but he would fit our #2 Center.
by DrinkingPartner on May 14, 2009 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Spezza focused on a winning team would fit the bill just fine as a #1 center for almost any team in the league not named Pitt (Crosby), SJ (Thornton), TB (Lecavlier), Det (Datsyuk) and Anaheim (Getzlaf)….sady that does mean that I would still take him over Backs who would however become the best #2 center in the game
I heard Poti was playing with a broken foot, Semin and Ovie had groin injuries…
"You will remember the night you were struck by the sight of [18] thousand fists in the air" -Disturbed
No mention of his Puck Allergy?
There were times where he literally couldn’t pass the puck to pens fast enough.
Your favorite meme is dead
I’m still amazed that we let Cooke get away.
by DrinkingPartner on May 14, 2009 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions
And his team’s going to the ECF. Just sayin’.
by DrinkingPartner on May 14, 2009 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions
they also could have missed the playoffs too.
A lot of players are going to the ECF that aren’t desirable. He’s an ok player who got more coin than he probably is worth.
They do need agitation, but I’m not a Cooke fan.
He was good for the month and a half he was here last year. I just thought we should have kept him when we had the chance, is all. He’s a player who potentially puts Crosby in his place…
by DrinkingPartner on May 14, 2009 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions
How many penalties did he take against us?
by DrinkingPartner on May 14, 2009 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions
Definitely one. Isn’t he the guy who took the penalty creating the 5 on 3 we scored on? Game 1 was it?
That’s a bogus argument simply because it can be made at any point in time for any reason for any player. The point here is that he didn’t take stupid penalties in the series, and it clearly helped his team.
by DrinkingPartner on May 14, 2009 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions
Shoulda, Woulda..
Upon reflection, the better team won this series. The shot disparity in many ways was indicative of the the difference in play. I’m not throwing Varly under the bus because without him, they never get this far. I just hope the memory of last night doesn’t linger into next season. Maybe, after a few days off, it would be good to get him back to Hershey to support Neuvirth and hopefully experience a Championship. All that said, I can’t help but wonder what might have been if Backstrom puts in that empty net wrap around in game three. That would have put the Pens down 2-0 and with Varly playing out of his mind and the Caps already up two games in the series, that could have been the death knell for Pittsburgh. We’ll never know, but that one play might have been the series.
The better team doesn't always win
The Caps pwned the Pens this season – under Bylsma, they found their game but I dont think they were better. The Caps did have chances to put away the Pens in Games 3 AND 4 – it’s hard to imagine that now.
The untold injuries killed us – clearly, Semin and Green, who played like this was the Special Olympics, were not themselves. Semin raises serious questions about his durability these past 2 seasons – he may never become the great player we envision.
It took Datsyuk and Zetterberg more than a few playoff failures to redeem themselves – I hope this doesn’t weigh too heavily on the boys. It was fun, fast, and furious.
The injury thing
I know every team plays hurt in the playoffs, and you never know who is really hurt and how badly until it’s over. But it just seems like we were hit with an unreal amount of hurt. We already know Ovechkin, Green, Poti, and Semin played hurt, and you’re always going to wonder if they were more or less effective than a callup would have been (Ovechkin excepted; how much better could he have been if 100%?) Sure, your players on on the team because they were the best players, but all season long the Hershey guys pulled their weight pretty darn well.
Feel free to tell me I’m an idiot; I’m still pretty new to this.
If I had a vote
Playoffs notwithstanding, Bylsma would have gotten my vote for the Adams. That the Penguins are here at all is due to his work. The fact that he coached less than half a season is, to me, irrelevant.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on May 14, 2009 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions
His team made the finals last year.. if anything, Bylsma’s success shows how terrible a job Therrien was doing, rather than Bylsma doing well.
by :hsughrofl: on May 14, 2009 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Injuries and penalties
There were an unreal number of injuries out there. But we cannot discount the Penguins-weighted penalty calling that happened ALL SERIES LONG.
I hope that GMGM or somebody is talking to the NHL about that. Last night alone, I saw at least three calls on the Penguins that were not made. One was a positively flagrant “holding the stick” call. I mean, the Penguin held on for a full two seconds. No way it was accidental. And yet – no call? That’s bullshit. And that four-minute minor for high-sticking Crosby? I didn’t see any blood, but I was on the other side of the ice. Anyone closer see anything – other than the victim – to make that such a huge penalty at such a bad time?
I’m going to be watching the Pens’ next series VERY closely to see if the same continues.
Yeah, but the Caps’ propensity for untimely penalties has been a season-long issue. It’s like telling your kids not to eat chocolate, especially after you’ve just put paint on the walls.
/where the hell did THAT come from?
by Bald Pollack on May 14, 2009 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions
We’ll have a healthy Schultz and Alzner up next year. That will certainly help with the unnecessary penalties.
by DrinkingPartner on May 14, 2009 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions
That’s because Schultz doesn’t “play his size” ;-)
by Bald Pollack on May 14, 2009 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions
Finley does, apparently. Has he touched the ice, yet, in Hershey?
by DrinkingPartner on May 14, 2009 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions
One game in Hershey. But Finley’s probably not getting to DC on a regular basis until 2010 at the earliest.
If Hal Gill can be a regular, why not Finley?
by DrinkingPartner on May 14, 2009 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Hopefully, Woods teaches him how. He’s got a few years to learn.
by DrinkingPartner on May 14, 2009 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions
I hope to god GMGM is NOT talking to the NHL about that
Penalties did not decide this series and most definitely had no effect on last night’s outcome. Seriously, do you think that? Come off it.
by DonnieKnutts on May 14, 2009 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions
Maybe they didn’t decide the series, but over the course of seven games, playing that much time a man down must have worn on this team, and on Varly.
Maybe the Caps win if the disparity is smaller, maybe they don’t. But it can’t have helped.
Agree here. The Caps spent almost an entire games worth of time on the Penalty Kill. It was a factor, but I don’t believe it was in insurmountable one. Steckle could have put Game 5 away early in OT, but didn’t. Backstorm had a hell of a chance early in Game 3 that could have put the Caps up 2-0.
The refs did us no favors, but I think missed opportunities were a bigger factor.
They played a man down because they weren’t the aggressor. caps move their feet and go to the net they’d have gotten calls. Only call that was truly missed was Semin in Game 6. MIssed calls are always going to happen.
Sick of Caps fans whining about penalties.
The only missed call in the whole series? I find that difficult to believe and I bet you do too.
Referees are human and trying to officiate a very, very fast game. Missed calls went both ways, Orpik being interfered with twice on a goal in game 3 springs to mind, but the inconsistency of the calls really bothered me. Seeing a penalty called on Juice during OT in game 5, then not calling the interference for Gordon getting checked a good 15 feet away from the puck on the forecheck, which setup the game-winner from Malkin really stuck in my craw.
by Knee high to a duck on May 14, 2009 6:56 PM EDT up reply actions
In a series where three games went to OT, and the change of the result of any one of those games wins the series for someone in game 6 — Yes, I think penalties disparity decided the series. And so did absolutely everything else. The disparity is magnified because everything was so damned close until last night.
I do think the Refs were terrible. I do think the Pens obtained a significant advantage. But I also think injuries decided the series. And goaltending. And defensive play by forwards. And discipline. And heart. Change any one of these, and the series doesn’t go 7 — either the Caps or Pens win it in 6 or less.
by Gould Old Days on May 14, 2009 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Agree with all of the above, because any one of the above being different could have changed everything. While it’s of little value to whine about the penalty difference, there’s not doubt that the shot differential would have been less if the Caps hadn’t spent so much time on the penalty kill. And from that everything else would have changed.
However, with what we’re learning, even if we had won last night, I don’t think the season would have lasted much longer.
It had an effect on the series as a whole. The Pens wouldn’t have lasted as long if we had gotten the kind of calls they were getting.
I’d imagine there were at least 10 blatant missed calls another 5 iffy missed calls. Couple that with maybe 5 tick-tacky we got called on that probably shouldn’t have been there’s a huge disparity.
"You will remember the night you were struck by the sight of [18] thousand fists in the air" -Disturbed
How many different ways can we flail at ourselves . . .
“As the teams shook hands, Ovechkin whispered in congratulations and told Crosby he hoped the Pens won the Cup. It was a magnanimous comment from a player who has quickly established himself as a virtuoso star but who lags far behind Crosby in something infinitely more important: team success. . . . Since the end of the lockout, Crosby’s Penguins are 23-15 in postseason games with a trip to the Stanley Cup finals and consecutive berths in the East finals under their collective belts. Ovechkin’s Capitals are just 10-11. . . . Those are numbers that will haunt Ovechkin, no matter how many individual awards pile up on his mantel.”
(http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/playoffs/2009/news?columnist=burnside_scott&id=4165407)
Nonsense! These numbers ought to haunt McPhee and Co. instead of Ovie. Ovie does his job. He is God, yes, we can all agree on that. But this isn’t his burden alone.
I think that is absurd. Pittsburgh had top 2 picks in the draft for four years in a row. Of course they have seen more playoff success.
The caps have started from scratch after making several ill-advised trades early on. Neither is team is playing below what should be expected of them, but if you had to pick one, its Pittsburgh.
I don’t like this quote because I feel it is jumping-the-gun a little bit, when Ovie is 23 and Crosby is 22, I believe. The Ovechkin-Crosby debates stem from the fact that people in general are not patient and always want to jump to conclusions. We have barely seen the potential vastness they are about to accomplish. In 15 years, lets come back to the debate.
Tough loss, though not surprising. Caps were outplaying their abilities thanks to a hot goalie and of course, Ovechkin. What a beast.
Boudreau is right. The Caps are really close to being a great team. Probably two years away.
Needs:
- top four defenseman (duh). The core should look like this next year: Green, Poti, Pothier, Alzner, Schultz, Jurcina, new defenseman. Erskine getting spot duty. ShaMo gone. 2010 we add
Apparently, Semin has a broken foot.
It’s on to the Conference Finals for Evgeni Malkin and Sergei Gonchar, away to his country house near Moscow for Alex Ovechkin, into the doctor’s hands for Alex Semin and what he said was a broken foot.
If true, maybe we can retire for a while this notion that Semin is a hothouse flower concerning injuries.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on May 14, 2009 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Sympathies, Caps fans. I was rooting for you guys. I figure with a couple additions to bolster your secondary scoring and goaltending this team could be even better next year.
I’m not sold on Varlamov because the scouting report on him will be his weak glove hand and judging by what happened to Raycoft here in Toronto teams will eat him up.
Unless the Leafs are back in the playoffs I’ll be cheering you guys on next year too.
A Nation of Masochists a blog dedicated to Leafs Nation, who are continually punished but keep coming back for more.
Having watched Theodore all season, Varlamov played godly behind a horrible defensive effort. I’m sold.
by :hsughrofl: on May 14, 2009 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions
agreed, but do I really have to copy and paste you the stats to back that up? I am a Theo fan, however, I think he did a good enough job during the regular season, and the team would be well smart to avoid the PRice situation in Montreal and make sure Theo and Varly are at worst co number 1’s next year!
Regular season numbers mean nothing when you play like he did in Game 1, against the offensive powerhouse of the Rangers.
True, but I think it was bad not to give Theo a start in Game 3 against Pitt. Varly clearly needed a rest, and Theo had good numbers against them all season.
by DrinkingPartner on May 14, 2009 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions
I know you are a huge Theo supporter, but what is better for the future of the team? I know you run a risk with a young goalie not panning out or collapsing under the pressure.
However, who is the Caps future? It isn’t Theo, he was just signed as a bridge to get to Varly or Neuvy, hence only the 2 year contract. Varly just arrived a little sooner than expected.
But getting back to what is better for the club. What would Varly gain from another year at the AHL level? Sure, he needs some work on this glove hand, rebound control, and overplaying angles. Those weaknesses were exposed in the playoffs. However, would those things even show up at the AHL level? His rediculous athleticism almost made those weaknesses meaningless at the NHL level. I think he probably wouldn’t even be tested on a regular basis in the AHL, the day in day out talent level just isn’t high enough. Sure, he would learn some and polish his game a little in the minors, but he also would at the top level as well. He doesn’t seem like a guy who has confidence problems, and even a subpar outing from him looks like it is probably good enough to win most nights, at least in the regular season. IF you can move Theo, than I think it is a no brainer that Varly is your starter with a vet to back him up. If Theo stays, he probably makes too much money to back up, and its a year in the A for Varly, where he doesn’t make as much progress as he would at the top level.
Whew…too long a paragraph.
by HateOffSeason on May 14, 2009 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions
I also feel another weakness in Varlamov’s game that hasn’t been addressed much is his play of the puck behind the net. When to go stop a hard around, who to play the puck to, when to just leave it. It was huge to the Pens puck possession game that they could throw it in around the boards and expect that most of the time it wouldn’t be stopped.
This will either be fixed by Varlamov learning better communication (English or gestures, or code words…whatever) or just more experience playing with this defense. If all it is is English language, that can be worked on in the A. If it is gestures or just more time playing with this defense, that will only be fixed with more time with the Capitals.
by HateOffSeason on May 14, 2009 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions
listen, Varly is clearly the future hands down. What i am proposing is a 50/50 type split to make sure he doesn’t get overworked or lose his confidence should he struggle a bit, then go into the playoffs next year with whoever was hotter/more consistent……..
While I’m tempted by the prospect of bringing in some free agents for our #C and #2 D, I’d probably prefer to start the year with some cap space so that we can evaluate the team and make mid-season moves. The Pens, to their credit, made some smart mid-season additions, but we couldn’t do anything because we were tied up with cap issues.
Also, I’d prefer that the Caps not just throw money at whomever’s available. If they guy fits, then pull the trigger, but I don’t want to bring in new players just for the sake of it.
If they guy fits, then pull the trigger, but I don’t want to bring in new players just for the sake of it.
I have faith in GMGM to not be rash.
he’s proven so far that he can bail on any deal that he doesn’t think fits (see Derek Morris) … i believe they’re gonna stay w/ the plan.
I agree that he wasn’t overly rash this trade deadline, but his hands were tied by somewhat rash past decisions: Nyls, Kozlov, Poti and the size of Feds’ contract.
The major problem is that this team has no viable option for a #2 center. It’s a massive, gaping hole in the organization. In fantasy-land, Nylander would suddenly rediscover himself, but that’s never gonna happen. There’s nobody in Hershey who can step into that role (if you think that Aucoin can, put down the bottle/spliff/crackpipe). Barring a trade/miracle, we’re stuck with a $5m paperweight and no #2 center.
Similarly, this team has a gaggle of bottom-end defensemen, but no solid top four. Poti is decent, but he was outplayed handily by Rob Scuderi. Yikes. Green has the talent, but clearly something wasn’t right with him this post-season. He simply didn’t look like Mike Green. We have some guys who play tough defense (Erskine, Jurcina), and we have some guys who can skate and move the puck (Green, Poti, and Pothier), but we don’t seem to have anyone (yet) who can do both. Green could be that guy if he’s healthy. At least the organization has some guys who could theoretically step into these slots in the near future, though. And it’s all to easy to forget just how young Green and Schultz are. Even Jurcina could benefit from more experience.
I think this team HAS to go out and get a #2 center. I think they can afford to wait on the defensive end to see what they’ve got, and then make a mid-season trade.
by D'ohboy on May 14, 2009 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
First stop’s the Draft, then July 1st.
I want to see what this team evolves into.
by DrinkingPartner on May 14, 2009 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions
Anyone from here going to the draft?? I’ll be there… w/ a few others, as we make the trek annually. this is year 3 for me. year 4 for the group i think.
No, but I got a lead on some possible NHL Awards ceremony tickets for next month in Vegas. Definitely will consider going if I can score them.
if you have extras, let me know. Unless they are $500 like the ones online…
by sincitycapsfan on May 14, 2009 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m going to head up to Hershey to take in a game or two up there.
Then I’m going to obsess over the draft a bit. The Caps have had pretty good luck pulling gems out of the late first round (Green, Schultz, Carlson), so that should be interesting.
Otherwise, I think I need a break.
I’m going to read a book, I think :-).
But I’ll be following JP and the Bears and everything.
by DrinkingPartner on May 14, 2009 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions
As a white guy, am I allowed to link to this?
by Gould Old Days on May 14, 2009 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
We will expect updates and player breakdowns then D’oh for those of us who can’t make that trek. Give us some early teasers of what we can expect next year from some guys that might break into our lineup, or at least make camp interesting.
by HateOffSeason on May 14, 2009 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions
My comments will probably be more astute, because I won’t need to drink myself into oblivion in order to sit through the game without a heart attack.
Ah hell…what kind of fun is that? You gotta give us a couple insights that are triggered from an alcohol induced haze.
by HateOffSeason on May 14, 2009 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m ready for next april
"You will remember the night you were struck by the sight of [18] thousand fists in the air" -Disturbed
After watching Mo go to the box early yesterday I started wondering if they would bring him back next year. And after the loss I was justt rolling through all the Dmen in the system. I am way to tired to try and look up everyones contract status for next year, but I thought Juice played pretty good compared to juice of the regular season of course. And Erskine also impressed when healthy. So I find myslef wondering what the D will look like next year.
Check out this page for contracts…here.
by BackiBacker on May 14, 2009 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions
Interesting. Looking all the way to the bottom, Cheezer is a RFA. With Neuvy, Varly, and Holtby, does he even get an offer or do they let him go? Or does it depend on whether Varly or Varly and Neuvy are with the big club?
by HateOffSeason on May 14, 2009 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions
There’s always room for a cheap backup.
by :hsughrofl: on May 14, 2009 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions
A Thought Occurred to Me, which May Have Been a Stupid One.
On the drive into work, I was thinking about the Caps and their occasional lack of toughness. It occurred to me that I don’t see the Southeast as a particularly physical division while I think it’s tough to deny that the old Patrick Division (sans Caps) is still as physical as it always was. I think it would have benefitted the Caps a great deal to have played in a division during the year where players could get used to more contact, to clearing guys out, to being cleared out, and to the rest of the physical game that obviously game them real trouble during the playoffs.
Amd I the only one who believes that being part of the Southeast division is not a good thing for the team, overall? Or am I thinking incorrectly about there being a difference in style between the two divisions?
Being in the SE divison is a bad thing for multiple reasons!
I find sometimes it's easy to be myself
sometimes I find it's better to be somebody else
Yeah, Atlanta, Tampa Bay, apathetic fans (going to empty arenas toward the end of the year doesn’t prepare a team for an intense playoff atmosphere) are all reasons maybe it isn’t good for them. Then you look at the Atlantic (Wachovia, MSG, Mellon) and the Northeast (Montreal, Buffalo, Boston) and you see arguably the toughest cities to play in when it comes to the fans and the arenas. IMO it builds mental toughness to play in divisions like those. Don’t get me wrong though, Carolina is a tough building to go to from what I hear.
Carolina is a tough team to go against, too. We only barely managed .500 against them this year.
by DrinkingPartner on May 14, 2009 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
They are a tough team, and it definitely would have been nice to see them against the caps in the conference final. I think it would be build a good rivalry within the division because lets be honest, if you would ask any caps fan who their biggest rivals are, it would probably come in this order:
1.Pittsburgh
2.Philly
…two teams that aren’t even in our division.
There is a difference in style, but it can’t be denied that the Caps veritably DOMINATED the Atlantic Division through the regular season. Honestly, I think these playoffs were a couple of bad games, combined with great performances by Ovie, Backs, Varly, and the 3rd Line, and injuries. we can’t be sure, of course, but a healthy Green is a dangerous thing to have for any other team.
by DrinkingPartner on May 14, 2009 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions
They played great against all the good teams all year long. It’s wild speculation to guess on what would have happened if the played more games against another division but I don’t think much about their play would have been different.
I don’t know about their play, but it seems to me that their ability to deal with the sort of physical play that really killed them in the playoffs might have been better. It has to matter if you don’t see a lot of it during the year then have to eat a full helping of it every game in the postseason. It’s a mental thing, if nothing else. But I assume they’d physically get used to it, or do their conditioning and strength work differently. Maybe it makes them a tougher team to play against tougher opponents (physically, that is).
The SouthEast is turning into an offensive powerhouse.. it’s just the way it goes. No idea if toughness would fix anything.
by :hsughrofl: on May 14, 2009 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Caps had a great record against the NE and Atlantic divisions this year too.
"You will remember the night you were struck by the sight of [18] thousand fists in the air" -Disturbed
Take your time, you have about 5 months to accept it.
by :hsughrofl: on May 14, 2009 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions
But no time at all to begin discussing how to try to fix it!
by DrinkingPartner on May 14, 2009 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m with you. This is why I’m so glad there is an offseason because no matter how mad you are at your team, once September comes around—and you are without hockey—you begin to feel that amnesia, as I did last year after the game seven loss to Philly.
I think a lot of us are already “without.” I wish the draft were tomorrow.
by DrinkingPartner on May 14, 2009 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions
The hardest time to get through is the rest of the playoffs, unfortunately.
by :hsughrofl: on May 14, 2009 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions
It is, especially if you see a hated team like Pittsburgh go to the finals, which I feel will happen again this year. I really feel like it’s fate that the Wings and Pens meet again.
Meh, I’ve largely accepted this team was, in the end, not good or lucky enough to advance and that their experience of not being able to keep up the intensity will help them in later years. They need to learn consistency, and hopefully this loss will help them find it.
With Feds stepping down, and Clarkie's diminished role...
I say we need a real experienced veteran who has been through some wars to add some fire and toughness, as a forward or on the back line…a Ray Bourque, a Nieuwendyk, Niedermayer type.
Amazing how few names I can come up with who might fit the bill – any thoughts?
I feel the same way. It seemed like Bill Guerin filled that void for Pitt this year, and Gary Robers did last year. I think they need to go after a tough leader because I’m OVER Clarkie at this point.
I think Clark’s just not talented enough. He’s a decent scrapper forward, but he’s not on Guerin’s level, or even Roberts last year.
Is it just me or do you feel like they haven’t given the “C” to someone else because they just haven’t gotten around to it? I feel like Clark didn’t really play much in the last season’s compared to a lot of the guys.
You feel that way because he has hardly played at all. Broken wrist this year, horrible groin injury last year. However, he keeps the C because even when injured it is still all about the team for him. He still shows at practices. He is still a huge presence in the dressing room. Even not being able to play, Clark provided leadership and support for the team members, exactly what you expect from your captain. Why would you change that?
by HateOffSeason on May 14, 2009 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Some free agent names - easily obtainable!
Hossa, Bouwmeester, Komisarek, the Sedin Twins, Beauchemin, Scott Niedermayer, and of course Radek Bonk. Is Radek Bonk a real player or some urban legend created by National Lampoon?
I have to admit that I’m much more impressed by the Sedins after these playoffs than I ever had been, but they’re way too expensive. I’d take Beauchemin and Bouwmeester in a heartbeat, but we don’t need Bouwmeester. Komisarek is okay, and, as I commented above, I don’t see Hossa here ever.
by DrinkingPartner on May 14, 2009 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions
but if you get one Sedin, don’t you have to get the other? Do they have their own language?
"You will remember the night you were struck by the sight of [18] thousand fists in the air" -Disturbed
That’d be why they won’t come here, but Sedin-Sedin-and Semin would be a very, very interesting line to watch.
by DrinkingPartner on May 14, 2009 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Off Season Questions
Some are good questions to have to answer, some are tough, but they need to be answered all the same:
1) Goaltending. Is Varlamov ready for prime time and ready to be an NHL starting goaltender (Meaning 55 games at a minimum, plus playoffs)? If Varlamov is ready, then what of Theo and Johnson? Does Johnny stay, or does he walk?
2) Defense. Once again the Caps have a plethora of NHL defensemen under contract or as RFAs. The way I see them right now is that the top 4 next year will be Green, Poti, Alzner and either Schultz, Morrisonn or Pothier. Erskine will stick with the team because of his grit (none of the other d-men have a mean streak…) That’s 7 and we haven’t talked about Jucina, Collins, etc. Can the Caps package a defenseman and get some more draft picks? Can they package a d-man and draft pick and land a 4th top four d-man? Pothier is a UFA after next season…what do you do with him? Does Pothier retire maybe?
3) Forwards – Does Fedorov retire? If not, does he want to stay here in DC and if so, for how much (he’s not getting $4M from anyone next year…)? What about Clark? Will Nylander get bought out (probably, but no guarantee on this). Kozlov is a UFA after next season, what happens to him? Backstrom’s contract is coming up after next season…do the Caps lock him in now? I’m assuming Brash is going to be leaving…
4) Leadership – If Clark stays, does he hand the C over to Ovechkin? Who gets Feds’ A if he retires (Poti? Laich? Bradley?)
5) Coaching – There likely won’t be any changes due to a firing, but you have to think Leach and Evason might get calls about being a head coach….
Let's go Caps!
I don’t see any way Shamo is in a Caps uni next season. Too many D-men already under contract.
The real issue is the salary cap. I know I harp on this, but everyone needs to really look at where we stand right now. Without making any moves right now we are already probably looking at having only 8 mil to spend in FA and that is with maybe 16-17 guys under contract. Can GMGM pull off a miracle and dump enough salary to be able to make needed moves. I don’t see it, but you never know. The Knicks were kind enough to be a dumping ground in NBA, maybe he can find another team like that in NHL.
Great Post Game Quotes
Some awesome quotes over at Puck Daddy
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
