Recap: Caps 3, Red Wings 2
by J.P. on Jan 19, 2010 10:13 PM EST
in Game Recaps
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This morning we pointed to an article noting that Jose Theodore was leading the League in goal support (i.e. the goals his team provides for him per start), and that his record really ought to be better than it is, given that backing.
Well, tonight he stole one for his teammates, stopping 44 of the 46 Detroit shots he faced (including all ten power play shots) and keeping the Caps in the game long enough for the offense to show up... and skate off with a 3-2 win. Theodore also picked up an assist (his first since February 5 of last year), and was about as easy a first star selection as one could imagine. In his last four appearances, he's 4-0-0 with a 1.68 goals against average and .951 save percentage. Yeah, he's feelin' it.
Ten more notes on the game:
- Not only were the 46 shots allowed a season high for the Caps, but the 23 shots for were the second-lowest total of the season, just one better than Sunday's 22-shot effort (which followed up a 24-shot outing against the Leafs). Where have all the shooters gone?
- Seriously - Alex Ovechkin didn't register a single shot on goal tonight for the first time since October 8, 2007 and only the third time in his career. Yeah, I suppose Nicklas Lidstrom is pretty good.
- Nicklas Backstrom scored on the Caps' first power play shot of the game, which might be impressive if it wasn't 35 seconds into the team's fourth extra-man opportunity of the night, after three full failed two-minute chances.
- Despite the primary assist on the game-winner, Alexander Semin may have been the Caps' worst forward tonight, turning over the puck in his own zone moments before the Brian Rafalski goal and getting absolutely hammered in Corsi on the evening.
- The dynamic Detroit duo of Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg was held off the scoresheet entirely, in part due to luck, but also in part due to Tom Poti, who was out against the pair more than any other Cap and played 5:59 for a penalty kill that didn't yield a goal.
- What a night for
secondarytertiaryquaternary scoring, with Matt Bradley scoring on a beautiful feed from Boyd Gordon and David Steckel redirecting the game-winner past Chris Osgood. - Karl Alzner returned to the lineup and was quietly plus-one on the night with an assist. He made a bad decision on a pinch relatively early on, but better to make those mistakes and learn from them here than in Hershey, for my money.
- Mike Green led the Caps in blocked shots with a whopping seven. He also extended his point streak to nine games and was on the ice for two goals for and one against.
- Remember when Todd Bertuzzi was good? Yeah, me neither.
- Back to Steckel - his plus-two rating and six hits each were team highs, and his goal was a thing of beauty. It's on nights like this that you can see him as a third-line center, matching up with some of the Conference's other big (in minutes and size) pivots.
And now, forty-eight hours after facing a team that has been in each of the last two Cup Finals - Detroit - the Caps will face... a team that has been in each of the last two Cup Finals - Pittsburgh. Something tells me that the energy and jump that was lacking for the Caps early in this one will be there in spades on Thursday night. At least, it had better be.
Game highlights:
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Interesting photo. It looks like bo staff fighting.
Karl Alzner returned to the lineup and was quietly plus-one on the night with an assist. He made a bad decision on a pinch relatively early on, but better to make those mistakes and learn from them here than in Hershey, for my money.
Yes, yes, yes. Let him gain confidence now, lose momentum during Olympics, and build momentum back up on the way to the playoffs. Make it happen, GMGM.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
Hey
At least he gets to play in Hershey during the Olympic break. If we hadn’t sent him down for a handful of games, that wouldn’t be happening, and he’d just be collecting dust on his skates for two weeks. I prefer the former. :-)
I need a snappy signature...
by IRockTheRed on Jan 19, 2010 10:24 PM EST up reply actions
Yes, it’s better than not getting any ice time, but he needs to be in Washington to stay.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Jan 19, 2010 10:26 PM EST up reply actions
Interesting photo.
Our options were limited when I was ready to post. Guess we’re quicker than the AP photogs, sometimes.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Interesting photo. It looks like bo staff fighting.
<a href="http://cdn-www.expertvillage.com/showImage.aspx?site=21&fn=hapkido-staff-staff-three.jpg" target="new">How about this?
Either way -- glad to see them fightin!
Bring on the Pens!!!!!
Rock the Red! Rock the White! Rock the Blue! Rock the Pens!
by RedskinFan4Life on Jan 19, 2010 10:48 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, not bad, just interesting.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Jan 20, 2010 3:10 PM EST up reply actions
thought Alzner was really good
a few times he totally rubbed out Wings players on the boards in the defensive zone, something that Poti, Sloan, and others continually could not.
by DonnieKnutts on Jan 19, 2010 10:42 PM EST up reply actions
Yes. Sloan could not tie up a man on the boards to save his life
by Garyland1177 on Jan 19, 2010 11:16 PM EST up reply actions
I think you mean… Tie up a man on the boards, make a pass out of his own zone, play the puck without fumbling it, stick on his man in his own end, tie up sticks in front of the net… dude was just horrible all night. It’s times like this when I want to smack whoever on the Caps’ bench kept putting him out there at all.
The eagle never lost so much time as when he submitted to learn from the crow.
Oh, I thought he was talking about some S&M thing.
by DrinkingPartner on Jan 20, 2010 12:00 AM EST up reply actions
It was not Semin’s night, of course. However, for fairness and balance, he started on the second line, continued on the first, and ended up on the fourth which probably somewhat affected his game.
Bruce put him on the 4th line not to punish him, but to boost his confidence, so he could learn how to score from Brads/Stecks. ;)
Actually, if you look at the play-by-play stats page, Sasha was not “demoted” to the 4th line, but Flash was replaced as center by Stecks for Sasha and Brooks during some ES. Other times Sasha was with 8 &19; Flash had more PP & PK, but approx. 2 min. less ES than 21 &28.
i roflcoptered around my room for a bit actually.
by twistedlogic on Jan 19, 2010 10:32 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
funny but c'mon
he of course didn’t score but he was a beast for the most part.
by DonnieKnutts on Jan 19, 2010 10:43 PM EST up reply actions
thats kinda what kills the “beast” part. theo pwned him both times especially with that second one where he goes all the way across the crease and never gets a legit shot away.
by twistedlogic on Jan 19, 2010 10:45 PM EST up reply actions
the late penalty was a killer too
so yeah i see it. but i don’t know about you, but i was certainly worried every time he was on the puck.
by DonnieKnutts on Jan 19, 2010 10:48 PM EST up reply actions
me too. i thought he was going to score for sure the second time. theo really made a great move on him.
by twistedlogic on Jan 19, 2010 10:50 PM EST up reply actions
He was holding on to the puck like crazy late in the game.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Because no one could get it off him. He was definitely dangerous, and I pretty much held my breath every time he, Dats, and Zets were on the ice…
Which is why I’m getting to the thread, now.
by DrinkingPartner on Jan 19, 2010 11:13 PM EST up reply actions
Hopefully Gordon doesn’t do anything the rest of the week to negate that awesome pass to Bradley on the first goal.
And now that the astronaut is using references from ‘60s television shows, that’s a gimmick that’s run it’s course.
"I must be hallucinating. What's a good thing for a hangover?"
"Drinking heavily the night before."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 19, 2010 10:22 PM EST via mobile reply actions
that’sSloan’s a gimmick that’s run it’s course.
Sloan was given credit I didn’t agree with in the recap the other night…and after tonight never seeing him on D will be too soon for me.
by Yoshietree on Jan 19, 2010 10:25 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Considering the options/contract limitations right now, he’s the go-to guy, if a 6 D can be called that. Erskine’s too slow for the role, and I’m guessing longer term, they may be looking at either letting Pothier go or signing him at a reduced rate and letting ShaMo go to pave the way for GI John.
End baseless speculation.
"I must be hallucinating. What's a good thing for a hangover?"
"Drinking heavily the night before."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 19, 2010 11:16 PM EST up reply actions
They MUST just be keeping him up because they have so much time and development sunk into him, they don’t want to give him away for free. Right? Please? Alzner or Carlson would both be better suited for a roster spot as-is.
Right, but they don’t want to start the clock on Carlson’s waiver eligibility (I’d guess) and Pothier/Erskine are still dinged, so might as well use the career minor leaguer who can sort of keep up back there, especially since he’s not going anywhere for two years.
"I must be hallucinating. What's a good thing for a hangover?"
"Drinking heavily the night before."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 19, 2010 11:30 PM EST up reply actions
And since he ain’t costing them games. Goals, sure, but games, no. So they can afford to be patient, let Potsy and Oisk heal up, and let Carlson develop in the A.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 19, 2010 11:33 PM EST up reply actions
Carlson I can understand, he’s still green and the Caps are a deep team. And no question the waiver rules play a big role in when you decide to give a player significant ice time in the NHL. But certainly Alzner I would rather see get enough experience in him to at least be a serious option come playoff time.
dont u dare dis the capstronaut!
Still waiting for someone to draft Paul Newman. . .
by kingzman264 on Jan 19, 2010 10:27 PM EST up reply actions
Sorry, but that shark has been jumped.
"I must be hallucinating. What's a good thing for a hangover?"
"Drinking heavily the night before."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 19, 2010 10:33 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
yea whats the deal with that anyways? did i miss something there? i dont really understand why you would dress an astronaut unless he’s trying to make a play russia having good space technology and the best hockey player in the world. we beat them in the space race anyways.
by twistedlogic on Jan 19, 2010 10:34 PM EST up reply actions
Because it is random and hilarious. I don’t know why there are so many spaceman haters on here, if anything I think he is a good luck charm. Correct me if I am wrong but has he been at a game this year that we lost.
by Garyland1177 on Jan 19, 2010 11:13 PM EST up reply actions
superstitious much? i dont hate the spaceman, i just wanna know what he has to do with hockey.
by twistedlogic on Jan 19, 2010 11:17 PM EST up reply actions
What does the Spartan Cheer Squad have to do with hockey? Should we take them out of the video sequence? There’s a billion other references to not hockey that the team does, and I don’t really mind one way or the other how a fan comes to games.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
The Capitals are a great hockey team, which is why they don’t often lose.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
They do have 6 home losses. As long as the Caps win with the spaceman in attendance I am not complaining. I just think people should stop hating on him and have a sense of humor.
by Garyland1177 on Jan 19, 2010 11:21 PM EST up reply actions
chill out bud. i dont believe in superstitions anyways.
by twistedlogic on Jan 19, 2010 11:22 PM EST up reply actions
Everybody knows the only real hockey superstitions are touching the Cup and saying “shutout.”
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
ah good point. i’d probably believe in that.
by twistedlogic on Jan 19, 2010 11:25 PM EST up reply actions
Hasn’t the shutout superstition been scientifically disproven by some jerk in a gameday thread a while back?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 19, 2010 11:34 PM EST up reply actions
no idear. although i’m pretty sure pretty much every superstition can be scientifically proven since they are, you know, not science.
by twistedlogic on Jan 19, 2010 11:35 PM EST up reply actions
I’m with Gary here. If some dude wants to go to a hockey game in a hot sweaty suit, who cares? If the TV crew wants to keep showing him and that annoys you, then bitch at the TV crew. But the spaceman ain’t doing anything but dance. And how can you hate on a guy who ain’t doing anything but dance?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 19, 2010 11:25 PM EST up reply actions
aww jeez. odd man rush here. i’m not saying he shouldnt be there. i just wanna know what a spaceman has to do with hockey.
by twistedlogic on Jan 19, 2010 11:26 PM EST up reply actions
Nothing — that’s what makes it funny
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 19, 2010 11:34 PM EST up reply actions
Had it been hockey related it would be 10 times more lame. It’s just random fun having him be an astronaut.
Matt Bradley is my fµcking hero, I mean he was before, but now he’s like double or something.
Exactly. I encourage more people to do the same, gives us something to raise a brow to and laugh at.
by Garyland1177 on Jan 19, 2010 11:40 PM EST up reply actions
Is it time to bring up the assertion that there’s a difference between attending an event and going to a game?
"I must be hallucinating. What's a good thing for a hangover?"
"Drinking heavily the night before."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 19, 2010 11:41 PM EST up reply actions
I’ve said that there’s a difference between showing up to support the team and showing up to essentially appear on Sportscenter, which is what more and more people seem to be doing here. A more novel idea would actually be to show up and blow your voice out for the team, but that’s just me.
"I must be hallucinating. What's a good thing for a hangover?"
"Drinking heavily the night before."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 19, 2010 11:46 PM EST up reply actions
well just cuz hes wearing a crash helmet doesnt mean he isnt yelling. i mean, you cant even SEE his mouth.
by twistedlogic on Jan 19, 2010 11:49 PM EST up reply actions
Agreed to some extent. However I believe the spaceman supports the team and is a caps fan. That’s a lot of money to shell out just to show up on TV.
Not all fans need to blow their voices out. When I had O’s season tickets there was an older man named Bruce that sat in the row above me. He had been going to O’s games his whole life and kept stats of every single game. He did all of this quietly and simply clapped his hands when we scored. I would argue he knew more about the team than anyone and was one of the best O’s fan out there.
There are crazy fans out there that give team identities. The Redskins have the Hogettes, Raider fans dress like they are going to war, the Cubs have this old dude named ROnnie Woo Woo that dresses in full uniform every game. What is the Spaceman supposed to do dress like the Capital building? (Although I think that would be hilarious.)
Let the guy dance and do his thing. He may want to get on TV but the reality I doubt anyone on here knows him and therefore I don’t think you can question his capitals loyalty.
by Garyland1177 on Jan 19, 2010 11:58 PM EST up reply actions
I’m not calling anyone’s loyalty into question, but if a spaceman with a Barbara Eden knockoff supposedly gives this fanbase an identity, then I’d prefer to be faceless.
"I must be hallucinating. What's a good thing for a hangover?"
"Drinking heavily the night before."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 20, 2010 12:03 AM EST up reply actions
I see the whole thing as basically a mirror of us. That’s why I can’t see getting annoyed with the guy. Getting annoyed with people’s reactions to the guy (putting him on the jumbotron, on CSN, etc.) sure. But I’m a big believer in freedom for freak flags. If he wants to let his fly, more power to him.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 20, 2010 12:05 AM EST up reply actions
Libertarian, are ya?
"I must be hallucinating. What's a good thing for a hangover?"
"Drinking heavily the night before."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 20, 2010 12:07 AM EST up reply actions
I get the feeling that a lot of die hard caps fans are embarrassed by the spaceman and bandwagon fans. For example the reaction of many for the throwing hats during shootouts. We want to be perceived as knowledgeable and respected by the hockey world, because Washington really isn’t a hockey town.
I say screw them. We have a good team, we enjoy going to games, my niece and nephew laugh at the spaceman and we all have a good time, unless you are seated by a Flyers fan ;)
by Garyland1177 on Jan 20, 2010 12:12 AM EST up reply actions
That first ’graph sounds like me a month ago when this gimmick first started.
"I must be hallucinating. What's a good thing for a hangover?"
"Drinking heavily the night before."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 20, 2010 12:18 AM EST up reply actions
Sorry I don’t intend to sound redundant. I don’t rat around as much as I would like.
by Garyland1177 on Jan 20, 2010 12:20 AM EST up reply actions
No worries brother, more an observation than anything.
"I must be hallucinating. What's a good thing for a hangover?"
"Drinking heavily the night before."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 20, 2010 12:22 AM EST up reply actions
You live in a town with a tradition of guys going to a football game cross-dressing. Somehow Redskins fans are still respected, especially so for sticking with a team that has done so horribly. Pretty sure some dude dressing up in an astronaut uniform as a goofy gimmick isn’t going to change how the 16,999 other people in the arena are perceived.
Not hating on spaceman, just saying it’s goofy to think that he’s a good luck charm.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I am superstitious, although yes the caps are a great hockey team, and I feel that almost all good luck charms are goofy.
by Garyland1177 on Jan 19, 2010 11:32 PM EST up reply actions
I believe in luck, but not in charms. Which is nice to say, except that I’ve kept the same three lucky coins in my pocket for seven, six, and three years, respectively.
Yo no creo en brujas, pero que las hay, las hay
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 19, 2010 11:36 PM EST up reply actions
Eh. People seem to like the spaceman, and frankly things like the spaceman, and Unleash the Fury and saying ‘O’ during the national anthem and chanting “all your fault!” help bring fans together. They help forge an identity and galvanize the fan base. Anything that makes the VC a more intimidating place to play is fine by me.
Really? A spaceman with a Barbara Eden knockoff makes VC
“intimidating”?
"I must be hallucinating. What's a good thing for a hangover?"
"Drinking heavily the night before."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 20, 2010 12:05 AM EST up reply actions
To me, the Spaceman is like Ralph Wiggum…a harmless and once funny non-sequitur. I personally think it’s kind of dumb after a while, but I don’t really care. And put me in the non-superstitious crowd.
“Mrs. Krabappel and Principal Skinner were in the closet making babies and I saw one of the babies and then the baby looked at me.”—Ralph Wiggum
This observation has nothing to do with Semin, but wouldn’t Corsi apply to wingers the least? You can have your guy covered (the point) as a winger all night long, but your Corsi is going to be rough in any case if the other team’s forwards run the cycle and forecheck really well.. and if you’re Ovechkin or Semin, you’re probably out there against the toughest forechecking line every night (oh shit it had to do with Semin after all).
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
your Corsi is going to be rough in any case if the other team’s forwards run the cycle and forecheck really well
Maybe… but if you’re a winger and you’re running the cycle and forechecking really well (i.e. doin’ yer job), it’ll balance out somewhat, no?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I don’t know. Corsi numbers…meh. Maybe it’s because I don’t really understand them but I just don’t think that tells the whole story. I didn’t see Semin being any worse than any other Cap in red (with the exception of that horrific turnover that led to the Detroit goal). He was lazy on the backcheck but so were a lot of guys.
Not saying he had a great night, of course. He was lousy. Even thought Backstrom as a star of the game was a bit of a stretch – some good shifts interspersed with horrific ones. But I guess they had to pick at least two Caps, right?
Semin’s giveaway was bad, but it wasn’t really indicative of his night. He really wasn’t that bad, he was just contained. Like AO was. Like Backs was. Detroit fucking blew their minds tonight, and it’s only Jose’s best game ever that allowed us to steal this one.
Not to mention, you-know-who was supposed to be guarding Rafalski on his goal, and I don’t hear anyone makin’ bones about that.
by DrinkingPartner on Jan 19, 2010 11:17 PM EST up reply actions
I think Steckel should have been a star of the game instead of Backstrom. Stecks was on the ice for two Caps goals and was Plus 2. Backstrom was -1. Admittedly, it was an arbitrary choice of stars (for goals). But Stecks deserved second star.
Rocking the Red since 1975
agreed. although nicky’s move around that defender was top notch.
by twistedlogic on Jan 19, 2010 11:21 PM EST up reply actions
The Semin giveaway was completely inexcusable to me. There’s no reason to try and make a drop pass in your own zone like that when there are multiple white sweaters surrounding you. None.
Nah, it was a misread. He and AO were crossing, and got mixed up. Honestly, AO’s lack of coverage of his point is what’s inexcusable on that play.
by DrinkingPartner on Jan 19, 2010 11:57 PM EST up reply actions
But why not make the simple clear and just push it out of the zone? That’s the smart, conventional hockey play. If AO had something to do with the drop pass then yeah, it’s his fault too. But Semin isn’t off the hook for that. You have to simply get it out of the zone.
Because that’s not why he and AO were crossing. They were breaking out, and Detroit disrupted it. Semin thought he was coming around behind him when he ended up going in front instead. He could also have seen Backs, whom was all of 2 or 3 steps away from him at that point, too.
by DrinkingPartner on Jan 20, 2010 12:00 AM EST up reply actions
As a breakout strategy, the whole behind the back drop pass doesn’t feel safe enough to me and should be entirely stricken from the game plan. If AO does it I’ll rip him too. The most damning part of it is the fact that there were so many white jerseys around to capitalize on any miscue. You have to be more careful than that against good teams, plain and simple.
A few things branching out different ways:
1) I agree. It’s bad defensive procedure. We’re together on that.
2) Hindsight, he should have dumped it. Judging on his perceived options at the time, I don’t think he made the worst decision (compared to, say, leaving the puck in the middle of the ice). He had no pass in front of him, and he had AO streaking toward him, probably making like he was going to go around him and out of the zone. There’s no way in hell he’s going to dump that puck; he’s going to try to create. He got burned, is all. It wasn’t so much a mental lapse as bad luck.
3) I’m not entirely sure what AO was thinking on that, unless maybe he thought Semin was being manhandled and needed help or something. He left Rafalski WIDE open.
by DrinkingPartner on Jan 20, 2010 12:14 AM EST up reply actions
I think Semin did make the worst possible play: he didn’t get it out and he left the puck in no man’s land at the top of the zone where only the Wings could get it. How could he have made a worse play outside of spinning and shooting it in his own net?
AO saw Semin get the puck and bolted up the ice to try and catch the Wings on transition. Looked like he expected Semin to chip it out of the zone to him. He definitely left the zone early, thus leaving Rafalski open, but I think that was a less egregious mistake than Semin’s turnover. He was playing aggressive to create some offense, and it’s reasonable for him to expect that Semin can at least get it out of the zone (if not hit him for a breakaway) in that situation.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 20, 2010 2:18 AM EST up reply actions
Seems similar to a play on Sunday that resulted in a goal for the Caps. A lazy, drop pass to no-one and everyone ends up in a goal.
we're not gonna allow someone like Downie to go after him.
OT: Sabres getting shelled in ANA
4-0 Ducks up in first.
Yay.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
Good short-term, bad long-term. Quacks need to lose so they’ll be more likely to move Neidermeyer… to the Caps
I heard that, and then heard Scott on NHL Live, and he hedged a lot more than Murray. It’s always like that until March 3rd.
Eh. Whatever happens, one win against the Sabres isn’t going to save their season – and it helps us out ;)
Also, if he comes back east at all, I can’t believe he wouldn’t be going straight to NJ to be, well, in NJ, and to play with his brother, again.
by DrinkingPartner on Jan 19, 2010 11:18 PM EST up reply actions
winning ugly
whoa, that was a robbery. Theo’s best game as a Cap. He’s gotta get the start against Pittsburgh. “Theo stole a game.” Wow, who knew?
A lot of guys had awful games…Sloan muffing a Poti pass in the opening seconds essentially set the tone for the first 30 minutes of the game. I didn’t really think we had a good shift until toward the end of the 2nd period…it was the 25-9-16 line with about 6 and change on the clock. I remember it because as I watched, I thought: This is our first really good shift of the game…and then I immediately looked at the clock. That said, B-Mo had a pretty bad game. He needs to get on track somehow.
Also…lots of Wings fans, if crowd noise from my couch was any indication.
I noticed that, too, and I was a little bit surprised. There wasn’t nearly the amount of silence I expected to hear after the WIngs’ goals.
by DrinkingPartner on Jan 19, 2010 11:19 PM EST up reply actions
Awesome game to go to, the crowd got way into it towards the end! And other than someone behind me during warmups saying Mike Green couldn’t play defense and a tense moment when I boo’d him then complained loudly about him, I had no crazy Wings fans stories.
Matt Bradley is my fµcking hero, I mean he was before, but now he’s like double or something.
sadly I had two wings fans next to me that also apparently ref for beer league and kids leagues, they didn’t shut up the entire game.
Promote the game, it's the NHL, not SCHL
I had a Wings fan next to me that wouldn’t shut up either. Kept getting the names of their players wrong too. Swore that Kronwall was playing tonight.
by Gin and Tonic on Jan 20, 2010 3:27 AM EST up reply actions
Gah Wings fans! I had 4 behind me that were obnoxious and drunk. They didn’t have a speck of Wings/Detroit gear on. The one fell a few rows once every intermission then threatened to punch a girl in front of him when she stood for Unleash the Fury. He said “SIT DOWN!” she said, “F@#$ You!” and he motioned the punch to her face. Total D-Bag
its the whole mob mentality. Red Wings (well, almost any opposing team) fans alone or in pairs is fine, but get them in groups and suddenly they think they’re hot shit and own the place and can attempt to rough up the natives.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Notice how when the Caps have a shootout, it is the healthy type.
Holy…Theo. I officially have no voice after that game – I don’t think I’ve ever cheered louder for a #1 star announcement!
Also, at the beginning of the game it was ridiculously loud in the building because the sound guys got a little overexcited with the volume. By the end of the game (after Steckel’s goal) it was ridiculously loud from the cheering. That was playoff loud at the end there.
Every now and then it’s nice to steal two points. Whew!
watching this Red Wings postgame
Babcock and Bertuzzi…for a team fighting for a playoff spot, this really was a deflating loss. They look like the NYR after “the comeback” last Xmas….demoralized.
Right – always walk up a comeback in person.
Game-Over Green? Canada-Over Carlson!
by Scott in Shaw on Jan 19, 2010 11:30 PM EST up reply actions
This is the first time a goalie has single-handedly stolen a game for the Caps since Johnny won that 1-0 game in Ottawa in 06. Just not the way Caps usually win games these days, but sure is satisfying to watch. I doubt this stretch will last for Theo – he’s briefly gotten hot before, but sure enjoying it, tonight was an absolute goaltending clinic by Theo and he looked like a magnet out there.
by katzistan on Jan 19, 2010 10:52 PM EST via mobile reply actions
me hopes that Neuvirth was taking good notes tonight.
Rock the Red! Rock the White! Rock the Blue! Rock the Pens!
by RedskinFan4Life on Jan 19, 2010 10:56 PM EST up reply actions
Goalies have certainly stolen games for the Caps since 2006. But you are right in that it is pretty rare.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 20, 2010 2:22 AM EST up reply actions
I’d really like for our new veteran, 22, not to take heinous penalties in the last 3 minutes of one goal games. Thought Schultzie played a really solid game, as did Tom Poti.
by mechanicsville on Jan 19, 2010 11:01 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Schultz had a wonderful game. Alzner played well. Although with the amount of shots taken the only defenseman that I thought was heinously bad was Sloan, wow.
btw Mechanicsville is that MD or VA?
Fairly certain Mechanicsville is VA
I also thought Poti played well. He’s stepped it up lately, hopefully he keeps it up. I know Gabby mentioned it before but. could it be the Permanent ‘A’?
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Jan 19, 2010 11:07 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, it’s Virginia. Suburb of Richmond.
by mechanicsville on Jan 19, 2010 11:12 PM EST up reply actions
NYR, 14 goals in two games, wow
Montreal and Tampa Bay, sure, but still… every time I see the EC standings I imagine the season ending and who our 1st round opponent would be… and guess who it’d be if the season ended today? (actually may change if BUF loses)…
Lord keep us from Hank in the 1st round this year.
carry on…
NYR, 14 goals in two games, wow
And that makes 15 in their last five games. Inconsistent a little?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 19, 2010 11:20 PM EST up reply actions
Back from the game. Phew! Man, we thought Pens fans travel well. The entirety of the city of Detroit must be living in DC! Well, not really, but there were more/louder Wings fans tonight than Flyers fans on Sunday.
Theo played out of his mind tonight. Please, Theo, stay in this groove this time.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
Most visiting fans I’ve seen at VC all season. It felt like the pre-Boudreau days. That’s probably part of the reason the building got so loud once we scored twice in the third period.
I overheard a conversation on Metro about a Wings fan who roots for the Caps in every game — except when they play the Wings.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Traitor!
Matt Bradley is my fµcking hero, I mean he was before, but now he’s like double or something.
There are TONS of them. (I married one) The metro area is crawling with displaced Detroit fans who cheer for the Caps (and Nationals, strangely enough) 99% of the time. They even have Caps gear. It’s very very very strange.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Notice how when the Caps have a shootout, it is the healthy type.
Funny you should say that. There was a group on the metro on my way home where most were in Wings gear, but one was in a Caps jersey, but he seemed like he was a Wings partisan. Weird.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
Wings fans like the Caps because they’re like the baby Wings, only more aggressive on the ice (except last night…..), like the organization, all the usual stuff. And being in different conferences, they don’t really feel guilty about rooting for the Caps.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Notice how when the Caps have a shootout, it is the healthy type.
No problem there, but if you’re going to the game to root for the other team, why would you wear your Caps jersey? Maybe I was overhearing it wrong.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
Also, looking for the silver lining — if they’re going to have a dog of a game, these are the days to have one. That they were able to come out winners in the end is a cheap lesson, if they manage to figure out how to not do that again.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
Damn the Pens: Crosby 2g4a tonight, Malkin 3g. Brent Johnson was back in the net. They must be feeling good going into the Thu game. Damn.
Johnny giving up 4 to the Isles = giving up 7 to the Caps. Although it might be nice if Ovie gets a few shots on goal Thu night.
by mechanicsville on Jan 19, 2010 11:18 PM EST up reply actions
Couple of Pens got banged up in that game. Not sure how badly, but I think Dupuis got smacked face first into the boards, and there was a decent amount of blood.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
That was a brutal hit from Sutton. Just as bad as the Koci hit. So of course I don’t expect a suspension.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 20, 2010 2:24 AM EST up reply actions
Or will they use one of their green rookie goalies? Like Curry (who was pulled this weekend) or Puchursky (who’s only 19 years old and really green.)
Rocking the Red since 1975
Haven’t the bears had like two or three 8 goal plus games against Curry?
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Haven’t kept track but know the Bears have done well against WB. If that is so and Curry’s in goal, maybe Alzner can give the “big boys” some pointers.
They’ll probably use Johnson in goal, if Fleury’s not back. (As opposed to either green goalie Curry or greener goalie Puchursky)
Rocking the Red since 1975
Lost in all of that is the fact that the Pens were up by three at two different times during that game (3-0 and 4-1) and blew both leads before pulling ahead late and getting the empty netter for Malkin’s hat trick.
Of course, as our game proves, no one asks how – they only ask how many. A win is a win. But man, the Pens have been playing fast and loose all season, either falling behind early and clawing back or blowing leads. I’d say more so than the Caps, actually.
Observations from Section 421
My blood pressure is back down below 350 so I guess I can write this….
1) Yeah, the Red Wings are not in a playoff position, but they will be in the playoffs when the season is over, count on it.
2) While there were some good efforts on the back line, allowing 46 shots on goal is inexcusable. There were times when Theo was getting barraged. They need to tighten this up against Crosby, Malkin and co. on Thursday
3) While Theo pretty much won the game, Osgood pretty well lost the game for the Wings. He didn’t have too much of a chance on Brads’ or Nick’s goals, but the Steckel goal he completely whiffed on, and it cost his team a point (or 2).
4) Since the Capstronaut showed up with his girlfriend, why didn’t he end up on the Kiss Cam?
5) Uh… how the hell are the Rangers scoring 8 goals in a game?
Well, an ugly win is still a win, and I’ll take the 2 points. Next up, the Pens…. Let the snarking begin. :D
Let's go Caps!
have you ever tried to kiss in a space suit? yea, neither have i but i’m sure its difficult.
by twistedlogic on Jan 19, 2010 11:27 PM EST up reply actions
I think early in the second I turned to my neighbor and jokingly said the strategy was to get Osgood bored so he’d nod off and then the Caps could score at will.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
I thought the Steckel goal was the least weak of the goals Osgood gave up. Funny bounce then a nice whack out of the air by Steckel (although it was admittedly tough to see exactly what happened in the replays I saw).
On both the Bradley and Backstrom goals Osgood was waaaay too deep in his net. If he challenges at all Bradley doesn’t chip that over his glove, and I thought it was a kinda weak five hole goal given up to Backstrom in addition to playing too deep in his net.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 20, 2010 2:28 AM EST up reply actions
On the Brads goal he was too deep in the net, but he didn’t get a chance to come out. If he had come out at Brads before the puck got there, then Steckel could have buried the shot from the side.
As for Nick’s goal… the shot wasn’t a bad shot and Osgood has to expect better support from his defense, even when penalty killing. It wasn’t that Ozzie missed it, it was that Nick beat him…much the same as the Rafalski shot on Theodore… there’s a reason these guys score lots of goals…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 20, 2010 10:10 AM EST up reply actions
Osgood had plenty of time to come out on Bradley’s goal. It was a long (and not that fast) pass from Gordon on the half boards to the opposite side of the slot. Any NHL goalie should anticipate that the puck is going to the guy streaking towards the net and come out and challenge it. Osgood just moved laterally across the goal line staying deep in his net, when he should have moved sideways and out towards the puck/shooter.
The Backstrom shot was good and defense was bad, but I still think that’s a shot the goalie should stop, particularly in that context. Not a terrible goal, but not exactly a great one either. I still think it was an easier save than Steckel’s goal. (And I also thought the Rafalski goal was one Theo definitely should have had, but given his heroics the rest of the game I’m certainly not going to get on his case).
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 20, 2010 1:33 PM EST up reply actions
I think the NHL recap is fair. But really, it would be hard to overstate just how badly the Caps were outplayed for 55 minutes tonight. PK was the only unit that didn’t get beat like a drum most of the game.
Our great PK kept us in the game, even though we took too many penalties.
Rocking the Red since 1975
He changed the recap a little bit now. I read the first version and after reading your comment, I went back to read it again to find that he had revised it a little but yeah still seems a little biased.
On the first recap, I believe he wrote, regarding Filppula’s goal, “Washington’s defense was nowhere to be found” and now he has "Theodore was hardly to blame as his defense let him down.
Lobbies: Green, Carlson, Orlov
Happy about the 2 points, yes. Happy with the play tonight, no. That looked reminiscent of the last playoff series we played last year and all the problems we had clearing the puck, getting outshot, and just letting Detroit cycle until they get a shot and digging away rose it’s ugly head again. Don’t like the way the team has come out the past couple of games, i really hope they were saving energy tonight.
Promote the game, it's the NHL, not SCHL
The only thing I’m really upset about is the fact that Crosby’s tied for the lead in goals.
by DrinkingPartner on Jan 19, 2010 11:56 PM EST reply actions
I found this comment at Red Wings’ GDT, pretty funny. I guess Dats has a good sense of humor. Apparently he said it in an interview tonight after the first period. I also remember the joke he made back in Oct right before the game when he was asked what Ovi brought to the table and he said “My breakfast.”
"Any secrets how to defend this guy?" (ovie)
"Yeah, don’t give him the puck."
Duh, thanks Pav.
by WingedUP on Jan 19, 2010 6:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Lobbies: Green, Carlson, Orlov
i saw this live on the internet feed. at the end of the interview, the reporter wishes datsyuk good luck in the 2nd period…and datsyuk wishes the reporter good luck right back.
by Natty Bumppo on Jan 20, 2010 12:52 AM EST up reply actions
Dats is like Ovie, but with a drier sense of humor and not nearly as fluent in English. Which is a shame, because the guy is hilarious.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Notice how when the Caps have a shootout, it is the healthy type.
Dats— Definitely one of my favourite players in the league for sheer skill and his dry sense of humour.
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 20, 2010 1:06 PM EST up reply actions
He comes off as a witty and very nice person. Not bad as role models go.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Jan 20, 2010 3:25 PM EST up reply actions
New Dats interview by Dimitry on Puck Daddy today
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 20, 2010 5:17 PM EST up reply actions
Caps / Wings in 20 Words or Less
Caps didn’t deserve to win, but Theodore didn’t deserve to lose. 2 points – now, go Anaheim.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
by gotsparkly on Jan 20, 2010 12:05 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Re: Theodore – I rip him a lot and so do many others, but I think we’re all in agreement that we love to watch him succeed given everything he’s been through. Watching him get serenaded with “Theo! Theo!” chants after receiving first star honors tonight brought a smile to my face. That was the happiest I’ve seen him since I can remember.
I was watching from home so I missed the Theo chants. Although I have to say the arena sounded the loudest it has been all year on TV. I enjoyed the OSGOOD chants after the third goal.
by Garyland1177 on Jan 20, 2010 12:23 AM EST up reply actions
Replaying the game,
The Osgoood chant was incredibly loud, wow.
Matt Bradley is my fµcking hero, I mean he was before, but now he’s like double or something.
If you feel that way, you need to watch the video of Leonsis greeting Theo on CI.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 20, 2010 12:52 AM EST up reply actions
that was cool. I love that Ted shows he genuinely cares about the guys on the team
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Jan 20, 2010 1:10 AM EST up reply actions
By the way, the picture on the season ticket holder tickets tonight were during Mike Green’s chubby face days.
Matt Bradley is my fµcking hero, I mean he was before, but now he’s like double or something.
Why can’t chubby be chubby?
"I must be hallucinating. What's a good thing for a hangover?"
"Drinking heavily the night before."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 20, 2010 6:06 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I didn’t even recognize him — hefty beard, too — looked a little like a fat Nylander.
Game-Over Green? Canada-Over Carlson!
by Scott in Shaw on Jan 20, 2010 11:28 AM EST up reply actions
Does anyone know what the Caps saved the Backstrom goal puck for? After Lars scored, Brooks went over and got the puck from the score keeper.
we're not gonna allow someone like Downie to go after him.
20th of the season? Not like its a career high, so no clue. 56th of his career have any particular value?
by HateOffSeason on Jan 20, 2010 3:45 AM EST up reply actions
Wasn’t that the goal Theo assisted on? Not every day a goalie notches an assist so it was probably for him.
by HockeyGoalie29 on Jan 20, 2010 11:40 AM EST up reply actions
oh, good point, I hadn’t thought of that.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Notice how when the Caps have a shootout, it is the healthy type.
Wasn’t his first, though. Don’t think it was even his first as a Cap.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
Babcock is a little cocky considering where his team is in the standings, no?
"I think if you ask their team how our team played, they’ll be fairly respectful at least. They got their points tonight… but they know who had the puck"
Yeah well puck possession did not win you the game and your team just went from a SO loss, to SO loss, to regulation loss so worrying about what the Caps think about your team having the puck all game long should be the least of your problems.
Lobbies: Green, Carlson, Orlov
Considering Bradley came out and said the Wings were dominating them during the 2nd intermission, I’d say that Babs has every right to say that, what with them having 4 players on IR and all.
"I must be hallucinating. What's a good thing for a hangover?"
"Drinking heavily the night before."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 20, 2010 6:10 AM EST up reply actions
I wasn’t disputing the fact that they had the puck all night, only that Babcock came across a little smug, to me at least, last night. The fact of the matter is that his team is in 9th place right now. They needed the 2 points last night a lot more than the Caps did. They had twice as many SOG and had the puck pretty much all night long. They should have won the game last night 4-1 or something but they lost 3-2 because the Caps had better goaltending, better PK and better PP. The Caps showed a lot of maturity last night. They were patient all night long and then took full advantage of the few opportunities they had. I know the Red Wings are missing a couple of key players also but their puck possession style of play did not work for them against the Pens in the playoffs despite having Hossa and all the other scorers that left and it didn’t work for them last night either so yes I think Babcock seemed a bit too cocky to me despite how things turned out for his team but hey BB did have a lot of praises for his team last night so at least he should be happy about that.
Lobbies: Green, Carlson, Orlov
That’s the same style of play that won them the Cup the previous year, right?
The Wings, despite missing 4 starters, played very well. Their coach recognizes it, our players recognize it, and the general consensus seems to be the Caps “stole” the game last night against what our coach described as the best team they’ve played all year. Lucky > good.
Considering the comments from both dressing rooms, I couldn’t disagree more on this cockiness you speak of.
"I must be hallucinating. What's a good thing for a hangover?"
"Drinking heavily the night before."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 20, 2010 9:17 AM EST up reply actions
the general consensus seems to be the Caps "stole" the game last night
I guess that’s where I disagree with everyone else then and why I think Bobcock sounded a little too cocky to me. I think it’s safe to assume that the Red Wings gave it everything they had last night since they do need the points, had what twice as many SOG?, are the more experienced team, have the better coach, had more power plays in the game (I think) and yet the Caps won despite the Red Wing’s best efforts. Maybe I’m confusing Babock’s cockiness with plain confidence. I mean he’s already won a Cup with his team and the Caps have won nothing and have yet to prove that they can even make it to the SCF but I don’t think the Caps were simply lucky to win the game last night. It wasn’t pretty but they did earn the win. Theo was awesome and definitely the best player on the ice but the Caps also managed to score some goals and they killed of all their penalties including one at the very end. On the other hand, the Red Wings had the puck most of the night, they had plenty of chances to win the game but didn’t. I just think everyone is giving too much credit to the Red Wings for their puck possession skills and not enough credit to the Caps for winning as a team last night.
Lobbies: Green, Carlson, Orlov
by CapsFan2020 on Jan 20, 2010 11:08 AM EST up reply actions
When the winning coach says your team was “fortunate” to be in the game, or uses phrases like “men versus boys,” or when the guy who scored the GTG says they were “lucky to get the win,” or when the guy who scored the GWG says his goal was “lucky,” then I’m inclined to agree with them.
"I must be hallucinating. What's a good thing for a hangover?"
"Drinking heavily the night before."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 20, 2010 11:15 AM EST up reply actions
I hear what you are saying, but BB is also a very humble, down to earth guy. I’m not surprised at all that he said those things and players always say that their goals are “lucky” so I’m not too surprised about that either. I realize that you and most people agree with them and that the Caps were just lucky to win last night largely because of Theo. As I said on my previous comment, I’m probably the only one who thinks that they should give themselves more credit for the win. They definitely need to learn to play better againts puck possession teams but they also did enough things right to earn the win last night which in the end it’s what matters the most.
Lobbies: Green, Carlson, Orlov
Dis-a-frakking-gree. Let’s take the Detroit mystique out of things for a second. Can we agree they played a subpar 1st period, one of several over the last few weeks? That would be symptomatic of the problems they’ve experienced all year, so if this was a comeback over the Canes (or say, the Panthers), the discussion would be over the missed opportunities in the early stages of the game.
They shouldn’t take more credit for playing a 40 minute game and winning when they’ve done that numerous times before and losing.
"I must be hallucinating. What's a good thing for a hangover?"
"Drinking heavily the night before."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 20, 2010 2:22 PM EST up reply actions
I thought the 1st period was the Caps’ best period pretty much the entire season except in the last three or four games. I believe it started with the game against Atlanta. The team has experienced a number of problems througout the season, taking too many penalties, injuries, inconsistent goaltending, lack of effort, etc. but those problems are not unique to the Caps. Other top teams in the league have had similar problems or have lost games because of those problems.
So the only time teams should take credit for winning is when they play a full 60 minutes? Are those the only wins that count? Why shouldn’t a team take at least some credit for a comeback win? and no they are not going to win every single game where they play well for one or two periods only but I don’t see why they shouldn’t take some credit for a win like last night againt a team like the Red Wings. Like BB said, "I think we’re resilient." They did not have their best game by any stretch of the imagination last night but I give them credit for winning despite not having the puck for most of the game. Now, go aheah and triple dis-sa-frakking-agree all you want. For my part, I have to get back to work.
Lobbies: Green, Carlson, Orlov
I thought the 1st period was the Caps’ best period pretty much the entire season except in the last three or four games.
I tuned out after this.
"I must be hallucinating. What's a good thing for a hangover?"
"Drinking heavily the night before."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 20, 2010 4:43 PM EST up reply actions
By Corey Masisak
The Washington Capitals have been the best team in the NHL in the first period this season. Somehow, against the league’s worst team it was their effort the first 20 minutes that failed them.
Ok, their 1st period troubles started in the game against CAR when Clark was traded, not Atlanta. Still that game was on Dec 28 so I think it’s still fair to say that 1st periods have been their best this year despite recent problems but yeah, I’m done with this argument as well.
Lobbies: Green, Carlson, Orlov
Let’s give the coach the last word, emphasis mine:
“We didn’t work anywhere near the level of the Detroit Red Wings,” Boudreau said. “Every now and again, you can rely on your goaltender to steal one for you. And he stole one for us yesterday. But you don’t want to go into every game saying, ‘I hope the goalie is great.’ We know our work ethic has to be picked up.”
"I must be hallucinating. What's a good thing for a hangover?"
"Drinking heavily the night before."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 21, 2010 7:31 AM EST up reply actions
Fortunately, everyone is entitle to have an opinion and it is OK to disagree with others. You don’t always have agree with everyone else and my opinion from what I saw remains the same no matter how many quotes from the coach, the players, or everyone else you choose to provide.
My opinion:
I’m probably the only one who thinks that they should give themselves more credit for the win.
While I agree with everyone else that Theo deserves most of the credit for the win and keeping the game 1-1 after two periods (I never said otherwise), I also think some credit has to be given to the rest of the team as well (particularly Steckel for his GWG, a guy who has had a hard time scoring this year) for not giving up on the game even after two really bad periods, for drawing several penalties (on the second least penalized team in the league), something they had not been good at recently, for scoring in one of their power plays to tie the game, and for killing off all of the Red Wing’s penalties something they had not been doing well lately either (although they are much better at home but still). So you can agree with everyone else that the team was awful and the only reason they won was because of Theo but I’m going to give some credit to the rest of the team also for doing some of the other things that were needed in order to get the win.
Lobbies: Green, Carlson, Orlov
That same style of play also has made them the most dominant team for over a decade. Just because they lost to another very good team in Game 7 of the Finals last year (while dealing with some very significant injury issues) and lost last night because of an incredible goaltending performance that doesn’t invalidate the style.
Babcock has a right to be confident. If the Wings keep playing like that they will be an extremely dangerous team come playoff time, particularly as they start to get more healthy. A hot goalie may be able to steal a game or two from the Red Wings when they dominate like that, but it is unlikely they will be able to steal a series, particularly if Howard keeps up his solid play.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 20, 2010 1:39 PM EST up reply actions
Irrelevant stat of the day; in 16 previous seasons of coaching (WHL, AHL and NHL), he’s missed the playoffs 3 times. Boudreau’s only missed the playoffs twice (once in the ECHL and once in the IHL).
"I must be hallucinating. What's a good thing for a hangover?"
"Drinking heavily the night before."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 20, 2010 2:27 PM EST up reply actions
damn, only twice? How many years has Bruce been coaching? (I know, a lot, but I can’t recall the exact number)
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Notice how when the Caps have a shootout, it is the healthy type.
Same number.
"I must be hallucinating. What's a good thing for a hangover?"
"Drinking heavily the night before."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 20, 2010 4:40 PM EST up reply actions
NHL.com's recap of the game
Theodore was brilliant. If it weren’t for the goalie, Washington could have been seeing red after just 20 minutes and the game could have been out of reach after 40.
For whatever reason, Washington looked a little star struck at the beginning of the game
Usually NHL.com recaps end with the statement that their recap came from the team recaps. This one was in-house.
"I'm not adopted and I'm not an Indian. It's just a coincidence that I have a love of gambling and booze and a knack for catching syphilis." -Jerri Blank
And now, a biased Caps fans rant…
OK, I get it. Six points gets you first start of the night. But a guy who had four assists (two secondary) against a gawd-awful team, and a guy who got his hat trick on an empty netter in the last half-minute are the other stars of the night over a guy who stopped 44-of-46 shots against the Dee-troit Freakin’ Red Wings?
There ain’t no justice.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jan 20, 2010 6:20 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Thank you for saying what I was thinking. But points pretty much always outweigh saves at NHL.com.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
I’m digging the timeonice.com chart. Is that a new discovery JP? I haven’t seen it before.
"We've got armadillos in our trousers. It's really quite frightening."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 20, 2010 7:54 AM EST reply actions
No, they had it last year (and in prior years), but its functionality for this season has only recently been made available. Pretty cool stuff (though I should have pointed out that it’s only 5-on-5).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
The Fenwick rating is interesting, but I’m not sure how much I get out of it besides “hey, that’s neat.” Seems like it strives to measure scoring chances created while on ice rather than total offensive output like Corsi. At least that’s my take. I’m not sure one is necessarily better than the other. Do you know if they track Fenwick over the whole season or is it just on a per-game basis? It looks like you can only see the stats for one game.
"We've got armadillos in our trousers. It's really quite frightening."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 20, 2010 9:07 AM EST up reply actions
I watched the game from home last night and let me tell you – the VC crowd was crazy loud from Brads’ goal on. Absolutely unbelievable. And watching that wall of red rise up when Backis and Stecks scored was amazing.
But it was really thrilling to hear the thundering ovation for Theo in his post-game interview. And he looked stunned. Happy but stunned, in a really good way.
IS KEPTIN NOW
WASNT IT AWESOME
I got chills. Then at the end of Theo’s interview, you could tell how happy he was… it was such a love-in… as he hands the mic off he says “Thanks guys” …and you just know how much he really meant it.
by Bushwood Bushwhacker on Jan 20, 2010 10:22 AM EST up reply actions
Corsi. Ha.
By the way, besides his awful turnover (which was supposed to be a drop pass to Backy to start the breakout…) Semin played fine. Everyone got hammered in corsi when they out shoot us like that. It had nothing to do with his play.
by Bushwood Bushwhacker on Jan 20, 2010 10:26 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Florida
|
53 | 25 | 17 | 11 | 61 |
|
Washington
|
54 | 28 | 21 | 5 | 61 |
|
Winnipeg
|
56 | 26 | 24 | 6 | 58 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
53 | 23 | 24 | 6 | 52 |
|
Carolina
|
55 | 20 | 25 | 10 | 50 |
(updated 2.10.2012 at 9:27 AM EST)
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