Recap: Caps 6, Penguins 3
by David Getz on Jan 21, 2010 10:46 PM EST
in Game Recaps
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All day I kept convincing myself that the key to tonight's game was to keep everything in perspective. Yes, the Capitals were lucky to escape Tuesday night's tilt with Detroit with a win; yes, they were facing the team that knocked them out of the playoffs last spring; yes, they were facing the Stanley Cup champions - but that's all that was important; not the fact that the team happened to be the Pittsburgh Penguins.
I'd be lying, though, if part of that rationale wasn't my aversion to the thought of the Capitals falling at Mellon Arena. Nonetheless, the rationale, in my mind, remains sound and the Caps and their fans need to be careful not to ascribe this game more meaning that it really has. That's not to say the boys didn't play a hell of a game - they did. They pressured the puck in all three zones, went to the net, played physical without getting themselves into trouble, and all chipped in a little extra in Mike Green's absence (Karl Alzner and John Carlson, who both played solid games, deserve extra recognition here). This game isn't a finale or a major accomplishment in and of itself, it's a starting point; something the team can look at and say "that's what we're capable of, that's what we can do every night, that's where we're going to improve from". Championships aren't won in January, and we shouldn't pretend they are.
All that having been said. . .damn, it felt good to watch the Caps beat the Pens, didn't it?
Ten additional thoughts on tonight's game:
- Bruce Boudreau's decision to start the line of David Steckel, Matt Bradley, and Boyd Gordon made perfectly good sense - win the faceoff, cycle the puck, make the Penguins work to start out the game, and limit your defensive liabilities. Boudreau's decision to start Tyler Sloan and Tom Poti on defense I'm still trying to figure out.
- We could try and dismiss the first Pittsburgh goal as an honest mistake on the part of Jose Theodore and a couple of bad bounces, and that wouldn't be inaccurate, but it wouldn't be the whole story either. The reality is that a large part of the reason Sidney Crosby was able to put that puck home was that he played until the whistle and Theodore and Jeff Schultz didn't. I understand that playing to the whistle every shift, every game is easier said than done over 82 games at the NHL level - but that doesn't change that not doing it is simply unacceptable.
- I'm sure that most guys have more exciting dreams for their first NHL goal than casually putting a puck in the net the way Nick Johnson did tonight, but a kid having that kind of poise in front of the net in his first NHL game is pretty impressive.
- John Carlson's listed at 6'3'', 208, and unlike some of teammates, he looks as big as the team claims. That said, from the way he was getting pushed around during battles for the puck and bouncing off guys when he tried to play the body, it's pretty obvious he's used to playing against smaller, weaker opponents.
- The Tomas Fleischmann-Kris Letang hit was a great non-call. It would have been easy for a referee to see Letang go in to the boards awkwardly and stay down hurt and decided that was enough to warrant a minor penalty, despite the fact the hit was from the side and completely clean. Good work, fellas.
- That said, the non-call on Jordan Staal for slashing out Alex Ovechkin's feet in the closing seconds of the second period was a bad one. I thought the whole point of the two-referee system was to ensure plays like that didn't go unnoticed?
- What exactly was Eric Fehr thinking rushing over to break up the staredown-ready-to-turn-shoving-match between Tyler Sloan and Bill Guerin? If you're the Caps and you have an opportunity to trade Sloan for Guerin for two minutes you take it.
- Alexander Semin's pass to spring Tomas Fleischmann's breakaway goal seemed so simple - just a quick flick of the wrists - but to take that puck off the ice, puck it through two Penguins defenders, hit Fleischmann in stride, and have the biscuit sit down right before it got to Flash. . .wow.
- If you ever happen to run in to a Penguins fan who tries to tell you Ovechkin can't/won't/doesn't play defense, kindly suggest to him or her that they watch a tape of this game.
- And now for my final thought. Tonight's game featured nine goals, 72 shots on net, 65 hits, and some of the most talented and exciting players in the world. No matter where your allegiances lie, tonight was simply a good night to be a hockey fan. It's not the most important game either team will play all year, it's not the measuring stick some people want it to be, and the rivalry between the two captains isn't quite as fierce as some want you to believe. Nevertheless, tonight we all got a glimpse of the skill, the physicality, the speed, and the passion that made us fall in love with this game in the first place. That is the common bond we share, and be we Capitals fans, Penguins fans, or fans of any other team, we are all hockey fans first. It's the tie the unites us and what makes us see the humanity in one another, no matter how fierce the contest on the ice. Until next time, take care of yourselves. And each other.
Lastly, a quick, but big, 'thank you' to all the Caps fans and Rink Rats who came out to Bailey's in Arlington tonight and helped make the viewing party a success!
Game highlights:
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Alzner was fantastic. That blocked shot (granted it was before the Pens 3rd goal) and a great defensive play blocking a Crosby cross-crease pass in the third really stick out in my mind.
http://www.dclandingstrip.com
He also made a big stand on the first goal, to no avail. You can’t fault his effort on either but he’s taking minuses.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
That was a pretty sweet kick save on his part there. Too bad Theo and Sarge decided not to react.
http://www.dclandingstrip.com
On the Penguins feed, it looks like Theo legitimately doesn’t know where the puck is. He’s trying, it’s not like he really stopped. And if you watch it again, it looks at one point like the puck will leave the crease and head toward the corner right where Schultz is skating. That’s what Schultz may have been doing — trying to get the puck when it hops out that way (or assuming that Alzner was going to kick it to him).
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 22, 2010 9:36 AM EST up reply actions
Definitely a tough luck -2 for him. He’s had more than a few of those this season.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 22, 2010 1:35 AM EST up reply actions
Nice final thought Jerry. And additional praise to ShaMo, with 2 assists, a +3 and more play in deep than I’ve seen him do in God knows how long.
"I must be hallucinating. What's a good thing for a hangover?"
"Drinking heavily the night before."
As much as I pick on the guy , ShaMo does deserve major props tonight as do all the guys on the blue line.
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 21, 2010 10:53 PM EST up reply actions
Yep.
I’m sure it’ll get mentioned elsewhere between now and then, but the rematch on 2/7 has been moved up to Noon.
"I must be hallucinating. What's a good thing for a hangover?"
"Drinking heavily the night before."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 21, 2010 10:54 PM EST up reply actions
Proud to be a member of Capital Nation. Screw the Pens. They were whining all night. But in the end, Theo and the gang proved to much for Sidney Crysby and the girls of Pittsburgh.
ROCK THE DAMN RED BOYS!
and girls!
I don't know shit about baseball.
Don’t they whine all night every night? They are like an entire team of Tom Bradys on steroids in that department. After the game they showed the clip of last year when Crosby whined about the hats coming onto the ice for too long after Ovi’s hat trick. The more things change…
Crosby was yammering when Carlson hit him—what, rookies can’t throw a glancing elbow now?
by redlineblue on Jan 21, 2010 11:44 PM EST up reply actions
i don't know what was worse
the pens commentators (ugh, Errey) or the refs. Both were wearing black and gold, that’s for sure.
Semin’s saucer pass: Best of the year
Steggy was just babbling on the bench stupid comment after stupid comment. I paid my roommate 5 bucks which i later won back in a game of beer pong to switch it back to CSN.
Maybe i changed the luck?
NAHHHH
I don't know shit about baseball.
you play beer pong for money. i like where your head’s at.
by twistedlogic on Jan 21, 2010 10:57 PM EST up reply actions
agreed. officiating quite remiscient of last year’s playoff series.
by twistedlogic on Jan 21, 2010 10:56 PM EST up reply actions
Pens announcers:
-“Fleshman.”
-“The Capitals traded Chris Clark so Alex Ovechkin could wear the ‘C’.”
-Not one mention we were without Mike Green, although I could be mistaken
-Said that the “Fleshman” hit on Letang was textbook boarding. Um, how?
http://www.dclandingstrip.com
also
implied Ovie dove to draw a penalty on Guerin when it was Morrison who went down.
also…made a big deal out of Ovie’s retaliatory cross-check on Orpik (a love tap at best) and willfully ignored Orpik’s late hit on Backstrom after his goal. Also, blatant non-call in a corner, I believe it was Adams nailing Morrisonn or Alzner from behind…we immediately got a penalty after that, making it all the more infuriating.
by DonnieKnutts on Jan 21, 2010 11:03 PM EST up reply actions
driving home after a sucky day at work had to listen to pitt radio on XM
the radio announcers on XM, Lange and Bourque, were joking about Ted coming down and hugging Theo after last game. then went on about how they wished Ted would hug them and stuff some benjamins in their pockets because everyone in Washington is getting paid a lot of money now adays.
Promote the game, it's the NHL, not SCHL
After Lang’s comment on the Theo hug, Bourque quickly chimed in that Ted did that to Jagr as well, implying that Ted’s affections are misdirected. Asshole.
"More Gary Thorne, please."
pulling my post back over from the 3rd period thread
i dont know, nor do I care, if Mike Lange is some heralded announcer.
His tired 1950’s announcer shtick that sounds more like he is talking down to the listeners and quoting movie lines after goals all the while lapping up all the sweat of of Cindys nether regions, because you can’t convince me he has a set, does wonders to piss me off everytime I hear them.
Promote the game, it's the NHL, not SCHL
I wouldn’t go that far. Other than the missed slash on Ovie, I thought the game was called just fine.
they blew several trips. plus that “hook” on carlson was incredibly weak.
by twistedlogic on Jan 21, 2010 11:05 PM EST up reply actions
maybe not one-sided…..but definitely advantage: pittsburgh
by twistedlogic on Jan 21, 2010 11:07 PM EST up reply actions
a Win makes everything OK
believe me, had we lost that game on some PP goals… it’d be hell up in here
by DonnieKnutts on Jan 21, 2010 11:08 PM EST up reply actions
Here’s a novel idea (and I say this rhetorically); how about killing off what you’ve got to deal with and taking advantage of what you get? That’s what happened tonight and should happen more often than not if you’re a good team.
"I must be hallucinating. What's a good thing for a hangover?"
"Drinking heavily the night before."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 21, 2010 11:10 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
but didnt pittsburgh have like two times the amount of PP time during the playoffs? somehow i doubt they drew THAT many penalties.
by twistedlogic on Jan 21, 2010 11:12 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, we didn’t win the series because the officiating, I get it. Except it’s this year now, and I could care less.
"I must be hallucinating. What's a good thing for a hangover?"
"Drinking heavily the night before."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 21, 2010 11:15 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
i don't like blaming refs
but the calls tonight were bad. that’s all.
by DonnieKnutts on Jan 21, 2010 11:16 PM EST up reply actions
And yet the Caps killed everything thrown their way and they took advantage of both PP opportunities.
"I must be hallucinating. What's a good thing for a hangover?"
"Drinking heavily the night before."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 21, 2010 11:18 PM EST up reply actions
That’s a pretty loose definition of kill when they scored on one the exact second it ended. And when they looked plenty dangerous not scoring on others.
That’s the story of this season for them: they look dangerous, but have been woefully ineffective on the PP.
by DrinkingPartner on Jan 21, 2010 11:44 PM EST up reply actions
same…to a certain extent. it’d be one thing if that didnt carry over from the playoffs….but it did.
by twistedlogic on Jan 21, 2010 11:17 PM EST up reply actions
And they couldn’t kill dick last year. They did tonight, and took advantage of what they got. Either work on taking calls, or coach them up to the point where they don’t occur.
"I must be hallucinating. What's a good thing for a hangover?"
"Drinking heavily the night before."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 21, 2010 11:20 PM EST up reply actions
i know. that doesnt make poor (or biased) officiating okay tho. and IIRC, our PK numbers this season rather closely follow those from last season….or am i off base there?
by twistedlogic on Jan 21, 2010 11:22 PM EST up reply actions
running some numbers today from BTN and summing up the teams penalties drawn versus taken stats from BTN…. we as a team HAVE to start working harder. We are -29 as a team, taking more penalties than we draw….thats not a good stat.
Promote the game, it's the NHL, not SCHL
Well the league should even it out for us.
"I must be hallucinating. What's a good thing for a hangover?"
"Drinking heavily the night before."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 21, 2010 11:18 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
28 was excellent tonight, some great forechecks and chances created. He looked like a hopeful putter as he watched the FlashPass unfold—like a kid.
Refs met the mediocre inconsistent ‘standards’ of the NHL.
Jose Theodore wants your adrenalin. One way and another, he will have it.
#needsmoreAlznerson(notpaired)
by redlineblue on Jan 21, 2010 11:14 PM EST up reply actions
I was down on Semin for his holding penalty in the 1st, but the Caps killed it.
To his credit, he played much better after that and his pass on Flash’s GWG was a thing of beauty.
What amazing date in history are we giong back to today, Mr. Peabody?
That was the ultimate Sasha penalty. All the people who think we unjustly hate on Semin should watch film of this game to understand why.
The Semin = 1 part sublime skill + 1 part ridiculous penalties. Shake and serve on ice.
This is not a game of who the f*ck are you...
shaken or stirred?
does it look like i give a damn?
by twistedlogic on Jan 21, 2010 11:48 PM EST up reply actions
I disagree strongly with the proportions, especially lately. The ingredients are spot on.
by redlineblue on Jan 21, 2010 11:56 PM EST up reply actions
I should make it a real drink. Something that combines a really amazing liquor with depth and complexity along with something totally lame and nonsensical.
How about this: “The Alexander Semin”: Two jiggers of premium Vodka over ice, add strawberry Pop Rocks and stir.
This is not a game of who the f*ck are you...
I like it.
"Now wait a minute. This is just purely a social call. You know, just two adults getting a stew on, man."
by The Ghost of Bebop on Jan 22, 2010 12:01 AM EST up reply actions
Served in cracked crystal, with a lightning wedge?
by redlineblue on Jan 22, 2010 12:03 AM EST up reply actions
A lightning wedge sounds better than a lightning wedgie.
This is not a game of who the f*ck are you...
Freakin lightning wedgies. How I hate them.
by redlineblue on Jan 22, 2010 12:06 AM EST up reply actions
Actually, I’m already thinking of a modification.
Two jiggers of premium vodka over ice, add strawberry pop rocks and a jigger of milk.
The result? “The Fizzy Jizz.”
This is not a game of who the f*ck are you...
by D'ohboy on Jan 22, 2010 12:13 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Yeah, the Fizzy Jizz’ll do that to you. Best just to swallow it quickly.
This is not a game of who the f*ck are you...
by D'ohboy on Jan 22, 2010 12:20 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Carlson TOI up 3:15 from a week ago—and some of those are Greenie shifts, who as you know does not play D.
by redlineblue on Jan 22, 2010 12:12 AM EST up reply actions
Boudreau’s decision to start Tyler Sloanand Tom Potion defense I’m still trying to figure out.
I don't know shit about baseball.
the 2nd Pens goal
all Sloan’s fault. He gets mesmerized by the puck way too often.
by DonnieKnutts on Jan 21, 2010 10:55 PM EST up reply actions
He did look a lot better later in the game. Of course, you’d have to only get to see the crappy part of the game.
"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."
And I was all set to see people angry at Theodore about the second goal. To me that’s exactly why he’s not good enough to be a #1. Bad rebounds but especially putting himself out of position to make a save. I can deal with the rare brain fart (goal #1) if there aren’t frequent misplays that don’t look so glaring (#2).
And yeah, Sloan can share some blame too.
I think if virtually any other defender had been on the ice instead of those two it wouldn’t have been a big deal. They would have been a bit more proactive on the rebounds and tried to sit on it or just take an errant swing at it to get it somewhere else.
Sloan made up for it with a few respectable plays later on in the game and Theo had an outstanding game after that second goal. So long as players pay back what they owe their team it works out as a win usually.
Agreed. Sloan was bad early but got better (there was nowhere to go but up) later in the game. I liked what I saw from Poti tonight.
annnd down to this comment — pretty much everyone was Johnny on the Spot as far as defense goes barring Sloan. ShaMo and Poti both looked respectable out there and Alzner looked like he will be a fixture back there. I love his effort on trying to stop that 1st goal and if Theo hadn’t thought he caught the puck in his glove/lost track of it that’d be a .GIF for the ages.
Not sure who had the responsibility on Letang during the PP but that was an awfully ugly goal to give up at that time in the game, though. That kind of sucked and was the worse goal that involved the least amount of screw-ups.
I mentioned it below, but Letang was wide open because Flash was in the slot with his stick on the wrong side of his body, and that left open the passing lane to Letang on the weak side. There was a D next to him watching the down low cross ice pass, so Flash needs to switch his stick to his right side and cover the D.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 22, 2010 1:37 PM EST up reply actions
Tom Poti can play some good D, at times.
And then there are times where someone wins a faceoff clean on the PK and he can’t ice the puck. If they had scored there we wouldn’t be glossing over how flawed his fundamentals – clearing the puck, defending 2-on-1s – are.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks.
Yeah, the clearing issues drive me nuts. All of the less puck-confident Caps D seem to be trained to immediately try clears up the side boards when they get pressured and it almost never works. I noticed a couple of times in the Detroit game where the Wings defenders got pressured and calmly looked up ice and cleared it out the middle, seeing the Caps point-man pinching to hold the wall.
It’s frustrating especially with Poti, because he sometimes makes very confident, savvy moves in the neutral-offensive zone with the puck. He just panics in the defensive zone or gets intimidated by the certain contact or something.
wello said kello!
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 21, 2010 10:55 PM EST up reply actions
Hello Kello~
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Jan 21, 2010 10:55 PM EST up reply actions
Excellent last thought DMG….god bless us all! I thought that saucer pass was brilliant…..but the finish.immaculate! Ovi’s empty netter was a thing of beauty, but lord, how about that through the legs assist?
When my friend Robbie and I played hockey in the driveway on our rollerblades....I was always Peter Bondra
Project Runway – big shocker.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
Uh…not really.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Jan 21, 2010 10:58 PM EST up reply actions
comb in yo mouth!
Still waiting for someone to draft Paul Newman. . .
by kingzman264 on Jan 21, 2010 11:12 PM EST up reply actions
They have changed the show to a competition between air traffic controllers?
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 21, 2010 10:59 PM EST up reply actions
You’ll have to watch to find out, I promised no revelations. Spoiler: Hot Ass.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Jan 21, 2010 10:59 PM EST up reply actions
Could you explain why you watch Project Runway? Is that that shit show with Tyra?
I don't know shit about baseball.
heidi klum i thought. although the hot ass might make it enjoyable…..
by twistedlogic on Jan 21, 2010 11:01 PM EST up reply actions
Could you explain why you watch Project Runway?
Because it’s awesome? Besides, why hate on something when you’re not even sure what it is?
i’ve seen it before….and took to calling it project dumbway…..
by twistedlogic on Jan 21, 2010 11:03 PM EST up reply actions
haha….thats not a show i’d imagined a hockey fan would enjoy.
by twistedlogic on Jan 21, 2010 11:11 PM EST up reply actions
It’s not one I thought I’d enjoy either, but the women in my life kept pushing it on me and eventually I relented and wound up liking it pretty well. To be honest, I doubt I’d watch it if my lady-friend didn’t, but I find it interesting.
There’s the answer, and I’m pretty much with you. Of all her shows it’s near the top of the list.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
I am a proud member of this club. Have not yet seen last night’s.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 22, 2010 9:08 AM EST up reply actions
I’m in the Project Runway Lobby, too.
Game-Over Green? Canada-Over Carlson!
by Scott in Shaw on Jan 22, 2010 2:23 PM EST up reply actions
you should check out the 3rd period thread… we were all talking about it. apparently hockey and project runway have created a perfect marriage of opposites
Between Wise and warped, I choose warped.
yea i saw that. unfortunately, my computer lags like crazy when we get say….oh….10 comments….so i cant really stay with them. that and my tv is like a solid 20 ft from my computer. much too far to move back and forth.
by twistedlogic on Jan 21, 2010 11:49 PM EST up reply actions
This. Love it for the diamond in the rough creativity every now in then …
"Bobby. Can you fly, Bobby?" -Clarence
"Clarence, no!" - Bobby
by Christoph J on Jan 21, 2010 11:13 PM EST up reply actions
True. Watch Manswers on SpikeTV. They somehow find the hottest chicks on earth in every episode and continue to show them with less and less clothes.
I don't know shit about baseball.
No. Most of the Manswers chicks look like sluts and whores, and I’m frankly not into that. Skanky women attract and fuck skanky guys, and I’m not about to get sloppy seconds to douchebags. Project Runway is a good show, even if I don’t always agree with the judges.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Jan 21, 2010 11:06 PM EST up reply actions
What is it? Just like a amateur modeling competition or something?
I don't know shit about baseball.
Great show that actually gets pretty interesting to those not extremely interested in fashion.
Designers pretty much take on tough challenges and make really great work and some not so much
Still waiting for someone to draft Paul Newman. . .
by kingzman264 on Jan 21, 2010 11:13 PM EST up reply actions
Never thought all these hockey fans would be closet fashion lovers.
Love the diversity on this site.
I don't know shit about baseball.
hah i was surprised tonight when the conversation turned to fashion
Still waiting for someone to draft Paul Newman. . .
by kingzman264 on Jan 21, 2010 11:17 PM EST up reply actions
#NeedsMoreSeanAveryAsInternAtVogue
by bigeugene on Jan 21, 2010 11:42 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Never thought all these hockey fans would be closet fashion lovers.
Wait? This just in … Hockey fans can be diverse, intelligent and have an appreciation for the finer things like art, architecture, design, fashion, music, good food, books, etc? Nah …
"Bobby. Can you fly, Bobby?" -Clarence
"Clarence, no!" - Bobby
by Christoph J on Jan 21, 2010 11:19 PM EST up reply actions
and Beer
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 21, 2010 11:20 PM EST up reply actions
and Beer
and Foties King Cobra, Schlitz (classic, bull ice, red bull), Hurricanes, Steel Reserve, Colt 45, Iron City, St. Ides, etc
King Cobra FTW
"Bobby. Can you fly, Bobby?" -Clarence
"Clarence, no!" - Bobby
image doesn’t show. It’s been photobucket’d
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 22, 2010 10:33 AM EST up reply actions
ack … enlighten me
"Bobby. Can you fly, Bobby?" -Clarence
"Clarence, no!" - Bobby
by Christoph J on Jan 22, 2010 11:37 AM EST up reply actions
Let's Retry This Again ... Image Link Fail
… Beer
and Foties King Cobra, Schlitz Classic, Schlitz Bull Ice, Schlitz Red Bull, Hurricanes, Steel Reserve, Colt 45, Iron City, St. Ides, etc
"Bobby. Can you fly, Bobby?" -Clarence
"Clarence, no!" - Bobby
With all due respect, its just fashion etc.
by MetalCap on Jan 21, 2010 11:20 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
hahaha. well i’m not into the design and fashion stuff, but the other stuff sure.
and beer.
by twistedlogic on Jan 21, 2010 11:21 PM EST up reply actions
Hit the Nail In the Head DMG
Nonetheless, the rationale, in my mind, remains sound and the Caps and their fans need to be careful not to ascribe this game more meaning that it really has. That’s not to say the boys didn’t play a hell of a game – they did. This game isn’t a finale or a major accomplishment in and of itself, it’s a starting point; something the team can look at and say “that’s what we’re capable of, that’s what we can do every night, that’s where we’re going to improve from”. Championships aren’t won in January, and we shouldn’t pretend they are.
This and rec’d for keeping things in perspective.
"Bobby. Can you fly, Bobby?" -Clarence
"Clarence, no!" - Bobby
Not to be persnickety, but don’t you usually hit the nail on the head?
This is not a game of who the f*ck are you...
I bet you could hit a lot of nails into Tyler Kennedy’s head by going through his nose. His nostrils are like water mains.
This is not a game of who the f*ck are you...
He popped a …ing cap inna …ing nail’s …ing head. That …ing nail ain’t ever gonna …ing mess with …ing DMG again.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 22, 2010 9:12 AM EST up reply actions
You could go spelunking in one of those…
HELLO ELLO LLO LO O O O O O O ….
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jan 22, 2010 12:21 PM EST up reply actions
Nope, you got it right. typing FAIL on my part, yet again. Consider this my last post for the night. Long day.
"Bobby. Can you fly, Bobby?" -Clarence
"Clarence, no!" - Bobby
by Christoph J on Jan 22, 2010 12:05 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
It’s a bit harsh to blame Fehr there. Correct if you’re a coach or off-ice observer, but difficult not to jump in when you’re in the play and in the moment.
I’d rather have the “stick up for your teammates” switch on at all times, especially with this team.
by Stephen Pepper on Jan 21, 2010 10:59 PM EST reply actions
on Ovie playing defense
he did make some nice plays (one diving breakup of a pass immediately comes to mind) but i still think he can be more active on the backcheck. It’s like all or nothing when it comes to his defense. It’s not that Ovie’s not skating back or neglecting his defensive responsibilities, but it’s because he’s usually kind of coasting in an upright position when he’s not in the offensive zone, so it takes him that extra second to react to pucks and he gets caught. Happened a few times tonight. He was in the right spot but got left standing around, watching.
I noticed that too midway through the game, dont remember the exact point, i think it was when knuble came flying back just in time to stop a crease pass, but i saw ovie just coasting up the right side, and… well, sigh’d
I don't know shit about baseball.
that said
his empty-net goal was so sweet and effortless.
by DonnieKnutts on Jan 21, 2010 11:04 PM EST up reply actions
I’m thinking he’s kind of resting while on the ice due to the long shifts. It’s a trade-off.
by _Skullduggery_ on Jan 21, 2010 11:10 PM EST up reply actions
true
but more often than not, his defense is actually “looking to create offense” instead of actual defense. not even a criticism really, it works for him. but it’s what i observe
by DonnieKnutts on Jan 21, 2010 11:14 PM EST up reply actions
also Flash's shoulder juke tonight
the SO goal against Florida…
we may have to put him and Backy #1 and #2 in all future shootout situations
I know this was probably touched on in the GDT’s but I HATE H A T E Comcast’s camera tarrets syndrome that has only gotten worse throughout the season. SHOW the damn play! I can’t see OV with the puck on the power play at the point because with the Hooters, Window Savings, Bob’s BigBoy Cam, the scoreboard covers him up. BAHHH
BAHHHH!!
Still waiting for someone to draft Paul Newman. . .
by kingzman264 on Jan 21, 2010 11:19 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah it was especially bad tonight, you could hear the play going on for a good few seconds after some faceoffs while the camera was busy showing graphics or something else. I get it, Comcast, you need to make money. But seriously.
"If you want money go to the bank, if you want bread go to the bakery if you want goals go to the net." - #21
by snakegriffin on Jan 22, 2010 12:25 AM EST up reply actions
And don’t forget the post-game interview, when Torts gets into it with Larry Brooks. Thought they were going to fight too.
Saw that tonight; guess Torts was filling the monthly “lash out at Brooksie” quota.
"I must be hallucinating. What's a good thing for a hangover?"
"Drinking heavily the night before."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 21, 2010 11:30 PM EST up reply actions
That was money. I forced my family to watch it. My mom couldn’t believe he talked like that to one of his own beat writers. I had to explain he was from the NY Post, which hardly qualifies him as a journalist. But still….Torts need to get over himself.
To be fair, Larry Brooks needs to get over himself too.
Only one of those two men is primarily paid to take part in press conferences — the other does it as a (league-mandated) courtesy.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 22, 2010 9:25 AM EST up reply actions
We had a TON of comments on our GDTs today even with the contigent at Baileys
go JR
Still waiting for someone to draft Paul Newman. . .
um WTF is this from the AP recap
There was lots of hitting—Penguins defenseman Kris Letang(notes) drew as big a cheer for checking Ovechkin as he did for scoring the goal that put Pittsburgh up 3-2 midway through the second period. Later in the period, Fleischmann leveled Letang, although the hit did not appear to be retaliatory.
why even bring up the retaliatory issue? it is like the famous “I’m not saying it was ‘XYZ’ BUT” BS
Eh, I think that’s sound journalism. Without that clarification, one might assume or at least wonder if it was in retaliation.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Jan 21, 2010 11:51 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Scoring by period
Caps: 1 , 2 , 3
Pens: 1 , 2 , 0
That’s how ya douuuu it, right thurrr.
Puts down violin.
I don't know shit about baseball.
Adjustments
After my comments in this morning’s Caps Clips, I’d like to say this: Bravo to Boudreau, Bob Woods and the entire Caps team; you did a complete 180 against the Pens’ forecheck. We’re not out of the woods yet – the Pens weren’t forechecking at full throttle without Kunitz, Talbot and Dupuis in the lineup – but it still looked good.
My favorite play on the night? There was a moment when Poti was to Theo’s right, facing the boards on his backhand. He hesitated a moment, clearly pondering a backhand clear along the boards. But then he did something miraculous; he pulled his head out of his ass and realized that he was going to put the puck right into the forechecking Penguin. So he held onto the puck, pulled it behind the net and set up a breakout.
I nearly threw a fucking party.
This is not a game of who the f*ck are you...
A Poti Party?
Still waiting for someone to draft Paul Newman. . .
by kingzman264 on Jan 21, 2010 11:33 PM EST up reply actions
.
"No Brooks Laich, no win. Know Brooks Laich, know win."
by kellobellow on Jan 22, 2010 8:12 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Cuz a DC Poti can’t clear?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 22, 2010 9:27 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Host says “everyone get out” but they all just run into the walls and ultimately go nowhere.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
by Rob Parker on Jan 22, 2010 1:32 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Poti had some nice keep ins at the blueline last night, leading me to think that amongst his other allergies he is allergic to the puck leaving any offensive zone.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 22, 2010 1:40 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
oh, yes, we need some shirts with that!
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Notice how when the Caps have a shootout, it is the healthy type.
"No Brooks Laich, no win. Know Brooks Laich, know win."
by kellobellow on Jan 22, 2010 10:15 AM EST up reply actions
Haha, I clearly remember the Poti play as well as two others where I about had a heart attack. Nice to think someone was freaking out at the same time.
I used to work in a fire hydrant factory. You couldn't park anywhere near the place.
There were a couple times where I said (to nobody in particular, since I was by myself), “Nice f-ing play Poti! Veteran, $4.5m/year defenseman! Sweet play!” Case in point, his second un-forced and bone-headed icing in two games.
Tom, the icing happen when the puck come bang, down the ice like that…before the other guys. The referee’s harm go up and the play stop and then start up again.
This is not a game of who the f*ck are you...
This is actually my secret weapon.
The Caps are now 2-0 when the Pens play the Caps and I can’t watch the game and I put on Slapshot to ease my mind.
Still waiting for someone to draft Paul Newman. . .
Still waiting for someone to draft Paul Newman. . .
by kingzman264 on Jan 23, 2010 12:00 AM EST up reply actions
($3.5m/year)
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 22, 2010 9:28 AM EST up reply actions
Link?
It’s not that I don’t believe you, it’s just that I think you’re lying…
by redlineblue on Jan 21, 2010 11:41 PM EST up reply actions
joke fail: Poti allegedly breaking out without supposed head up so-called asphalt.
by redlineblue on Jan 21, 2010 11:57 PM EST up reply actions
Malkin's two third-period moves
credit due…pretty awesome.
Also: How often is the other team the one guilty of over-passing?
I’m so glad the Caps pulled out a good one for my last game in the states!
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 21, 2010 11:50 PM EST reply actions
Theo
Good on Theo for rebounding from that awful puckhandling misadventure. The Caps didn’t give up a ton of amazing chances, but he made the saves that he needed to when we needed them.
This is not a game of who the f*ck are you...
No kidding! The 2nd goal was also extremely weak, but he hung in there and put in very solid work for the duration. (If only he was as good as Alan May thinks he is…)
by mechanicsville on Jan 21, 2010 11:54 PM EST up reply actions
I’m giving him a pass on the second one, because they scored on the third rebound. Someone should have cleared that puck or that man long before they scored.
This is not a game of who the f*ck are you...
by D'ohboy on Jan 21, 2010 11:55 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
You’re right. I’m just having a hard time getting over that first rebound. I think the puck bouced off Theo’s pads with more velocity than the shot itself. But, believe you me, I’m rooting hard for #60.
by mechanicsville on Jan 21, 2010 11:59 PM EST up reply actions
From the replay, I’m with you. The first rebound was the killer – that thing has got to be steered into a corner. Once the first rebound was out to the dot, the Caps were chasing and it was game over.
Sounds like Theo had a hell of a third, though.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
No pass from me. He puts himself out of position with no chance at recovery. Weak goal showing his weakness. Decent game after the first two though …
Culpability Progression
1-rebound goal: goalie’s fault
2-rebound goal: partly goalie’s fault, partly defenseman
3-rebound goal: defenseman and center
4-rebound goal: pretty much everyone but the goalie
If you watch again, Theo made three saves before Johnson scored. His rebound control wasn’t perfect, but at some point, someone from the Caps has to do their job.
This is not a game of who the f*ck are you...
by D'ohboy on Jan 22, 2010 8:26 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Theo doesn’t make a third save, that’s a pass to the middle that hits a skate … and goes to Johnson anyways. Theo goes down for the non-shot, and winds up sitting at the corner of and outside the crease as Johnson gathers the pass. Yeah it woulda been nice if others were playing defense too, though.
Plus your progression is really dependent on the quality of the rebound and the way the team plays defense. The second rebound here was horrendous. Often the plan is to let shooters be free from distance and defensemen are responsible for the first rebound, just a question of where they position themselves in relation to shots.
What I’m saying is that Theo guesses and gets tunnel vision too much for my liking. In this case the left side of his vision is filled with players (nearer the middle of the goal) so he figures he’ll just worry about right in front of him. But his movement is forward (and wrong too) and puts him out of any other possible play. I see him do it a lot, and Neuvirth somewhat too, while Varlamov seems to leave himself options to get back and make more recovery saves.
Sloan was swimming in the slot, covering nobody. He’s my primary culprit on Johnson’s goal.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
Yup, definitely way more upset with Sloan than with Theo on that one. Tries to clear away the rebound but does nothing but bumble the puck behind him to the wide open player he should have been covering.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 22, 2010 1:43 PM EST up reply actions
Take one more look – and I’m really not defending Sloan …
Malkin’s pass – it’s not a shot – is going right to Johnson’s stick for a tap-in at the crease edge. It hits Sloan’s skates – which again, were not in the way of it being a shot on goal – and goes in the slot where Johnson collects it and scores. Sloan makes a mistake by going for the second rebound instead of tying up a man, but he at least denies the immediate sure-thing goal (maybe accidentally).
It would have been nice to see a goalie in the middle of the net after Johnson has collected the puck, just as it would have been nice if Sloan was locked around Johnson as soon as the second rebound came off Theo.
Karlznerson
Did anyone else get a little giddy watching those two play? Holy crap it’s fun to watch two Caps defensemen other than Green who can skate and whose first thought when they end up with the puck on their stick isn’t:
“ZOMG WTF IS THIS THING GETITOFFGETITOFFGETITOFF”
This is not a game of who the f*ck are you...
by D'ohboy on Jan 21, 2010 11:54 PM EST reply actions 4 recs
The future on the blueline looks bright, indeed.
by mechanicsville on Jan 22, 2010 12:01 AM EST up reply actions
I think they’re both more inclined than many other Caps D to stand the rush up—even a little—at the blue line. Alzner’s so…tidy back there. Lots to look forward to.
by redlineblue on Jan 22, 2010 12:02 AM EST up reply actions
Great point about standing the rush up at the blue line. Alzner seems especially adept at this. He ain’t no ShaMo, but…
by mechanicsville on Jan 22, 2010 1:04 PM EST up reply actions
Why,yes!
I was watching Carlson a bit more than Alzner. Although he got knocked around a bit, This kid’s gonna be a beast in a short while.
What amazing date in history are we giong back to today, Mr. Peabody?
I like how he didn’t hesitate to play the physical game. He definitely wasn’t used to the strength of NHL players but he held his own.
"Now wait a minute. This is just purely a social call. You know, just two adults getting a stew on, man."
by The Ghost of Bebop on Jan 22, 2010 12:04 AM EST up reply actions
Did they look good?
Alzner ended up minus 2 on the night…
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
One of those was the Theo misplay – which Karl almost saved. And the other was the Letang quasi-power play goal.
The -2 was not indicative of the quality of his play.
This is not a game of who the f*ck are you...
Our rookies are more poised with the puck than 5/6 of our D corps. Not a good sign… but I’m with you. As much as everyone looks at our offense, our D is going to determine our window for Cups.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
it’s true. maybe i was looking for reasons to praise carlson, but the kid was dynamite. +2, would’ve been +3 if the pens hadn’t scored seconds after he emerged from the penalty box. sharp moving the puck from side to side, plus one beautiful body check on crosby. during the game i could be heard exclaiming, “screw it, i don’t care about the lost year of eligibility, i want carlson from here on out!”
i’ve since come to my senses, but seriously…this has all the makings of a really special team. it’s a shame they can’t go into the playoffs with the organization’s best possible roster.
by Natty Bumppo on Jan 22, 2010 4:53 AM EST up reply actions
They each make me squee like a little girl. Seeing them in the same game was…exciting.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Jan 22, 2010 12:06 PM EST up reply actions
Great recap, D! Agree with just about everything – overall a well-played game by the boys, a satisfying win but, as so wisely you remind us, just one game in the regular season.
And good job not putting all the blame for the first goal on Theo’s shoulders. It was a gaffe, for sure, but it was kind of a team effort between him and Schultz on who could look goofier while they waited for the whistle. It was such a fluky, bizarre goal that came in the midst of some good play by the Caps in that opening frame. I knew they’d at least tie it up from there.
Not sure how many of you made it out to Bailey’s but it was a blast – it was a great, great crowd, with a sea of red taking up two rooms (and trickling into a third) and just a smattering of Pens fans. Lots of energy, lots of cheering…great stuff. Thanks to all who came out and hope to see more of you at the next one! :)
Hey, did you know...
…that Ovechkin and Crosby played each other tonight?
Kind of an awesome picture, btw. Ovie looks like he’s about to go right through Sid.
by Becca H on Jan 22, 2010 12:16 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
“My name is Alex Ovechkin…you killed my Stanley Cup…prepare to die!”
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 22, 2010 8:37 AM EST up reply actions
Had a great time at viewing party!
What a crowd!
I was a bit surprised when one of the managers (I assumed she was a manager) came over and apologized for the less than great service, due to the fact that they were a bit overwhelmed by the number of people that showed up, and offered my friend and I a coupon for a free appetizer. She claimed, “I told my boss we’d be REALLY busy tonight…but he didn’t believe me. Sorry we’re a bit short handed tonight…” (For the record, I had no problems with the service — it was crowded, but I felt taken care of, and really had no issues). I’m guessing they won’t make THAT mistake again! Wysh and JP had the big room reserved, but the entire place was overflowing with hockey fans…mostly Caps fans…extending into all areas of the bar, and if you’ve never been there, it is a very large place.
Anyway, great to watch a road game with so many fans—it’s always more fun to cheer a goal with few hundred other Caps fans than by myself watching from home!
"I am ready for his provocations"
by PaintDrinkingPete on Jan 22, 2010 12:04 AM EST reply actions
I was shocked (and extremely disappointed) at how unprepared they were last night. Service, from my perspective, was miserable. Fun to watch with fans, but I won’t be going to back to Bailey’s.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Notice how when the Caps have a shootout, it is the healthy type.
Last Comment before Bed
Semin’s saucer pass was gorgeous, but Flash’s behind-the-back pass to Backstrom was almost as nice. Because of the timing of it and the way he pulled Orpik to the corner with him, he basically guaranteed a 2-on-1 down low for Nicky and Knuble against Gonchar.
Also, this just in . . . Knuble rules. One goal, one crucial screen on Ovie’s PP goal and one “occupy the defender” on Backis’ PP goal. This is why I lobbied so hard for us to pick this guy up. (That had to have some effect on GMGM’s decision, right? Right?)
This is not a game of who the f*ck are you...
I’m not sure how much “Flash pulled Orpik” rather than Orpik stupidly chasing, but I guess here is a good place to point out the dangers of being overly aggressive on the PK.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
But Orpik made up for it with a great cross check in Backstrom’s back after Nicky scored. That was a great play.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 22, 2010 9:31 AM EST up reply actions
PROPAGANDA!!!!!
Caps are the best team in the East according to points percentage…
Must be the half wins, eh?
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
I did that once, too. Putting something between exclamation marks formats it as if it’s a picture.
Remember- always dispose of mice responsibly.
Chowdah Chatter - an outlet for my random thoughts and such.
by crabchowdah on Jan 23, 2010 10:38 AM EST up reply actions
Brooks Orpik, crease clearing mean defenseman. Took himself 25 feet out of the play to destroy Flash, then crosschecks Baxter to the ice after the 5th Caps goal. Just sayin’.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
Also put the puck into his own net on Fehr’s goal.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 22, 2010 1:53 AM EST up reply actions
An “Orpik Hat Trick?”
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 22, 2010 9:33 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Easy now, you’ll be rootin’ for him in a few weeks. Beginning Feb 8, the hatred gets puts on simmer.
But it ain’t Feb 8th yet. So feel free to hate.
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 22, 2010 1:06 PM EST up reply actions
No doubt. I’m just pointing out how the media has developed their narrative for him and overlooks his flaws now. Green has the defensive liability narrative and they latch on to it. If Green took himself out of the play, everyone would notice.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
A great game, regular season means Cheney, but damn it feels good!
I had an awesome night tonight, special thanks to Beta and Knee High for reserving the Japers Lounge, and thanks to JP and Wysh for hosting, it was awesome meeting everyone!
Matt Bradley is my fµcking hero, I mean he was before, but now he’s like double or something.
Thank you for beating Pittsburgh.
So much.
"I was thinking it would be cool to see a game on the road. I have been looking all over this atlas but I don't see Vancouver anywhere. What state is this sh*t in!?"
- Dallas Stars Forum
Something I noticed....
With the win in Pittsburgh that’s 5 in a row and 8 in January, Caps won 8 games in Oct., Nov. and Dec. and there’s still 5 games left in the month.
Я Харт не так ли?
damn, it felt good to watch the Caps beat the Pens, didn’t it?
That about sums it all up!!!!
Rock the Red! Rock the White! Rock the Blue! Rock the Pens!
by RedskinFan4Life on Jan 22, 2010 7:29 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Observations from my Sofa (well, my cubicle... I'm at the office)
Great summary DMG… :)
A couple of things:
1) On Nick Johnson’s goal (didn’t he used to play for the Nats?) it sure looked to me like Tyler Sloan was lost in thought about something. He was sort of standing there watching Malkin and Poti as opposed to covering the man that’s his respobsibility, leaving him a lay-up…
2) Semin was awesome in this game, lots of great moves, and an amazing pass to Flash to spring him on the breakaway. It reminds me of Murphy’s pass 22 years ago to Dale Hunter in Game 7 to send Hunter in alone on Hextall to clinch the series.
3) Has it really been 22 years since that game??? Where did the time go?
4) How sweet for AO to be named the first star in a game in Pittsburgh?
5) Despite assisting on all of the Pens goals, I agree with Locker, Malkin looked a bit tired during the game. Maybe he was trying to match AO shift for shift as opposed to taking normal 45 second shifts…
6) Great flow to this game too, it was over just after 10 PM despite the 7:30 start and 9 goals.
7) I don’t think I agree with DMG on Fehr breaking up the Sloan/Guerin incident. At the time it was 5-3, so the game was still in question, and if Guerin is able to get Sloan to take an extra 2 minutes… not good. On top of that, remember what happened to Philly last year when they had a 3-0 lead in game 6 against the Pens and there was an altercation?
8) Someone please take Jeff Schultz aside and teach him how to leverage his size into his shot. There is no reason that Ovi’s wrist shot from the point should be harder than Sarge’s slapshot. I’m not saying Schultz should be able to fire the puck 100 mph, but he should be able to get it into the low 90s with some practice.
9) After watching the Flyers/Rangers highlights last night where Carcillo ended up fighting Marion Gaborik, I now have 327 reasons that I’m glad the Caps have Matt Bradley on the roster.
This was a great effort following a not-so-great effort, but the results are still the same. Anytime you play both of last year’s finalists back to back and come away with 4 points, you’re doing something right.
I sure hope there’s no let down Saturday vs. Phoenix…
Let's go Caps!
I’m sure Schultz can get into the lower-90s, but he probably has to wind up for a minute to do it. I’d rather he take 75 MPH half-slappers on net than 90 MPH slapshots into a forwards shin-pads.
As for point #9, the Rangers have plenty of guys who can fight, it’s just that none of them were on the ice, or they were tied up in a scrum. Gaborik was stupid – he shouldn’t have dropped ’em with Carcillo. At least, he should have let Carcillo initiate and take the instigator.
This is not a game of who the f*ck are you...
I think he can get it to 90 mph if he works on using his whole body into the shot, not just his arms and shoulders. Chara learned how to do it, and while I don’t think Schultz can get up to Chara’s speed, I think he can get his shot up to the speed where it’s a viable threat…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 22, 2010 9:32 AM EST up reply actions
I don’t think I agree with DMG on Fehr breaking up the Sloan/Guerin incident. At the time it was 5-3, so the game was still in question, and if Guerin is able to get Sloan to take an extra 2 minutes… not good.
Sloan’s a boderline NHL defeneman. Guerin’s already got 16 goals and 35 points. If you can take a productive top six forward off the ice for two minutes in exchange for a guy who you’re only dressing because of injury, your team comes out ahead, barring weird external circumstances.
As you put it, Sloan is a borderline defenseman, and Guerin is an established veteran… if someone the situation ended up where someone would get extra PIMs, it’d be Sloan, since Guerin is a veteran.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 22, 2010 9:31 AM EST up reply actions
Sloan took Hartnell to the box with him Sunday for matching minors, what’s to say it wouldn’t have worked again last night?
"I must be hallucinating. What's a good thing for a hangover?"
"Drinking heavily the night before."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 22, 2010 9:33 AM EST up reply actions
It might have worked, it might not have… no point in risking it, especially since the Pens power play is much more potent than the Flyers power play…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 22, 2010 11:35 AM EST up reply actions
If you don't know how to write or what to think, or have a question about something on an elitist blog, read its community guidelines for assistance.
by Bald Pollack on Jan 22, 2010 11:45 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
From high atop Mellon Arena
The view was awesome last night. My observations:
Ovie is like a tractor beam, he draws in all the attention and energy of the fans when he’s on ice, I feel, to the detriment of even the Pens on the ice. And he delivers, obviously. Dude’s amazing, the way he takes the game over., er Sasha!" and “C’mon, bury it Flash!” was music to my ears.
- The Caps depth is pretty awesome to behold. The emergence of Flash and Fehr, and the crash-bang of Knuble, compounding the impact of Ovie and Semin. Oh and the special teams ruled as well.
- Theo was factor – there were a few, not a great many, but a few times the Pens could have snuck back in and JT shut the door. Great to see him playing with the eye of the tiger.
- Us Caps fans were few and far between but loving life – hearing "awesome saucer, Ji
- I will not miss the Arena, with it’s atrocious concourse. But always good energy and great, knowledgeable fans. Good times.
Formatting fail
The view was awesome last night. My observations
Ovie is like a tractor beam, he draws in all the attention and energy of the fans when he’s on ice, I feel, to the detriment of even the Pens on the ice. And he delivers, obviously. Dude’s amazing, the way he takes the game over.
The Caps depth is pretty awesome to behold. The emergence of Flash and Fehr, and the crash-bang of Knuble, compounding the impact of Ovie and Semin. Oh and the special teams ruled as well.
Theo was factor – there were a few, not a great many, but a few times the Pens could have snuck back in and JT shut the door. Great to see him playing with the eye of the tiger.
Us Caps fans were few and far between but loving life ;hearing “awesome saucer, Jizz, er Sasha!” and "C’mon, bury it Flash!" was music to my ears.
- I will not miss the Arena, with it’s atrocious concourse. But always good energy and great, knowledgeable fans. Good times.
by S h a g g y on Jan 22, 2010 11:02 AM EST up reply actions
Seconded on the AO thoughts. Seeing him play against a marquee team on their ice when the crowd is booing him is great. Seeing him “shhh!” the crowd at some point in the game is even greater.
"I must be hallucinating. What's a good thing for a hangover?"
"Drinking heavily the night before."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 22, 2010 11:19 AM EST up reply actions
Great Logic from Pens Blog
Injuries played a big role for the Pens….like that injury to Mike Green.
“His turnovers and piss poor defense couldn’t bail the Pens out.”
It’s going to be so sweet rolling this team in 5 games in May.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks.
New verb
May I be so bold as to introduce a new action verb into the JP lexicon? I’m thinking of “LeTang’d- to pull a sick toe drag underfoot combined with a bull rush around an individual which results in a scoring opportunity.” I know there are a myriad of other root names to use for this new term, but it was just so pretty last night. Plus I think it sounds cool.
"More Gary Thorne, please."
I think you’d want to refer to the person being owned, not the owner.
Letang can pull that stuff off himself as well. Pretty sick moves the guy has.
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Jan 22, 2010 1:49 PM EST up reply actions
No kidding. I fear Letang too much to subscribe to this. Next time Ovie puts a puck through a defender’s legs on a deke, though, I’m fine with you saying “Ovie just Morrised that guy.”
Or how about O’Byrned?
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Jan 23, 2010 3:14 AM EST up reply actions
Eating Crow
Congrats to your Caps for a well played game both offensively and defensively. I will never speak of AO not backchecking again. See you next match-up.
Hopefully you guys will be a little healthier then, should be even better stuff to watch.
If you don't know how to write or what to think, or have a question about something on an elitist blog, read its community guidelines for assistance.
by Bald Pollack on Jan 22, 2010 2:20 PM EST up reply actions
It was entertaining hockey. Definitely the way the game was meant to be played. I have a feeling these teams are once again on a collision course for the playoffs.
I’d love to see a rematch, and hate it too, because the Penguins are the team, if any, that can beat Washington.
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Jan 22, 2010 3:15 PM EST up reply actions
inexperience be damned
our defensive pairs better look like this right after the olympic break permanently:
Green-Shultz
Alzner-Poither
Poti-Carlson
by Area 51 Forever on Jan 22, 2010 10:47 PM EST reply actions
unless of course we trade for a big time D man :)
by Area 51 Forever on Jan 22, 2010 10:47 PM EST up reply actions
Anton Volchenkov. . .
Still waiting for someone to draft Paul Newman. . .
by kingzman264 on Jan 23, 2010 12:13 AM EST up reply actions
I prefer:
Green – Alzner
Poti – Schultz
Pothier – 6th
Not convinced Carlson is ready for the NHL postseason. And I think Schultz really improves Poti’s game, and he’s not a particularly good match for Green. I’d really love to see:
Green – Deadline acquisition
Poti – Schultz
Pothier – Alzner
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 23, 2010 12:29 AM EST up reply actions
With Carlson, I think he’s confident enough with the puck to not clear it up the middle all the time. But I think ShaMo works there as well, and then the Caps get an extra year on Carlson’s deal, no?
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Jan 23, 2010 3:15 AM EST up reply actions
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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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