Recap: Capitals 4, Coyotes 2
by David Getz on Jan 23, 2010 10:26 PM EST
in Game Recaps
Email
Print[AP Recap - GameCenter - Game Summary - Event Summary]
We came in to tonight's game with cautiously low expectations, prepared for - or perhaps even expecting - a letdown. After all, even though the Coyotes have played very well this season and the Caps' collective confidence should be high right now, it'd be pretty understandable if the team were drained from its games against Philadelphia, Detroit, and Pittsburgh. Plus, to be honest, it's not exactly unheard of for the Capitals to take a lesser opponent for granted and end up getting burned because of it. Nonetheless, the Caps pulled it out tonight, not just winning the game but excelling in the faceoff circle, in the hitting game, and on special teams - areas that require hard work, perseverance, and concentration.
What that means is that the team may have done more tonight than just pick up two points from a Western Conference foe - they may have indicated that they're growing as a team; becoming more willing to put forth an honest effort night in and night out. 'May', of course, being the key word in this situation. Just like it would be a mistake to draw too many conclusions from a January win over the Penguins, it'd be a mistake to declare the Caps' consistency and effort issues dead after one game, no matter how encouraging.
Ten additional thoughts on tonight's game:
- Solid game after sitting a few for Michal Neuvirth, who looked quick and positionally sound all night. That said, his rebound control's going to need to better on most nights if he's going to succeed in the NHL.
- The Caps are a very, very skilled team. They are not, apparently, skilled enough to pass their way through a trap at will, as their ten first period giveaways will attest.
- Sami Lepisto's return to the Verizon Center was more or less uneventful, though not particularly strong, and the blueliner finished with a pair of penalties and a pair of giveaways. Lepisto could still end up being a serviceable NHL blueliner, but it was a good move on the part of the Capitals to move him when they did.
- Speaking of the first period, the official scorekeeper recorded 27 hits between the two teams, including three for Alex Ovechkin and four for Shaone Morrisonn in the first twenty minutes
- Speaking of Morrisonn, his recent run of solid play continued tonight, finishing +1 with an assist and five hits.
- And speaking of recent runs of solid play, Alexander Semin again had himself a very nice game, playing a role in all four Capitals goals. I've said it before, and I'm sure I'll end up saying it again: Semin's so talented that when he has control of the puck within ten feet of the net, I simply assume a Capitals goal.
- Mike Green is a fantastic skater, a solid puckhandler, and one of the most dynamic players in the NHL. All that having been said, he needs to break his habit of trying to beat guys one-on-one coming out of the defensive zone, especially when a team has shown a willingness to commit a second forechecker to him when the first one causes him trouble.
- One quick note on the officiating: the decision to call Ed Jovanovski for roughing in the third period, even with the Capitals already up a man, was a good one (as well as a reminder to the consequences of having an early nineties style "crease clearing" defenseman). The decision to not make a call on Shane Doan's upending of Tom Poti was a bad one - to say the least. For all intents and purposes, that play was a slewfoot on the part of Doan and, even though it wasn't executed using his leg, and penalty should have been the same.
- While we're on the topic of Doan: you know "team toughness" is spreading when Jeff Schultz is the guy being sent to the box with Doan on a matching roughing penalty.
- The fact that Dexter's trying to sell me a minivan makes the experience of watching a Capitals game more unsettling that I ever would have imagined it could be.
So have the Caps turned a corner, and are they to the point where they're no longer going to take opponents for granted? Tuesday's game against the Islanders should help to answer that question.
Game highlights:
445 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
The fact that Dexter’s trying to sell me a minivan makes the experience of watching a Capitals game more unsettling that I ever would have imagined it could be.
He has a family now, he knows about stuff like that!
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
Too soon.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
I’d delete that if I was a mod. If I wasn’t caught up I’d rage so hard.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
heh. I just wish Dex had done it himself.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Maybe he did...
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
I didn’t even consider that. Mind blown.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
That would be a crazy direction!
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
I’ve been considering watching this show, maybe I’ll torrent it or something.
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 23, 2010 11:31 PM EST up reply actions
How are you going to rent it if it’s not even on DVD yet??
Grin.
"Right now, I can't wait for the playoffs." -- Mike Green 1/18/2010
How many seasons are out?
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 23, 2010 11:33 PM EST up reply actions
Hulu’s got some episodes. I’ll see if they have enough I can watch.
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 23, 2010 11:35 PM EST up reply actions
It would make up for all the stupid feelings he’s been having.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Yea, that kinda pisses me off. It’s such a departure from the books.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
What’s a “book”?
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 23, 2010 11:34 PM EST up reply actions
It’s like a DVD with a really long insert on the back of the inside of the case… and no dvd inside
by Brainumbc on Jan 23, 2010 11:35 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I’d probably agree, but I can’t go backwards from visual (movie/tv show) to book to verify.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Eh, either way. He isn’t supposed to feel bad about this stuff, it’s kinda lame.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
Well, congratulations on being correct.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
Thanks, I appreciate the validation.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I though you would.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
Was GOD mean to you again?
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
He needs different initials, imo.
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 23, 2010 11:49 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I prefer “Gouldie”
If I’d realized it at the time, I might have gone with a different name. Although the current name does fit my crusty countenance.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 24, 2010 4:00 AM EST up reply actions
Don’t think he plans to change his name any time soon. Or “Noverno neskoro” as the Russians would say.
Rocking the Red since 1975
I don’t think he should, I’m saying he needs different initials.
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 23, 2010 11:51 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t get it. Have to do with a show?
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 23, 2010 11:25 PM EST up reply actions
its a spoilers but its several weeks old, so i’m not really regretting it
Aim for the head baby Jesus
Is that show really worth watching?
It’s going to be hard to picture him playing anything other than a gay dude after watching Six Feet Under
and what was with that lame ass hat he was wearing at the Globe?
He has cancer, ya jerk.
And yes, it’s a pretty great show. Frustrating at times, but great.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
If the DVD isn’t out it’s a foul.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
I think you can watch it on demand from Comcast.
by Gin and Tonic on Jan 24, 2010 12:09 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
If you have Showtime.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
I want showtime, if only for a show hosted by Penn and Teller.
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 24, 2010 12:10 AM EST up reply actions
I love Bullshit, so much.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
Earlier seasons were amazing, later ones pretty good as well.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
There’s going to come a sad day when they run out of stuff to ream.
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 24, 2010 12:12 AM EST up reply actions
Has it? I lost my Showtime and haven’t kept up.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
They’re more hit and miss now, and I sorta was disappointed when Penn fessed up to a pretty boneheaded error in the second-hand smoke episode.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
That was a bit of a miss. I love their ability to find crazy, though. The swearing episode lady was so infuriatingly horrible. PETA was full of crazies too, if I remember correctly.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
I liked when they interviewed Patrick Moore, and he was explaining why he, the founder of Greenpeace, hated Greenpeace.
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 24, 2010 12:23 AM EST up reply actions
I too admire that. They certainly have a penchant for exploiting assholes.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
May I speak for those of us watching on DVD. THANKS! [insert much more un-blog friendly language here!]
Such revelations on a sports blog is such a (if accidental in this case) dick move!
PuckDaddy be damned, I'm putting CincoCinco on the back of a Schultz jersey!
by Chris meet Alex on Jan 24, 2010 3:39 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Great win over a fiesty Coyotes team. I personally think that was one of Brooks Laich’s best games as Capital. He went to the net hard, finished his checks, and should have had a multiple goal night. This team looks like its in a total groove. Here’s to 6 MORE wins in a row.
Russian Machine Never Breaks - A Hockey Blog Focusing on The Washington Capitals and Their Awesome Russian Superstars: Alex Ovechkin, Alex Semin & Semyon Varlamov.
Fehrsie totally read the blog today, had to live up to it.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
Hate to be a buzzkill, and loved how good Fehr looked offensively, but what was up with him in the defensive zone in the first period? He was just brutal. Turnovers, and it really isn’t fair to say he lost puck battles on the wall when it never looked like he battled. To be fair, he didn’t stand out as horrible, that I noticed, for the rest of the game, but that first period was just bad.
Also, as great a game as he had today, and as great a streak as he has been on, I get worried about how every time they focus on Semin he looks like he is in pain. Considering the cortizone shots, and knowing the Olympics are coming, I’m thinking we are going to have to give him some maintenance time off at some point before the playoffs.
by HateOffSeason on Jan 24, 2010 1:23 AM EST up reply actions
The Other Alex is probably the only scorer in the league who has as many 2g games as 1g (7 and 7). When it works for him, it works big.
Congratulations, Tom Poti!
Big #3 earns the hard hat tonight for meritorious service and battling in the VC trenches against a tenacious Yotes team.
IS KEPTIN NOW
by EmilyB on Jan 24, 2010 2:38 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
YNC, just wanted to drop a note to say I appreciate you noting the hard hat. I don’t usually read the other recaps, and it’s really nice to get that info here. And the graphic is great.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 24, 2010 4:03 AM EST up reply actions
I second this. I usually don’t come across the hard hat winner without YNC, but I do like knowing who got it.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 24, 2010 3:04 PM EST up reply actions
Who’d he steamroll?
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 23, 2010 11:48 PM EST up reply actions
By the way,
Sharks v Sabres is on CSN.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
You know your hatred of a team is strong when you’re rooting for the Sabres.
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 23, 2010 10:50 PM EST up reply actions
Yea Crosby sucks… but I don’t think he, himself, is enough to make me really hate them..
Now Jagr… that’s another story
yea…i guess its not really a team hatred thing. its more of a player hatred thing.
by twistedlogic on Jan 23, 2010 11:06 PM EST up reply actions
I guess you could say I hate the Lakers… but that’s just because Kobe Bryant is a douche. He’s enough of a douche to warrant the hate of an entire team I guess
but then again..I don’t really care about the NBA. I just hate Kobe
I dunno: watching happy Pens makes me pretty angry.
by DrinkingPartner on Jan 23, 2010 11:08 PM EST up reply actions
Pens and Pens’ fans are equivalent. I don’t want to see a wide smile out of Crosby any more than one of the fans. Those lips are made for pouting.
by DrinkingPartner on Jan 23, 2010 11:12 PM EST up reply actions
DSL?
Still waiting for someone to draft Paul Newman. . .
by kingzman264 on Jan 23, 2010 11:14 PM EST up reply actions
Milli Vanilli is waiting in heaven only for Bruno, you know.
by DrinkingPartner on Jan 23, 2010 11:16 PM EST up reply actions
Yes, it is. Why do you hate the Sharks so much? I figure no team in the “other” conference is worth the trouble to hate. It’s nice to have teams like the Sharks to take care of rivals like the Penguins and Devils and Sabres.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Not going into this here~ Becca will ruin me. Go Caps! Big win today~
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 23, 2010 11:28 PM EST up reply actions
Were you that traumatized by the Sharks’ beatdown of the Caps last November?
Rocking the Red since 1975
We’re not going into it here.
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 23, 2010 11:33 PM EST up reply actions
Because you will fear my moderator wrath. Let’s focus on this game here, talk about the Sharks-Sabres elsewhere. Thank you muchly! :)
(Not so much wrath with a smiley face but…there you go.)
I have no fear of your moderator wrath. I hear we scored 3 goals tonight. Any of them pretty?
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 23, 2010 11:35 PM EST up reply actions
Pretty? … That would be an understatement for Sasha’s goal.
"Bobby. Can you fly, Bobby?" -Clarence
"Clarence, no!" - Bobby
by Christoph J on Jan 23, 2010 11:37 PM EST up reply actions
Sasha’s goal would definitely qualify as pretty. Laich’s was pretty nice, too, great pass by Sasha.
…did I mention Semin had a good night?
Sasha’s pass have been sublime … my gawd, if Brooks converted on that short saucer pass, I would’ve …
"Bobby. Can you fly, Bobby?" -Clarence
"Clarence, no!" - Bobby
by Christoph J on Jan 23, 2010 11:45 PM EST up reply actions
While Shashas goal (and saucer) was indeed fresh, i think that they pretty sick deflection pass to set it up….but darned if i can remember who it was!
When my friend Robbie and I played hockey in the driveway on our rollerblades....I was always Peter Bondra
by OviWankenobi on Jan 24, 2010 10:13 AM EST up reply actions
The between-the-legs one-touch out of the corner? That was Flash.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jan 24, 2010 10:15 AM EST up reply actions
We scored 4 goals. First one by Laich, second by Fehr, third by Semin, and last but not least, the empty netter by Ovi.
Rocking the Red since 1975
I saw the ENer.
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 24, 2010 12:12 AM EST up reply actions
The “Wrath of Becca H”. Too bad your last name isn’t Khan. Then we could refer to “The Wrath of Khan”.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Who’s saying Becca’s not genetically enhanced?
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 23, 2010 11:45 PM EST up reply actions
We are discussing enhancements now?
"Right now, I can't wait for the playoffs." -- Mike Green 1/18/2010
I’m rooting for entertainment.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
Announcers – surprisingly tolerable.
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 23, 2010 10:53 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, we’ve mentioned it before, but the SJS games are good entertainment, all around.
by DrinkingPartner on Jan 23, 2010 10:55 PM EST up reply actions
Honestly, I’ve never been awake long enough, I guess, to watch these.
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 23, 2010 10:57 PM EST up reply actions
How about a SJ win with seconday scoring?
Thats a win-win. Neither the sabres or marly get points
Still waiting for someone to draft Paul Newman. . .
by kingzman264 on Jan 23, 2010 10:54 PM EST up reply actions
It’d be nice, but either way.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
I wouldn’t. How often does the President’s trophy winner win the Cup? High expectations, also peaking too soon.
3 of the teams who’ve won it since 2000 also won the Cup.
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 23, 2010 11:02 PM EST up reply actions
lol. so pretty often
we are definitely in the running. . .if the sharkies or b-hawks slump at all i think we have a pretty good chance of catching them
Still waiting for someone to draft Paul Newman. . .
by kingzman264 on Jan 23, 2010 11:04 PM EST up reply actions
I’m not sure anyone wants it this year. The way the Sharks got manhandled last Spring…. Maybe in the last 2-3 games of the season, Chicago, SJ, and the caps will be saying… “Umm.. yea.. You first. I insist”
hah maybs. I am sure everyone would rather a Stanley over a Presidents
As long as we are #1 in the conference i am happy
Still waiting for someone to draft Paul Newman. . .
by kingzman264 on Jan 23, 2010 11:14 PM EST up reply actions
But Presidents’ makes Stanley more attainable.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Jan 23, 2010 11:51 PM EST up reply actions
Not in and of itself, but being the best team in the regular season means they’re more likely to win the Cup.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jan 23, 2010 11:54 PM EST up reply actions
Eh, home ice matters. Does winning the Pres double your chances of getting the real prize? Of course not. But it helps.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Jan 24, 2010 12:09 AM EST up reply actions
plus its another banner for the 400 level ppl to stare at and imagine themselves using to repel down to the ice like a ninja
I will likely do this from now on. You jerk.
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 24, 2010 12:12 AM EST up reply actions
I remember a post about that a while back. I think the stats pointed out that while the Presidents trophy winners DONT win the cup most of the time in recent history, they’re still the best bet because they have the best % of winning than the other 2-8 finishers
It’s actually far more often in recent years, compared to the first 20 years of the trophy’s inception.
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 23, 2010 11:09 PM EST up reply actions
I would LOVE that as well….but given that San Jose is 14 points ahead of the 3rd spot in the weaker (yes, i said WEAKER) western conference, and that this discrepancy is only 5 points between first and third in the east, it might be hard to eek out a presidents trophy although we at the moment have two games in hand over San Jose and one with Chicago….
When my friend Robbie and I played hockey in the driveway on our rollerblades....I was always Peter Bondra
by OviWankenobi on Jan 24, 2010 10:21 AM EST up reply actions
Looking at the respective records of the conferences, what makes you say that the West is weaker?
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jan 24, 2010 10:22 AM EST up reply actions
I’m not buying it. I think top to bottom, the west is a stronger conference.
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 24, 2010 10:24 AM EST up reply actions
I’m not buying it either, unless I get some serious data to back it up. The interconference record is pretty embarrassing for the East at the moment.
The Sharks and the Hawks are as good as any team in the league and the teams at the bottom of the West are much stronger than the teams at the bottom of the East. Vancouver and Detroit were both recently out of a playoff spot, for example. There’s no way two teams that are that loaded, that well coached, are behind Montreal and Ottawa for playoff spots in the East.
Here are the goal differentials for the top 5 teams in the league:
+52
+51
+50
+42
+28
Care to guess who’s got which differential?
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jan 24, 2010 10:37 AM EST up reply actions
Ill take a stab
+52 – Washington
+51 – San Jose
+50 – Chicago
+42 – Vancouver
+28 – New Jersey
*and Boston very well is that loaded and well coached and could beat Montreal or Vancouver easily….the other team? Not so much there, so ill admit that
When my friend Robbie and I played hockey in the driveway on our rollerblades....I was always Peter Bondra
by OviWankenobi on Jan 24, 2010 10:46 AM EST up reply actions
The race for 8 is a miasma of mediocrity. Boston’s been dealing with injuries, the loss of Kessel and players coming back to earth after ridiculous seasons last year – especially Tim Thomas. Tim has merely been very good this year, instead of jaw dropping.
That a team with a -25 differential (TBL) is still very much in the hunt for the last spot says a lot to me about how weak the East actually is by comparison the West.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jan 24, 2010 10:50 AM EST up reply actions
Tough crowd….ive been reading this board for the past 2 years and have just joined this past month…ive much to learn and much homework to do! Its tough to write with guys that rock the stats like that….seriously.
When my friend Robbie and I played hockey in the driveway on our rollerblades....I was always Peter Bondra
by OviWankenobi on Jan 24, 2010 10:58 AM EST up reply actions
Dont get me wrong as they have TONS of talent, but alot of the teams in the western confrence are very young (Vancouver, Pheonix, Los Angeles and Calgary) all of which are in playoff contention right now, and all reminding me of the Caps a couple of seasons ago (if not last)…overall i get the feel that perhaps its the style of play between the two conferences….much like in the NFL (sorry for that reference), but the East plays a more grind-it-out style while the west has theat (west coast offence) type of feel, trying to gun it out most of the time
When my friend Robbie and I played hockey in the driveway on our rollerblades....I was always Peter Bondra
by OviWankenobi on Jan 24, 2010 10:27 AM EST up reply actions
Having seen Phoenix and Vancouver play a few times, describing them as gunning it out is silly. Same with Anaheim.
Also, I’d categorize our style as run and gun too :x
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 24, 2010 10:31 AM EST up reply actions
point conceded
When my friend Robbie and I played hockey in the driveway on our rollerblades....I was always Peter Bondra
by OviWankenobi on Jan 24, 2010 10:46 AM EST up reply actions
One key factor in why the bottom half of the Eastern Conference is so poor is the fact the Western Conference has been beating the tar out of the East all year. The West has a 72-37-15 record in interconference play, which is as lopsided as I’ve ever seen it. (The chart above is the average point totals for teams divided by conference and the average point totals for non-playoff teams divided by conference.)
When talking about interconference play, I really hate OT losses, unless you show the east’s record too.
West is 72-52 vs east.
East is 52-72 vs West.
They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.
Come on Sharks, get your act together tonight vs Buffalo. You got the fire power to come back. Come on Sharks.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Can anyone explain to me why the Sabres are so good this year? Their roster does not match their record.
Miller.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
Who’s got two thumbs and actually listened to Becca’s request?
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 23, 2010 11:52 PM EST up reply actions
Sounds like a good idea. Keep their top line silent. Hope they have secondary scoring tonight so Ovi has a chance of catching their folks in the goal scoring department.
Rocking the Red since 1975
lol. what a name.
Smokin Al Koken is better though
Still waiting for someone to draft Paul Newman. . .
by kingzman264 on Jan 23, 2010 11:13 PM EST up reply actions
that’d be a great window of opportunity for him
by twistedlogic on Jan 23, 2010 11:18 PM EST up reply actions
I’d like to circle Koken’s ass?
i was all out of ideas. . .you all are too witty for me
Still waiting for someone to draft Paul Newman. . .
by kingzman264 on Jan 23, 2010 11:20 PM EST up reply actions
if i think of another good one, i’ll get the telestrator out and show you
by twistedlogic on Jan 23, 2010 11:30 PM EST up reply actions
On puns, the Coyote fans could probably say that their team played “Coyote Ugly” and could not stay out of the box.
Rocking the Red since 1975
wow. you’ve got me….howling…..you could say
by twistedlogic on Jan 23, 2010 11:35 PM EST up reply actions
i agree….i’ve seen that one about a dozen times. they clearly dont know quality copies…..
by twistedlogic on Jan 23, 2010 11:37 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Coyote Ugly already retired
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 24, 2010 2:07 AM EST up reply actions
By the way,
Sharks v Sabres is on CSN.
Hit the “up” key on this post. See how far that takes you? 100 comments about Sharks v. Sabres in a Caps game recap thread. Not cool.
Come on, folks — we have OT threads for a reason.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 24, 2010 4:11 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I just wwanted to let every one know, I didn’t think I would start something.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
There is a high probability that any comment made will start something here.
Remember the thread that had many “Project Runway” comments. Or the one about Brooks being called “Bubbles”
Rocking the Red since 1975
Then perhaps we should direct people over to an OT thread, no?
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 24, 2010 12:10 PM EST up reply actions
There is a high probability that any comment made will start something here.
Doesn’t mean folks have to continue it.
Look, the Dexter stuff is a little annoying if you came here for a game recap, but that truly did happen organically (like project runway comments) so it’s a different issue. But for crying out loud — we have a dedicated thread just for talking about other hockey games!
I’m cool with Ovechwin saying “there’s another game going on.” That’s one post. But the appropriate answer from everyone (and what we’ve done plenty of nights before) is “OK, let’s go talk about it in the OT thread”
This place is getting too popular for every thread to be an open thread.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 24, 2010 12:20 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
This place is getting too popular for every thread to be an open thread.
I have to agree with this sentiment. It’s very cool that we have so many different active community members with so many different interests, but sometimes it can all be a little overwhelming – especially on a high content day (and especially especially if you’re someone like me who loves organization). Making use of the OT Fan Shots, main page open threads, and Caps Clips to discuss tangential stuff is probably a habit worth adopting for the Rink as a whole.
by David Getz on Jan 24, 2010 12:30 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
Speaking of the first period, the official scorekeeper recorded 27 hits between the two teams, including three for Alex Ovechkin and four for Shaone Morrisonn in the first sixty minutes
Guessing you mean the first twenty minutes there.
Ed made a comment tonight (which I’m sure we’ll see tonight) that Phoenix may have seen something on AO on the point which they exploited a bit, though I’m not sure what he specifically alluded to.
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.
Are you talking about his comment about exploiting AO on the point? I didn’t see the whole game but there were a couple examples in the highlights. It’s not really new, I assume it’s going to end up being the major focus of a PK when we get to the playoffs. Teams that are in the playoffs are going to have enough talent to throw out a PK that can pressure our points heavily and convert on turnovers.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
Right now Ovi is projected for +52 this season. Last time >50 was in 02-03, Forsberg and Hejduk both got 52.
But he doesn’t backcheck!
"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."
Go Flyers
Game-Over Green? Canada-Over Carlson!
by Scott in Shaw on Jan 24, 2010 12:12 AM EST up reply actions
No way! GO FLYERS!
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
I thought you were a Caps fan. I wouldn’t think this would be the night to cheer the Flyers. They’re not playing any of our big arch rivals tonight. (Carolina’s doing so poorly this year, anyhow.)
Rocking the Red since 1975
by CapsFan75 on Jan 24, 2010 12:57 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I lol’d so hard.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
Ov3ch|<in suc|<s t3h F1y3rz Ru13!!!!!!!
Поклон перед вашим капитаном!
by Knubles and Bits on Jan 24, 2010 12:43 AM EST up reply actions
How much do I love the Caps PR crew
per Rovnak
So hot right now … RT @brettleonhardt: @ericfehr16 so hot right now…
I have a C on my heart.
i will sink manhattan island if roloson takes a whack at one of the caps
Still waiting for someone to draft Paul Newman. . .
by kingzman264 on Jan 23, 2010 10:57 PM EST up reply actions
He’s holding the island of Manhattan hostage against Rolo’s good behavior, is what he’s saying.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
pretty much
Still waiting for someone to draft Paul Newman. . .
by kingzman264 on Jan 23, 2010 11:05 PM EST up reply actions
The NSA would like a word.
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 23, 2010 11:54 PM EST up reply actions
That’s probably the first time that Roloson made contact with an opposing player without flopping. Although, without video I can’t be sure that he didn’t dive away and sling off his helmet as though he had be tackled after he hacked Talbot.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 24, 2010 2:09 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Vanc 3 – 0 on the B-Hawks. . .they are a pretty decent team
Still waiting for someone to draft Paul Newman. . .
Still waiting for someone to draft Paul Newman. . .
by kingzman264 on Jan 23, 2010 11:05 PM EST up reply actions
Fun game to be at – took awhile for the fans to get into the game but a Brooks Laich PPG will do the trick 9 times out of 10 ;)
Semin’s looking really focused lately. I’m sticking w/ my theory that Ovie taking on the captaincy triggered something in him, whether consciously or subconsciously. He’s been great ever since.
Nice recap again, D! (Also, folks, since David worked so hard on this recap and the Caps worked so hard tonight, can we focus on the game here and take the Sabres-Sharks talk to an OT thread, s’il vous plait? Gracias!)
by Becca H on Jan 23, 2010 11:15 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Rec’d for Semin-like focus on the content at hand.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jan 23, 2010 11:18 PM EST up reply actions
I think the best thing about Semin being on the 2nd line now is the different looks they give the defence.
The line make up right now just have very different offensive tendencies, with a VERY potent first and second line. Then when we go to the PP, Sasha can be mixed in with any of the sets and produce
I just kinda want to see him smile. . .he seems ultra focused
Still waiting for someone to draft Paul Newman. . .
by kingzman264 on Jan 23, 2010 11:19 PM EST up reply actions
It’s very true – moving Flash to center gave that second line a whole new look that previous attempts at of 21-14-28 hadn’t had when Laich was centering. It’s so strange how that works but…I’m not going to question it ;)
Also, Semin smiles are rare, elusive beasts. When you catch ‘em, they’re very rewarding.
Bruce had a very creative solution on the problems on what to do with our forwards. We knew the following:
1) Fehr being more production on the second line than other lines.
2) Flash and Laich also more productive on other lines
3) Not wanting to put all our eggs in one basket on the top line, with both Ovi & Semin.
So, Bruce’s creative solution: Move B Mo, our “normal” second line center to third line with Fehr and make Flash the center. Brilliant and creative solution. And three scoring lines.
Rocking the Red since 1975
It was a great move – plus I love Morrison w/ Chimera and Fehr, I think that line’s been great lately. Just waiting for B-Mo to start scoring again…just waiting……aaaaany day now, Mo.
I’m sure B Mo will soon. That line has lots of energy. Even if they made a bad turnover and got bad breaks in the Plus/Minus department.
Rocking the Red since 1975
I would love to see B-Mo ramping it up scoring-wise but I can’t complain with his faceoff work being so stellar the last couple games. It should nullify him getting a down arrow on Monday.
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 24, 2010 12:50 AM EST up reply actions
It was a great move
Flash really proved something to me in the Pens game. If he was completely incapable of playing the center position, Crosby and/or Malkin (or maybe Staal) would have dominated that game. But he held is own. That was a big test to me, and Flash passed. Which means the lines are as balanced as they have ever been under Boudreau.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 24, 2010 4:16 AM EST up reply actions
Nah, I think he’s just planning something that we don’t want to know what it is.
"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."
“What they don’t know is I speak fluent English!”
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
Did you see that shot of 28 right after he entered the penalty box? Leaning his face against the glass, with a very forlorn look. He looked like a 7 y.o. who’d just been excused from the dinner table for bad manners. Priceless!
by mechanicsville on Jan 24, 2010 11:10 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Buzzkill. Agreed, though.
I need more details on this game, as I wasn’t able to watch.
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 23, 2010 11:21 PM EST up reply actions
It'll replay hopefully.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
Probably, but likely too late for me.
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 23, 2010 11:24 PM EST up reply actions
DVR?
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
I don’t have these technogical advances you guys have like “DVR” and “HDTV”. Maybe if I get some advanced knowledge of a replay, I’ll set up the downstairs “VCR” with a “VHS Tape” to record the game for me.
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 23, 2010 11:28 PM EST up reply actions
Do you know of fancy things like torrents?
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
Yeah, but I try to avoid ’em.
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 23, 2010 11:29 PM EST up reply actions
Lame. I could hook you up if you weren’t a wimp and everything.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
Not so much a wimp as I am on a computer running near full capacity.
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 23, 2010 11:31 PM EST up reply actions
If I had the cash, I wouldn’t have a HD as small as mine.
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 23, 2010 11:32 PM EST up reply actions
Also this.
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 23, 2010 11:41 PM EST up reply actions
They don’t pay you the big bucks at that fancy middle school of yours?
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
I don’t get paid yet. I’m Student Teaching.
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 23, 2010 11:45 PM EST up reply actions
that is the point of all teaching, no?
"Right now, I can't wait for the playoffs." -- Mike Green 1/18/2010
I get it.
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 23, 2010 11:46 PM EST up reply actions
it’s kind of true =/
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 23, 2010 11:48 PM EST up reply actions
Untrue!! There are few nobler pursuits than teaching kids. (Just find something that pays during the summer months.)
by mechanicsville on Jan 24, 2010 11:13 AM EST up reply actions
so you come out in favor of torrents but say all spoilers are a foul before the dvds come out?
Aim for the head baby Jesus
what the hell is a “VHS Tape” anyways?
by twistedlogic on Jan 23, 2010 11:32 PM EST up reply actions
Yup. Sorry! Shall we add “Buzzkill” to my growing list of nicknames? :)
More details, let’s see…
- Ovie had about eleventy billion turnovers tonight, as did Mike Green. Haven’t checked the scoresheet to confirm that, but it sure seemed that way from where I was sitting. Bad ice probably didn’t help (yay for sharing VC w/ Georgetown bball…)
- Along w/ ShaMo, Tom Poti had a pretty solid night and actually cleared the puck several times in a row on the PK.
- Brooks Laich got his helmet knocked off at one point after being taken head first into the back of the net. The result was that he ran around helmetless, hitting everything that moved in white with a fury. It was…nice. Ahem.
by Becca H on Jan 23, 2010 11:27 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
That’s a great mental image on Laich.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 24, 2010 4:18 AM EST up reply actions
To be honest, I don’t even think I did it justice – it was truly fantastic to watch (although I also spent half the time being fearful that he had no helmet on).
same here. I was worried that the awesome powers of Brooks Laich would be rendered worthless if he took a hard blow to that beautiful but unprotected head of his.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Notice how when the Caps have a shootout, it is the healthy type.
No man is an Island
Agreed that Green turns the puck over too much, but the last 3 games he’s played his supporting D have been a good 50 ft away, leaving him with the option of skating through the forecheck or attempting a long (automatically dangerous) outlet pass.
Of the 4 turnovers I could see from my seats tonight -Hey lady, sit back it’s not your living room! Sorry, had to be done- 2 of them occurred because ShaMo was parked IN FRONT OF Neuvy, not to the side of the net, and not behind Green. Green could either try to skate through 2 guys or make the risky passes. Either choice is bad, but he was put in those situations by the poor positional play of the other defender. That one early in the 2nd, that was just dumb.
Oh, and the little girl 1 row in front said of Laich, “He looks like an angry, red pinball.” Classic!
Country Gentlemen's Pig Fertilizer Gazette
Dunny-on-the-World
Loved Laich’s game last night. One-timing Semin’s skittish pass off Bryzgalov’s noggin was pretty slick. And even when he had his helmet on, he was bashing and harassing all over the ice. He’s all the way back, and then some.
by redlineblue on Jan 24, 2010 10:16 AM EST up reply actions
Rec’d for the #28 love
"Bobby. Can you fly, Bobby?" -Clarence
"Clarence, no!" - Bobby
by Christoph J on Jan 23, 2010 11:21 PM EST up reply actions
Indeed. And you don’t have nothing to worry about.
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 23, 2010 11:24 PM EST up reply actions
Nice recap again DMG, great bullet points.
It was a tight game and both teams played pretty well.
I’m still hoping to see the Caps do more dump&chase and cycling against the trapping style teams.
Glad they avoided the post-big-week meltdown,also.
What amazing date in history are we giong back to today, Mr. Peabody?
If the Capitals are good for a goal every time Semin’s has the puck within 10 feet of the net, how many goals are they good for when he skates across the blue line with the puck and just STOPS? Probably about zero. Keep moving, Sasha!
Fair point.
However, there’s no one in the NHL who has a more dangerous shot when not moving his feet than Semin.
Not to mention, when he (and i;ve seen AO do it too) when he stops at the line, he draws 2 opponents to him, opening up the trailing winger or D for a cross ice backdoor 1-timer.
High risk, high reward iI know but man is it pretty when it works!
What amazing date in history are we giong back to today, Mr. Peabody?
Speaking of opening for the last goal: on the replay it is seen quite clearly that Semin, instead of just throwing puck with a few seconds left, moved a few meters thereby pulling away a defenseman, who was blocking the line to the Yotes goal, and as a result, the line to Ovi got open. A very smart play.
He crosses the blue line, stops and gets stripped of the puck, or the pass mis-fires. Like I said, keep moving deeper into the zone.
Sometimes he does.
If he doesn’t have a clear lane to the net or a pass to a good shot, he delays and tries to suck the defense to him and create a lane and an open team mate. Sometimes it works, and when it does it leads to a high percentage shot. Sometimes it doesn’t, and it leads to a turnover. When he’s going good, like now, he creates a lot of opportunities. When he’s going badly, it leads to Sad Sasha Face watching the odd man rush the other way.
Mario Lemieux used to do the same thing, but he was stronger, strong enough to initiate contact, keep the puck, spin off the defender and boom, you’ve got them outnumbered going to the goal. Semin has pulled that off several times.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
I thought Schultz had a very rough game by his standards – when he screws up, he does so in very visible, very consequential ways and there were a lot of them tonight. A couple of times, he just fell off his skates trying to make a play on the puck along the boards, or just flat whiffed on stickhandling plays. I’m not sure if it’s the ice or a just a bad night for 55, or a combination of both, but he sure didn’t look good tonight.
That said, he had several plays in the third where he bottled up a potential attack in the D zone by having his stick in the right spot and exploiting his condor-ish wingspan. Matches the beak on his face, even.
On a more general note, watching Korpikoski, Helm and Chimera have a race would be a ton of fun.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jan 23, 2010 11:58 PM EST reply actions
Totally agreed. Not the best night for Double-Nickel.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Not the best couple of nights for him actually, but I’d anticipate a ship-righting in due time.
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 24, 2010 10:10 AM EST up reply actions
Sure hopeyou’re right because, as has just been mentioned, he’s been a liability the past couple games.
by mechanicsville on Jan 24, 2010 11:17 AM EST up reply actions
The story of a defensive defenseman…. when you do your job at your best, no one notices you. Make a mistake, and uh-oh…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 24, 2010 10:17 AM EST up reply actions
I’m not a fan of 55-52. I think it brings out the worst in Schultz’s game. 55-3 is much better. But who else can be trusted right now with Green’s 25 minutes?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 24, 2010 10:58 AM EST up reply actions
It’s a rough situation. Schultz is the only one to trust to know what Green is going to do but Schultz hasn’t been playing as well as his other blueliners these past few games.
There’s no one out there that you can say “yeah this guy is going to let Green do his thing”. Alzner has the talent to but not the experience. There might be too much ability overlap with that too. I think that could be where the Caps could stand to have a rental otherwise you’re going to have to say “yeah we trust Erskine/Morrisonn/Pothier/Sloan” in the same year that they’ve all been somewhat vilified. Or in Pothier’s case, injured the whole damn season seemingly.
I think the optimal pairing for Green is something they’ll have to figure out in the future and live with the less than optimal pairing out there simply because Schultz can be out there on the ice for half the game and look like he belongs.
If the Caps need any incentive for getting up for Tuesday’s game against the Islanders, five words: “Possible first round playoff opponent”.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Gotta admit, I was thinking the same thing earlier today. For some reason, they’re always a tough 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."
I think “First Round Playoff Opponent” is greater incentive. As well as not losing to last year’s bottom feeder. Show the Isles they have a long way to go before catching up to the Caps.
Rocking the Red since 1975
What’s the deal with the chicken wings again? I’ll make sure the next tix I get are to a team with a crappy goalie.
Back in the 90’s it was what.. 5 or 6 goals and win or a shutout and everyone got a free pizza from Jerry’s?
Six. Ah, pizza goals, that brings me back…memories. “PI-ZZA! PI-ZZA!” chants >>> “We want wings” chants any day.
Oh, and wings is 5 goals (for now, until Glory Days figures out that this Caps team is costing them a fortune).
Not really, though. I go to Glory Days with folks, I get my 10 free, and then my dad spends extra.
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 24, 2010 12:21 AM EST up reply actions
It’s actually 12 wings (at least is in Sterling). And we went real cheap last week. Got salads and wings.
"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."
It was 12 for us too. VC advertises 10 though.
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 24, 2010 12:24 AM EST up reply actions
In Reston, they gave us 12 free… and they were worth every penny… I don’t recommend their Buffalo sauce. Next time I may try the BBQ…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 24, 2010 10:18 AM EST up reply actions
I like the Medium buffalo sauce. I think the “Glory” sauce is outright awful. The BBQ is ok.
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 24, 2010 10:20 AM EST up reply actions
And before that, it was hamburgers from Big Boy.
Yeah, I’m old. Whatever.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 24, 2010 4:20 AM EST up reply actions
Maybe if we start to slack against the Islanders… instead of showing UNLEASH the fury they can just show that clip on the Jumbotron of Piere Turgawhatshisname scorin the goal that sealed our playoff fate and Dale Hunter blindsiding him afterwards
Sellouts and wins tonight across Caps/Bears/Rays Nation.
18,277 in DC
Carry the one and divide by pi and that is a lot of folks watching Capitals puck.
IS KEPTIN NOW
by EmilyB on Jan 24, 2010 12:27 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
10K fans in Charleston is especially impressive for the Rays. (The sellouts in Hershey and VC are impressive as well.)
Rocking the Red since 1975
I simply cannot get over the depth of this organization or the mutual success of all three teams right now – it’s really something special, isn’t it?
It is indeed. I feel very lucky to be watching this season unfold. Every day a new adventure.
IS KEPTIN NOW
Hey, there’s that glass-half-empty attitude that’s been missing in this thread! ;)
I know, I know. As a Caps fan it’s hard to shake that pessimistic feeling or the fear of another first round exit…but just remember, a team has to struggle and suffer before it succeeds. Seems just about every team that’s won the Cup went through stretches where they were out in the first/second round, were dead last in the League, etc.
For all of us quasi-old timers this truly is something special. Never thought I’d see the days when Caps would have as much talent in DC as they do, much less the organizational depth.
A man gotta have a code
by Carl Putnam on Jan 24, 2010 12:42 AM EST up reply actions
I love Abe for bringing hockey to DC but he didn’t give Poile the money he needed to get a lot of big time players, especially at 1st. David didn’t hire the best scouts he could either. That said, they still managed to build the team up enough to get into the playoffs by the 80’s.
The organization is much better now than it’s ever been, top to bottom.
What amazing date in history are we giong back to today, Mr. Peabody?
I am a true old timer. I remember when the Caps were horrible. I flollowed them then.
Rocking the Red since 1975
I was a caps fan in 1789, before they even formed, Booya!
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
Bunch of bandwagoners
Go Flyers!!1
What amazing date in history are we giong back to today, Mr. Peabody?
See Becca’s Explaination above.
What amazing date in history are we giong back to today, Mr. Peabody?
Gee whiz. That was even before the city of Washington DC was built. LOL.
(I know you’re really a HS aged kid.)
Rocking the Red since 1975
I resent that, I am no longer in high school thank you very much.
Well, I’m obviously not 221+ years old am I?
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
You only look around 121+.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
Must have gotten you confused with someone else. I knew you were young. For some reason I thought you were younger than my younger daughter (18). Oops.
Rocking the Red since 1975
As if I were on the Acela Express, I plan on enjoying the journey. The postseason will take care of itself in its appointed time. In the meantime I get to enjoy the best that this great sport has to offer, just a few blocks from where I live and work.
I hope Ted has at least one signing session for his book.
IS KEPTIN NOW
Sellouts and wins tonight across Caps/Bears/Rays Nation.
If someone tweets this, we’ll probably see it on Ted’s Take or Vogel or TEB or Ewell tomorrow. That’s a great observation.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 24, 2010 4:21 AM EST up reply actions
Just landed and am now in line for immigration. I checked the score immediately and needless to say, I was quite pleased.
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 24, 2010 12:58 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Semin: 42 games, 21 goals, 28 assts; Kovy: 45 games, 30 goals, 26 assts.
in short—the gap is not as great as you may think. GMGM better not even THINK about unloading Jizz for Ilya.
Sidebar: I know the Caps converted a couple PP chances but PHO’s super-aggressive PK style caused a lot of problems (and shorty chances). Shades of earlier in the year with Ovie fumbling around at the point. When teams play that aggressive style on a PK, I wish the Caps would adjust and dump and chase rather than try to carry the puck in.
Also: PHO is one boring, pedestrian team. They’re good…but thank God this is the only match-up of the year.
That is the truth. Plus Semin is just ahead of Carter and Richards of the Flyers in points. Semin is tied with Carter in goals but ahead in assists.
Do not unload, repeat do not unload Semin for Ilya. While Ilya is a very good player, the offensive difference is not that huge. Plus Semin is better on the defensive front.
Rocking the Red since 1975
GMGM better not even THINK about unloading Jizz for Ilya.
I agree, but odds are very strong Sasha doesn’t produce like that in Atlanta and Kovy produces more in DC.
odds are very strong Sasha doesn’t produce like that in Atlanta
Fact. Discounting the advantage Semin gets in D.C. by not being the primary (or secondary… or tertiary) focus of opposing defenses is a mistake.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
The point is that Semin is a first-line talent currently playing a second-line role and, as a result, has a bit more freedom in what he does. If you took him and threw him into a first-line role in Atlanta (or anywhere else), his numbers would likely suffer. If you put Ilya Kovalchuk on the Caps’ second line – where he wouldn’t be the primary focus of opponents – he might see a boost in his stats.
Saying that there’s not much of a difference b/t Semin and Kovalchuk because they have similar stat lines sells Kovy short, IMO.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I disagree
I think Semin would produce on any line on any team that he plays for…that he is that talented.
by DonnieKnutts on Jan 24, 2010 9:54 AM EST up reply actions
That wasn’t J.P.‘s point though. Semin’s good enough to produce anywhere, sure, but he produces more in DC because he’s either on the second line or playing with Ovechkin and Backstrom. It’s not an issue of whether he’d produce, it’s an issue of whether he produces more in Washington versus in Atlanta and frankly I don’t see any way you can argue otherwise.
Like J.P. says, to say that they have similar stat lines and argue there’s not a significant difference in the offensive production of each is a mistake because it ignores their respective situations.
Saying that there’s not much of a difference b/t Semin and Kovalchuk because they have similar stat lines sells Kovy short, IMO.
No doubt. Semin spend so much time playing with Ovechkin, Backstrom and Green: the best offensive player in the world, one of the league’s best playmakers, and the league’s best offensive defenseman or playing against second tier opponents that it gives him numbers a boost. Meanwhile Kovalchuk’s on a team that might not even have another legitimate first NHLer.
really?
“Meanwhile Kovalchuk’s on a team that might not even have another legitimate first NHLer.”
I will acknowledge that Semin gets a boost from his teammates (as they get a boost from him, mind you), but the statement above is a little hyperbolic, wouldn’t you say?
by DonnieKnutts on Jan 24, 2010 12:21 PM EST up reply actions
No, I wouldn’t. I see the contenders as Rich Peverley, Bryan Little, and Nik Antropov. I’m not sold on Peverley and Little’s having a rough year. Antropov has the talent, but I’ve never been sold on him and sort of see him as a 1A. I could maybe buy him, but even then the teammate comparison isn’t even close.
That there’s also the argument that the Caps have so many high powered offensive guys that they won’t all the ice time that they’d get on a team like Atlanta.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Alex Semin is getting 19:05 ATOI per game – those are 1st line minutes on any team.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jan 24, 2010 12:44 PM EST up reply actions
You could, but I think you’d have a hard time swaying anyone. 19 minutes a night either against the opposition’s second tier defensive guys and/or with Ovie, Backstrom, and Green is a better environment for production than 21 minutes a night with the likes of Todd White, Nik Antropov, Toby Enstrom, Bryan Little, and Max Afinoganov.
I have trouble viewing someone who has such trouble skating as a legitimate 1st line player. Antropov is skilled, but he’s never going to create chances on the rush and unless Ilya holds up and waits for him, he’s never going to have support.
I’d view him more as a PP specialist than a legit 1st line player, myself.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jan 24, 2010 12:44 PM EST up reply actions
Who else on Atlanta do you consider a legitimate first line NHL forward? I’m kind of drawing a blank.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 24, 2010 12:48 PM EST up reply actions
Totally agree. Not to mention, I wouldn’t even call their stats that close. That’s a big difference in goals (which are worth significantly more than assists).
by Ginga on Jan 24, 2010 11:33 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
We could say the opposite about almost anyone on the Thrashers (that being on the Thrashers is keeping their offenskive stats down)
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 24, 2010 11:00 AM EST up reply actions
Yikes. Potsy has a broken hand
This note just hanging out at the bottom of Tarik’s gamer:
Capitals note: Defenseman Brian Pothier (broken hand) missed his fifth straight game.
IS KEPTIN NOW
Poor guy has no luck. He’s been hanging around Q too much I fear
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 24, 2010 4:14 AM EST up reply actions
Q is contagious?? Yikes. They should trade him to Pittsburgh immediately. They seem to like having ex-Caps on their roster (Gonchar, Johnson, Cooke, etc.)
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 24, 2010 10:21 AM EST up reply actions
Or Tampa Bay? They also have had lots of ex Caps in recent years. Halpern. (And earlier they had Kolzig, Eminger, Pettinger and Jamie Heward.) And Tocchet’s an ex-Cap.
Rocking the Red since 1975
hmmmmm - infiltrate the enemy from within…..
like Suisham did with the Cowboys……
I like it!
Rock the Red! Rock the White! Rock the Blue! Rock the Pens!
by RedskinFan4Life on Jan 24, 2010 2:54 PM EST up reply actions
Can we now call the Caps “The Road Runners” since they beat the Wily Coyotes? (Surprised we’ve heard no Wily Coyote jokes lately.)
Rocking the Red since 1975
That’s because some of us work for Acme Industries and it is bad for business to make fun of a three-time Customer of the Year.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 24, 2010 10:23 AM EST up reply actions
Only three?
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 24, 2010 10:24 AM EST up reply actions
Actually
i think that Locker made a somewhat ill-advised Wily Coyote reference last night, but as i recall, i believe Locker called him something like (excuse phonetical annunciation) “Wily-ote Coyote”
When my friend Robbie and I played hockey in the driveway on our rollerblades....I was always Peter Bondra
by OviWankenobi on Jan 24, 2010 10:50 AM EST up reply actions
Does everyone agree that Neuvy’s rebound control was off? I remember thinking he looked like velcro again. But then again, I was half blitzed in a sportsbook watching about 10 different bets play out, so I don’t exactly trust my assessment there.
by Ginga on Jan 24, 2010 10:30 AM EST via mobile reply actions
He had trouble handling some pucks – they’d go high in the air, or he’d bobble them and leave them around the crease. He didn’t pay for it today, but against a team that consistently sets up in front of the crease, that would have burned him badly.
The D actually did a pretty good job bailing him out last night, clearing pucks to the corners and tying up sticks in front of him, at least to my eyes.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jan 24, 2010 10:42 AM EST up reply actions
FWIW, I just saw NHL on the Fly, and they had a clip of fehr saying neuvy didn’t leave any rebounds out there. Looks like we have DMG and knee high versus a drunk and a supportive teammate!
by Ginga on Jan 24, 2010 11:28 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
All I know is I was holding my breath when Fiddler was charging down the ice on that shorthanded breakaway in the first. That save was huge. Had to be great for his confidence, and would have altered the entire feel of the game if the Caps had been down 2-1 there.
"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."
Observations from Section 421
Great effort, and a few points:
1) The travel mugs that we got tonight as freebies are pretty nice, but the “Made in China” on the box makes me a little leery of drinking from it…
2) Not the best game for Sarge… look for him to rebound in a big way against the Islanders.
3) Erskine’s return: a solid effort and some good physical play. Glad we’re getting some more toughness back on the blue line in time for the Olympics.
4) Neuvy had a good game, and he had to, the Coyotes were buzzing around during the last few minutes.
5) Hooks Orpik on Ovie’s Empty Net goal: http://twitter.com/Hooks_Orpik/statuses/8133662802 – Hate to say it Hooks, but Alex was up at the point and only broke after Semin secured the puck. He only was about 35 feet from his defensive position when he got the puck on the break away.
6) As for Empty Netters, sure Alex has 2 in the last 2 games, but that only gives him 3 for the year, tied with Zach Parise, Jamie Langenbrunner, Wojtek Wolski and Todd Marchant, who has scored only 7 goals total. Empty net goals are still goals, and they serve a purpose, in that they finish the job. When you have a cobra’s neck under your boot, you still cut off it’s head.
7) Robert Lang can still play, he had a good game. That said, think the Red Wings would rather have Fleischmann back instead of Lang…who they thought was finished 4 years ago…Sure he’s on his 3rd team since, but he’s still got something in the tank.
All in all, lots of folks expected a let-down, and the way they Coyote’s played last night, if the Caps took it easy they would have lost. On to Long Island!
Let's go Caps!
He was doing OK when people hated him last year, so I’d expect he’ll adjust and react accordingly while people like him.
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 24, 2010 12:33 PM EST up reply actions
Schultz is definitely underrated. I thought people were too hard on him last year, frankly. I think giving up a guy as young as Schultz who consistently as a good Plus/Minus would have been folly.
He probably will adjust.
It seems that he’s our best option as a partner for Green if we weren’t going with Morrisonn in that role.
Rocking the Red since 1975
I drank out of my mug this morning. Not dead yet!
Got nothing but respect for Lang. Every year, it’s"he’s too old. He’s washed up." Every year, he plays. And then to come back after tearing his achilles tendon! Love the guy.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Notice how when the Caps have a shootout, it is the healthy type.
Robert Lang can still play, he had a good game. That said, think the Red Wings would rather have Fleischmann back instead of Lang…who they thought was finished 4 years ago…Sure he’s on his 3rd team since, but he’s still got something in the tank.
I think they’d rather have Mike Green…
by David Getz on Jan 24, 2010 11:27 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
bet if Greenie played for Detroit, Stevie Y would have taken him to Vancouver…..
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Notice how when the Caps have a shootout, it is the healthy type.
If Greenie played for Detroit, no he wouldn’t, because Green wouldn’t be playing the way he does and he wouldn’t have those gaudy stats.
He might even still be in the AHL.
"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."
Regarding the empty net goal, I think there’s no question that Bruce will do whatever he can to help pad Ovechkin’s stats by putting him out in an empty net situation, but I don’t think Ovi cares one way or the other; just get the win, baby.
"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 think there’s no question that Bruce will do whatever he can to help pad Ovechkin’s stats by putting him out in an empty net situation
I very much doubt that. I don’t see any inventive for Boudreau to put Ovechkin out to pad stats, and I see a very big incentive for him to put the lineup he thinks is most likely to seal the game for him on the ice. That’s why Ovie out there in that situation.
Not arguing that, either. Just that I noticed that at the end of the Pittsburgh game, he was on with Steckel and Gordon. I understand that there’s just as easily strategic reasons for having someone who can breakaway with the puck in that situation. I also think that there are often times that Boudreau makes decisions that are as much psychological as strategic. They happen to work pretty much, too.
"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."
Ovi’s really picked up his defensive play since he got the C, and the last minute of the game is a key situation for him.
If you had someone on your team who could routinely put the puck in an empty net from his own goal line, wouldn’t you use that skill? Because both Green and Ovi can do that.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 24, 2010 12:38 PM EST up reply actions
Hey, I’m sold on it. I’ll admit that watching a guy (any guy) toss the puck to an empty net like that inspires thoughts of, “why did you do that, you’re going to ice the puck”, so seeing it go straitght down the middle into the net takes care of that concern.
"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."
Not just that, but if you had one winger that needed to win a battle to get the puck past the blueline, who you gonna pick? I still vividly remember AO destroying Mike Richards and clearing the puck from the zone at the end of Game 1.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
In the 6-on-5, you want 4 PK players and your most accurate/best shooter.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 24, 2010 12:54 PM EST up reply actions
Ovie’s a talented defender, especially when there’s a breakdown and he can use his speed and size to change fate. If he’s out there to score an empty netter, I think we should all be able to live with that.
begs the question then
why not use him on the PK
by DonnieKnutts on Jan 24, 2010 12:31 PM EST up reply actions
Except Ovi already plays uber minutes during power play and even strength. Don’t want him burned out.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Because we have forwards who are better defensively: Laich, Steckel, Gordon, Backstrom, Semin, Fleischmann…
He’s out there on the 6-on-5 at the end of the game because you want 4 PKers and your best shooter out there.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 24, 2010 12:52 PM EST up reply actions
Alex Semin is probably our best shooter, but Ovechkin is a physical monster. If he gets in a scrum along the boards, he can go get the puck all by himself, create his own space and rifle it down the ice. I agree that he’s the best option, but he’s not the best pure shooter.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jan 24, 2010 12:56 PM EST up reply actions
Even when AO was, um, somewhat less focused on defense, in the early stages of his career, his on-the-puck defense was always very good – he wanted to get the puck away from you so he could score. He’s retained that, and added in an awareness of positional responsibility
He’s big, fast, strong, tenacious, agile and he’s got a nose for the puck. He’s the perfect guy to have out there 6 on 5, just from a defensive standpoint. Add in the fact that, once he has the puck, he can create his own space and score, and he’s a no brainer for end-game situations.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
Bruce puts Ovechkin out there in the empty net situation because he’s got an accurate shot. If an opponent pulls the goalie to try and tie the game the best thing the team with the lead can do is score on the empty net to finish off the opponent. If you have someone who can shoot like Ovechkin, he’s out there to do just that.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 24, 2010 12:51 PM EST up reply actions
Hooks is better than that. You’d think a Pens fan that’s had to defend against “Secondary Sid” wouldn’t make that comment. Regardless of how he got that ENG, he is a better goal scorer than any other player in the league, and Hooks knows it.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
And even if he did break up ice a little early, he saw one of the best stick handlers in the league get control of the puck. I’ll take the odds of him getting the puck to Ovechkin. Risk is definitely worth the reward of a dagger.
A goal ends the game. AO knows that, and BB knows that. You can say that AO shouldn’t have been so far down ice, but the alternative is asking Semin to risk an icing. AO is out there to remove all doubt. He did that. There was no risk on the play. A bad pass isn’t going to be an icing because AO is up ice, and a connected pass is a free goal.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
It came right from his Twitter feed. I suspect he’s jealous… along with every Penguin fan… and every fan of the other 28 teams in the league that don’t have Ovechkin…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 24, 2010 7:58 PM EST up reply actions
A side point
It appears that CSN isn’t going to replay the game. They usually do, even if sometimes it’s in the middle of the night. I like them doing that, so that I get the opportunity to see the things I missed, that get pointed out in these recaps threads. I’m bummed that I don’t get the chance on this 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."
Ok can we all agree now that Flash is a legit center?
by Area 51 Forever on Jan 24, 2010 6:36 PM EST reply actions
I’m not there yet. So far, so good, though.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Yup. League hasn’t had the chance to break down video and break down his game at that position yet. I think the time to assess him is after about 20 games.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 25, 2010 3:17 AM EST up reply actions
i'm telling you guys
2C of the future. And then we will have insane C depth. Backstrom Flash Laich Morrison Steckel even Gordon if need be. and that’s not including the prospects we have (gustaffson et al)
by Area 51 Forever on Jan 25, 2010 7:17 PM EST up reply actions
I’d love to see your prediction borne out, but Gouldie is right – things will get tougher when there’s tape on Flash at C and his tendencies get analyzed. If he keeps up this level of play for, say, the rest of the season, I’ll edge into the full-time supporter category.
Morrison is probably gone after next season, Laich has looked better at W than C in an admittedly small sample size thus far. I don’t think we’re as deep at C as we’d like to be, especially at the top end.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Jan 25, 2010 8:08 PM EST up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Japers' Rink
Related FanShots on Japers' Rink
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recent FanShots
Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Florida
|
55 | 27 | 17 | 11 | 65 |
|
Washington
|
55 | 28 | 22 | 5 | 61 |
|
Winnipeg
|
57 | 26 | 25 | 6 | 58 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
55 | 24 | 25 | 6 | 54 |
|
Carolina
|
56 | 20 | 25 | 11 | 51 |
(updated 2.12.2012 at 10:06 PM EST)
The Vault
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- Sunday’s Three Stars: Perry tricks Blue Jackets; another shutout for Halak
- Shut up about asterisks and Red Wings’ NHL home wins record chase
- The Phoenix Coyotes continue to complicate everything by winning
- As West playoff race gets tighter, Kings’ scoring woes far from disappearing
- Evan Trupp scores behind the net goal, stuns Las Vegas in ECHL (Video)
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
