THN takes a shot at the Caps
by Steck It Out on Jan 28, 2010 11:19 PM EST
62 comments
Our buddies at THN, or more specifically, Adam Proteau, takes a shot at the Capitals in his latest article. He questions the team's goaltending and defense (yawn - who hasn't?) mainly. Here's my analysis on his article.
Note: I'm a newbie at this statistic stuff :) If you wanna post your fancy shmancy statistics, feel free to do so in the comments. I'm going 1st grade with this.
Now, Mr. Proteau uses two specific points in his latest post. The first point is about Ovechkin's life off the ice (which is totally irrelevant to the Capitals and their Stanley Cup chances, unless Ovie gets injured or suspended) which I won't talk about in this post, because 1) Proteau fails to further explain this point, and 2) we all know Ovie will be 100% focused come playoff time.
Here's Proteau's main point and emphasis in this article:
"Do the Capitals have the goaltending and defense corps to compliment The-Best-Player-We’ll Ever-Have come playoff time?"
Oh. This argument again?
Well, here's where my 1st grade statistics come in. The Caps rank 12th in the league with a 2.72 GAA, and being the top offensive team in the league, that gives them a +1.11 goals scored/goals allowed differential. No other team has a GS/GA above 1.
Now, the Caps are currently tied for 18th in the league (with St. Louis) at shots allowed, with an average of 30.4 shots allowed per game. That may not look too pretty, but the Sharks, Avalanche, and the Sabres allow more shots per game than the Caps (30.8, 31.7 and 32.2, respectively).
Here's where it gets a bit worse: the Capitals rank 19th in the penalty killing unit, killing off only 80.3% of their penalties. From a fan's perspective, the PK gets hot, and it gets cold. Adding to this stat: teams have had a total of 208 power play opportunities against the Capitals, which is tied with the Penguins for 12th most in the league. Do the math, and teams have scored about 41 power-play goals against the Capitals.
Now, we can all acknowledge that the defense of the Capitals has been decrepit at times recently. It's been an Achilles-heel for the past two seasons. Yet, to commonly jump onto the stereotype that the Capitals' defense should be worrysome come playoff time is, in my case, overreacting. We've all seen the defense grow and become solid before our very eyes. To make a point, and to use two examples of guys who were less than stellar last year on defense, Mike Green has become more responsible in his own end, taking less penalties and making more plays on the puck. Jeff Schultz is among the league leaders in plus/minus, and although he does not play the physical brand of hockey that many would expect him to because of his 6'6" frame, he has taken on a bigger and more noticeable (in my eyes) defensive style in making plays on the puck rather than taking a physical approach. We all know that the defense has improved, and Proteau makes a case for the defense in his article:
"I’d be good if the group of blueliners Bruce Boudreau has now stayed intact through the remainder of the year.
Why? Because Mike Green has shown he no longer is a Michael Bay-worthy abomination in his own zone. Because Jeff Schultz quietly has become one of the league’s most improved defensemen. And because the Caps’ youngsters – most notably, Karl Alzner and John Carlson – hold much in the way of promise for the future."
Oh yeahhhhhhh. Alzner and Carlson.
Let's go over to goaltending. Now, young Semyon Varlamov has been injured for most of the season, leaving the crease duties to Jose Theodore and Michal Neuvirth. Both goalies have gotten the job done, but have been hot and cold, much like the aforementioned penalty kill.
Want some goaltending stats? Besides the 2.72 GAA mentioned above, the goaltenders of the Capitals have a .911 save percentage (12th best in the NHL) and 143 goals allowed in net (tied for 11th best with the Kings).
According to Proteau:
"Each member of the netminding troika in question – Semyon Varlamov, Jose Theodore and Michal Neuvirth – has put up a decent, if not above-average showing at times this season.
However, with Varlamov still sidelined by groin and knee woes and Theodore leaving Tuesday’s gameagainst the Islanders with a lower-body injury, Boudreau and the Caps were briefly leaning on the duo of the 21-year-old Neuvirth and 20-year-old Braden Holtby, both of whom were called up from the American League, though Holtby began the year in the ECHL.
Yikes. Actually, make that double-yikes, with a side order of excessive stomach acids."
True, the Capitals have brought out decent goaltending this season. Yes, there are injury woes for Varlamov. Yet, he is closer to returning, as is Theodore after a recent hip flexor.
Michal Neuvirth has shown flashes at times in net, and he's shown that he needs more seasoning in the minor leagues. Yet, for Mr. Proteau to experience stomach pains over one simple game without a veteran goaltender is appalling. Injuries happen. They always do. To see Holtby back up ONE GAME does not mean "press the panic button over and over again".
Truth be told, the goaltending could be better, and we've seen some bad goals let in this year, but I believe there's no need to bring in a veteran goaltender at the trade deadline, seeing as we already have Theodore. Going forward, once Varlamov returns, I can see a Varlamov - Theo pairing. Yet, that was the duo going into last year's playoffs, and we all know what happened there. I think having a year of playoff experience under Varlamov's belt, however, will better prepare him for the playoffs, and having Theodore, who has playoff starting experience, helps as well.
Proteau believes otherwise:
"Listen, I know Varlamov demonstrated last spring he could carry a team on his back and steal some playoff games. I’m not saying that can’t and won’t happen again this time around, but let’s be honest with ourselves – Boudreau would not feel especially bold in mid-April with an inconsistent Theodore and two kids as insurance for Varlamov."
Proteau may have a point here. Theodore started last year's game 1 against the Rangers, and didn't do so well. Varlamov took over and carried the team on his back until finally bowing out in Game 7 against the Penguins.
Yet, I remain firm in my belief that the goaltending situation should not be changed. With a noticeably better defense in front of the crease, and a high-octane offense to boot, I think it's safe to say that the Capitals can better support their goaltending if fully healthy. Varlamov has turned in many great performances for this Capitals team, and if he's healthy, he can deliver for the team. Plus, Theodore has playoff experience, and while he was pulled in the Rangers playoff game, he is the veteran goaltender that the Capitals have been linked to getting, in my opinion. Besides, what would the price be on veteran goaltenders on the market (Turco, Conklin, Biron)?
The overall verdict? The Capitals may not be known for their defense or goaltending, but that does not mean it's totally a problem either. With a solid defensive core that will only get better in the future, and a goaltending situation that has been shaky at times, yet mostly solid, the Caps have the major pieces in place for a Stanley Cup run. Only time will tell if they can live up to their great, great billing.
Thanks for reading, and post all your feedback below!
If this FanPost is written by someone other than one of the blog's authors, the opinions expressed in it do not necessarily reflect those of this blog or SB Nation.
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I agree with your arguments, but I think that Proteau is paid to critique – therefore he has to find something to critique. His comments are akin to noting that a Ferrari lacks storage space.
Be that as it may, I still think this team could use another veteran defenseman, preferably one that excels at the PK and has won the Stanley Cup before.
The goaltending options out there right now just aren’t appealing.
This is not a game of who the f*ck are you...
by D'ohboy on Jan 28, 2010 11:48 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I agree with your argument about the veteran D-man. Our PK needs to be more consistent, and I think bringing in an experienced guy who knows his way around would help out, because we don’t really have that “mentor” D-man. A lot of people think about Neidermayer, but I wasn’t impressed by him yesterday, and he did say that he didn’t want to be traded.
Souray’s an interesting name…not sure what he would cost.
When you dance with the devil, you wait for the song to stop.
by Steck It Out on Jan 29, 2010 12:56 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Souray is not that PK anchor that the Caps should be looking for.
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 29, 2010 3:35 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t dislike the idea of Volchenkov, but the Senators aren’t going to let him go unless it’s for a small fortune, and I really hesitate to disrupt the forward lines or spend that much. I’m still thinking of Staios as a cheap, serviceable rental.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
by gotsparkly on Jan 29, 2010 7:56 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The Sens are in the midst of the playoff race right now. I don’t think they’d be willing to part with their top D-man for this reason, unless they drop out of the playoff race.
When you dance with the devil, you wait for the song to stop.
by Steck It Out on Jan 29, 2010 2:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
They’d probably part with anything for a goalie right about now.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Jan 29, 2010 2:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
True, but IMO, Brian Elliott is underrated. I think they’d rather bring in a veteran guy to help them out and to mentor Elliott a bit.
That’s just me, though…
When you dance with the devil, you wait for the song to stop.
by Steck It Out on Jan 29, 2010 2:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Makes sense.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Jan 29, 2010 2:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Brian Elliott NHL third star of the night yesterday.
IS KEPTIN NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Jan 29, 2010 3:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Can’t say I’ve seen him play a whole lot, but in the games I have seen him, he’s put up stinkers.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Jan 29, 2010 3:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
he’s been on an absolute tear recently. Dominant in many of their last 8 wins.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
On Draper having to wear a USA jersey at practice: "well at least the Wings can settle bets without involving gold plated desert eagles!"
by RedBirdie on Jan 29, 2010 4:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe he’s coming around, then
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Jan 29, 2010 4:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Or maybe he’s just hot right now and will come back to earth. That’s my guess.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jan 29, 2010 6:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
They’d probably part with anything for a goalie right about now.
Dude, they have Brodeur.
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Jan 30, 2010 2:10 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I was high on Staios before, but after reading how EDM fans feel about him I’ve cooled quite a bit on him. Wouldn’t hate it if we got him, but I’m not really itching for him either.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jan 29, 2010 3:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Frankly, I opened up the column expecting to find some hack analysis as we tend to see regarding the Caps, but I didn’t have any issue with his argument. The Varlamov situation is worrisome, to put it kindly. If he goes down—which has to be seen as a serious possibility with his time missed due to injury piling up—we’re not going to be able to cobble together win streaks like it’s the regular season.
Overall I thought the article, if anything, was over-complimentary towards the Caps.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Jan 29, 2010 1:16 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I have to agree here. The Varlamov situation is very worrisome. When you averaged all the goaltender stats to create a vision of really not so bad, Varlamov’s stats completely skew your point. Yes, he is that much better, right now, than the Theodore and Neuvirth, and there is a reason he has 12 wins in his few starts.
When you really look at Theodore and Neuvirth, the inconsistency just kills you. Yes, Theodore has been good lately, and against Detroit was just fucking awesome, but the only consistent thing about him is that he won’t keep it up. We have seen much more bad Theodore than good. With Neuvirth we see what he is, a talented rookie, who still makes mistakes, who with time (not this season) may be a very good NHL goalie for a long time.
So, I would say that Proteau is right on the money. Varlamov can carry the team in goal, if healthy. He has had such a record of poor health that to be happy about your goaltender situation you have to feel secure about your backup. I don’t really think that the Caps can feel that way.
Put it in perspective, would you feel comfortable going into game 7 of the SCF with Theodore starting because the horse that brought you here, Varly, got injured in game 6?
by HateOffSeason on Jan 29, 2010 7:17 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Put it in perspective, would you feel comfortable going into game 7 of the SCF with Theodore starting because the horse that brought you here, Varly, got injured in game 6?
Depends on the opponent, but in general, I’m surprised to find my gut saying yes to this question.
Game-Over Green? Canada-Over Carlson!
by Scott in Shaw on Jan 29, 2010 11:41 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree, i wouldn’t have said so last season, or even in December of this season, but I would be ok with it now, especially if it was Huet across from him and now Nabakov or Luongo
Aim for the head baby Jesus
by Doncosmic on Jan 29, 2010 11:43 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, the Hawks were the team I had in mind — least likely to have a goalie (Huet or Niemi) steal Game 7. If the Caps play the way they’re playing now come June, they could win even if Theo let in 3 or 4.
Game-Over Green? Canada-Over Carlson!
by Scott in Shaw on Jan 29, 2010 11:56 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Nabby and Luongo don’t scare me; We’ve got Matt Bradley.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Jan 29, 2010 1:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Honestly?
think think think
Yeah, me too.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
by gotsparkly on Jan 29, 2010 12:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I understand that people do have their doubts about Theo. But look at the market right now. Do you see anyone that could honestly be better than him? Guys like Conklin, Turco, and Biron are not exactly gamebreakers, in my opinion.
Theo’s had his share of ups and downs, and I know he might not be the best in the world, but I have faith in him.
When you dance with the devil, you wait for the song to stop.
by Steck It Out on Jan 29, 2010 2:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Kari Lehtonen is universally underrated.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Jan 29, 2010 2:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I like Kari, but looking at the price that the Thrash are asking for Kovy, what do you think they’d ask for Lehtonen?
When you dance with the devil, you wait for the song to stop.
by Steck It Out on Jan 29, 2010 2:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Significantly less. They just give him 1-year extensions because he’s so injury prone and stuff. They’d probably take a solid roster player for him, but I obviously don’t know what I’m talking about here.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Jan 29, 2010 2:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No, you did bring up a guy I wasn’t thinking of. I think the Thrashers are set with Pavelec and Moose, so the Lehtonen saga will be one that could get interesting come deadline time.
When you dance with the devil, you wait for the song to stop.
by Steck It Out on Jan 29, 2010 2:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I meant that I don’t know what I’m talking about regarding what they’d want for him.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Jan 29, 2010 2:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh. Oops.
Well, it should be interesting whether the Thrash make him available. He’s set to make $3 million this year, and is a RFA after this year. I don’t think his price would be very high, seeing as he hasn’t played at all this season.
When you dance with the devil, you wait for the song to stop.
by Steck It Out on Jan 29, 2010 2:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The injury prone thing is the problem for me. He’s good, but we already have Varlamov to be explosively athletic and injury prone.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jan 29, 2010 3:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
If Varly is hurt again or stays hurt, we could probably give Lehtonen a try at least. If HE goes down, we still have all of the goalies we’re using right now.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Jan 29, 2010 3:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Conklin and Biron might be upgrades just because they are use to being backups and have that mindset. I’m not sure Theo can get his head into that role.
I’d also point out that while it’s in vogue for writers to rip on the Caps’ goaltending, how many teams can you point to and say they wouldn’t be in shit stew if their No. 1 goalie went down in the playoffs? Not many. And in that light, Theo is a higher quality backup than most of what any other team has.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jan 29, 2010 3:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly. Lots of teams would be pretty screwed if their #1 goalies went down. We saw how Buffalo did without Miller last year.
Everyone wants to kill the king. But the prince, he just sails along telling all the ladies, "One day I'm gonna be king."
by Steck It Out on Jan 29, 2010 3:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Dropped out of the playoff picture like a stone through water. Or like a stone thrown from a tower. Fell through the standings like the equation: d = 1/2 gt**2.
Before Miller went down: Buffalo looked like solid contender
After Miller went down: Disaster. Fell out of the playoff picture.
Rocking the Red since 1975
by CapsFan75 on Jan 30, 2010 10:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Nice piece Steck it Out, well thought out and well written. IMO, not many are ever going to give up the " Caps lack a good defense and questionable goaltending" meme untill they win a Cup. I just want to be towards the front of the line to feed them crow when they do.
What amazing date in history are we giong back to today, Mr. Peabody?
by dlw66 on Jan 29, 2010 4:36 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Thanks! While I know that we don’t have the best goaltending and defense in the world, I’ve been satisfied with their performances…I’m not totally taking out the fact that there is room for improvement, though.
When you dance with the devil, you wait for the song to stop.
by Steck It Out on Jan 29, 2010 2:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Considering that the Western Conference will likely be represented by the Sharks, the Nucks, or the Hawks, defense and goaltending are legit concerns.
IS KEPTIN NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Jan 29, 2010 8:50 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
They are, seeing as this team is built on offense. Yet, I wouldn’t go so far as to say that “With this goaltending and defense right now, the Caps will never win a Cup”. People didn’t think Pittsburgh had a great D-corps last year, and look what happened.
Nevertheless, however, as I said above, there’s always room for improvement. I wouldn’t be surprised if GMGM snagged a D-man at the deadline.
When you dance with the devil, you wait for the song to stop.
by Steck It Out on Jan 29, 2010 2:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You’d never know Pittsburgh’s D was anything other than godly with the way that the NBC folks were fellating them down the stretch and into the playoffes.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Jan 29, 2010 2:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hahah, that’s right.
When you dance with the devil, you wait for the song to stop.
by Steck It Out on Jan 29, 2010 2:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And they had some guys seriously step their game up. Maybe that’s all we need. Watching right now, the last 8 games, the Caps could beat any team in the league 4 out of 7.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
by Fehr and Balanced on Jan 29, 2010 3:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Nicely Written, thoughtful...
Proteau is right in some regards, there are some holes in the way the Caps play defense, and that it can cost a team come playoff time. The good news is that the Caps are scoring lots of goals and while the rate will likely go down in the post season (scoring always goes down in the playoffs because teams like Toronto don’t make the playoffs.)
And yes, the PK has had some issues this year, running hot and cold, probably closely aligned with goaltenders running hot and cold.
As for shots allowed, that is an overlooked stat when it comes to hockey and I am glad you referenced it. It is the job of the 5 skaters in playing defense to prevent shots on goal. It’s not their job to make saves, that’s the goalie’s job. But the fewer shots on goal, the fewer goals allowed. Now the teams you mentioned that have allowed more shots on goal than the Caps (Sabres, Sharks, Avs) two have significantly better goaltending than the Caps at the present time. Ryan Miller of Buffalo and Evegeni Nabokov of San Jose are decidedly better than Theo, Neuvy and probably Varly as well. Miller is probably the best goalie in the NHL. Anderson in Colorado is having a career year, but he’s actually having it easy… being behind the Florida Panthers for the past few years will make any other team look like easy work, including the Avs. I also don’t expect the Avs to stay where they are… they’ll make the playoffs, but I think they’ll slip behind Vancouver in the division race. (Vancouver is the team that scares me the most as they’re rock solid defensively and have Roberto Luongo in net…)
All teams have strengths and weaknesses, incuding the Caps, and the Caps have the strongest set of forwards in the league, by far (how many other teams have 9 forwards with double figure goals? Answer: none). The Caps weakness is that they are only somewhat above average on defense, and not superior. Compared to most NHL teams, the Caps are good defensively. Compared to the elite teams, they don’t stand out.
But it could be they have enough in terms of scoring up front to overcome being somewhat above average defensively.
In the early -mid 1980s, Edmonton was criticized for being a bit shaky on defense, while having a great offense… I think they turned out ok, don’t you?
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on Jan 29, 2010 9:31 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
You do bring up good points about shots on net and the defense compared to elite teams. As far as I’m concerned, I think Caps fans have been delighted with the way the defenseman and goalies have played so far.
And yeah, we all saw how Edmonton did, and who knows, maybe the Caps could be the same :D
When you dance with the devil, you wait for the song to stop.
by Steck It Out on Jan 29, 2010 2:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You know… if you are interested in learning about fancy Behind the Net stats, some kind soul wrote a tutorial that may or may not help.
"Dozens of people spontaneously combust each year. It's just not really widely reported."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 29, 2010 2:21 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Great stuff, I’ll be sure to use those in my next post.
When you dance with the devil, you wait for the song to stop.
by Steck It Out on Jan 29, 2010 2:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
There are two FAQs linked in that FanPost. I think this one is the best place to start. Also, there are always Rink Rats who are willing to answer questions.
"Dozens of people spontaneously combust each year. It's just not really widely reported."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 29, 2010 2:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Gotcha. I’ll definitely use Corsi numbers and some more of those if I do another post like this.
We should give you a statistician title or something…
When you dance with the devil, you wait for the song to stop.
by Steck It Out on Jan 29, 2010 2:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i hope
GMGM keeps this team intact. the chemistry is otherworldly. everyone here knows the little things our players have been doing on a nightly basis, the constant sticking up for each other despite the fact that we are usually not the biggest guy in the fight. shaMo disregarding his personal health and going after a much larger fella to protect mike green. almost every night someone else comes up and makes a minorly heroic action on behalf of his teammate. teams only do this when they truly care about each other. i would trade nobody, let it ride out. we have a young team lets try to keep them together and enjoy it.
Who would you take out?
shultz
shamo
green
eskine
poti
carlson or alzner
The only trade I would be open for is with the flames. Aquiring bouwmeester or even better Phanuef, who is underperforming sans expectations. I think we could pull a deal off. but i wouldnt want to trade any forward on the caps roster at this point in the season for him, because one thing we are is a bit fickle and losing chemistry right now might be one of the only things (injuries) that could stop this powerhouse team
by stlballa on Jan 29, 2010 3:42 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Do you think that the Flames could be convinced to trade Bouwmeester or Phanuef? I don’t think that those are guys that they’d want to give up, regardless of their recent problems.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Jan 29, 2010 3:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i have nhl center ice
and i have watched a a decent amount of their games…no i think they look at these players and say they should be the future, however both are majorly underperforming this year. Phaneuf has only 21 points and is a mere 1 while averaging 23 min a game. And mind you that is with what i would argue is a bonafide top 5 goalie in the league. kipper is top notch. Jay Bouwmeester has 2 goals. This guy has silly talent average 26 plus. I thikn it would take a flash or semin and one of our young goalies, maybe alzner, a combination of maybe 2 or 3 of those four guys. But that would change the dynamic of our team. but we would land a great young defender. I would give flash alzner and neowirth for phaneuf.
by stlballa on Jan 29, 2010 5:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Flames have said they’re not trading Phaneuf. As for J-Bo, I don’t think they’d trade him away when they just got him…
Everyone wants to kill the king. But the prince, he just sails along telling all the ladies, "One day I'm gonna be king."
by Steck It Out on Jan 29, 2010 6:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
too many teams are in playoff races. Edmonton, Carolina, Toronto are the locks to be sellers. Some would argue that COlumbus is done. Out west it’s going to end up being tighter, just like the east is now, post trade deadline. So i don’t think there are going to be many GM’s that are going to be making moves this year. This summer though there are going to be some detonations going on though. The flames have so much pressure on making a push this year they won’t be sellers and IF Phaneuf is trade bait its only for Kovy, because they need more scoring depth. I wish that the Wild and Preds were hurting a bit more because the two defensmen I would target are: Kim Johnsson and Dan Hamhuis (I don’t think they have gotten the deal done with him yet)
The east, Boston’s kinda the eastern version of the Flames in their need for scoring. I wouldn’t be surprised if they pull that deal off, regardless of what their GM stated recently about not giving up their Toronto 1st round pick for a rental. Think they could get the deal done. I see the Rangers, Islanders and Canadiens continue to slip further down the ladder, barring any trades they may be able to make so that probably makes them sellers also, but unless Markov some how becomes trade bait, don’t know there’s anyone I am interested out of their line ups.
Promote the game, it's the NHL, not SCHL
by kurlNdrag on Jan 30, 2010 8:41 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
honestly, I wouldn’t say “takes a shot.” That column was much more restrained than I expected from your intro. A critique, of course, but not a needlessly harsh one. I would say, given the past 8 games, we could probably take anyone at the moment, but would it hurt to shore up the defense? I’m ok with the goalie situation despite everyone but Theodore being younger than me.
by Steve. on Jan 29, 2010 4:38 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
It wouldn’t hurt to shore up the defense. In no way did I mean “everything’s good, we have the best team evaaaaaaar”. There’s always room for improvement.
Yeah, I may have been a bit harsh towards Proteau, but I just wanted to shell out some constructive criticism.
Everyone wants to kill the king. But the prince, he just sails along telling all the ladies, "One day I'm gonna be king."
by Steck It Out on Jan 29, 2010 6:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think you may be a little too sensitive about this critique of the Caps. Like it or not, goaltending and defense are questions for the Caps. Even though they aren’t terrible, they aren’t great, and they could be a problem for a team with goals of winning the Cup. Proteau offers a lot more than just parroting some stereotype.
The defense has been fairly solid this year, and Proteau actually acknowledges that and thinks they don’t need to upgrade – not really an unfair analysis but I disagree about them not needing an upgrade. The D has been too prone to have spectacular breakdowns in periods/full games this year, and also has struggled against some strong forechecking teams that they will face in the playoffs. They are on a roll now, but their inconsistency can come back to bite them in the playoffs.
Likewise, the goaltending is a concern for the same reason: inconsistency. The overall numbers don’t look bad, but the team has been alternating between Theo and Neuvirth, playing the one who is hot and sitting the one who gets cold. How often does a tandem like that get a team the Cup? Varly may be the most likely to be able to go on a 2 month hot streak, but his injury issues are certainly a concern.
This are legitimate concerns for the Caps – both the D and G on the team have not proven the type of consistency you need in the playoffs. That’s not to say the Caps are doomed, but pointing out flaws on the Caps does not mean one is “taking a shot” at them, and just because a critique is common that doesn’t mean all those using it are parroting baseless stereotypes.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 29, 2010 5:02 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Well, I may have titled the post a bit too harshly…in no way did I mean to fire back at THN, but I meant to analyze the whole “Caps don’t have defense or goaltending” cliche that many people assume nowadays. I liked how Proteau did complement the Caps on their defense, and he did make a few points…I just felt that his article DID deserve some analysis.
I just used this article as a basis for that argument.
But I do have a sensitive side, I’ll admit…sniff
Everyone wants to kill the king. But the prince, he just sails along telling all the ladies, "One day I'm gonna be king."
by Steck It Out on Jan 29, 2010 6:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I guess my question would be whether the Caps can use the rest of the season to solidify what they seem to have figured out thus far. At the beginning of the season, we saw a lot of 40 minute games, and penalties at inopportune times. But this past month, I think the defense has generally been solid, and, while the goaltending has occasionally gone from the sublime to the ridiculous, overall, the team seems to be confident in front of either Neuvi or Theo. The offense is the team’s strength, obviously (I’m waiting for Glory Days to roll out a “Winged Victory” ad). But my gut feeling is that if the defense keeps listening to Bruce and the goalies keep listening to Irbe, it may be a long season for the Caps.
by miseenjeu on Jan 31, 2010 1:37 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Did you read the column, or just the headline? Most of the article he gushes about the job that GMGM has done with this team, and he even says that the Caps blue-line corps is good as is. The only thing he says in this article that’s even remotely critical is that the Caps should look to acquire a veteran back-up goaltender. I happen to disagree – I think Neuvirth is growing by leaps and bounds and that Theodore appears to be enjoying a renaissance (although it may just be a hot streak). But there are no “shots” here.
by GrimReefa on Jan 31, 2010 4:39 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
SHhhHHH!!!
Don’t post an article like this! Lets just let all the other teams out there think we have sucky D… to their own demise.
by Brainumbc on Feb 2, 2010 9:06 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
72 | 48 | 14 | 10 | 106 |
|
Atlanta
|
71 | 31 | 29 | 11 | 73 |
|
Carolina
|
71 | 30 | 33 | 8 | 68 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
71 | 28 | 31 | 12 | 68 |
|
Florida
|
70 | 28 | 31 | 11 | 67 |
(updated 3.21.2010 at 8:42 AM EDT)
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