Recap: Caps 4, Canadiens 2
by J.P. on Jan 5, 2010 10:04 PM EST
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Can putting a letter on one player's sweater change the collective personality and character of a team?
Probably not.
Luckily for the Capitals, that's not what they needed when they named Alex Ovechkin captain prior to Tuesday night's 4-2 win over Montreal. What they may have needed, however, was a reminder of what propelled them to a terrific first half - playing at high speed, aggressively, with a willingness to shoot, and with world-class scoring ability - and no one embodies those characteristics better than their new captain.
So for one night, at least, the team embraced the personality of its captain and then some, and reminded us - and, no doubt, themselves - of the way they win games. These are the same Caps, in body, that left for California little more than a week ago, but these aren't the same Caps that we saw out there. Hopefully those Caps stayed out West. And hopefully these Caps continue to play follow-the-leader... because there are few leaders as worthy of being followed.
Ten more notes on the game:
- Reasonable minds can differ as to who should have gotten tonight's start in goal for the Caps, but there can be no arguing this point: Michal Neuvirth was good, and perhaps never better than when he was called upon to make three stops early in the third period while the Caps held a two-goal lead... and a man advantage. Neuvy stopped 12 of 13 shots in the third (the same line he had through two periods), and despite being the "less athletic" of the young netminders, had a couple of sparkling stops when his team needed 'em.
- In a span of 11:07 of the second period, the Caps scored as many goals - three - as they had in the previous 132:52. They added an insurance tally in the third and were buzzing Carey Price on several other occasions. The 43 shots on goal they took were the most in a game since Dec. 3 (44) and the second-most this season.
- Yesterday we talked about Mike Knuble and what he brings to the Caps. Well, maybe you saw some of it just prior to Tomas Fleischmann's power play goal when Knuble got away with a whack that broke Andrei Markov's stick - it was a veteran play that led to an extra man tally... because he got away with it. But he wasn't so lucky in the third period, getting whistled twice for minors, one of which led to the Habs' second goal. That lack of discipline is simply inexcusable from a guy like Knuble.
- Speaking of Flash, his "debut" at center was had to be considered a success despite a bad deflection past his own netminder in the second period. Flash ended up with a goal (albeit on the PP as a winger), and two helpers, a plus-two rating, three shots on goal, three takeaways, no giveaways, and he even won six of his nine draws on the night.
- Alex Semin was the best he's been in weeks, scoring twice, attempting 14 shots (eight of which were on goal), and playing with noticeable passion and intensity (read: sticking up for himself). Guess he was happy for his comrade, eh?
- Further to that last point, there were a lot of Caps sticking up for Caps all night, which was a heart-warming sight. When Tomas Fleischmann is pairing off with Hal Gill, it's a beautiful thing (so long as no punches are thrown, that is).
- Tom Poti had another relatively strong game, but continues to have trouble clearing pucks on the penalty kill, and it burned him in the third.
- Where's that Jason Chimera we were promised?
- Quintin Laing drew two penalties, which is about as offensively (albeit indirectly) productive as you can ever expect him to be - the second led to the power play on which Flash scored.
- As for the captain [sidenote: really weird to type that and not be writing about Chris Clark], he was pointless and had only three shots on goals, but had six hits (including a with-the-puck beauty on Max Pacioretty) and a game-high (tied with Flash) three takeaways. Hey, whatever it takes to win.
So Alex Ovechkin's Caps are 1-0-0. Or is that 25-11-6? Either way, they seem to have righted the ship. Maybe all it needed was a captain at the helm.
Game highlights:
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Yup, his quote from earlier today, again: “For five years I’ve had Tomas, I’ve always thought he would be a great center.”
Coach Boudreau finds your lack of faith … disturbing.
ALEX, FЯEE
by EmilyB on Jan 5, 2010 10:21 PM EST up reply actions 6 recs
maybe one of the funniest comments i’ve read in awhile
Still waiting for someone to draft Paul Newman. . .
Trying to picture Gabby in Darth Vader’s helmet and can’t do it… maybe Dark Helmet instead.
by mercurialwinger on Jan 5, 2010 10:38 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Ha. I had the same exact thought.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Good job on your signature. You even got the Russian accent right! Wery good!
Rocking the Red since 1975
No kidding. I’ll admit to being a big Chekov fan. I’m enjoying this. Ovi and Chekov are kindred spirits in many ways.
Rocking the Red since 1975
New Chekov LOOKS more like Flash, though.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
?
Are we talking the new Chekov or the old Chekov? Flash doesn’t look too much like Walter Koenig, in my humble opinion.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Chekov LOOKS more like Flash, though.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Yeah, but no use of the backwards R!
"Let the rest be scared of us." - Emo Bunny Sasha Semin
by Scott in Shaw on Jan 6, 2010 11:03 AM EST up reply actions
Always amazed at how quickly you get such quality recaps up.
Said it in the 3rd thread, but Flash was everywhere tonight!
Flash might've been everywhere, but it's Sasha Semin FTW
Congratulations on earning the coveted Red Hard Hat!
IS KEPTIN NOW
Yeah. I’m poopin’ my pants
"My face is my mask."
by Jake Shapiro on Jan 5, 2010 10:17 PM EST up reply actions
yeah, this game is rockin’ tonight…..can’t believe the two late goals by Eberle….
Rock the Red! Rock the White! Rock the Blue! Rock the Pens!
by RedskinFan4Life on Jan 5, 2010 10:32 PM EST up reply actions
Carlson gets the game-winner!!!!!!!
Rock the Red! Rock the White! Rock the Blue! Rock the Pens!
by RedskinFan4Life on Jan 5, 2010 10:39 PM EST up reply actions
So yeah, my wife said to me earlier tonight, “Who’s this Chimera guy? I haven’t seen him at all.” I haven’t noticed him once (though that means both good or bad).
"Let the rest be scared of us." - Emo Bunny Sasha Semin
Big contingent of Habs fans at the game tonight. It was fun to silence them :)
Great fun tonight. Poti looked…….competent. Offensively minded. It was strange.
The Swedish equivalent of Tom Poti should feel shame.
They weren’t really silenced until 0:00, but they brought some voice on a weeknight, good stuff.
"I know it holds 17 1/2 beers."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 5, 2010 10:28 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Where’s that Jason Chimera we were promised?
That’s what we were saying at the game!
Despite a snoozer of a first period, it ended well. Nice to see Flash hit the back of the net – and Semin too.
by mercurialwinger on Jan 5, 2010 10:36 PM EST reply actions
Could just be a systems thing he doesn’t have down yet. Remember, they’ve had only 1-2 good practices since he joined and BB’s system is clearly so complicated that a 37 year old Swede can’t figure it out…so maybe it will just take Chimera a week or two to be completely trusted by his coaches.
We also heard he could kill penalties but he hasn’t been put out there in that role much yet. Again, a few practices under his belt and he’ll be rolling for us.
JOHN CARLSON WINS FOR THE USA IN OT!
They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.
Yea, I wasn't even thinking of that
But GO CARLSON! Love it!
They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.
It's what I'm here for,
I’m good for blame :P
They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.
loving it!!!
Rock the Red! Rock the White! Rock the Blue! Rock the Pens!
by RedskinFan4Life on Jan 5, 2010 10:40 PM EST up reply actions
i’ll be #2 in line
Rock the Red! Rock the White! Rock the Blue! Rock the Pens!
by RedskinFan4Life on Jan 5, 2010 10:41 PM EST up reply actions
I believe you meant Hooks sig says -
You come at the king, you best not miss
Omar from “The Wire”
A man gotta have a code
by Carl Putnam on Jan 5, 2010 10:57 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Off-topic, but @TarikElBashir sez:
I’m hearing David Steckel has signed an extension. I’ll have to get the particulars tomorrow.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Jan 5, 2010 10:55 PM EST reply actions
yay! (that would be from the purely emotional fan perspective) Love my Wisconsinite Buckeye!
The Swedish equivalent of Tom Poti should feel shame.
I like stecks but hope this doesn’t keep us from keeping Backs, FLash, Shultz and Fehr. I would keep all of them over stecks. I feel like Fehr or Bradley will be a casualty.
by Garyland1177 on Jan 5, 2010 11:07 PM EST up reply actions
off the cuff, I’d say Fehr over Bradley, only b/c Fehr seems to end up in the doghouse (why? I don’t know) while Bradley is absolutely adored by the whole organization. But let’s wait until the detail come out before we speculate too much about who may or may not be a casualty.
The Swedish equivalent of Tom Poti should feel shame.
Do we need an advisory system a la Pensblog around here?
First off, Brads is signed through the end of next season. Svhultz, Fehr & Flash are RFA’s not UFA’s so that will dampen the kind of money they get to a degree. Still not certain Fehr will be back regardless. Baks will get paid.
A man gotta have a code
I may be alone here (but I think I’m not), but I really like Matt Bradley, and would hate to see him go. I think he’s one of those guys that brings more than his on ice stats would lead you believe, and that the locker room chemistry would suffer his loss.
"I am ready for his provocations"
by PaintDrinkingPete on Jan 5, 2010 11:42 PM EST up reply actions
But as someone pointed out he is signed through next season
by Garyland1177 on Jan 5, 2010 11:43 PM EST up reply actions
I absolutely guarantee they would not sign Steckel to anything if they thought it would negatively impact their chances of keeping those guys.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Jan 5, 2010 11:12 PM EST up reply actions
I’d say Steckel over Schultz or Fehr.
"My face is my mask."
by Jake Shapiro on Jan 5, 2010 11:12 PM EST up reply actions
He used to be able to bury that, a million years ago at BU. But yeah – go Poti!
by mercurialwinger on Jan 5, 2010 11:00 PM EST up reply actions
Hopefully this is the beginning of the curse of Mike Green!
Meaning until you do right by Mike Green, someone from DC will be there to make Team Canada very unhappy in international play.
Way to go Carlson!
Game over Green!!!!
Tourney over Carlson!!!
Ahem…I believe he already has a tailor made nickname waiting for him.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 6, 2010 2:06 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
As I told my wife after JC scored his goal. “Just one more reason for the Canadian media/hockey world to hate the Caps…”
Let them hate us so long as they fear us.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Jan 6, 2010 1:01 PM EST up reply actions
Poti looked pretty good tonight – jumping up and joining the rush, making good passes, and pinching in more aggressively in the offensive zone. However, I have to think that a large part of playing like that is being paired with a really solid stay-at-home defenseman who can cover for him, i.e. Jeff Schultz.
Forgot about that
Schultzie has really helped us in keeping these shot totals reasonable by being a solid stay at home guy. Montreal only had 3 shots in the first period
I wouldn't freak about Chimera being a nonfactor yet
Matt Cooke took a handful of games to show up as well, and he ended up doing pretty well in his short stay.
It’s a paper-thin argument based solely on optimism, but I think he’ll turn it on soon enough.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Totally!
Give him a bit more time to learn the system!, for Pete’s sake!!! He’s had what – three whole games? Ooooh.
I need a snappy signature...
As May stated in the CSN postgame show, the guy is coming from a team that played a totally different style. It’s going to take him awhile to get adjusted. That is why making this move now made so much sense. Chimera is a proven commodity, he’s not some prospect. He’ll be fine.
A man gotta have a code
Chimera has looked like a bigger, faster, and cheaper CC09, which is a start. When his BB game arrives from planet Hitchcock, PHI will be in town…
I have no doubt that he is a better player, however not that much better than CC. I honestly don’t think having him here will win us anymore games. The 2 mil freed up space is what makes this worthwhile, if at all.
by Garyland1177 on Jan 5, 2010 11:46 PM EST up reply actions
I wish Poti buried that breakaway, how awesome would that have been?
I am easily satisfied with the very best
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 5, 2010 11:29 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
love this from the Rink’s tweet page:
JBe_ 27 minutes ago
@nateewell Haven’t the last 2 teams Carlson’s been on won cups? Maybe he should hang around the Caps in April. #Carlsonwinscups ?
by cuqui on Jan 5, 2010 11:32 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Considering Nyls isn’t an issue, I don’t see why he wouldn’t be up at the start next year, like Alz should have been.
by DrinkingPartner on Jan 5, 2010 11:39 PM EST up reply actions
I have little doubt that will be the case next October
by Garyland1177 on Jan 5, 2010 11:40 PM EST up reply actions
I’m thinking June might be better than April.
by mechanicsville on Jan 6, 2010 12:14 AM EST up reply actions
I hope this inspires the all grown up team
by Garyland1177 on Jan 5, 2010 11:30 PM EST up reply actions
tourney over!!!
Now that you know how to make Canadians unhappy Carlson, it’s time to help Hershey and get ready for DC!
Yep. He gets on a plane to Winnipeg to meet the Bears for their games against Manitoba.
IS KEPTIN NOW
Good god, you guys, what an unexpectedly amazing night for Caps nation.
by mercurialwinger on Jan 5, 2010 11:31 PM EST reply actions
I’ve watched it like 10 times tonight…they keep replaying it on NHL Network. It’s gonna be a highlight reel goal forever. And he’s ours!!!!
It was good meeting everybody that I met tonight! Hooray!
The artist formerly known as thehoagster07
by what Juneau about that? on Jan 5, 2010 11:42 PM EST reply actions
Sorry I didn’t make it over. I was in a shitty mood after being in the worst seat in the entire fucking building, in front of two jabbering shitbags that I eventually had to shout into silence and shame (dealt with all their shit until the fucks started mocking the organic USA chants).
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
They weren’t even Canadian. They were mocking O Canada at the beginning of the game as well. Worst to people on the planet, hope nothing but bad things come their way.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
They weren’t aware of the game, I guess? They just kept saying “stu-pid-chant” in time to “U-S-A” and cackling about it like a couple of fat cartoon witches. This was all night long. I couldn’t not blow up on them.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I would have rather sat in an entire section of leaners.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
They were that bad? Sweet Baby Jesus.
Yea, totally deserved a yelling.
I am easily satisfied with the very best
You should've acted like you were on X and gay-ed them away from you
by Area 51 Forever on Jan 6, 2010 1:14 AM EST up reply actions
X? Ecstasy? I’m so confused. I have no clue what you kids talk about these days!
I am easily satisfied with the very best
Good to see the Caps bust out of their slump. And definitely good to see Semin be a large part of that (it’s a tease but I still enjoy when he plays the way he can).
But for the much bigger news of the night:
U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A! John Carlson is a beast. Can’t wait to see him wearing a Caps jersey every two or three nights or so.
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 6, 2010 12:17 AM EST reply actions
2nd Period Entertainment
Not sure if anyone caught this, but the 2nd intermission “puck race” was won by the girl even though she came in third. The two doofus guys finished first but they used the wrong color balls. In the wrap-up, Wes congratulated her and said “guys, next time know your balls!”
My wife and I looked at each other and broke up.
Just shoot me.
Hey everyone I'm a new found diehard caps hockey fan (props to NHL 08, 09, 10 for that) and I just joined
I was wondering why BB can’t just scratch Shamo and play Alzner? Is it just me or is Alzner like way better than him (personaly I think he is worthy of being top4 D)
by Area 51 Forever on Jan 6, 2010 12:54 AM EST reply actions
Yo, I'm really happy for you, but
Your lack of avatar is the worst thing of all time, of all time!
I am easily satisfied with the very best
Its miikka kirusoff's hacky sack save on malhotra in Dec
aka the nastiest save ive ever seen, which was not luck btw because he saw the puck the whole time.
by Area 51 Forever on Jan 6, 2010 9:31 PM EST up reply actions
On a slightly related note:
Someone was sitting in my seat tonight. He had a ticket for my seat too, I had the season ticket holder copy and we had plenty of room so he moved, but it was strange.
I am easily satisfied with the very best
They were legitimate looking tickets, I can’t imagine why the seats would have been on ticketmaster, but It happened with the people around me too, so it has to have been a ticket distributing fail.
I am easily satisfied with the very best
Notes from the Couch… (after the CAR game, we’ve been banned from going until later in the month).
-Poti was all over the place tonight.
-May have been one of the first games I’ve ever seen where half of the goals were of the flukey kind, and the Caps still won.
-Lines looked good tonight. Even the Chimera/Mo/Fehr line. Bradley played huge tonight as did QL.
-Speaking of QL, he’s quietly putting up some games that make us all remember why we fell in love with him 2 years ago. The guy’s blocking shots and killing penalties like a champ right now. His diving/sliding defensive move at the goal line at 5on5 late in the game was fantastic.
-I do think there may be a little truth to Semin’s joke, but I think the turn around has more to do with the Caps finally catching up to their schedule. Here’s to a 9-home-game-month to right the ship.
-Mentioned this in the 3rd period thread. IF/Until we get our VA plates, I would be willing to use Semin strangling a Hab during the scrum at the end of the 2nd as my profile pic if someone can screen Cap that.
The scrum at the end of the 2nd was the one at Neuvy’s net, right? I’ve got some photos of it. Semin was more like bear-hugging the Hab, but I’ll crop ’em and post ’em if you want ’em.
by mercurialwinger on Jan 6, 2010 10:45 AM EST up reply actions
I would be willing to use Semin strangling a Hab during the scrum at the end of the 2nd as my profile pic if someone can screen Cap that
Or do you mean when he got taken down after he scored? The expression on his face made me so happy… I’ll try to work on it when I get home tonight, if no one beats me to it.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Jan 6, 2010 1:07 PM EST up reply actions
That may have been the third, he had his stick just under a Hab chin in a scrub around the net, LAPD style.
"I know it holds 17 1/2 beers."
this one. Wasn’t a bear hug. He full on had the stuck under the guy’s chin holding him back. Best view is from the replay of the scrum…
I thought I recorded the game, but I was wrong. And the video from capitals.nhl.tv isn’t good enough for a capture. Sorry.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Jan 6, 2010 9:29 PM EST up reply actions
Totally disagree on Chimera
The guy was flying last night. One one play in particular during the second period, he caught the opposing d-man from about 20 feet behind on the forecheck, beat him to the puck, and then helped hold it in for a solid 35-40 seconds of offensive-zone cycling including a couple of decent scoring chances. His speed and willingness to forecheck caused the whole thing, and it’s the kind of play that the Caps typically haven’t made this season.
Last night, he looked like exactly what I thought we’d get: Matt Bradley’s work ethic and willingness to forecheck married to world-class speed and better hands. The guy only skated a skosh over 11 minutes last night, and stood out positively on a few occasions. Once he gets acclimated to the system, he’ll likely start getting a bit more ice time and he’ll stand out a bit more often.
Still sore...
Just Sayin'
The second goal came after two failed Poti PK clears.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
Day Old Observations from Section 421
Why? Because I can, and because I had no time to do anything at the office today…
1) It is a thing of beauty to watch the Caps when they are firing on all cylinders in the attack zone. 43 shots on goal in 60 minutes. The goals were good shots other than the pinball shot, but even then, good things happen when pucks go to the net.
2) Despite the fact that Neuvy played pretty well, I’m not so sure that he was the best goalie in the game last night. Price was outstanding, and if he’s having an average night, the Caps might have had 6 or 7. He had several outstanding saves that most goalies don’t make. Heck, Price had a .907 save percentage for the game (39 of 43).
3) Flash has been playing well all year, but he really looked great last night. He had 3 points, but if not for Price, he could have had 5 or 6.
4) Semin needs to get angry before each game… he really plays well when he’s angry…are they sure Green is the Hulk and not Semin?
5) There needs to be something to make it easier to get down the escalator after the game from the upper deck…yeah, I know, it’s not Caps related, but still…
6) Where the hell were the Montreal fans sitting? I heard them every so often, but I couldn’t find where the group was…
Great effort, and well earned 2 points. And tomorrow Ottawa. I won’t be there (sorry) but I’ll be able to catch it on TV.
Let's go Caps!
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Florida
|
53 | 25 | 17 | 11 | 61 |
|
Washington
|
54 | 28 | 21 | 5 | 61 |
|
Winnipeg
|
56 | 26 | 24 | 6 | 58 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
53 | 23 | 24 | 6 | 52 |
|
Carolina
|
55 | 20 | 25 | 10 | 50 |
(updated 2.10.2012 at 9:27 AM EST)
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