Recap: Caps 5, Senators 2
by J.P. on Jan 7, 2010 10:34 PM EST
in Game Recaps
Email
Print
[AP Recap - GameCenter - Game Summary - Event Summary]
In some ways, tonight's 5-2 Caps victory over the visiting Senators was closer than the score. The hosts held a 2-0 lead after one period, but failed to extend their lead to three when given back-to-back power plays in the middle stanza before allowing Ottawa to cut that lead in half heading to the third.
But the killer instinct that was lacking in the middle frame showed up in the third (aided by Sens netminder Pascal Leclaire's gaffes on a couple of Nicklas Backstrom tallies), and the Caps are suddenly hot again, winner's of two-straight with victories over a pair of foes from the Great White North. Consider that in the past two games, Washington's cumulative shot total (81) and shot differential (plus-27) represent the second-highest marks in those metrics on the season, and there's every reason to believe that things are back on track after a brief West Coast derailment.
Ten more notes on the game:
- Bruce Boudreau may have downplayed the importance of tonight's start for Jose Theodore, but if you believed that, you probably believed people would tune in to watch a star-less hockey game played in a baseball stadium. For his part, Theodore responded with a strong effort, playing his angles well, controlling his rebounds and only being beaten by an unlucky bounce and a bad defensive breakdown. He's got a long way to go to reach "redemption," but tonight's performance had to help his confidence and that of those around him.
- Backstrom was terrific, with two goals and an assist, his fifth multi-goal game of the campaign. And while it's easy to blame Leclaire on each of the Swedish pivot's markers, the threat of the pass from such a superb playmaker had to contribute, at least in part, to the Ottawa netminder's baffling play on the goals. Backstrom is such a good passer that it opens up shots, and the more he shoots, the more defenses have to respect the shot, which opens up passing opportunities. Put another way, he's awesome.
- On a night when the Caps' second-most offensive-minded blueliner - Brian Pothier - returned to the lineup, four other Caps defensemen had helpers, with only John Erskine and Potsy being left out of the rearguard scoring parade (and only Shaone Morrisonn and Jeff Schultz failing to register a shot on goal among all skaters).
- Back to Erskine for a moment, five blocked shots and five hits speak to how solid his game was, and drawing a penalty? There's the cherry on top.
- Mike Green's first period hit at the Caps blue line look nice, but you know what you can't do when you're standing over someone adjusting your helmet after you've hit them? Play defense. Then again, considering the defense he did play on the first Ottawa goal, maybe more primping would've been preferable.
- Alex Ovechkin's undressing of Matt Carkner on the captain's 27th goal of the year was a thing of beauty, and his two assists, ten shots on goal and plus-four rating also stand out. But perhaps the most impressive part of his game tonight was his backchecking, and that won't show up on any stat sheet. Could one letter make the difference?
- Tomas Fleischmann was good in the dot, and he looks comfortable at center (I'll hold off on "great" for now), more like he's willing to try and make things happen rather than let the game come to him. The fact that he's won 18 of 24 on draws doesn't hurt either. With Brendan Morrison continuing to struggle, Flash stepping in (and up) at center is a godsend... at least in the short-term.
- Boyd Gordon's an odd one. He can skate, he has good awareness, and every once in a while he pulls out a relatively impressive offensive play like he did on the game's first goal. And yet he's basically a 5-8 goal, 15-20 point guy, tops. I suppose he looked a lot more like he did tonight back in Red Deer... before he became a mid-first round pick.
- If Jason Chimera was looking for a moment to introduce and endear himself to his new home crowd, he probably could have found a spot in the third period when Chris Neil started running around picking on smaller players.
- As good as Alexander Semin was on Tuesday night, he was as unimpressive tonight, finishing with a minus-one rating (one of only two Caps to end the evening on the wrong side of zero, Brooks Laich being the other) and had the worst Corsi rating of any forward in the game not named Jesse Winchester.
A game like Tuesday night's calms the nerves. A game like tonight's continues to renew the confidence. Another couple and full-fledged optimism might even sneak back into our lives. Next up: the Thrashers in Atlanta on Saturday.
Game highlights:
108 comments
|
3 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
I've said it in the GDT...
but I will say it again. Most impressive stat of the night: Sha-Mo got one point.
Support bacteria - they're the only culture some people have.
Trade him while his value’s high!
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
He’s worth every wooden nickel!
Support bacteria - they're the only culture some people have.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 7, 2010 10:54 PM EST up reply actions
That’s an up arrow!
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
Week’s not over yet.
"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."
Sha-Mo got one point
It’s a Morrison hat trick! Everyone should have thrown their hats on the ice for that.
I loved Gordon’s goal. The result of some real scrapping by three guys in the crease. Now that’s a thing of beauty! We need more of that.
For him to be rewarded after all his injuries and games missed put a great big smile on my face. He deserves some better luck, and hopefully he can have a positive second half. Go BoGo!
I also like jumping out of tall buildings.
http://twitter.com/sasanmousavi <-- My two cents.
by Steck It Out on Jan 7, 2010 11:03 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
(promotion of Payless Shoe Source sale not intended)
I also like jumping out of tall buildings.
http://twitter.com/sasanmousavi <-- My two cents.
by Steck It Out on Jan 7, 2010 11:05 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Have Becca and DMG abandoned you J.P.?You seem to be getting all the recaps these days. Are they on strike?
Support bacteria - they're the only culture some people have.
They just work here.
I also like jumping out of tall buildings.
http://twitter.com/sasanmousavi <-- My two cents.
by Steck It Out on Jan 7, 2010 11:05 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 8 recs
I can relate. Just got a call from the Apple Store, though – mine’s ready :)
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
Oh, not literally – more of a “shattered stick” joke that…failed. See, THIS is why I’m not allowed to write recaps anymore! ;)
(Until this weekend, mayhaps.)
AHAAAA ...
Great game Erskine! Perhaps the gripers got this wrong & you’re really not the problem in the Alzner/Erskine pairing???**!! Congrats on the good effort & performance tonight!!!
Perhaps if Erskine played every game like he did tonight, you would have a valid point.
The artist formerly known as thehoagster07
by what Juneau about that? on Jan 8, 2010 1:22 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Couldn’t have said it better myself.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 8, 2010 2:31 AM EST up reply actions
I’d settle for half of ’em (with him sitting for the other half, of course).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jan 8, 2010 6:42 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I suck at hockey, but I would dominate Mites on Ice
Perhaps the fact that we were playing an Ottawa team that was offensively challenged before losing guys like Alfredsson, Spezza and Michalek had something to do with it?
If the last week has made anything clear, it’s that Erskine can play against the Chris Neils Jarkko Ruutus of the world, but that he’s hopelessly lost against the Patrick Marleaus.
You know that that makes him on a team with Stanley Cup pretensions? A sixth defenseman at best, and ideally a guy who sits in the press box.
You're the future of this team's defense Karl. . . Now get your ass to Manitoba!
Good take. I wonder how he would have looked if OTT had their 3 best forwards in the lineup. And to win the Cup we are going to see more teams with Patrick Marleaus than teams with Chris Neils and Jarkko Ruutus (though we’ll surely have to deal with both).
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
if you believed that, you probably believed people would tune in to watch a star-less hockey game played in a baseball stadium.
This post deserves a rec for this alone. Fantastic.
"Oh, the usual. I bowl. Drive around. The occasional acid flashback."
by The Ghost of Bebop on Jan 7, 2010 11:06 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Pretty much just got back from the game. Whatever was said in the locker room during the second intermission, it worked. So, now I wonder, should I go to the viewing party on Tuesday, and have 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."
Can’t join you; I’ll be live at the Tampa game (woo vacation / business install). I think I;ll have my wings Saturday evening over the Atlanta game.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
I’ll be live at the Tampa game too. Yes, we’re planning a winter vacation in Florida to coincide with the Caps’ road trip there.
(Will there be more Caps fans than Bolts’ fans there? Ha! Ha!)
Rocking the Red since 1975
Because I promised... two Laich pix for the Laich-Lovers!
Enjoy! I’m heading for bed… sleeeepy!
I need a snappy signature...
Brooks looks like he’s about to talk to a girl. “So I got this friend, he’s kind of a baby face. He’s the one right behind me. Yeah! He’s kind of cool.”
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 7, 2010 11:12 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
He looks like he just got a Nintendo 64 for Christmas.
"My face is my mask."
by Jake Shapiro on Jan 7, 2010 11:17 PM EST up reply actions
You got the exif info for the shot? I think I asked a while back and you mentioned you have a Canon L lens? Just an avid photography fan and always curious for info about how/what others shoot. Thanks for any info (and for all the pics you take all the time)!
Actually, I shoot a Sony Alpha 100 with a Sony 75-300mm f4.5/5.6 lens…
The first shot was ISO 800, 1/40 second @ f5.6 @140mm digital (210mm for 35mm film)
The second was the same. :-)
I need a snappy signature...
Thanks for the info! They let you take SLRs into games no problem? Or do you have special dispensation?
Cool. I have a similarly equipped Canon.
For some reason Leclaire seemed to have Ovie’s number for the first 58 minutes tonight, even though he was giving up softies to Backstrom like they were going out of style. It was pretty much going to take that move by Ovie to beat him. Sick sick goal.
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Jan 7, 2010 11:12 PM EST reply actions
Yea Ovie’s was sick. But what was the deal with Semin taking a slapshot on the break?
by Knubles and Bits on Jan 7, 2010 11:14 PM EST up reply actions
I remember when I was still playing NHL 2K7, Sasha with the slapper on the break was good for the goal every time. Maybe that’s what he was thinking? Unfortunately this isn’t X-Box, however, or the Caps would be good for 6 of the next 9 Cups.
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Jan 7, 2010 11:19 PM EST up reply actions
Yea it was very un-Sasha like. Maybe he was trying to catch Leclaire of guard, but I was expecting something smoother for sure.
by Knubles and Bits on Jan 7, 2010 11:23 PM EST up reply actions
Wrist?
When 8 was out and 28 was playing through a wrist ailment, all you saw from him was slappers. Now he’s nursing something per various, and winding up on early breakaway. Maybe related.
True
And that slapper he had from the circle on Tuesday was a laser. So I’m not hating on Sasha taking more slapshots, I just didn’t really think the breakaway was the best time for it.
by Knubles and Bits on Jan 7, 2010 11:25 PM EST up reply actions
Agreed, I remember Feds trying (and failing) something similar last year. And I think Sasha did the same thing, and failed, on a shoot out attempt earlier this year. But come to think of it, I can’t remember the last time he converted on a break. FWIW if I had to pick one Cap to go one on one with a goalie in just about any situation, I am going Backstrom. Dude’s money.
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Jan 7, 2010 11:27 PM EST up reply actions
I’m taking Bradley in that situation. With Backstrom a close second.
by Knubles and Bits on Jan 7, 2010 11:30 PM EST up reply actions
You’re foolishly overlooking Boyd Gordon, shootout specialist. But I’m going 19, whose cool precision with the puck amazes me.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m taking Bradley on shear awesomeness alone.
by Knubles and Bits on Jan 7, 2010 11:43 PM EST up reply actions
But if Lundquist is in net. I take Brads over anyone in the league.
by Knubles and Bits on Jan 7, 2010 11:47 PM EST up reply actions
No hate inferred. I think breakaway slapper is not very Semin—so artless!, especially when you’re skating as lonesome as he was.
I’m glad Theo proved my prediction wrong( 6-4 Caps). He did well and the defence did also( except for the 2nd goal against)
Flash looks suprisingly comfortable at c. I didn’t think he’d take to it this quickly.
Puting the C on AO seems to have righyed the ship.
Well done guys, well done.
If you don't wanna get hit, KEEP YOUR HEAD UP!
Another thing that was really, really nice? Knuble’s goal. Sweet shot right there.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
Yeah, I was gonna say. It was very un-Knuble of him, but a great shot.
"My face is my mask."
by Jake Shapiro on Jan 7, 2010 11:33 PM EST up reply actions
AO can’t shoot on the backhand because his stick is so curved.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
Stan Mikita says “Troof”
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 7, 2010 11:22 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Backhands are overrated… along with Crosby :)
"When I look at the net I don't see a goalie." - Pavel Bure
Backhands are overrated… along withCrosby
Selective vision.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
by winterion on Jan 7, 2010 11:43 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Chimera and Neil were also jawing at each other in the first. I haven’t really seen Chimera fight, but it seems like Neil may be out of his class (in skill, not size).
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
To be clear, you’re saying that Neil is probably a much better fighter than Chimera, right? That I agree with. Just wasn’t sure if that’s what you meant based on how you phrased it.
Can’t Youtube it here at work, but one of Brash’s best fights as a Cap was the absolute mauling of Neil a couple of seasons ago. Gotta hand it to Neil, he can take a punch.
Yeah, Neil is a better fighter and probably would have fed Chimera his lunch. Neil fights a lot more and goes up against heavyweights from time to time.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 8, 2010 1:26 PM EST up reply actions
I agree, but I think the other reason that Chimera backed down was because the first time Neil challenged him it was still only a 2 goal game. Not the time to give OTT a momentum boost so Chimera didn’t accept the challenge. I have no problem with that.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
by Rob Parker on Jan 8, 2010 2:17 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Today was a game where the heroics were the 1st and 4th liners. (Tuesday’s game was the 2nd and 3rd liner show).
The guys certainly know how to spread the wealth.
Rocking the Red since 1975
two nice salutes
There was a good video showing all the Caps-tains—with a solid break for us to cheer Chris Clark—shown at the booth tonight.
I also enjoyed a video tribute to young American John Carlson, with recent video and a ‘property of’ sticker.
Awesome game tonight, got to go to my third of the season and so far the Caps are 3-0 (so give me your tickets, the broke college kid). Like said above the tribute to Clark and Carlson were very nice and neat little USA chant in my section at least after they showed it. Was sitting 2 rows back from someone wearing a Colgate shirt and made me think of this blogs leading commenter right away
"Ovechkin is as subtle as a shot of vodka."
Ha. Wasn’t me but I was at the game (and rocking a Colgate hoodie under my jersey). The USA chant was awesome. Loved the reaction for JC.
Now let's say you and I go toe to toe on bird law and see who comes out the victor.
You went to Colgate, F&B? I went to Clarkson, so I have a very soft spot for Clarkie. Wish I’d been there last night to see a little homage paid to #17… I’ll at least have his sweater forever.
"If you want money go to the bank, if you want bread go to the bakery if you want goals go to the net." - #21
we went nuts for Carlson. when it died down, I asked my brother “Do you know why you were ringing that cowbell and screaming your head off?”
“Nope, but everyone else was and y’all obviously love that kid. Plus, you know, he beat the fucking Canadians and that’s pretty much all the reason I needed!”
The Swedish equivalent of Tom Poti should feel shame.
Verizon staff confiscated a “Free Gil” sign. A little Snyder-esque?
No. Arenas deserved his suspension. Ovi didn’t.
IS KEPTIN NOW
As i was walking out of VC i saw a drunk guy puking holding a cardboard sign on the back of a bud light box that said “Free Gil” so either one got in or this guy never made it to the game
"Ovechkin is as subtle as a shot of vodka."
It’s FREE GIL, as in, take him for nothing. Free, here he is. Have him. He’s yours.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Jan 8, 2010 8:49 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Gil?
Gil who? Gilbert Delorme? Rod Gilbert? Hal Gill?
Maybe Stan Gilbertson? He played for the Caps from 1974-76 (in the bad old days) and had his career cut short when he lost part of a leg in a car wreck… :(
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stan_Gilbertson
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 8, 2010 11:07 AM EST up reply actions
Don’t try that shit on me, I practically invented pretending not to know who athletes from other sports are.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Jan 8, 2010 12:15 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I don’t know… granted I don’t know the circumstances, but I’m not a fan of teams restricting non-offensive, non-obstructing signage. I guess you could make the case for this possibly being offensive (especially in the house that Abe built)… but I’d like to see them let this one go.
DC, where Hockey is a baffling ordeal.
by Chris meet Alex on Jan 8, 2010 1:43 PM EST up reply actions
Observations from the Sofa...
I would have been at the game, but I had to do a bunch of stuff for the office…thankfully I could do it at home on my laptop in front of the TV…
1) Backstrom – Awesome game. He looked strong in every aspect, and he made Leclaire look silly…alot. I think part of the reason he was able to score on that wrap around was that Leclaire knew Ovie was on the other side of the net. If he gets over to cover the post, Nick takes one more stride and slides the puck to the new captain for the goal. That and Backstrom beat him to the post anyway.
2) Despite the fact that the goal in the last minute only made the score 5-2 instead of 5-1, Craig Laughlin admonished the team for being lazy. Good for him! Hopefully Bruce will do the same.
3) Theo made some saves when he had to, and looked good doing so. I really think the Caps are set in net and will be “goaltender-by-committee” for the rest of the season unless an astonishing rental falls into their laps as it did in 2008.
4) Leclaire, despite one, arguably two soft goals, also made a couple of tough saves early on. He probably should have given up 5 tonight, just not the 5 he did.
5) Yes Mr. Semin, when the goalie stays close to the net on a breakaway, you’re supposed to pick a spot and shoot at it. No, you’re not supposed to use a slap shot and hit the guy in the pads. Aim for the corner (high stick side is usually a good spot…)
6) Chimera should have found a way to get into Neil’s mush. Even if they didn’t fight, he has to be the guy who lets opponents know that they can’t push around Flash, Ovie, etc. It’s either that, or Semin’s “Fists O’ Fury”…
7) I know Brooks Laich played last night…right? Most games you see him, but it was a very quiet night for him. Then again, playing 15-18 minutes and not being noticed isn’t always a bad thing. It means you’re not making mistakes…
8) Finally Erskine… where the heck has this John Erskine been the past couple of weeks. Hopefully he will keep this up against Atlanta and their talented forwards…
A great effort and free wings for those who were there!
Let's go Caps!
5) Yes Mr. Semin, when the goalie stays close to the net on a breakaway, you’re supposed to pick a spot and shoot at it. No, you’re not supposed to use a slap shot and hit the guy in the pads. Aim for the corner (high stick side is usually a good spot…)
Do you honestly think he DIDNT aim for a spot?
by highslot84 on Jan 8, 2010 11:16 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Playing 18 minutes and not getting noticed isn’t a bad thing for a defenseman, but it definitely is for Laich. He has been in a bad funk for a while now.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 8, 2010 1:30 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
The Vault
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- Why the Devils and the Kings are evidence the Capitals shouldn’t trade Alex Ovechkin
- Eulogy: Remembering the 2011-12 New York Rangers
- Stanley Cup Final: 5 keys for New Jersey Devils and Los Angeles Kings
- Friday’s Three Stars: Devils head to Final; Brodeur, Kovalchuk the difference in Game 6
- Devils eliminate Rangers in Game 6, ending fear of the past, setting course for the future
