Recap: Bruins 4, Caps 1
by Becca H on Oct 21, 2010 10:30 PM EDT
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[NHL.com Recap - GameCenter - Game Summary - Event Summary - Faceoff Summary - Corsi/Fenwick - Shift Charts - Head-to-Head - Zone Starts]
After Tuesday's 3-1 loss to the Bruins, Bruce Boudreau responded to the lack of offense by mixing up the lines and challenging his top line of Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and Mike Knuble to simply be better.
At times it seemed to have worked. Marcus Johansson's promotion to the second line turned out to be surprisingly successful, the first line generated some decent chances and 39 shots ended up on net... but at the end of the night, the result was the same. And with another uneven performance by the Caps and with Tim Thomas playing the hero for the second straight game, the Caps head home with their first losing streak of the season firmly in hand.
Ten more notes on the game:
- Okay, let's just get this part over with quickly, like ripping off a bandage. Tim Thomas was a stud, okay? There, I said it. Yes, fine, 38 saves on 39 shots is pretty darn impressive, especially when 8 of those shots are coming off the stick of one Alex Ovechkin. Thomas was seeing everything (which is a problem) and stopping everything he saw (which is an all too familiar problem).
- Of course we'd be remiss if we didn't mention the fact that, despite a solid game, Tim Thomas didn't finish the evening on a perfect note. Heh. Sure, the scoresheet may say that Jason Chimera's goal late in the third was unassisted, but that was a big, fat, juicy assist for Thomas. Reminiscent of Johan Hedberg's beautiful pass right to Brooks Laich back at the Caps' home opener, no? Too bad it couldn't have happened a few more times...
- Despite not getting much help in his first full game of the season, Semyon Varlamov put up a valiant effort of his own in net for the Caps. Rebounds were a bit too juicy at times, but he looked relatively comfortable and wasn't caught scrambling around all that much.
- So...remember those heady days of the perfect penalty kill? Yeah, those are gone. Part of the success of the PK to this point was the Caps' ability to roll four units, with short shifts and aggressive clears keeping anyone from getting too winded. That's great, except when you don't clear the puck, get hemmed in your own zone and can't change. The Bruins figured it out and abused it, piercing the Caps for not one, not two, but three goals with the extra man. Ouch.
- Before tonight's game, there was some apprehension about Marcus Johansson's debut on the second line - and rightly so, as the youngster had just 6 NHL games under his belt coming into this one. Apparently we had nothing to worry about, as Marcus settled in just fine alongside Alexander Semin and Brooks Laich. The second line was consistently one of the best all night as a result, with Johansson helping to create some excellent plays and even finishing with a very respectable five faceoff wins in nine chances.
- It's somewhat shocking that we're seven games into the season and we're still talking about the power play's failure to connect, but there it is. Another rough night with the extra man goes in the books, as what was once a strength has now apparently become a weakness. When Mike Green was healthy it seemed like the power play was starting to come back to life; with him out, you start to see just how much they miss him.
- Earlier today Boudreau addressed the effectiveness, or lack thereof, of his top trio, saying "those guys have to be able to do it". And they did...something. Not sure it was 'it', but they certainly generated more chances than they have in previous games and combined for a whopping 17 shots on goal. Still, they seemed a little off and once again were dinged for a minus-one each.
- Every single center who took more than one draw finished with a win percentage of at least 50%... except one. So congrats, Flash, on your impressive three faceoff wins. Kudos.
- I certainly hope everyone was taking notes while Bruce was screaming at his troops halfway through the game, because some of those words will be on a quiz at the end of the season.
- Looking at the shot totals alone, it would seem the Caps had a pretty even game, with a lucky thirteen shots fired on the Boston net every period like clockwork. Certainly didn't feel that even, however, as the Caps came out strong early on but once again faltered in the second period before coming on slightly late in the game. Same song, different town...and it's getting old.
Two games against the Bruins and just two goals against - total - to show for it. Worse than the two, however, is the zero...as in zero power play goals, zero points for the top six forwards, and zero points. You can use the excuse of a hot goalie once more and you can claim that the team is getting better at the little things, but in the end it doesn't change the shape of that zero.
Too early to panic, of course, and with the Caps hopefully getting a few bodies back sooner rather than later the tide could change, but it's hard to overlook the fact that these are points the Caps should have captured - and simply didn't.
Game highlights:
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It seems like Boston (and other teams) learned how to beat us by watching the Montreal series. It’s going to be much harder for our team to score that it was last year.
Boston is certainly a better team than they were last year. I had originally figured Boston would be better than last year even if not as good as the year before.
Rocking the Red since 1975
MarJo and Laich were beasts tonight. The plays 90 created and his entrances into the o-zone were really good. Semin did some good work as well.
Sorry I couldn’t make it to the party. GF didn’t even get home from work till after the game started. Hope it was fun!
It was pretty obvious the Caps were going to be in trouble after they were getting stone walled the entire 1st and then let up a really late goal.
Think twice before you speak, and then you may be able to say something more insulting than if you spoke right out at once.
Suggestion for Caps at practice.
1) Many drills on how to clear the puck
2) Work on PP. (And yes, gang, it’s time to kick Ovi off the first unit so that Bruce would have the incentive to actually use the 2nd unit more. Ovi doing 2 minute shifts is counter productive.
3) Continue to work on PK since they’ve regressed. But, of course, that’s related to point #1.
Rocking the Red since 1975
I’d take Ovie off the point sometimes. If you’re going to let him play the full 2 minutes, at least take him off the point when we switch units so he isn’t gassed in a D position.
The PK was bound to have a bad game eventually.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Oct 21, 2010 10:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Unfortunately, true on your assessment of the PK. They didn’t just have a bad game but a horrible game. Total regression to the lower extreme.
Rocking the Red since 1975
And yes, gang, it’s time to kick Ovi off the first uni
Yeah, that’s where you lost me.
Because he's class, and you're not.
by Bald Pollack on Oct 22, 2010 7:30 AM EDT up reply actions 8 recs
If you kick Ovechkin off the first unit, all it means is the “second unit” is going to be out for 80% of every powerplay.
by David Getz on Oct 22, 2010 8:52 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Except that the rest of the “first unit” is better than the rest of the “second unit”.
I’ll admit that kicking Ovi off the first unit is a radical suggestion but my point is that the Power Play needs a major adjustment. And Ovi’s is playing on most PP’s long after the point of diminishing returns has been reached.
Rocking the Red since 1975
So we’re clear, your position to jump start a special teams unit that has been dormant for several games is drastically reducing the time of the team’s leading scorer?
Because he's class, and you're not.
by Bald Pollack on Oct 22, 2010 6:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Mainly because our leading scorer has been taking shifts that are way too long and, because of that, he starts losing effectiveness during that shift.
Ovi is certainly effective for one minute shifts. But after a point, say over 1:10, he gets less effective as the shift wears on.
Rocking the Red since 1975
There’s a difference between cutting down his time on the first unit and moving him to the second.
Because he's class, and you're not.
by Bald Pollack on Oct 22, 2010 9:56 PM EDT up reply actions
So I gotta ask, what was going on with the goalies in the last half of the 3rd? I was at Hard times and couldn’t hear the commentary…so Neuvy came in, then went out, then Varly came back in? I’m confused.
In other news, it makes me happy that MarJo proved me very wrong about it being too for his promotion. I hope this is a sign of good things to come from the second line. I thought that line, although held pointless, looked really good together, and I’m not too discouraged by the lack of production tonight from them.
The top line is another story. Not only am I uber frustrated by their lack of…“it”…but you can tell Ovi’s getting really frustrated as well. By the end of the game he looked furious and it looked like he’s getting a little too desperate for a goal.
Anyway, Hard Times was fun, despite the game’s result. I didn’t actually get to meet anyone which was a bummer, but it was such a nice change from my lonely days of being a Caps fan in Seattle. Thanks again to all the organizers. And here’s a vote for having the next one in VA somewhere (we didn’t get there till after 8 because of traffic and getting lost).
"Do you see my fist? It was fists like these that built quaint Canadian cities out of the harsh Canadian wilderness, etc. etc."
Not in Seattle anymore.
by SeattleCapsFan on Oct 21, 2010 10:44 PM EDT reply actions
So I gotta ask, what was going on with the goalies in the last half of the 3rd? I was at Hard times and couldn’t hear the commentary…so Neuvy came in, then went out, then Varly came back in? I’m confused.
Becca mentions it in the recap, but it was to buy time since Bruce had already used his timeout. You get some extra time if you switch the goalies out.
Think twice before you speak, and then you may be able to say something more insulting than if you spoke right out at once.
Interesting, that makes sense. Thanks.
(where is it in the recap? I can’t find it…)
"Do you see my fist? It was fists like these that built quaint Canadian cities out of the harsh Canadian wilderness, etc. etc."
Not in Seattle anymore.
by SeattleCapsFan on Oct 21, 2010 10:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Nope, I don’t mention it actually – but thanks for trying to make me sound smarter than I am, zephyr ;)
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
Thank god…I was sitting here thinking “I didn’t drink THAT many free beers, did I?”
"Do you see my fist? It was fists like these that built quaint Canadian cities out of the harsh Canadian wilderness, etc. etc."
Not in Seattle anymore.
by SeattleCapsFan on Oct 21, 2010 11:06 PM EDT up reply actions
We discussed it in the 3rd period game thread.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
…but I will gladly take credit for it, if you guys insist :)
Speaking of the goalies, a bright spot in this for me was a really random moment near the end of the game. Both goalies were on the bench and they were each leaning on the boards in pretty much the same position, masks off, chatting, sharing a little laugh…it was very cute.
And yes, it really is stupid crap like that which makes me feel a little better – what can I say? I’m a cheeseball.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
Three comments I’d like to make off the bat:
1) 1:52. What’s that number, you ask? The length of Alex Ovechkin’s shift that ended with the Bruins scoring their second goal. Two of his previous three shifts were 2:09 and 1:53 in duration (and only the former was a PP shift). Get a grip, Bruce – AO won’t do it himself.
2) David Steckel must not have gotten the “more aggressive PK” memo, because he was standing around flat-footed in no-man’s land on the first Boston PPG.
3) Thanks to everyone who came out to Hard Times – great to see you all.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 21, 2010 10:45 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
My comments on your comments.
1) Length of Ovi’s shifts — that’s what I’ve been harping on, all last year and this year.
2) While I didn’t notice Steckel in particular, the PK seemed to be reverting to last year’s style.
Rocking the Red since 1975
1) Length of Ovi’s shifts — that’s what I’ve been harping on, all last year and this year.
JP and a lot of the Rink have been harping on that for at least 2 years. (as well as mike greens TOI)
Think twice before you speak, and then you may be able to say something more insulting than if you spoke right out at once.
No wonder I’ve been calling for Ovi to get moved off the first unit so that the other guys can learn to work as a unit and so that our 2nd PP unit can actually get used and so Ovi can be reasonably fresh.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Ugh. Didn’t see the game but it didn’t sound pretty. Reading about Chimera’s goal I would rather Thomas got the shutout. Maybe BB should have called that timeout after the icing. This is starting to get ugly. This team is far more fragile than the last couple years and I think the weaknesses are being exploited. Flash sucks.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
by Rob Parker on Oct 21, 2010 10:45 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
A period of about 12 minutes from the end of the first to the midway point of the 2nd was pretty ugly. It felt like lack of success on the PP was the catalyst for our game starting to go downhill…that and frustration at not having broken through because we were definitely the better team through most of the 1st period.
Seemed to re-gather our game towards latter half of 2nd and start of the 3rd. 2nd line was consistently dangerous, and while Thomas was good, guys probably should have buried one or two chances. It wasn’t our worst performance of the year, although that period of time at the start of the 2nd was really bad.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Oct 21, 2010 10:53 PM EDT up reply actions
If we’re thinking about the same play, Locker said Bruce signaled a time out, but the officials didn’t see it, and dropped the puck. From the game report, it looked like they took it after the second Boston goal, so when the Caps went on the PP in the third, Bruce “manufactured” a timeout by changing goalies, sending Neuvy out long enough to bring him back in. Somewhere in the chaos, the Caps ended up with too many men on the ice, so Bruce send Varly back out to for the PK from the bench minor, and we saw the results….
Don’t make fun of my obsession over ketchup dispensers ever again! ;) Ted Leonsis
It’s seven games into an 82 game season, so I’m hardly going to panic. Truth be told, I’m happy to see them hit this rough patch. This group needs to experience some adversity to put last season behind them and figure out what they’re made of and now’s the best time for it to happen. Let’s see how they respond on Saturday night and then the three game road trip. And for all the Green haters out there in CI Land, you might want to revise your opinion of his value to this team.
I thought there were two telling bench shots on TV last night. The first was when BB was berating the team during the second period – didn’t seem like too many guys were paying much attention to anything he was saying. Then later Bruce was saying some thingelse and only Flash was listening and nodding. Maybe BB likes him because he’s a “yes” man. There’s no other logical explanation . . .
I was fortunate enough to get seats 5 rows from the ice for tonight’s game. The view was awesome, what we saw was a bit disappointing.
I first have to take the blame for the failure of the penalty kill. I was at the game up here during preseason when the pk streak was snapped, and of course I was here for the streak to be snapped again. Sorry, couldn’t help it. That being said I thought we had some decent chances, and the boys looked strong in the 1st. It seemed that the long change was one factor that really got them into trouble in the second. Semin’s penalty was the result of two icings in a row, and they just couldn’t get a change. I think it also showed that we miss Greenie. A lot. It seemed to me that they had a hard time having consistent breakouts throughout the game. Also, I thought the Bruins did a great job of moving the puck around on the power play, which is the best way to beat an aggressive pk. Tip of the hat to them on that.
Overall, I had a great time though. This was the first time that I’ve been that close to the ice since I was a kid at the Cap Centre. Seeing guys’ expressions as they were going by was awesome. In the corner I was seated, I saw Flash look at Chara like he was going to hit him, and so he came at Chara, Chara turned and Flash totally missed. Good moment for both a laugh and a facepalm. I have to say I’m jealous of all of you that get to see the Caps frequently at the phone booth.
Lucky! I’ve only been that close to the ice once for a game. Every other game its up in the nosebleeds.
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
Varly didn’t have a poor game at all. I thought he was good and made numerous big saves(how many odd man rushes or breakaways did he turn aside? well all of them, the D allowing a breakaway while PKing was just beyond words). Big difference was 3 of his goals against were on the PK which was just demolished by the B’s.
Even his ES goal was rough as he was getting pepper for what seemed like 10 minutes with no help from anyone in front of him(they were dog tired, but that too is their own fault).
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
I was reading Botta’s NHL notebook on Fan House. Interesting reading
Elite teams in their opinion: Chicago, Boston, Nashville, Washington
Bottom teams in their opinion: Rangers, Edmonton, Anaheim, Ottawa.
Disagree with their assessment.
My own assessment:
Elite teams (no particular order): Chicago, Boston, Pittsburgh, Vancouver
Bottom teams (no particular order): Rangers, Edmonton, Anaheim, Florida.
Justification:
1) While Nashville is a very good team and their GM has assembled a good team despite a low budget, I don’t think they quite exactly rate as elite.
2) I can’t believe they left Pittsburgh out of the elite team list
3) Agree with their assessment of the Bruins
4) Caps are not exactly elite this year
5) Agree with the assessment of Rangers. They were offensively challenged and missed the playoffs last year even with Gaborik. And now he’s out.
6) Agree with the assessment of Edmonton and Anaheim
7) Can’t believe they left Florida off the “bottom teams” list. The Panthers frankly look pathetic.
Rocking the Red since 1975
I haven’t seen the “new” Hawks since their wholesale so I’d be cautious to put them in the elite teams list.
My Elite teams would be: Pitt, Vancouver, Det, LA.
I’m a bit partial to the Kings, favorites and all. But Detroit are proven winners and will burn you given the slightest chance.
Bot teams: NYR, NYI, EDM, FLO.
Ana might be in a bad year currently but bear in mind last season they put up more points than 9 east conference teams, with more or tied in wins with also 9 East Coast teams. But I haven’t yet read the article you mention. either.
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
In any case, here’s the article:
http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2010/10/21/bottas-nhl-notebook-3-jewels-for-the-2011-draft-the-leagues/
It also talked about top prospects as well. And now I’m reconsidering my pick of Anaheim for a “bottom feeder”.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Personally, I don’t care who is elite less than ten games into the season. Wake me with a new list in April.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 22, 2010 6:56 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Not saying anyone here is saying it but if the caps ever use the we ran into a hot goaltender excuse they should indefinitely be cut and any non p player should be banned
I agree that its an excuse. If the Caps kept playing like their did in the first, or just some semblance of their game (ya know the one with strategy), it solves “hot” goaltenders.
A hot goalie didn’t stop the several empty net chances the Caps had tonight. How many times did Thomas mishandle the puck and players just plainly missed the net? Thomas did make mistakes the Caps just didn’t, ugh, capitalize on them and had every chance or reason to do so. Opening minutes of the game Backstrom missed the net while Thomas was still scrambling to get into it. With Thomas lying face down in the crease, Carlson shoots 4 ft wide. Neither had defender’s, or their shots deflected, or a meteor crashing down into the ice. They just missed.
Thomas did make a lot of great saves tonight, but the Caps had their chances.
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
Nick Backstrom is the straw that stirs the drink. When he’s stretching time, slipping passes between an angel’s eyelashes, and protecting the puck like an ex-con over a dinner plate, the Capitals win games. When he’s missing wide-open nets, shanking prettytasty rebounds, and falling off the biscuit like a pat of frozen Fleischmann’s [sic], you can save your TiVO the trouble.
#needsmoreMeanness
There's no 'i' in "team". But there's a 'nap' in "champion".
Yes we need Papa Viking aka Mean Lars back. ASAP The dynamic duo forgot the dynamic part.
I miss our baby-faced Greenie too. Our rookies are getting an awful lot of pressure, and I swear Schultz has even started to make more mistakes without his other half.
The uneven performances were going to catch up to them eventually. Without that that dreadful second period the game was competitive. With it they had no chance.
Alright, confess-how many goals are you going to make this year?
"I'm not going to tell!"
Well can you at least guarantee fifty?
"No way. I have a different objective. To win."
by capsyoungguns on Oct 22, 2010 7:29 AM EDT up reply actions
Another example
The PK last night was to me another example of the Caps not adjusting and other teams adjusting in a series. The Bruins clearly focused on one touch passes and moving the puck laterally on the blue line umbrella to keep the Caps chasing. Every pass was two steps ahead of the Caps even before they pinned us and wore down the PK unit. Their PP unit made an adjustment from one game to the next, our PK unit didn’t. Little tweaks like this can make a big difference. BB’s tweak was to put a rookie on the second line. I’m not even sure I’d call that a strategic move.
On the bright side that was the most promising game yet for MarJo. In the first couple games it seemed like his size and strength were going to be a problem all year. The last two games he has not only been getting it done with quickness, but he’s even starting to throw his body around a little and win a few stick battles. The future is definitely bright for him.
Finally, one question since I haven’t posted on any recaps thus far….Does anyone honestly believe this team has a shot to win a cup with the current D corps? In my estimation our 6/7 should be 7/8, Alzner has played at a 6/7 level thus far and we have no playable option at D who is physical (ie Erskine shouldn’t be starting). I see a play style problem there. We beefed up the physicality on some of the forward lines but did the opposite on the backline and thus far people have been setting up picnics in our crease. Even if Alzner steadies out and Carlson cuts out the turnovers, we are going to have a problem with no physical players on D.
by Potitang on Oct 22, 2010 10:16 AM EDT reply actions 2 recs
82 Games
This is one of those times where you remind yourself that the season is 82 games long, and that teams can’t give 60 minutes of effort every game over an 82 game season. Embarrassed by their opening performances in every other game thus far (and probably chided by their coaches), the Caps clearly came out of the gate looking for blood. This worked well for 19 minutes of the first period, but unfortunately, that’s when the Caps PK let them down for the first time all season.
The problem with giving an all-out effort for a period is that it can’t be sustained. If a team wants to go full-bore, it’s gotta win that period by at least a goal. Instead, the Caps went all out and shot their wad only to come up in a 1-0 hole. From a player’s perspective, that’s just brutal. The Caps probably played their second-best period of hockey this year (after the NJ second period), and lost it.
Earlier in the season, the Caps’ problem was that other teams were out-chancing them. In this game, the Caps looked to me like they generally out-chanced the Bruins in the first period and for much of the third, but they just couldn’t convert.
Other notes:
Varly looked rusty to me, particularly on Horton’s goal. I generally think that goals that go “through” goalies are bad goals, with the obvious exception of some 5-hole goals. I think Varly should have had that one, and a 2-0 game is vastly more winnable than a 3-0 game.
Flash is terrible. For all the Flash-defenders out there, this game was a glaring example of just how awful he is, despite the decent stats. Mackan moved up to the second line, and they looked strong all night. After several good performances, the third line looked invisible with the exception of some great forechecking work by Chimera. I can’t think of a single scoring chance involving Flash or Fehr.
To put it simply – removing Flash from a line makes it better (2nd line last night), while adding Flash to a line makes it worse (3rd line last night). Flash will continue to put up some decent stats on occasion because he’s so talented, but his lack of effort and hockey sense will forever doom him to being a mediocre player. He’s a modern-day Mariusz Czerkawski.
My advice to BB would be this, leave Mackan at #2C and give him PP time to get him some confidence. Let’s see now if Mackan can handle the position. If not, put Flash back there and pray for a trade.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
First Bruins PP goal
For as much as I rip on Erskine and praise Carlson, that first PP goal by the Bruins was one part David Steckel and two parts John Carlson.
Steckel let the B’s get the shot off by just standing there in the high slot (seriously, I’ve never seen a PK forward move his feet as little as David Steckel), but Carlson left Ryder all alone by the side of the net to double-team Blake Wheeler. Total rookie mistake. (Although I’m wondering what Steckel’s excuse is.)
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Hell yes. When Laughlin pulled his train across that play, I couldnt believe the extent to which he let 74 slide, calling him ‘one step away’ from where he needed to be. The D had one hand in each of Wheeler’s pockets and Ryder looked like a freakin Maytag repairman. (Now that’s lonely.)
Carlson’s got a pretty deft stick, but he seems to think he can cover one guy and his stick can cover another. Both of them misplayed their guy on that goal.
There's no 'i' in "team". But there's a 'nap' in "champion".
by redlineblue on Oct 22, 2010 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions
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