Recap: Caps 4, Thrashers 3 (OT)
by Becca H on Oct 23, 2010 10:53 PM EDT
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After a couple of ugly losses earlier in the week, an ugly win might be exactly what the doctor ordered for a team struggling to find their offense, their health and their identity. And make no mistake about it, this was an ugly game.
Not surprising, of course. The Caps were, for all intents and purposes, going with five defensemen tonight. They were enlisting two Hershey callups to round out the forwards. And they were playing an Atlanta team that has been a pain in the rear for quite awhile now. So yes, it was a frustrating, gritty, hard-working game - with a little flash and a little Flash tossed in, of course.
It is the Caps, after all.
Ten more notes on the game:
- Mike Green played a grand total of 5:24 tonight, which has to be a career low, and all but 25 seconds of that was played on the power play. But with Tom Poti out and Green not 100% yet, this was the only option that eased the burden of the other blueliners while protecting 52 from further injury. Whatever ails him was clearly impeding his usually great shot, but what a difference just having him out there with the extra man makes, eh? Green instantly makes the power play more mobile, more creative, and more than just "get the puck to Ovie and hope he scores".
- Now whether you think Green's waved-off goal was legitimately a kick or not (and I'm of the mindset that it was a redirection, not a kick), according to the letter of the law it was a good non-goal: Rule 70 states that "[a] kicked puck that deflects off the body of any player of either team (including the goalkeeper) shall be ruled NO GOAL." But I can't be the only one who thinks that's stupid, especially since the next section of the same rule allows for deflections off the stick of another player. If it doesn't hit the Atlanta player, it doesn't go in the net period...and if a frog had wings he wouldn't bump his [butt] when he hopped, right? C'est la vie.
- Ref-bashing can be fun, so let's continue, shall we? That goalie interference call late in the third was a bit questionable. Hard to see just how Alex Ovechkin could have gotten out of the way of Chris Mason when he was a) coming in at full speed and b) being shoved into Mason by an Atlanta defender. But...sure, yes, bad Ovie. Very bad.
- In the second period I predicted that the top trio of Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and Mike Knuble would strike before the middle frame was over. In hindsight, not the wisest of guesses considering how the three of them continue to look a bit out of sync - passes just going awry or bouncing over sticks, etc. At least the work ethic was (mostly) there tonight, though, and they do seem close to breaking out. The talent is there, the bounces will come.
- Just what exactly was Dustin Byfuglien doing when he ran into Michal Neuvirth full speed and threw his elbow out? Clearly he was hoping to get punched multiple times by John Erskine and then tossed out. Mission accomplished.
- Not a bad night for Erskine all around, really. Aside from being the only one to offer any sort of response to Neuvirth getting run - seriously, Dave Steckel, no one was scared of your weak cross-check and subsequent falling down action - he logged almost 25 minutes, blocked 5 shots, threw 4 hits and fired 7 shots on or toward the net. That'll do, John. That'll do.
- Amid the ugliness that was this game came the pure skill of Alexander Semin, who simply loves to play Southeast opponents and it shows. He was in great form tonight (a few characteristic turnovers aside) and as a result has his first hat trick of the season.
- A lot of the credit for that hat trick, however, goes to recently called-up Mathieu Perreault, who assisted on two of Semin's three tallies and finished the evening a plus-three. His pass on Semin's third goal was particularly stunning, while his work to fight through a trip and draw a penalty set up Semin's second. It seems we ask this about once every 3 months, but think he wants to stay?
- So far in this young season the faceoffs have been a minor point of concern - but the burden doesn't sit entirely on the centers, as the wingers have consistently sat back and assumed someone else would battle for the puck. Tonight Eric Fehr showed just what can happen when the wingers chip in, though, as Tomas Fleischmann's overtime winner was a direct result of Fehr jumping in, corralling the puck, making a nice play to get it to the net and allowing Flash to chip the rebound up over Mason.
- I know we're all hoping for the top line to get their defensive games in gear...but you have to wonder at the mindset of having those three out in the final minute of a one-goal game. Backstrom lost his man, Kane tied it up and this game went longer than it should have as a result.
With every game, with every period, you can feel things starting to gel a bit more. There are frustrating moments and bumps in the road but they seem to be decreasing by game - maybe that's just the viewpoint of a hopeless optimist, but it certainly feels like that's the case.
Regardless, the Caps come out of this one with a big two points and more importantly, a win before heading out on the annual "Horse Show" road trip. For a team that has seemed fragile at times this year, the importance of that shouldn't be underestimated.
Game highlights:
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Another odd game to watch.
Caps did pretty well in the faceoff circle (well, except Flash):
Laich: 5 of 5, 100%
Beagle: 2 of 2, 100%
Stecks: 13 of 16, 81%
Matty P: 9 of 15, 64%
Backs: 10 of 19, 53%
Flash: 2 of 8, 25%
"Because the game is not just about fighting no more. " D.J. King
Nice of Steckel to remember why he’s one this team.
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General health?
Because he's class, and you're not.
by Bald Pollack on Oct 23, 2010 11:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Guessing that Laich got all of those when Matty got thrown out of the circle?
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I didn’t see the game, due to a wedding. Were the centers Backs, MP, Flash, and Steckel, with Beagle/Laich taking faceoffs when one was tossed?
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Seems like MP worked well at 2C – but this is one game, against an opponent who is probably bottom half of the EC in talent. But it’s encouraging.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
I think Atlanta’s tougher than they’re given credit for. I know Tampa’s the trendy pick for the playoffs, but I’ve been saying Atlanta all along. They’re a good hockey club (minus Buff’s asshole antics)
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MP is a good 2C, even (maybe especially) for this team. Probably 60% of the time, I’d prefer MP to MJ90 in the 2C spot, but, of course, I was one of maybe 3 people arguing to start the Cs with 19-85-90-39. His defense will improve (shit, he’s still only 21 or 22… Is he even that old?), but he’s clearly ready to be here offensively. It just sucks (for him) that it’s going to require him to have 2-3 point nights, every night, to keep him up here, permanently.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 23, 2010 11:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Note, we were doing better during preseason when Flash was out and MP and MJ were the 2nd and 3rd centers. I think either of them are better centers than Flash.
Full disclosure: I do not dislike Flash. I actually like the guy as a player but he’s better suited as a winger than center. And, given that he’s historically been weak at defense, is probably our most expendable forward.
Statistical oddity this year. Laich and Flash are our best forwards in the Plus/Minus department. The same two guys who usually are our worse in that department among our top 9. (Well, maybe they’re getting their act more together on defense.)
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Full disclosure: I like Flash, too, but I’d trade him in a heartbeat for any of a number of things. He’s not a C, and it shows, and I don’t know what the hell BB was thinking two weeks ago when he sent MP down and kept Flash up. 2C isn’t a suitable position for a “placeholder” C, which is all he is/was. Thankfully, Flash will hopefully continue to C the 3rd line.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 23, 2010 11:53 PM EDT up reply actions
MP looked good tonight…but no better than MarJo looked against Boston. Just because Semin’s shots were going in doesn’t change that. Drunk in Baltimore as I write this but Semin’s big game and Neuvy’s timey saves seem the answer tonight.
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by Davethecapsfan on Oct 23, 2010 11:05 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
MoJo looked better against Boston in comparison to the team, to me.
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"Victory is sweetest when you've known defeat"
As in, put MoJo in this game and he doesn’t do as well. Matty is better right now, but Sammich seems to have a higher ceiling, it seems.
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"Victory is sweetest when you've known defeat"
I’d agree with that.
…btw, just so you all know, praising MP doesn’t mean I prefer him here over MarJo ;) Just want to make that clear. He was really good tonight, MarJo was really good against Boston and that’s probably a good position to be in.
Lots of talent in this here organization, no? Gosh darn it, makes a gal feel all warm and tingly. Or maybe it’s the glass of wine I just downed. Whatevs.
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But with Tom Poti out and Green not 100% yet, this was the only option that eased the burden of the other blueliners while protecting 52 from further injury.
How did this ease the burden at all? The only player it really would have made a difference to was Carlson, who would have eaten most of that PP time. The rest of the guys actually had to skate more ES and PK minutes (which are the tough minutes to play), increasing the burden. Even dressing Fahey and hiding him would have eased the burden more than dressing Green and giving him zero ES/PK time. It was dumb. Period. You can say you were more impressed with the PP, but it was still scoreless and that mobility and creativity could be coached and executed with or without Green.
Agree on the AO goalie interference. In addition to what you already said, Mason was out of the crease. What is the point of that blue paint, again?
Big Buff is a Big Douche. What a classless move. Even more disappointing? Watching Steckel skate up to him and do literally nothing. (Chimera should have gotten involved as well, but he was the second guy in and got there just before Erskine.) Good on Erskine, but he shouldn’t have had to be the guy to engage.
Erskine had a good game, but shouldn’t have been on the ice for that final minute trying to fight off an empty net situation.
Where are all the people that bitch about Fehr shooting from distance, now? (Though Mason should have caught that cleanly.)
I think BB was hoping a nice ENG would break the top line out of their funk. I don’t like it, I’d play for the win right then, but it seems like a BB move. (And as an aside, this is why I think Ryder is wrong for devaluing ENGs; if we had gotten one there, the game is over. It’s easy to say they don’t make a difference, but that’s a post-hoc interpretation. In game, an ENG is usually pretty huge.)
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
F&B – I agree that Becca’s choice of words is wrong. Having Green on the bench didn’t ease the burden of the rest of the D.
I’m thinking that they fully expected either 3 or 52 to play a full game a got caught when neither could really go.
But I agree with the decision. NHL D can play with five for one game. I would rather have those five out there than Fahey or Nycholat or whoever else was available.
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You can roll 5, but it’s not a good idea. Add in that two of them are rookies and two are Sloskine and rolling 5 is particularly bad. Fahey sucks, but even giving him the 8-10 easiest minutes would have been an improvement over what they did.
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I was kinda worried about Green sitting 20 mins on the bench and coming in cold.
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He skated a bit on TV time outs.
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"Victory is sweetest when you've known defeat"
more like thirty. I don’t think the caps got a PP until 9:30 into the second.
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Another fair point. I didn’t even tough the risk of reaggrevating the injury, but I think it was more significant than Becca implied. One of his first plays was diving to keep that puck in (a nice play, to be sure) but that’s the kind of play that can really jar your shoulder and hurt it more. Plus, when he was there he was going to go all out (and take long shifts) so he was going to have to get into a puck battle and could easily hurt himself. Just look how innocuous the initial hit was that caused this injury.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I recall Green not even showing up in the game until the first power play and was wondering what was going on but would see him skating on the ice during time outs Wondered the following:
a) Did Green aggravate his injury during warm ups (or during a very early shift that I missed)
b) Wondering why we didn’t call up a defenseman when we were calling up people at forward and goal (not that we didn’t need help in those areas but …….)
c) Wondering which forward should have volunteered to play defense so we could skate a full lineup. (We’re not the NJ Devils with no cap room for callups.) Playing with too few players is not my idea of good strategy unless we really do lose players during the game.
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as best I can tell, Green is still injured, and the plan, once Poti went down, was to only use Green on the PP. I sit behind the Caps bench in the upper level and once I noticed Green hadn’t taken a shift in the first 5 minutes, I kept my eye on him all night. He only skated PP minutes, except for those 25 seconds (before or after a PP, I can’t remember which)
Anyone know what the deal is on Poti?
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He looked super bored all night, it took forever to get a PP.
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"Victory is sweetest when you've known defeat"
Also, if the idea is that you’re managing the physical risk to Green by holding him to the PK, it doesn’t really make sense. Anything can happen on a shift, as we saw when he went splayed out on the ice keeping that puck in. It was a great play, but a physically challenging/risky one.
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Erskine had a good game, but shouldn’t have been on the ice for that final minute trying to fight off an empty net situation.
I thought he made a pretty poor play coming off that faceoff. He stepped up to shove a player (I didn’t catch which one) instead of backchecking like he should have. That breakaway almost cost the game.
"Do not be afraid to ask for credit, for our way of refusing is very polite."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 23, 2010 11:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, he’s constantly applauded for being the physical force on the blueline (sometimes deservedly so) but he has taken himself out of the play several times this season looking for a hit, and he’s also taken penalties being overly aggressive (thinking of the boarding at the end of the first). I like that he’s willing to play like that, but I wish he was more selective about it.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Hard Hat?
It was a hard hat-worthy effort for him if you ask me. His normal mistakes aside, he flat out showed up tonight. He played a good 6-8 minutes more than he should have, was the positive physical force on the blue line that you mentioned, and taught a valuable lesson to some other Caps on what it means to respond when a teammate is run recklessly. I was literally embarrassed for Steckel and what he didn’t do. Shameful.
You know I’m not an Erskine fan, but I thought he was good tonight for what he brings. As I said, he shouldn’t have been on for that final minute, but that’s not his fault. Is he going to refuse to take the ice? I didn’t love the boarding PIM but that’s just who he is at this point.
That said, hard hat is over the top in my opinion. It’s gotta go to Sasha.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I’d have given it to Matty. Kid worked his little ass off.
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I can buy that, I just think the guy that scores all 3 regulation goals when the rest of the offense is sputtering deserves it.
If you are looking at the blue collar aspect of the hard hat, then Semin probably doesn’t win it. His plays were skill, and there were certainly more gritty performances tonight, including both MP and Erskine.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Hard hat should represent something different than scoring and who the Stars of the game were. At least I thought it did. If Sasha gets it, they better put a feather in it.
by Cluster on Oct 23, 2010 11:46 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Hey, Flash’s number has been on the hard hat before. It’s not out of the question for skill to win it.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Of course not. On this team you’ll get far more game-winning performances based on skill vice physicality and grit. I just think that when the opportunity presents itself, it should be given to the more unsung-type players who step up with a big game.
It’s awarded by the guy who wore it last. I’m not about to second-guess that choice.
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Frankly, considering how I felt about Erskine last year, I think he’s playing a bit better than I expected. Especially considering the D injuries.
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Just don’t let D’ohboy hear you talking like that. He won’t like this thread.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Wait. Just you wait.
This is the thing about Erskine and Sloan – they’ll have decent games, and even good games sprinkled in throughout all the terrible and mediocre ones. Those games bend your perception of them, because they’re so salient. But it doesn’t change the fact that they suck.
That being said, this was one of Sloskine’s better games.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
It was hilarious to watch the whole Buff incident play out as Steckel and Carlson obviously knew they were supposed to get in his face, but had absolutely no desire to actually do it in case Buff decided to bring the beatdown.
I’m glad Carlson didn’t go with him, because the last thing this team needs is another injured defenseman, but Steckel has to man up a bit. You’re 6’5", not some little kid. I know Buff is big and scary, but just get in there and tussle with him. You don’t necessarily need to throw any blows.
That being said, good on Erskine for sticking up for a teammate.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
You’re a 6-5 fourth line player who makes 1.1M a year. The gloves need to come off.
by David Getz on Oct 24, 2010 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
How does it NOT ease the burden?? I’m guessing they didn’t go into this one thinking “gee, let’s just go w/ 5 guys and see what happens – fun!!” Something must have happened last minute, and if Green doesn’t skate those guys still have to play all the ES and PK minute but they have to add the PP to that list, as well.
Combine that with the fact that Carlson is clearly dealing with an injury of his own and they really had no choice. Not saying I love that they did it but if him playing in the least physical part of the game saves the other 5 even a few minutes of rest, so be it.
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by Becca H on Oct 24, 2010 12:28 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I agree with you Becca. Something was clearly wrong with Carlson, he was skating slower than normal and not playing as well. Dressing Green so he could take the 2 minutes during PPs and allow Carlson to rest so he can manage to play the rest of the game makes a lot of sense to me with Poti out and there not being any great D options to callup from Hershey. If you don’t dress Green, we would of been seeing either Sloan, Erskine, Schultz or Alzner on the PP.
How does rotating 5 D NOT ease the burden? Come again? Bust out the calculator and then get back to me. Dividing total ES + PK by 5 is going to be more minutes than dividing by 6, even if the sixth guy only takes 10 minutes. Green eased nothing because his ass was stapled to the bench all night.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I can’t believe that they couldn’t have had Fahey up here if they needed him. 6D>5D+Mike-Andre Bergergreen.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
by D'ohboy on Oct 24, 2010 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Couldn’t watch the game, unfortunately. Was Semin’s hat trick really an event deserving only spot #7 in Becca’s list of notes?..
Cup, please.
Semin’s goals were all pretty fat: a laser slapper in off the post, nice finish on a breakaway and his backhander to put us up 3-2—on a beautiful MP feed—was money.
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by bigonetimer on Oct 23, 2010 11:22 PM EDT up reply actions
MP’s feed plus Semin’s backhander on #3 was a goal-gasm.
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The whole play was sublime. 85 enticed the D up and the winger over and no-looked it over to 28.
That much said – 28’s one-time back-hand roof was also a thing of beauty.
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The chemistry was really there tonight. I had a gut feeling Sasha was gonna bring it and chose him for mobile fantasy. Score!
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it really was…21 attempts on net for that trio tonight
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by bigonetimer on Oct 23, 2010 11:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Please be aware that the notes on the game are bulletpoints, not a numbered list, and the position one falls in has more to do with my train of thought and the flow of my recap rather than what I deem to be more or less important (unless there’s somethíng REALLY crucial that needs to be dealt with right away). I promise, Sasha’s hat trick was lovely and deserving of attention.
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by Becca H on Oct 24, 2010 12:32 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
I mentioned in the recap of the Bruins game on Tuesday that Semin had some great, opportunistic takeaways in the offensive zone that led to scoring opportunities. All of his goals tonight came off of similar plays. I love this type of effort from Semin. His first goal was a hell of a shot.
Semin’s takeaways against the Bruins came as a solo effort. That, combined with Thomas’ excellent play that game, was the reason none of those quality opportunities were converted for goals. In contrast, tonight Semin had an equally determined and well-positioned linemate in Mathieu Perreault. He had one assist that was gritty and hard-working, and one assist in the form of a beautiful pass. I really like those two together.
Hopefully Perreault gets a chance to prove himself this season. He started strong in each of his call-ups last season and regressed until he was sent back to the AHL. I hope to see more consistency out of him going foreword. Tonight, consider me impressed.
I was not a fan of rolling five defensemen and having Green only in for the PP. Either Green should have played the whole game, or he should have sat. The defense struggled at times as a result. Fahey may not be the best option, but I would rather have him out there instead of rolling five D, two of whom are Erskine and Sloan. Erskine had a decent game, but I don’t want to see him get that much TOI consistently.
I pointed out last week that Neuvy seems to take some risks behind the net. He had a pretty bad blunder there in the first when he got trapped behind the goal, and Carlson had to bail him out. He also had some pretty bad rebounds. However, Neuvy made some huge saves when it mattered, so good on him. It’s a work in progress, but we need Varley to get healthy to share some of the workload.
Also, Byfuglien is a punk-ass, and Evander Kane may be the bane of the Caps’ existence this season. Kane is a hell of a player: quick, great hands. I wish he wasn’t a Thrasher.
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by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 23, 2010 11:12 PM EDT reply actions
I’m obviously a fan of MP, but I agree that it’s way too soon to talk about him winning the 2C job or a Mackan/MP combo taking the 2/3 job. But tonight was impressive, so good on him. Hopefully he learned something from last year and he can continue to keep up the strong play. If he stays with Semin I think those gwo could really be electric.
I also remember that play where Carlson bailed out Neuvy. K_C turned to me and said “I don’t know why Carlson didn’t drop to block that shot, but at least he made the play.” It was risky (in terms of health and execution) to try to block it with his foot, but he got it done, so good for him.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
That was so much harder than it had to be, but I’m glad they persevered for the win.
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"Victory is sweetest when you've known defeat"
Must disagree
on Erskine. Thought he was miserable out there. First, while you like to see him stick up for Neuvi, he eliminated 2 min of a major power play. Second, his misplay in the third as the man was getting out of the box led directly to a breakaway, and only another great save from Neuvi allowed us to get to OT. GMGM best get another d-man to DC tout de suite, because having Sloskine out on a nightly basis is a huge liability. Also, dressing 52 solely for PP duty seems a large waste of a sweater. Glad to have the 2 points, but a little distraught about the blueline.
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by Backhanded Complement on Oct 23, 2010 11:19 PM EDT reply actions
I have no problem with Erskine stepping up for Neuvy. Steckel certainly wasn’t going to do anything about it.
"Do not be afraid to ask for credit, for our way of refusing is very polite."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 23, 2010 11:21 PM EDT up reply actions
The last time Steckel fought, it really wasn’t pretty, I’m sorta okay with him stepping aside when Ersk is on the ice.
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"Victory is sweetest when you've known defeat"
He should have learned to use that size to fight a long time ago.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Perhaps, but I bet he just doesn’t want to mess up that pretty face.
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"Victory is sweetest when you've known defeat"
He’s a hack. Drop the gloves and earn that extension.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I am completely against him fighting if it endangers the face, not going to lie.
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"Victory is sweetest when you've known defeat"
I’m going to be polite and not respond any further.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I’m more joking, I wish he would fight because it’s sorta hilarious and old timey boxing.
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"Victory is sweetest when you've known defeat"
At least it inspired one of Chris meet Alex’s rejected hockey cards.
"Do not be afraid to ask for credit, for our way of refusing is very polite."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 23, 2010 11:41 PM EDT up reply actions
With respect to sticking up for Neuvy, he can’t win. If nobody does anything then we are soft and getting pushed around; if he takes the PIM then he’s dumb. I personally don’t mind giving up the 2 minutes because we still had 3 minutes of major PP time and our PP has sucked eggs anyway. This is the time of the year when you take 2 minutes just to make the point that your big asshole can’t just run our goalie.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
by Rob Parker on Oct 23, 2010 11:21 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
apologies if this was said earlier:
I was very apparent to us at the game the Green was using that right arm as little as possible. he’d skate down the ice with only his left hand on his stick. And, obviously, his shot is lacking a lot of it’s usual juice. Whatever it is, I hope he heals quick and hope to god that he didn’t cause further injury tonight (and damn lucky no one decided to take a whack at his obviously ailing shoulder)
Good god, those refs were atrocious. Bloody awful.
Early int he 1st, Neuvy did his best Hasek impression. I never want to see that again.
Well, hello there, Sasha! Not just a hattie, but a natural hattrick. Hopefully that means last year’s habit of gripping to stick waaaaaay too tight after scoring two goals will not be making an appearance this season.
Byfuglien…I think all the various names he could be called have been covered in the GDT. Bush league move.
The lack of speed on the blueline without Poti and Green is appalling.
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I don’t think it was a natural hat trick. 1-0, 1-1, 2-1, 2-2, 3-2.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
possible I’m mis-using the term. I’m thinking in terms of the order the caps goals were scored.
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I think that’s right, isn’t it. Three-in-a-row without a teammate scoring?
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Without anyone else from either team scoring.
The guy is Peter Schumpmaker. Lord knows what a schump is, but you can bet your bippy his ancestors made them. What he's doing is far worse than crafting fine schumps.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Oct 23, 2010 11:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Three in a row without anyone else scoring, regardless of team. Like NBA Jam.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Or NHL Hitz. Three unanswered one-timer goals makes your whole team catch on fire.
"Do not be afraid to ask for credit, for our way of refusing is very polite."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 23, 2010 11:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Literally on fire?
The guy is Peter Schumpmaker. Lord knows what a schump is, but you can bet your bippy his ancestors made them. What he's doing is far worse than crafting fine schumps.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Oct 23, 2010 11:30 PM EDT up reply actions
or just the sticks? because there’s a dance for that.
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by RedBirdie on Oct 23, 2010 11:30 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Were you drinking at the game?
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Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
no. but I’m on my second beer here at home. Giants are giving me a heart attack.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Got it up on the big screen as well.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Giants baseball = TORTURE!
For Philadelphia! Woooo!!!!
The wait for 10/7 begins. This man is focused. Are you?
by souldrummer on Oct 24, 2010 12:24 AM EDT up reply actions
Literally on fire. Blue fire, to be precise.
"Do not be afraid to ask for credit, for our way of refusing is very polite."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 23, 2010 11:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Also if you’re being really strict about your natural hat trick, it should all be in one period.
The guy is Peter Schumpmaker. Lord knows what a schump is, but you can bet your bippy his ancestors made them. What he's doing is far worse than crafting fine schumps.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Oct 23, 2010 11:27 PM EDT up reply actions
FWIW – Wikipedia says three goals in succession with no player from either team scoring.
It also talks about a few players who have scored natural shorthanded hat tricks. None in the NHL. That would be amazing to see..
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Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
I saw one in a college game – CJ Young, I think it was. And it was all on one PK, if I remember correctly.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
CJ Young, back in 1988. He was playing for Harvard against Dartmouth, and had 3 SH goals in :49. Best PK ever. This article mentions it: http://www.collegehockeynews.com/news/2008/10/21_harrison.php
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
Think F&B is right on that one – a natural is three straight goals by one player, uninterrupted by either team.
I'm the first to admit when I'm wrong.... except when someone else beats me to it.
by Backhanded Complement on Oct 23, 2010 11:27 PM EDT up reply actions
First, while you like to see him stick up for Neuvi, he eliminated 2 min of a major power play.
Do not agree.
You have to take on Buff. You have to. I’ll give up the 2 minutes any day. You cannot let someone run your goalie and not pay. I cringed when Erkine was still punching while Buff was on the ice, but he deserved it.
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Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
by STLSpidey on Oct 23, 2010 11:21 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Whoops. Reply fail.
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Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Understood
At the same time, we were down one at the time, and in need of some momentum. Erskine dancing with Buff, who was getting thrown off the ice anyway, only hurt the team at the time.
I'm the first to admit when I'm wrong.... except when someone else beats me to it.
by Backhanded Complement on Oct 23, 2010 11:24 PM EDT up reply actions
I count it lucky that the ref sorted it out as he did. I was concerned he’d call some mess that gave Caps a mere 2 minute PP, or even none. In any case, someone absolutely had to punch Byfuglien in the face, right then, period. And from my seat it looked like 4 got superb value for his two minutes.
There's no 'i' in "team". But there's a 'nap' in "champion".
by redlineblue on Oct 23, 2010 11:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Honestly, had Erskine gotten a 5 and a 2, I would’ve been ok. Our PP hasn’t been good and someone needed to beat the shit out of Buff for running our goalie.
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No doubt.
And whatever the opposite of the hard hat may be, it’s got a big 39 beadazzled on it right now.
There's no 'i' in "team". But there's a 'nap' in "champion".
by redlineblue on Oct 23, 2010 11:48 PM EDT up reply actions
One of those pink Jackie Kennedy numbers?
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
agreed. That Erskine only got a 2 minutes roughing was dumb luck. He probably should have gotten an instigator and fighting.
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I don’t like punching guys when they are down like that, but Big Buff for sure earned those. When you’re sending a guy a message-beating, you send that message all out.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
You and I are in rabid agreement or violent agreement or whatever on this.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
first thing that popped into my head: violent like a rabid porcupine?
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Very scary image.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
My impression is that Erskine doesn’t do a lot of pounding away once a guy goes down, unlike some of the douchier guys in the League. So he must have been annoyed.
And count me in with the “gotta have that response” crowd.
I also thought AO lost the puck and decided that while he was there he might as well “lose control” and “be unable to avoid” slamming into Hedberg. Which I aslo don’t have a problem with.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
From watching the interviews — I thought it was interesting that Matty and Neuvy said Knuble made the leadership speech. Glad the players listened.
From Bruce’s comments – Varly day to day (again!) is troubling. The explanation that Toronto overruled the Green goal was informative (although it makes me wonder about Toronto). And in spite of the win, Bruce didn’t look particularly happy.
Don’t make fun of my obsession over ketchup dispensers ever again! ;) Ted Leonsis
Bruce shouldn’t be happy with what he saw tonight. Caps spent way too much time in the box and weren’t always solid in their own zone tonight. Without Matty P they would have been in a world of hurt tonight.
I really have no idea why Green dressed tonight if he’s got a bum shoulder. That seems real dangerous to do with one of your top defensement. It would be a crime if if interrupting 3 full dyas off causes any problems with a full recovery.
The wait for 10/7 begins. This man is focused. Are you?
by souldrummer on Oct 24, 2010 12:17 AM EDT up reply actions
If a player is injured, and the injury happens to be to a joint that is absolutely essential to his productive capacity, and he can’t play full time, then why, for heaven’s sake, play him at all? It accomplishes nothing. The player only aggravates an injury (or delays further his full recovery), perhaps damages something else in compensating for the injury, and you ask five other guys to make up 20 or so minutes that the player doesn’t/can’t play. Those five guys end up having to mix and match with one another throughout the game, which would seem to do little for pairs continuity.
Given the circumstances, the Caps dodged a bullet, largely because of the effort of the defensemen, who were in a no-win situation from the get-go. Is this the price the team is playing for its stunning lack of depth on the blue line?
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 24, 2010 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions
or the price the team is paying, anyway.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 24, 2010 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Along those lines, yesterday’s Clips featured a story about the STH party at Six Flags. Green was RIDING ROLLERCOASTERS. With his bad shoulder. Someone should have slapped him for that. Or fined him. Or just not let him board the ride.
Ugh.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Snark?
Because he's class, and you're not.
by Bald Pollack on Oct 24, 2010 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think so. Emily’s been pretty hot under the collar lately. The team/coaches/management have got to be really getting her annoyed.
Honestly, I didn’t think riding the roller coaster was too smart either; doing so made me think he was close to healty.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Yeah, but no one (save for Bruce’s comment) has said if it’s neck, shoulder or what have you.
Second…it’s a roller coaster.
Because he's class, and you're not.
by Bald Pollack on Oct 24, 2010 5:09 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t do roller coasters, so it’s just an opinion. I know you get locked down pretty tight, so it might not matter. Look, you can aggravate an injury just doing things around the house, I know that. It’s just an opinion that you don’t undertake activities that might have a higher risk of doing so.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Heh. I ride a lot of roller coasters. Love them in fact.
How well you get locked in depends on the age and type of the roller coaster. But even if I get tossed around a bit on an old wooden style I really can’t imagine any roller coaster causing greater damage to an upper limb/shoulder/neck injury. Not saying it can’t happen but I consider it pretty unlikely.
Green was more likely to cause damage from signing how many autographs???? And they did cut his autograph time down because his limb got tired. (I was in Knuble’s line which was nearby and that’s how I know this).
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 24, 2010 9:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Random thought
Caps had 6 OT wins (not including shootouts) last year, and have 3 in first 8 games this year. At least we’re playing much better 4 on 4, and 4 on 5 for that matter. Now if we could only remember how to play 5 on 4 and 5 on 5, we’d be in pretty good shape.
I'm the first to admit when I'm wrong.... except when someone else beats me to it.
by Backhanded Complement on Oct 23, 2010 11:33 PM EDT reply actions
This game seems like the type of game the Caps would have lost last year. Like the Columbus game on Nov 1 where they had the lead but let in a goal with less than a minute to go and lost in OT.
Rocking the Red since 1975
It would have been criminal to lose and waste Semin’s hat trick.
Don’t make fun of my obsession over ketchup dispensers ever again! ;) Ted Leonsis
by miseenjeu on Oct 23, 2010 11:40 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Good to see that the Bears won tonight despite the shakeup in the lineup.
John Carlson - Glory follows him.
Six Beers Too Many Fantasy Team - BizNasty's Hobo Rodeo
OT
Giants-Rangers World Series.
Howard takes strike three to end it. No question on the call.
Fox really pissed. Could’ve had NY-Philly markets.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Someone hide Bud’s belt and shoelaces.
Because he's class, and you're not.
by Bald Pollack on Oct 23, 2010 11:40 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’m tempted to have several.
Caps win. Blues win over Pens. Giants win. Mizzou up by 9 with 2:00 left with the ball and OU out of time outs.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
this beer is to celebrate the Caps win, the Giants win, the beauty of Jon Miller’s call on last night’s Rangers win, and the Halaking of the Pens. And then I’m out of beer.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
I’m going to one up the beer and go right for an Ambien in about 10 minutes. Jet lag is killing me again. I’m wide awake.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
same here on the wide awake. I can re-cap all night if you’d like.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
As could I. I have to close this goddamn laptop. I have to get up early for kids’ activities tomorrow. Need to be awake for son’s HS hockey scrimmage. Their 2-0 in the preseason.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Night, Spidey. (Curious, why do you include Spidey for your name? I know the STL is for St Louis.)
Rocking the Red since 1975
Go to my blog and the “About” page. That should help. (Although I haven’t read it in a while.)
Just a “thing,” I guess.
Night all.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. We have lots of ammunition to shoot down Philly fans with next year with the spectacular FAIL of their loss. That team looked real old, real fast on offense.
Smoke and mirrors and a lot of luck for the Giants (see double play Wilson, carem on double against Bumgarner, and a lot of “scattering” hits tonight) but they got it done.
And anything to take the sting out of Flyers/Phillies/Eagles fans is a service to our great nation.
The wait for 10/7 begins. This man is focused. Are you?
by souldrummer on Oct 24, 2010 12:13 AM EDT up reply actions
I assume you watched the game? Did you take delight in the various pained looks on the faces of Philly fans.
Post game drink: Sam’s Octoberfest with a shot of schadenfreude.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Yeah. I ain’t gonna lie it was about 50/50 hockey/baseball tonight during the overlap. I took extreme delight in all of the pained looks on the Philly fans. I was wondering why they didn’t present the trophy on the Philly infield so they could plant their flag in the stadium they concored. Probably afraid the Philly fans would throw batteries or something.
The Giants have done a service to NL East teams everywhere with their victory.
The wait for 10/7 begins. This man is focused. Are you?
by souldrummer on Oct 24, 2010 12:27 AM EDT up reply actions
So, I’m putting this forth knowing full well that I’m about to go to bed for the night and therefore will not be around to argue it :-P, but it’s time to start phasing out Knuble on the 1st line for good. He is really showing his age, especially in the corners and when he’s unable to catch any of his linemates’ passes. There were numerous times tonight when it really seemed like he was the weak link on the line. That’s not to say he was bad (because he hasn’t been bad), but that he’s clearly more out-classed this season even than last. It’s much, much more noticeable this season, and I think they’ve got to either bring someone in or start seriously grooming Fehr for the spot.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 23, 2010 11:41 PM EDT reply actions
I’d say fill the job internally. Groom either Fehr or Semin. If the latter, get him signed up.
Or here’s my suggestion for our new first line: Ovi/Johansson/Fehr
That group produced a goal in pre season. Granted it was probably during a shift transition but still…..
While Nicky’s off at the moment, I’m sure he’ll get it back at some point but we do need alternatives for times when shakeups are needed or when Ovi and Backstrom need a break from each other.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Nicky had his best offensive game of the year tonight, IMO. He’s on his way back and AO looks about ready to erupt, too. That twosome ain’t breakin’ up.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 23, 2010 11:46 PM EDT up reply actions
It would have to be Fehr. Semin on that line every shift is a bad idea – you need a player to get in front of the goalie and create traffic, and both Ovie and Semin are wasted there.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
I’m still not convinced Fehr is the right fit…he certainly wouldn’t be any better than Knuble is (even if he has lost a step).
He is the next best front-of-the-net type player the Caps have after Knuble. Personally, I don’t see the point in moving Knuble off the top line.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
Moving Knuble off the top line now would be premature.
It doesn’t mean that it may not eventually happen this year, if not next.
Rocking the Red since 1975
I don’t think it will happen this year unless he REALLY can’t get it together. Next season wouldn’t surprise me – and I think Fehr would be next in line.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
I’m not sure for good, but putting Semin up there to try and jumpstart the top line wouldn’t be a bad idea, I think.
by red army line on Oct 24, 2010 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions
also, I was so excited when Green got the goal (yay playground money!). short lived happiness.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Join the club!
When the officials went into a huddle after the goal, I got worried, needless to say. My worry was not unfounded.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Unfortunately, as soon as I saw the replay, I knew it would be called back; Green’s foot shifted towards the goal, and that, in rulebook parlance, is a “clear kicking motion.” If his foot hadn’t turned, i.e. if he was doing a hockey stop and the puck had deflected in, it would have probably counted as a goal, but as is, he kicked it. :-(
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by IRockTheRed on Oct 25, 2010 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions
From Frankovic via Swift Current
/tj
Cody Eakin went to the dressing room around the midway point of the 2nd period and hasn’t returned yet.
/end tj
Because he's class, and you're not.
interesting tweet from Brian McNally:
Boudreau said on-ice officials told him they thought Mike Green’s 2nd-period goal was good. Replay officials in TO over-ruled them.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
I thought it was good and Joe B thought it was good. Looked like the intentional bumper more than the kicking motion to me. Be nice if we could get some undeniable PP goals. We need a Real American Hero to grow up fast.
The wait for 10/7 begins. This man is focused. Are you?
by souldrummer on Oct 24, 2010 12:29 AM EDT up reply actions
I know Locker brings it up occasionally, but why is kicking the puck against the rules anyway? Takes a decent amount of skill to not fall on your face while doing it, it isn’t really cheap, and it would take away one more factor that makes referees have to make judgements on plays instead of just following easily identifiable rules. It would also speed up gameplay getting rid of the reviews of kicked pucks.
by HateOffSeason on Oct 24, 2010 8:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Safety reasons. They don’t want players kicking at the puck to try to put it in the net and endangering whoever is near them.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
Perhaps that’s the reason. I’m not sure it’s such a safety hazard. But if that’s the case, then just make the rule that you can’t lift your skate entierly off the ice when kicked the puck in. Green’s goal would have been good in that case and you take a bit of the subjectivity out of the call. Green’s non-goal was a reaction play and not him trying to boot the puck in intentionally.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Oct 24, 2010 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions
That’s what the guy from the NHL Officiating office said at the Convention. It makes sense, because if someone kicks at the puck while the goalie is trying to grab it, there could be a bad injury. The rule should not have been applied to Green’s case, because he didn’t make the kicking motion that the rule addresses.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
Kicking with a skate in close traffic is pretty dangerous practice—there’d be a lot of nasty injuries if you have 7-8 dudes kicking and whacking in the crease. Plus, the kicker puts himself in a postion to get hurt if say, Chris Pronger catches him up high while off balance on one leg. It ain’t footie.
"I don't care about winning the division or winning the President's Trophy. I just care about getting to the playoffs." --GMGM
The on-ice officials were right, and here is why. First, Rule 49.2 states that a goal cannot be scored by an attacking player who kicks a puck that deflects into the net off any player, goalkeeper or official. So in that respect, the fact that the puck went from Green’s skate off another player and in would not matter, if you rule that Green kicked the puck.
However, Rule 38.4(iv) says that a distinct kicking motion is one which, with a pendulum motion, the player propels the puck with his skate into the net (that language is taken straight from the Rule).
Where was the "pendulum" motion? Green turned his skate, can’t dispute that. But it was not a motion hinged from the knee that would have been the "pendulum" motion.
The goal should have counted.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 24, 2010 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Ovie's Interference
Looked legit from my seats behind that goal. The Atlanta player seemed to get on him a little, but Ovie still had all his weight on his front skate and should have been able to stop or at least get out of the way a little better.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
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