Recap: Caps 3, Hurricanes 0
by Becca H on Oct 27, 2010 10:37 PM EDT
in Game Recaps
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Print[NHL.com Recap - GameCenter - Game Summary - Event Summary - Faceoff Summary - Corsi/Fenwick - Shift Charts - Head-to-Head - Zone Starts]
There's no question that the Capitals have had their share of ugly games this year. For the first time all season, though, this one was ugly because they wanted (and probably needed) it to be. The key to a good road game is to take the crowd out of it early; that's even more crucial when facing a team at their home opener. And it's even more crucial when said home opener is taking place three weeks into the season, after returning from the world's longest road trip.
A lot of it came down to the Caps, to a man, buying into the type of play needed to do just that - disrupt the flow, take away space and basically avoid the high-flying style that both teams thrive under. It was probably the closest thing to a full 60-minute effort as this team has put together this season, and that alone would be enough reason to celebrate the win. Turns out that was just the icing on the cake in this one, though, as the Caps pack up two points thanks in large part to some major help between the pipes
Ten more notes on the game:
- Michal Neuvirth. Michal. Flipping. Neuvirth. Is it getting old yet to just endlessly praise the kid? No? Good, because he deserves every word and then some, tonight especially. 29 shots faced, 29 turned away, with several counts of flat out thievery mixed in - and just like that, Neuvirth's got his first career NHL shutout. We're running out of ways to say how important he's been to the team in the early stages of the season, and we're running out of ways to say how amazing he's been in general. So we'll merely say this: Congrats on the first of what will hopefully be many such performances, Neuvy!
- His stellar work shouldn't diminish the work done by the guy at the opposite end of the rink, of course, who held off the Caps as long as he could and was undone by a bit of bad luck and one bad rebound. Cam Ward deserves credit for putting together a pretty good performance in his own right. Just...not good enough.
- The Caps haven't been exactly perfect in the faceoff circle this season, but they look like a team full of Rod Brind'amours compared to Carolina's abysmal 36.5% success rate coming into this one. When Tomas Fleischmann goes into the third period having won 100% of his draws...yeah, you've got faceoff problems.
- It's probably pretty safe to say this was the top line's best outing so far - not that it would be hard, of course. And for awhile there it looked like this would be another game where we'd continue to say "they're SO close", because for two-thirds of it things were still slightly...off. More speed, better chances, a few posts and great saves by Ward not withstanding, they were still a little off. And then just like that Nicklas Backstrom capitalizes on a horrible rebound, all three pick up points - and the entirety of CapsNation breathes a huge sigh of relief. For now.
- We've talked about the length of Alex Ovechkin's shifts. Others have, too. Interesting that in the aftermath of those discussions (and others like them), his shifts have been much more contained over the last two to three games. These days he's clocking in at under a minute on average, despite the odd overly long shift that is just going to happen with a guy like Ovie. Keep it up, Captain.
- Just how many posts did Cam Ward have on that net behind him? He must have added a few. I call shenanigans.
- It's not often that the fourth line gets to open up a game, but that's just what happened tonight - and the trio of Matt Hendricks, David Steckel and the returning Matt Bradley took it from there, putting together some dominant shifts and notching the game-winner in the first period. They did exactly what a fourth line is supposed to do and then some. And gosh darn it, was it ever good to have Bradley back.
- The power play continues to flounder a bit, but they definitely looked better tonight than they have in recent games and got some good zone time in before ultimately being shut down by Ward. There were a few hesitant moments that seemed to say the slump is starting to get into their heads, but the return of Mike Green was definitely a welcome one for the power play crew. And how about that penalty killing studliness? If killing off every infraction (and notching a shorthanded empty-netter to boot) sounds good to you, join the club.
- The team really seemed to feed off of two things tonight - the tremendous play of Neuvirth and the return of a couple of guys to the lineup. In regards to the latter, it shouldn't be news to anyone but it bears repeating. Green and Bradley each bring something to the lineup that is hard to replace and often harder to describe, but you know it when you see it. And it was there tonight.
- Most of the credit for a shutout usually - and deservedly - goes to the goalie. It's not taking anything away from Neuvirth's tremendous work, though, to say that the guys in front of him were doing their jobs tonight. The defense in particular, all six blueliners, deserves credit for stifling the Carolina attack, blocking shots with their bodies, getting sticks in passing lanes and letting Neuvirth see the puck.
It wasn't a perfect game. To say that would be ignoring the times Neuvirth had to bail his team out for a sloppy play, or the times a post bailed Neuvirth out, or (most horrifically) the times the Caps seemed on their way to once again being stymied by a goaltender.
But in a lot of ways it was the perfect road game - which is good news, because this is just the start of what could be a tough road trip, far from the comforts of Verizon Center. They'll need to remember how they did this and do it a few more times.
Game highlights:
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Great recap!
In other news, I can’t stop watching this.
I have a twitter.
Not another Capitals blog!
"Victory is sweetest when you've known defeat"
Congrats, Michal
You sexy thing.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Guess the writers really thought Ward kept them in the game. Still think Hendricks got robbed :-P
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Oct 27, 2010 10:45 PM EDT up reply actions
This was the right call… Ward robbed Ovechkin on at least 2 occasions, and Green once. If anything I would have gone Neuvy-Ward-Backstrom
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Oct 28, 2010 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions
I disagree with Ward. If not for a friendly post, he’d have given up 4 or 5.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
And if not for some great saves he’d have let in 4 or 5.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
by Rob Parker on Oct 28, 2010 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
The posts aren’t shots on goal. If Ward had an average night Wednesday, he lets in 5. If the post shots are more accurate, and Ward has a bad night, the Caps win 7-0. Same result. Of course, if the game isn’t close, maybe Neuvy doesn’t rob Staal as well, so the final is 7-1…
Either way, it’s a W.
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Oct 29, 2010 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions
Really? Why? A hockey player fell down. BFD.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
When it’s Schultz it’s all quiet and proper like. When it’s Green…the world watches.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Oct 27, 2010 10:46 PM EDT up reply actions
When it’s Schultz, the CI community faps like crazy.
"I’m happy to have contributed to this league, to have done something important in my career, I’m proud, but you always will think you still could’ve done more, but tonight tells I’ve done things well."
by Bald Pollack on Oct 28, 2010 7:28 AM EDT up reply actions
It’s interesting?
But yeah, my bad.
I have a twitter.
Not another Capitals blog!
"Victory is sweetest when you've known defeat"
I almost rec’d without watching because I was convinced you were linking to Neuvy’s glove save. Now THAT I could watch over and over and over.
"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 27, 2010 11:01 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I could watch that too, but the fall was just available and sorta graceful and I just wonder why he fell.
I have a twitter.
Not another Capitals blog!
"Victory is sweetest when you've known defeat"
Too bad he’s detested by everyone in the locker room.
What?
I read that in a newspaper, so, you know, it’s totally true.
It’s well documented that no player likes a hot goaltender. Dominik Hasek used to get wedgies nightly.
"That's hockey. You never know what's going to happen. It's a tough sport. No tooth, a broken nose, but I'm looking good [laughs]." - #8
It’s well documented that no player likes a hot goaltender.
Then how do you explain how popular Theo is in the room?
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 27, 2010 11:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Great recap, keep it up Neuvy. I’d love to see another performance just like this one tomorrow in a tough 3-1 win.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Oct 27, 2010 10:44 PM EDT reply actions
A nice steak or lobster for you, Neuvy. What'll it be?
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
He’d rather some curly fries, judgin’ by the threads.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 27, 2010 10:48 PM EDT up reply actions
I’ve got a feeling he’s tried everything on the menu in the past three weeks.
"That's hockey. You never know what's going to happen. It's a tough sport. No tooth, a broken nose, but I'm looking good [laughs]." - #8
The host and the waiters now know him by name. And, at the rate he’s going, he’ll know their names in return.
“Your usual, Sir Neuvirth?” when the maitre d’ sees Neuvirth and escorts him to his table.
Rocking the Red since 1975
“No, I think I’ll have thirty young, virgin hearts, tonight. Drippy.”
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 27, 2010 11:36 PM EDT up reply actions
I think Bono’s record is safe
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Oct 27, 2010 10:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Well done.
You should never underestimate the predictability of stupidity.
by Steck It Out on Oct 28, 2010 12:15 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I wondered if anyone would catch that
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Oct 28, 2010 1:28 AM EDT up reply actions
True. I was so impressed with Steckel’s ability to stay with the puck on this play. Hendricks did right by crashing the net at the perfect time, but I still can’t believe he executed a pass while doing a leg drop on Ward’s head.
"That's hockey. You never know what's going to happen. It's a tough sport. No tooth, a broken nose, but I'm looking good [laughs]." - #8
I always picture MP85 as the little skinny guys you could populate your NES Ice Hockey team with and just skate circles around the big fat dudes. Until you got hit, of course. Then your little Perraults would die.
"That's hockey. You never know what's going to happen. It's a tough sport. No tooth, a broken nose, but I'm looking good [laughs]." - #8
Steckel also had a pretty un-Steckel-like move a few minutes later (and was 6-for-6 on D-zone draws, 8-for-11 overall). He was a l’il bit possessed tonight.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Was it a blue moon tonight? Lot of weird “soandso did WHAT?” moments tonight
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Oct 27, 2010 10:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Stecks looked great. I probably should have pumped him up a bit more in the recap but I think the “yay 4th line” bullet about covered it – I was very impressed with him. And Erskine. And Flash.
…seriously, wtf?
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
I know right? I didn’t even have bad words for Sloan tonight. He can go rock that low v neck on the plane.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Oct 27, 2010 10:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Sloan even had a couple moments were that little-seen but much-discussed skating skill was on display.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
I didn’t watch the game, but the boxscore on NHL and Yahoo have SloSkine at 54+ minutes combined???
I believe in JC.
At some point, Ovie will get a natural hat trick, Flash will go 0-10 in the dot, the Caps will win a game 7-5 and the natural order of the universe will be restored. Then again, I do like this bizarro, gritty version of the team in many ways…
"That's hockey. You never know what's going to happen. It's a tough sport. No tooth, a broken nose, but I'm looking good [laughs]." - #8
I much prefer tonight.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Oct 27, 2010 10:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Loved watching them work really hard along the boards tonight. Now I’m just waiting for a game where they put a real physical bruising on someone. Flashes of it tonight, and I know it’s not really the team’s normal MO, but with Bradley back with Hendricks, and with Erskine all curmudgeon-y, maybe soon?
"That's hockey. You never know what's going to happen. It's a tough sport. No tooth, a broken nose, but I'm looking good [laughs]." - #8
I’d like to note that the Oviturtle is now 1-0-0. He must, however, be used sparingly…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 27, 2010 10:46 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Who’s Oviturtle?
Soon the Championship with be ours, all ours!
by kingzman264 on Oct 28, 2010 12:24 AM EDT up reply actions
Rumors have been that Holtby was maybe gonna get a start tomorrow night, given the fact that the Caps are playing back-to-back days (with a flight in between). Now, I’m not so sure…
"I am ready for his provocations"
twitter
by PaintDrinkingPete on Oct 27, 2010 10:47 PM EDT reply actions
If I was a bettin’ man, I’d put my money on Neuvy, with some comment from Bruce about how he’s used to playing so much from his AHL days and the way those schedules work.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
All true, and that’s probably what I’d put my money on too, but I’m not necessarily sure it’s the best move — gotta make sure you don’t wear this out in the process.
"I am ready for his provocations"
twitter
by PaintDrinkingPete on Oct 27, 2010 10:50 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree. I’d start Holtby in Minny, Neuvy in Calgary. But I’m just guessing as to what Bruce will do.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
With Varly being the Anti-Iron Man right now…I’d say put Holtby in. We need to see what he’s got at some point regardless. Might as well be now.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Oct 27, 2010 10:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Well, I can only assume he’d definitely get the nod in Calgary if BB goes back to Neuvy in Minnesota tomorrow (3 games in 4 nights, all in different cities). Hard to sit a goalie down right after a shutout performance like that though.
"I am ready for his provocations"
twitter
by PaintDrinkingPete on Oct 27, 2010 10:53 PM EDT up reply actions
If Neuvy plays tomorrow and is strong I don’t see why he wouldn’t play in Calgary. Tomorrow is the game to sit him if any.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Oct 27, 2010 10:54 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d start Neuvirth back-to-back — he just had 4 days off, so he should be fine. I’d start Holtby near his home in Western Canada.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 27, 2010 11:58 PM EDT up reply actions
“Wear HIM out”
I’m sure Neuvy is up to it, and it seems almost ridiculous to sit him down when he’s playing so well…tough call.
"I am ready for his provocations"
twitter
by PaintDrinkingPete on Oct 27, 2010 10:51 PM EDT up reply actions
First line of ESPN’s recap: “Eventually, the Washington Capitals will need their Alex Ovechkin-led No. 1 line to score goals in bunches again.” I hadn’t realized Nicky was no longer on the first line.
Of course, they still have the Caps as winning 2-0, so i guess they have bigger problems than knowing the lines.
Old enough to hate the Red Wings, but too young to really remember why.
by Flash in the Pan on Oct 27, 2010 10:56 PM EDT reply actions
That first line actually generated some legitimate scoring chances early on too…I was much happier with what I was seeing out of them compared to the last 3 or 4 games.
"I am ready for his provocations"
twitter
by PaintDrinkingPete on Oct 27, 2010 10:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Guess my prediction in the Caps Clips was dead wrong. Best game of the year, far and away. I thought Erskine was good tonight. Not just acceptable, or “looked like he belonged in the NHL,” but good. Obviously Neuvirth deserves all the praise he gets. Green had a very solid game with some bad gaffes, mostly on the PP. Judging by the way he was throwing the body, I’d say his shoulder feels a lot better.
I’m not going to write a fanpost on it, but Staal had a great game. Notwithstanding Backstrom’s two goals, Staal was the biggest threat on the ice the entire game. It would help him if he could win a faceoff, but I won’t complain about that. Everyone should know how loud I cheered when Neuvirth robbed him. The Truth will always beat The Hype.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
by Rob Parker on Oct 27, 2010 10:56 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I thought the Caps, in general, played a very good defensive game tonight. There were a few instances where they got hemmed in their zone, but mostly they were making simple plays and getting the puck out to center. Except for the blown tire that led to the 2-on1, Mike Green looked like a Norris-caliber guy tonight with some end-to-end rushes and smart plays down low.
And yeah, Erskine was sharp and not getting beat to the outside by the Canes quick forwards. Solid play from him.
Did Comcast even show it? I don’t remember seeing it, just heard Joe B mention it and then they showed the breakaway after Green’s stumble and then…nothing.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
They didn’t show the replay, but Larose hit him after the save was made and he shoved back once or twice afterwards.
"I’m happy to have contributed to this league, to have done something important in my career, I’m proud, but you always will think you still could’ve done more, but tonight tells I’ve done things well."
by Bald Pollack on Oct 28, 2010 7:32 AM EDT up reply actions
Erskine’s play tonight exemplified why I don’t hate him, I just hate when he’s given responsibilities he can’t handle.
"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 27, 2010 11:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Erskine, like the Oviturtle, is most effective when used sparingly.
I poured spot remover on my dog. Now he's gone.
by Rather Bengt on Oct 27, 2010 11:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Erskine jersey was a sweet investment. In that I got it and everyone hates it.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Oct 27, 2010 11:52 PM EDT up reply actions
You're digging "far and away" these days...
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Image isn’t showing up, but I was just trying to bring it back to Caps Clips.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Damn. ’Twas the movie poster from that Cruise/Kidman flick.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I’m not too excited about Sloskine’s “improvement” last night. BB finally did the right thing and paired his worst two defensemen, then tried to shield them by giving them easier zone starts. The problem is, it’s much harder to match your lines when you’re on the road. Sloskine did a passable job when they were out there against Carolina’s better forwards, so there’s that. I’ve just been burned in the past by watching a stretch of good play by one of these guys (usually Erskine), then concluding that he’s got abilities that just aren’t there. In other words, he’ll regress back at some point.
The pairing that really got me excited was Alzner-Carlson. Those two played one of their better games in recent memory, and they did it while getting some of the tough assignments that BB was afraid to give Sloskine.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
I was far more impressed with Erskine than Sloan. To me, Sloan was marginally better than usual, perhaps, but still awfully slow in making decisions and reacting at times.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I agree with J.P. that Erskine was the more impressive player, and I agree with you that he’ll regress. I’m not reading too much into it, just saying I was happy with how he played last night. I definitely was impressed with Carlznerson. They move the puck together very well and seem to know where each other will be and when to cover for each other. Alzner started off with a few mistakes but got stronger as the night went on, I thought.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
You think they’re kept together when Poti comes back?
"I’m happy to have contributed to this league, to have done something important in my career, I’m proud, but you always will think you still could’ve done more, but tonight tells I’ve done things well."
by Bald Pollack on Oct 28, 2010 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions
If Erskine can continue to look respectable I’d hope so. I think both those guys look best when together. I think BB wants to get JC on the ice more and we know Poti will get big minutes so I tend to think it’ll go back to JC/Poti but who knows with BB.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I was really expecting to see a stinker tonight, as I commented on earlier today. Glad to be presently surprised. Easily the best road game so far this young season, and one of the best 60 minutes of hockey I’ve seen this team play all year.
I’d probably want to see the Caps stay out of the box a little more in the 2nd Pd., it was a close game and no need giving the opposition so many opportunities to get back into it and fire up the crowd…but other than that, I can’t complain too much about what I just watched.
"I am ready for his provocations"
twitter
by PaintDrinkingPete on Oct 27, 2010 10:57 PM EDT reply actions
Awesome recap, and done before I even got home from the game.
Thoughts seeing it live:
Neuvirth was really, really good. A couple of sparkling saves left the crowd confused as they began celebrating what they thought would surely be goals. Was disappointed in the first when he got knocked over and no one really responded. But someone in the crowd said the Canes player was knocked into him.
The ice looked really bad near the boards. Green wasn’t the only wipeout. There were also a few odd somersaults is the only thing I can think to call them near the crease during scrums. I think maybe Mike Green was in one of them.
Sloan and Erskine often played with the Ovechkin line out there. At one point in the second, I thought the Ovechkin line looked tired, and Sloan and Erskine were struglling mightily. But in the third, both Sloan and Erskine really stepped up.
There were several times I noticed Ovechkin after a dump in, when he looked almost ready to race down alone after a puck going deep in the Carolina zone, pull up and go off for a shift change instead. Seemed like he heard a little voice in his head telling him not to be foolish, or maybe it was just BB he was hearing.
The Fehr line didn’t do much well in the offensive zone except play the boards and keep the cycle going. They should have had a goal midway through the third. Passing seemed just a little off.
MP did a pretty good job against Staal in the dot, and on defense.
The defense did as good a job blocking shots and clearing rebounds as I’ve seen in quite a while from this team.
It was wonderful in the third when the fans started streaming out.
by brooksengr on Oct 27, 2010 11:05 PM EDT reply actions 4 recs
Always love the firsthand reports.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Happy to help. Just moved down to Carolina about 2 months ago. Been reading Japer’s for a while, thought it was time to jump in to commenting a bit more.
Sadly, the next two times the Caps visit Carolina are near Thanksgiving and Christmas, when I will not be around here.
Yeah, we need better scheduling. They should schedule a Caps game there on a sunny October Saturday, so we can go down and tailgate properly. Grr.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
MP had his moments, but he was wildly inconsistent. He also failed to clear the puck out of the zone on a couple occasions and got muscled off the puck on a few others.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Bad neutral zone turnover at one point as well.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I’d say the biggest positive I took from this game was that with a one goal lead the guys didn’t let up. And then, with a two goal lead they didn’t let up. Props to Backstrom (and his support) for hammering that nail into the coffin. THAT’S how you win games.
"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 27, 2010 11:07 PM EDT reply actions
I was nervously awaiting the inevitable collective brain fart that never happened.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
They didn’t let up but also didn’t stop doing all the good defensive stuff that had kept Carolina off the boards before the Caps scored. Just some really great defensive play that I was truly impressed with.
And all hail Nicky! You can tell that top line’s starting to click, Knuble had nice speed going into the zone before taking that shot and if this was one of the “off” games that rebound shot by Nicky would have gone wide. Ovie’s on the verge of breaking out, I can feel it.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
Ovie would have broken out tonight if not for a couple of spectacular stops from Ward. He was owed at least one more assists and at least one more goal.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Oct 27, 2010 11:12 PM EDT up reply actions
It’ll come. He and the PP are just so effing close.
"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 27, 2010 11:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Tweet from Nate:
Michal Neuvirth is already a third of the way to Jim Carrey’s Caps rookie record for wins (18 in 1994-95).
first: holy cow! Second: how many stories are written along these lines during the road trip?
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Ugh. Why invoke Carey at this point?
Patron saint of quality footwear.
by fat_daddyo on Oct 27, 2010 11:12 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I knew the jist of what Bruce was saying when they showed him in the post-game, but I thank AP for making the pull:
“But Wally Pipp missed one game at first base, and you know what happened there.”
Pipp was the New York Yankees first baseman who lost his job to the legendary Lou Gehrig after sitting out a game.
Even I’m not old enough to remember that. :-)
If you’re Varly, are you starting to think FML?
"It's always good to have vikings."
NHL.com says that Erskine and Sloan led all skaters on both teams with 29:09 and 29:08 of ice time, respectively. Meanwhile Ovechkin skated 12:48, with 9:05 coming on the PK and no time on the PP. Something tells me these numbers are a bit off…
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Oct 27, 2010 11:18 PM EDT reply actions
and somehow neuvy faced 20:44 of PK time, when the Caps committed 5 penalties of the two minute variety.
The TOI stats were definitely screwed up last night. When I checked the report after the game, the breakdown said that no skater from either team had skated any shifts before the third period…
"Do not be afraid to ask for credit, for our way of refusing is very polite."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 28, 2010 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions
Interesting thoughts from Adrian Dater of the Denver Post right now on Twitter:
Matt Hendricks with another goal tonight for Caps. How many goals for Avs fourth line center? Zippo
Kevin Porter of #avs has no points in six games and ZERO shots on goal
Why did the Avs keep Kevin Porter and not sign Matt Hendricks? no idea, but it was a mistake
Matt Hendricks brought passion, toughness and double figures in goals to fourth line. You don’t want to keep guys like that
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
Bitter Dater warms my cold black heart.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Screencapped it, yes I did.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
“Matt Hendricks with another goal”? Dater really should check facts – Hendricks only had 2 assists this season, unless he’s counting pre-season.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
“Dater really should check facts”
I suppose there’s a first time for everything.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
What was it that he wrote a few months ago that was so criticized here? I remember it being talked about, but don’t remember details.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
He had a series of terrible top-10 lists during the offseason. Not sure if that’s what you remember, but I recall his list of the top-10 goalies being particularly ridiculous.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Oct 28, 2010 12:44 AM EDT up reply actions
No, I think that was it. That would explain why I have his name linked with lack of facts.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
He had Mean Lars listed as the ninth best center, knew he was wrong but couldn’t say why.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Ah yes. I knew he had more than one bad list.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Oct 28, 2010 12:56 AM EDT up reply actions
he also had a hissy fit on twitter, complete with “I’m leaving!” 12 year old drama queen tweet, only to be back on two days later.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Hendricks is quickly becoming one of my favorite players. Such a good pick up. Thanks Colorado!
Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.
It’s probably pretty safe to say this was the top line’s best outing so far – not that it would be hard, of course.
I’d still like to see AO stop forcing things when he carries the puck across the blue line. Bless him for trying but it’s a rare thing now for anything other than a turnover to happen. If these rushes can be twisted into something new it could put the bad guys back on their heels more often.
Observations from the Sofa
Well, that was probably one of the better defensive efforts the Caps have had in awhile. They didn’t let the Canes get too many chances, and Neuvy gobbled them up. A lot of the play by Carolina in the last few minutes wasn’t very inspired. They looked tired and glad to be home, but you still have to play hard, and they didn’t for long stretches.
My notes:
1) Neuvy: What else can you say? He’s done it all so far, and he reminds me not of Jim Carey, but of another netminder who had a lot of success in the minors who ended up taking the starting job due to another goalie being injured… Olie Kolzig. I’m just glad that Varly didn’t get hurt the way Ranford did. I (and every guy who saw it other than Craig Laughlin) still cringe when thinking about it (that and Patrick Thorisen). Locker was joking about it after Ranford left the game by making squeeky voices for Ranford… it was funny a little of the time, but Ranford ended up missing a month of time, and then losing his starting job. Hopefully Neuvy’s NHL playoff runs will be better than most of Kolzig’s (Olie was great in the 1998 playoffs, but the Caps never won another playoff series with him on the roster).
2) The top line will get their points… yes Nick had 2 goals, and there were assists for the others, but it’s not time to panic. Remember how Nick got off to a slow start last year. He ended up with 100 points. I am not worried at all.
3) Great game for Semin too, would have been nice if he had buried a couple of his chances, but he got the post once, and Ward robbed him once.
4) Ok, Ward is playing like he did in late 2006… this worries me. If the Canes make the playoffs, they are going to be a tough out for someone.
5) Carlson’s injury is probably worse than he is letting on… he didn’t look a lot like RAHJC74 for most of the night. He had a pretty workmalike effort, but it wasn’t what we’re used to. Maybe giving him tonight off in Minnesota might not be a bad idea.
6) Erskine and Sloane… not the worst game either has played. Let’s leave it at that.
7) Green looked strong in his minutes and did a good job at both ends. Hopefully he can stay more healthy.
8) This is definitely a different Caps team with and without Matt Bradley. He gets back in there, helps spark the offense, his line gets the first goal (a game winner, naturally) and he lit the fire under the team. He’s not the best player, but he’s still the hardest working player on the team not named Ovechkin, and that counts for something. This team definitely #needsmorebradley. Come on George, extend him one more season at the same salary (I bet he’d take it).
A great road game played by a team that hasn’t showed much of this style of play in the recent past. If they can play this well in the other two games on this trip, who’s to say they can’t get 6 points on the trip. Still, even if they don’t win tonight but play like they did last night, I’ll be happy…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
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