Sunday Caps Clips: Posting a Loss at the Phonebooth
by EmilyB on Nov 21, 2010 12:47 PM EST
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PrintYour savory Sunday brunch links:
- Recaps and other assorted musings on last night's SO loss from us, Vogs, NHL.com (Masisak), WaPo (Carrera: blog, gamer), DCEx (McNally: blog, gamer), Caps365 video (Boudreau, Caps players, Laviolette, Flyers players), CSN Washington (Beninati), NHL FanHouse (Gretz), Frankovic, Peerless, RMNB, OFB TV, Puckhead, Inside Hockey, Capitals News Network, Red Line Station, bridgetds (pics: practice, game), Caps In Pictures (pics), Caps Snaps (recap and pics), and TBD senses that a rivalry just might be brewing between the Caps and the Flyers.
- Down a level, Caps goalie Semyon Varlamov was in goal last night for the Hershey Bears in his first game action since mid-October. The Bears were at home hosting the Wilkes Barre/Scranton Baby Pens. He saved 19 of 23 shots and the Bears fell 4-3. [Gamesheet, Tim Leone, Lebanon Daily News, Sweetest Hockey on Earth, Chirps from Center Ice, The Wilkes-Blog, (Baby) Penguins Insider]
- Bears highlights video after the jump:
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Pens homer feed, sorry about that. Turn off the sound, I guess. Just wanted some vid of Varly in goal.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Here’s the Bears feed. They usually post highlights and interviews on their YouTube channel after games.
Officiating shennanigans? Hows about a game where 49% of it was played with a man advantage. For so many whistles you’d expect them to be calling the game fairly but it was anything but. Tons of soft penalties, including a goaltender interference call in which Brooks Laich was cross checked and led by 2 flyers into the goalie.
Hard to say last nights game would of been better without the whistles but 5 goals were scored on the PP, or the result of one(counting PHI’s goal mere seconds after the penalty elapsed). Even so when your team is on the PK 28% of the game that goes into OT being tied and 8 for 9 on the PK is a pretty awesome accomplishment.
By comparison the Flyer’s were 4 for 7 on the PK.
4 Interference calls(all against the caps), 1 Roughing, 4 Slashing, 2 Hooking, 1 Boarding, 1 Holding Tripping and Hi Stick. I’m not going to break down each penalty and whether or not it should of been called but 4 interference calls on one team screams shenanigans. Its not hard to set up a pick and fall down to draw a penalty, just saying.
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.
by breaklance on Nov 21, 2010 2:06 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
I certainly noticed all the interference penalties last night. Way more than normal.
It seemed like early in the game, the Flyers were getting the benefit of the doubt when it came to penalties. I noticed numerous missed calls of offenses the Flyers did against Caps players. At the end of “regulation”, it almost seemed like the officials decided to finally even things up.
Rocking the Red for the Caps since 1975. Rocking the Red on additional fronts as well.
I didn’t see the Backstrom interference, but it looked like the guy skated into Backis’ stick and fell down. Then the ridiculous boarding call. Terrible, terrible officiating.
Many a night from yonder ivied casement, ere I went to rest,
Did I look on great Orion sloping slowly to the West.
On the terrible officiating, Ed Frankovic was discussing it with a couple of other people yesterday and then a Flyers player walked by and said he agreed with that assessment.
I also don’t recall seeing as many guys getting thrown out of the faceoff circle as did happen last night.
Rocking the Red for the Caps since 1975. Rocking the Red on additional fronts as well.
I’m almost certain more guys got thrown out of the circle during the Bruins second visit this season, but the overall ineptitude of the officiating crew last night was worse. Which is saying something.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
In addition to the hilarious boarding call, there were (at least) two wicked obvious high sticks, PHI on WSH, un-called. Semin ate one, Ovechkin t’other; each looked more sadgusted than angry.
I liked the Backstrom call! It took my mind off being waaay to stupid to understand what ‘goalie interference’ means. I mean, I read the rule, and I watch the games, and…nothin’.
There's no 'i' in "team". But there's a 'nap' in "champion".
Ugh.
Caps have two goals featured on the NHL home page as “Goals of the Year.” Two goals against. In back-to-back games.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Seriously, I’m getting tired of our goalies being on the wrong end of those highlight reel goals. Come on Alex(es)!
"It's always good to have vikings."
I’ll take a long, long year of no pretty goals and all ugly ones if it continues into spring and summer.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 21, 2010 2:50 PM EST up reply actions
You can get away with winning ugly games against inferior opponents during the regular season, but if you convince yourself it will continue in the playoffs against better teams, get ready for a reality check.
Hence why I said ugly goals, not ugly games. Ugly goals are exactly what wins in the playoffs against those “better” teams that don’t give you the space to set up all those pretty tic-tac-toe goals.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 21, 2010 5:45 PM EST up reply actions
Yes, I wasn’t clear in my prior post. I wasn’t disagreeing with you, quite the contrary. Ugly goals and ugly games are not the same. Ugly goals do win playoff games, but what the Caps have been playing are ugly games. Some people are satisfied with the Caps still winning, still leading the league. But that’s just Presidents’ Trophy caliber play, and frankly, I’d rather not go there again.
Don’t look now, but Detroit is fast approaching. They now are only 2 points behind us, yet have played 3 fewer games. They’ve lost only 3 games in regulation and 2 in OT. Philly now is 3rd. Frankly, I would not mind dropping to 4th.
I agree. The guys can learn through a little adversity. That’s why I wasn’t too upset at last night’s loss (despite the unhealthy glee of the Flyers around me). Despite the penalties I thought they played hard and kept pushing back.
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 Nov 21, 2010 9:39 PM EST up reply actions
I know the Caps will continue to have a big target on their backs, but I sure would like another team to sit atop the standings at this point and deflect some of the attention. I don’t really want to hear Ted or BB say, “hey, we’re number one in the League,” until it’s June and the Caps have proved they truly are #1.
I’d be fine with the Caps leading their conference but it would be just as well if a Western Conference team (or two) had a better overall record.
If anything, fans of the Western teams regard the Eastern conference as an inferior conference.
Rocking the Red for the Caps since 1975. Rocking the Red on additional fronts as well.
I agree. I’m not comfortable with the Caps being #1 either and not just because of the big target on their backs. Let some other team like Detroit get the attention now. No matter what Ted or BB says, it’s where you are in June that matters.
by Ovietracker on Nov 21, 2010 10:08 PM EST up reply actions
I think ugly games can win in the playoffs too, by my definition. Poor games cannot, but a slow, tight-checking, neutral zone game could potentially work in the Caps’ favor if they don’t get frustrated and take too many risks.
by red army line on Nov 22, 2010 9:24 AM EST up reply actions
It still baffles me 3 of the most skilled players in the world can’t score on breakaways against Brian Boucher.
Honest… I ran out of gas! I—I had a flat tire! I didn’t have enough money for cab fare! My tux didn’t come back from the cleaners! An old friend came in from out of town! Someone stole my car! There was an earthquake! A terrible flood! Locusts! IT WASN’T MY FAULT, I SWEAR TO GOD!!!
There's no 'i' in "team". But there's a 'nap' in "champion".
Does anyone know the HBO shooting schedule?
Have they been shooting the last week or two? If so, my theory on Ovie’s “slump” is that he’s being trying to (or feels pressure to) perform for the cameras. A week or two ago I thought I saw a wireless mic on his shorts which got me thinking it might be for the HBO thing and that perhaps Ovie might feel like he had to “on” all the time. One would think that he’s immune to the pressure, but at times (big games) we’ve seen him try skate through a whole team and dangle a bit too high looking for breakaways. He actually gets worse when he tries to do too much.
The theory falls apart when it’s noted that Ovie has been seemingly lackadaisical during this time, and of course there could be other things affecting his play. But with all the extra attention, and the pressure to be one of the stars of the show, I think there’s a legitimate concern that this has been affecting his play recently. Or he’s hurt, I don’t know.
Obstreperously Avatarless
We're just waiting for him to let everyone know...
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 21, 2010 3:37 PM EST up reply actions
Good points. Ovie has lots of distractions already documented. I’ve argued that he seems to not be enjoying playing hockey, perhaps because of all the pressure and demands on his time. There’s one huge major distraction that he has to deal with, and he has to decide what’s more important to him. The way he’s playing now, his reputation is taking a huge hit.
The losing, injuries, and suspension are more than distractions. Imagine you’ve built a career the size of Ovechkin’s on one thing: going full-tilt, alla time. Now imagine the whole hockey world, friends and foes, telling you to lighten up. ON the ice.
What the hell does that even mean, if you’re Alex Ovechkin? What’s to “enjoy” about playing like..like…Fleischman?
There's no 'i' in "team". But there's a 'nap' in "champion".
by redlineblue on Nov 21, 2010 8:41 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Indeed.
And to take it a step further you’ve been told to not go for that bone- crushing hit all the time because other players get hurt with your strength and you’ll shorten your career Lindros-like with injuries. Perhaps you’ve been warned by the league that any injury to another player—knee, shoulder, collarbone or whatever—will result in a severe disciplinary action so you have to be extra careful when lining up a player because you don’t want to get another boarding or kneeing call so you pull out of hits more often now.
Toss into that mix the fact that all the pundits say you have to adjust your shooting style, because everyone has wised up to your dipsy-doodle shot between the legs of the defender and that very rarely if at all will you be able to draw penalties if you’re slashed or hooked no matter how egregious. And to that how everyone is yapping how you need to get off the ice rather make that last rush the way you use to if the puck comes your way near the end of your shift so now you are choosing more often to chip it in and go for the change. Also that you are a puck hog who should be passing more but as soon as you choose to pass instead of shoot people question why your SOGs have dropped off so much.
Finally you have said to everyone who asks that you would give up all your individual honors for the Stanley Cup. So this whole season is a prelude to your heart’s desire but you know it’s a necessary process in order for your team to improve its overall game, that the players have to be able to rely on themselves and not look just to you to save the day with another GWG, that the team has to improve the defensive side of their systems and develop a playoff style and mentality.
Yeah Ovi has a lot on his mind when he is on the ice. He has to change his game and is probably doing a fair amount of over thinking rather than just playing by instinct. I agree he is not looking like himself, tHat his style is too erratic and not the old Ovi of unfettered joy with goal scoring, but I am willing to be patient and see how he adjusts his game. He is simply too amazing and gifted of an athlete for this situation to continue indefinitely. He will figure it out—I am confident of that.
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 Nov 21, 2010 9:28 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
I’d LOL your comparison of Ovie playing like Fleischman if it wasn’t so sad and pathetic that Ovie has fallen that far. Unfortunately, Ovie is being paid a lot more handsomely than Flash by the Caps, and Ovie is the team Captain, so a lot more is expected of him. That’s why I won’t cut him much slack for the distractions, losses, and flak from his suspensions. He’s in the NHL, he has responsibilities to his teammates, so it’s up to him to let go of the past and shake loose out of his slump.
And to answer your question: no, there’s not much to enjoy about Ovie playing like Flash. Ovie as a Flash clone is totally unacceptable.
Don’t be so literal. Redlineblue was being sarcastic—you know with exaggeration by making a Flash comparison.
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 Nov 21, 2010 9:34 PM EST up reply actions
I honestly couldn’t tell redlineblue was being sarcastic. That’s one of the downsides of posting on the Internet, not being able to pick up on body language, nuance, context, etc. Bottom line: Ovie has to start playing like Ovie, the REAL Ovie, and not like anyone else or to please anyone else.
by Ovietracker on Nov 21, 2010 10:03 PM EST up reply actions
I figured Redlineblue was being sarcastic. But we’d really be worried if his productivity did fall to Flash levels. (Oddly enough last year, there was numerous posts on how Flash was more “worth it” for the Caps than Semin since Semin was going through such a rough stretch.)
Rocking the Red for the Caps since 1975. Rocking the Red on additional fronts as well.
Well, the guy’s hitting, throwing enough G and A to stay very much in the conversation, showing signs of shift management, and wearing a C for a team that wins. A lot. How much of your slack does he need, really?
As for his responsibilities to his teammates, I’m not aware they’re feeling let down by Ovechkin. Matter of fact, he might be ‘responsible’, if inadvertently, for more guys stepping into bigger roles, yielding a harder team to play against.
Fleischman’s always looked to me like a guy who’s happy with a B+. Ovechkin, these days, looks like a guy who’s been told the new grading scale ranges from 3.14159, on the high end, to a Buick on the low. And you know that mother’s going to get himself some pi in due time, so I’m not going to get all indignant about this…“slump”.
There's no 'i' in "team". But there's a 'nap' in "champion".
by redlineblue on Nov 21, 2010 10:40 PM EST up reply actions
How much of your slack does he need, really?
FTFM—didnt mean to sound chippy.
There's no 'i' in "team". But there's a 'nap' in "champion".
by redlineblue on Nov 21, 2010 10:49 PM EST up reply actions
The Bears won tonight, 4-3 but they gave up two goals late in the 3rd period. Varlamitis strikes again. Or does he still need another rehab start in Hershey? But at least he could do back to backs this weekend
Next question. Who should be in goal against NJ on Monday? Should we put Holtby in and give him another chance, as in “if you fall off the horse, the best thing to do is to get back on”. No point burning out Neuvy at this stage of the game. And Varly, after doing back to backs in Hershey is in no way ready for another game.
I noticed Hershey has a busy schedule coming up. A Wednesday game and then back to back to back games for the weekend. Plenty of opportunities for rehab starts if needed.
Personal Recommendation: Holtby Monday; Neuvy Wednesday. And then evaluate things after that.
Rocking the Red for the Caps since 1975. Rocking the Red on additional fronts as well.
Holtby gets NJD to me too. Like 90, 27, 74, now’s as good a time as any for NHL OJT. If the rest of the team sees fit to provide a leetle more protection and run support, also fine.
There's no 'i' in "team". But there's a 'nap' in "champion".
leetle more protection
Guess it’s time to say it with a Russian accent. LOL.
Agree this is a good time for OJT for our kids.
Other notes: will Fehr remain on the 2nd line with Laich and Flash? Or are other plans in order?
Rocking the Red for the Caps since 1975. Rocking the Red on additional fronts as well.
Playa of the week
Fehr was clever to knock Knuble out. With another big goal and some boarding PIM (if not against PHI, whom?), he’s positioned himself nicely for some of 22’s minutes. I have a better grasp on goalie interference than on 14’s rightful role.
There's no 'i' in "team". But there's a 'nap' in "champion".
by redlineblue on Nov 21, 2010 10:45 PM EST up reply actions
update on Varly:
Goalie Semyon Varlamov (19 saves), who has dealt with recurring groin problems, started for a second straight night. French said the Bears opted to go with consecutive home starts rather than a Friday-Sunday split, which would have involved playing him after a three-hour bus ride to Binghamton.
"To allow him to be a creature of comfort at home and to have all of those amenities was our thought," French said. "It was a game-by-game thing. We weren’t guaranteed to give him two starts. We were going to give him last night and evaluate. We did that. He was fine to go and played well."
French said he doesn’t know if the Capitals have immediate plans to recall Varlamov (2-1-0), who has made three conditioning starts for Hershey.
Perreault: "It was must-win for us. We can’t lose three games in one weekend. Varly kept us in in the first, made some big saves. Then we regrouped and came out strong in the second."
by vtcapsfan99 on Nov 21, 2010 11:07 PM EST up reply actions
Ther should be an article in Clips tomorrow that seems to indicate the Caps will be patient and keep varly in Hershey for a bit more. AGord noted on his twitter that the Bears have a four-games-in-five-days schedule coming up so maybe they see varly with at least two more AHL starts and evaluating his health before bringing him back up.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Emily you saw Varly play in person this weekend, what did you think?
Maybe they’ll give Varly some home starts in that upcoming 4 games in five days stretch. It’s encouraging that he was able to play two nights in a row without re-injuring himself. Now to work on sharpening up. It took him awhile last season to come back and really get back into form after being out a few months. I admit to being nervous when I read on twitter than someone ran Varly and got an goalie INT penalty tonight. That’s exactly how he got his knee injury during his rehab start for his groin injury last season.
by vtcapsfan99 on Nov 21, 2010 11:14 PM EST up reply actions
I did not see Varly (or any hockey) in person this weekend. :(
I watched the Caps play the Thrashers and Flyers on teevee, and watched the Bears highlights on YouTube.
But mainly I’d say that Varly just has to play some a lot more, and hopefully he’s not too spooked to get fully into the game.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Oh, I was confused, sorry. Reading too much on twitter and getting it all mixed up. Someone went up to Hershey this weekend I thought. I tell you your brain starts slipping once you hit 30.
I hope Varly keeps progressing, it would be nice to have him up with the caps again soon and give Neuvy a break.
by vtcapsfan99 on Nov 21, 2010 11:28 PM EST up reply actions
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