Recap: Caps 3, Hurricanes 2
by Becca H on Nov 24, 2010 10:26 PM EST
in Game Recaps
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Print[GameCenter - Game Summary - Event Summary - Faceoff Summary - Corsi/Fenwick - Shift Charts - Head-to-Head - Zone Starts]
Two nights ago the Capitals were listless, sluggish and ineffective, allowing five goals and scoring none for the second time in three nights. As a result, Bruce Boudreau pulled out a coach's best friend and a player's worst nightmare...the ol' bag skate. The boys paid the price in practice for not paying the price when it mattered, a message sent by the coaching staff that the work ethic had to improve.
And it seemed to have the desired effect, because from the opening faceoff to the final horn, that work ethic was on display. The result? A merciful end to the losing streak and an all-around good win.
Ten more notes on the game:
- Semyon Varlamov had to sit out for over a month, watching Michal Neuvirth earn all the accolades, all the wins, and - for now, at least - the number one spot on the team. Doesn't look like he's ready to give any of that up so easily, though, does it? He looked incredible in just his second start of the year, particularly in turning aside 19 shots in the second, and was easily one of the best players on the ice for the Caps.
- Another guy who could be given that title tonight is none other than Nicklas Backstrom, who absolutely put on a show at both ends of the ice and was a huge reason why the top line looked rejuvenated and focused all night. He picked up two goals by driving the net hard, cleaning up rebounds and cashing in on opportunities, all while backchecking and displaying why he's one of the League leaders in takeaways.
- As the game wound down, Craig Laughlin mentioned in passing that it was "a typical Ovechkin game". More beautiful words have never been said - nor truer words, as Alex Ovechkin's debut as a right wing resulted in what was easily his best game in weeks if not all season. And he did it simply by being himself. He didn't dent the twine but we'll take those three assists, and the speed and creativity he seemed to generate. Oh, yeah, and those ten shots, five hits and plus-two rating that go along with them.
- Earlier today, Joe Corvo had this to say about Ovechkin: "I know what he's going to do, basically. Most cases, he's going to try and put a move on you. And if he's not going to do that, he's going to try and shoot between your legs and use you as a screen - one of those two options." Oddly enough, Corvo was on the ice for all three Caps goals. So either he changed it up on you or you're not capable of stopping him even if you know what's coming, Joe - one of those two options.
- It's only natural for a guy coming back after a long layoff to have a bit of rust, and that was the case - again - with Tom Poti. The speed's not quite there yet, and he blended some really nice offensive and defensive plays with a couple of rather boneheaded turnovers. Still, not a bad return for #3.
- The Caps gave up six shots in the first period, nineteen in the second and seven in the third. One of these things is not like the others...one of these things just doesn't belong.
- It's easy to look at the boxscore and assume that the Caps blew a two-goal lead. The Hurricanes might have erased a two-goal deficit, but the Caps never seemed to relinquish control and shut it down after picking up the eventual game-winner late in the third.
- Eighteen blocked shots on the game for the Caps, but two in particular stuck out - one that took a chunk out of Brooks Laich (who later scored the game-winning goal) and one by Karl Alzner with just a few seconds left in the game.
- In the past, a concern with Alexander Semin has been that he comes on strong when Ovechkin is either out or slumping, then disappears when the captain returns. For one game, at least, those fears can be set aside as Semin had a pretty great game of his own, showing off his moves, skating almost eight minutes of special teams (split fairly evenly between the penalty kill and power play) and firing nine shots toward the net.
- Every time Matt Bradley's face bleeds, an angel gets its wings. Or the Caps get a win. Something like that.
So a nearly sixty-minute effort results in two points - strange how the two seem to go together, isn't it? Carolina always seems to bring it against Washington and tonight was no exception, but the Caps held on tight, got timely scoring and saw their best players step up for the first time in a long time.
When the best players are your best players, your role players bring energy and fire, and your goaltender makes the big saves...good things happen.
Game highlights:
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Yes please
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
by EmilyB on Nov 24, 2010 10:29 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Clearly the Caps top 3 players tonight
I really liked Ovie as a RW tonight. Coach BB must have pushed the right buttons.
by Ovietracker on Nov 24, 2010 10:56 PM EST up reply actions
With all those assists he’s clearly a centah!
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
a very selfish center. He’s hogging all the primary assists!
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
So where does Knuble go when he returns to the lineup?
Since the Laich at 1LW experiment seemed to work, that’s what Bruce will probably do. So, does that mean Knuble moves to the 2RW and Semin shifts back to LW?
Today, the top line got way more even strength ice time than the other lines — as in a way greater percentage. There wasn’t a whole lot of different in the amount of ES ice time the 2nd line guys got as opposed to the 4th line guys. If Sasha hasn’t gotten a lot of special teams appearances ……. Also, noticed that Johansson got a small amount of ice time.
Rocking the Red for the Caps since 1975. Rocking the Red on additional fronts as well.
MarJo’s ice time was almost a bullet in the recap – it went down each period, I think it was just another case of Bruce stapling him (and Fehr and others) to the bench in a close game. He looked really good in limited time, though, I thought.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
Whoa – Carlson the caps’ ice time leader by a country mile. Hope he can keep that up.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Yeah I noticed in the 2nd half of the 3rd Gordon starting taking his shifts with the 2nd line. A shame really but I understand why it was done. I still want to see him be in total control of his line and linking up with both wings. He looks good in that he’s using his skating and fighting better for puck possession but I want to see him start to really control the ice when he has the puck and feel what his linemates are doing.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 25, 2010 2:45 AM EST up reply actions
Yes, PLEASE
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Funny. I seem to have a gap in my memory from this past Monday night. What did I do? Can’t remember a thing.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Monday never happened. We skipped it and went straight to tuesday.
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You too? Glad it’s not just me.
Speaking of skipping a day – I just sent some very, very nasty weather your way. As in tornado siren, go to the basement bad.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
lovely. hopefully it will hold off long enough for us to get home tomorrow evening.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Huzzah! Becca gets a win! And also we get a game where guys seemed to give a damn. All is good in the world.
John Carlson - Glory follows him.
Six Beers Too Many Fantasy Team - BizNasty's Hobo Rodeo
Something else for us all to be thankful for on Thanksgiving
by Ovietracker on Nov 24, 2010 11:03 PM EST up reply actions
Same here. I was out of the loop since the ‘Canes tied the score and couldn’t post my cheers when Brooksie got the GWG.
by Ovietracker on Nov 24, 2010 10:55 PM EST up reply actions
Stek eller hummer, Nicklas? What'll it be?
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
You can probably get a hummer for less than a hundred in the DC area.
Got my user name back from the dingo...
I can’t believe I just typed that in a public forum. Please be assured that interweb posting shame is being felt chez moi.
Got my user name back from the dingo...
Do either come with Dunder Honung?
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 24, 2010 11:02 PM EST up reply actions
Nein, it’s BYODH.
Rocking the Red for the Caps since 1975. Rocking the Red on additional fronts as well.
Figures… maybe at least he can get a lingonberry soda with dinner (You can at Ikea…good stuff!)
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 24, 2010 11:17 PM EST up reply actions
Your tenth bullet is the best yet! Chuckle.
He's a better skater than Nick, but he's big in the back[side]...BB
by Backeez Got Back on Nov 24, 2010 10:36 PM EST reply actions
Another positive, Ovi, Semin and Varly were seen beating Samsonov with a tire iron in the hallway at RBC Center. Now that’s more like it!
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Nov 24, 2010 10:37 PM EST reply actions 6 recs
They had to stop sooner than they would have wanted as Laich needed the tire iron out in the parking lot to help out some motorists in distress.
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 24, 2010 11:11 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
So, so glad to see Bäckström* looking so vibrant, for lack of a better word. This was one of the of the better showings for the Canes, whichever way it goes — I’ve not mined the stats for meaning yet, but both teams were pretty nicely engaged, which I haven’t really seen in this degree yet this season.
*the umlauts, they burn!
Got my user name back from the dingo...
I thought both teams played really well – the Caps were slightly dominant but there’s a reason the Canes tied it up and it wasn’t because the Caps necessarily let them.
It’s really becoming a nice rivalry. I’ve got a healthy dose of hate for those Canes (and perhaps some unhealthy hate for their captain, but that’s just me :P) – these games are always really fun.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
sorry I missed GDT with everyone, but I was hollering “We’ve got a bleeder!” with y’all in mind.
Slightly panic-inducing third, but I’ll take it. Wins are a nice way to kick off the holiday.
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I’m thankful for Becca finally getting to recap a winner for a change.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Links guy at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on Nov 24, 2010 10:43 PM EST reply actions 4 recs
Nope, just lying in wait. But yes, it feels like my slump ending is almost a bigger relief than the Caps’ slump ending!
…because I’m selfish, what?
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
selfish like Ovie. You probably laugh after losses, too.
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Only if there are cameras nearby. Oh, and when I see small children on the side of the road on a rainy day I like to drive past them really fast to spray them with water…that’s not weird, right?
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
You don’t run them over? Geez.
John Carlson - Glory follows him.
Six Beers Too Many Fantasy Team - BizNasty's Hobo Rodeo
Exactly. I don’t want to kill the future starce…just spray ’em with a little water >:D
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
that’s the one thing I miss about NHLN getting better commerical. I can no longer have by one twisted version of mumblealong.
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and she doesn’t back up over their dogs. Becca’s gone soft!
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
I. Love. Sweden. clap clap clapclapclapclap
John Carlson - Glory follows him.
Six Beers Too Many Fantasy Team - BizNasty's Hobo Rodeo
I think one of the better moments in this game for me was seeing Ovi put his shoulder into someone early. It’s a simple little thing, but seeing that was all I needed to know the Captain was back. Hopefully this is just the beginning, because I sure missed watching this Ovi.
Varly looked superb. He’d been away long enough for me to appreciate how quick and athletic he is anew.
I think tonight jump started Ovie and we should see him hitting the back of the net very soon. He had a lot more jump and fire, always a good sign. Welcome back, O Captain.
by Ovietracker on Nov 24, 2010 10:58 PM EST up reply actions
I liked the moving Ovi deal. Made him think a bit. He’s better that way.
John Carlson - Glory follows him.
Six Beers Too Many Fantasy Team - BizNasty's Hobo Rodeo
Ovie as RW was a huge hit, no pun intended.
by Ovietracker on Nov 24, 2010 10:59 PM EST up reply actions
Guess Knuble’s lost his job as 1RW. Ovi’s displaced him!
Rocking the Red for the Caps since 1975. Rocking the Red on additional fronts as well.
Now depth chart
LW Laich, Fleischmann, Chimera
RW Ovechkin Semin Knuble Fehr
by red army line on Nov 25, 2010 11:59 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah, the ice just seemed to be a lot more open for him on the right side. More space, more shots and more hits. I think tonight marked the return of the Alex we all know and love.
I think seeing Ovie on the opposite side confused the ’Canes somewhat, which created the open space as you noted and thus more shots and his 3 helpers on all the Caps goals.
by Ovietracker on Nov 24, 2010 11:15 PM EST up reply actions
I think it confused Ovie, too. Couple of times I spotted him streaking down the left and then suddenly dart to the right.
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Yeah, I could see the gears working at times tonight — not just his — and usually that’s a recipe for disaster in sports. Tonight it seems to have been the shakeup that they needed.
Six Beers Too Many fantasy team: It's Neu-virth Than Usual
"I wake up in the middle night frustrated because we lost out in the first round and I want to see our players hoist the Stanley Cup." -Brooks Laich
by CapitalCentre on Nov 24, 2010 11:20 PM EST up reply actions
Have to run. Have a Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
He's a better skater than Nick, but he's big in the back[side]...BB
by Backeez Got Back on Nov 24, 2010 10:58 PM EST reply actions
What was Corvo’s +/- tonight?
~~~ R0cK D@ R3D ~~~
by Chaz-Capapalooza on Nov 24, 2010 11:06 PM EST reply actions
-2. He was on for both ES goals and the PPG, and not on for either Carolina goal.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
Nice…I just saw he was on for the GWG too
~~~ R0cK D@ R3D ~~~
by Chaz-Capapalooza on Nov 24, 2010 11:08 PM EST up reply actions
Observations from the Sofa...
Finally get to watch a game in it’s entirety…
My notes:
1) Varly! Varly! Varly!
2) Ok guys, 4 shots towards an empty net and no one buries it… gotta do better than that. Hooks demands it! Well, not just Hooks… I want that empty net goal so that Alzner doesn’t have to lay out to block a shot like that with 2 seconds to go. If they get that ENG, then likely there’s no need to give up the body like that. Bury those ENGs, dammit.
3) Great game for Ovechkin, Backstrom and Laich. Was good to see that.
4) The power play needs Mike Green… Carlson’s play on the PP wasn’t bad but for some reason everything seemed to be a bit off when he was out there on it. Sure they got that one goal in 5 seconds of powerplay in the third, but that was Ovie catching Peeters’ clearing attempt and sending it goalward for Brooks Laich to bury.
5) The guys are on their way home… probably a much nicer trip than the one down to Carolina
6) Corvo’s quote… heh. Sure Ovie is going to shoot or put a move on you… maybe, and then Backstrom and Laich are there to bury the pucks.
All in all, a great great win. Well done boys, you’ve earned the turkey!
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
You know, as much as I generally agree with #4 I think they did better as the game went on. I think it was the second to last PP that Nicky was really dictating the whole flow of the unit, he kept moving them around the way Green usually does and just kept finding open passing lanes, open shooting lanes, deflections, etc. Didn’t create any results but I was sufficiently impressed.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
Agreed they got better, but still other than a great play by Ovie on a questionable play by Peeters, the PP wasn’t all that effective. We’ll see what happens Friday (wish I could be there, but my wife and I have plans to hang out with our grandson…)
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 24, 2010 11:19 PM EST up reply actions
True. Just liked Backstrom’s work on that one, that’s all. Overall nothing to write home about with the extra man.
And that is an excellent use of your time, I think we’ll all forgive you for that! Sounds like more fun than my plans – I’m missing the game because I don’t have the day off and don’t get out of work until 6. Gross.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
Laich makes a good wing on that top line
And in defense of Corvo, if you read the whole article, he says Ovie is the toughest matchup in the league and that there’s no one quite like him. Not exactly bulletin-board material
It’s funny because of the outcome of the game, the Caps winning. If the result had been different…
by Ovietracker on Nov 24, 2010 11:18 PM EST up reply actions
•It’s only natural for a guy coming back after a long layoff to have a bit of rust, and that was the case – again – with Tom Poti. The speed’s not quite there yet, and he blended some really nice offensive and defensive plays with a couple of rather boneheaded turnovers. Still, not a bad return for #3.
24:30, a +1 and flawless PK work in 4:23? I’d hope so.
"DON'T SAY THAT! Please! That is the worst, most stupid thing anyone could say! Cause it quite clearly isn't "only a game." I mean if it was do you honestly think I'd care this much?"
Yeah, he had a good night – but there were some really high-profile, messy turnovers that Varly or Schultz had to bail him out on. But again, to be expected and despite that I’d agree that it was a fine return for my car’s namesake ;)
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
You named your car after Poti?
Rocking the Red for the Caps since 1975. Rocking the Red on additional fronts as well.
True. (I understand that was really bad horror movie.)
Rocking the Red for the Caps since 1975. Rocking the Red on additional fronts as well.
It was, but not as bad as the prior 3 Caps games.
Oh the horror, the horror (doing my best Col. Kurtz imitation)
by Ovietracker on Nov 24, 2010 11:22 PM EST up reply actions
And to think the OT loss against the Flyers was our best game in that stretch.
Rocking the Red for the Caps since 1975. Rocking the Red on additional fronts as well.
Scary, isn’t it? Glad it’s in our rear view mirror at last
by Ovietracker on Nov 24, 2010 11:24 PM EST up reply actions
I did! It’s constantly banged up, it’s not the flashiest thing in the world, it’s getting up there in age…but dammit if it doesn’t still get me where I need to go :)
(Also I’m convinced it’s allergic to oil.)
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
Very nice and succinct recap of your car Becca
by Ovietracker on Nov 24, 2010 11:26 PM EST up reply actions
The green Saturn that Matt Bradley made fun of in being his ride could be Mr Green Car (minus the Rangers magnet and a sticker from the 2004 elections).
And Mr Green Car bleeds oil at the drop of a hat.
Got my user name back from the dingo...
It’s got lots of rings, the best planet in the solar system
by Ovietracker on Nov 24, 2010 11:30 PM EST up reply actions
I had a Saturn. I loved that car.
Six Beers Too Many fantasy team: It's Neu-virth Than Usual
"I wake up in the middle night frustrated because we lost out in the first round and I want to see our players hoist the Stanley Cup." -Brooks Laich
by CapitalCentre on Nov 24, 2010 11:38 PM EST up reply actions
my brother was bad-mouthing Poti today at lunch. I will be sure to taunt him mercilessly tomorrow.
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It should be a fun time at the dinner table there
by Ovietracker on Nov 24, 2010 11:45 PM EST up reply actions
what’s thanksgiving without a little pre-dinner full contact hockey smack-talk?
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Mine. I will be the only real sports fan among 14 people around our table tomorrow.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
my sympathies.
My brother spent most of this evening preparing a slew of “Battle of the Blades” clips for us to watch tomorrow. Complete with drinking game. I’m not sure this is this is going to be the best thanksgiving ever, or involve the most vomiting.
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I’m not sure this is this is going to be the best thanksgiving ever, or involve the most vomiting.
Couldn’t it be both?
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Sure hope it’s a four point night. Someone’s got to cool off Tampa Bay.
Rocking the Red for the Caps since 1975. Rocking the Red on additional fronts as well.
Here’s a hint boys – when you see him standing all alone at the top of the circle, winding up…. DO SOMETHING.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
this is where my inner goon fan comes out and screams “HIT HIM!”
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Anything that won’t involve having a penalty called on you
by Ovietracker on Nov 24, 2010 11:45 PM EST up reply actions
That’s the catch. How to do things sneakily so avoid getting penalties.
Rocking the Red for the Caps since 1975. Rocking the Red on additional fronts as well.
On Stamkos, the prospect of him leading the league in everything means that Sid Crosby isn’t leading.
But I still have this hope (faint as it is) that my boys can start getting untracked and make thinks just a little bit interesting on the goal scoring front.
Rocking the Red for the Caps since 1975. Rocking the Red on additional fronts as well.
The Caps did a good job against him the last time they played.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
And may that continue to continue. (Someone has to cool down TB. The longer their streak has gone on, the more pressure there is on them. And they’re up to a 5 game winning streak.)
Gang, Friday is a statement game, folks.
Rocking the Red for the Caps since 1975. Rocking the Red on additional fronts as well.
Yes indeed. What happened the last time the Caps played the Bolts won’t mean a thing if the Caps don’t build on tonight’s success and take it to TB. It’s more than just a 4 point game, it’s about the Caps putting a string of wins together that they put out 100% effort for 60 minutes.
by Ovietracker on Nov 24, 2010 11:54 PM EST up reply actions
The Caps have to win Friday. Or Tampa will then have a more realistic hope of catching up to us in the South Least.
Maybe it’s not the South Least anymore
Rocking the Red for the Caps since 1975. Rocking the Red on additional fronts as well.
There are 3 teams in the South East in the playoff picture — as of tonight. And Atlanta is in there, as well.
Rocking the Red for the Caps since 1975. Rocking the Red on additional fronts as well.
I think the best thing for the Caps would be to get tested within their division rather than getting used to rolling over inferior opponents. Being tested in the regular season, being forced to adapt and adjust, just might bring about a different outcome in the playoffs this year.
by Ovietracker on Nov 25, 2010 12:01 AM EST up reply actions
Gang, Friday is a statement game, folks.
What, winner of November 26?
"DON'T SAY THAT! Please! That is the worst, most stupid thing anyone could say! Cause it quite clearly isn't "only a game." I mean if it was do you honestly think I'd care this much?"
by Bald Pollack on Nov 26, 2010 7:25 AM EST up reply actions
I just liked the line 14-15-16. Good ring to it.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
The Flash Gordon line. Line to use against Ming of Mongo. And what team does Ming of Mongo play for anyhow?
Rocking the Red for the Caps since 1975. Rocking the Red on additional fronts as well.
’Ning the Nerciless.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
by EmilyB on Nov 25, 2010 12:04 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
LOL Emily!
And on that note, I’ll say Happy Thanksgiving to all, and to all a good night!
by Ovietracker on Nov 25, 2010 12:07 AM EST up reply actions
I think Joe B brought up that they’re the “Flush” line. another fascinating night between Joe B and Locker.
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They were saying that if the Caps scored (after Carolina had tied), it would be the end of Carolina. I thought it was premature, of course. Then the Caps turned out to score on the PP. And, sure enough, Locker and Joe B talked about. it. They were in rare form.
Rocking the Red for the Caps since 1975. Rocking the Red on additional fronts as well.
extra special stick tap to Matt Hendricks, who completed his first “full” NHL season, with game #82 :)
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by RedBirdie on Nov 25, 2010 12:40 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
can’t believe he’s almost 30. he’s the junior spivey of hockey
Don't celebration when you score goal
given our ages, I’m guessing I must have seen Hendy play when I went to Duluth games, although I must sadly admit I don’t actually recall if that is so.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
So after getting home from the bar…
Corvo’s comments were funny…he’s either going to put a move on you or shoot? Brilliant. Add in there pass it to a teammate and you have every single option any player ever has covered. I guess 3 primary assists covered it already no?
Yeah, Ovie. That’s what we want to see. He could have had a few more points and Backstrom the hattie too on other chances. Not to take away from Backstrom at all tremendous game. LOVE seeing him drive the net on 1st goal with Knubs not on that line.
Laich went to the bakery in a tie game. Damn that guy for having good quotes and never backing them u…oh wait.
Varly certainly stated his case for being back in the mix tonight. Granted I was sweating bullets every time I saw him scrambling in the crease like his groin was going to explode but for tonight at least we saw what he can do even given some bad luck and a missed coverage for two (hard to fault him on either goal in my opinon).
Carlson may not have been Mike Green on the PP but he was everything else in his big minutes of TOI. We kind of got hosed on the no call for their tying goal but I won’t complain given 1 official was gone after less than a minute.
It’s a very good thing Poti was able to go tonight. He may have had his bad moments but he had plenty of good ones and just the thought we didn’t have to go deeper than Fahey is a boon in my mind.
Semin is a beast on the PK. Solid game overall, even if no points.
Marcus Johannson continues to improve in certain areas. Eventually when we start trusting him late in tight games he may even really surprise us. Slow but steady kid.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
AO and Baxter were dominant tonight. The rest of the team was kinda eh, but those two absolutely lit it up.
Carlson definitely needs some work from the point at the NHL level. I get the feeling he’s more comfortable as a triggerman than a QB, but with AO next to you, it’s hard to just unload it from back there.
Fahey and Erskine were oof-worthy all night to me, the sooner Green gets healthy, the better. Or even more so, the sooner the Caps acquire a depth D, the better.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 25, 2010 7:43 AM EST via mobile reply actions 2 recs
Did you see Fahey get his stick knocked out of his hands…by the puck? I hadda rewind to believe it. Curious to see what the PP would look like with ( a more-developed) Carlson trying to be Carlson, rather than “subbing for Green”. The latter’s nigh-impossible anyway. The PP could use a different look and I dont know if they can get it from BB/AO.
There's no 'i' in "team". But there's a 'nap' in "champion".
I think tonight was a good example of why looking at one game’s worth of Corsi/Fenwick can be a little misleading. Does anyone think that Matt Hendricks was the worst player on the ice? Or that Brian Fahey was lightyears better than Poti and Schultz? Or that Semin was their best forward?
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You have a good point on many of those Fenwick/Corsi stats but Semin at least did well in defense, so it’s not like he didn’t contribute. On Semin, he was part of a checking line, for all practical purposes. He was essentially taking Fehr’s place on our “normal” third line.
Rocking the Red for the Caps since 1975. Rocking the Red on additional fronts as well.
When a team has a two goal lead all sorts of funky things can happen. Looks like here Carolina tried just firing away.
by red army line on Nov 25, 2010 12:04 PM EST up reply actions
Your words on Carolina “firing away” made me think of Pat Benatar’s song, which they used to always play at Caps games back in the day:
…
Hit Me With Your Best Shot!
Why Don’t You Hit Me With Your Best Shot!
Hit Me With Your Best Shot!
Fire Away!
Rocking the Red for the Caps since 1975. Rocking the Red on additional fronts as well.
Yeah, looking at the Head-to-head charts, Fahey saw less than a minute of time against Eric Staal and his line. Conversely, Poti and Schultz saw a whole lot of Eric Staal (and actually, so did Carlson and Alzner).
That BB is as comfortable starting Carlzner in the D zone as he is Poti/Schultz and giving them equal time against the Staal/Samsonov combo is a real testament to how rapidly these two are developing. This is better than the best I dared hope for…so far.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 25, 2010 1:08 PM EST up reply actions
Well gang, you probably won’t be seeing Fahey on Friday since he’s been sent to Hershey. Which means one of two things: either Green or Sloan is healthy again. And hope it’s the former.
Rocking the Red for the Caps since 1975. Rocking the Red on additional fronts as well.
Sloan is on IR. Fahey could be recalled for tomorrow – the reassignment could just be a paper transaction.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
You’re probably right. At the time I posted that comment, I was not yet aware than Sloan was on IR. Learned that by reading Katie’s article.
Green is probably healthy. Or at least healthy enough to play, I would assume. At least he took his normal place in practice.
Rocking the Red for the Caps since 1975. Rocking the Red on additional fronts as well.
As oof-worthy as Fahey was, I’d rather watch him stumble around than keep having Green play through injury. Just rest him until he is 100%, and then 2 more games. He needs to be healthy and playing through an injury all year isn’t going to allow him to get healthy.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
No question about it, hence the inveighing for depth D or for a healthy Green. Definitely want him at 100% when he hits the short season.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 25, 2010 3:22 PM EST up reply actions
There will be D available, they just aren’t available yet. We’ll need to see who drops out of contention before we can determine who is available and who is worth acquiring.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Like Ian White?
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 25, 2010 5:15 PM EST up reply actions
That ship sailed. How many other guys do you think get moved before late January?
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I know and I’m eight kind of bitter about it.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 25, 2010 10:30 PM EST up reply actions
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