Recap: Caps 6, Lightning 0
by J.P. on Nov 26, 2010 7:43 PM EST
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[GameCenter - Game Summary - Event Summary - Faceoff Summary - Corsi/Fenwick - Shift Charts - Head-to-Head - Zone Starts]
For a team poised to run away with the Southeast Division for a second-consecutive season, early-season matches with would-be divisional challengers are among the better tests they're likely to find on the regular season schedule.
So far, so good in that regard, as the Caps ran their intradivisional record to 6-2-0 with a 6-0 win over the second-place Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday night. Throw out the no-show in Atlanta from a week ago (it happens), and the Caps have outscored their Southeast brethren by a combined score of 30-16. Yep, these proverbial four-point games are big (for now, at least), and the Caps have shown up big for most of them.
Ten more notes on the game:
- Alexander Semin probably won't be getting a holiday card from the Lightning this year. After his second-period natural hat trick, Semin had six goals and an assist in his last three periods of play against Tampa (and that includes a point-less first tonight). Semin was everywhere tonight - at even strength, on the power play and on the penalty kill - and absolutely obliterated a mini-slump in which he had no goals and just one assist in his previous four games.. And here's a great stat from the Caps: Semin has now has three hat tricks in the past 35 days, shattering the previous franchise record for the fastest trio of hatties set by Peter Bondra, who had with three in 60 days back in 1996.
- Before Semin took center stage outright tonight, Marcus Johansson was enjoying what may have been his best game as an NHLer (we've been saying that a lot lately, haven't we?), after registering his first career assist on a clean offensive-zone faceoff that teed up John Carlson for the game's first tally and then notching his second helper on a gorgeous pass on a 2-on-1 with Semin. It was MoJo's first career multi-point game, and surely won't be his last.
- Back to Carlson, his goal snapped a string of ten games without a marker, but his best efforts of the night came on the defensive side of the puck. He and partner Karl Alzner were tasked with shutting down Steven Stamkos and Martin St. Louis at even strength, and they did just that (the Lightning duo had just three shots on goal). Seen Stamkos? Not tonight.
- Not to be outdone by his junior countryman, Nicklas Backstrom threaded two brilliant passes to Semin (on goals two and three for the Russian winger), including one on a 5-on-3 that Tampa had to know was coming, but still couldn't stop.
- Also very much worth noting was the team defense, which held the Bolts to just 17 shots on goal for the game, seven of which came on the power play. The penalty kill was awesome, playing a perfect 8:49 (including 1:11 of 3-on-5 time), and the 17 shots on goal against were the fewest the Caps have allowed in a game since October 28 at Minnesota (which was the fewest they'd allowed since surrendering just 10 to Vancouver early in 20080-09).
- Moments before getting whistled for an awfully soft boarding call, John Erskine's stick got up into the mug of Mattias Ritola, ostensibly under Rule 60.1, which notes that "a player is permitted accidental contact on an opponent if the act is committed as a normal windup or follow through of a shooting motion." Where were these refs when these teams played seven years ago (boxscore)?
- Semyon Varlamov was once again very solid and is now 2-0-0/1.00/.959 since returning from injury. After the nightmare scenario earlier in the week (one goalie hurt, one goalie coming off injury having played the prior two nights and one goalie playing somewhat poorly), Bruce Boudreau might have to pinch himself with what he's got now (for the moment, at least).
- No Fleischmann... no problem - the Caps are now 2-0-0 without Flash, and have outscored their opponents 10-2. Oh, and Eric Fehr - don't get too comfortable playing every game.
- Alzner played his 75th career NHL game tonight, and took two minor penalties, meaning 18% of his career penalty minutes came tonight.
- Don't look now, but Tom Poti now has two goals in his last three games for the first time since November of 2008 (when he scored in back-to-back games). With two goals in seven games, Poti is half-way to his 2009-10 total (a personal best with the Caps)... in 63 fewer games.
Next up for the Caps is another Southeast showdown - Sunday night against Carolina - with another chance to put some more distance between themselves and the rest of the Division. If they play like they did tonight, there's an awfully good chance those two points will be theirs.
Monday night in Jersey sure does feel like a distant memory now, doesn't it?
Game highlights:
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Well that was quick. Hats off to the whole team tonight. Great defensive play, great passing, great special teams.
John Carlson - Glory follows him.
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I think I might have set a record for the quickest recap in this blog’s history – nine minutes from the end time (on the game summary) until this posted. Thanks, meaningless third period!
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by J.P. on Nov 26, 2010 7:53 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Sasha Fierce
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Avg. age, what, 22? Cripes.
John Carlson - Glory follows him.
Six Beers Too Many Fantasy Team - BizNasty's Hobo Rodeo
So did this guy!
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
What about Poti?
"And then they’ll look at guys in my situation, that could play three good games in a row and have one bad shift, and they’ll say, ‘Well, that’s why he’s been in the minor leagues his whole career.'" --Matt Hendricks
Seven stars!
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
What a pull hahaha
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 11:07 PM EST up reply actions
Man, I miss cigarettes. If I could change one thing about the world, I’d make ciggies 2 feet long, cheap, and good for you.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
I will take your word for it
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 11:11 PM EST up reply actions
I’ve never felt the compulsion to smoke.
I tweet far too much. Follow me!
Pleasure and pain, though directly opposite are contrived to be constant companions.
I’m 30, I’ve never tried it. Never will.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 11:16 PM EST up reply actions
Never had it, never will
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 27, 2010 12:56 AM EST up reply actions
I’ve had a cigar or two. It’s not terrible.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Nov 26, 2010 11:59 PM EST up reply actions
Well I have tried a cigar or two on special occasions for friends. Never cigarettes though, and I don’t intend to smoke any more cigars either. Unless we win the Cup or something.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 11:59 PM EST up reply actions
Carlson looks fierce in his photo!
I tweet far too much. Follow me!
Pleasure and pain, though directly opposite are contrived to be constant companions.
How did Sasha get 3 goals, Varly get a shutout, and Sasha get a +/- of 2?
Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.
PP goals you don’t record a + for
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 10:00 PM EST up reply actions
And Semin had 2 PPGs—he must’ve also been on ice for Carlson’s goal.
by red army line on Nov 26, 2010 10:11 PM EST up reply actions
He was, Johannson won the faceoff back to RAH
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 10:18 PM EST up reply actions
Steak or Lobster, Sasha? What are you treating John Erskine to?
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
No Flash, know win.
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 Nov 26, 2010 7:49 PM EST reply actions
The record without Green is substantially worse.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Yea, so surprised we were this good on D and overall
by washfan29 on Nov 26, 2010 7:55 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Hey, I called him out in the post – “Oh, and Eric Fehr – don’t get too comfortable playing every game.”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Thanks JP…comment was more towards how anti-Flash is the flavor of the month(or months) which I don’t disagree with given his play and his contract. Just think sometimes F16 gets a pass while 14 gets the heat.
Well, the Flash hate isn’t new. It’s been around for quite some time. I think that several people, myself included, are disappointed that Fehr hasn’t taken that next step and built on last year’s performance, but he isn’t getting put in the positions Flash gets. Flash has been getting prime ice for almost two years now and he doesn’t do much with it and has seemingly been perpetually in BB’s good graces. It just looks like he’s handed a lot more than Fehr so that leaves a different impression on our minds.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
by Rob Parker on Nov 26, 2010 9:49 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
You should also probably compare the linemates, TOI, and other contextual evidence.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Like the PP looking so much better when Flash isn’t losing possession and allowing clears…
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 9:48 PM EST up reply actions
I think the underlying point – that Fehr has underperformed – is valid.
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I’d agree with that, I’d like to see him get more time on the PP or with the linemates Flash has had though. For all their good work the 3rd line isn’t going to create a plethora of chances every night. I’m fine with that though, if they are strong in our zone and maintain good pressure in the opponents’ zone that’s what I expect out of them.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 9:49 PM EST up reply actions
I really wish an opportunity presented itself to get Andrew Gordon up here and see what he can do in Fehr’s place.
Gordon’s about to turn 25, and he’s been a bit of a late bloomer. I don’t mind him getting another full year in the A
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 26, 2010 10:21 PM EST up reply actions
After this year?
I think he replaces Brads next year. I think he’d have more offensive upside too.
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Pleasure and pain, though directly opposite are contrived to be constant companions.
I’d like to see Fehr step up and take Knuble’s job, leaving a hole on the 3rd line that Gordon would fill, and leaving Bradley on the 4th.
I’d like that. Doesn’t mean it’ll happen, but I’d like it
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 27, 2010 12:57 AM EST up reply actions
That would be best case scenario once Knubs is no longer with us. At most I could see Knubs signing a one year deal after this year. But even that would need some circumstances to happen I think. If Fehr could take over his spot and we could bump in AG to Brads/Fehr’s role, we save some cap space too.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 27, 2010 1:21 AM EST up reply actions
That’s what I’d like to see as well. Fehr stepping up to take Knubs job. But, like Dave, I could see Knubs coming back on a one year deal after this year. The question is …. how much will he have in the tank even then?
On Fehr — granted he hasn’t been off to the best start, but if I remember correctly, he was better during the second half of 2008-2009 as well.
Rocking the Red for the Caps since 1975. Rocking the Red on additional fronts as well.
I don’t disagree. I’ve said as much in person and on the internet this season. I just don’t think that citing a few numbers from this season encapsulates the full issue. There’s a lot more history with the Flash hate than just this season; there’s a lot more going on behind those numbers than just goals/assists/plus/minus.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
No doubt. But in fairness to Flash, he’s also been higher on the depth chart (as a C) than Fehr (as a RW), so he’s gotten more opportunity. And, of course, there’s the off chance that he’s been put in desirable positions (2C, PP TOI) in hopes that he’d produce in order to increase his value in trade.
Flash has disappointed this year. Fehr has disappointed this year. We’re all on the same page here.
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Even more well said. The dream of 3 scoring lines isn’t there yet.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 9:56 PM EST up reply actions
3 scoring lines! That’s been our dream. This year, we’ve been lucky to have two scoring lines. Or least that’s been the case for most of this year.
Rocking the Red for the Caps since 1975. Rocking the Red on additional fronts as well.
When he plays Semin up on the top line though you’re really just stacking one scoring line. Some nights it works and they are just too much for anyone. I hope Mackan gets a chance to play a few games with Semin on the 1B line.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 10:01 PM EST up reply actions
And the lack of 2 scoring lines has not just been because of Semin on the top line. It’s the disappointing scoring of our other main scoring forwards (Flash, Fehr, Knuble; etc.)
Rocking the Red for the Caps since 1975. Rocking the Red on additional fronts as well.
Agreed, although our goals per game was down on the whole earlier in the year. Has picked up of late though. We haven’t seen a whole lot of clicking amongst all 3 guys on a line in our top 2 very much this year (save for SOB on occasion) like we did last year with Knubs on the top line.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 10:27 PM EST up reply actions
That’s been the case with all our main secondary scorers this year. Disappointments! I’m including Flash, Fehr, Knuble, and Laich in that category. But at least the first line is doing well with Laich. And Laich is also excelling in the Plus/Minus department so he must be doing something right.
Rocking the Red for the Caps since 1975. Rocking the Red on additional fronts as well.
I don’t know that Laich has been disappointing. I just think he hasn’t been racking in the power play goals. He is 6-11-17 on the season with 8 ES points and 8 PP points. Also, hard for me to argue with his 21 Corsi Rel.
by red army line on Nov 26, 2010 10:15 PM EST up reply actions
Laich’s been far from disappointing, and I’m not just saying that as queen of the Laich Lobby. He’s had a great start to the year and has looked pretty damn good on the top line the last two games.
Plus 6 goals on the year, a quarter of the way through the season? That’s about a 20-25 goal pace, right about where he should be. I’ll take it.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
has looked pretty damn good on the top line the last two games.
He’d look good on any line giggle
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Pleasure and pain, though directly opposite are contrived to be constant companions.
by Ovechwin on Nov 26, 2010 10:20 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Great? No way. He went from October 16 to November 24 scoring in just one game during that stretch. That’s not good enough, much less great.
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Meh. No one on the team was scoring for most of that. I think he’s done well away from the puck, though, and it’s not like he wasn’t scoring because he wasn’t trying.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
So if 6 goals, 11 assists through 24 is “great” what was last year’s 9 goals, 12 assists?
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Bra-throwingly great?
…yeah, we might have passed the point in the evening where I’m capable of having a mature conversation. :)
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
That’s noon for me
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 27, 2010 12:58 AM EST up reply actions
His defensive game has seemed somewhat improved, and really those numbers aren’t too big of a drop. Many would attribute that to him not having as many PP goals and considering how much it was slumping early in the year would explain it.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 10:33 PM EST up reply actions
Him and Knuble have both been snakebit at times this year…same Knubs got hurt because he looked to have semi broken out of that before Fehr nailed him.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 10:23 PM EST up reply actions
He’s been going to the bakery last couple games.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 10:19 PM EST up reply actions
And yet this season he’s improved on essentially every one of those complaints….
- going to the net…GTG and GWG from on top of the crease.
- working the boards…he’s not consistently going there, but he’s going there.
- Negative Corsi/Fenwick…Been on the plus side for more games than not this season
Not buying it. He did all that other stuff sporadically last year. You can cite Corsi/Fenwick but you’re not going to win me like that. He still is soft in battles and has poor defensive decisions. His numbers may look different, but I’m not buying that he’s really improved as a player.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
A lot of Flash’s corsi success can probably be attributed to Laich and Semin, currently the Caps leaders in relative Corsi.
by red army line on Nov 27, 2010 5:04 AM EST up reply actions
IMO he has been playing stronger on the puck. It’s frustrating though…for some reason it always seems to be Flash vs. Fehr here…and on one hand the stats are used as a way to demonstate Flash’s deficiencies yet now that Fehr has had somewhat of a chance against average QoC with stronger QoT no one wants to use the same measures when evaluating him.
It’s not always Flash v. Fehr, but unavoidably that comes up a lot. If you don’t want Flash to get the quality ice you have to nominate someone else, and Fehr is just a logical replacement. Regardless of how Fehr has disappointed this season, or in past seasons, Flash is just not good enough for this team. He’s a top six, skill only, guy. And we have much more skilled guys than him. He’s not good defensively, he’s not tough to play against, he’s not good in battles, and his scoring is sporadic and tends to disappear as the going gets tough.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
My scoring chance tally. That second period was…something. I especially liked the sequence leading to Marjo-to-Semin. I almost posted on the GDT that the Caps shouldn’t try to run and gun like that against TBL, who seem to have more speed than the Caps, but the Caps never allowed TBL to get those good chances off the rush. Definite positive there. The Caps didn’t lose defensive structure much either after building that lead.
by red army line on Nov 26, 2010 7:50 PM EST reply actions 6 recs
It’s amazing how few chances the Caps allowed in what really did feel like an up-and-down game. Oh, and rec’d (as always) for the hard work.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
It’s a whole lot more fun to track chances in games like this :)
Over the weekend, 5-0 5-4 5-0 was not fun at all.
by red army line on Nov 26, 2010 7:53 PM EST up reply actions
ZP is zone possession, T transition, FO off a faceoff. I saw the boys at Copper and Blue use them to describe the nature of the chance and thought it was a good idea.
by red army line on Nov 26, 2010 9:06 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t know what sort of barnyard animal Knuble sacrificed tonight to have this happen, but the Lightning looked like they were skating with cement blocks on their feet. The Caps just skated circles around them
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It was the ball hockey at the White House as wore ‘em out this morning. Plus they didn’t even land in DC ’til a little after 10 last night.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 26, 2010 9:08 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
/Boudreau’ed
Rocking the Red for the Caps since 1975. Rocking the Red on additional fronts as well.
by CapsFan75 on Nov 26, 2010 9:21 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Okay, Caps Fenwick/Corsi leaders? Fahey and Erskine. +10. In only 6.5 minutes of ES time.
Not kidding. I guess that speaks to how little they got caught in the defensive zone.
Or speaks to the ineffectiveness of Corsi….
by SuperBigGulp on Nov 26, 2010 8:09 PM EST up reply actions
Or maybe it just proves that stochastic processes are stochastic?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 26, 2010 8:43 PM EST up reply actions
I’m willing to bet that that’s the first instance of stochastic on any SBN blog this season.
John Carlson - Glory follows him.
Six Beers Too Many Fantasy Team - BizNasty's Hobo Rodeo
F&B beat me to it on this site, as well as a Mile High Hockey commenter on the same day. But the real winner is the Falconer, who had the stones gumption to use that word in an actual article.
Here’s the search (it was really easy), which is another reason to heart SB Nation on the 2 year anniversary of JP’s move. And that’s just the hockey blogs — many more uses in the SB’s other communities this year.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 26, 2010 8:54 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Google, quick, must Google… Oh, forget it, I’ve failed another vocab test.
by SuperBigGulp on Nov 26, 2010 8:48 PM EST up reply actions
Here’s how I’ve always thought of it: to statisticians, the word “random” has a very particular and narrow meaning. “Stochastic” means what most of us mean when we say “random.” So if you see “stochastic” and think “random,” you’re never going to be too far off.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 26, 2010 8:58 PM EST up reply actions
Haa. Well, yeah, I did Wiki it, and went no further than the first sentence to find that synonym. No way was I reading deeper. Could be the beers, could be the aptitude. Cheers.
by SuperBigGulp on Nov 26, 2010 9:11 PM EST up reply actions
Post-game presser notes and quotes
“Impressed” with Poti.
Boys didn’t want to make it a 6-2 game and didn’t want to let up after 2.
Seems to mildly hint (IMHO) maybe that Neuvirth might start Sunday afternoon.
Guys were “pissed” and “took a lot of heat this week”, but “knew they were better than what people were saying about us,” a la the Heat’s current record.
"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?"
My thoughts and musings on the game tonight
Re-posting some of my thoughts before this lightning quick recap went up(nj JP) and then adding a few others.
Varly almost easily posts his first SO of the year. 17 for 17 may not be much in shot volume but the quality of most of them was quite good. Played very well in the crease tonight when the defense rarely let a good chance happen, including some nice PK saves.
MoJo had another "Best game of his career" tonight I think. 5 for 12 in the dot isn’t horrible but his 3 for 4 off zone draws that led to the first goal of the game stand out. His other A was purely Backstrom-esque and made Sasha’s job easy. Re-looking at the face off report, Mojo was the lowest win% on the caps but did out perform Stamkos who was 27%
Perfect PK agianst one of the league’s top units.
Shut down Stamkos, only allowing him 1, one, shot on goal
PP firing at 2 for 5 tonight. But could of easily been 4 for 5.
How many other things can go right tonight? Well also: Brian Fahey gets a point, isn’t on ice for a goal against, and only commits one penalty, all in 11 minutes of TOI.
Its really nice to have Poti back. Even when Mike Green is out, thinking about having 4 defensemen who can play over 24 minutes a night but don’t when healthy is a comforting thought. Both Poti and Carlson played 24+ minutes tonight.
IF there was one nit-to-pick tonight it would be Eric Fehr. 12:39 TOI, no points, no +/-, no SoG. Logged almost 2 minutes of PP time too. Maybe its a re-occuring theme this season that player’s whos name’s start with F play themselves into the bench.
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.
Regarding Stamkos, it was a pleasure to watch Laughlin illustrate the attention the Caps payed to Stamkos on the PK. I, like most everyone here, have wondered when teams would begin to isolate on the talented young forward.
by SuperBigGulp on Nov 26, 2010 8:18 PM EST up reply actions
Stamkos surely will be getting the Ovechkin treatment throughout the rest of the season and his career. Teams will target him and adapt strategy specifically against him, for not doing so will be costly.
Imo one of the reasons Crosby is getting more votes on the “Best player in the world” debate is that he continuously changes his game, is so multi-dimensional, and that makes him that much harder to counter strategically. Also one of the big buzzes last year for Backstrom for him scoring so much, and this year it appears Ovi being more of a play maker too.
Stamkos will need to be doing this too.
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.
15 made some things happen here and there, but I wouldn’t expect too much offense from 16 as long as he’s playing next to 15. I’m curious to see if 16 can step up his defensive game in that role.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 26, 2010 8:44 PM EST up reply actions
MarJo looks like he’ll be the answer this season, not just “hopefully in the future” He’s had great progression these past few games. Whoever has been helping him deserves some major kudos.
Varlamov had one of his best games of his career. 17 saves ain’t much, but for every single chance the Lightning had he was perfectly square to the puck. He never had to scramble to recover. I don’t like seeing him start if he’s not 100% but games like these are cheap, low effort confidence boosters. Hope to see the real goalie battle begin soon, it’s going to be amazing.
Many a night from yonder ivied casement, ere I went to rest,
Did I look on great Orion sloping slowly to the West.
Awesome, from @washcaps (who is on fire tonight)
Tonight is the first game the Capitals have ever had a hat trick and shut out the opponent in the same game
John Carlson - Glory follows him.
Six Beers Too Many Fantasy Team - BizNasty's Hobo Rodeo
by boutros23 on Nov 26, 2010 8:20 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Any comments on Fahey? Didn’t get to see the entire game but saw a sequence in the 2nd period where he put a shot on goal from the blueline and the rebound went into the corner where a TBL player was near. For a split second it looked like he might get greedy and follow that puck and I was thinking, “Oh crap, he’s going to get stuck too deep and that’s going to lead to a TBL odd man rush.” But Fahey stayed out at the blueline and the Caps stood up any TBL rush.
"And then they’ll look at guys in my situation, that could play three good games in a row and have one bad shift, and they’ll say, ‘Well, that’s why he’s been in the minor leagues his whole career.'" --Matt Hendricks
More from @washcaps
Semin’s three hat tricks in 35 days are the fastest in the NHL since Marian Gaborik had 3 in 34 days for the Wild in Nov-Dec 2002
John Carlson - Glory follows him.
Six Beers Too Many Fantasy Team - BizNasty's Hobo Rodeo
Also re: Tom Poti, it is perhaps fair to presume that his eyesight came back after that awful game last April.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
We nabbed a third to take one of my former gymnasts to the game. What fun! Those are the Caps I know and love.
and just for Becca: our unwavering (if occasionally misplaced) faith in Poti was rewarded! Weagle confetti all around!
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Just watching the highlights now. Sasha’s goals all came off absolutely gorgeous passing plays, I love it.
Rink Rabbit & newest member of TySlo's fan club.
I could watch that first goal all day. almost nothing I like watching more than two guys flying down the ice, a smooth pass and then BANG! Rather emphatic goal.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Pretty sexy, eh?
John Carlson - Glory follows him.
Six Beers Too Many Fantasy Team - BizNasty's Hobo Rodeo
Sexy like Henrik Lundqvist!
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
by RedBirdie on Nov 26, 2010 9:02 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Ummmmmm…….
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That’s a high compliment.
John Carlson - Glory follows him.
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Got to go to this one
First and, unfortunately, probably onl, game I’ll be able to attend this year.
Sasha natural hat trick, Varly shut out, Erskine wins a fight and scores?! Couldn’t have asked for a better game.
To be honest, of all the games Caps I’ve been to this is the first hat trick I’ve seen live. Though I did see Bobby Ryan pot 3 in the AHL playoffs for the Portland Pirates a few years ago.
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Nov 26, 2010 9:10 PM EST reply actions
Why can’t you attend any more games this year, BFV?
Rocking the Red for the Caps since 1975. Rocking the Red on additional fronts as well.
I moved to Maine at the end of last season. I was back with family this week over Thanksgiving but sadly, unless things change, this will be the last time I’m in the DC area until the summer. I also will be out of town for work and not in New England when the Caps come to Boston next month. That was poor timing for that trip.
Oh well, may they meet the Bruins in the playoffs and may all of those games that I get to also be 6-0!
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Nov 27, 2010 12:24 AM EST up reply actions
Moments before getting whistled for an awfully soft boarding call, John Erskine’s stick got up into the mug of Mattias Ritola, ostensibly under Rule 60.1, which notes that “a player is permitted accidental contact on an opponent if the act is committed as a normal windup or follow through of a shooting motion.” Where were these refs when these teams played seven years ago (boxscore)?
The refs also seemed to decide the rule didn’t apply to Knuble at 15:37 of the third on his follow-through…
Right? I guess they thought he whiffed or something. Seemed odd.
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I don’t think he made any contact with the puck. I also don’t know why it should matter — it was the follow through of a shooting motion, but whatever.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 26, 2010 9:30 PM EST up reply actions
The way high sticking is called has always kind of bugged me. Personally, I think the rule should be a lot like playing a puck with a high stick. If you hit a guy in the face with your stick, and his face is below the crossbar, it shouldn’t be a penalty, follow through or not.
Agree. I guess it was just another ‘makeup call’ – hands down, my favorite part of NHL officiating. ;)
by Danny Burrito on Nov 26, 2010 9:38 PM EST up reply actions
Skipping down to the bottom without reading the comments. Movie ended a little after 7:00; I pull out my phone and see the series of text messages. I had to read them several times until I decided the score must have been 5-0. I was so giddy and couldn’t wait to get in the car; heard the Poti goal. Finally got to see the last three or four minutes. Unbelieveable defense. I am so sad that it appears CSN will not be re-broadcasting this game.
"It's always good to have vikings."
This is one of the ones I’ll be downloading.
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I guess I’ve missed another epic game :( Which reminds me, I still need to watch Snowvechkin.
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And I know I’ve used it before, but…
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by J.P. on Nov 26, 2010 9:30 PM EST reply actions 7 recs
Totally not related save it's a hilarious chart pic
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 9:37 PM EST up reply actions 7 recs
Another tip of the hat to my brother on this one…I seriously spit my water all over his carpet when he showed me this
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 9:38 PM EST up reply actions
Funny after remembering it I was going to do the same thing! I’ll just leave up my fantastic crowd shot behind the goal after Ovie’s OT winner against Ottawa.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 9:43 PM EST up reply actions
#needsmoreJohnCarlsonLasers
But very funny.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Knowing is half the battle and having John Carlson on your side is the other half.
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by J.P. on Nov 26, 2010 9:39 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Now if we could put together handy chart for that it would be absolutely amazing
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 9:39 PM EST up reply actions
I’m sure one of our more graphically-inclined Rats can get ’er done.
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You’re not the boss of me.
"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 27, 2010 9:15 AM EST up reply actions
With that little eclipse picture, it made me think of the following caption, “Total Eclipse of the Bolts” to be sung to the tune of a certain song.
It’s a great picture, though! Even though I would quibble with the color scheme and would want the red to eclipse the black.
Rocking the Red for the Caps since 1975. Rocking the Red on additional fronts as well.
Only saw the first, which was a real solid period of hockey by the Caps.
My biggest impression: Mike Smith is not good.
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He was worse in the second. Though, truthfully, Sasha sniped the fuck out of him.
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He had no chance on the Semin goals (though he’s surely had enough looks at that same shot in practice), and the Carlson goal I’ll give the benefit of the doubt. I still don’t know where that puck went or how it got through so I’m sure he didn’t get a good look at it. The Erskine goal was brutal though, and it was a pretty big moment in the game.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Carlson has a seeing-eye shot. It comes in through traffic and nobody sees it but goal-cam.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
One advantage of him on the PP over Green (although we haven’t seen him fire many shots when he’s on the PP) is that he seems to make sure his shots are going to get through when he lets them go.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 9:50 PM EST up reply actions
It sure seems like he gets his shots through very well, but it may just be selective memory. I can think of quite a few goals that he got through in traffic right off the top of my head and I haven’t seen him play all that many games.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
It’s a very nebulous “skill” to be talking about whether or not someone can get the majority of their shots through…but far too often (especially in the playoffs) I’ve seen guys at the point just madly blasting shots into defenders shinpads.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 9:55 PM EST up reply actions
Getting pucks through traffic is definitely a skill. No need for the quotes. It’s a very underrated skill.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I think like you said though it would be hard to justify and a lot of it would lend itself to selective memory…although if he keeps doing it I will have to admit the trend.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 9:57 PM EST up reply actions
While I agree with you for the most part, Green’s “Thoreson Offensive” can also prove to be an effective strategy.
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Worked tonight, did you notice? Ovi took out Malone then got around him to make the pass to Backstrom who made the pass to Semin. As I watched the replay I kept thinking about what Woods said a week or two ago about forcing them to block a shot so maybe they don’t want to block your shot anymore…
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
Truthfully it was nice to see Ovie make that play, b/c many times before he would just try to fire another one through even more traffic when the blocked shot came back out to him. I don’t remember which Tampa player it was but the other guy up high had drifted over into Ovie’s shooting lane after Malone blocked the original, but he made the smart play and fed Nicky.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 10:11 PM EST up reply actions
Yup. I used that strategy all the time in roller hockey, too. No-shinpad-dummies…
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I was in section 213 for that…we could see the tying goal coming. Man I still felt bad for the guy when the first diagnosis for his injury was released.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 10:10 PM EST up reply actions
At 5-on-5 (through 22 games, apparently), Green has had 18 shots blocked, Carlson 20.
At 5-on-4… it doesn’t seem that the keep that stat. So there’s not much to this comment, I’m afraid.
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(Though their blocked shots against/60 are negligibly close at 5-on-5)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I would rather see the %. Is that number taking into account that Carlson has played more games? Green also seemed to lay off the slapshot when he got back so he may not have been looking to get shots through.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Has seemed to lay off it so many times since the original injury thanks to Pronger. I still wonder if that thing is ever 100%.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 10:02 PM EST up reply actions
It’s a useless stat, since it’s just 5-v-5 that we’ve got the stats for, but yeah, it’s raw shots blocked against.
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Last time I ran the numbers, Carlson’s Fenwick% was slightly higher than his Corsi%. Since the latter is the former but counting blocked shots, if we assume Carlson spends more time in the offensive zone than defensive zone (which he does), then I guess he’s better at getting shots through than the other team is while 74 is on ice. Green is right around even, but last season his Corsi% was a percent or two higher.
by red army line on Nov 26, 2010 10:03 PM EST up reply actions
(so Green gets a lot of shots through compared to the other team, but gets more blocked than the other team, while Carlson gets a lot through but a bit fewer blocked compared to the other team; sample is only over 500 events, though, so that could easily be swayed; last season 74’s Fenwick% was two percent higher than his Corsi%)
by red army line on Nov 26, 2010 10:07 PM EST up reply actions
Carlson’s just snuck through a crack and ended up in the net, so it’s hard to fault him on that one. He looked pretty shaky on several other plays, and I thought the Bolts were awfully lucky to get out of that period only down a goal.
Then I watched the highlights, and I agree with you about Erskine’s goal. That’s one you’ve got to have every time.
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He was screened on the Carlson shot and just went down the butterfly. It went in blocker side.
by red army line on Nov 26, 2010 9:56 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, I think it buzzed his ear. You can see the water bottle pop in the replay
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 27, 2010 12:36 AM EST up reply actions
Neither is Dan Ellis. But they’ve been good…enough. Until today.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Nothing is good enough when your offense puts up a bagel
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 9:38 PM EST up reply actions
Or when your offense is opposed by Carlznerson.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
It’s good to know even Steven Stamkos wouldn’t have saved the Texas Stars last year.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 9:40 PM EST up reply actions
Neither Tampa Goaltender is particularly impressive. Unlike some other goaltenders in this game who haven’t got that much of a track record, it’s safe to say that the only way Smith or Ellis gets a Stanley Cup ring is if they’re the back up on a team with a well-established starter. Both would be good as back ups, but the Bolts are going to give each of these guys 40 games (or one of them 50+). They have enough talent to get to the postseason, but unless Ellis and Smith are replaced, they get drop-kicked in the first round..
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--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 26, 2010 9:54 PM EST up reply actions
If I were a Tampa fan, which I’m not obviously, I would be concerned about their defense and goal tending in the playoffs.
Rocking the Red for the Caps since 1975. Rocking the Red on additional fronts as well.
Honestly even getting back to the playoffs would be a great step for that franchise…and something I fully expect in Stevie Y’s first year as GM which would be impressive. After that they will have to sign Stamkos to a new deal and start looking at what to do with their goaltending and blueline.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 10:04 PM EST up reply actions
Agree that it’s a great step for them considering how horrible they were 2-3 years ago. I think they’ll probably make the playoffs this year, since Buffalo and NJ are so bad this year.
Rocking the Red for the Caps since 1975. Rocking the Red on additional fronts as well.
I think they could even go as high as a 6 seed really. They’ll be a streaky team depending a lot on their offense to help out their D and goaltending (sound familiar?).
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 10:21 PM EST up reply actions
Or even a 5th seed.
(Their team is even worse than ours in the defense and goaltending department)
Rocking the Red for the Caps since 1975. Rocking the Red on additional fronts as well.
He meant sound familiar from last year. They’re MUCH worse than us in the defense and goaltending department…for now, at least.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
You literally typed what I was going to word for word almost.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 10:23 PM EST up reply actions
(Although I probably should have said “I think he meant” because I don’t like assuming I know what anyone means around here :P)
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
Well if you nail my train of thought like that every time feel free to assume away. I’m much more comfortable with what I think our overall team D and goaltending can look like this year over last year.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 10:25 PM EST up reply actions
Comments from section 117: I know that blowouts are supposed to be boring, but this was the most fun we’ve had at a game this year. Watching Mackan develop since D-Camp to tonight has been awesome. Our D really produced tonight on both ends of the puck. Don’t sign Semin until after the playoffs.
He's a better skater than Nick, but he's big in the back[side]...BB
by Backeez Got Back on Nov 26, 2010 9:39 PM EST reply actions
I’m waiting for D’oh Boy to say something about Mackan after his rants against him. It’s really great to see Marcus improve in every game. Just like Carlson and Alzner.
I am pleasantly surprised that Varly is playing so well after coming back from injury. It took him a lot longer last season to get back to form.
One of my favorite parts of this season so far has been watching those three – MarJo, Carlson and Alzner – develop into full-fledged NHLers. It’s like watching a baby grow up, every day they seem to learn something new and they get better and better seemingly every game. Obviously there have been (and will be) steps back and mistakes made but overall just really, really impressed with how our kids have performed.
Damn, gettin’ all misty-eyed ;) I do love our little ones!
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
The valleys are low and the peaks are steady inclines…a very nice progression so far. Here’s hoping they don’t have many plateaus along the way. I don’t know why but I love those analogies haha
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 9:46 PM EST up reply actions
Agreed, though I think seeing MarJo mature is more interesting, since he’s had less seasoning. He’s sure taken his opportunity and made it work.
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I’d agree with that. I think with Carlson and Alzner, because we got to see glimpses of them last year (and the year before w/ Alzner, right?) the development doesn’t seem as fast. With MarJo, it’s as if he’s learning something new on every shift.
Speaking of which, I loved that his first career assist came off a clean and beautiful faceoff win, something he’s struggled with.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
And I loved it even more when his 2nd assist was one of those ridiculous Nicky to Ovie feeds…only he was doing it with Semin on his line. Vivid dreams of 2 scoring lines manned by those two duos are dancing in my head.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 9:52 PM EST up reply actions
As JP noted in the Recap…it’s almost getting old now to talk about how he had “his best NHL game” over and over now. He still has things he needs to improve on (faceoffs, although he’s making his mark there at times) but it’s nice to see he hasn’t hit a plateau yet and a lot of the concern about his puck possession on the boards and dealing with the smaller rink has gone away the last few games. I swear I saw him do the Mean Lars butt sticking out using those haunches to hold on the the puck while gliding himself out of trouble a few times. The one that sticks out is when he tossed a beautiful back-handed saucer pass out to Carlson at the point where there was a lot of open space but it hopped over RAH’s stick.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 9:45 PM EST up reply actions
Maybe MarJo read D’ohboy’s comments. Up till that point I agreed, but since then Johansson has been a lot stronger on the puck.
by red army line on Nov 26, 2010 9:57 PM EST up reply actions
I think he’s had good games ever since he came back from the hip injury, and even the final 2 games before that. Not the complete package by any means yet but he seems to keep bringing up elements of his game that felt like they needed to be worked on while at the same time finding ways to maximize his strengths. I’m sure having Backstrom to bounce ideas off of in practice and off the ice is extremely helpful.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 9:59 PM EST up reply actions
I also think it’s a pretty small sample size. It’s been nice to see, but it’s too early to say the kid has arrived. He’ll havee his cringe-worthy moments as well
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Maybe it’s just one of those North America rink adjustments, shielding with your body more frequently instead of just skating wider to maintain control of the puck and avoid poke checks.
by red army line on Nov 26, 2010 10:08 PM EST up reply actions
Oh, you must sit near me. At least you’re in my section.
Rocking the Red for the Caps since 1975. Rocking the Red on additional fronts as well.
We’re in row ‘S’.
He's a better skater than Nick, but he's big in the back[side]...BB
by Backeez Got Back on Nov 26, 2010 10:11 PM EST up reply actions
Woo Gordo just got goal #2, Bears 4, Crunch 1.
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Three Stars:
1. HER – A. Gordon
2. HER – M. Perreault
3. SYR – P. Maroon
Final 5-1
Tomorrow, Baby Flyers at home, Holtby prolly in net. Go Bears.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Nice to see.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 9:56 PM EST up reply actions
So very pleased to have Holtby back in the A. He shows a lot of talent, but he needs some serious refining before he might make a run at the big leagues.
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Yep. He needs to see a lot more shots. Braden wasn’t even quite playoffs-ready last spring, and the second Neuvy was healthy it was his net from then on.
I’m still happy I got to see Holtby’s first NHL start though.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Much like Neuvy, he needs a year or two under his belt as “the man” down in the A. If he gets that seasoning though…and hockey gods willing Varly can keep his groin in one piece………yeah, I like that idea.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 9:59 PM EST up reply actions
And I recall Neuvy having his share of bad outings soon after his first callup. The story of his first callup was pretty similar to Holtby. He started off well and then had some problems. And was stuck in a game where he was getting peppered every which way. And no one was backing him up.
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Who was in goal for the Bears today?
Rocking the Red for the Caps since 1975. Rocking the Red on additional fronts as well.
Dsucks
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Who didn’t suck tonight! Wooooo
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Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 27, 2010 12:42 AM EST up reply actions 4 recs
Oh hey, that’s the joke :)
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Pleasure and pain, though directly opposite are contrived to be constant companions.
If he sucks he wouldn’t be in the AHL, they’re some decent players too.
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 Nov 27, 2010 1:30 AM EST up reply actions 4 recs
Like Alexandre Giroux.
They have AAAA players, as well as players who are NHL caliber but make too much money for what they’re worth to their team and thus buried in the AHL to free up much needed cap space for their parent team. For example, Wade Redden.
Rocking the Red for the Caps since 1975. Rocking the Red on additional fronts as well.
Maybe you forgot/missed Ovechwin defending Tyler Sloan against “he sucks” comments by citing that AHLers are still good hockey players.
by red army line on Nov 27, 2010 9:32 AM EST up reply actions
Post game pressers...
Win or lose, I always enjoy Boudreau’s post game pressers. Given the Lightning just went down to a 6-0 defeat, and all the good things I’ve heard/read about their coach,Guy Boucher, thought I’d go check out his post game presser…all I can say is that guy (no pun intended) really impressed me as a coach. He didn’t use it as an opportunity to publicly browbeat his team, either individually or collectively. Class move by a man who to all appearances has a bright future ahead of him as a coach.
As far as the Caps go…what more can be said? This was the 60-minute effort that we as fans have all been waiting for, and tonight, we got it….and boy did we ever. As close to a flawless performance as I’ve seen from this team in a long time.
by shotfromthepoint on Nov 26, 2010 9:43 PM EST reply actions
Li’l Stevie Y has assembled a pretty good team with a pretty good coach. They are certain to give us some trouble this season. Just not today.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Vinny being hurt never hurts our chances, obviously they have bigger and more holes to fill than we do as a collective team…but you can see the pieces are there to build on. As been said with Stamkos, eventually teams will take away the obvious things he does well and he’ll have to adjust his game.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 9:47 PM EST up reply actions
But like the Caps last year when Ovie was hurt, the team really stepped it up and slammed their way through the last seven games.
Just tonight, the Caps were ready for them. Bruce did a fantastic job of preparing the team and their closed-door practice yesterday seemed to work well for them.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
As did the “bag skate” practice. As did moving Ovie to right wing…which really if nothing else I think just made him analyze different approaches for how to get his game going. For all the BB haters, while the point on whether or not he is a good enough coach tactically come spring still needs to be answered, I think it would be hard to say he doesn’t know how to motivate his players and push the right buttons when needed.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 9:53 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Yep, Not counting out TBL at all. They’ve got a shitload of talent (except maybe in goal)
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They have a ton of talent up front, and a couple of good defensemen, but over all their back line is average at best, and their goaltending is atrocious.
People talk about the Caps being overloaded up front…those folks should look at the Bolts to see a team that is very much overloaded up front.
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 26, 2010 9:56 PM EST up reply actions
Tampa’s top 6 (when everyone is healthy) is arguably as good or better (across the board) as ours is. That may be a stretch, but not as big a one as it sounds.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 9:57 PM EST up reply actions
I think it’s quite a stretch to say they’re as good or better than the Caps. They definitely have a formidable top 6 and a lot of teams would love to have them, but of those 6 I’d say they have one truly elite talent in Stamkos. I’d consider him almost at the same level as Ovechkin/Backstrom/Semin.
I think St. Louis is maybe at a level below those guys, as is Gagne (if he ever gets healthy). Lecavalier used to be up there but I don’t think he could be considered “elite” anymore, I think he’s had too many sub-par (for him) seasons. I think we have more high-end talent filling out our top 6 while they have less of a drop-off between their “elite” guys and guys like Malone and Downie, who are good but not at the same level.
Still good, though. The Caps are unbelievably lucky to have three guys like 8, 19 and 28 on one team. Tampa’s forwards are kind of a mix between what we have and what they have in Philly.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
I kind of had to rethink my statement when I considered the “elite” talent label. I’d compare Malone and Gagne decently enough against a Laich and Knuble. Obviously 8/19/28 trumps Stamkos/MSL/Vinny…I guess it’s a tough enough sell for Downie as a top 6 although he can add an interesting element to a scoring line. Compare that to our hole at 2C and I guess I had it closer in my head than it should be.
And yes, it’s still a hole at 2C. I’m as pleased as anyone with Mackan’s development lately but baby steps.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 10:08 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, I can see that. And like I said, they’ve got a formidable top 6 – it’s why I was even more impressed with how the whole team basically took that top line out of the equation.
Just think when you compare the really elite talent on each team, and consider that the Caps have 3 of their top 6 who could be put in that elite category, there’s just no contest. You’re almost always going to have your Malones and your Laichs and guys like that filling out the top two lines, it’s the other guys I measure against.
…and yes, still a hole at 2C. Let’s give it a few more months before we make a trade for another center anoint MarJo the 2C ;)
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
Hahaha no pressure kid! It’s tough to really put a time frame for when you think he could really evolve into that role or even be maybe the 3C going into the playoffs if we made a trade at the deadline. Like F&B says so much it’s hard to envision him being an “impact player” this season but the kid keeps improving.
I guess we can say it could be going a lot worse. And an important fact when comparing him to MP is that he seems to be getting better with more games instead of falling off.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 10:14 PM EST up reply actions
One scary thing about Tampa for the long term — they got cap space to burn so they could acquire some necessary help in the Free Agent market this summer. Or trade for help at the deadline — as in getting a good but expensive goalie that another team wants to unload.
Rocking the Red for the Caps since 1975. Rocking the Red on additional fronts as well.
Stamkos needs a new deal though. I’m not sure if they are operating on a budget but I doubt they’ll be spending up to the cap even next year either.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 10:14 PM EST up reply actions
He’ll get a nice fat contract — like 9-10 Mill per year.
Rocking the Red for the Caps since 1975. Rocking the Red on additional fronts as well.
No way he makes that money unless the Bolts give up a piece or two of their roster to soften the blow.
"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 10:18 PM EST up reply actions
I could be overestimating his salary but he gets a nice raise and superstar dollars in any case. Tampa’s space is currently just over $10 MIllion. Which means they can afford a nice raise for SS and have some left over. SS is currently sitting in the $3-4 million range at the moment..
Rocking the Red for the Caps since 1975. Rocking the Red on additional fronts as well.
They’d still be stupid to give him $9-10MM per, and suicidal to give him that much AAV.
They might give him Crosby money, though.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
I think it’ll be interesting to see where he falls in the 6.5-8 million range for his cap hit when it’s all said and done.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 10:36 PM EST up reply actions
I think you might be selling Marty short (ha ha), but there’s no doubt that if five forwards were picked from the two teams, he’d be the fifth one taken.
Of course, Lecavalier, elite though he may no longer be, is far better than any 2C the Caps have. If I were to draft the top six from the two teams for this year, here’s who I’d take (without giving it any thought):
1. Ovechkin
2. Stamkos
3. Backstrom
4. Semin
5. St. Louis
6. Lecavalier
7. Gagne
8. Laich
9. Malone
10. Knuble
11. Downie
12. Caps’ 2C
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That’s pretty much exactly what my list would look like. Between 8-11 are kind of toss ups but given ages and taking everything into account I think you nailed it.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 10:15 PM EST up reply actions
Perhaps. I think MSL’s really good so maybe I’m thinking too small (ha ha ha) when it comes to him. But even if you have him at the same level as Stamkos, which I don’t (and which isn’t a knock on him because generally that Stamkos kid is pretty damn good) that still makes 3 elite forwards for the Caps to 2 elite forwards for the Bolts. Lecavalier hasn’t had it for a few years now, Gagne can’t stay healthy, etc.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
I can’t help it. Every time I see MSL I think of him as the mouse from Ratatouille. Especially with that silly stache.
John Carlson - Glory follows him.
Six Beers Too Many Fantasy Team - BizNasty's Hobo Rodeo
Keep in mind that Lecavalier can go power versus power and put up ~70 points with that. He’s probably not elite, but that’s still impressive.
by red army line on Nov 26, 2010 10:19 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, I buy three elites for the Caps, two for the Bolts. Agree that Vinny has fallen off some (seems like he hasn’t given a shit since the shoulder injury and/or MTL trade talks), and Gagne can’t stay healthy, but when he is he’s a top-5 RW in the League (or awfully close to it).
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Adding Gagne and Stamkos’ meteoric rise is what has made their possible top 6 so formidable. Stevie Y is going to have himself a team in another year or two.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 10:26 PM EST up reply actions
Except that St. Louis is already 35. Gagne is UFA after this year. Malone at $4.5m for four years after this one is way too much. And then there’s the goaltending.
Yzerman inherited some good, some bad and is doing well with it. But I’m not shaking too hard in my boots.
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Let me rephrase in no way was I suggesting that they’re going to knock us off the mountain hahaha. Obviously he inherited a couple of bad contracts. I think he can get another good year or two out of Malone/Vinny before their cap hits are waaaaay over what they’re worth. Honestly I could see MSL continue to play this well for another 2-3 years. The guy doesn’t seem to be slowing down. If Gagne keeps getting hurt he’s not even going to help them this year.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 10:37 PM EST up reply actions
thinking about that a bit, Dave…might say they are as good, but not better.
Look at the center: Stamkos is their scorer, where as Nick is the setup man. Is Stamkos discernably better than Nick? Hard to say, as they are in two different roles.
Lecavalier just ain’t what he used to be…which was awesome. Even so, he’s a step up over MJ90 at this phase – a couple more games from Marcus like we’ve seen in the past two weeks, and that gap will be closed considerably.
Ovechkin and Semin are two game-breaking wingers. St. Louis while still very, very good, is not what he used to be either. Are the tandem of Downey/Malone better than Laich/Knuble?
The problem for the Lightning comes with depth. Fleischmann, for all the holes in his game, can step up to play on the first or second line. Fehr, for all his inconsistency, can play the power forward role if called upon. The Lightning don’t appear to have that level of depth…at least not yet.
by shotfromthepoint on Nov 26, 2010 10:08 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah in my head I wasn’t really giving our elite guys the credit we deserved vs. their top 3 guys
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 10:08 PM EST up reply actions
…forgot about Gagne…think the egde still goes to Ovechkin/Semin, but by a lesser margin
by shotfromthepoint on Nov 26, 2010 10:09 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, agreed. LIke I said, thinking about it we still get the nod.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 10:09 PM EST up reply actions
Bolts 1c/2C situation is sgnificantly better than the Caps’.
Figure Knuble/Laich and Malone/Downie is maybe a push, maybe a slight edge to the Caps.
MSL/Gagne is not as good as Alex/Alex, but they’re not that freaking far off, either.
I call it a push overall, with offsetting strengths and weaknesses which add flavor to the matchup.
TBL’s top 6 are pretty damned good.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Observations from Reading the Box Score
Only got to see most of the third (my grandson was over and we were doing some very important things, such as chasing toys around the living room.)
Anyway, some notes:
1) Semin gets a natural hat-trick. Very nice. Do this in April, May and June…
2) Once again, Erskine gets 2/3 of the Gordie… and forgets to get the easiest one of the three (the assist). Not much of fight either, but a nice hit before the fight.
3) You know you’ve played a fine defensive game when the top shooter for the Bolts is Dominic Moore… the Bolts know they’re in big trouble if their top shooter has only 3 shots on goal….
4) One issue for Ovechkin… you know you like to put biscuits in the basket… but to put biscuits in the basket, you need to bake some biscuits. One shot on goal isn’t enough. Yeah, Sasha had 7, but come on Ovie… a few would be nice…
5) That said, 5 points by Ovie in the last 2 games is pretty damn sweet.
6) Funny story on the blogs out there… the Avery rule was called today on Chris Pronger in the Flyers’ game with Calgary. Imagine that… a rule named after one of the two players on DGB’s suspension flow chart gets called on the other player in the flowchart…. How appropriate is that?
Anyway, I will be in Section 421 for Sunday’s game… Will have better and more accurate stuff then…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
On #4 – I think the Bolts did a really good job of taking his shot away, they really seemed to be focusing on him (which is part of the reason why Semin was able to get free at times, they just don’t have the defense to take both out).
What I found impressive and very promising was the way Ovi’s starting to adjust his game when that happens. I think he’s racking up assists because he’s acknowledging that some teams are just going to shut him down, so rather than getting frustrated and just hitting everything that moves (which I love) or becoming invisible (which I hate) he’s using it to his advantage. Defy expectations, make a pass instead of taking a shot, etc. 21 assists in 24 games for a guy who isn’t known as a playmaker? Impressive as hell.
…more impressive now that he’s playing well enough that the points don’t seem surprising.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
At least 2 of his helpers last 2 games have come from having basically 2 defenders completely keyed on him and his simple pass removes them from the entire play. And we have (especially this year) just the right OTHER sniper named Alex to use that space effectively for the payoff.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 10:17 PM EST up reply actions
Thought Varly looked pretty damned good in the first. Of their 4 shots, IIRC 3 of them were pretty decent scoring chances, which Varly played nicely. He sure does get into and out of the butterfly in a hurry.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Hey, Brian Sutherby got in a fight tonight.
In other news, apparently Brian Sutherby is still in the NHL.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Really? Norm Chad quoting?
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 10:26 PM EST up reply actions
He’s funny. Or I’ve been drinking. Or both.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I guess I just watch too much WSOP every year haha. I did used to love his column when he wrote it doing the football picks.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 10:38 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, I only know him in print.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Best way to know him, believe me. Although he isn’t terrible announcing poker he just uses the same stuff over and over and it’s been about 6 years worth now.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 10:40 PM EST up reply actions
And may I say JP, many many times glad I was directed to this blog. When I first started dabbling in hockey blogs I found all the wrong places at first hahaha.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 10:41 PM EST up reply actions
It’s amusing to consider what he brought to this incarnation of the team. The pick that turned into Huet who caught fire and sparked that magic run to the division title and playoff berth. Who then spurned our offer to get more $$$ in Chicago only to now be playing hockey in Switzerland (I think?). Although I guess he did get his name on the Cup.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 10:18 PM EST up reply actions
And as a result GMGM got Theodore, who got quick hooks in the playoffs so we found out Semyon Varlamov is a great goalie when healthy, giving Michal Neuvirth the chance to backstop 2 Calder Cup titles, giving the Caps a sense of comfort in goal so they didn’t bother chasing another goalie, leading to Holtby’s debut a season or two early I’d guess.
by red army line on Nov 26, 2010 10:21 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah overall a net positive for us. I’m sure Huet doesn’t mind too much getting to play in Europe making the money he’s making while winning a Cup.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 10:24 PM EST up reply actions
‘Night, all. I’ve been up far too long. I leave you with this: GOOOOOOOOOOO Caps!
John Carlson - Glory follows him.
Six Beers Too Many Fantasy Team - BizNasty's Hobo Rodeo
Cody Eakin first star of the game, 0-2-2, Broncos win 4-2, Hockey Canada expected to issue invites to WJC camp on Monday.
Of course, the win came at Caps prospect goalie Brandon Anderson’s expense. LOL.
Brett Flemming 0-1-1 as the Majors win 7-2
Philipp Grubauer 32 saves and the Frontenacs win 4-3.
Sam Carrier 0-1-1 and the Maineiacs win. They’re tied for second in the Q.
Galiev was “robbed” by Olivier Roy tonight but the Sea Dogs won anyway and have a redonkulus 20-3-0-2 record.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
hmm?
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 10:46 PM EST up reply actions
Understatement :)
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 11:12 PM EST up reply actions
As of 11-26-2010
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
It’s scary to me that Ovie still has 2 more points than Semin. What the fuck will happen if he does go off and start exploding like we’re used to?
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 11:15 PM EST up reply actions
And what should scare you more is that he’s 10 and 21. Got forbid he starts scoring goals.
We could end up with three of the top six scorers, six being arbitrary.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
In truth if Semin is healthy the entire year last year that probably is the case then. With that PP and them playing together on occasion it’s just lethal.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 26, 2010 11:41 PM EST up reply actions
For anyone still here – the final score of the “other” game was 9-9.
Not a goaltending exhibition, but a controversial tie, in that our opponents 8th goal was scored after the net left the pegs, but the referee was a blind ass.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Lame! But yay not losing I guess.
I tweet far too much. Follow me!
Pleasure and pain, though directly opposite are contrived to be constant companions.
We’re 1-2-2. We pretty much suck, but the kids have fun. We have one kid that scored 6 of our 9. If he ever gets hurt . . .
The ref was a real ass. He blew the whistle for a penalty on the other team while we had a 3-2 break the other way.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
D’oh.
Reffing sucks at all levels I guess!
I tweet far too much. Follow me!
Pleasure and pain, though directly opposite are contrived to be constant companions.
Yes they do.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Especially to parents ;)
I tweet far too much. Follow me!
Pleasure and pain, though directly opposite are contrived to be constant companions.
FYI - I just bought two of those tassel hats!!
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Want one of those, and the awesome toe socks.
Love me some toe socks.
CaptainAwesome is now PrincessPowerful
by PrincessPowerful on Nov 27, 2010 12:40 AM EST up reply actions
didn’t see most of the game today (was taking rare opportunity to hang out with gf over break), but I saw a third period full of very tight defence and skillful play. Ovie’s circling in the water. He’s gonna have either a hat trick one night or a goal-scoring streak.
So what is it with us and Tampa this year? They’re a competitive team with the rest the league, not as much with us.
So what is it with us and Tampa this year? They’re a competitive team with the rest the league, not as much with us.
Maybe Schultz’s mustache freaks Stamkos out that much.
CaptainAwesome is now PrincessPowerful
by PrincessPowerful on Nov 27, 2010 12:57 AM EST up reply actions
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