Recap: Caps 3, Flyers 2 (OT)
by J.P. on Nov 7, 2010 8:08 PM EST
in Game Recaps
Email
Print[NHL.com Recap - GameCenter - Game Summary - Event Summary - Faceoff Summary - Corsi/Fenwick - Shift Charts - Head-to-Head - Zone Starts]
When the NHL schedule was released this past summer, one could circle this early November weekend - one that started with a visit from the Bruins and finished up with Philly in town - as an early measuring stick for a Stanley Cup hopeful. Now that the weekend is over - and the Caps are four points richer in the standings - it's pretty clear that they measure up rather nicely indeed.
Unlike the Caps' past two games, Sunday's 3-2 win didn't feature a blown lead. In fact, the Caps didn't lead the game at all until the final buzzer. But what the game did showcase was one of the more solid sixty-minute efforts of the season, all in front of a 21-year-old goalie making his first NHL start.
Ten more notes on the game:
- Braden Holtby was very solid on the night, making every save he should have made (ok, maybe reasonable minds could differ on that first goal) and one or two that you wouldn't expect a guy with his relative inexperience to get to. Watching him play is a bit more unnerving than watching old man Michal Neuvirth, but certainly fun on nights like this.
- The Caps' power-play is currently on fire, scoring multiple times in three of the last four games (going 7-for-17 over that span), and scored both the game-tying and game-winning goals on Sunday. Think that has something to do with getting Mike Green back in the lineup?
- That said, watching Green pass up shots and favor wristers over slappers until the final few minutes of the game, it's hard to think that his bum shoulder is back to 100%. Obviously, it's something to keep an eye on. Of course, with goals in four straight and a game-best Corsi rating tonight, whatever he's got goin' on is workin'.
- Sticking with the Caps' two-time Norris finalist, perhaps the Flyers' two most-dangerous scorers - Claude Giroux and Jeff Carter - saw an awful lot of Green and Jeff Schultz on the night... and were held off the scoresheet (save for a minor penalty for each).
- I don't know how things work in the KHL, but over here, "Play shall not be stopped ... by reasons of adjustments to ... equipment.... For an infringement of this rule, a minor penalty shall be given." Sergei Bobrovsky got away with one in the second.
- How many players in the NHL can gather a rebound and have the presence, poise and ability to execute the pass that Nicklas Backstrom made on Alexander Semin's second-period tally? Backstrom's evening featured a couple of primary power-play helpers and a 16-for-26 night in the dot.
- Caps pivots not named Tomas Fleischmann combined to win 62.7% of the game's face-offs. (Flash was 3-for-10, including a dangerous 0-for-3 in the defensive zone.)
- Eric Fehr's snipe in the first period was a beauty (and broke a nine-game goal-less drought). But his power move to the goal later on might have been even more heart-warming to Caps fans who want to see more of what he was doing so successfully last season, and less of the wrist shots from outside.
- At times, Mike Knuble looks close to busting out of his slump in a big way. At other times, he just looks old. On Green's game-winner, however, he looked perfect - screening Bobrovsky and watching the puck fly by and in. Karma earned him a helper on that one.
- The Flyers were playing the second of back-to-back games (and the third in four nights), but you wouldn't know if from the hit totals, as they out-hit the Caps 30-17. More indicative of who the fresher team was, however, were the shot totals - the Caps attempted 74 shots (39 of which ended up on goal), while Philly attempted just 49 (25 of which were on goal). That's pretty lopsided.
And so the Caps' three-game homestand ends with three wins. They weren't all pretty, but they were all worth two points, and they each demonstrated how good a team this can be... and usually is.
Game highlights:
299 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Backstom's pass to Semin
It’s pure instinct (Gretzky, etc.). If you have to think first you’re always an instant behind.
It’s all wrong, but it’s all right.
Definitely one of those 6th sense plays.
"Now wait a minute. This is just purely a social call. You know, just two adults getting a stew on, man."
by The Ghost of Bebop on Nov 7, 2010 8:18 PM EST up reply actions
Looking at the TOI, i would say that BB wanted to win this one. Looks like the bench was pretty short in the third.
Also, what’s up with Laich’s TOI? Is he hurt?
Third, fourth lines and Sloskine got KILLED in Corsi/Fenwick.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Why? Wasn’t a lower body.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Nov 7, 2010 8:32 PM EST up reply actions 6 recs
Zing
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 8:35 PM EST up reply actions
And flat tires everywhere mourn the fact that they won’t be changed by Brooks Laich…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 7, 2010 11:19 PM EST up reply actions
Flat tires will change themselves in his honor.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
by EmilyB on Nov 7, 2010 11:31 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Goes to show that stats sometimes don’t tell the entire story. Overall, I thought the 3/4 lines looked good tonight…with the 3rd keeping it deep at times.
Yeah, I thought the third line had some real solid cycling going on. I wish they’d teach the top line how to play like that.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I saw brief flashes of the top line cycling tonight but one pass trying to be too ambitious would kill it.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 8:28 PM EST up reply actions
I saw the top line cycle a few times tonight:
Backstrom – Knuble – Backstrom – lose the puck
Knuble – Backstrom – Knuble – lose the puck
Backstrom – Knuble – lose the puck
What more could you want? Both of them were cycling. (What’s that you say — there’s someone else on that line too?)
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 7, 2010 10:53 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
It’s going to be hard for Mackan to come back up as well as Gordo looks centering Fehr and Chimmer. Laich’s injury (assuming he misses time) might open the door though
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 8:31 PM EST up reply actions
But then it’ll be much easier considering how brutal Flash looks at C… with anyone.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
It’s impossible to ignore at this point.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 8:32 PM EST up reply actions
I woudln’t be surprised to see him back sooner than later. The Flash experiment is over as far as I’m concerned. I look for him making the move back to win over the next week.
He just needs some more games…he was looking really good the last 2 games before getting hurt
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 8:32 PM EST up reply actions
If even Yosh is over the Flash at C experiment…
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Hey now let’s be fair about this….I was never a proponent for Flash at 2C. But being the lone member of the Flash Apologist Club I feel I need to mention that his Fenwick/Corsi numbers have been in the + more times than – over the last week to ten days.
With Laich being injured, it probably will be sooner.
So, what will the lines be, if Laich is out? Johansson would step in as center and center a line with Flash and a Winger to be Named Later. And who should that winger be? Semin and Flash are not the best wingers together since the skill sets aren’t the best match. So, the choices would be Knuble and Fehr.
Rocking the Red since 1975
It depends what BB does with top line. If he keeps SOB I could see a 14-90-22 line. Or flip Semin and Knubs. Let Gordon keep centering Fehr and Chimmer. We’ll see how Laich is though.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 10:16 PM EST up reply actions
NH Net sez D2D but who knows.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Not a lot of breaks over the next month/month and a half of games here. Hopefully it’s not too bad. I feel like Laich has been doing the little things well and been in position to score himself on a number of goals that Semin or others just shoot themselves or use other options. The shorty against Boston comes to mind he just worked a one-two with Greenie while Brooks was in good position for a pass there.
Get well soon Brooksie.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 10:20 PM EST up reply actions
I think 14-90-22 would work better than 14-90-28 — at least for the skill sets of the individuals involved. And thus 8/19/29 if we do the former. (So back to SOB).
Of course the object is to get the best possibly line combinations to win as opposed to maximizing the productivity of any one line.
Rocking the Red since 1975
How ’bout 28-90-22?
Just sayin’ is all.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
So who’s the 1L RW?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 7, 2010 11:33 PM EST up reply actions
That would be the big question. Would he stick Flash up there with Ovie and Nick? I hope not.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 11:35 PM EST up reply actions
Fehr seems the obvious choice, since he’s the 3rd string RW, and that line setup has the 1st and 2nd stringers on the same line.
Flash plays LW when he’s not a C. And he’s really, really, not a C.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 7, 2010 11:36 PM EST up reply actions
Agreed on all counts…Fehr is who I want to see take that slot once Knubs leaves. I just think it makes sense.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 11:37 PM EST up reply actions
Looking at TOI, do we really want to see Green logging 30 minutes in a game in early November? I know we have injuries, and I know we are thin on the blue line, and I know that we probably can’t put more than 18-19 minutes on the shoulders of Carlznerson, but this is too much, especially in a physical game against the Flyers.
by HateOffSeason on Nov 7, 2010 8:28 PM EST up reply actions
In a game when we didn’t have the entire last 4+ minutes of PP time and he scored said game winner in OT…I’d worry about it more
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 8:29 PM EST up reply actions
Point taken, but even if he only logged 26 minutes, it would still be too much. This time of year I really wouldn’t want to see more than probably 21 or 22 a night. We rely much too heavily on him.
by HateOffSeason on Nov 7, 2010 8:31 PM EST up reply actions
21-22 is a pipe dream, and it’s probably too little for a D of his caliber. I’d like it to be around 25 but that’s just not going to happen.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
21-22 is impossible. Given he plays big minutes on PP and PK there’s just no way agreed. Hell a lot of other big minute D men play even more than he does most nights.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 8:33 PM EST up reply actions
It’s not just impossible, it’s a bad decision. We need what he brings more than 21-22. Think about how many of those minutes would go to Sloskine…
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
by Rob Parker on Nov 7, 2010 8:34 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Scary thought.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 8:35 PM EST up reply actions
You’d like to get the top two at ~25-26, the second pairing around 21-23, and the third between 11-14 tops, right?
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
I’m on board with that. And the more I watch Carlznerson the more I like them together. They definitely had growing pains early but they are just getting better and better. I’m sure the tough spots aren’t all out of their system, but I’m less concerned about them now than I was earlier in the year. When Poti comes back I think our D corps will be pretty good if the top 6 are all healthy. That’s just not a realistic situation, so we still need to pick up another NHL D.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I think they need to stay together even when Poti comes back…at least give Poti time to work his way back into bigger minutes coming off the injury.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 8:39 PM EST up reply actions
I agree. I hope it’s Erskine/Poti when he comes back, I just don’t want that to be any sort of a shutdown pair.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
There is no chance that Poti comes back and gets 5/6 minutes. As much as I’d like to see Calrson/Alzner together I don’t want it to be at the expense of Erskine getting more minutes.
Which is why I think you do it for a little bit just to work Poti back in easy. I don’t want to throw him out there for 20-22 min first couple games only to see him hurt the groin (assuming) again.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 8:44 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t think it’ll fill the traditional “1/2, 3/4, 5/6” type D set up. All three pairs can be trusted, all three pairs will get minutes, and all 6 guys will have their minutes differentiated based on special teams. Last year Poti was put on the ice for the tough assignments, I don’t think you can do that with Erskine as his partner. So far this year Green/Schultz and Carlznerson have been put out for the tough assignments and acquitted themselves pretty well. To me that suggests BB can roll the defensive units and trust all 3 pairs. Given that we don’t have the true shutdown stud, I think that’s the best way to go. Surely better than having a pair that needs to be hidden.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
If Poti comes back healthy and Erskine continues to be solid they will be okay I think.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 8:47 PM EST up reply actions
Wouldn’t mind that one bit – until a trade gives the Caps more depth on defense, 52-55, Carlznerson, and Poti/Erksine/Sloan don’t sound like bad groupings, with Poti as an obvious option to move up should anyone get hurt or start playing poorly.
Agreed with you and F&B there, Poti makes a good bit of cabbage for a #5 but when Carlznerson is playing this well together you can’t break them up.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 8:42 PM EST up reply actions
For what it’s worth, I think Erskine has been playing fairly well these days. He’s not Chris Pronger out there, but he’s making smart plays and not looking for the big hit as much.
His skill set is definitely 7th D, but his play the last 4 games, is more a 5-6. And the Caps need it from him, so I’m very happy to have it, while it lasts.
Country Gentlemen's Pig Fertilizer Gazette
Dunny-on-the-World
The major benefit of all the injuries may have just been getting the kids and Sloskine more ice time. It has to help at some point.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 8:48 PM EST up reply actions
I’ve been all alone on this island of blaming BB’s use of sloan last year as the reason he hasn’t developed into a genuine NHL defender. Not saying he was ever going to be a top 4, but he certainly could be a 3rd D pair man, IF he gets to play consistently.
Country Gentlemen's Pig Fertilizer Gazette
Dunny-on-the-World
I think he’s a 7 or 8 at best…if we’re talking every day type. On his good nights he can fill in on a 3rd pairing…it’s just not near consistent enough.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 8:56 PM EST up reply actions
like I said, I’m alone on my little island. But it’s nice and sunny, there are coconuts, and I’ve got a pet volley ball. :-)
Country Gentlemen's Pig Fertilizer Gazette
Dunny-on-the-World
Can your pet volleyball go better than 3 for 10 on the faceoff dot? Caps might need him.
"Because the game is not just about fighting no more. " D.J. King
by bigeugene on Nov 7, 2010 9:11 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Ooops, wasn’t paying attn, thought this was about Flash. Haha. Sleep deprivation.
"Because the game is not just about fighting no more. " D.J. King
yeah, that’s another lonely island. Thankfully I’m not on it. I’m more of the opinion that until we have a DEFINITIVE better option in house, there’s no point in complaining about Flash. It’s not like the complaints have changed at all in the past year.
Country Gentlemen's Pig Fertilizer Gazette
Dunny-on-the-World
I’m liking that he’s shooting more. I actually thought it was interesting to see Erskine putting the puck around the net more, while Carlson obviously was playing it to empty space at the opposite corner more than usual tonight.
When Carlson shoots it usually gets all the way through. I like that. Alzner is the same way. They’re either going to make sure it gets on net or keep it deep to maintain possession. I have zero issues with this.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 8:43 PM EST up reply actions
I’ve been calling for the Caps to acquire a 3-4 caliber defenseman who can play on a pairing with Poti so we don’t have to break up our other combinations.
Rocking the Red since 1975
At least 80% of this board welcomes you on this Road to Damascus.
"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 7, 2010 9:32 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
I don’t know. Admittedly Philly has a deeper defensive corp than we do, but you don’t see their guys logging those kinds of minutes. Although, with Pronger, that 4 minutes in the bin at the end of the game was probably the only thing holding him down to 20.
We need to find someone else to rely on, or more than one, or the team sets themselves up for the same problem in the playoffs when the opposition targets and shuts down Green.
by HateOffSeason on Nov 7, 2010 8:35 PM EST up reply actions
Pronger has definitely logged those minutes previously in his career. Would be interesting to know his ATOI this year and last.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 8:36 PM EST up reply actions
Pronger had 25:55 a game last season, average. I’d expect him to be a lot less this season as he’s coming off surgery, though.
Yeah, PHI is actively trying to keep his minutes down. They also have a legitimate stud in Timmonen that can eat minutes, and both Carle and Coburn have played solidly for them; enough so that they can at least be trusted to play 20+. Then their bottom pair, Meszaros and O’Donnell, are both capable of 15-20 (more for Meszaros, for sure), so it’s no shock they can keep Pronger’s minutes down.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Oddly enough, Pronger actually had a low PIM for him going into tonight. Only 8 (although the Caps’ program which I bought and was slightly out of date) had him listed at 4.
Well he made up for it tonight.
Rocking the Red since 1975
he’s up to 12. he also had 4 PIMs last night.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Watching S O’D tonight, I’m glad the Caps didn’t get him. He looks like toast out there. I understand now why Kings fans were saying he’s done this offseason.
I’d rather have Erskine than S O’D.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 7, 2010 10:58 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah I wasn’t a fan of his in the off-season. He seemed to be lateral to Erskine, if that. Tonight I could agree that Erskine was the better player.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I’ve been a fan for a while, so I was a booster this offseason. Looks like the Caps dodged a bullet there.
Caps still need a lot more GP in their lineup, but that guy at least wasn’t the answer.
Is Columbus’s season over yet? Is Jan Hedja available? How about Steve Montador from BUF?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 7, 2010 11:17 PM EST up reply actions
Both are good options. I’ll throw Ian White into the mix as well.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
You’ve really been pimping him lately? I can only hope Calgary’s season starts to fall apart so they’d be willing to move some people later on…although with some of the contracts they have you’d think it’s inevitable that people will get moved.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 11:22 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah I’m big on Ian White. Very underrated, very tough, does everything, and seems to play well in any situation. He was overlooked in TOR and then got forced into big minutes and did pretty well last year. He seems like a good swiss army knife type of D that can round out our D corps.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Someone versatile like that would be a good fit. Nothing new though, we keep talking about adding a 4/5/6 D man and a 2C forever haha
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 11:30 PM EST up reply actions
I covet Ian White. But I’m not sure he’s really that available — he’s what they got for Phaneuf. I think they need to keep him to make a point to the fans.
At least until they get fired up there in Calgary, anyway.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 7, 2010 11:24 PM EST up reply actions
They have 5D signed for 19 million next year (with one at .733) and only have 3 million (plus the cap rise) to sign some pieces. I could see CGY going either way with him, but who knows with Sutter?
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Dude, you’re using waaaaaaay too much logic and reason. That’s 100% inappropriate until the Sutters are gone.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 7, 2010 11:34 PM EST up reply actions
MIN – Greg Zanon. I am going to continue banging this drum.
(That said I like White and Montador also)
I poured spot remover on my dog. Now he's gone.
Fedor Tyutin, also of the Jackets, is another name to throw into the mix.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 8, 2010 8:20 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah plus another year older. Green is much younger and has already missed a few games, he can handle a slightly higher workload.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 8:40 PM EST up reply actions
For various reasons, I think ES TOI is more interesting to look at, to see if someone’s being overused. The top Washington Capital in ES TOI is #39 in the league,and it’s not Green or Ovi — it’s Jeff Schultz. (Green’s 5 minute game probably has a lot to do with that). If you believe that PP point time really is less difficult than ES or SH time, the Caps may be doing OK with the young guns.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 8, 2010 12:06 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I still think Knuble is playing well despite being snake-bit. He’s winning battles in the dirty spots, he’s playing well on the PK. He’s not getting points. They’ll come. I disagree that he looks old or out of sync out there. I think we’re all used to more garbage goals from him, even last year when he started quite slow also.
by Charlie Foxtrot on Nov 7, 2010 8:19 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
He only started producing on the top line after he came back from his injury, IIRC, around november.
by red army line on Nov 8, 2010 8:49 AM EST up reply actions
Solid game, solid effort. Good for Holtby. Varly better get healthy quick. Green is playing like himself.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
Holtby performed well for his first NHL start…but I don’t think it’s anywhere near time for Varly to start worrying.
Holtby made some nice stops, and neither of the goals was precisely soft…but he looked a little bit scrambly out there.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Yeah, Holtby said in the post-game that he was nervous during the first and second and that he didn’t have his normal level of rebound control, even called it, “unacceptable at the NHL level.” Kid, knows how to do a presser already. :-)
Country Gentlemen's Pig Fertilizer Gazette
Dunny-on-the-World
Well throwing him out there against Philly…trial by fire. Good on him.
"Because the game is not just about fighting no more. " D.J. King
I totally expect his next start to be far better rebound-wise. I’ve seen him play much better than he did in the first 2 periods of tonight’s game.
Country Gentlemen's Pig Fertilizer Gazette
Dunny-on-the-World
He has been a bit inconsistent in his pro career so far. Comes with the territory I suppose — he is very young
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 7, 2010 10:59 PM EST up reply actions
youthful inconsistencies aside, my optimism continues unabated. I was on the record in April of 2009 that Holtby would be vying for the #1 Goalie spot in 3 years. The kid has a scary good skill set and natural talent.
Country Gentlemen's Pig Fertilizer Gazette
Dunny-on-the-World
All to our benefit. If we ever get all 3 going at once or at least showing their potential you have your 2 and one as a piece for a big trade. Neuvy’s contract makes him attractive to keep, but it’s also a very easy one to move as well.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 11:31 PM EST up reply actions
I just want him to hurry up and get healthy
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 8:28 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t think we need Varlamov to be worrying… but it’s kind of nice knowing if Varly or Neuvy goes down, we have this guy in the wings waiting, right? No need to rush him to the NHL or start messing with the depth chart yet – but just like Neuvy got his time in Hershey to develop, Holtby can have his.
Boarding call on O’Donnell at the end…legit, or a bad call? I never saw a replay…
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Looking for the black lining in the silver cloud again?
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Makes me feel as good as Inception Mouse.
"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?"
It happened right in front of me, and honestly, I wasn’t sure if Flash would get up. That was a serious hit he took there, and it sure seemed like a penalty to me. From where i was, I couldn’t tell if Flash hit the boards, but I was pretty certain it would be a penalty.
Old enough to hate the Red Wings, but too young to really remember why.
by Flash in the Pan on Nov 7, 2010 9:15 PM EST up reply actions
OT – downtown Chicago is gorgeous on the drive in.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Green had a real solid game, but I won’t expect him to get much love for it at BSH. I’m sure there will be plenty of sniping in the comments, probably cherrypicking one or two giveaways or lax defensive plays. Geoff is big into the advanced stats so hopefully he at least gives him credit for being a Corsi leader tonight. I thought he was real solid for the most part. Also though Carlznerson had another great game.
Flash continues to get more and more invisible.
Holtby was good, but he’s very raw. He definitely doesn’t have the poise or control in net that Neuvirth does. Neither does Bobrovsky. He can make some nice saves but he leaves rebounds out to be had. He’s being covered to a large degree by that stud blueline they have. You could see him getting scrambly on that Semin PPG, I think at some point this season there will be more of those kinds of goals. I don’t know how long he’ll hold up, but I expect him to come back to earth (and that will probably be sooner if PHI keeps riding him this hard).
PHI can be happy about their hit totals, but that says more about who had the puck for most of the game than it says of who was more aggressive. I don’t feel like the Caps got pushed around all night, but I do feel like they spent a lot more time in the PHI end of the ice (obviously, the shots corroborate, as J.P. notes).
I wouldn’t mind seeing Braydon Coburn get forced out of PHI because of cap concerns (he’s signed through next year but Giroux and Carter are RFA after this season). Jeff Carter would be a great fit on the Caps, unfortunately there’s only one team in the league I can think of that would less like to help us out than PHI. He’s miscast on that team because of the depth chart, and it’s a shame.
AO continues to be the slowest Young Gun out of the gate, no matter what his points say.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Starting to think AO is dealing with an injury. He doesn’t seem to have the level of explosion I remember.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
He was looking to pass in a lot more normal shooting situations tonight. He did come close a time or two but definitely not “himself” out there right now.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 8:34 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t think it’s an injury, but I definitely think he’s playing tight. Teams have had an effective double team on him this season, falling back enough that he can’t go wide, and having the center b-line for him so he can’t pull up at the blue and walk to the middle.
Personally, I’d like to see him bring back the leg-kick infused wrister from his rookie year. It seems like he’d have enough time to get those off if he skated across the line and kept moving forward.
Country Gentlemen's Pig Fertilizer Gazette
Dunny-on-the-World
He had opportunities to launch the wrister but has been looking to lay the puck off more. It has been effective at times and guys have missed some lay ups he’s left for him.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 8:41 PM EST up reply actions
absolutely true. 4 that I saw. poor Knoobs on that early 1st period double whiff on the bouncing puck just outside the crease. Argh! That one was painful.
Country Gentlemen's Pig Fertilizer Gazette
Dunny-on-the-World
I think he’s been victimized by some bad ice a time or two as well. Last couple games there has been one or two possible one timers a game that have rolled off his stick or missed outright from the puck getting rolling. It’ll come.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 8:49 PM EST up reply actions
AO continues to be the slowest Young Gun out of the gate, no matter what his points say.
14 GP, 8 goals, 10 assists, and you’re not wrong. That’s “only” a 105 point pace. Hilarious.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 7, 2010 11:04 PM EST up reply actions
It shows how spoiled we are. Count me in the group that’s not worried about him. He’ll come around. He didn’t suddenly become a non-elite talent. I’d like to see him continue to evolve his game, but even if he doesn’t he’ll still keep producing similar to how he has the past few seasons. At some point his production will drop if he doesn’t evolve, but I don’t think we’re at that point, yet.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I still see him and Backstrom trying to find an equilibrium in when they’re looking to shoot and pass on certain signature rushes. Ovie seems to be trying to use the fact he draws so much attention to himself to lay off the puck more. He probably should have another 4 or 5 assists on the year really, but guys have missed some golden chances he’s set up. Backstrom too while starting to look more like himself on the puck and making more of the plays we’re accustomed to seeing from him, still hasn’t hit that “takeover” mentality yet where he started looking to create his own shots and making the D guess that much more against those 2.
I’m not worried about either guy, the fact they are still putting up points and making plays just makes me wonder how good they can really be together once they find a niche with a consistent RW and get clicking into a mode where either guy can make either play and they’re on the same page 99% of the time.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 11:15 PM EST up reply actions
Ovechkin’s also missing a lot of corners that I’ve seen him hit in seasons past.
When he’s cold, he hits the goalie’s chest or he misses the net high or wide.
When he’s on, the water bottle jumps.
I ain’t worried.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 7, 2010 11:18 PM EST up reply actions
Me either, he hasn’t had a lot of totally open looks to hit those corners either. The most recent one I can remember thinking he buries like 97 out of 100 was very early in the 3rd against Toronto when we had the carryover PP time. Kind of paused to let the traffic clear out and slid to his right, looked like he should have beaten the Monster high glove but kind of shot it right into the glove. It’ll come though.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 11:20 PM EST up reply actions
As long as the team that he is the Captain of continues their strong play, I’m a happy Caps fan.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Not that 8 goals and 18 points in 14 games is too shabby either.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 11:38 PM EST up reply actions
Exactly. He got PHI a point on that save and I thought in general he was solid all over the ice. I think it’s a bit of an odd pick, but I don’t hate it. I think Holtby is a bit of a homer pick. Nice story, sure. But he didn’t have to make more than 2 big saves and clearly had the easier job in the net. I wouldn’t have given either goalie a star. I probably would have gotten Semin in there.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
You know Holtby was going to get the nod there. Semin has been outstanding though
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 8:37 PM EST up reply actions
I figured he only got it because of the big cross crease save he made just before the double minor. That probably would have been a game-winner for the Flyers.
Country Gentlemen's Pig Fertilizer Gazette
Dunny-on-the-World
That was a big save, and so was the short handed save on Richards earlier. But those were his only real tests, and the Zherdev shot was certainly savable.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Savable but pretty good wrister there too. If he’s only giving up 2 I’m happy.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 8:45 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, I wouldn’t call it soft, but I wouldn’t say it’s one where he had no chance. Hard to argue with 2 against.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
that was a pretty bad defensive choice by Erskine(?) and he doesn’t skate well enough wait so long before finally committing to blocking the passing lane. That said, Holtby did totally flinch early on the shot. But still, a 2 on 1, your first NHL start, and a good shot going top cheese. Those are going to beat veteran goalies sometimes too.
Country Gentlemen's Pig Fertilizer Gazette
Dunny-on-the-World
I don’t think he roofed it, I thought it was about 2 feet off the ice, blocker side. Still a tough shot.
Erskine was fine on that play. Sloan got caught at the blueline when they rainbowed the puck out of the zone. At least Erskine read the rush and backed up enough. Sloan was all ready to hold the point and got beat.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
At this point pretty much everyone agreed we would like/need to have another NHL caliber D man. But could we say we’re looking more for a 5/6 guy instead of a 4 now?
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 8:55 PM EST up reply actions
Maybe, depends what’s there. I’d prefer a 4, maybe a 5. If we could push Carlznerson to our bottom pair that would be ideal.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
That was my thinking early on in the year, but so far them playing together is even better than the two of them individually. I feel like as the year goes on they’re just going to get better and we’ll want them to get more ice.
Then again, if we had a solid option to play with Poti as a 2nd pairing, you could give them 16-18 minutes even as the 3rd pairing and rest up Green a bit more.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 8:58 PM EST up reply actions
A 3rd-pairing type gives them flexibility. A 2nd-pairing type gives them concrete improvement and even more options.
And then we just need Brad Richards…
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 9:02 PM EST up reply actions
totally agree about Sloan getting beat at the line, and that being a BIG factor in the 2 on 1. Maybe I thought the shot went higher b/c of Holtby’s flinch? And Erskine did read the play as it happened, but I still felt he waited a beat or two, too long before going down. To my thinking, Erskine goes down and puts his stick in the lane a beat earlier, Holtby can focus on the shot and if the flyers pass and connect, then there’s nothing the goalie can do.
But that’s really couch coaching a tough play, and I don’t “fault” Erskine. Maybe, “wish” he chose differently would be the most accurate way to say it.
Country Gentlemen's Pig Fertilizer Gazette
Dunny-on-the-World
That’s fair enough. You’d have to ask Holtby how he was trying to play that one. If he thought the pass was there then that explains a little. But he should have been selling out on the shooter unless he had confidence in Erskine taking the pass.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I think he’d tell you that he was intending to play the shooter, but, gave Zherdev too much space. I think he learned something about how much smaller the margin for error is in the NHL than the AHL. He got abused by a guy who was out of the league last year, and he knows it. And he’ll be a better goalie for it.
All in all, his game was pretty much what I’d expect from a good 21 year old prospect. I’ll take it, and then some. He kept them in it and gave them a chance to win.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 7, 2010 11:20 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, I’m fine with the game he played tonight. The way you describe Zherdev makes him sound a lot worse than he is. He was out of the league last year, but not because of skill.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I think it’s fair. If not “skill,” I think “talent” is one of the reasons Zherdev was out of the league. There’s more to sticking in the NHL than scoring goals.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 7, 2010 11:26 PM EST up reply actions
Of course, but that shot was a skill shot. Zherdev’s problem was that he is inconsistent as far as his effort and he thought he deserved that 4 million dollar arbitration award and nobody was going to give it to him so he pouted his way to the KHL.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Zherdev isn’t some complete no name either though. He’s got 4 goals already this year and while he has been erratic a bit in some of the Philly games I’ve seen (think Bad Sasha Jr.) overall he’s putting up some numbers so far. Still surprised the Rags let him go.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 11:24 PM EST up reply actions
He won a 4 million dollar arbitration award against the Rags. Why would they keep him? One of the smarter moves they’ve made the last few years.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I guess when it comes to Sather I can honestly say I think 4 mil to Zherdev might be a smarter move than some of other ones. And yes, that’s not saying much in support of Zherdev for 4 mil.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 11:36 PM EST up reply actions
You could think of worse deals he signed, but that would have been bad given how inconsistent he’s been and how invisible he was in the playoffs right before that arbitration. He needed to be big for them, and he was an absolute non-factor.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
He reminds me of Bad Semin a lot. But the skill is there.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 11:40 PM EST up reply actions
He is a poor man’s Semin. Zherdev doesn’t have Semin’s upside, defensive ability, etc.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
All agreed, I had forgotten he won that much in arbitration.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 11:44 PM EST up reply actions
I would have voted for Bobrovsky to get a star since he seemed to be doing well and saving a lot of shots by the Caps.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Bobrovsky probably deserved it, but Coburn played very well defensively all night and saved Bob’s Bacon (Now that’s a product that needs to be sold at Safeway…) at the end in the 5-on-3. A point in the standings is nothing to sneeze at, and the Flyers know all about getting just one more point…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 7, 2010 11:23 PM EST up reply actions
Was kinda hoping to deny them that one point, but I’ll take our two and be glad for it.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
That’s what I thought. Get the win —one way or another. The Flyers’ obtention of a Bettman point was the least of my worries.
Rocking the Red since 1975
They didn’t play a bad game, I can live with them getting a point today. We still have a game in hand on them and 1 more win. Whatever all that means only 14 games into the year.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 11:46 PM EST up reply actions
Good game, I’m mad I missed the first, I would’ve liked to watch the whole thing. I loved Backstrom’s pass to Semin on his goal. I actually I loved that whole sequence, it was beautiful, and Semin did a great job putting that in the net. I also decided I really like Holtby so far. I didn’t catch the first goal, but he looked great especially in the third. He’s different to watch, very different from Neuvy, but it’s exciting and he played well.
Rink Rabbit & newest member of TySlo's fan club.
He was clearing his own crease a time or two in the third. WTG Braden.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
he definitely let a couple of different Flyers have a piece of his mind (and his stick to their shins) tonight.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
I actually think the diference between Holtby and Bobrovsky says a lot about the two franchises. They both have enough going with their skaters that they can win in front of most anyone – but the Flyers have to rush Bob in because they just don’t have much else going on. The Caps have the luxury of letting their goalies develop in the minors (in a first-class organization, to boot) until injuries give them the chance to get a cup of coffee at the NHL level. Holtby is saying all the right things regarding what he needs to learn to continue playing, and playing better, at the AHL level.
Here’s hoping to a deep playoff run for him in Hershey to start developing the same experience and credentials that Neuvy brings.
Really? At this point, the only thing that seperates the Flyers G from the Caps G at this point (in terms of depth) is basically the luxury of having Theodore being in net for two years. I mean if Theo was in net behind hem for two years, how much of a difference is there between the two teams?
"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?"
I probably worded my point poorly – this is exactly what I mean. The Caps had Theo, and that let them break in Varly slowly and gave Neuvy all the time he needed in the minors. The Flyers fans I know around here in NJ seem to regard Bob as a potential franchise savior, THIS YEAR. If I worried about the Flyers, I’d be worried the org will rush him into an NHL starting role full-time and sacrifice the development he needs.
But the Flyers, even in free agency, seem entirely incapable of finding a veteran ‘name’ goalie who doesn’t break down or play poorly over the course of more than one season.
The Hawks had Niemi, and the Flyers have Bob now, Eriksson in the SEL and Backlund/Stewart in the A. I dunno if the team/org though Bob would be the savior, but from a G perspective, Bob probably might have been as much a crapshoot as Bouchten might have been.
I don’t discount the Caps org depth in this area, but I just don’t think as far out as others might think is all.
"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?"
I’m not sure why, but I’ve hardly heard anything about Bobrovsky. I first heard about him a couple of weeks ago, but I had no idea what his name actually was until today. He seems pretty good and apparently he has a great record, so I’m not really sure how I missed him.
Rink Rabbit & newest member of TySlo's fan club.
I’ve seen him a fair amount this season, being in the NY area. He’s at a very similar level to Neuvy/Varly last year, IMO – capable of logging NHL games, but I’m not so sure he’s an organizational savior out of the gate like Philly fans seem to expect him to be (sort of like the unrealistic expectations some have for Varlamov, IMO).
He’s giving Philly chances to win (obviously, with the win streak), and he’ll get better as he gets used to North America, but I can’t help that any NHL club with organizational depth would have him in the minors this year for all but a cup of coffee.
From my seats (w/o benefit of replays or DVR), the stars of the night were Green, Fehr and Semin. Flash continues to look awful. Seemed like Semin did not lose a single battle on the boards, and Flash won one, which I remember in the 3rd period b/c it was so notable. I’m surprised about the love Holtby is getting (and got the 2nd star). I know it was his first start and all, but I thought the first goal was unbelievably soft and the second may have been, too (couldn’t tell how late the tip came tho’ so perhaps not). He gave up a ton of fat rebounds right to the center of the ice. Did have that one ridiculous stop in the 3rd.
Best 60 minute effort I’ve seen from the team this year. With Neuvy in goal, that’s a 2-1 or 2-0 win in regulation. Great stuff!
The 2nd one was a nice tip, I wouldn’t expect him to have that one. First one was a decent shot I thought, savable but not ridiculously so.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 8:46 PM EST up reply actions
The second tip was right on top of him, though I’m not sure he saves it even if it wasn’t tipped.
Hard to say that first goal was “unbelievably soft” but he could have had it. If Theo had let that in the reaction would probably be different.
I’m with you on Semin, and I’ve given him plenty of love so far this season, so mark it down.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Yeah, couldn’t tell about the tip on the 2nd. Until they announced it, I thought Mezsaros scored it and there wasn’t a replay.
Curious to see a replay of the first. I sit basically on the same vector as created by the goal through Zherdev, and it looked like Holtby may have been out of position b/c I could see a lot of net even before Zherdev shot… and the shot was from a fair distance.
Anyway, not ragging on the kid. It was his first start. He seemed a bit jumpy and had a rough beginning but came up with a couple big saves. Not bad, not great would have been my take.
How did we end up with 5 men on the ice for the last goal? I thought it was supposed to be 4-on-4 in overtime…
Suspend Colin Campbell!
We had a 2 man advantage going into OT and you can’t do a 4 on 2. So they made it 5 on 3 and then 5 on 4 until the next whistle where it would have changed to 4 on 3.
Think twice before you speak, and then you may be able to say something more insulting than if you spoke right out at once.
Ah, thanks for the heads up…what would happen when their guy came out of the box, would one of our guys have to leave or would they wait for a stoppage?
Suspend Colin Campbell!
Well Pronger was out of the box when the goal was scored, so it was 5/4. If we didn’t score they would have gotten O’Donnell and it would have been 5/5 until a stoppage and then gone 4/4.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I was thinking just get it deep after Pronger’s call expired and force Bob to ice it. Normally we’re pretty lights out 4 on 3
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 8:51 PM EST up reply actions
It was 5 on 3 for 6 seconds because they still had 2 guys in the box. When that happens in OT one guy comes out until stoppage.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 8:46 PM EST up reply actions
Just got back from the game. You might have seen me, I was the 6’7 kid banging on the glass behind the pileup after Green’s goal. It was funny how Knuble’s head was sticking out above everyone’s, like he was giving a speech or something. I don’t remember anyone else’s face from the scrum.
Old enough to hate the Red Wings, but too young to really remember why.
by Flash in the Pan on Nov 7, 2010 8:47 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Just got home. Being my first game in 2 years (and club level seats to boot), I had a blast.
That being said, it was a solid game. Caps played relatively stable, give or take a bad shift.
Thought there were a few instances where clearing the puck was an issue. Against the persistent PHI forecheck, it was definitely an area of concern.
Good to see Fehr get a goal – beautiful shot.
Boyd Gordon played a great game as well. The dude is so underrated and undervalued on this team.
I concur with Green not looking 100% – he made a few lazy plays in my eyes. It was also apparent that PHI targeted him to get him off his game – he got clocked a few times. His OT goal was awesome, though.
Ovechkin had an ordinary game – didn’t stand out to me. Kinda worried.
Lots of Flyers fans as well, but their silence at the end was heartwarming.
"That's a little bit of disrespect. Coach told us the CAA stands for 'Connecticut Assassin Association." - Tony Skinn
by Steck It Out on Nov 7, 2010 8:49 PM EST via mobile reply actions 2 recs
Gordo is a treat to watch. Love him!
Besides Green’s awesome OT goal and general solid play (minus a few space cadet moments), he did not let Philly knock him off his game. Huzzah! Last year, he would have done something stupid and ended up in the box. well, maybe not tonight. so much clutching and grabbing and holding and tripping and slashing going on that went uncalled, for both sides.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Don’t worry about AO. He’ll get his.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 7, 2010 11:11 PM EST up reply actions
hey
hey
CARDIAC CAPS
/spins bowtie
/cartwheels off stage
Don't celebration when you score goal
by Big Boutros on Nov 7, 2010 9:08 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
I must say, skimming the threads on BSH is amusing reading. I’m not entirely sure I attended the game they’re discussing!
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
I noticed the same thing here...
Mourning Gagne forever.
by ToddtheFox on Nov 7, 2010 11:02 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I haven’t seen any of the BSH threads, but which parts here aren’t jiving with your reality?
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I didn’t see much of the game. I was saying that of course there are going to be two different versions of the game. I don’t have a problem with it though.
Mourning Gagne forever.
I’m scrolling the third period thread right now and it seems to match up pretty well. I’m sure there will be disagreements but there are lots of comments about how the Flyers look tired and the Caps are carrying the play. That’s pretty much my take. Of course there are always “that should/shouldn’t have been a PIM!!!!” complaints, but that’s to be expected.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Exactly. The Flyers didn’t deserve to win this game. Bob probably did, just looking at the shot totals and hearing about the way the Caps dominated. But as a whole, they probably stole a point.
Mourning Gagne forever.
Bob made some pretty good stops, some of it was us not finishing chances too. Big ups to Coburn for saving them a point as well with his kick save and a beauty on Semin at the end. That was one of those rare times it seemed like we actually worked a set play off a face off that wasn’t simple draw it back to Ovie/Semin and let them shoot.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 11:18 PM EST up reply actions
He did look very tired, which is disappointing. Many of us would have preferred to give him a rest last night against the Islanders and have him fresher for the Caps. Oh well, Lavvy seems to like riding the hot hand.
Mourning Gagne forever.
He made some big stops in the 2nd especially comes to mind and as our announcers kept pointing out he does a great job shutting down the lower part of the net on those scrambles. He might be raw, but if they can give him a little bit of a break he might be helped out by it. I understand riding him hard while on a streak though.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 11:26 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t know who “deserved” this one. I thought it was a really hard fought game between two very good teams. I think it’s fair that the two late Philly penalties sealed it. It’s right that those two penalties were the difference.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 7, 2010 11:22 PM EST up reply actions
I generally look at the shot totals as a decent proxy for actual game control, and as stated above, the Caps dominated that.
I’m not sure that everyone on BSH was impressed by the O’D penalty, but I didn’t see it.
Mourning Gagne forever.
when the Flyers did have the puck, they busted ass and had possession for long stretches. Made me very nervous waiting for the inevitable defensive breakdown from the Caps.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
I do think the Caps carried the majority of the play but PHI had enough quality chances that they easily could have won. It was definitely an entertaining game but I only think it’s right that a Caps PP won it if the SO’D PIM was legit. I’ll check my DVR and figure that out on my own.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Philly’s possession stretches and chances were definitely more of good hard work by them than poor play by us. We might have carried the overall play a little bit but shots are probably going to slant in our favor when we had more PP time. Coming off back to back games obviously wouldn’t help them, nor with a 5pm start time on the back end of it (Daylight Savings helps a little)
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 11:27 PM EST up reply actions
And Philly had a bit of the bend-don’t-break gameplan that we saw from Montreal last year. It’s a legitimate gameplan, and it’ll result in bad Corsi numbers but theoretically you’re keeping the shots out to the perimeter so scoring chances are minimized. I thought they played that plan fairly well, except for taking bad penalties.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 7, 2010 11:28 PM EST up reply actions
I felt like we had a decent amount of scoring chances in the 1st and 2nd that we didn’t put away. Knubs still seems snakebit and the amount of times Semin or Ovie probably could have shot and didn’t only to pass to someone or an area they expected someone to be in while that person was expecting a shot was starting to bug me.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 11:33 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
the part where the Flyers are a bunch of angels on the ice? The officiating was atrocious tonight. Both teams got away with everything short of knocking a guy’s head off.
the diving exhibition the Flyers put on tonight was a beauty, though. Quality stuff.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Which dives in particular? I didn’t have that impression.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Nor I really. There was one play where one Flyer got tangled with Erskine in our zone and made sure to grab his stick/hand to drag himself and Erskine down which looked like he was trying to buy a call to me, but it could have just been losing an edge and grabbing on to something for balance. A good no call either way. The Hartnell high stick WAS a high stick it was just from his own player. He got stitched up and it was all good.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 11:17 PM EST up reply actions
there were a couple of instances where I felt trips were being embellished in an attempt to draw a call. No call was made, though.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
I will say, though, I’d rather watch a non-call fest like tonight than the linesmen throw everyone out of the circle on every faceoff that we saw friday.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
That was so bad we were groaning all game up in my section about that. Funny how as soon as they finally threw out one of the B’s Gordo cheated like MAD on the ensuing drop and won it back for the Fehr help-along for RAH to ice the game.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 11:21 PM EST up reply actions
I thought all the calls were fairly legit tonight…I didn’t get to see a replay of the O’D boarding (?) at the end that gave us the carryover PP time in OT but I didn’t hear too much grumbling about it.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 11:21 PM EST up reply actions
I counted 5 times that Semin made contact with another player near a wall, and Flyer X went down as if hit by a Suburban at 30 mph.
Country Gentlemen's Pig Fertilizer Gazette
Dunny-on-the-World
Kid’s resilient.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 11:33 PM EST up reply actions
I think you’re talking about the Erskine “tackle” on Leino. That seems to be the one BSH is most pissed about. I’d have to look again but I thought the initial contact was clean and then they just got tangled. Of course, I’m a Caps fan. I have the game on DVR so I’m going to go back and look at some of the suspect calls later.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
yeah, that’s one they’re complaining about. In what was a very physical game in which the refs let everyone get away with damn near anything.
they’re pretty hot about the O’D boarding call, too. Which I can’t comment too much on, as I didn’t see it.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Apparently they think they missed a hook on Timmonen right before that as well. I don’t care enough to drop everything and check now, but I’ll take a look tonight or tomorrow.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
there were so many missed hooks tonight its not even funny. There were moments tonight where I thought is was 1996 again.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Did we ever get a definitive ruling on the Bob DOG thing too? I feel like they definitely got the benefit of the non call there.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 11:29 PM EST up reply actions
I think JP put it pretty well up there ↑
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 7, 2010 11:31 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
That was my thought as well…hard to argue about other calls when you’re clearly getting a benefit of a non call yourself.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 11:33 PM EST up reply actions
I thought that should have been a penalty. however, from my seats, it was VERY clear that Bob was trying to get someone, anyone to call a TO before the puck dropped.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Bruce sure seemed worked up about the non-call on Bob during the game, but didn’t seem quite so worked up afterward. From CI‘s postgame notes:
Boudreau was surprised with the non-call but after the game didn’t mind it too much.
“In the end it was probably the fairest thing to do,” Boudreau said, then laughed. “I can’t believe I’m siding with referees.”
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
It looked like Leino was intentionally trying to grab Erskine’s arm or stick to drag around him to buy a holding or hooking call…you know, basically what Briere does every time he loses the puck along the boards.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 11:28 PM EST up reply actions
Vogs taking potshots at the Philly media on twitter:
Remember, Philly media left @greenlife52 off its Norris ballots altogether last year. En masse. Even though he was 2-5-7, +7 in 4 vs. PHI.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
by RedBirdie on Nov 7, 2010 11:11 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Third period highlights:
At about 17:00, seeing Chimera with his ass in Bobrovski’s face. Keep that up, and that line will score some nice screened goals.
At about 12:00, Schultz shuts down Briere on the power play. Briere tried to make a move on him, to juke and jive. But you can’t fool a mountain. Schultz just swallowed him up.
At about 7:00, Braden Holtby playing Hungry Hungry Hippos with a potentially dangerous rebound.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
oh, yes, seeing Schultz tower over Briere and shut him down was quite the delightful sight.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Observations from Section 421
A 3-2 win in OT against a damn good team…well, that makes for a successful homestand. I’m not upset with this start at all to the season… my notes.
1) Other than Sloan being caught way up ice which led to the Flyers first goal on a 2-on-1, there were really no major lapses or breakdowns defensively. It was a very solid game from all 18 skaters
2) The officiating got the game right (on both sides) tonight. That high stick on Steckel with 3:55 left was worthy of a 4 minute power play. Pronger really nailed Stecks.
3) There were a few times when the Caps tried to get cute on the attack. Backstrom needs to look to shoot a little more, and, believe it or not, so does Ovechkin.
4) Green and Schultz have become the Caps shut-down defensive pairing…. and they look damn good doing it too.
5) Have to give credit where it is due. The Flyers gave a great effort today and played very hard. That the NHL has them playing the night before then traveling to DC for a late afternoon game was pretty rough, but they didn’t show much fatigue.
6) Gutsy call by Bruce to scratch DJ King when Carcillo and Shelley were in the line up for the Flyers. Turns out the Flyers weren’t interested in starting anything.
7) Great shot by Fehr. Maybe F-16 will get back to being the 20-25 goal guy he should be.
Now it’s on to Broadway and a date with King Henrik and the Rangers…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 7, 2010 11:31 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Re: 6- How bad does that look for King. Boogaard and Shelley are seemingly the only reason to have him and he didn’t even dress against Shelley. On top of that, it didn’t seem to even matter. It just made it look like PHI wasted a lineup spot on Shelley. If Carcillo needed to throw, Hendricks could have answered.
Re: 2- there was a bloody nose, end of story. Doesn’t even really matter how hard Pronger got him because it’s basically automatic that blood = 4 and no blood = 2. Not necessarily fair, but so obvious that no fan can even question it.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
King really hasn’t shown to be effective even on the 4th line either much. But then again who knew Hendricks would do what he’s done.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 11:42 PM EST up reply actions
Even Flyers fans on Broad Street hockey agreed that the 4 minute penalty call on Pronger was legit.
Rocking the Red since 1975
I never expected them to have an issue with that one…blood was definitely dripping.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 11:43 PM EST up reply actions
dripping? surely you jest. ’Twas just a pinprick!
4 min. penalty for a pindrop of blood to end the game
and, yes, I’m totally cherrypicking.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Pinprick…uh huh.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 7, 2010 11:54 PM EST up reply actions
so obvious that no fan can even question it.
This is the fanbase that gave us the “half win,” and you’re actually suggesting that there’s anything they can’t question?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 7, 2010 11:57 PM EST up reply actions
BSH also banned MarioD so I can’t paint them all with his crap brush. But fair enough, I’m sure they have some bitter fans there that are complaining about that, as RB demonstrated.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
It was a cheap shot, I’ll admit it. But I’m not sorry.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 8, 2010 12:02 AM EST up reply actions
I’m not asking to be sorry, I’m just trying not to go there because I like having the high ground to take offense when they throw cheap shot after cheap shot at the Caps and their fans.
MarioD is a freaking joke, and even most of the people there recognize it. There’s lots of negative things you can say about Philly fans in general, but I think the guys that run BSH do a pretty good job and are maintain an objective outlook in most cases.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
BSH just has an entirely different tone that I have to remind myself that not every place is like Japers, and jokes that would result in a severe smakedown here, like “Caps suck….and swallow!!!!” are perfectly acceptable there.
and it makes it easy for me or GOD to roll our eyes and cherry pick some choice comments. But then again, there’s CI, so it’s not limited to one fanbase.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
I dig BSH. They’ve got a good attitude there. They give as good as they get and they’re willing to accept when someone gets a good zinger in against them. BSH and PPP are my favorite places to go on field trips (which have been damned few and far between lately). Blueshirt Banter and Canes Country are the only places I won’t go back to anymore.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 8, 2010 12:09 AM EST up reply actions
Seconded, though I’m not even allowed at BSB anymore so I guess it doesn’t say much that I don’t go there.
No FTF? They’re right in your neck of the woods.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I’d have to be interested in the Sharks…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 8, 2010 12:35 AM EST up reply actions
It’s definitely a different tone, but one that I think reflects the differences between the teams, the cities, and the fanbases. There are some huge dissimilarities between the two hockey cultures, to be sure.
The Daily Forehand -- SB Nation's Tennis Destination.
Broad Street Hockey.
by Ben Rothenberg on Nov 8, 2010 12:42 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
So eloquently put. Still it’s always nice to find good fans anywhere to my way of thinking. It’s not like we don’t have a large contingent of peons walking around as Caps fans too.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 8, 2010 12:43 AM EST up reply actions
I couldn’t see any blood from 421, which is about as far from where it happened as can be on the rink (diagonally opposite corner.) I did see how hard the impact was, and considering it was Pronger, who is really strong, it was going to be 4. Obviously there was no intent, certainly not in a close game like this…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 8, 2010 10:57 AM EST up reply actions
I saw the blood under one nostril when he skated back to the bench.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
So questions going to Tuesday…I’d lay heavy odds on Neuvirth being back in goal for us. Wonder how Laich will be…and status of Poti.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
Yup. If this had been a shutout, BB would have had something to think about. Since it wasn’t, I have to imagine he’ll go back to Neuvirth.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 7, 2010 11:58 PM EST up reply actions
A tale of two Greens:
Of course, with goals in four straight and a game-best Corsi rating tonight, whatever he’s got goin’ on is workin’.
Sticking with the Caps’ two-time Norris finalist, perhaps the Flyers’ two most-dangerous scorers – Claude Giroux and Jeff Carter – saw an awful lot of Green and Jeff Schultz on the night… and were held off the scoresheet (save for a minor penalty for each).
I don’t know who picked the three stars for tonight’s game, but they deserve to be smacked upside the head. Green had an absolutely awful game outside of the last shot, and got the first star.
Although I generally agree with the first sentence above, it’s funny to see such opposite takes on the game.
I said this to my brothers last night, but people should look at the Peverly and either Burmistrov or Antropov goals last night and watch Duncan Keith. If that had been Green we’d never hear the end of it, but alas, the narrative is written.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Dude, whoever said that really has something blocking their eyes. Green was flying tonight. Every time he had control of the puck, he controlled the play. He had going tonight what Backstrom has going on his really good games. You just knew nobody was going to take it from him, and he was going to be able to get it in deep and set someone up for a play. It was one of his fluid-skating nights.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 8, 2010 12:12 AM EST up reply actions
He had a couple obvious giveaways and I think that colors the perception. Call it confirmation bias, call it a pre-written narrative, I don’t know. It’s funny how the very next bullet is about Giroux being invisible but they didn’t look far enough to realize that Green was the guy playing him all night.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
He has his bad nights like anyone else. Green had a great game today though. If he keeps up his level of play he’ll edge into the Norris discussion again. Some won’t be satisfied until they see it in the playoffs though.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 8, 2010 12:13 AM EST up reply actions
and some of them will never be satisfied. Green could carry the Caps to the Cup and certain parts of the Philly media would still say he sucked.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
At that point it’ll just be funny.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 8, 2010 12:17 AM EST up reply actions
I really would love to know why Green’s game was “awful.” Did he get pinned a couple of times? Yes. (so did the whole eff’ing team) Did he let the Flyers knock him off his game? No. Did he do his job and keep the Flyers from scoring? Yep. Did he then throw in some added “Game Over!” goodness? Oh, abso-fucking-lutely.
Mike Green: the most maligned elite player in hockey!
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Your braver then me arguing over there, they have a lot of people that participate in smart discussion but the ones that seem to comment more are the ones that got the GO FLYERS started. It’s nice on nice like this though that I have a roommate that is a flyers fan and reasonable to discuss the games with (well as reasonable as a flyers fan can be).
"Ovechkin is as subtle as a shot of vodka."
BSH had nothing to do with this, but some Flyers fans found a new way to dump beer on me tonight. They were sitting behind us, and when we got up to cheer F-16’s goal, they “spilled” beer onto our seats. So when we sat back down, ugh.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Some people are ridiculous. I remember at the Flyers game I went to last year there was an entire row of flyers fans behind me that were eventually kicked out for constantly cussing and making very lewd comments about players and other people in the stands. Was really sad to see.
"Ovechkin is as subtle as a shot of vodka."
Yeah, they definitely Briere’d us there. Asked them why they did that. Got the 1 fingered salute. Limited vocabulary I guess.
Previously incarnated as UF and UnleashFurry...
Lost member of the now defunct 'Black Avatar Alliance'
by Christoph J on Nov 8, 2010 6:28 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
I’ve got over 3000 5140 (I’m not an addict) comments on BSH. GO FLYERS!
I try to be civil and objective all the time, but it’s sport, so there are always going to be blind homers. I just hate inter-blog "we’re better because….. " rubbish, because they are entirely different communities.
Different strokes for different folks.
Mourning Gagne forever.
Agreed I never have a problem with you and I honestly should contribute more and comment more over there, I just often spend too much time on here already.
"Ovechkin is as subtle as a shot of vodka."
you spend all your time here because your a cappuccino-sipping, arugula-eating elitist. :) and we like that.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Haha, I just meant in general, not just me. You gotta know where your home is.
Mourning Gagne forever.
I spend all my time here because I freaking hate the Flyers and would not enjoy thinking about the likes of Richards and Carcillo all the time.
That said, BSH is a pretty cool place.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 8, 2010 12:47 AM EST up reply actions
you’re one quite the roll tonight. but I wouldn’t enjoy thinking about the likes of Richards and Carcillo all the time, either.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
I agree, and that’s why I try not to paint you guys broadly. You, the writers, and some of the regular commenters are pretty great to talk hockey with. But then you also see the other part of the crowd…
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Hey thanks, I do what I can to talk intelligently. Most of the other people are good to talk hockey with, they just really hate other teams fans, for some reason.
Mourning Gagne forever.
As long as it’s just “sports hate”…all good.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 8, 2010 12:45 AM EST up reply actions
I’m sure I’ll live either way, have no fear ;)
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 8, 2010 2:38 AM EST up reply actions
all good until some jerk from Philly starts shouting obscenities at you because you’ve asked him to stop spewing profanity every other word.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Japers' Rink
Related FanShots on Japers' Rink
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recent FanShots
The Vault
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- Why the Devils and the Kings are evidence the Capitals shouldn’t trade Alex Ovechkin
- Eulogy: Remembering the 2011-12 New York Rangers
- Stanley Cup Final: 5 keys for New Jersey Devils and Los Angeles Kings
- Friday’s Three Stars: Devils head to Final; Brodeur, Kovalchuk the difference in Game 6
- Devils eliminate Rangers in Game 6, ending fear of the past, setting course for the future
