Friday Caps Clips: Humbled at Home
by J.P. on Dec 10, 2010 7:45 AM EST
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Your savory breakfast links:
- Recaps and other assorted musings on last night's loss from us, Vogs, NHL.com (Masisak), CSN Washington (Masisak), WaPo (Carrera: blog, gamer), DCEx (McNally), Caps365 video (Boudreau, players), CSN Washington (Beninati), On Frozen Pond (Panthers), TBD (Chamberlain), Frankovic, OFB, RMNB, Capitals Outsider, Inside Hockey, Litter Box Cats (Panthers), Caps In Pictures (pics) and Clydeorama (pics).
- On Eric Fehr's most recent healthy scratch. [Dump 'n Chase]
- Caps and Pens alumni teams will take to the outdoor ice a day before the Winter Classic. Paging Bobby Gould... [OFB, Capitals Outsider]
- If you like listening to Mike Green on the radio, today's your lucky day, as he'll be on Elliot in the Morning on DC101 at 9:15 this morning and LaVar and Dukes on 106.7 The Fan at 4:45 this afternoon.
- Which stars get the calls? [Puck Daddy]
- How stressed out is Bruce Boudreau? So much so that he drops s-bombs to The Washingtonian. [OFB]
- Not to be outdone, Green drops an s-bomb for Maxim. [Maxim]
- I may never again run a Clips post that doesn't include a bullet related to Alex Ovechkin shaving. [RMNB]
- Lots o' praise for Cody Eakin. [Buzzing The Net, Regan's Rant]
- Philipp Grubauer, shootout specialist? [The Whig]
- Did someone say "New Year's Eve party in Pittsburgh?" [FanPost]
- Finally, make sure you're keeping up with the latest info regarding the Japers' Rink pick-up game (i.e. paying) with this FanPost. Thanks.
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Speaking of “On Frozen Blog”, they also have an article discussing the “HBO Curse” on the Caps. Includes a story of last night’s game, and the fact that VC was totally lifeless last nigh and their poor opinion of the Southeast Division as “puck purgatory”. Link here:
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Link also in the Clips post above. And that’s a bit dramatic for my taste.
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Agree that the sentiment is overly dramatic. But don’t necessarily agree with nuking the SE Division as OFB as proposed at times. Granted, most of the teams are not really natural geographic rivals, except Carolina.
If I were going to redo divisions, I would relocate Nashville to the SE. Culturally and otherwise, they are a better fit for that division than where they are, not to mention a better fit for that division than the Caps are. If I did that, I would relocate the Caps to the Atlantic, and then relocate the Pens to the Central Division in the Western Conference, to take Nashville’s place. Even without the Pens, the Atlantic contains many of the real rivals of the Caps. As for the Pens relocating to the Central Division, they are not far geographically from Columbus, even if Columbus hasn’t been a strong team but if Columbus ever got good, that would make a great rivalry. And then there’s Detroit and Chicago, as an added bonus.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
I’m not taking it personally, David. Just reporting what I read.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Thoughts
Lifeless? Naw, the crowd picked up when it was time to boo. I’ve never seen a crowd anywhere but here in DC that is so quick to boo a team. I mean, they were getting good chances, but couldn’t bury them. Semin had many shots that he just completely duffed. That goal in the 2nd was really the nail in the coffin, right after killing the 5-on-3. 3rd period really just seemed lifeless.
There was one jackass near me in 401 who just kept shouting “LET’S GO HBO” over and over again in the 3rd.
And what’s with the blind backhand passes from the boards to the center of the ice? It seems like every game I’ve watched this year has had a couple of these, and last night was no exception. One from Ovie, I think the other one was Carlson but I could be wrong. Both ended up as egregious turnovers that a better team would have turned into goals.
And speaking of Ovie, he looks a little lost out there. Defenders have had him figured out for a little while now, and his game doesn’t seem to be adjusting accordingly or something. I’m not a Chicken Little fan, I think eventually he’ll get back on track but it’s so frustrating to see him attempt the same moves over and over with no result.
MP’s size was definitely evident last night – especially when my fiancee says “That guy just keeps bouncing off the other guys and falling down. What’s his problem?” Not to take away from his playmaking or his heart, but he’s not going to win many battles on the boards for sure.
The team’s just in a little funk. I’m annoyed that it’s the only game I’ve been able to go to this season, and it turned out this way, but there’s too much talent here for this to be anything but an anomaly.
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by snakegriffin on Dec 10, 2010 9:18 AM EST up reply actions
Said jackass is in 400 and in the row behind me. He runs unfunny jokes into the ground all the time. He must have made the HBO crack about ten times.
Some dude behind me in 409 started chanting “Earn your paychecks.” People roundly told him to shut up. I appreciated that.
There was a guy sitting behind me and Jordan saying, “well, at least with Carlson on the point, you can count on him not making any dumb mistakes like Green.” Thankfully, he wasn’t yelling.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 10, 2010 10:09 AM EST up reply actions
I’ve never seen a crowd anywhere but here in DC that is so quick to boo a team.
You’ve never been to Philly then.
This team needs to be booed MORE.
If you are driving in the left hand lane and you are not passing, you are a #$@&$
Or Montreal
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by SeattleCapsFan on Dec 10, 2010 10:24 AM EST up reply actions
Or Toronto
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Athletes in all professional sports expect it in Philly (or they wouldn’t last a minute there), but I wonder how guys with fragile psyches (I’m looking at you GL52) handle it.
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I listened to Green on EITM this morning and he seemed like he was doing fine.
by vtcapsfan99 on Dec 10, 2010 10:54 AM EST up reply actions
but there’s too much talent here for this to be anything but an anomaly.
I’m beginning to wonder if this is as true as we and the pundits think it is. Or is it just BB’s ability to put the complete package together that is lacking here.
I’m not in a panic at all – they still have a great record – but after games like the last few I’m beginning to wonder if I should lower my expectations for the playoffs in 2011.
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Bad Sign
"We came in between the [second and third] periods and everyone was hanging their head," Boudreau said. "We were down 1-0. My job at that time is not to give them crap but let them know that their good and don’t feel sorry for yourself. Don’t put your head down. Dig in your heels and come back and it is one shot. We took a couple penalties and it takes us out of the period. Once it was 2-0 you could see the shoulder sagging on the bench and they just didn’t believe they could come back tonight."
That’s from CM’s article on CSN.
When the team can’t summon up the effort to come back against the Florida Freaking Panthers, something ain’t right.
At what point to do we start talking about Boudreau’s having lost the room? This is a serious question, because I don’t know the answer. I do think this is starting to smell like the Pens under Therien or the Flyers under Stevens, though.
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To think out loud in response to my own question, at this point I think the obvious downside of a coaching change is too onerous. The disruption, the money, the fact that you might get a guy in who’s not your long term answer, etc.
However, if they continue to look bad for the next two weeks, then I think you’ve reached the point where the opposite is true, and the obvious downside of retaining the same coach is too onerous. Then you’ve got to make a move to save the season.
As for who the next guy might be, I don’t know specifics. I do think they would need to move away from Boudreau’s type of coach – so no more out of the box, player’s coaches. Who’s out there that’s an “established” ass-kicker? Craig MacTavish? The aforementioned Therien?
Finally, to those who might be tempted to link to the standings as a response here, I have a couple of issues for you to ponder. One, the Caps have not played consistently well all season. Early on, they got some unsustainably good goalie play; they have played a bunch of home games; they have played a soft schedule; and the team has a bunch more talent than all but a handful of teams in the League. The record flatters the team, but they haven’t played well.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
000
/looks at calendar, realizes what day it is
/is not worried
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 10, 2010 7:55 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Not being worried at all is something I don’t understand, but whatever.
What page of the calendar would we have to reach before you no longer felt it was a reasonable answer?
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March.
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 10, 2010 8:05 AM EST up reply actions
So absent a total collapse (or even including a total collapse?) Boudreau gets this year to prove himself, I take it?
Patron saint of quality footwear.
When the Pens went to Bylsma in their most recent Cup year they had collapsed from 11-4 to 21-20. It would almost certainly take something like that for it to happen mid-season.
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So absent a total collapse (or even including a total collapse?) Boudreau gets this year to prove himself, I take it?
Conference Finals (at the very least) or bust.
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 10, 2010 8:12 AM EST up reply actions
If something doesn’t change, we may not get to the conference finals.
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Of course, because a 4 game losing streak in early December is indicative of what may or may not happen in April.
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 10, 2010 9:59 AM EST up reply actions
with due respect, I am soooo tired of this line of thinking. This is not in any way “4 games in December”. This is Montreal, this is Atlanta, this is Atlanta, this is Boston at the beginning of the year, this is three 7th game exits in three years, this is seven 2-0 leads in 7-game series lost.
Nietzsche said, “I can’t predict the future, but I can look to the past and see patterns developing.”
This is a pattern.
If you are driving in the left hand lane and you are not passing, you are a #$@&$
by alisterio on Dec 10, 2010 10:29 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
The point of the line of thinking, though, is not to panic. Regardless of whether things do or do not change, there is at least time for change.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 10, 2010 10:33 AM EST up reply actions
And if the Caps went 82-0-0, what assurance would you have that they wouldn’t suffer a similar fate in the playoffs? If they closed out every game, scored on every power-play, cleared every crease, crashed every net… what would make you certain that they’d have playoff success?
Frankly, last night reminded me of the tail-end of the Montreal series. It didn’t remind me of the Pens series before it, the Rangers series before that or the Flyer series. It’s easy to take a game or two that looks similar and assume that nothing has changed, but until the situations are remotely the same, I’m not sure how much weight it carries.
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by J.P. on Dec 10, 2010 10:37 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
____
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 10, 2010 10:50 AM EST up reply actions 8 recs
The problem is that the team has, to date, shown no ability to counteract the type of play that doomed them in the playoffs last year.
Now is the time to develop the habits to break through the type of defense that teams like Atlanta are throwing at them. Its time to get some confidence that they can break through when a goalie like Vokoun is on his game. Not so much to win games, but to force teams to rethink how they are going to play them going forward. Yes, it’s only December, but it’s never too early to develop good habits and put some things on tape to make other coaches wet their pants.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Dec 10, 2010 10:55 AM EST up reply actions
So what of the games in which they’ve hung six and four goals on Atlanta this season? Or the five they dumped on Boston?
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I think a lot of people are wondering this exact same question.
Which team are they?
If you are driving in the left hand lane and you are not passing, you are a #$@&$
Which team are they?
Which, again, is a question that has no possible answer in the early part of December.
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 10, 2010 11:05 AM EST up reply actions
I am in no way saying that because they lost, last night, means they will have poor playoffs. I have stated here and elsewhere several times that being a Caps fan, season ticket holder and having watched what happened in the playoffs last year:
I am not going to get overly excited about any 5-0 wins, hatties, goaltending streaks and I am equally not very concerned about games in December, January or any until playoff time.
I do however prefer wins.
If you are driving in the left hand lane and you are not passing, you are a #$@&$
I do however prefer wins.
Who doesn’t?
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 10, 2010 11:15 AM EST up reply actions
shoulda put a “;-)” in there. Point being, there is always going to be some handwringing after a loss, especially when it’s the fourth in a row.
If you are driving in the left hand lane and you are not passing, you are a #$@&$
This is what they need.
Give them a losing streak. Let them get clogged up and have the bounces go the other way. I hope it happens all year. Those loses in December are going to turn into wins in April and May(hopefully June). They need to learn adversity BEFORE a 7 game series.
by brettpedigo on Dec 10, 2010 12:27 PM EST up reply actions
Pretty sure both ATL wins were against Mason. But, I’m thinking more of the last dozen or so games where they have lost 3-4 games in a row. Yes, they have had their breakout games against TB, etc.
Seems that when teams focus on playing the defense that Montreal was successful with, the Caps don’t have a response.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Dec 10, 2010 11:13 AM EST up reply actions
Why does the goalie matter when it’s “the type of defense that teams like Atlanta are throwing at them” that is the problem?
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it doesn’t. but for the sake of correcting the historical record, one of those wins was against Pavelec.
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I noted the other issue which is when they can’t seem to counteract when a goalie like Vokoun/Pavelek or Halak is on their game.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Dec 10, 2010 11:36 AM EST up reply actions
Aren’t goalies almost by definition “on their game” when the opponents can’t counteract?
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Not necessarily. He was on his game, IMO, because he stopped everything he should have and didn’t give the Caps many good rebounds to jump on. Does not mean he was unbeatable.
From my view, the Caps did nothing to move Vokoun or crowd his net. Seems like most of the shots hit him in the crest or pads. The one time I recall they had him beat, Chimera couldn’t handle the puck. He was good with rebound control for sure, but the rebounds he did give up were not pounced on.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Dec 10, 2010 11:46 AM EST up reply actions
Five times this season the Caps have scored at least three goals in a game in which the opposing G ended up with a SV% above .908. Would those presumably qualify as games in which the goalie was “on his game,” but the Caps managed to counteract that?
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Without knowing which games those were, I can’t say whether they do or don’t qualify. For sake of argument I will agree that a goalie who stops over 91% of the shots on goal would have been on their game.
Of bigger concern to me is the four games in the last month where the opposing G ended up with a SV% above .999999999
I"m not pushing the panic button. I know the calendar says December. I just want to see some evidence that the team has learned something from last year. In some areas they have, in other areas not so much.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Dec 10, 2010 12:29 PM EST up reply actions
They are what they are and they’re never going to change their style of play. We all just have to hope that come playoff time Semin and Ovechkin are on hot streaks.
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Hope is not a strategy.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Dec 10, 2010 11:14 AM EST up reply actions
Change is not a destination?
If wishes were horses, we'd all be eating steak.
by Hang a Laingtern on Your Problems on Dec 10, 2010 12:04 PM EST up reply actions
Nor is it a city in China…
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Dec 10, 2010 12:30 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t doubt Ovechkin will be hot.
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by red army line on Dec 10, 2010 1:20 PM EST up reply actions
Dude, if it was that simple, they’d be 0-30, not 18-9-3.
Every team in the NHL is populated by the best hockey players from their town or region (Islanders excepted). You think every NHL player isn’t good enough to institute a simple system?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 10, 2010 11:01 AM EST up reply actions
None at all of course, and I made no point implying that they need to win every game. If you need me to word what I was saying differently, I will try.
If you are driving in the left hand lane and you are not passing, you are a #$@&$
No, I get it. Everyone wants to feel better about where this team is right now, myself included. Everyone wants to see evidence that the same things that bogged them down last spring aren’t bogging them down any more, myself included.
But there are going to be periods, games, stretches where the Caps can’t score. Just like every other team in the League. Not sure what else can be said or done right now.
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by J.P. on Dec 10, 2010 11:05 AM EST up reply actions 4 recs
I think most of us are concerned but not panicked but with varying degrees of concern.
For me, I’d be much more willing to let a December losing streak slide if the top-six forwards were behaving any differently. Unfortunately it’s the same as always – when the going gets tough and shots aren’t going in, they don’t work their way out of it by cycling and forechecking hard.
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Agreed. They’re not working hard enough. I guess the bazillion dollar question is, “Are they not working hard enough because it’s December, because they’ve tuned the coach out or because they’re incapable?”
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But don’t those all go to the coach? It’s the coach’s job to get them prepared to play their best every night. And clearly that’s not happening.
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 Dec 10, 2010 11:27 AM EST up reply actions
Correct. Which circles back to either Bruce isn’t making the necessary adjustments strategically right now or he isn’t able to get his players to implement those adjusments.
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And both of those cases says to me that the Caps need a new coach.
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 Dec 10, 2010 11:30 AM EST up reply actions
I would say that if these issues persist for a prolonged amount of time, than yes, that’s the (immediate) answer.
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A lot of the issues are ones I’ve seen persisting since before this year. As I said in the Recap, a lot of the issues are ones that I saw previous seasons.
When does it stop being a slow start and start being the persistence of habits from seasons past?
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 Dec 10, 2010 11:38 AM EST up reply actions
I’m with you SME. I feel like the Caps could benefit from a coaching change. I think Boudreau is a fine coach, but I just don’t know if his system or his way of doing things can bring a lot of post-season success at this level.
I think the Caps are in a minor slump, as J.P mentioned, that all teams go through during the course of the season. I’m just a bit more concerned about some of the disturbing trends, i.e., giving up late leads, poor decision making, dumb penalties.
We’ll see how the Caps are playing a month from now.
How can you fire a coach that has the best record in hockey (or one of the best) over the last three years? I just don’t get it. I can ALMOST understand replacing the coach if the team can’t get out of the first round of the playoffs over several years. But because the team has a meaningless four game losing streak among a meaningless set of games in a meaningless December, you want to bring in a whole new system and orientation period? KEN HITCHCOCK! I can’t think of a coach who’s style is more diametrically opposed to Boudreau’s.
Honestly people just lose their common sense here. I can understand it after the team is eliminated from the playoffs, but because they go 0-for-7 in a power play in December?
I really don’t like to read this board when the Caps have lost a few in a row because everyone loses their common sense.
I don’t think your definition of “meaningless” is the same as a lot of other people.
I feel like the general tone of this board today is not near what people are making it out to be – heightened concern that issues made glaringly apparent against Montreal are still there.
Your post is more extreme than anyone who expresses that, imho.
If you are driving in the left hand lane and you are not passing, you are a #$@&$
You act is if people here weren’t concerned before the current losing streak.
Hitchcock is not the only option. I’m totally against that move because all you’d be doing is trading one set of issues for another.
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by Carl Putnam on Dec 10, 2010 12:26 PM EST up reply actions
This isn’t just this year, and I understand that they are in a slump. I’m going back to last year’s playoffs and how the team never adjusted. If it continues as it is this season. I think a change needs to be made.
I’d go back to the Flyers series. The team has struggled in every playoff series under Boudreau. It’s going to take an extraordinary turn of regular season events for BB to get canned before the playoffs, but another flameout in April and he’s gotta go.
GM and Ted are a little too casual regarding this window of time they have…it isn’t going to be open forever. They’re wasting daylight here.
How long do you think the Caps’ “window” is?
From where I sit, I can’t see it being less than 5 years. Which is an eternity in hockey. I can’t think of any team with a longer “window” that is currently in its window. I can think of only one team that is the Caps’ equal — the Kings.
I don’t know what a team with a longer “window” would look like.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 10, 2010 1:15 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
000
I don’t know what a team with a longer "window" would look like.
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 10, 2010 1:26 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I’d agree with that, but the fear then is complacency. There hasn’t been demonstrable progress in the playoffs. Last year’s regular season is obviously another story, but if we’re looking at playoffs, they’ve been spinning their wheels. And that’s concerning.
Their opportunity is now. I don’t want to see seasons wasted, whether it’s to find out BB isn’t the guy or that they don’t have the right guys up the middle or whatever. The window might be open awhile, but I do believe a little more urgency wouldn’t hurt.
I think CHI is in a nice long window, and I think PIT is in a nice long window.
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For PIT, really depends on how long Martin and Michalek play at a high level. Agree on Chicago, though.
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by red army line on Dec 11, 2010 3:52 AM EST up reply actions
By the same token, can you figure that the success the Caps have had in the regular season is because the opposition IS NOT working hard enough, because it’s the regular season and not the playoffs?
Justin Bourne had something on this last year – basically that everyone plays at, say, 75% during the regular season and that allows skill to win most of the time. But when everyone’s playing at 100%, you need more than skill to win – you need strategy. I think it’s an oversimplification, but there’s probably some truth to it.
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Perhaps we’d all be feeling differently about the losing streak if the Caps had established a successful playoff track record. It makes me think of the Lakers in basketball, where no one was really concerned with bad play and losing streaks in the regular season because the team had a history of dialing it up and playing at a high level in the playoffs. The Caps haven’t shown that they can do that yet.
by cainoo7x on Dec 10, 2010 11:44 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
We’d all be feeling differently about a lot of things if the Caps had established a successful playoff track record…
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Understood. I guess IMHO, until the Caps show they can play “playoff hockey”, and beat teams that are playing “playoff hockey”, I don’t think they should be coasting through the regular season. I know that teams can’t play at 100% all the time, but it would be nice to see the Caps win some “playoff style” games in the regular season.
I watched the first period last night. What I saw reminded me a lot of the playoffs last year. Florida seemed very well prepared to play against the Caps scheme—note the use of the singular there, not the plural. Just look at the power play: Florida had it defensed perfectly, and the Caps had no response.
Boudreau can change lines all he wants and he can demand that the players try harder, but ultimately the responsibility is going to fall on him to come up with some ideas that the other team is not prepared for.
I fear that the Caps coaching is not sophisticated nor dynamic enough to succeed in the playoffs.
by mechanicsville on Dec 10, 2010 11:33 AM EST up reply actions
I didn’t think the Caps moved their feet at all on the PP (and in many other situations last night), so it didn’t seem terribly hard to defend against. I’m starting to really dislike the line changes because I think it’s one of the biggest contributors to bad passing and being out of position. They could cut down on long cross-ice passes as well. Of course, I could cut down on my armchair coaching, too. On a positive note, I did see some PP time with Ovi NOT on the point. That should have made some people here happy.
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What I don’t get is there was movement and good chances on the first PP, especially between Knuble and MP. Then BB went back to the usual suspects after that and got zippo.
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Florida had it defensed perfectly, and the Caps had no response.
I’ll rephrase that — they executed perfectly. That’s on Florida. they did a great job. They deserve at least some credit for that.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 10, 2010 1:17 PM EST up reply actions
Agree. FLA deserves much of the credit. Caps lack the ability to adjust strategy and it befuddles me.
by mechanicsville on Dec 10, 2010 2:01 PM EST up reply actions
If everything does change, we may not get to the conference finals. Such is the nature of the situation.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
000
Such is the nature of the situation.
Maybe that’s who we need to sign
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 10, 2010 10:07 AM EST up reply actions
And if Caps go 10-12 (inclusive of current skid) they’re right there.
by mechanicsville on Dec 10, 2010 1:59 PM EST up reply actions
I think so. I agree with F&B’s thought, in that give BB the year but if he doesn’t win at least two playoff rounds you really gotta start looking elsewhere.
Don't worry about getting to your point, I'm going to live forever.
by SeattleCapsFan on Dec 10, 2010 10:27 AM EST up reply actions
I’d be more upset if the Caps hadn’t completely dominated the first period.
Every team has a let down after putting up 18 shots with no goals. That’s hockey. Sure, maybe they could have done more to solve Vokoun, but there’s a real tendency around these parts to ignore good play by other teams. And Vokoun deserves at least a little credit for a fine performance, don’t you think?
We don’t have all the good players. Even the “Florida Fucking Panthers” have some people who belong in the NHL.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 10, 2010 8:20 AM EST up reply actions
Yes, I get that the opponent has a vote, and they all get paid to play hockey, too. I did not see the game, so I’m just working off the box score and the fact that they’ve lost 3 consecutive home games to teams that they have zero business losing to. Yes, yes, Atlanta is better, but c’mon.
Let downs occur; I get that too. But a temporary lull is completely different than giving up because they think they just can’t do it, no?
And I did not call them the Florida Fucking Panthers, for the record.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
No, that’s others :)
But the main issue is the one I mentioned elsewhere. They’re not playing smart. but they are playing pretty hard.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 10, 2010 8:33 AM EST up reply actions
a temporary lull is completely different than giving up because they think they just can’t do it
No doubt. The temporary lull was against Toronto (and Atlanta). Last night? Complete lack of confidence once they got down a goal. Yes, this team is playing sans swagger. But it will return.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 10, 2010 8:35 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Not if Ovie doesn’t. This team follows his lead and nothing was more indicitive of what is going on with him than the semi-breakaway last night when he tripped over his own feet. Sid, otoh, is having his best year so far. One of them shot hockey pucks into a dryer all summer, the other one got drunk a lot.
If you are driving in the left hand lane and you are not passing, you are a #$@&$
What. The. Fuck. Does. Sid. Have. To. Do. With. Anything?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 10, 2010 11:18 AM EST up reply actions 17 recs
I don’t know J.P. Have you ever noticed who Ovie is mentioned with when people talk about Hockey?
If you are driving in the left hand lane and you are not passing, you are a #$@&$
You guys are right – my bad. Sidney Crosby is irrelevant when talking about Alex Ovechkin. (is there a roll eyes button on here)?
If you are driving in the left hand lane and you are not passing, you are a #$@&$
Yeah. It’s the bar at the top into which you type “http://voices.washingtonpost.com/capitalsinsider/” and then hit “go.”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 10, 2010 11:26 AM EST up reply actions 8 recs
I forgot, this is where all the “cool” and “righteous” Caps fans are.
If you are driving in the left hand lane and you are not passing, you are a #$@&$
Nah. It is where the “elite” Caps fan are.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Links guy at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on Dec 10, 2010 12:14 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
000
Yes, get it right please.
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 10, 2010 12:24 PM EST up reply actions
Looks kinda like a cross between George McPhee and Mr. Peanut…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 10, 2010 2:41 PM EST up reply actions
Mr. McPheenut?
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 10, 2010 2:47 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
You really can’t understand how it gets old when Crosby or the Penguins get dragged into a discussion about how the Capitals are playing against Toronto and Florida?
Plus, if you can’t stomach people disagreeing with your opinion, you probably shouldn’t post it publicly on the internet.
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
Plus, if you can’t stomach people disagreeing with your opinion, you probably shouldn’t post it publicly on the internet
That’s funny, seeing as how one of the proprietors of this site just told ME to go somewhere else cause he didn’t like what I wrote.
I really could not care any less what a bunch of internet nerds say about me or my opinions on JR. I learned a long time ago that everyone on message boards is ALWAYS right, and people who have been there longer ooze a smug superiority to newbies.
If you are driving in the left hand lane and you are not passing, you are a #$@&$
000
I really could not care any less what a bunch of internet nerds say about me or my opinions on JR. I learned a long time ago that everyone on message boards is ALWAYS right, and people who have been there longer ooze a smug superiority to newbies.
MOM’S BASEMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 10, 2010 12:26 PM EST up reply actions
Are you recommending an avatar for our newbie friend?
"Hockey is my life, wine is my passion." -- Igor Larionov
by Scott in Shaw on Dec 10, 2010 12:26 PM EST up reply actions
If you could not care any less about what people say about your opinions here, why share them? If you’re not interested in creating discussion or responding without insulting the people you’re talking to, why not go somewhere else?
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
by SmallZ827 on Dec 10, 2010 12:26 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Where did I insult anyone? I made a general observation about SOME people, which was AFTER site’s owner told me to go elsewhere.
Honestly though, I don’t know why – probably boredom.
If you are driving in the left hand lane and you are not passing, you are a #$@&$
Good one Yvon, no one has EVER posted that before!
If you need more help with reading comprehension, I’m here for you.
I forgot, this is where all the "cool" and "righteous" Caps fans are.
How does any of this contribute to discussion of the Capitals?
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
by SmallZ827 on Dec 10, 2010 12:57 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
I learned a long time ago that everyone on message boards is ALWAYS right..
I love the smell of irony in the morning.
I don’t give a damn what anyone capable of writing
I really could not care any less what a bunch of internet nerds say about me or my opinions on JR. I learned a long time ago that everyone on message boards is ALWAYS right, and people who have been there longer ooze a smug superiority to newbies.
has to say about anything else. What the hell was that attempting to accomplish? In real life, do you walk into people’s houses and shit on their rugs?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 10, 2010 1:18 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Owen Nolan says: boo-hoo
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
Like reading thoughts confined to 140 characters? I'm on Twitter too.
I forgot, this is where all the "cool" and "righteous" Caps fans are.
The Rink is just like the radio. if you don’t like it, you can always change the channel. Noone is making you stay.
Who says I feel like I’m being made to stay? This site is the best hockey site around.
If you are driving in the left hand lane and you are not passing, you are a #$@&$
Damien, is that you?
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
by RedBirdie on Dec 10, 2010 11:36 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I rec’ed JP’s comment because I long ago reached the “WTF—why do people always bring up Crosby when we are discussing Ovi in Every Single Bloody Conversation.”
I come here because at least when the Pens come up in the discussion it’s going to be a good one filled with real analysis. Not another pointless observation that Sid is currently on a roll.
Did you feel compelled in the past to point out that Sid was struggling or injured when Ovi was on a streak. It has happened. It is possible to view these two players independently of each other. Without an eye roll please metaphorical or otherwise.
And for god’s sake get rid of the tired tale of Sid and his mum’s washing machine—news flash—he was a kid when he did it. I think it’s as likely that he shot pucks in it this past summer as Ovi was blind drunk all summer. Pointless and false observation. And if it twas snark, it was bad useless snark.
Alright, confess-how many goals are you going to make this year?
"I'm not going to tell!"
Well can you at least guarantee fifty?
"No way. I have a different objective. To win."
by capsyoungguns on Dec 10, 2010 3:28 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
He does it all, man, where have you been?
My blog and Twitter, featuring coverage of the most unpredictable team in the NHL and where we defend Mike Green, Alex Ovechkin, and Alexander Semin until the bitter end. That is to say, when someone tries to call BS on the Corsi numbers.
If you don't know how to use Timeonice, read this.
"Numbers don't lie, they just don't agree with you"--George E. Ays
by red army line on Dec 10, 2010 1:26 PM EST up reply actions
One of them shot hockey pucks into a dryer all summer, the other one got drunk a lot.
Really sick of this meme.
"I would feed them lefts until I was pretty much tired of doing it." - Alan May, JRR, 10.16.2010
by bagace on Dec 10, 2010 11:19 AM EST up reply actions 7 recs
Then why are you perpetuating it?
"I would feed them lefts until I was pretty much tired of doing it." - Alan May, JRR, 10.16.2010
by bagace on Dec 10, 2010 11:25 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I’m not – the best player in the league for the last three years is. Only he can make comments like mine stop.
If you are driving in the left hand lane and you are not passing, you are a #$@&$
actually. no. you can. remove fingers from keyboard.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
by RedBirdie on Dec 10, 2010 12:31 PM EST up reply actions 7 recs
Well, actually, that will only stop MY comments. Similar comments from others, which is the implication of “like mine” in that sentence, are beyond my control.
If you need more help with reading comprehension, I’m here for you.
If you are driving in the left hand lane and you are not passing, you are a #$@&$
Hey, now that’s how you persuade people with your argument: insult them. Brilliant!
"I would feed them lefts until I was pretty much tired of doing it." - Alan May, JRR, 10.16.2010
jesus, I just responded to the snark. unbelieveable.
anyway, off to lunch. We can trade omg’s and elementary school insults another time. So fun :)
If you are driving in the left hand lane and you are not passing, you are a #$@&$
Awaiting your return with bated breath.
You had me at no problem.
by Ninjak on Dec 10, 2010 1:00 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
No, the media and certain posters perpetuate it. How Crosby spends his summer is nearly unknown. How Ovechkin spends his summer is cherry picked.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
This is certainly closer to the truth than what I posted.
However, Sid and Ovie will be compared for their entire careers and right now one of them is much better.
If you are driving in the left hand lane and you are not passing, you are a #$@&$
And in the past the opposite has been true.
Even when Ovi does get his mojo back, it still doesn’t address the larger question that was being discussed of how the team plays and whether BB is doing an effective job as a coach. This team is built around Ovi but he cannot win alone, and you know that. So to bring Crosby into the discussion serves no purpose at all.
Alright, confess-how many goals are you going to make this year?
"I'm not going to tell!"
Well can you at least guarantee fifty?
"No way. I have a different objective. To win."
by capsyoungguns on Dec 10, 2010 3:35 PM EST up reply actions
Not sure what happened – I’ll admit that your comment is much more realistic than mine, but that doesn’t change the fact that outside of the elite rink posters, my comment mirrors more closely the general perception outside of Washington.
If you are driving in the left hand lane and you are not passing, you are a #$@&$
I do wonder if some of the problem with the team is related to what’s going on with Ovie. Very surprising that the Caps were doubting their ability to score and comeback last night, when last year that was one of their specialties. If Ovie can’t get it done, someone else needs to step up in his place and help get the team back their mojo.
by vtcapsfan99 on Dec 10, 2010 11:38 AM EST up reply actions
Last year that someone else was Nicky, who’s also been a bit off this year. But we also had plenty of secondary scoring last year too, something that’s been lacking quite a bit (and something that Knuble emphasized in his post game presser last night).
"I would feed them lefts until I was pretty much tired of doing it." - Alan May, JRR, 10.16.2010
The point is, just as Pens fans pointed out when Ovi was on his way to scoring 65 and winning MVP trophies, nothing Sid or the Pens are doing right now is of any concern to the Caps unless they are playing each other. The Caps, and their fans, care about winning in the post season. Therefore, pointing out what Sid or the Pens are doing when talking about the Caps makes no sense. Not a hard concept to understand.
I hope Sid wins the Richard, Hart, Lady Byng, Norris, Messier, Lindsey and is Knighted by the Queen herself. So long as it’s Ovi skating the Cup, it doesn’t matter.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Dec 10, 2010 12:41 PM EST up reply actions
I get your point, but speaking for myself, the comparison between Sid and Ovi does have some meaning, at least on an emotional level, as Sid the Kid appears to be getting better and better while it makes me sad to think that Ovi may have already peaked and be in the decline phase of his career.
I think it’s a stretch to conclude Ovi may have peaked. BTW, he’s still third in the NHL in points, despite his lack of scoring of late.
And nobody’s denying that Sid and Ovi will forever be linked. The point that was being made is that Sid’s current performance has no relevance to the discussion at hand, which was about the Caps struggles.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Dec 10, 2010 1:16 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t think that Sid’s play has anything to with the Caps’ struggles.
However, Sid’s play and the Pens’ current hot streak can be attributed to the improvement and evolution in his game.
Considering how much Ovi’s predicatability has been discussed, I think it is relevant to look at Sid and how the changes he has made have made him a better player and by extension his team.
I am also beginning to think that there’s something to be said about comparing leadership styles and perhaps work ethic, but that needs further development.
by Gin and Tonic on Dec 10, 2010 1:25 PM EST up reply actions
If we are going to compare how effective Ovi is as Captain as compared to Crosby, then we need to look at Crosby’s captaincy when it was still in its nascent stage. To compare Ovi to him now is unfair. Give him time to grow into the role. Crosby has been Captain for a fair number of years now and was roundly criticized at first as well.
Alright, confess-how many goals are you going to make this year?
"I'm not going to tell!"
Well can you at least guarantee fifty?
"No way. I have a different objective. To win."
by capsyoungguns on Dec 10, 2010 3:46 PM EST up reply actions
Then compare Ovi as a Captain to Toews, Ladd, Brown, Koivu, Nash, Weber, Staal, or Richards. There are plenty of other young Captains in the league to examine.
Ovi has been an Alternate Captain since 2006. He was asked to be Captain back in 2007. He served as Captain of his Junior National squad back in 2003. If he doesn’t know how to be a leader by now, I am concerned he never will.
“If I need to say something, I will say something,” Ovechkin said. “But I will show what I can do on the ice. It’s a big honor for me. I’m going to do my best, but I don’t want to concentrate on having a ‘C’ on my heart. I’m just going to play the same.” Has he done that? I’m not convinced.
Crosby has only been Captain for 2.5 years so it’s not like he has so much more experience. Toews has been Captain for 2.
FYI, in Crosby’s first partial season as Captain he won the Hart, Pearson, and Ross. In his first full season as Captain he led the Pens to the SCF. In the 2nd, he won the Stanley Cup.
Toews also won the Cup 2 years after being named Captain – also won the Conn Smythe.
I hope I’m wrong and will be thrilled if Ovi can do it in one.
by Gin and Tonic on Dec 10, 2010 5:52 PM EST up reply actions
I actually thought he had been captain longer than 2 and half years. I stand corrected. I don’t have a problem with criticizing Ovi’s leadership, but I do think all new Captains need some time for growing pains.
Alright, confess-how many goals are you going to make this year?
"I'm not going to tell!"
Well can you at least guarantee fifty?
"No way. I have a different objective. To win."
by capsyoungguns on Dec 10, 2010 6:15 PM EST up reply actions
I mentioned it last night, but I think that question can be asked once the team consistently doesn’t respond to a coach whose job is imminently on the line. I could be wrong, but I don’t get the feeling that Bruce’s is. Yet. But there are signs that he’s feeling some heat (self-imposed, likely).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I’m also not sure what “losing the team” would look like here. I mean, what has Bruce had that he might have lost or be losing? If you believe the problems are the same ones they’ve been – killer instinct, focus, whatever… what has he lost?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
It is amazing to me that after the first four-game losing streak in a couple years, there is all this talk of “losing the team” and firing the coach. Amazing. After two more weeks of 500 hockey, you would fire the winningest coach in hockey over the last 3 years?
I’m waiting for the second-guessing of the Fleischmann deal to begin myself.
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 10, 2010 8:19 AM EST up reply actions
Perhaps that demon can be exorcised tomorrow night.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Not so easy if it’s “the curse of Jeff Schultz’s broken hand” unfortunately.
My blog and Twitter, featuring coverage of the most unpredictable team in the NHL and where we defend Mike Green, Alex Ovechkin, and Alexander Semin until the bitter end. That is to say, when someone tries to call BS on the Corsi numbers.
If you don't know how to use Timeonice, read this.
"Numbers don't lie, they just don't agree with you"--George E. Ays
by red army line on Dec 10, 2010 8:47 AM EST up reply actions
Would I? Absolutely not.
Bruce is in a bit of a catch-22 here. On the one hand, the team’s losing and playing poorly, and ultimately that’s on the coach. So the two possible scenarios are a) he’s not coaching ‘em up properly (strategically, motivationally, whatever), or b) he’s doing all he can… in which case he isn’t reaching them. Take your pick – neither is very good for BB, and it only gets better with winning.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I think it’s too early, but I wouldn’t dismiss it out of hand either. Wins and losses simply don’t matter this year. Not as long as the team makes the playoffs. We’re all looking at different benchmarks (and they’re not the same for everyone).
Me, I see a defensive corps that’s much improved over last year, and a forward corps that isn’t. I’d like to start seeing a very different approach amongst the forwards. And I have no problem questioning Boudreau’s coaching until I see it.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 10, 2010 8:22 AM EST up reply actions
My issue isn’t that we’re in a four game losing streak. My issue is that in this four game losing streak the team is repeating the same right things and repeating the same bad habits that have cost this team before. How many times have we heard “when things weren’t going well, we tried to do it ourselves instead of following the game plan?” How many times have we seen the Caps try lots of shots from outside rather than going to the net? How many times have we seen the same moves from Ovi and Semin? How many times have we seen them squander chances on the power play if they don’t score immediately? And on and on and on…..These are the things that cost them last spring, and the regular season should be the time when the team learns to overcome these patterns, and right now we’re not seeing an indication that this is happening.
I don’t expect this team to become a low scoring trap team, but I would like to see them look like we’re not trying the same strategies over and over while expecting different results.
Don’t make fun of my obsession over ketchup dispensers ever again! ;) Ted Leonsis
by miseenjeu on Dec 10, 2010 8:40 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
()()()()
Regarding Semin, it’s been noted that he’s trying to snipe the top corner every time. When he’s on, he picks the corner and the red light goes on. Like he was in the early part of the season.
When he’s off, he cracks it off the glass for the auto-clear. Like now.
It’s enough to make you crazy when he’s off his game, but the heat map tells you a lot.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
This is from that study of where goals were scored in the Finnish League, I think.
This sig is brought to you by... Frungy, The Sport of Kings!
Gotcha – I thought it was a Semin-specific map.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
That would be a map of Hawaii
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 10, 2010 10:01 AM EST up reply actions
Looks like a Van Gogh
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Dec 10, 2010 10:03 AM EST up reply actions
The colors need to be a bit more muted. Clearly a forgery!
by mechanicsville on Dec 10, 2010 2:17 PM EST up reply actions
My thing is that I don’t think they are repeating the same things, despite the same quotes from the team. My perception is that it is a different version of past troubles. (I can’t really explain this better since I’m still working it through my mind.) There is an awkwardness to what they are doing that wasn’t present in recent seasons. Whether is is because the team is in a growing pain period as they address the problems or just struggling and falling back into the same old, same old is unknown at this time.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
by oldemystix on Dec 10, 2010 12:18 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I’m with you on this. I do believe they’ve moved into a different stage of making the same mistakes. Like that they didn’t realize/care before, and now they do realize/care, but can’t help themselves.
Which is progress.
I think.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 10, 2010 1:21 PM EST up reply actions
The first step is admitting you have a problem
Don't worry about getting to your point, I'm going to live forever.
by SeattleCapsFan on Dec 10, 2010 1:34 PM EST up reply actions
Well, I don’t think “losing the room” is a turn of phrase that ought to be taken that literally.
It’s nebulous almost by definition, but I would say it’s shorthand for that point where the team stops responding to the coach, and begins going through the motions on a regular basis.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Call last night what you want, but 18 shots and 5 power plays drawn in the 1st ain’t going through the motions. That’s working hard and doing the things that win you games — and then being unable to finish.
There were a lot of problems last night with maturity, predictability, and finishing. But going through the motions? That wasn’t the problem, at least not last night.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 10, 2010 8:25 AM EST up reply actions
Maybe, but if they are working hard, what do you call all the standing around on the power play and lack of net presence?
that’s it. With a fair share of bad luck and the other team’s goalie playing particularly well.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 10, 2010 9:15 AM EST up reply actions
I’d agree, but I’d add “when it matters” to the end of that. And by that I don’t mean “playoffs,” but I mean something more than early December.
More to the specific point here, I don’t think they were going through the motions last night (as Gouldie points out). Or for the first 40 minutes on Monday. There, frankly, hasn’t been a ton of “going through the motions” from this team lately, but rather a loss of focus at times. A problem, to be sure, and one that may very well circle back to coaching (it all does, doesn’t it?), but the team has averaged 39 shots on goal during the losing streak, and while we can debate quality vs. quantity of those shots, those are totals that say that “going through the motions” isn’t the problem.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
It’s tough because there is a definite devaluation of the regular season. Something of a trap without the right approach mentally. It may be less BB losing the team as the team losing focus generally and BB not being the commanding force needed to single-handedly get them out of their doldrums. When push comes to shove, they have seemed to ignore his advice either way so it’s not anything new. What is new is an apparent increasingly indifferent attitude towards losing instead of righting the ship. This slide continues and you wonder about their ability to right themselves and that’s a new dilemma under BB.
Confidence is a big thing with BB’s teams it seems and somewhat rightfully so. Lose the swagger and their lack of refined fundamentals become all the more glaring.
I hope he said more than that. It is all nice and feel-goody, but not very motivational nor is it constructive. A plan of action could have given the team something better to focus on – not that I would expect Bruce to inform the media of details, but it doesn’t sound like he went beyond a pep talk.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
Up and down arrows on Monday should be fun.
The Kolzilla PR department has advised me to post a link to my work at Inside Hockey, so here it is.
www.Insidehockey.com
by Kolzilla on Dec 10, 2010 7:47 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Eh, there are still two games this week to turn it around.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I’m guessing to get an up arrow this week, Ovi needs to either (a) score two hatties and QB the PP to >25% success or (b) cure the common cold.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Dec 10, 2010 8:53 AM EST up reply actions
___
Know what we need? Yep. You guessed it. The power of… Oviturtle.
I just guaranteed victory tomorrow night.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 10, 2010 9:02 AM EST up reply actions 18 recs
That’s a well groomed turtle.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Dec 10, 2010 10:31 AM EST up reply actions 6 recs
Having not been to a game in a long time, somethings really surprised me about watching the Caps in person last night. Among them:
1) Our offensive stars look a bit predictable: I know Semin has scored (nearly) all his goals with a slap shot from the left circle. But it seems he tries to make that his only bread and better and really waits, waits, waits before passing off to a second option. Which is almost always back up to the top. Ovi’s trademark blue line move (and its predictability) has been well-documented around here.
2) The Caps don’t seem to employ the whole of the offensive zone ice. Maybe my knowledge of hockey is limited, but it seems that they tend to confine their attack to an obtuse triangle, you can start drawing at the goalie crease up to the two ends on the blue line. In other words, you rarely see the Capitals effectively use the deep side and back boards in their offensive game. With so much talent with limit yourself?
3) I love Varly. He’s lightening quick. But sometimes, he has just a little too much of the young Hasek in him, with a few crazy dives to make saves.
4) I rarely heard the boards move last night. In other words, the Caps just don’t hit. Is that hockey?
5) I love fights. But the Hendricks fight in the first period felt really pointless. Maybe it’s because it sucked. But well, it just wasn’t exciting.
6) Verizon center lacked buzz. But I still had a great time. Hockey is hockey.
7) Go Caps!
Everything sounds smarter in Tikkanesse....
Re: 5) – I was thinking the same thing. I have really gotten to like Hendy, love his grit and energy (plus he’s a great guy off the ice), but I’m starting to feel like he’s dropping the mitts a bit too often. I get that there are times when that can spark the team and get things going, but it’s like, if you do it too much, it becomes less effective. Save it for a last, or next-to-last, resort, for when things are looking desperate. I guess we could then debate what qualifies as desperate, but hopefully you see what I’m getting at.
You had me at "no problem"!
by mosaicist on Dec 10, 2010 8:44 AM EST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
So if the new mantra is that ice time and sweater-getting are merit based, which one of the young guns who was publically flogged by BB last night gets the press box treatment? Yeah, I didn’t think so.
From my fans-eye view, the first line is really, really predicatable. Ovi carries down the left wing and tries a move. If the dman backs off he takes a shot, if the dman is up on him he tries to go through/around him. Sometime Backs skates it in and chips it to a wing. You’ve got two big bodied wingers w/ 8 and 22 who should be able to dig it out of the corners and soften up the d. We joke about dumping and chasing but how about 22 throws it to the far corner and Ovi uses his size to punish the dman who tries to go retrieve that puck.
I’m no coach, but if I can guess what’s going to happen each rush down the ice, you know the other team knows. When Ovi needs to be moved to right wing to get away from a Panthers dman who’s Norris chances are just slightly better than mine, thats a problem.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Dec 10, 2010 8:38 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
So just putting two and two together…was Belanger not signed because Flash for Hannan fell through earlier in the season?
Do you think the Caps would be better off with Belanger right now (either added to the roster or taking the place of Johansson) ?
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Right now, yes. Only because Belanger would take a regular shift in the third period of close games and his FO’s would be better.
In a year’s time, no way. In 4 month’s time? Can’t tell you.
But at the end of the day, Belanger is not a good option as a 2C, and definitely not for the salary he was reported to have on the table. So I can live without him.
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by fat_daddyo on Dec 10, 2010 8:52 AM EST up reply actions 7 recs
And today’s Down Goes Brown topic is “Signs your players have quit on you”. How topical, I feel like a Leafs fan.
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Alumni Game...
Ok, there are some tough issues here, in terms of who plays for which team. There are some important questions…. does Bugsy Watson play for the Caps alums or Pens alums? Will Bobby Gould be invited? Will Craig Laughlin play and will he actually backcheck?
And what about Kris Beech? He’s played for both teams at many levels… who does he suit up for?
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
And what about Kris Beech? He’s played for both teams at many levels… who does he suit up for?
My guess would be that he’s suiting up for HV71 in the SEL.
And when I say brutal skater, I mean he never seemed to be able to stay on his feet. He was fast through the neutral zone, but would flop to the ice if anyone came within 3 feet of him.
So does Beech’s agent say “He skates like Alexander Semin” when trying to land him a job?
Nobody has ever been deemed unhealthy for eating too much broccoli. -- Andrew Gordon at RMNB
Considering where Bugsy does his business, I’d say Caps.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Dec 10, 2010 10:06 AM EST up reply actions
?
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 10, 2010 10:11 AM EST up reply actions
I have a feeling that neither team will want him in the game…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 10, 2010 11:50 AM EST up reply actions
Hatch was great here. I know his tenure didn’t end well, but the guy was fucking fantastic.
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 10, 2010 11:57 AM EST up reply actions
They should do an All-Star game like draft for the guys who have dual citizenship.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Dec 10, 2010 10:27 AM EST up reply actions
Or Jagr?
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 10, 2010 10:13 AM EST up reply actions
This gets an automatic rec.
"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 Dec 10, 2010 10:19 AM EST up reply actions
He hasn’t seemed to be the same player this year, at all. Dating back to the Campbell hit + suspension?
by kingbonehead on Dec 10, 2010 10:40 AM EST up reply actions
A great hit...
…and a great response from Jagr who took it like a man. Gotta give JJ credit for saying it was a clean hit and that it was his fault it happened since his head was down…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 10, 2010 11:52 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Yes. Let him be a loose cannon. Let him sometimes get into trouble when a hit goes too far. A careful Ovi is a predictable Ovi. I want back our mad lunatic careening around the ice laying out the big hits.
Alright, confess-how many goals are you going to make this year?
"I'm not going to tell!"
Well can you at least guarantee fifty?
"No way. I have a different objective. To win."
by capsyoungguns on Dec 10, 2010 3:57 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Rick Tabaracci played one game for the Pens in 88-89.
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 10, 2010 10:20 AM EST up reply actions
Does C. Bourque qualify?
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Dec 10, 2010 10:28 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Just for the fun of it (and maybe a little perspective), I took a look at some of the slumps the recent champions in hockey and baseball experienced along with what was being said about them during their losing streaks.
Chicago Blackhawks-2009-10
The Blackhawks lost three out of four games in November, ‘09 and then had a three game losing streak in February.
“Tonight we tried to overdo some things”, defenseman Brian Campbell said. "We maybe thought it was going to come easy — and that doesn’t happen in this League."
Penguins- 2008-09
The Penguins in 08-09 had a five-game losing streak in early January and then a three-game losing streak later in the month.
"I think they (the Penguins) were really frustrated," Nathan Horton said (after Florida beat Pittsburgh), “And that’s what we needed. That’s what we wanted. I think it was better for us that they did get frustrated. It kind of tilted the game in our favor.”
Detroit-2007-08
The Red Wings in 07-08 had a three game losing streak in November and then a six-game losing streak in February as part of 1-9 stretch.
“We’re not generating any offense. We’re not generating any chances,” Detroit captain Nicklas Lidstrom said. “We’re not playing very well 5-on-5.
"I don’t want to say there is panic in the room, but you can see disappointment on our faces,” Hasek said.
San Francisco Giants-2010
The Giants this past season had a collection of losing streaks:
4 games in April
12 out of 15 in May
A seven-game losing streak in June
And twice lost four out of five in August.
“We want to get out of it,” starter Tim Lincecum said. “We have to cut that tension we have in the clubhouse right now and relax. There is a lot of pressing stuff.”
NY Yankees-2009
The Yankees in 2009, lost five in a row in May, five out of six in June and four out of five in July.
by b.orr4 on Dec 10, 2010 10:36 AM EST reply actions 5 recs
2010-2011
The Maple Leafs had a 1-7-3 stretch in October and November.
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No easy way out.
No magic wand to wave.
No fail safe solution.
Hard work.
Patience.
I know it is hard. I know people freak out. I read it in your email. And in certain blog posts.
But now is the time to NOT panic and NOT have knee jerk reactions.
That’s from Ted’s Take… uh, about the Wizards. Tough times for Ted…
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The Caps will eventually pull out of it. The Wiz, though…
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 10, 2010 10:44 AM EST up reply actions
Not that tough… the ticket sales are still strong…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 10, 2010 11:53 AM EST up reply actions
Interesting note from Katie:
According to a #Caps spokesman the flu is going around. Laich, Backstrom, Semin, Carlson and Gordon won’t skate today.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Do these guys not get flu shots? Seriously, this happens every damn year around this time. Isn’t there a CVS near Ballston where they could get one?
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Dec 10, 2010 10:58 AM EST up reply actions
Perhaps its the MP85 flu?
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Dec 10, 2010 11:01 AM EST up reply actions
Does this particular flu come with a side of rockin’ pneumonia?
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 10, 2010 11:05 AM EST up reply actions
That’s usually “flu-like symptoms” in NHL injury talk.
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I am sure those guys had flu shots. I think the spokesman just was vague because he has no medical training. They probably have bad colds or intestinal issues. I hope it isn’t what I got — horrible cold knocked me on my ass for 5 days, sore throat, coughing, congestion, the works. Today is the first day since Sunday that I finally feel like I am getting better. (Then again I am a whole lot older than those guys.)
I think the spokesman being vague on the variety of the flu is not a surprise – it’s probably what they call anything that isn’t an upper body or lower body injury.
Don’t make fun of my obsession over ketchup dispensers ever again! ;) Ted Leonsis
Internal body injury?
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Dec 10, 2010 3:06 PM EST up reply actions
Perhaps its the MP85 flu?
More realistically, it’s the Scott Hannan flu. Since he’s suited up, they haven’t won a game. I’m sure he’s saying to himself, “I waved my NTC for this?”
You know...
…by being a member of a different team for so long, Hannan could have brought a bug with him that the Caps players haven’t seen yet… the immunity could get built up and then it happens.
The same thing happened to my daughter when she changed schools. Suddenly she was given a crash course in the microbiology of everyone at that school…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 10, 2010 12:00 PM EST up reply actions
Maybe it’s a bug that goes into suspended animation at 5,000 feet but is reactivated at sea level. Sounds like a James Cameron movie in the making.
It’s a sickout! A book drop is next! BB’s lost the room!
Too many people use “flu” for ailments that aren’t. Flu is a respiratory virus for which I hope they got flu shots and most often is accompanied by fever. A gastrointestinal bug is not the flu; a cold is not the flu. A gastro bug has been going around, including on one son’s hockey team.
A gastro bug has been going around, including on one son’s hockey team.
If it was going around the Bruins, Colin Campbell would be writing to Terry Gregson to complain about how the bacteria weren’t being penalized enough…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 10, 2010 2:46 PM EST up reply actions
Well, the common name for gastroenteritis is stomach flu, whether it’s related to influenza or not (which it isn’t). Can’t get past what something’s been called for generations…
…Like “Zamboni” as opposed to “Olympia Ice Resurfacer,” or “Coke” as opposed to “brown soda of some sort with caffeine,” or “Kleenex” as opposed to “Scott Brand Tissues…”
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Well, sure, if they say “stomach flu.” The problem is I’ve heard many people just say “flu” when referring to a stomach bug and think the flu vaccine is supposed to prevent it! Just the other night a mom mentioned her son had just gotten the flu mist vaccine and thought it had something to do with him having nausea and vomiting. In general, there’s a lot of misperception about these terms, as well as about viruses and bacteria, and the fact that antibiotics treat the latter, not the former.
Followup from Katie re: flu
Boudreau said he thinks they may need to call up one or two players from Hershey tmrw.
Bears are in Charlotte for a game tonight. At least if there are callups, they can hop on a plane tonight rather than drive up game day. I recall last year Andrew Gordon ended up driving something like 8 hours on gameday to get to Toronto and had a hard time getting his legs moving for the game.
"I would feed them lefts until I was pretty much tired of doing it." - Alan May, JRR, 10.16.2010
And if they’re flying commercial, TSA will check out their groins for us /snark
Don’t make fun of my obsession over ketchup dispensers ever again! ;) Ted Leonsis
To check for lower body injuries presumably?
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 10, 2010 2:47 PM EST up reply actions
Possibly explain some of the crash and burn at the end of last night’s game? The cold medicine was wearing off…
Don't worry about getting to your point, I'm going to live forever.
by SeattleCapsFan on Dec 10, 2010 1:37 PM EST up reply actions
If that’s the case, it explains why Semin and Backstrom looked so lethargic last night.
I’ve never, in my entire time watching the Caps, seen Alex Semin or Nick Backstrom that disengaged from the game going on around them. I watched Semin specifically for a few shifts (until he went off camera) and unless the puck literally bounced to him, he took maybe one stride every second and a half, turned, then went to the bench. Backstrom was simply late to the play in a way in a totally uncharacteristic way, too.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Dec 10, 2010 5:50 PM EST up reply actions
Nick also looked very “off” in the Toronto game. By the third period, it was certain that was just some beer leaguer wearing a “Backstrom” jersey.
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They were probably in the initial stages of disease — very tired and flat.
Note: who was called out for poor play: Semin, Backstrom, Knuble, Ovi, Laich, & Green
Note who’s sick: Semin, Backstrom, Laich, Carlson. Boyd Gordon. And Green was apparently sick but skated.
There’s a great overlap there.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
So presumably Ovie is broken, and Knuble is old?
Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.
Frankly, I’m surprised that Ovi isn’t sick, given that most of the sick guys are his main friends on the team.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
who does it right?
I’m fairly new to hockey. I haven’t been watching for decades, and what I have watched is largely limited to the Caps. So if the Caps are doing it all wrong, I haven’t seen too much of doing it right.
I think most people here agree that the Caps have some serious issues in their play which have the potential to cost them in the spring. My question is, who should the Caps play like? And what is that team doing that the Caps aren’t? I don’t mean ‘playing with heart’ or ‘having killer instinct’ or ‘not getting fancy,’ because regardless of the style of hockey a team plays, they can develop these problems. But what tactics, what style of play do the Caps not have that they should have if they want to go far this April?
A more limited population also keeps criticising Boudreau’s coaching and keep making seemingly obvious reccomendations that, for one reason or another, go unheeded. I, for one, refuse to believe that BB is an idiot, a softie, or a bad hockey coach. That doesn’t mean everything he does is right, and it doesn’t mean that there can’t be things wrong with the way he coaches, but is there a reason he wouldn’t be at least trying to do the things you folks say he should? Is there something he isn’t doing?
I’m also going to disclose that I’ve never played ice hockey. I’d love for that to change, but I need to learn to skate and get a bit of endurance first! Point is, I’ve never been on a hockey team, and thus don’t have that insight to guide my thought process. So I shall defer to you, o ye masters of Japers’ Rinke
by j762 on Dec 10, 2010 11:35 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
I, for one, refuse to believe that BB is an idiot, a softie, or a bad hockey coach. That doesn’t mean everything he does is right, and it doesn’t mean that there can’t be things wrong with the way he coaches, but is there a reason he wouldn’t be at least trying to do the things you folks say he should? Is there something he isn’t doing?
It’s not just if he’s a good coach. It’s if he’s the rights coach. I think BB was the right coach after Hanlon, to grow the players’ confidence and foster their offensive capabilities. But I’m not so sure that he’s the right coach now, with the persistence of so many issues.
Also we don’t know what he is or isn’t trying to get the players to do. Even if he is trying to get the players to makes the changes that we see as beneficial to the team, then he needs to be replaced. Because the changes clearly aren’t happening on the ice, and if the coach can’t get the players to make the changes, then he’s not the right coach for the team.
We see tons of lip service about cutting back shift length, and ice time, crashing the net more, cycling etc, etc. But those changes never happen for more than a game or two. But until I start to see that happening consistently, I’m not feeling ready to buy it.
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 Dec 10, 2010 11:44 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
We see tons of lip service about cutting back shift length, and ice time, crashing the net more, cycling etc, etc.
And for more than just the last couple of months. I was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt when the season began, but nothing I’ve seen makes me believe this team is going to do anything else but lose to a tight checking, neutral zone/middle of the ice clogging squad that can forecheck come the playoffs.
Sorry J.P. and G.O.D., but BB is who he is. 2-4 more months isn’t going to give him a new personality. He can’t hold guys accountable and in the end, that more than anything else, is why he’s going to get fired. I just hope it is before not after another playoff season goes by.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
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by Carl Putnam on Dec 10, 2010 11:50 AM EST up reply actions
I still can’t see it happening without a drastic slip in the standings. Has any third-place-in-the-conference team ever fired their coach? I don’t know how one would go about looking it up, but I doubt many coaches have been fired mid-season while leading their division and being in contention for the top spot in the conference and league.
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
Neither can I sadly. Their record, like last season, masks the issues they have. It’s why I’m concerned that I’m going to be forced to what another meltdown come April/May. As SME stated above, BB isn’t the coach this team needs. Just as companies need different kinds of leaders at different stages in their histories, the same goes for sports teams.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Links guy at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on Dec 10, 2010 11:58 AM EST up reply actions
It’s why I’m concerned that I’m going to be forced to what another meltdown come April/May.
It won’t be a meltdown if they play like this all season and limp into the playoffs as the seventh seed! Then they’ll just be losing like they’re supposed to! Silver lining!
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
The Devils fired their coach a few seasons ago when they were in first or second place. And that was with only a handful of games left in the season.
I just don’t see GMGM deciding to coach the team himself.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Firing a coach is a nuclear option that you better be damn sure is going to work. For every Dan Bylsma, there are a hundred John Tortorella’s where they team just kind of goes sideways. Not saying it won’t be done, but for a team this talented it better be the right move or the guy doing the firing is the next one gone.
The difference is the talent level. The Penguins and Flyers had a much better team — the coach be damned — than the Rangers. A new coach can only do so much.
The Caps have a very good team. Maybe a new coach would help.
You could be right, but it has to be noted that after the Flyer’s made the change last season, they hardly tore up the league in the regular season. Hell, If Ollie Jokinen makes a shot in the shootout, they don’t even get into the playoffs.
The Flyers played like crap for two long stretches even after the coaching change — and you’re right about how they lucked into even getting into the playoffs.
Maybe they can ask Bodreau if he would mind coaching the regular season and someone else coming in after April. A college of coaches all over again.
Looking back to what I said in the Rink Wrap about Bruce — we’re about a quarter of the way through the regular season. The PK looks a lot better, but the rest? Well — several teams have evidently figured out how to frustrate (even shut out) the high scoring Caps.
During the regular season, I will be looking for whether the Caps can remain disciplined in games that aren’t as much fun for them — the low scoring games against teams who’ve watched the playoff film and figured out how to frustrate the Caps. Given that we have a very talented roster, I think a lot will ride on whether Bruce makes some changes in how he approaches in game tactics, (particularly special teams) accountability for his players, and so on and so forth. And if we flame out in the post season again — we need someone else behind the bench.
Don’t make fun of my obsession over ketchup dispensers ever again! ;) Ted Leonsis
What are you lumping me in there for? I’m the one was floating Dale Hunter yesterday.
My issue is that I don’t want to replace Boudreau (great coach, but potentially wrong for this team right now) with just some average retread. Talk about firing him sure, and I could definitely be on board, but tell me who you’d put in and how that would make things better.
Ken Hitchcock is a step in the wrong direction.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 10, 2010 1:24 PM EST up reply actions
I lumped you in because in last night’s recap you kept talking about reasons why BB shouldn’t get canned and in a manner that suggested you don’t want him fired. Sorry if I misjudged your opinion on the matter.
I have never once mentioned Hitch. Not sure why his name keeps coming up today. As I said above, that is just trading one set of issues for another.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Links guy at Five For Howling.
That’s really the only thing stopping me from really calling for Boudreau to be fired. I don’t know who is out there and who would be a better option.
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 Dec 10, 2010 1:38 PM EST up reply actions
Really nice post, j762.
One might say that when our highly skilled forwards don’t score, the Caps are completely f’ed, despite the presence of talent throughout the lineup. They engage in poor defensive play at times.
Who is doing it right? Philly also has skilled forwards, yet they play defense more diligently IMO. Other teams that do this are PIT, BOS, and DET.
Montreal doesnt have the same firepower but their forwards are more defensive than any team, but that won’t get them the Cup
by S h a g g y on Dec 10, 2010 12:06 PM EST up reply actions
I think most people here agree that the Caps have some serious issues in their play which have the potential to cost them in the spring. My question is, who should the Caps play like? And what is that team doing that the Caps aren’t? I don’t mean ‘playing with heart’ or ‘having killer instinct’ or ‘not getting fancy,’ because regardless of the style of hockey a team plays, they can develop these problems. But what tactics, what style of play do the Caps not have that they should have if they want to go far this April?
For this Caps team, I think the model’s probably Detroit. They’re a very skilled team, but they’re also willing to take what the opposition gives them. If that means a chance to make tic-tac-toe plays, they makes those plays, if it means they have to dump and chase, they dump and chase, etc. Puck possession’s a big thing too. The Caps have the size, speed, and skill to keep the puck in the opponent’s end for long stretches of time, but too often they’re making low percentage plays off the rush or by choosing to shoot when they should be moving the puck around.
by David Getz on Dec 10, 2010 12:57 PM EST up reply actions 7 recs
I wish the Caps played Detroit more.
Remind me again why Detroit’s in the west?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 10, 2010 1:24 PM EST up reply actions
The same reason Nashville is, homie.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 10, 2010 1:27 PM EST up reply actions
The NHL doesn’t know how to read maps?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 10, 2010 1:28 PM EST up reply actions
Their only fan is Burton.
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 10, 2010 1:30 PM EST up reply actions
/blows kiss
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 10, 2010 1:34 PM EST up reply actions
Speaking of which, this is kinda shitty
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 10, 2010 1:35 PM EST up reply actions
Atlanta is a great sports city
I stopped reading there.
by Chris Burton on Dec 10, 2010 1:38 PM EST up reply actions
No one shows up at their games. They’re like the Devils.
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 10, 2010 1:45 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, Atlanta’s demonstrably not a sports city; it’s not like people are beating down the doors to get to Braves or Hawks games and ignoring the Thrashers.
The biggest thing people always miss when they talk about this is the fact that the Thrashers’ history has been awful. Of course no one comes to watch them, just like no one came to watch Boston or Chicago when they were bad.
And like no one came to watch Pittsburgh or Washington when they were bad.
For the most part, winning cosistently brings in fans.
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 10, 2010 1:53 PM EST up reply actions
Not in Atlanta. The Braves are a prime example.
by Chris Burton on Dec 10, 2010 1:57 PM EST up reply actions
That’s why I qualified it with “for the most part”
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 10, 2010 1:58 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, actually, I guess that’s true.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 10, 2010 1:30 PM EST up reply actions
Chicago also wouldn’t be a bad team to emulate, although their defense is pretty different than the Caps’.
Having watched both teams you mentioned extensively, it seems like the Caps would do better to emulate Detroit, not Chicago, for the reasons you mentioned.
by Chris Burton on Dec 10, 2010 1:35 PM EST up reply actions
Because there are 15 teams in each conference and 17 teams in the Eastern Time zone. Two teams in the East have to be in the Western conference, and the two western-most eastern teams are (Detroit and Columbus).
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 10, 2010 2:49 PM EST up reply actions
Wouldn’t they be “eastern-most western teams”?
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 10, 2010 2:52 PM EST up reply actions
They’d actually be both. They’re the westernost teams in the eastern time zone, and the easternmost team in the Western Conference.
Yee-haw!
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 10, 2010 3:23 PM EST up reply actions
I’m also going to disclose that I’ve never played ice hockey. I’d love for that to change, but I need to learn to skate and get a bit of endurance first! Point is, I’ve never been on a hockey team, and thus don’t have that insight to guide my thought process. So I shall defer to you, o ye masters of Japers’ Rinke
BTW, if you wanna learn, there’s a class starting up at the Rockville rink next week. No experience – skating or otherwise – necessary.
Actually, I am thanking the Caps today, as I decided to go to bed right after that first goal against. Didn’t have to stay up celebrating in the recap thread, didn’t have to stay up reading everyone else’s recap, just blissful, dream-free slumber.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Jersey Foul
Stephanie D. caught this one outside of Verizon Center, the East Coast Epicenter of Jersey Fouls. That’s Mike Green’s(notes) number on the back and Brooks Laich’s number on the sleeves. An obvious Foul, if only because she chose Mike Green as the complimentary player here instead of the obvious choice: Alex Semin.
Epic combo here.
Looks like Lemiuex is going to skate in the alumni game for the Pens (Francis, Trottier, and Geurin, too).
Paging Mark Tinordi.
Paging Mark Tinordi.
Are you sure? He didn’t look like he was really in uh….“game shape” at the draft
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 10, 2010 1:28 PM EST up reply actions
So back in the day, well, really not that far back…, anyway, under Ron Wilson and Jim Schoenfeld we would have games and stretches like this too. Perhaps the flaws were not so obvious, but the cause was the same: lack of effort. Not moving the feet, playing smart, and doing the little things right. As much as it frustrated me as a lip-service move at the time, the coaches would take the players ‘back to basics’ at practice, and usually get a good game or two out of them. (Causing me to wonder, “why don’t they just go back to basics for every practice?”)
“Back to basics” is a phrase I almost never hear out of the coaching staff (or media) these days. I guess my point is, what are the basics that they need to go back to in this situation? How are they different in BBs system than in the Schoenfeld/Wilson days?
If it's too loud, turn it down.
I think someone may need to give MayHockeyCSN some lessons on how to use hashtags and the "" symbol on Twitter…
You had me at no problem.
Noticed something interesting:
Here’s the list of all-time Washington Capitals goal scorers:
1. Peter Bondra 472
2. Mike Gartner* 397
3. Alex Ovechkin 281
4. Mike Ridley 218
5. Bengt-Ake Gustafsson 196
6. Dave Christian 193
7. Bob Carpenter 188
8. Dennis Maruk 182
9. Michal Pivonka 181
Dale Hunter 181
Alex Semin currently has 166 goals in a Caps uniform.
Obviously, Ridley’s total is out of reach for this season, but he could pass that total if he plays for the Caps next season. This season, he could score 29 more goals and pass Bengt Gustaffson. He will, barring serious injury, likely score 15 more goals and pass Dale Hunter and Michal Pivonka, but will he do it in a Caps uniform?
So where do we think Semin ends up on this list?
At the end of the season, he may be somewhere Gustafsson and Christian. As for career… we can discuss that after Jan 1.
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 10, 2010 2:51 PM EST up reply actions
or when we know the location of his next contract.
Don’t make fun of my obsession over ketchup dispensers ever again! ;) Ted Leonsis
I figure that will be readily apparent after Jan 1 when they can start talking about it. If Semin is going to sign an extension, the contract talks will be beginning very soon after Jan. 1.
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 10, 2010 3:25 PM EST up reply actions
The Caps offense is....
sluggish, and has seemed fairly sluggish most of the year. One reason is that Ovie seems sluggish. What happened to the Ovechkin who played every game with reckless abandon? I’ve not seen that Ovie AT ALL this year. Did the suspensions last year get in his head and ruin his game? I think so.
The guy used to be a bull—all over the ice, reaping havoc. Now, he comes down the left side and shoots from the same spot all the time, and that’s about the extent of his game. What does he have—12 goals, of which at least two or three are empty-netters? He’s not active, not bullish, and nobody else is either.
I don’t know if I’d use the word “sluggish”, but he’s definitely not the same Ovi from before. Olympics/Playoff letdown? Suspensions? The Nashville Slash? Who knows.
And if I could give you a word of advise (besides go get an avatar), before you throw out stats around here, you may want to check them first. For example, if you looked here, you’d know Ovi only has one EN goal this season.
"I would feed them lefts until I was pretty much tired of doing it." - Alan May, JRR, 10.16.2010
Maybe when Ovie hit Jagr in the Olympics it caused one of those body-switcheroos like in the Disney Movies. It’s not Ovie in that body, it’s Jagr!
"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
For example, if you looked here, you’d know Ovi only has one EN goal this season.
And only two power play goals which is about one-third of his normal output on the PP on a per game basis. By comparison, Crosby is scoring on the powerplay at a rate of about 40% higher than he did last year.
By the way, with six more powerplay goals, Ovechkin will pass Mike Gartner to have the second-most career powerplay goals in Caps history.
Man, he could’ve done that last night alone.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 10, 2010 4:20 PM EST up reply actions
Just thought I'd share this
Inspired after Leafs’ fans threw waffles on the ice because, well you know why.
by jaytown99 on Dec 10, 2010 4:37 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
go here. right now. scroll down. awesome
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 10, 2010 5:53 PM EST up reply actions
OMFG. Nobody brings the funny like PPP. They’ve outdone themselves this time (although the whole idea of a waffle being thrown is funny in itself).
"I would feed them lefts until I was pretty much tired of doing it." - Alan May, JRR, 10.16.2010
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