Recap: Caps 3, Senators 2
by Becca H on Dec 19, 2010 10:38 PM EST
in Game Recaps
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[GameCenter - Game Summary - Event Summary - Faceoff Summary - Corsi/Fenwick - Shift Charts - Head-to-Head - Zone Starts]
When Mathieu Perreault scored about seven minutes into the second to break the 2-2 tie, end the Caps' power play drought and put them ahead for the first time all night, it began an interminable countdown. For the final 33 minutes of the night every Caps fan's eyes were glued to the clock...which seemed to be ticking down incredibly slowly.
But it finally hit zero, and after a game that started out like all the rest, after a second period explosion and a goaltending clinic and 8 losses and 18 days and a seemingly unending skid, the Caps are back where they belong - in the win column once more.
Ten more notes on the game:
- Flanked by net-crashing linemates Brooks Laich and Mike Knuble, Perreault was once again the story as he got the Caps on the board and then picked up the eventual game-winning goal. And he did so not by wheeling around and picking his shots, as he's done in the past, but by joining Laich and Knuble at the front of the net. And it paid off.
- Goaltending has been something of an issue for the Caps lately (then again, what hasn't been?). And it seemed like the night was off to another rough start when Michal Neuvirth made the bad decision to play the puck behind the net, resulting in a turnover and the opening goal. Not much he could do on the second one, though, and when the team found their groove he started to, as well. He was a key factor in the successful penalty killing and instrumental in keeping this a one-goal game all the way to the end.
- What on earth was Mike Green doing on Chris Kelly's goal? Other than nothing, of course.
- Further down the blueline, John Carlson continues to improve nightly and had another strong game in just over twenty minutes of time. That including breaking up a two-on-one that could have (at the time) led to the potentially back-breaking (at the time) second goal for Ottawa.
- Taking a bad offensive zone penalty in the dying minutes of a one-goal game while your team is clinging to a lead and hoping to snap an eight-game losing streak...yeah, that's probably not in the gameplan Bruce drew up for tonight, Jason Chimera. Please do not repeat.
- Alex Ovechkin registered just two shots on goal tonight, with one of those two coming in the dying minutes of the third period. As has become the fashion, Ovechkin was shadowed by two, three, even four guys - but he still had a good game and drew a few penalties with his hard work.
- And it certainly didn't hold back his line, particularly Eric Fehr, who proved to be a welcome addition with the game-tying tally (and a team-high seven shots on goal). He was moving his feet all night, crashing the net and helping to keep the cycle going.
- As for Nicklas Backstrom, he was a dominant 18-for-27 in the faceoff dot tonight and a big reason for the team's overall advantage in faceoffs (54%). He also looked more and more like his old self tonight, which is always nice to see.
- Of course it wouldn't be a Caps game in December of 2010 if something weird didn't happen, and the top line provided us with not one but two of those "what else could go wrong??" moments. First it was Eric Fehr, who would have had two goals if he'd just gotten that shot off a second earlier. Then it was Ovechkin (who could use a couple of good bounces these days) basically kicking the puck into the net. Hey, if you ain't cheating, you ain't trying, right? Worth a shot.
- The discipline wasn't exactly there the way it had been against Boston, but the Caps killed off each of their six penalties, some in more terrifying ways than others, and even got a goal with the extra man to boot. Can't ask for much more than that. Well, maybe not taking six penalties in the first place, but...
In his press conference a visibly more relaxed Boudreau said the guys could celebrate for ten minutes, and then it was time to move on and get back to work. As fans, we might take a little longer than that - but not much, because there's a long way to go before this nightmarish stretch is behind us, as well.
A win and two points is a great start, though.
Game highlights:
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HUZZAH!
~~~ R0cK D@ R3D ~~~
"I was pretty excited that Bruce made me captain and it's something I enjoyed. My record speaks for itself. I'm 1-0. I just went out there and did what I do: get the game winner." - Matt Bradley
by Chaz-Capapalooza on Dec 19, 2010 10:41 PM EST reply actions
Huzzah
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
by EmilyB on Dec 19, 2010 11:35 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Such a pretty picture.
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 19, 2010 11:36 PM EST up reply actions
Tuesday is huge.
Tonight’s win means nothing if it’s followed by a loss to the Devils.
Its time to erase the knock Caps fans only show up when this team is winning. Its time for fans to help this team through adversity.
Tuesday needs to be loud in Verizon Center. Playoff loud. Three years ago, they fed off it to make the playoffs in miracle fashion. Its time to bring it back like 2008, its time to Rock the Red.
yea and loud at times other then when horn guy and goat or the video board prompt us.
Verizon has almost zero organic noise.
proud 4th line advocate
After a long arduous summer of training, back for a new season of perpetuating hockey superstitions
been a slightly depressing place lately, what with all that losing.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
No, I have always found that to be the case, not just during this losing streak.
proud 4th line advocate
After a long arduous summer of training, back for a new season of perpetuating hockey superstitions
It depends. I think when people are invested it’s louder, and I think the arena’s gotten better at understanding and acknowledging good play – for example the crowd gets amped up when there’s prolonged pressure by the Caps and then cheers loudly when play is stopped and/or they go for a shift change.
Plus there just aren’t many arenas where the noise is organic all game long. It goes with the action on the ice for most teams. Hell, tonight’s crowd didn’t have too many stretches where they were all that loud and they’re supposedly a hockey town.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
Hell, tonight’s crowd didn’t have too many stretches where they were all that loud and they’re supposedly a hockey town.
I heard a lot of loud booing most of the game.
Think twice before you speak, and then you may be able to say something more insulting than if you spoke right out at once.
Ottawa sucks. Poor attendance. I wouldn’t call it a hockey town. At least not a sens town.
I tweet far too much. Follow me!
Pleasure and pain, though directly opposite are contrived to be constant companions.
How odd. I don’t find the games at Verizon depressing. I love attending the games. Outside of the recent losing streak i usually find it a boisterous and loud place. But then I didn’t attend back when it was empty.
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 19, 2010 11:14 PM EST up reply actions
The crowd is much more spoiled this year than in years past. Games don’t have the same spark and passion.
Considering a majority of the seats are owned by STH, I almost feel like it’s timidness caused by so much postseason disappointment.
They are still fun though and much better than other arenas I’ve been too.
Think twice before you speak, and then you may be able to say something more insulting than if you spoke right out at once.
Well I’m STH and I’m still jumping and cheering, and I never boo. But I agree that the season started off tense for the Caps. This is the happiest I’ve seen the team in quite awhile. Expectations can be a heavy burden but they are going to learn how to shoulder them in order to succeed.
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 19, 2010 11:29 PM EST up reply actions
I’m still pretty active but much more reserved than in years past. I’ve noticed the same from others which is why I mentioned it.
Think twice before you speak, and then you may be able to say something more insulting than if you spoke right out at once.
No you are right. The crowd isn’t quite as delirious, but then we were spoiled by that streak. And the team did seem tenser back when they were winning at the beginning of this season.
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 19, 2010 11:35 PM EST up reply actions
I ordered myself some nice new red outfits (with blue pants) for Christmas. So I plan to rock some brand new red at VC when the stuff arrives.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
I’ll be rocking my new WC jersey dec 23!
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
Me too. Now I can even get excited at the prospect.
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 19, 2010 11:16 PM EST up reply actions
Well, I’m hoping my husband bought me the Winter Classic jersey I asked for for Christmas so I can wear that on Jan 1 (and no postponements allowed)
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Nah I just went out and bought what I wanted, as well as one for my son. My husband is quite happy with his signed Knuble.
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 19, 2010 11:30 PM EST up reply actions
I’ll be sharing a box with a penguins fan. The things we do to watch the caps, eh?
No man is an Islander.
by Flash in the Pan on Dec 19, 2010 11:26 PM EST up reply actions
Think they’ll put up Marty’s quote before the game?
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 19, 2010 10:53 PM EST up reply actions
Me too!
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 19, 2010 10:55 PM EST up reply actions
on John Carlson’s goal in the home opener (from memory, so possibly not the exact quote): I couldn’t see it, it was lost in the sea of red. We’re not used to playing in a building like that.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Tonight’s win means nothing if it’s followed by a loss to the Devils.
Wow, are you a Caps fan or what?
Can I at least enjoy it for 10 minutes? < grin >
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 19, 2010 10:55 PM EST up reply actions
let’s do the happy dance.
>>>cha cha cha>>>
<<<cha cha cha<<<
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
>>>cha cha cha>>>
<<<cha cha cha<<<
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 20, 2010 9:41 AM EST up reply actions
So glad they won. Was just saying, I started watching in the 3rd due to family duties. So I only just looked at the Box Score and saw they were down 2-0 after the first. I’m sure that thread was full of happy. :)
Oh, and nice job 85.
"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
Yayyyyy!
Nice write up.
Love Perrault. Hope he overcomes the prejudice against short guys and sticks as 2C.
After lamenting Ovi’s stagnation yesterday, I’ll say I was really impressed with his commitment to 2 way hockey tonight. I’ve never seen him so deep in his own third.
If MP puts up 2C numbers and plays like a 2C, I think the job is his this time (knock on wood). Stay consistent and grab your sack every time you suit up 85!
"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
he’s never going to be confused with Kesler but if he puts up goals like that, you can overlook his defensive shortcomings.
My death was arranged by special plans in Heaven and only occasioned comment by ten persons in Adams, Massachusetts. The best thing ever said about me was that I was deft at specifying trump.
I actually think MP85 might have a future as a winger in the Martin St. Louis/Joe Juneau mold (a hybrid center-wing). He’s just too small to play center for a team that needs to win now. We need a consistent, two way center who can handle the physicality of the playoffs. MP85 isn’t him.
The "Other" Box Seats Blogger
this has to have snapped Becca’s recap streak as well
Many a night from yonder ivied casement, ere I went to rest,
Did I look on great Orion sloping slowly to the West.
I already wonder what line #28 will be put on...
right now, the top two lines seem pretty nice. Fehr, awesome tonight…and #21 #85 #22 was not a bad combination, either. A lot of puck possession deep.
Carlson was good, but I really thought Alzner had one of his better games. Smart plays, always. Steady.
I’d like to see 21-85-28 as the 2nd. Knuble can do well on the 3rd, and he might even get that line scoring better.
There is no problem a hammer cannot either fix or make irrelevant.
Sounds like a plan, Timmy. Fehr is definitely better as a Top 6 forward even though last year he was usually on the 3rd line. But his time on the 2nd line last year when Knubs and Sasha were both out is what helped to jump start his season. (Although he did well on the 3rd line with MP)
My theory: Fehr probably continued to produce when BMo was moved down to the 3rd line to make room for Flash — almost like it was tricking him to produce like a 2nd liner since the 2nd line center was moved down.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
This season, and quite a bit of last, Fehr was suffering from not having linemates who are good scorers. He can produce with good linemates, but he’s not a playmaker. If he can stay on the 1st/2nd, I think he can get 20 goals again. I’d rather see him on the 1st because I think Laich works well with both Semin and MP.
There is no problem a hammer cannot either fix or make irrelevant.
I’d like to see 8-19-16, 21-85-28 as top two myself. Like Knuble, but not going to let his age and lack of production with the opportunities he’s had at the top cloud the vision.
"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
Sounds good to me! Even though I’m sure BB would switch up Sasha and Eric occasionally.
Want my boys on the top 2 lines. (Don’t get me wrong, Knuble is my favorite Caps veteran but he’s getting up there in years and won’t be able to do top line duty forever.)
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
I love Knuble, but he’s lost a step. He’s still got the smarts and ability to work on the 3rd line, although I don’t know how thta would work with Chimera and Mackan – they’re both so much faster.
There is no problem a hammer cannot either fix or make irrelevant.
having someone who’s a bit behind the play isn’t a bad thing, it gives you someone who’s got a chance to clean up a rebound. I can’t remember how many times in how many games where we’d have a line make a fast entrance, shoot, the rebound comes out front between the circles and all our guys are down around the goal line so it’s an easy clear for the D
LET'S GO CAPS!!!
somehow i don’t think F16 goes from bb’s perpetual doghouse to firmly planted in top line.
that said, great game for him tonight.
Then again, he’s produced more as of late than Knuble.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Knuble has 3 goals and 2 assists i Deecember, Fehr has 1 goal and 1 assist.
There is no problem a hammer cannot either fix or make irrelevant.
Point there. I was thinking more along the lines of this week. Fehr looked good yesterday, even with no goals. And today did GREAT.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
What are you talking about? Knuble’s had 5 points since the streak started. Fehr’s been 0-fer until tonight.
"I would feed them lefts until I was pretty much tired of doing it." - Alan May, JRR, 10.16.2010
Might be worth trying him on a line with Johansson and really try to spread the wealth around.
Maybe 26-90-28 since 25 has been dreadful.
21-85-22 was so effective because it seemed like they were setting up triangles in the crease all night. Pretty different look from other times Knuble and Laich are on the same line. Laich can’t double the trouble when he’s centering such a line, and MoJo seems to work better with skilled players.
Laich and Knuble always work hard at getting to the net and winning battles, but to also be complimented by someone skilled and also willing to do this really gelled the line.
I’d like to see, just for another game:
8-19-16
21-85-22
25-90-28
The top 2 we’ve already seen do well, and with that’d I’d play 2 and 3 both like a 2nd line. Chimera and Mojo work really well together and Mojo and Semin also have worked really well together. I know Chimera and Semin haven’t worked in the past, but I don’t think Mojo has played between the 2. I may be mistaken, but I like the balance it would seemingly create.
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
yeah Becca, you got to write up a win for once!
MP85 looked great. I love that guy.
So nice to get a W…
I like Laich, but I <3 Green
Keep the faith!!!!!!
by RockinRed4Life on Dec 19, 2010 10:47 PM EST reply actions
win win win win win win win!
I could barely watch the game, I was completely tweaked out, a spastic mess. I cleaned the entire house in an effort to distract myself. And then jumped and cheered and generally looked like a total lunatic when the clock reached 0:00. But a very happy lunatic.
congrats, Becca :)
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
I ended up distracting myself for much of the game as well. My daughter was watching TV and I didn’t want to bump her. I hung out in the game thread for a bit. I saw that we were down by 2 goals so decided to do other stuff. I started looking up work related stuff and then did chores, like emptying trash and doing laundry. Then checked back during second period and saw that we were actually ahead.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
My method for distraction was singing. Rather loudly :P
Rather terribly too.
I tweet far too much. Follow me!
Pleasure and pain, though directly opposite are contrived to be constant companions.
Saw that Alzner and Carlson were both +1 tonight. Again w/ the caveat that I didn’t see the whole game, but I do believe that as those two go, so is it likely the team goes.
"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
Love the W!
Haven’t been on here in a while but now we finally win again. Guess I’ll have to make sure to get back for the devils game!
Caps fan trapped in Ragsland
- Is the Mike Green playing the past few games better than no Mike Green? He’s slow, ineffective and making poor (no) decisions.
- That was one of the longest games I have ever watched.
- Ovechkin is due for a few huge games soon. It looks like he’s changing some of his methods and creating in new ways ::shock::
- Nice to see the team smiling again even if the championship celebration by the goal was a bit over the top.
Think twice before you speak, and then you may be able to say something more insulting than if you spoke right out at once.
I have to say I kind of loved the championship celebration – made me laugh that their excitement basically pushed the net all the way back to the zamboni entrance. I’d agree it was probably over the top but I’m willing to let it slide this once. Considering how relieved and happy WE are, and we’re not even the ones going through it, I’m surprised they didn’t start floating in midair!
As long as they don’t do that after every win, we’re fine ;)
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
The Caps probably did that after every win in 1974-75 since they were 8-67-5 that season… of course the nets didn’t come off as easy back then…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 19, 2010 10:57 PM EST up reply actions
Interesting that you should say that – according to HNIC’s Jeff Marek:
Mar 28, 1975: after losing 37 straight road games the Caps beat the Seals 5-3 in Oakland and celebrated around the rink w/a garbage can.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
by Becca H on Dec 19, 2010 11:00 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
I remember reading that a few years ago… that was their first and only road win that season.
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 19, 2010 11:01 PM EST up reply actions
I got a warm and fuzzy feeling seeing Mean Lars and Ovi do their shoulder bump jump again. It’s been so long I had forgotten what it looked like.
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 19, 2010 10:56 PM EST up reply actions
I think the celebration was damn appropriate…try losing 8 games in a row…I bet it must have felt pretty darn good!
by OvechkinGR8 on Dec 19, 2010 10:57 PM EST up reply actions
I’ve lost 16 in a row before and then the teams first win was in the first game of the playoffs against the number 2 seed.
It was an appropriate celebration and I’m glad they are all happy to be hopefully getting back on track. Doesn’t change the fact that it was a bit over the top for a regulation regular season regular win against a terrible opponent.
Think twice before you speak, and then you may be able to say something more insulting than if you spoke right out at once.
Agreed on the length of game
Refs were persnickety and lots of pucks out of play. It took forever.
by DonnieKnutts on Dec 19, 2010 10:57 PM EST up reply actions
On Green, he’s got a bad MCL. Revealed on HBO.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Yup, I know. That’s what I was alluding to – as in, would it be better if he was sitting and healing instead of playing poorly.
Think twice before you speak, and then you may be able to say something more insulting than if you spoke right out at once.
It looked like he was favoring it when the play was stopped during the 2nd to the last PK in the 3rd (?). Selfishly I hoped that he wouldn’t be heading for the bench at that point. Maybe he’ll feel better about resting it now that they’ve won one.
If Lurking equaled Learning, I'd be a force to be reckoned with.
Thank god he’s playing through the injury though so the team doesn’t got into some kind of crazy losing streak tailspin!
"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
Observations from the Sofa...
Hallelujah!
1) Great effort from MP85 tonight, obviously, 2 goals, around the net, nearly set up another one late….just wonderful. Can the Caps finally tell him to get a permanent residence in the Ballston area?
2) Nice to see F-16 flying again too… he looked like the Eric Fehr 2009-10 model.
3) Ovechkin did pass up shots when they weren’t there (good) and on at least two occasions, including one in the 3rd, he passed up a shot that was there. Come on Alex.. keep the goaltenders guessing.
4) Memo to Carlson: Great game, but when you have a shot at the empty net, please hit it and put the opponent our of the our misery.
5) I guess Semin made his presence felt tonight by taking over the body of Chimera in the last 3 minutes…ok it was a cheap shot, but you know Semin’s done this before. Please please please don’t do that again Jason. (I will say please with Chimera, he’s a no nonsense tough guy…)
6) Brads got robbed on that shot he had, but he can’t score against Elliot… he only scored against Vezina winners this season… oh, and look Brads, Marty Brodeur’s coming to town Tuesday…
Ok folks, how many of you let out a heavy sigh when the clock hit 0:00? I don’t think it felt as good as when Feds scored on Lundqvist in the 2009 playoffs, but it still felt pretty damn good… back in first place, at least for tonight.
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
Heavy sigh. More than that. I could breathe again during a Caps game. Slowest clock EVEAH!
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 19, 2010 10:55 PM EST up reply actions
I know… the only way it would have gone faster is if Carlson had scored the empty netter….
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 19, 2010 10:55 PM EST up reply actions
Good grief yes.
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 19, 2010 10:58 PM EST up reply actions
I let out my breath that I’ve been holding for 18 freaking days. felt so good
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
don’t think it felt as good as when Feds scored on Lundqvist in the 2009 playoffs, but it still felt pretty damn good… back in first place, at least for tonight.
Man, for me that isn’t even a tiny bit comparable. I was out of this world enthused when Feds scored. I had tears of happiness and couldn’t stop yelling with the crowd until the clock hit 0.
If they lost tonight it wouldn’t have meant much…losing that night was a season failure.
Think twice before you speak, and then you may be able to say something more insulting than if you spoke right out at once.
So true… perspective is an amazing thing…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 19, 2010 10:58 PM EST up reply actions
Ahem..Just sayin’
Don’t ask me why, don’t ask me how, but when I woke up this morning every part of me told me that the streak ends tonight. Maybe it was how they performed in the third period where if they weren’t going against the best goalie in the league, they’d have scored three or four goals. Maybe it’s because they’re going against an Ottawa team that impresses nobody, particularly in goal. In any case, I just feel what I haven’t at any time during this god awful streak, tonight’s the night.
by b.orr4 on Dec 19, 2010 11:02 AM EST reply actions
Yep… you said it. :) Kudos to you.
Now how about predicting the stock market? My 401K could use the help…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 19, 2010 10:59 PM EST up reply actions
What you want to do is sell low interest loans to high risk creditors, collect their assets when they can’t pay, then turn around and sell it to other high risk creditors. You’ll make billions.
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
Left out of the recap, I thought MarJo had a really strong game in his own right. The kid’s got wheels and is getting so much better at fighting through the physical stuff and creating plays. I’m really excited for what’s to come from him in the next year or two.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
While he may of been a -1 and no SoG he was doing a lot of good things out there. Including nearly 3 minutes of perfect SH time.
He’s coming along nicely. You see a lot of missed opportunities but the fact he creates so many is his upside.
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
As soon as he gets better at finishing he is going to rack up a lot of points. He has the right ideas a lot of the time but is just a hair shy from putting the puck away.
Think twice before you speak, and then you may be able to say something more insulting than if you spoke right out at once.
Sadly the biggest story in Washington Sports tomorrow morning will be Sexy Rexy. WTF! C-A-P-S! CAPS! CAPS! CAPS!
Everything sounds smarter in Tikkanesse....
Afraid you’re right on that one.
Why can’t the Skins ever be the ones who beat Dallas with their backup QB?
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
And the ghost of Clint Longley laughs at thoughts like these.
by mechanicsville on Dec 19, 2010 11:25 PM EST up reply actions
Ovie’s interview has about 308 sighs of relief in it. Good stuff. SO nice to see smiles on their faces again, isn’t it?
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
I could feel the sighs of relief blowing through our house. Finally interviews that aren’t painful to watch but fun for a change.
Loved how they made mention of following up on the momentum of the third period in the Bruins game. Keep the goal simple and focused on what they did right in that period and bring it to this game—that attitude if nothing else.
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 19, 2010 11:20 PM EST up reply actions
Hey, they were a playoff team last year, right? ;)
"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
Yes, they were.
This year has been a serious reorganization to the playoff teams in the EC. Buffalo and NJ are doing really poorly this year. Ottawa, as well. And we had become the laughingstock of the league with our losing streak.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
We’re excited after a win. Considering we’ve lost to some pretty bad teams on this skid, beating a mediocre one feels pretty damn good ;)
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
Beating ANYONE feels pretty damn good at this point!
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
After 8 losses, I’d have been happy if they beat the mites on ice between periods.
by b.orr4 on Dec 19, 2010 11:22 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Yeah, yeah, I hear you. I’m happy they won, too. Beats the hell out of losing. Just not entirely, 100% conviced that they’ve turned a corner.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Me neither, by any means. But I need a night to enjoy myself and so do the Caps, so let’s feel good for a couple hours. All the anger and negativity is just too exhausting. We can fire it all up again if they lose to NJD I guess.
The Kolzilla PR department has advised me to post a link to my work at Inside Hockey, so here it is.
www.Insidehockey.com
Yes. The alternative is so much worse. Breaking a streak is important no matter who the team played.
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 19, 2010 11:21 PM EST up reply actions
Nine is worse than eight…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 19, 2010 11:28 PM EST up reply actions
Guess I’m pedantic tonight. Relieved pedantic.
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 19, 2010 11:32 PM EST up reply actions
Oh, don’t get me wrong — I agree completely.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 19, 2010 11:36 PM EST up reply actions
I think relief is a better word for it.
by mechanicsville on Dec 19, 2010 11:26 PM EST up reply actions
Stars?
Hardhat?
Palm?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 19, 2010 11:07 PM EST reply actions
MattyP was Palm player, Think he got 1st star as well.
Think twice before you speak, and then you may be able to say something more insulting than if you spoke right out at once.
And Fehr got third star. A Senator was 2nd star.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Whoever it was, he played with his [Evason] and got the job done.
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
Does anyone else feel so confused when they look at the EC Standings and see the Caps at the number 2 seed position?
Wacky.
Think twice before you speak, and then you may be able to say something more insulting than if you spoke right out at once.
VICTORY!!!!!!
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Dec 19, 2010 11:12 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Just needed to go up again. Relief. Epic relief.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Dec 19, 2010 11:12 PM EST up reply actions
very strange but good that after that horrendous streak we are still top five in the league in terms of points. strange… but good.
Now can we have a healthy Sasha again? Pretty please. It’s been quite a while since we’ve seen that. Even longer than when we last saw a win. (No coincidence, there.)
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
And Green, and Schultz, and everyone with the flu….
"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
True. (Or is anyone else now sick? Like Varly.)
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Is he sick too now? I thought it was a bit odd for Neuvi to do back to backs, especially since last night Varly looked perfectly fine.
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
Wait…what does it mean when the number next to the Caps is larger than the one next to the other team? It seems like so long ago that that happened……that being said, something about that looks right
I think they scored something called “goals.” I am still trying to remember what it means that they had more than their opponents.
"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
Not trying to knock the guy, but anyone have an explanation for DJ King right now?
"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
An explanation for what? What are you asking?
Think twice before you speak, and then you may be able to say something more insulting than if you spoke right out at once.
His roster spot, sorry.
"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
He’s just not a good hockey player right now. I think he’s had maybe 2 games where he was an effective 4th liner. Interestingly, the Caps have a number of guys that will fight this year.
Hendricks, as timmy pointed out below, wasn’t expected to be as good as he has been and he’s filling in the enforcer roll while offering some great grit at the same time. He’s tied for 3rd in the NHL with 9 fights.
Think twice before you speak, and then you may be able to say something more insulting than if you spoke right out at once.
Whenever King has fought this season, he’s looked rusty. I’m wondering if he lost his edge from missing so many games in the last 2 seasons. I do like that he is willing to go to the boards and fight for the puck, but he hasn’t done much else. It’s somewhat disappointing, but I think he still might be of some help. Probably not enough to get him into the lineup on a consistent basis though.
There is no problem a hammer cannot either fix or make irrelevant.
The Caps were basically taking a gamble that they’d get him and make him into a serviceable player. It didn’t happen but it did work out with some other players so far this year…
Think twice before you speak, and then you may be able to say something more insulting than if you spoke right out at once.
Wasn’t much of a gamble, with how little they gave up. If not for Hendricks, I think King would be getting a decent amount of time. I just want to see him in 1 good fight, pummeling somebody. Talbot or Cooke would be nice…. not that either of them would fight him.
There is no problem a hammer cannot either fix or make irrelevant.
Yeah, I think just having Hendy on the team has really demolished the King Plan. From his play he seems fully capable of being an effective 4rth line grinder. However the team is stocked on them now between Brads, Hendy, Gordo, Stecks, etc.
And the kicker is that Hendricks has been pushing Bradley on the 4rth line. Hendy is 4-6-10 with those 9 fighting majors, 2 GWG’s, a goal on the PP, and is getting almost a full minute more TOI (average). And is capable in the dot at 53.2% (though he does have the lowest amount of FOs taken of the regulars on the team). Bradley who used to have his job on the 4rth locked now has competition to perform on a nightly basis and thats a great thing for a guy who already has pretty great timing. Really the only things Hendricks is missing is a mug only a mother can love, comical savy, and pure epicness, and first name of Matt(Oh wait).
Hendricks is like a Swiss Bradley Knife.
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
Thank, Christ. See you gentleman and ladies in the morning.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 19, 2010 11:48 PM EST reply actions
Good lord: no comma and that should be “gentlemen,” plural.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 19, 2010 11:48 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t think anyone of us here thought we would be cheering in December because we won 11% of our last nine games. But I’m sure we’ll all take it and hope it’s the start of something that will pay dividends in the playoffs when it really counts.
"Don’t put your beer in the microwave, eh. It’ll boil."-Bob McKenzie
Some observations:
I liked seeing Backstrom take the shot in the 3rd on the 2-1 with Ovie. With teams taking away Ovie’s space the way they have been, Nicky needs to keep taking that shot to keep them honest. Ovechkin making passes like he did tonight is going to force teams to respect the pass sooner or later, and should provide him some more space in time.
Thought the boys had a ton of chances in the 3rd to put em away, but couldn’t get the puck to bounce their way. Saw a couple plays where guys were really hustling where they might have coasted if they were 7-2-1 in their last 10. About 5 minutes into the 3rd I mistook Fehr for Chimera as he blasted down the rink trying to chase down an icing even though he hardly had a chance.
Neuvy looked like the October version for 2 1/2 periods tonight. Comforting.
Dunno what the officials were watching a few times tonight. Obviously the slash on Green was brutal, and both our swedes were tripped with no call (though I’m not sure one was deserved when MarJo went down). I also thought Fehr probably earned 2 for interference in the 2nd when he got into Elliott in the crease.
Ovie wore matching skates tonight.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
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