Monday Caps Clips: Victory. Finally.
by J.P. on Dec 20, 2010 6:29 AM EST
in Caps Clips
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PrintYour savory breakfast links:
- Recaps and other assorted musings on last night's win from us, Vogs, WaPo (Carrera: blog, gamer), CSN Washington (Beninati), Caps365 video (Boudreau, players), Peerless, Frankovic, RMNB, KOL, Puck Daddy, ESPN (video), Sportsnet.ca (video) and PHT.
- That losing streak was something, wasn't it? [HotH, RMNB]
- The HBO jinx is over. Not that it ever existed in the first place. [Vancouver Sun]
- More 24/7 thoughts. [NESN, Montreal Gazette, Courier-Post]
- A look at the Caps' goalies Winter Classic gear. [RMNB]
- A viewing guide (ahem) for Tuesday night's game against the Devils. [Barry Melrose Rocks]
- Prospect watch. [RMNB]
- Looks as if Stan Galiev will be going to Buffalo after all. [Station Nation]
- Finally, happy 60th birthday to Bill Clement.
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JP – This doesn’t seem to be showing up on the home page. Only way I could get to it was through the right-hand column.
I could be just me, but I wanted to let you know.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
“I could be just me” is the truth.
“It could just be me” is, of course, what I meant to write.
Either way, the Clips are not on the home page. :-)
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
..
The Beary Christmas Jerseys (and socks!)
Bears won big last night 6-3, but the story of the game was Charlotte’s goalie Justin Pogge totally losing it (check it out here).
"I would feed them lefts until I was pretty much tired of doing it." - Alan May, JRR, 10.16.2010
by bagace on Dec 20, 2010 7:24 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Looked like he was out of his crease? I’m not sure what happened given the camera angle. Either way, he clearly got up on the wrong side of the bed.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Fahey looks good in a Hershey uni. Please to stay there.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 20, 2010 7:29 AM EST up reply actions 5 recs
Speaking of staying, rosters are now frozen so the Hershey boys up here get some nice Christmas bonuses from the team, right?
"I would feed them lefts until I was pretty much tired of doing it." - Alan May, JRR, 10.16.2010
Pretty sure, yeah.
"If you don't shut the [hell] up, I'm going to kick you in the balls so hard your dentist is going to have to work around them at your next cleaning."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 20, 2010 7:39 AM EST up reply actions
___
Per SportingNews:
The NHL’s annual holiday roster freeze goes into effect at midnight Sunday, signaling an eight-day stretch during which teams cannot put players on waivers or make trades and loans.
Teams still can recall players from their minor league affiliates in emergency situations, which is wise considering the league schedule will be busy with seven games on Monday and Tuesday, four on Wednesday and a whopping 13 on Thursday before going dark on both Christmas eve and Christmas Day.
The schedule picks right back up with an unusually busy Sunday that features 11 games and six games on Monday, the final day of the freeze. The rest of the week leads in to the New Year’s Day Winter Classic and a first week in January that will complete the season’s halfway mark for most NHL teams.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Fahey looks good in a regular Hershey uni. Please to stay there.
Fixed. No one looks good in those holiday uniforms. No one.
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 20, 2010 9:51 AM EST up reply actions
Seriously. What are those, bubbles?
Less drama, more hockey
by SeattleCapsFan on Dec 20, 2010 10:26 AM EST up reply actions
Well they aren’t as horrendous as the 2006-2007 Bears Xmas jerseys (see yesterday’s clips thread for reference).
The OatesStache: Tickling taints since 1975.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 20, 2010 7:44 AM EST up reply actions
Tough break for the Avs
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Kyle Quincey will have season-ending shoulder surgery after getting injured against the Capitals on Dec. 11. (From Puck Daddy)
The OatesStache: Tickling taints since 1975.
It’s all good. Flash shall lead them.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 20, 2010 7:56 AM EST up reply actions 4 recs
they’re down a d-man? And they’re still down a bunch of forwards from earlier in the season? I know what they need, a guy that can play forward AND defense. If only we had one of those to trade them…
LET'S GO CAPS!!!
by Elliotte on Dec 20, 2010 8:28 AM EST up reply actions 4 recs
I’m Rec’ing this, and I don’t know why…. but I feel it needs to be Rec’d
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 20, 2010 9:52 AM EST up reply actions
good on GMGM for striking while the iron was hot on the hannan-flash trade. no assurance the same deal could be made this morning.
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 20, 2010 9:09 AM EST up reply actions
Eh, they’ve still got too many NHL-D. Holos can play and he’s been stuck down in Lake Erie. Cumiskey will come back from injury eventually.
This game is all about overcoming diversity.
plus hannan and quincy are entirely different types of defenseman, correct? quincy’s a puck-mover who was supposed to compete with liles for PP time going into the year?
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 20, 2010 11:33 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah, but it hasn’t quite worked out that way. Quincey mostly got PP TOI because of his shot, which is lethal. His puckmoving ability last year seems to have been ephemeral.
Anyhow, with Liles, Hunwick, Shattenkirk, Cumiskey (when healthy) and Holos down in Lake Erie, the Avs are OK on puck-movers, even without Quincey.
Still sucks though.
This game is all about overcoming diversity.
That’s an awfully young and inexperienced lineup though.
Drunk Guy: "Alex Ovechkin is playing more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan this year."
Laichitor: "He has AIDS?"
That’s leaving out the non-puck movers (O’Byrne, Foote, Wilson).
But yeah, outside of Liles and Foote, that’s pretty young. The whole team is. Quincey didn’t help much there at 25 though.
This game is all about overcoming diversity.
O’Byrne isn’t all that old and doesn’t have a ton of NHL experience. Same for Wilson. I know Quincey wasn’t all that old either, but he came up under the Red Wings and that is valuable teaching.
Drunk Guy: "Alex Ovechkin is playing more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan this year."
Laichitor: "He has AIDS?"
So, now they win again to distance themselves more from the suck, making this all a “remember when…” weeks/months from now. Or they don’t.
If they were to lose, say, the next three, are we back at DEFCON 1? What about uninspired .500 play for a couple weeks? What’s the measure now?
by CVDTerp on Dec 20, 2010 8:04 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Jesus, they just ended one streak and you’ve got them on another already?
As with everything – including this last streak – it depends on the individual circumstances. It’s impossible to guess.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I’m just saying! I don’t want to see this happen, but it’s a new world now and I need to recalibrate my pessimism meter.
by CVDTerp on Dec 20, 2010 8:14 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
It’s the season of Holiday cheer. Have an egg nog and relax.
by b.orr4 on Dec 20, 2010 8:41 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
I recommend watching videos of kittens playing with christmas ornaments.
There's always more to learn about Hockey.
by WordsOnIce on Dec 20, 2010 8:58 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I can recommend this one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOCphB4xgBg
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
by EmilyB on Dec 20, 2010 9:02 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Awwww! That is just too cute!
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Gotta take it game-by-game. Keep the goal simple. Enjoy the win. Then focus on the Devil’s game.
Did Ovi really let out a loud WOO at Fehr’s goal that was audible in the rafters last night? Love it.
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 20, 2010 9:06 AM EST up reply actions
So I’m going to assume last nights victory will make the cut for this weeks 24/7 since last Sunday’s MSG meltdown was in last weeks show. I do love a happy ending.
Thankfully, per Coach Evason, we can all put our sacks down until Tuesday.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
Yes. It should. Last week the game with NYR on Sunday made the cut.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
If I have to hear…“Those Penguins seem like a much better bunch of guys.” I said, “If you think the Penguins would be playing Handheld Playstation and Patty-Cake in the middle of a 8 game loss streak…then your right.”
Patty cake?? O_o
What else have I missed not having HBO to watch the series?
There's always more to learn about Hockey.
I think NHL.com’s now showing the 1st episode in some form or fashion, so maybe you can catch it over there. Said something to that effect on NHLN last night.
by mechanicsville on Dec 20, 2010 10:04 AM EST up reply actions
And irony of ironies, it’s now the Penguins who will be in the middle of a losing streak come Wednesday night’s broadcast. (Assuming tonight’s game doesn’t make the cut)
They can solve that problem by losing tonight.
"It's always good to have vikings."
by gfcaps fan on Dec 20, 2010 9:07 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
we should all take a field trip to Car’s other online home and cheer on the ’Yotes.
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Now that the streak is over, and we can calm our emotions, I have two questions to ask of those more knowledgeable than myself, or at least those that can see more of the action than what the tv cameras provide.
1. It seems like just yesterday (probably two years now) we were complaining that when the Caps got pinned in their own zone that they would never relieve pressure by just dumping the puck out. Now they try, and they suck at it.
Why are they so bad sending the puck around the boards? Other teams do it against us effectively, but whenever we try it seems like we have one guy on the wall to try to take it to center, but is always bracketed by two opponents which equals turnover. When they reverse around the boards, it’s even worse, usually an opponent taking the puck off the boards with no Cap in sight. How can this be fixed, and why does it happen?
2. I know that when we play certain teams, we game plan for the goalie. When dumping the puck into the zone either dump into a corner or put it high along the boards so that the goalie doesn’t grab it and start a controlled breakout.
In contrast, I don’t think anyone worries about our goalies. Our goalies usually do one of three things on a dump in.
1. Stop the puck behind the net for a defender, a good move, probably happens less than half the time.
2. Let the puck go around the boards while keeping ass planted firmly in net. This usually allows a hard charging opponent to collect the puck in the opposite corner, and the possession game begins. Varly is the most guilty of this I think.
3. Then there is Neuvys move from last night, the pass along the wall to nobody in particular. Not only does this move create a 50/50 puck, but it usually seems to catch our defenders by surprise.
What can the Caps do to be better in those aspects of the game? These things seem like the culprit most of the time when the Caps get trapped in their own zone and often creates a period or game long pattern.
As my mother told me all through school, practice makes perfect.
Keep doing it; it’ll click.
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Clogging up the boards is as old as the hills. Teams need to adjust.
Breakout 101 has the wingers on the boards and the center floating in the middle. D to the wing to the center streaking up and out of the zone. Teams can ask their D to pinch on the boards to thwart this breakout. Teams need to adjust either by going straight to the center in the middle, moving the wing off the boards or any of a number of other ploys.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
…but the Caps don’t seem to make these adjustments very often. i wouldn’t mind seeing the wings come down a little lower on breakouts, too. Way too often (for my liking anyway), the D is flinging it up the boards, and even when the Caps do get it out, the breakout’s disjointed.
by mechanicsville on Dec 20, 2010 10:10 AM EST up reply actions
No disagreement about the need to adjust.
Wings coming lower is sometimes problematic, for when they get the puck, there is no outlet. I know that people are frustrated, when it seems like Ovie is hanging out at the top of the face-off circle, but, in many defensive coverage schema, that’s where he’s supposed to be.
In mites or squirts, we teach wings never to go below the hash marks and to let their center and D dig out the puck.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
1. It seems like just yesterday (probably two years now) we were complaining that when the Caps got pinned in their own zone that they would never relieve pressure by just dumping the puck out. Now they try, and they suck at it.
I, for one, have been frustrated with the Caps’ propensity for getting hemmed in, but I’d never want them to just blindly dump the puck out, because that’s just a turnover. My biggest frustration has been with the impatience of guys like Poti, who often dump the puck out despite A) being trusted veterans, and B) having time and space to make a play. Dump-outs have to happen on occasion, but they should be few and far between on a team with this much offensive talent.
Why are they so bad sending the puck around the boards? Other teams do it against us effectively, but whenever we try it seems like we have one guy on the wall to try to take it to center, but is always bracketed by two opponents which equals turnover. When they reverse around the boards, it’s even worse, usually an opponent taking the puck off the boards with no Cap in sight. How can this be fixed, and why does it happen?
This is where Boudreau’s system comes into play. First, as Laich notes in the D&C post linked to above, it’s all about pressure. BB’s defensive system, as I understand it, is predicated on creating pressure all over the ice via one-on-one battles. Puck goes into the corner? Caps D or C goes to cover quickly. Puck goes to the point? Caps W goes to cover quickly. Unfortunately, that means there isn’t a lot of mutual support, so if something breaks down, of if someone loses a one-on-one battle, it goes pear-shaped pretty quickly.
From a breakout perspective, this also causes problems because, as defenders are busy chasing and creating pressure, they’re by default taking themselves out of the preferred breakout positions. Sometimes, this works ok, but other times, it leaves the wings too high to support the D, or the C.
BB’s system compounds this problem by pushing the off-side winger to leave the zone. In theory, this stretches the ice, creates odd-man opportunities and opens up passing lanes out of the zone. If, however, the near-side winger is high in the defensive zone covering the point, and the off-side winger is streaking through the neutral zone, this can leave the Caps’ defensemen and centers with very few passing options. Smart teams take this away by using the center or a wing to take away the “home run” pass out of the zone, while the near-side D and off-side W (or C) takes away the safe pass up the boards.
Guys like Green can negate this tactic by simply taking a couple of strides with the puck to either get past the forecheck or change the passing angles, but guys like Schultz, Hannan, Erskine, Sloan and, increasingly, Poti, can’t take those two quick steps – once they get the puck, they’re largely stationary, or they look to get rid of the puck.
There are a few ways to solve this problem. First, the Caps can pressure/chase the puck a little less in the D-zone, using more of a positional defense. Specifically, this would involve dropping the forwards a little lower toward the dots, so that they could more easily support the puck. This would leave players in better position to begin the breakout. Given Boudreau’s system, I doubt this would work all that well.
Second, the Caps could hold the off-side winger in the zone instead of have him streaking through the neutral zone. This would prevent the hard-around from getting easily intercepted. Again, I’m not sure this totally fits with Boudreau’s aggressive tendencies or the tendencies of our forwards (Ovie and Semin in particular).
Third, the Caps could play “chip and chase” with certain personnel on the ice and “chip” the puck high to center ice send that off-side winger out of the zone with speed and let him skate onto the puck. The Caps actually do this, especially when D-men like Erskine are out there with guys like Chimera. Doing it more frequently would allow guys like Ovie to leave the zone with speed, and lessen the chance of turnovers. The problem with this strategy is that it can A) lead to some dangerous turnovers, B) lead to a lot of icings, and C) can lead to lots of dumping the puck out to the other team.
Fourth, the Caps’ coaches could encourage the Caps’ defense to skate with the puck, at least for a couple strides. This, I think, is the best option. Right now, every Caps defender other than Green gets the puck in his own end and immediately freezes while looking to pass. As a forechecker, this makes your job sooooooooo much easier, because you know that all you have to do is cut off the passing lanes. You can back off the D, use your skates/body to cut off one option while using your stick to cut off the lane to another option, knowing full well that the D isn’t going to skate and force you to commit to one option or the other.
I watch the Avs a ton, and the difference is startling. Just by taking those first few strides with the puck, a whole slew of options open up for the Avs’ defensemen. Instead of stopping, going D-to-D, or D-to-D-to-C-to-D, the Avs’ defense takes two quick strides to open up the ice, then looks to head-man the puck. With the Avs’ speed, opponents are forced to back off to prevent odd-man rushes, which in turn opens up more ice. The result is a virtuous circle. The Caps, in contrast, are caught in a vicious circle – they don’t skate the puck, so forecheckers can take away passing lanes and don’t have to back off, so there are fewer passing options, so they get even more stationary as they look for options, so the forecheckers can further take away passing lanes. . . until eventually there’s a turnover.
Taking two quick strides, while not necessarily a panacea, will go a long to alleviating this problem in my opinion. Combined with occasionally skating the puck out of the zone, and playing chip and chase when the personnel on the ice warrant it, the Caps could relieve a lot of the forechecking pressure that teams like the Pens and Rangers use to hem the Caps in their own end.
This game is all about overcoming diversity.
by D'ohboy on Dec 20, 2010 12:10 PM EST up reply actions 18 recs
Rec’d, great analysis. I’ll have to watch for more of the stationary Caps D in their own zone. Do you think some of the non-Green D you mentioned have the foot speed to skate with the puck without coughing it up?
The Kolzilla PR department has advised me to post a link to my work at Inside Hockey, so here it is.
www.Insidehockey.com
I think Alzner, and Carlson definitely have potential in this direction. At times, they even do it. What’s odd is that Alzner seemed to do this more often the first year he came up, and has seemingly backed away from it a bit, which would suggest that the Caps’ system doesn’t encourage this. If that’s the case, it’s pretty curious.
Anyhow, the point isn’t really about being quick on your skates or not, it’s about having the confidence to take those first couple strides to open the ice up. Even a guy like Schultz, who looks like a giraffe humping a flagpole on skates at times, could benefit from this. The problem is that he, and Erskine and even Hannan/Poti don’t feel comfortable doing this in the system right now. Not totally sure why.
This game is all about overcoming diversity.
I think since Carlson has been up, Alzner has fallen more and more into the role of “stay at home defenseman” and is skating with the puck less and less, trying to fit the mold of being Shultz to Calrson’s Green. Which is a shame because he is a very good skater.
Aim for the head baby Jesus
Disagree with both of you. Alzner was completely just focused on defensive play last year. This year he’s pinching more and shooting the puck more.
Drunk Guy: "Alex Ovechkin is playing more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan this year."
Laichitor: "He has AIDS?"
I’m talking about defensive end. I think that the first year he was up here, he made more “two quick stride” moves before unleashing long outlet passes. Now, when paired with a “puck mover” in Carlson, I think he tends to make the D-to-D pass more often and defer to his partner.
What you say is true about the Offensive zone though.
This game is all about overcoming diversity.
Guys like Green can negate this tactic by simply taking a couple of strides with the puck to either get past the forecheck or change the passing angles, but guys like Schultz, Hannan, Erskine, Sloan and, increasingly, Poti, can’t take those two quick steps – once they get the puck, they’re largely stationary, or they look to get rid of the puck.
This is the key point. When Green is limited by injuries, he struggles to create space and angles for himself. The guys you list tend to treat the puck like it’s radioactive.
Nice analysis.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Great writeup D’oh
The OatesStache: Tickling taints since 1975.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 20, 2010 12:25 PM EST up reply actions
Really good stuff, but I’d actually assert that Schultz’s play with the puck – that first step – is one of the most underrated parts of his game.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
It’s gotten miles better than where it was a few years ago, and it’s likely one reason for his big improvement last year and earlier this year. Like f_d says above, he used to be one of the guys who treated the puck like it’s radioactive. It’s a perfect example of how an ability that seems offensive (making good decisions on the breakout) actually helps a defense-first guy by reducing the amount of time he spends in his own end and the number of shots he faces.
Another big thing in this is the confidence to make mistakes/turnovers. Green knows full well that he’s occasionally going to turn the puck over, and he’s OK with that because he knows/thinks he can recover. Guys like Erskine/Sloan/Hannan and on occasion Schultz/Alzner/Poti are SO afraid of turning the puck over that they completely freak out and. . . end up turning the puck over.
In a nutshell, that’s one of my biggest complaints with Poti. Here’s our “experienced” defenseman, and he still occasionally loses his cool when he ends up with the puck on his stick blade. Unacceptable.
This game is all about overcoming diversity.
When Green is healthy and going well, the sheer number of high risk plays he makes is startling. Alone in the slot with the puck and a pressuring forechecker? Deke and walk around him to start the breakout. If he gets his pocket picked – which only occasionally happens – it’s almost certainly a goal against. But when he beats his man, suddenly it’s a numbers advantage with space, possession and speed flowing into attack mode.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Specifically, this would involve dropping the forwards a little lower toward the dots, so that they could more easily support the puck.
In the last several games I’ve noticed the wingers deeper in the defensive zone more often than in the past. Last night there were several times Ovi was below the faceoff dots helping out defensively.
I’m assuming this is intentional, as it allows the Caps wingers to take up space and force the opposing forwards to send the puck back to the point more often, rather than give the opposition time to look for a pass or shot much closer to the net.
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Dec 20, 2010 3:33 PM EST up reply actions
Just got home from work and read this. Awesome explanation.
by HateOffSeason on Dec 20, 2010 5:02 PM EST up reply actions
PS – the biggest proponent of the “two quick strides” school used to be Ray Bourque. He was never thought of as a great puck-moving defenseman, but he was brilliant at reliably getting the puck out of his own end because he knew how to open up more options for himself, rather than cutting them off.
This game is all about overcoming diversity.
For those of you who enjoy the World Juniors, and the requisite chirping, Lambert from Puck Daddy and Chemmy from PPP have launched a seasonal blog just for the purpose. If its anywhere near as funny as this post from last year, I’ll be following along.
That blog is 100% awesome. All it needs is “Real American” playing on a loop GeoCities style.
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 20, 2010 9:33 AM EST up reply actions
agreed
I don’t like Lambert unless he’s writing about international hockey, in which case, its money.
by Chris Burton on Dec 20, 2010 9:34 AM EST up reply actions
Like this (NSFW)? I made this a few weeks back and forgot to post it.
Fight For Old D.C. Administrator (www.ffodc.com)
Love my Hokies, Caps, Redskins, Wizards and Nats.
Locker was pointing out last night how often the Caps Dmen were “intentionally” missing the net and trying to generate offense off of caroms and such. Is this a strategy that can finally take some effectiveness from those teams (like Montreal) that clog up the middle and block so many shots?
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 20, 2010 9:31 AM EST reply actions
I thought that was a great adjustment – shooting into open corners rather than defensemen’s shin pads is certainly a step in the right direction.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Exactly what I thought when I saw them doing it. If they can do it effectively, I wonder how many other teams are going to start doing the same thing.
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 20, 2010 9:38 AM EST up reply actions
This should be an area where the team can gain a home ice advantage with more knowledge of how their own boards react to shots. I think it’s a good move but I saw a few shots (Carlson made one), that were so wide they looked more like a dump in than a wide shot. Gives the other dmen something else to think about and I would imagine it makes the goalie a bit nervous as well.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Dec 20, 2010 11:00 AM EST up reply actions
Almost all the boards react the same now though. It’s not like the 40’s to the 80’s or something.
There isn’t a lot of home ice trickery left in 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.
There are definitely some boards that are noticeably more live.
Drunk Guy: "Alex Ovechkin is playing more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan this year."
Laichitor: "He has AIDS?"
plus every building has it’s weird little quirks. The VC boards are pretty dead (something a lot of people commented to me about when DC hosted Frozen Four), but there’s a particularly nasty spot by the zamboni doors. Any puck that hits there comes to a halt.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Red Wings are famous for this.
They have lively boards at home and use them quite effectively.
Obstreperously Avatarless
Happens all the time. Sometimes you get that perfect bounce off the end-boards. I think I saw Eric Staal the other time basically one-time the puck into the net off the end-boards.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
It’s a building-to-building thing. Some arenas have dead boards, some have lively boards. Taking a stab at it, I would wager that Ottawa, being a hockey-only facility, would likely have some pretty lively boards especially as compared with somewhere like MSG or the VC.
This game is all about overcoming diversity.
From PD, Kamloops does NHL 94 celebrations after wins
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 20, 2010 9:38 AM EST reply actions
I hope outside the frame is a Kamloops player mercilessly crosschecking the opposition after the horn.
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
by SmallZ827 on Dec 20, 2010 9:41 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Or maybe making a Swift Current guy’s head bleed.
"So if I drank a bottle of rum (not really, it was about 2/3 of a bottle) starting at 1p and continuing through the Caps game does that mean I need to do that every Caps game from here on?"
"I would, but I’d also get yourself onto the organ transfer list as well just in case."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 20, 2010 9:43 AM EST up reply actions
Was a great adjustment and the first adjustment I think I’ve seen from Boudreau. Instead of pucks hitting the defensemen, being turned over and starting a breakout, the defense was actually having to scramble around and work in their own zone.
I also liked that he took Ovechkin off the point and is rotating other guys into the powerplay.
Ovi passed up a wide open shot last night. I HATE when he does that.
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 20, 2010 9:43 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah, he needs to cut it out. He’s got one of the best shots in the league. He needs to use it.
"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 20, 2010 9:59 AM EST up reply actions
Especially since he’s almost never open ever.
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 20, 2010 10:00 AM EST up reply actions
I heard the last goal by MP last night on AM 1500.
Now when i go back and look at his two goals. It looks like the Senators just ignored him because he’s so damn small.. like there said “Pffft… This little fart and gonna’ be able to get anything in the paint”
I bet if MP tries being a hang around the net kinda guy for another game or two he’s going to get smooshed.
Crosby did it for the entire series in 09 ;)
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 20, 2010 9:47 AM EST up reply actions
I like the fact that the Caps 3 goals last night totalled maybe 10’. You’re right, too. Those MP85 goals did look like Crosby ’09. Gotta love AG 63 sacrificing in front and creating enough chaos to give Perrault some room.
by mechanicsville on Dec 20, 2010 10:19 AM EST up reply actions
the Caps 3 goals last night totaled maybe 10’
Funny how those gritty goals work, eh?
Less drama, more hockey
by SeattleCapsFan on Dec 20, 2010 10:32 AM EST up reply actions
Hard to call Perreault’s goals “gritty”. He was hanging out at the far side of the net, hoping the puck would squirt right to him. Which it did. More luck than grit there.
You had me at no problem.
But a willingness to park himself there. Several guys on this team would do a fly-by (at least on the Knuble/Laich/Perreault goal).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
But a willingness to park himself there
I don’t have the game recorded, but I image he probably got pushed around a little bit at least.
You better bet the Devils and Penguins aren’t going to let him hang his hat there
Really?
Then maybe my theory is correct. He’s so damn tiny that in all the scramble, he just isn’t noticed.
That cute lili MP. Awwww.. don’t you just wanna’ pinch his cheeks sometimes?
He’s always been willing to go after pucks in the corners and boards. His play definitely falls under “crafty” – he goes for the poke and steal, using his speed to grab it and go. And if he does get smooshed, he’ll make it so he draws a penalty.
"I would feed them lefts until I was pretty much tired of doing it." - Alan May, JRR, 10.16.2010
But a willingness to park himself there
Which has been one of the more glaring problems over the last 8 games (and arguably before the streak as well). It’s one of the reasons we’ll put up 46 shots and no goals. Nice to see a change in that.
Less drama, more hockey
by SeattleCapsFan on Dec 20, 2010 10:59 AM EST up reply actions
There’s also a hockey sense angle to it. It doesn’t make a lot of sense to stand right next to a teammate or to go where the puck can’t get to you. Smart players just see soft spots in the zone and have a tendency to be in the right place at the right time. Time will tell if MP has that, or if this was just a bit of luck, but I wouldn’t dismiss it.
Drunk Guy: "Alex Ovechkin is playing more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan this year."
Laichitor: "He has AIDS?"
Effective Traffic
Crosby did it for the entire series in 09 ;)
The similarity between what MP did and Crosby did/does is staggering. This is the difference between “traffic” in front of the net, and “going for rebounds.” People think they’re the same, but they’re not.
Laich or Knuble standing in front of the net will screen the keeper, but from that range, it’s actually very difficult to score on a rebound (a deflection is more likely). If the goalie pushes a rebound, the screener is too close to get a stick on it. If the goalie drops a rebound right there, they’ll likely just turn around and push it into his pads. On occasion, the puck will bounce “just so” and they’ll get one, but they’ll also be getting the crap kicked out of them while it’s happening.
Crosby and other effective rebound scorers hover around the net like a remora hovers around the mouth of a shark. They’re not right up in its grill, they’re a little ways away, waiting for that morsel to drop to them. MP did it perfectly last night – by setting up a few feet out from the goal on the off-side, he found a soft-spot in the coverage (because defensemen are taught to tie up sticks in front of the net, less so off to the side), and he was close enough to get the rebound, yet far enough away that the puck wouldn’t tie him up.
Traffic is good. Effective traffic is better. What MP (and Crosby) do is effective traffic.
This game is all about overcoming diversity.
by D'ohboy on Dec 20, 2010 12:22 PM EST up reply actions 6 recs
Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t that the sort of thing that Laich does when he’s hovering around the right or left sides of the net on the powerplay? Sitting there allows him to get his stick on rebounds that come out in his direction and put them on net more effectively than if he were planted directly in front of the goalie.
You’d have to ask Laich, but when he’s off to the side it means nobody is doing the screening. They both have to be part of the equation. I’d rather Laich do the screening and Backstrom and Semin or AO crash the net after the initial shot looking for the rebounds. When I see Laich set up to the side and try his idiotic stuff move I want to murder hobos.
Drunk Guy: "Alex Ovechkin is playing more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan this year."
Laichitor: "He has AIDS?"
by Rob Parker on Dec 20, 2010 4:07 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Murder hobos? Biznasty wouldn’t like that.
Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.
That would severely impact my Hobo Rodeo.
John Carlson - Glory follows him.
Six Beers Too Many Fantasy Team - BizNasty's Hobo Rodeo
Just like Will Ferrell as Neil Diamond on SNL.
The OatesStache: Tickling taints since 1975.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 20, 2010 7:58 PM EST up reply actions
I bet if MP tries being a hang around the net kinda guy foranother gameagainst the Devils or two he’s going to get smooshed.
/Jersey Shore’d
"If you want money go to the bank, if you want bread go to the bakery if you want goals go to the net." - #21
by snakegriffin on Dec 20, 2010 10:17 AM EST up reply actions
For those of you who actually PLAY ice hockey I gotta ask,
When you’re driving to the net like Ovechkin did last night during the “kick in”, I know you’re all attempting to actually get it with your stick (with the limited time for reflex that you have) but does it actually seem easier to hit it in with the blade of the stick, or to kick it in when it comes at you like that out in front?
This is why we teach kids to have their stick on the ice at all times. Ovechkin has his stick on the ice, then perhaps it’s a goal.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Should we talk about that rule, just for funzies?
IMO, you should be allowed to kick a puck in. If you can kick it everywhere else on the ice, why not there? My one caveat, though, would be that you’d need to keep your blade on the ice. It’s when they get up that things get dangerous.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 20, 2010 10:10 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Or make it so you couldn’t kick it while you or the puck is in the crease. We don’t want folks to start kicking at a puck in the crease and missing and kicking the goalies
LET'S GO CAPS!!!
The problem with the current rule is that you can’t really tell what a kicking motion is. I think last night and one earlier this season on Green might have been a result of a skater pivoting or changing position.
The current rule allows for you to redirect. as long as their is no kicking motion.
They need to move one direction or the other to avoid these types of controversies. Either any puck off a foot is no goal or you can kick the puck in.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
This has always been my stance about this rule. The whole issue around the crease, if you ask me, is safety, and that is solved if you aren’t letting people bicycle kick it every chance they get.
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 20, 2010 10:34 AM EST up reply actions
I would imagine it would make the replay that much easier as well. No subjective “kicking motion” analysis…just a simple “Skate on ice? Yes? Goal!”. Much more black and white.
Less drama, more hockey
by SeattleCapsFan on Dec 20, 2010 10:37 AM EST up reply actions
No doubt (though it’s not hard to envision “It looks like his skate is on the ice here and then – there! – it comes off the ice for a moment right around the time the contact is made.”)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Just for funzies
Here is one of our previous discussions on this.
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 understand why they don’t want guys kicking pucks in. Often when a puck is loose around the net, there are bodies on the ice sprawled out around the crease. Considering how badly some guys have been cut in recent memory, from Zednick to Ovechkin (Pittsburgh game), to Tim Gleason etc, you don’t want skate blades flying around haphazardly as guys try to lick the puck in.
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Dec 20, 2010 4:03 PM EST up reply actions
Left foot + right handed shot makes for a tricky layup at that speed.
A danger to myself and others on the ice
by can't skate on Dec 20, 2010 10:15 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
If I was a very disagreeable, ornery coach, I would say that the winger should open up as he goes to the net and be ready for the pass.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
As I recall the play Movie was coming on perpendicular to the goal line and the shot was coming in at an angle from his right. The placement of the puck would have required him to be moving even faster to play it opened up. The only way he really could have got a stick on it would be an awkward backhand.
A danger to myself and others on the ice
by can't skate on Dec 20, 2010 11:21 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Not sure if this is off-topic, but someone please explain to me why MarJo is considered a better player than MP? MP has 4 goals, 2 assists +5 in 9 games. MarJo has 3 goals, 2 assists, -5 in 23 games.
I know, I know, small sample, +/- is “meaningless”, but if MP is too “inconsistent” to play at the NHL level, I think we’ve got a double-standard on our hands.
MarJo was arguably the best player on the ice against Boston. Kid is GOOD.
Can't he be both, like the late Earl Warren?
Box Seats Blog
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 20, 2010 9:48 AM EST up reply actions
Agreed. The last few games he’s made some really nice passes and last night, the move he made to split the D and drive to the net was very nice. MarJo has played well on the PK too. I really like when he and Chimera are on the same line together. You can tell the talent is there, it’s just going to take a couple seasons of acclimating to North American style of hockey to put everything together.
by JimCareyFanClub on Dec 20, 2010 10:12 AM EST up reply actions
Not really. And I’m not sure MarJo is considered the better player by many folks. Certainly not offensively. But the two players are at very different points in their respective careers and are being placed in situations that are seen as best for both their respective individual developments and the team’s success. It’s really not “either/or” right now.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Yeah, totally different styles of play which work in certain situations but not in others. MP85 is slicker on offense, but he bounces off of guys, and will rarely ever win a physical board battle.
Besides, it’s not like we’re overflowing with good centers and need to get rid of one. There’s plenty of puck distributing to go around.
You had me at no problem.
MP85 is slicker on offense, but he bounces off of guys, and will rarely ever win a physical board battle.
MJ90 has a ways to go, physically, as well – he’s too easily pushed off the puck right now.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
He does seem to be improving in that area, though – at least it looks like it to me. Still not great but he’s gotten better at taking physical contact (or better yet dodging it altogether, kid’s a slippery slick skater) and hanging on to the puck. I think it’ll be interesting to watch how he progresses over a full season.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
MarJo has the bigger up side and should develop into a strong 2-way player, he is also an outstanding player and has good hands. MattyP is an energy, mucking type who is better at offense than defense.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
And it should be noted that in the final minutes, when the game was on the line against Ottawa, MarJo was on the ice and Matty P. was glued to the bench. That’s showing a lot of confidence in a rookie and he handled it pretty well.
The team was on the PK in the final minutes, too. MP85 isn’t a penalty killer; MarJo is, and a pretty good one at that.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Yup. I’ve been very impressed by MarJo’s penalty kill. His speed is definitely an asset in the newer, more aggressive PK too.
I understand Green being taken to task for the second Ottawa goal last night, but if Johansson ties up his guys stick then the pass doesn’t get to Kelly for the goal.
That’s what you’d call a “teachable moment.” Remember, we’ve got, essentially, 5 rookie mainstays on the team this year, if you count Varlamov (which leans ‘no’, but I think can fairly be argued ‘yes’), and they’re all learning quite a lot through these tribulations.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 20, 2010 4:18 PM EST up reply actions
Understood, he just seemed to be lackadaisical on the play. Plus, giving up that goal after going down 3-0 the night before hurt.
No doubt, but i’ll be more unhappy if he lets up on that coverage again. For now, though: “teachable moment.”
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 20, 2010 4:52 PM EST up reply actions
Since we’re all Coyote Fans tonight, here’s a link to Carl P’s gameday preview on Five for Howling .
"I would feed them lefts until I was pretty much tired of doing it." - Alan May, JRR, 10.16.2010
Cody wearing #21 for Canada tonight, in their exhibition match against Switzerland.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Also put me down as somebody who is very impressed by Carlzner this year. Am looking forward to what the D corps looks like when #55 is back.
So, what happens to 89, when 55 comes back?
Do we carry 8D at the NHL level? Certainly 23 continues to play and 4 becomes our 7th D.
I saw we put him through waivers and take the risk.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Not a huge Sloan fan, but I’d rather have him as an injury replacement than Fahey. Haven’t they used Sloan at forward before? I’d try that before losing him for nothing on waivers.
by JimCareyFanClub on Dec 20, 2010 10:23 AM EST up reply actions
Who is going to take him?
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
People were just talking about Quincey’s season-ending surgery, so maybe Colorado? Realistically, he would probably clear waivers, but the Caps don’t have the most durable D-Corps, so even with Sloan here, I’d like to see one more depth defenseman brought in at the deadline. Looking at the Caps top 6 D men, they are two injuries away from pairing of 4-89 which isn’t something anyone wants to see come playoff time.
by JimCareyFanClub on Dec 20, 2010 10:30 AM EST up reply actions
The fact that there are teams that could use defensive depth later in the season would make me against demoting Sloan. If you put him on waivers, you can’t demote him and then recall him later. because some team hurting for defensive depth could easily afford to take on his salary at half-price. I don’t want the Caps stuck with 350k worth of salary and cap space for no player.
Negative on Colorado. They’ve got PLENTY of D who are better than Sloan.
This game is all about overcoming diversity.
Even Ryan O’Byrne. Something I never thought I would say after watching him on the Habs last year. But he’s upped his game since being dealt to the Avs.
The OatesStache: Tickling taints since 1975.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 20, 2010 12:28 PM EST up reply actions
The Avs have a pretty darn good coaching staff right now. Joe Sacco, Sylvain Lefebvre and Konowalchuk have turned a bunch of guys who were cast-offs from other organizations into a pretty damn good team.
To be honest, I keep waiting for an implosion where all these kids turn back into pumpkins. It hasn’t happened yet, and I’ve been waiting since last season (though they did get spanked by the Sharks).
This game is all about overcoming diversity.
by D'ohboy on Dec 20, 2010 12:39 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I never knew that Lefebvre was part of their coaching staff also. I always liked him when he was in the league. Some damn smart coaching hires by the Avs indeed.
The OatesStache: Tickling taints since 1975.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 20, 2010 12:46 PM EST up reply actions
They also got Adam Deadmarsh as a video guy and Kirk McLean as a goalie coach. Has the makings of a real good staff.
This game is all about overcoming diversity.
Class move by the Avs to keep Deadmarsh affiliated with the organization after the concussion issues prematurely ended his playing career.
The OatesStache: Tickling taints since 1975.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 20, 2010 12:59 PM EST up reply actions
Seeing him leave the Avs was crushing – watching him retire at that age was devastating. He billeted in one of my many hometowns during his junior tour with the Winterhawks. I’ve literally followed his career since he was 16.
This game is all about overcoming diversity.
Good article summarizing Deadmarsh’s career for any newer hockey fans who weren’t fortunate to see him play (includes a video tribute at end): http://thehockeywriters.com/what-ever-happened-to-adam-deadmarsh/
The OatesStache: Tickling taints since 1975.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 20, 2010 3:28 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
You mean Adam Deadmarch.
/CupEngraver’d
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 20, 2010 3:33 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Good to see that engraver get some work again last season on the Prince of Wales Trophy.
The OatesStache: Tickling taints since 1975.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 20, 2010 3:36 PM EST up reply actions
That Sharks team was no joke, though. Even their sweep at the hands of Chicago wasn’t as bad as you’d think when you hear “sweep”.
Colorado wasn’t even supposed to make the playoffs and I think they just ran out of gas by the time April came around (although that’s just what I took away from it, I didn’t follow that series as closely as some of the others for some reason). Incredible ongoing job by Sacco and Co.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
that Sharks team also soundly thrashed a very good Detroit team in the second round.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
I really thought they’d beat the Blackhawks, their depth rivaled Chicago and, at the time, Nabokov > Niemi.
by Chris Burton on Dec 20, 2010 1:49 PM EST up reply actions
back before all the drama around the 8 game losing streak, I believe GMGM said they would carry 8 d men.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Lambert is up with a great piece about the Caps on his What We Learned post for PD:
Basically he argues that was a “whatever can go wrong will go wrong stretch.” And that the team is due for a big statistical correction in the opposite direction.
I know these same points have been made many times on this site, but it felt good to see it from an outside observer as well.
My favorite line:
But perhaps most important is that now, after all the talk and the articles and the HBO documentaries highlighting every grisly detail of this losing streak — and laying their faults bare for the world to see — they’re going to have a gigantic chip on their shoulder.
A pissed off Washington Capitals is the last thing anyone in the Eastern Conference needs.
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Dec 20, 2010 10:24 AM EST reply actions
Hmm, tried to post the link but it disappeared. Here it is again: http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/What-We-Learned-Losing-streak-over-time-for-Ca?urn=nhl-298210#remaining-content
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Dec 20, 2010 10:25 AM EST up reply actions
I’d say a motivated Capitals that buys into playing 60 minutes is the last thing the Eastern Conference needs. But they were supposedly pissed off entering the season too.
The Kolzilla PR department has advised me to post a link to my work at Inside Hockey, so here it is.
www.Insidehockey.com
Perhaps OT
Can someone point me to how to do a table for a fanpost?
I looked through the style guide and didn’t see the details on how to create a table. Also, is it possible to underline some text?
Thanks in advance
Another plus to take away from last night’s game: Faceoff wins galore.
BACKSTROM 18-27 / 67%
STECKEL 8-14 / 57%
PERREAULT 6-11 / 55%
"I would feed them lefts until I was pretty much tired of doing it." - Alan May, JRR, 10.16.2010
by bagace on Dec 20, 2010 10:56 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Awww, YAY MP85 being above 50%. I really hope he can keep it up and earn his spot here…I love that kid.
I like Laich, but I <3 Green
Keep the faith!!!!!!
by RockinRed4Life on Dec 20, 2010 11:56 AM EST up reply actions
3 years ago the Wings had a 1-8-2 stretch and went on to win the Cup, as did the Pens the year they did. The Caps had a 9 game losing streak fairly late in the season the year the lost to Detroit in the Finals.
Comment on Puck Daddy. Wing streak 2/5/08 – 3/2/08
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.
don't know if anyone pointed this out...
but varly’s WC mask looks like um, someone just, um, got way too excited right in front of it.
Can we expect a much stronger team in the next few games? Or do you think they will still be struggling?
I’m not sure what I think will be the case. I hope for dominance.
This is the big question, isn’t it?
The Caps ought to demolish New Jersey. If they do, then we can start to think that maybe they’re getting back on the right track.
If they don’t play well and win, then we’re still talking about needing to turn it around; if they lose, then the Bruce death watch resumes.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Our Goalies need to talk to Jonas Hiller about mask design.
Our guys masks looks like they were designed by Ed Hardy while listening to Lee Greenwood.
Obstreperously Avatarless
Varly’s Winter Classic mask looks like it should be worn by #28
#middleschoolhumor
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Dec 20, 2010 4:12 PM EST up reply actions
Shoutout for being Upbeat
I want to say that Ovechwin’s suggestion last night on the second period thread for the GDT, for us all to stay positive and cheer the team on, was exactly right.
It’s so easy to get down and predict doom, and maybe some of us (#cough# me #cough#) hope it will be an anti-jinx. Last night, I had the best time I’ve had for a while. I realize that if they had lost, it would have sucked, but still…we can marinate in depression and pessimistic predictions, or we can cheer and send positive energy out to the team. Either way, I think we’ll be less stressed and depressed.
There's always more to learn about Hockey.
/OT “marinate” used this way always makes me think of the film “Kissing Jessica Stein”. One of my favorites.
On topic: have to check out game threads but you and Ovechwin are so right about keeping an upbeat attitude. lots of valid criticisms can be leveled at this team (D’boy is on fire today with his analysis) but it is important to remember to take pleasure in what is good about this team. We need balance too. It’s not all good with our Caps but neither is it all bad.
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 20, 2010 9:25 PM EST up reply actions
Congrats to the NHL Second Star of the Week…Tomas Fleischmann.
Bruce just shed a single tear.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
He always knew Flash had it in him. I’m seriously happy for Flash that he is doing well and is doing it in the other conference, because I can root for him as well as Theo.
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 20, 2010 9:27 PM EST up reply actions
From Corey
cmasisak22 Eric Fehr is not here today because of a death in the family. He won’t play tomorrow for the #Caps.
There's always more to learn about Hockey.
Condolences to Fehr :(
"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 20, 2010 12:57 PM EST up reply actions
Prayers to Eric and his family…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 20, 2010 4:24 PM EST up reply actions
For those of us without, mind writing down the highlights here?
This game is all about overcoming diversity.
Work hard. Similar style to Caps (fast, aggressive, young team)Joe Sacco coming on later in the show. Flash didn’t watch 24/7 but will watch it later. Caps shouldn’t be mad or anything like that about the losing streak. Says HBO is always on your ass all the time. And then they lost him off the air.
Per team tweets, Erskine on at 1:45. Also, Perreault is on Power Play at 4:45 (this is also televised, but I don’t know if it’s streamed on nhl.com).
"It's always good to have vikings."
Possibly the dumbest question I’ve ever heard:
“You’re a guy that put up a lot of points in Juniors. Is that something you want to do in the NHL level?”
Drunk Guy: "Alex Ovechkin is playing more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan this year."
Laichitor: "He has AIDS?"
Buy or Sell
Maybe you don’t think that Boudreau’s job was on the line last night – I happen to think it was a close-run thing – but regardless, he was under a ton of pressure to win last night. This makes his choice of goaltender all the more curious because, after a mediocre performance in Boston, Boudreau went back to Neuvy in a game that may well have decided his future tenure in DC.
If Varly is healthy (and I haven’t heard that he’s ill/injured), this means that Neuvy is now the “#1 Goaltender.”
Buy or Sell?
This game is all about overcoming diversity.
I have a sneaking suspicion that Varly was under the weather last night. Otherwise, very odd indeed for Bruce to make the call he did.
Want to know who his #1 is? See who starts Thursday.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
That was my feeling as well. Back-to-back with two healthy #1a and #1b goalies (your choice as to which is a or b)? This was not an “I don’t want to play Holtby” situation.
But I’m not sure the Thursday starter is going to answer that either. Or if it does, it might be for only three days.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Sure – “#1 subject to change at any moment.” It is Bruce Boudreau we’re talking about, after all.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Maybe….but didn’t BB say he was waiting until one goalie got on a streak? If the Caps win again tomorrow (I’m fairly confident that Neuvy will start that game), wouldn’t he play Neuvy if he’s the “goalie on a streak?”
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
by twistedlogic on Dec 20, 2010 1:01 PM EST up reply actions
my thought, too. Everyone else has been sick, so why not Varly?
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
I had the same reaction to Neuvirth getting the back to back starts as well, but I also wondered if #30’s play in the second period combined with the lack of work in the 3rd period the prior game factored in, as well.
That was my thought – that BB wanted to continue the play from the second half of the Boston game. I mentioned last night it was after Neuvy’s save on Seguin’s breakaway that the Caps turned around their play in Boston. BB mentioned after the Ranger game that Ovi’s fight didn’t give them any momentum because they “couldn’t get the save.” The fact that Neuvy was able to shut the door in the second and third last night shows that he was able to shake off the previous goals, something that Varly has struggled with.
"I would feed them lefts until I was pretty much tired of doing it." - Alan May, JRR, 10.16.2010
Agree with you that Bruce’s job was on the line last night. A loss – particularly a bad loss – and it’s doubtful he gets to the WC as the coach.
I still think he’s on day-to-day status, for what that’s worth. The bad first period is still troubling, and OTT just stinks.
Regarding the goalie situation, JP nailed it.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Yeah. Two stinkers against NJ and Pitt and we’re right back to talking about job security.
This game is all about overcoming diversity.
I don’t think that one game will save his job if McPhee and Leonsis really think that this is going in the wrong direction.
I think one win buys enough time no matter what happens to make it until the HBO filming ends.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Agreed – two stinkers and we’re right back to talking about job security. Doubt GMGM is, though. Ted? That might be another matter.
But I think these guys are sensitive to what’s been going on and are particularly sensitive to all the cameras. To fire Bruce during the HBO stuff would be incredibly humiliating, and he deserves better.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
To fire Bruce during the HBO stuff would be incredibly humiliating, and he deserves better.
Agreed.
Less drama, more hockey
by SeattleCapsFan on Dec 20, 2010 1:28 PM EST up reply actions
To fire Bruce during the HBO stuff would be incredibly humiliating, and he deserves better.
Keeping one eye on Twitter last night, it was gross how many comments I saw – from both non-Caps fans and media people I respect – saying something along the lines of “gee, wouldn’t it be great TV for HBO if Bruce got canned??” after the Caps went down 2-0.
And again I’m left wondering where the humanity is in sports sometimes. Sure, it’s a business, but we’re still talking about someone losing their livelihood and having to uproot their life and family, and doing so in a much more public forum than any of us will likely ever have to deal with.
…/rant
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
by Becca H on Dec 20, 2010 1:30 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Bruce is handsomely compensated for being in the public eye, and as a hockey coach, he knows he’s hired to be fired.
But yeah, the vultures were circling.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
True – and I understand that he could be fired at any moment, and I understand that a slumping team could be his downfall. My issue was with people talking about what great TV it would be, as if it was a plot twist on an episode of ‘Lost’ or something, you know? Just gross.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
But true. Seeing a coach of a professional sports team get sacked on camera would be a unique experience and uncomfortable-but-riveting television.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
It’s like a 60-car pileup – fascinating to see it, but you shouldn’t sit around and wish for it to happen.
/NASCAR/
This game is all about overcoming diversity.
Agreed. But I didn’t wish for the Cap’s losing streak either, and found reliving it on HBO a painful experience, but I could separate that from what really was phenomenal television.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Ugh. It just sounds awful, I don’t think I’d be able to watch…then again I don’t get the appeal of reality shows with lots of bitchiness and confrontation, either, so I guess I’m not the target audience.
But STILL.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
You also look away when there are fights.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
That’s what I was going to say. Enthralling entertainment has everything to do with highs and lows. A team trudging through a losing streak isn’t particularly entertaining without drama. The fact that Boudreau’s job is on the line, makes it more interesting.
Not for him, of course. Of for Caps fans.
And even if he is relieved of his duties as head coach, he will still be handsomely compensated.
And if his wife is to be believed, in need of new friends…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 20, 2010 4:26 PM EST up reply actions
I knew that Dean was a bad influence on BB. Always wanting to grab his sac and all.
The OatesStache: Tickling taints since 1975.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 20, 2010 4:37 PM EST up reply actions
Dean probably instigated that face-off on top of the glass coffee table.
"I would feed them lefts until I was pretty much tired of doing it." - Alan May, JRR, 10.16.2010
No doubt, Bagace, no doubt.
The OatesStache: Tickling taints since 1975.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 20, 2010 4:53 PM EST up reply actions
but we’re still talking about someone losing their livelihood and having to uproot their life and family
Actually, we’re not. The guy has a contract. He’ll keep getting paid.
This game is all about overcoming diversity.
Yeah. Two stinkers against NJ and Pitt and we’re right back to talking about job security
.
I hate to disappoint, but if you’re waiting for Bruce to get canned anytime in the immediate future, don’t hold your breath. Ted may not know a lot about hockey, but he’s a genius when it comes to building a corporate image and firing Bruce with the HBO cameras watching and the Winter Classic less two weeks away would be the worst PR move imaginable. Every conversation within not just the hockey world, but the sports world in general would be about the failure of the franchise. And that’s not a word that Ted ever uses. If the team is still faltering after the WC and HBO is gone, all bets are off. But if you’re hoping/praying for Bruce’s demise before the New Year, you’ve got a better chance having Santa come down your chimney.
See, I’m not sure I agree that (if Varly’s healthy) Neuvy’s the #1 guy because he was in last night. Neuvy was sick during the Rangers game but he seemed to be fine and had lots of time to rest between that game and the Ducks game, and yet Bruce threw Varly back out there – I think he’s trying to restore their confidence. Okay, so you gave up some crappy goals…here’s your chance to redeem yourself.
Varly was much better against Anaheim (although the bar was admittedly low on that one, for the whole team) and Neuvy rebounded from a somewhat shaky game against the Bruins and was a big factor in that third period in particular last night.
If that’s what happened – and obviously I have no clue, Varly may very well be hurt/sick – either Bruce doesn’t think he’s as much on the hot seat as others do or he was willing to play the hunch that Neuvy would rebound from a bad performance.
Speaking of Bruce’s job security…I know we speculate on it a lot here but I was thinking about one part of 24/7 that came rushing back this morning, one that makes me think GMGM doesn’t pin this slump entirely on BB. The two of them were talking about all the guys who were sick and injured, and GMGM basically said something along the lines of “there are going to be times like this when everyone’s injured and/or sick when it’s just going to be very difficult for you to win”. I think he knows that it’s almost unfair to blame the coach when so many things have gone wrong all at once. Had this slump happened (or should another one happen down the road) when everyone’s relatively healthy…who knows?
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
Imho, Neuvy and Varly have played pretty evenly through the slump. Neither have been spectacular and both have had their share of clunkers. I know some of you may say Varly’s Rags game was atrocious and tips the scales the other way but frankly the team may of just played 3 forwards on ice that entire game and the score would of been the same.
I don’t think either have the #1 right now, and the pressure is going to be back on immediately for both of them because the WC is right around the corner. While both will dress, chances are only one will play in the game and that can be a lot of motivation.
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.
Im not necessarily buying that his job was on the line for the Sens game, I dont see a change until after the WC if there is one.
I saw BB and GMGM at a local rink last thursday during my kids practice and I was offering all of our parents $100 to hand him a napkin fro the next time a camera was around…I didnt have a “sock” to do it.
I know the rankings are meaningless, and you’ll deal with them tomorrow, but misinformation like this is why I can’t respect Burnside:
The Caps are in third place in the Southeast Division as of Monday — unfamiliar territory, for sure.
"It's always good to have vikings."
So what probably happened is he wrote Sunday because he did the rankings before the game Sunday and an editor changed it to today unmindfully.
mental aspect of breaking the streak
if there’s something to suggest a strong performance upcoming in the next few games, it’s likely that the guys will be holding their sticks a bit less tightly and playing a bit more confidently. I have a strong feeling that the length of the losing streak caused a positive feedback loop, as in, it fed into itself.
I think the bounces will start coming our way, the opposing goalies will be able to make fewer robberies, and the sticks will hit the pucks more smoothly.
On the other hand, I fear that this new confidence may be very brittle.
/nervousness
I think it will help a lot, but the confidence will be brittle if they fall in another early hole vs. NJD. I do think that the positive feedback loop you speak of had a whole lot to do with how poorly the Caps were playing in some of the games in the streak, if not the actual results. Having been there to see it in person, those weak goals Varly gave up vs. NYR really sent them into a spiral.
As has been discussed, ad nauseam, the big question is why the team seems so mentally fragile. But whatever the reason, hopefully this gets them off the mat and reminds them who they really are.
Dear NHL.com
Please stop putting Ovechkin on your highlight reels when he doesn’t do anything highlight worthy. I’d rather watch goals actually be scored.
signed all fans of hockey
Not a rant about how bad Ovie has or hasn’t been this season, but they’ve put him on the front page almost every week and only a handful have actually been highlight worthy. And I’m not just talking about him being on the top highlight for the games the caps play, he’s constantly getting thrown into the “weekend’s best” or w/e when there certainly a lot more interesting moments happening.
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.
most non-caps fan hockey fans I know don’t realise that OV isn’t scoring much this year. But they do know who OV is, know how talented he is, and are thus drawn by his star appeal.
Sure, Peyton Manning isn’t having a spectacular year, but everyone knows Peyton Manning is a superstar and a face of the NFL, so he will be featured despite his relatively lackluster performance this season
Name recognition may play its part but still, I’d think casual fans would be more impressed with Joe Nobody’s one timer from the point over Ovie driving wide with 3 people on him and then missing wide.
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.
OV on the point on the PP
I, (and I suspect many of you guys) cannot fathom for the life of me (or you) why OV plays 50 feet away from the net on the PP. Not many goals are scored on shots from the point, so why put the best player in the world there?
I forget, did he play the point last year (serious question, I forget)? How about previous years?
Who is a better option to take the left point?
I’m just going to throw JC74 out there with no particular basis except that he’s skilled offensively, MG52 is on the other point, and Backstrom and Laich/Semin are just as useless on the point.
He’s almost always played on the point.
Last night he spent a lot of time on the side wall. Hopefully, that’s something we’ll continue to see but they’ve put him there for only a few games in other desperate tinkering situations.
Think twice before you speak, and then you may be able to say something more insulting than if you spoke right out at once.
Exactly. It’s only very recently that his placement at the point has become an issue, not because it’s a terrible idea, but because, this year at least, it’s getting terrible results. Nobody had a problem with it when he was leading the league in PPGs.
I may be one of the only people that doesn’t completely hate Ovie on the point on the PP. There’s generally more open ice at the top of the zone, especially on the PP, and it allows him to sneak down to the half boards or faceoff dot for one timers. Whereas, if he’s on the wing and camped out at the left dot, he’s likely getting harassed by an opposing defensman the whole time.
Of course, I’m not saying I especially like it either, as it clearly isn’t working right now, but then, is anything Ovie does working right now?
one defender can take his shot away when he plays on the point. Not the case closer in.
*sigh. anyways, who would be a good person to replace him on the point?
He doesn’t get as much freedom to roam when he’s at the point, and despite your optimism that he can sneak down for one-timers we rarely see that.
Drunk Guy: "Alex Ovechkin is playing more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan this year."
Laichitor: "He has AIDS?"
From where I’m sitting, I’ve generally seen the opposite of that. The open ice at the top of the zone allows him plenty of freedom to roam around, and it seems to me that just as many of his PPGs have come from pinching down to the half boards as have been slapshots from the point. Is that the best way to utilize his talent? Maybe not, but it’s not as though he hasn’t had success from that position.
He has to worry about a 2 on 1 against if he’s on the point. That defensive responsibility is enough to impede his ability to just pray on loose pucks in the zone. If he set up down in the left circle he’d be closer to the net and not have to worry about who is behind him. He could go full assassin mode and look for goals.
Drunk Guy: "Alex Ovechkin is playing more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan this year."
Laichitor: "He has AIDS?"
I don’t disagree. It seems to me that he’s been victimized by turning the puck over at the blue line much more this season than in years past, and that is probably a big reason why he hasn’t been pinching in as much as in previous seasons. That’s probably the biggest reason that I would be okay with moving him off of the point on the PP, but I still think it’s too soon to say that having him at the point is always a bad idea, given the past success he’s had there
I think this season is actually the first time I’ve seen the Caps play the Rags without Callahan getting a SH breakaway after AO turns it over at the end of one of his 2 minute PP shifts. So I’d have to disagree that AO is turning it over more this year compared to other seasons. To my eyes it actually looks like the opposite is true.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 20, 2010 9:12 PM EST up reply actions
hey hey hey, this is supposed to be a positive place today! Don’t go dragging up that tear-inducing horror. :)
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
interesting…..Steinberg spoke to Bruce about (what else?) the 15 f-bomb speech:
“That’s not how we usually act, but it wasn’t like it’s a press conference and I went on a rant,” Boudreau said, when asked about his 15 F-bomb display. "Initially, if you look at it, I walked in and I asked [the cameras] to leave, but they didn’t. You have to do what you have to do. I mean, just because the TV lights are on in there, you couldn’t change the whole structure of the game plan or what my thoughts to the players were at that time, because then it wouldn’t be real….
“The way they did the show was riveting TV, even for a non hockey fan, and the way they’ve set it up, there’s gonna be a lot of people out there can’t wait to see what’s next. You’ve got the Unabomber; I just don’t want to be known as the F-Bomber.”
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
I’m seriously over all this commotion about that speech. I mean what did people expect? It’s a professional men’s hockey locker room, during the intermission of what will become the worst loss in recent memory during an (eventual) eight game losing streak. So he threw “fuck” around a bit, big deal.
Less drama, more hockey
by SeattleCapsFan on Dec 20, 2010 7:14 PM EST up reply actions
Although I do kind of like the name “F-Bomber”…
Less drama, more hockey
by SeattleCapsFan on Dec 20, 2010 7:14 PM EST up reply actions
I thought that was Flash come playoff time…
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 20, 2010 9:13 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Ottawa Roadie
Went to the game last night.
It was my first hockey trip back to Canada since I was at the Montreal-Ottawa road trip last year when the winning streak ended.
With the win, the ride home was much nicer than it could have been.
Pretty neat, during the Canadian anthem, they unfurled a huge Canadian flag up in the top bowl, and it got passed down overhead until the song ended. It was over 2 sections wide.
No legal disclaimers prior to it happening or anything!
Burnside obviously inhaled some really good stuff this weekend. Aside from screwing up the standings:
Would Brodeur waive his no-trade clause for another shot at a Cup? Who knows, but what would Brodeur’s value be to a Cup-hungry Washington team that has two promising young goaltenders and a bevy of young prospects?
Ignore the cap hit for a moment. Ignore what the Caps would likely have to give up. Because those two things are deal killers by themselves. Last I checked, Marty hasn’t done any better in the post-season than the Caps have lately. And he was pretty much the one solely responsible for New Jersey losing to Carolina two years ago (and making us play the Pens in the semis instead of the conference finals).
Why on earth would McPhee make that deal? Idiot.
"It's always good to have vikings."
because the Caps need a veteran goalie, duh! Didn’t you get that memo three years ago?
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Varlomov and Neuvirth are, stats-wise, middle-of-the-road goalies this year: 905 and 908 save%, GAA of 2.54 and 2.66. Those numbers are not nearly as good as the standard whipping boys we usually see here in Cam Ward and Marc-Andre Fleury. (Ward’s GAA is 2.54. but his save % is 926 — 5th best in the NHL.)
Frankly, I don’t have much faith going into the playoffs that either of them can a) carry the team (as is sometimes needed) or b) stay healthy for 2 grueling months. A veteran goalie would do this team very good.
Those are all good points, but Marty Brodeur is still a horrible option for the Caps for all the reasons that GFCF mentioned.
I still think either of the two kids could get hot and carry a team in the playoffs, fwiw.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
I would never want Broduer — not at his age/contract. I do, however, think that the Caps do need another goaltender in here. If either of Neuvirth or Varlamov get hurt, do you really want to see Holtby up again this year?
I don’t think Varlamov is going to stay healthy for two months, but Neuvirth has done that several times. Yes, I am fully aware you’ll discount it because it wasn’t in the NHL but I’m not that worried about Neuvirth should he be handed the playoff No. 1.
You keep spouting the veteran goalie line, but who are your realistic options? Dwayne Roloson? How much longer is the list after that? I guess Vokoun would be a dream but his cap hit + trade cost essentially guarantees we can’t address the 2C which is a much bigger concern.
Drunk Guy: "Alex Ovechkin is playing more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan this year."
Laichitor: "He has AIDS?"
well, that’s pretty much what I wanted to say, but it kept coming out as “[teeth gnashing] Marty f’ing Broduer? SERIOUSLY?![more teeth gnashing]”
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
The list is as long as you (and McPhee) want it to be. If Niemi isn’t the answer in San Jose, he could be dealt. What about Leighton in Philadelphia?
neither of those guys inspire confidence in me.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Neither of the goalies who reached the Cup finals last year inspire you? Do you want me to see if Jesus Christ is available for a first-round pick?
No. Those goalies are streaky, and as stand-on-you-head awesome as they can be one week, they can be tear-you-hair-out bad the next. They also played behind some pretty kick-ass defensive corps, and particularly in Philly’s case, that blue line was clicking through most of the playoffs.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Are you serious? You actually think either of those guys substantially changes the Caps’ chances? You’re smarter than that.
Niemi was good because of CHI’s D. Do we have that? No. If Niemi can’t hack it on another Cup hopeful, then why would it be different here? It doesn’t seem like you thought it through any more than “hey, he has more games played.” Niemi was also a rookie last year, not exactly a veteran presence. His numbers are also even worse than our kids’ numbers. So how exactly is that an upgrade?
Leighton is and always will be a career backup. He got lucky as hell and was behind another beast D corps and he was a passenger on the way to a Cup run. Do you really think he was integral? There’s literally zero chance he comes to DC.
In an absolute sense, yes, the list is as long as GMGM wants it to be. In a practical sense, the list is only as long as the guys that make this a better team. So again, how many of those guys are available? Of course, probably not much reason asking if you seriously floated the idea of Niemi and Leighton, seems you think anyone not named “Varlamov” or “Neuvirth” is an upgrade for the Caps.
Drunk Guy: "Alex Ovechkin is playing more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan this year."
Laichitor: "He has AIDS?"
For a back-up, I would take either of them over whomever Boudreau decides to sit. Other than Vokun, I don’t think that there will be many goalies available who I think is that much of an upgrade as the number one guy. But this team needs insurance, because does anyone have the confidence that both will be healthy for the start of the playoffs (or healthy enough so you wouldn’t mind them coming in if needed)?
If we have to put either of them in net we’re fucked anyway. Why even bother? I’m not giving up cap space or assets to get Leighton or Niemi just so we can hope they ride the pine. It just strikes me as extremely poor asset management/team building. How many teams are in great shape if their starter goes down? Not a lot, and frankly, I think we’re better set than most. Age and experience is less important than talent, and we’ve got two players more talented than the people you are floating.
Drunk Guy: "Alex Ovechkin is playing more like Magic Johnson than Michael Jordan this year."
Laichitor: "He has AIDS?"
by Rob Parker on Dec 20, 2010 8:42 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
I’ll admit to being nervous going into the playoffs with the Varly-Neuvy tandem, only because all it takes is one Varly groin relapse and we’ve got Holtby on the bench (shudder). But I agree that there aren’t many options out there, and we’ve got much bigger holes to fill if we want a successful Cup run.
Less drama, more hockey
by SeattleCapsFan on Dec 20, 2010 7:17 PM EST up reply actions
Varlomov and Neuvirth are, stats-wise, middle-of-the-road goalies this year: 905 and 908 save%, GAA of 2.54 and 2.66…Frankly, I don’t have much faith going into the playoffs that either of them can a) carry the team (as is sometimes needed) or b) stay healthy for 2 grueling months. A veteran goalie would do this team very good.
I understand where you’re coming from, but I would throw out these two numbers:
.910 Save % and 2.63 GAA
Those were Antii Niemi stats during the last year’s playoff run. You could easily make the argument that both Varly’s and Neuvirth’s career numbers in the AHL and NHL stack up pretty well against Niemi’s. In fact, you could make the argument that they’re better when you factor in Neuvirths’s Calder Cup wins and Varly’s KHL career. The argument being used against the Caps vis a vis a veteran goalie is the same argument used aginst Chicago last season and we all know how that turned out.
GAA doesn’t do much for me, because you can figure it out from the sv% and the number of shots on net the team allows. A goalie doesn’t really control how many shots he sees in a game, that’s pretty much on the skaters.
Ward’s having a much better season this year, but he has a body of work behind him that says “I’m slightly above average and can have hot streaks!”. Let’s not forget that Fleury was abominable to start the year and during the MTL series. He’s come back with his hair on fire, but he’s not facing too many shots behind that team. He’s definitely not going to sustain this level of play.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Dec 20, 2010 6:11 PM EST up reply actions
How can you wish a happy birthday to Bill Clement as he trashed the Caps on Powerplay today?!?!? Thought their celebration after beating Ottawa was over the top and showed immaturity.
Clips were posted at 6:29 am. Just a few hours before Clement made his comments. Besides, all ex-Caps, even ones hat we’d rather not admit to having been Caps, get wished a happy birthday. Even Joe Corvo.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
So who will be our 1st line and 2nd line RIght Wingers, with both Fehr and Semin out tomorrow?
I assume Knuble returns to the 1st line. As for the 2nd line, do we finally see Andrew Gordon there? Or do we put Hendricks or Bradley there instead?
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
I’d guess 8-19-22, 21-85-63 on the top 2. I’m trying to figure out who we have for the bottom 2 lines – Mackan and Chimera on the 3rd (with Hendricks?) and Steckel, Bradley, and…. who? I believe B. Gordon is still out, along with King, Fehr, and Semin. I was thinking Beagle, but I don’t know if the Caps still have him up.
There is no problem a hammer cannot either fix or make irrelevant.
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