Recap: Caps 3, Habs 0
by David Getz on Dec 28, 2010 10:14 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]
There wasn't going to be any way around the fact that the story of this game was going to be the matchup between last season's Presidents' Trophy winners and the team that upset them in the playoffs, even for Caps fans who knew no matter what the outcome was, the game could only mean so much. That being said, it was awfully nice to see the Capitals no only come out and win, but do so by playing a well-rounded game, and by playing hard.
The two points are most likely going to be fairly negligible when the end of the season comes around, but a solid win against the team that knocked you out last year, while you're coming out of a slump, and immediately preceding the biggest regular-season game of the year - well, that might not be.
Ten more notes on the game:
- Obviously most of the discussion about centers and the Capitals this year has been about who's going to play the position, what their odds of being successful are, whether the team needs to look outside the organization for help; thing of that nature. Lost, at times, in that discussion is just how lucky we are as Caps fans to have a guy like Nicklas Backstrom suiting up for our favorite team every night. There aren't many guys who could have made that first period pass and created the team's second goal.
- ...of course, being able to pass the puck to a guy like Mike Green helps you create goals, too. There aren't too many defensemen who can finish like that, either.
- Very good night out of Eric Fehr, who was getting to the net, taking shots, battling for the puck, and even mixing up with the opposition a little. Despite the underwhelming season-long numbers, these games seem to be coming more and more often for the right winger, who has always had the potential, but has had trouble with consistency.
- The way P.K. Subban stood over Jason Chimera after his first period hit on the Caps' winger was enough to make me wish D.J. King were healthy and dressed for the night.
- So did Travis Moen's hit from behind on John Erskine. That's the dirtiest play in hockey, aside of a suckerpunch or a slewfoot, and I cringe any time I see someone get hit like that.
- Everyone who knew Jay Beagle was capable of pulling off that move, raise your hand. Yeah, me either.
- Whether it was adjusting to a new system, adjusting to new teammates, or just a general funk, Scott Hannan was simply not very good when he first joined the Capitals. Tonight's game - his thirteenth with Washington - may have been his best, or at least his most consistent, since joining the team, borderline penalty notwithstanding.
- You have to love the effort on the part of Mike Knuble late in this game. Those little things to knock some time off the clock and keep the puck away from your team's net aren't the most fun things to do in this game, but they sure are useful.
- It's not as though he's played a ton of NHL minutes or anything, but at this point, I don't have any idea what to make of Andrew Gordon. Some nights he looked like he could be a really useful third-line energy guy who could occasionally chip in on offense; some nights he's invisible. Whether that's a guy adjusting to the NHL or indicative of something more is a question only time can answer for sure.
- Hats off to the Capitals' centermen tonight. Washington won 69% of the game's drawn, and no Cap who took more than three draws finished below 64%. A special nod goes to Backstrom, who was successful on 10 of his 12 draws.
So, the Caps come away with a solid win, a shutout, and about as much vengeance for last spring as they could have realistically hoped for. And, just as importantly, they've primed themselves for the Winter Classic.
Game highlights:
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Steak or lobster, Semyon? What'll it be?
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
BB sure had nice words for Jay Beagle. Will he dress for the Winter Classic?
You had me at no problem.
Nice work, Snoop Dogg
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
___________
BB sure had nice words for Jay Beagle. Will he dress for the Winter Classic?
He’ll need to be there to pass this along:
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
I believe it falls upon the captain to pass it along if the current holding player isn’t with the team anymore. That said, I fully expect Beagle to be with the Caps on Jan 1 and be able to pass it along to whomever has the first hat trick in Winter Classic history (No, not Sid or Geno…)
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 29, 2010 9:22 AM EST up reply actions
I was thinking it’d be MP85 or F-16, but ok, Steckel…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 29, 2010 9:51 AM EST up reply actions
Hershey represent!
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Tossing Beagle’s goal aside for a second:
He had 8:06 of ES time (Steckel had 10:57), and on PK, Steckel had 1:57 and Beagle 1:46. Faceoffs had Steckel winning 15 of 22 (68%) and Beagle took 7 of 11 (64%).
Boyd Gordon’s probably draining his foot his damn self if Beagle gets numbers like that consistently in the near future.
"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."
What’s the significance of the red text for Mike Green and Eric Fehr?
"And as it’s my personal opinion, I’d appreciate not being told it’s stupid, thanks." - BeccaH
Rock the Red!
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 28, 2010 10:26 PM EST up reply actions
Who was on the ice during the final minutes of empty net play? I could have sworn I saw two rookies playing the blueline.
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.
"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 28, 2010 10:27 PM EST up reply actions
Awesome game for the Caps. Now if only they looked like that every game.
Jay Beagle: where did that come from?!?!
Mike Green, so nice to see you again! 3 points in 3 games is a little more like it.
and with help from Boston’s little last minute heroics, Caps re-take first in the SE.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
I’m thinking my Varly winter classic jersey will be the right choice come game day.
Think twice before you speak, and then you may be able to say something more insulting than if you spoke right out at once.
Was that one of the quietest shutouts or what? Not much in the way of highlight saves. Just workmanlike efficiency. It helps that Varly is much more square to the puck, much more “quiet,” much more willing to rely on positioning this year.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 28, 2010 10:32 PM EST up reply actions
I thought that, too. Very quiet, not called on to make any highlight reel saves. Just a wonderfully solid, confident goaltending.
and then I flipped over to the Boston game and it made me appreciate Valry’s game that much more. Timmy looked like he was more spastic than usual.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
But somehow, spastic just works for that guy.
I like Laich, but I <3 Green
Keep the faith!!!!!!
by RockinRed4Life on Dec 29, 2010 7:57 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah, He was wonderful. The way he was moving through the crease and stopping each puck was so much fun to watch as a fan and as a goalie. He really made things look effortless.
Think twice before you speak, and then you may be able to say something more insulting than if you spoke right out at once.
by zephyr on Dec 28, 2010 11:30 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
The thing that impressed me the most was how “quiet/smooth” he was on his side to side pushes. Every time the Habs set up a cross-zone pass for a one-timer, Varly just pushed off once and ended up square to the shooter with his glove up and stick down and no overcompensation.
This game is all about overcoming diversity.
Thoughts posted during the long car ride home from the game…
Loved the pk, hated the pp. Wtf is wrong?
Where was beagle hiding that move?
Why on earth was that goal dissallowed in the first?
Loved greens defense, also loved carlznerson in the en situation.
Also, I loved the fans booing Subban when he had the puck in the 3rd period after his dive on the Hannan penalty. That kid is a douche-and-a-half.
Awesome win and my fiancee is still undefeated
If it's too loud, turn it down.
by renstar on Dec 28, 2010 10:32 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Subban makes a good villian. He whined to the refs every time he was hit. Someone smacked him in the second and went to the box for it (forgot who, Erskine I think) and Subban faked like he wanted a piece of him (because he was held back by the refs of course and Erskine was being escorted to the box). He chirped away at Ovi and Chimera several times, who completley ignored him. What a dick. I heard he got in a fight yesterday in practice with LaPierre.
Teh twitterz said that RDS was reporting the Subban chirped Ovi all. game. long.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
not that I want anyone seriously injured, but if something were to happen to him, it would be karma trying to bring the universe back into alignment.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Someone’s going to deck him soon if he keeps punkin’ it up like that.
John Carlson - Glory follows him.
Six Beers Too Many Fantasy Team - BizNasty's Hobo Rodeo
Check this out – when he messed with Bogosian about a month ago. Acts like a total wimp.
http://www.hockeyfights.com/fights/99237
There is no problem a hammer cannot either fix or make irrelevant.
I don’t mind if a guy wants to be a pest, as long as he’s willing to fight his battles. Subban seems to chirp and run.
John Carlson - Glory follows him.
Six Beers Too Many Fantasy Team - BizNasty's Hobo Rodeo
Funniest fight I ever saw. Subban tries to turtle, then holds on for dear life. They should have let Kane have a go with him.
AO tried to tee him up early and it didn’t work out. Subban trailed him yapping for a solid 5 seconds, then another yipping at the next whistle.
A blast from 28 in the first may have given PK a leetle souvenir. Was that sympathy the crowd expressed as Subban gimped off the ice? Perhaps no.
Well he probably has sensitive skin, no?
by redlineblue on Dec 28, 2010 10:50 PM EST up reply actions
Not too long ago, I remember this forum calling the Rags fans “classless” for cheering when OV went down. Now, in two straight home games the Caps fans have done the exact same thing. Can’t remember who it was for Pittsburg, but there was distinctive cheering and again tonight with Subban. Perhaps a young punk, but cheering injuries is way lame.
Hard to believe it's almost been a year - Admiral, your caps are playing well again.
by alisterio on Dec 29, 2010 1:03 AM EST up reply actions 9 recs
Letang.
.
Follow me on twitter, Picasa or at Pens Through My Lens.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Dec 29, 2010 2:41 AM EST up reply actions
I was really annoyed when that happened at the Pens game…as much as I am happy if Letang wasn’t playing for awhile, I am not okay with people being happy someone is injured.
I like Laich, but I <3 Green
Keep the faith!!!!!!
by RockinRed4Life on Dec 29, 2010 7:59 AM EST up reply actions
I was not pleased to hear cheering when Letang went down. Sure, he plays for the satan spawn Penguins, but he’s not a bad guy.
Subban though… he’s rapidly moving into the Sean Avery class of player, in that he’s becomming quite the annoyance out there… for him, I have no problem enjoying his being injured in a game (not seriously, mind you…but enough to put him off his game…)
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 29, 2010 9:25 AM EST up reply actions
I had no problem booing him when he had the puck after his shenanigans. That was enough for me. Karma will bite him in the ass eventually.
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 29, 2010 9:34 AM EST up reply actions
KarmaCarcillo will bite him in the ass eventually.
I have a feeling what it will take is someone who has enough strength to go after him, and enough stupid to disregard the game situation… hence Carcillo…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 29, 2010 9:53 AM EST up reply actions
All fan bases have idiots. I was at the Pens game and there were A Lot of people ourselves included who who were at first concerned and then cheered Letang when he was able to skate off the ice.
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 29, 2010 9:32 AM EST up reply actions
Agreed. When Cammalleri went off after taking a puck to the face, I was the only person in my section applauding, which really annoyed me. If an opposing player gets injured and leaves the ice, you applaud them, regardless of team.
This game is all about overcoming diversity.
I can understand what Richards was saying about Subban. I wonder what Knuble thinks of his game as PK put him on his back and held him down in the third.
by Ray of Sunshine on Dec 28, 2010 11:03 PM EST up reply actions
Not disputing the fact that he makes a good villain, but I’m pretty sure he was just going to pick up his stick, not faking like he was going after Erskine. My friend and I actually both joked about perhaps he’d mess with Chimera, but probably thought better of it with Ersk.
Hard to believe it's almost been a year - Admiral, your caps are playing well again.
0/8 on the powerplay
Aside from that, no complaints here.
I can see why Subban’s been scratched lately. His hit on Chimera led to a 4-on-2 and Green’s goals. That was one of the dumbest defensive plays I’ve seen all year.
"My Sports Blog":http://myfriendcorey.wordpress.com
Interesting. Just ‘cos the Caps aren’t practicing at Kettler tomorrow doesn’t mean they’re not practicing.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
annual trip to Chevy Chase Country Club undisclosed location in Maryland just off Connecticut Ave?
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Is there outdoor skating there?
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
yeah, they’ve practiced there for the past few years. But the club members don’t like the riff-raff, so it’s never publicized.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
It’s timely, but I’ve never understood the relationship. Someone in the ownership group a bigwig at the club?
"It's always good to have vikings."
I’m not sure what the connection is. Maybe the McPhees are members? They live nearby.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
The club members aren’t even nice to the visiting teams when we play there. A few years ago my husband took our oldest for a game with our 2 youngests in tow, and not knowing it was outdoors, they had no coats. They went to stand inside and were kicked out! It was a snowy, cold Sunday morning. They were told they were not members. Funny, I thought they were guests. My husband asked a member inside if the boys could be his guests for an hour. He just nodded. It was before they built the warming room, I think.
We recently played there and the manager of their pee wee team was very haughty and “disappointed” as she kept saying that we would not reschedule a league game to suit them to a time when we already had a game scheduled.
I played there once, probably ten years ago, with my Reston Pee Wee travel team. It was so unbelievably foggy for whatever reason that I couldn’t see the pucks coming at me, so playing goal was just a series of educated guesses.
My first and only outdoor game. It should have been really cool, but it was just confusing.
by Beaupre for Mercy on Dec 29, 2010 8:56 AM EST up reply actions
Kettler winter classic gear
Does anyone know if they still have a nice jersey selection and hats? Everything winter classic at VC was 30% off today, but they didn’t have hats and the jerseys were picked over by the end of the second period.
That was bullshit. I bought a winter classic tshirt for my mom (it was her first hockey game) and I didn’t get any discount.
If it's too loud, turn it down.
by renstar on Dec 28, 2010 10:53 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
You had to specifically out each piece of clothing to some of the cashiers – we stood there for 15 min trying to sort things out after the cashier discounted my shirt but didn’t realize my mom’s was a winter classic one
by HockeyDragon on Dec 28, 2010 11:37 PM EST up reply actions
Not sure about the jerseys, but the knitted hats were all sold out (I was calling around for it on Xmas Eve).
"I would feed them lefts until I was pretty much tired of doing it." - Alan May, JRR, 10.16.2010
The knitted hats were at Ashburn Ice House on Sunday.
He's a better skater than Nick, but he's big in the back[side]...BB
by Backeez Got Back on Dec 28, 2010 11:01 PM EST up reply actions
Damn! And that’s closer to me than all the other places I called.
"I would feed them lefts until I was pretty much tired of doing it." - Alan May, JRR, 10.16.2010
Springfield Mall. They were with the other Caps shirts/jerseys, near the Redskins stuff in the men’s sporting wear. There were 3 different types of hats, all knitted. One of them may have just been a knitted Caps beanie, one had the long tassels, and the other IIRC had a pompom on top and the edge could be folded up.
As much as this discussion has been valuable, please try to keep it out of the recap thread in the future.
"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 29, 2010 9:18 AM EST up reply actions
30% is no biggie, either. Everything in the team store at Verizon is marked up 30% more than retail anywhere else, including Kettler. You pay for the convenience of getting it at the game.
"It's always good to have vikings."
The knitted pompom hat at Ashburn was $18.90, the reversible hat worn for warmups at Thursday’s games were $20.
He's a better skater than Nick, but he's big in the back[side]...BB
by Backeez Got Back on Dec 28, 2010 11:12 PM EST up reply actions
Hope MoJo and/or Matty can play Saturday because Aucoin did not seem to be a good fit for Sasha and Brooks. The Habs were also easily pushing him off the puck and squashed (is that a hockey term?!!) him on multiple occasions – granted it was his first game up this year.
by Ray of Sunshine on Dec 28, 2010 10:55 PM EST reply actions
He fits in nicely, size wise, with the Habs!
by Ray of Sunshine on Dec 28, 2010 10:57 PM EST up reply actions
Perreault believes he’ll be back on Saturday. Or least that was the word from this morning. Expect to see him back, then.
As for Johansson, the question is … what’s wrong with him and would he be hurt by playing outdoors on iffy ice?
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
You have to love the effort on the part of Mike Knuble late in this game. Those little things to knock some time off the clock and keep the puck away from your team’s net aren’t the most fun things to do in this game, but they sure are useful.
Glad you brought that up. Lots of ragging on Knuble in the GDT for not cashing in on Ovi’s pass in front of the net. But his ability to tie up the puck (and kill the clock) late in the game and in PK situations is something that he’s done so well over the years: you don’t even realize what he’s doing until it’s too late.
"I would feed them lefts until I was pretty much tired of doing it." - Alan May, JRR, 10.16.2010
Saw the game at VC. Comments on game:
Great defensive effort for the Caps, overall. Plenty of good plays for everyone.
Power Play was abysmal, overall. The first two PP’s were really bad. The third PP has lots of chances but nada. Suggestions: get Ovi off point and on half wall. And is it time to start playing some of our 3rd and 4th line grinders on the PP instead of the “normal” cast of characters? It’s not like they could do any worse since they’ve frankly scored as much as the top liners.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
We’re seeing a sea-change in the way this team commits to defense. OK, let’s see if it lasts and all that, but this team didn’t resemble the one that blew a three goal lead to TOR. Do they finally get it?
The Kolzilla PR department has advised me to post a link to my work at Inside Hockey, so here it is.
www.Insidehockey.com
From the nhl.com recap:
Boudreau decided it was time to install a more defensive-minded system for the Capitals in the midst of the team’s long losing skid. At first the losses continued to mount as the team tried to adapt, but his troops have clearly taken to the new philosophy. The Capitals have now allowed 12 goals in the past seven games since a 7-0 defeat at Madison Square Garden.
“When you change things, if they don’t work you’re in trouble,” Boudreau said. “It was something that we tried that so far has been successful against some pretty good teams and obviously the next team [Pittsburgh] is pretty good too, so we’ll see how it works.”
I thought the argument against Bruce was that he was too stubborn to change the Caps game?
That was, and still could be. The question is, if he gets into a game/series where this is clearly not working, will he be willing to change tactics?
Also, the Caps continued PP failures are a sign that a change needs to be made – and BB isn’t making it.
There is no problem a hammer cannot either fix or make irrelevant.
He’s put Ovechkin on the point, on the half-wall and in front of the net. He had Green and Carlson on the points. He’s put third and fourth liners on the PP. He’s making every change he can come up with. There just not working…yet.
But the only time recently there’s been much success is when Ovie is not on the point, or a 3rd/4th liner is in. He keeps going back to Ovie on the point with Green, Backstrom, Semin, and Laich/Knuble/Fehr – even though that is clearly not working.
There is no problem a hammer cannot either fix or make irrelevant.
The PP has been so ineffective as of late that I’m wondering if it’s time for Boudreau to start using some of our grinders, like Beagle, Hendricks, Steckel; etc. on the PP. They at least can score the garbage goals and maybe garbage goals is what we need to get the PP off the schneid. (Come to think of it, we’ve probably had more goals scored from the 3rd and 4th line than our top 2 lines this month anyhow.)
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
The top 2 lines have actually scored more goals – but it’s not the Young Guns who’ve been featured. MP leads with 5 goals (1 PP, 4 ES). Knuble (1 PP, 1 SH, 2 ES) and Ovie (4 ES) are next. Laich, Beagle, Green, and Backstrom all have 2 – with Laich and Green each having a PP goal. But look at the list of players who’ve had 1 goal in December – both Gordons (A. and B.), Hendricks (PP), Bradley, Alzner, Fehr, Chimera, Carlson, and Steckel.
That means out of 30 goals, Ovie, Green, and Backstrom got 8 – 1 of them on the PP. However, Chimera, Bradley, Steckel, Hendricks, B. Gordon, A. Gordon, and Beagle have also gotten 8 – 1 on the PP. 7 of the other 14 were from the grinders on the top 2 lines – Laich, Knuble, and Fehr. Then MP had 5 (a few of which were close in), and Carlznerson each had 1. Of the 5 PP goals the Caps have gotten this month, 3 were from grinders (Knuble, Hendricks, Laich) and MP’s was a point-blank, if I remember correctly. The grinders have been coming through, especially on the PP.
There is no problem a hammer cannot either fix or make irrelevant.
No Semin included?
I’m starting to think the PP needs only 1 of the Young Guns On at a time, who’s not named Green, he can stay. Every singe time its OBS out the entire PP is categorized by 50 ft perimeter shots and repeated cross rink passes, none of which lead to scoring. Matty P’s goal came from 2 grinder’s crashing the crease and driving it and MP85 running effective traffic.
We need more of that, more of PP2, having OBS out for all 2 minutes is working after all. The 2nd unit usually gets what 10% of the total PP time? and more Carlson.
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.
Semin was goalless in December – his last goal was Nov. 28. I thought about listing him, and probably should have done so while noting that he had no goals.
I have no problem with both Ovie and Backstrom being out – just not Ovie, Backstrom, and Semin. Put Ovie further in, where he can either take a shot from the circle or get to the net. He is very effective near the net, due to his size and hands. Put Laich or Fehr as the other wing so they can crash the net. Put Backstrom where he can distribute the puck, and let Green and Carlson play point and QB the PP. That’s eactually been fairly effective when it’s been used. Put Semin on PP2, with MP, Fehr/Laich, and switch one of the dmen for Poti. MP can play the same kind of role as Ovie (except for the size part, he just uses sneakiness instead) and Semin can play the same kind of role as Backstrom. Semin isn’t quite as good of a passer, but he can set up a play.
There is no problem a hammer cannot either fix or make irrelevant.
Andrew Gordon announces his assignment back to Hershey on twitter. I feel bad for him, but this is no surprise. Numbers work against him as forwards get “healthy”.
"It's always good to have vikings."
Who got healthy?
I tweet far too much. Follow me!
USA beat Canada because more kids in the US are playing hockey and the USA hockey system is producing better hockey players to compete with the Canadian youth hockey system, not because Ray Bourque got his fuck on in Boston. -Killer_Carlson
Note the quotation marks. Perreault said this morning he expects to play Saturday, so that’s one. Let’s assume MJ90 is healthy enough to play. That’s two. Aucoin’s got to be an emergency callup (makes more than the salary cutoff in Hershey).
And Corey seems to think Gordon could potentially play for Hershey on Thurs and get called back up for Saturday if needed.
"It's always good to have vikings."
That could be true — on Gordon. A send down and return, as a cost saving move.
And was also assuming that Perreault’s words on his availability are true.
I can’t think of any forward who’s ready to come off IR. I assume that Bradley and BG are in no shape to return. And, is DJ King still “technically” on IR at the moment or not?
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
I’m not sure we actually take a hit against the cap for Gordon. With Sloan and DJ King on LTIR we get enough cap relief to cover pretty much anyone who would be called up from Hershey.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Dec 29, 2010 10:13 AM EST up reply actions
Actually, Sloan’s no longer on IR. He actually played vs Pittsburgh. I’m not sure about King, however.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
I know King is still on IR, and I think B. Gordon is too.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Dec 29, 2010 11:03 AM EST up reply actions
Caps aren’t going to get any cap relief for any injured player this year — not unless they are forced to exceed the salary cap. LTIR only helps if you are above the salary cap.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 29, 2010 12:52 PM EST up reply actions
so they’re just trying to bank as much cap space for later in the season as possible. Not all that surprising, given how many call-ups they’ve had to use in December.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Good, I hope Gordon, Aucion and maybe Beags get sent down for at least Thursday, I’d like to see them play for the Bears when I’m out in Pitt :)
The safe word will be "hwiskey"
I assume that Perreault will be available Saturday.
Schultz is no longer on IR so one body has to be moved to make room for him
I also assume that Aucoin will be sent back down to Hershey.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
God I hate PK Subban now. What a Douche.
I tweet far too much. Follow me!
USA beat Canada because more kids in the US are playing hockey and the USA hockey system is producing better hockey players to compete with the Canadian youth hockey system, not because Ray Bourque got his fuck on in Boston. -Killer_Carlson
I’m not a big fan of booing opposing players every time they touch the puck, but I was willing to make an exception tonight. I can’t believe I’m saying this but I actually agree with Mike Richards on Subban.
Subban is a, to put it bluntly, a prick (I’d call him a punk, but that’d insult most punks I know…). He likes to talk like he knows it all, likes to brag, likes to think he’s the biggest hitter when he knocks someone down…so what? If you let it get to you, then he’s won. The Caps did get to him though, in that on Green’s goal, Subban was way out of position (meaning at center ice) when Green shot the puck…right about from the spot where the right defenseman should have been…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 29, 2010 9:28 AM EST up reply actions
So what should our lines be at the WC on Saturday? We’ll assume that Matty P. and Johansson will be available. And Matt Bradley and Boyd Gordon are not. (And that AG and Aucoin are still in Hershey.)
So, available forwards are: Ovi, Backstrom, Knuble, Laich, Semin, Perreault, Chimmer, MJ, Fehr, Hendricks, Beagle, Stecks, King.
And at least 7 defensemen available — not sure about Poti.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
I’d go:
8-19-22
28-85-21
25-90-16
83-39-26
52-23
27-74
55-4/3
The one change I can think of is to move Knuble to 3rd and Fehr to 1st, simply because 25-90-16 hasn’t been very effective. I think Knuble could help out there, and Fehr can play on the 1st.
There is no problem a hammer cannot either fix or make irrelevant.
Sounds good to me. My assumption is that Poti won’t be available on Saturday. I’d say, Beagle definitely earned his way in the lineup for the WC. Hence, A Gordon being sent down.
Last year, Fehr and Chimmer seemed to work. I don’t know what happened. Laich and Semin should be reversed. While Semin can certainly play LW with no problem, Laich is not really a RW.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
I tend not to put players according to wing – I keep forgetting who plays which. So if you see that from me, that’s why.
Also, I could see Beagle being sent back down for Gordon – but I’d be surprised. Beagle has been more effective.
There is no problem a hammer cannot either fix or make irrelevant.
I think they’ll keep Beagle up for the WC game myself. If Gordon is recalled, it will be if Johansson is not ready to go for some reason.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
True. If Mackan can’t play, I think Hendricks goes 3C with Chimera and Fehr, while Gordon would be 4th with Steckel and Beagle.
There is no problem a hammer cannot either fix or make irrelevant.
Except that A Gordon has been sent down to Hershey. But I’m sure he can be called back if needed,
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
I was going off the “if Gordon is recalled” thinking you mentioned. I’m wondering how much more we’ll see him this season, because yesterday was his 8th game. I am a little fuzzy on the details of waivers and such, but couldn’t he be taken by another team if he’s sent down after more than 10 games?
There is no problem a hammer cannot either fix or make irrelevant.
Had to point this out. Scroll down…pretty far tonight was eventful
Defenseman Jay Beagle(notes) opened the scoring with this nifty backhander:
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.
Wow… he’s Tyler Sloan Pt. 2!! Only better!
There is no problem a hammer cannot either fix or make irrelevant.
Its not like NHL.com or the caps website has basic information like that readily available.
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.
Or just the lineup sheet. Or any other recap of the game.
There is no problem a hammer cannot either fix or make irrelevant.
Leahy is an idiot. He frequently gets Capitals facts wrong. He’s a Pens fan.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Wholeheartedly disagree on Leahy being an idiot – he’s a smart hockey guy. He made a mistake. It happens.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 29, 2010 6:47 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I told him off :p
I tweet far too much. Follow me!
USA beat Canada because more kids in the US are playing hockey and the USA hockey system is producing better hockey players to compete with the Canadian youth hockey system, not because Ray Bourque got his fuck on in Boston. -Killer_Carlson
Belated Observations from Section 421...
…so I got home from the game, and then my wife asked me what the score was, and I got to slowly describing Beagles’ goal….and then we sat and waited for NHL:OTF to show it from their show starting at 11 PM…. by the time it was 11:45 we saw Vancouver extend their lead over Philly to 4-1 (good) and the highlights from Canada’s oblitteration of the Czech republic at the world juniors (not good, but Eakin had a great goal…)
Anyway, here….we…go:
1) Overall, this may have been the best game the Caps have played from start to finish in 2010-11. From the opening face off to the final horn, there was little panic, few mistakes, they capitalized on a major defensive breakdown, killed penalties superbly, won nearly 70% of the face-offs, neutralized the opposition’s top scoring threats… overall a terrific effort.
2) That aside, two bonehead penalties by the Caps… the first was Hendricks’ boarding call early on. The crowd was booking, but the replay showed exactly what he did and why it was boarding. He hit the guy flush on the numbers and put him face first into the boards… not good. The second was Semin’s hooking penalty. I know we should be used to this stupidity from him, but he has got to not take lazy/stupid/frustration penalties like this. Guys got the great talent, he needs the focus to go with it….
3) PK Subban… ok, now that I’ve seen him in person when he wasn’t awestruck (like he was in the playoffs), I have to say I agree with Mike Richards. The guy’s a prick and an [Avery]. He will get his… last night wasn’t the time for the Caps in that it was a close game most of the night, but if the margin was 4 or 5, I wouldn’t have minded seeing Hendricks, Chimera or Erskine take a shot at him. I was pleased (and the team will be too) that when Subban tried to take liberties late in the first, it helped enable Green to score a goal. He scored pretty much from where Subban should have been standing when the play was in the Habs’ end. Instead Subban was still at center ice.
4) Nice shutout by Varly… well done, sir!
5) Amazing play by Beagle. Is he this seasons Chris Bourque, or is there more where that came from? Can he step up and be the next Eric Fehr and be a 20 goal guy? I don’t think that that’s going to happen, but for one night, he looked like he really belonged in the NHL.
6) And speaking of F-16… it looks like he’s getting out of his funk… the Caps could use 10-15 goals from him the rest of the way. If he delivers on that, watch out…
7) These are not your father’s Habs…. or even last year’s. While they’re battling with Boston for the division title now, I don’t see them sticking there. Playoffs? Yes. But a 6, 7, or 8 seed.
8) Price played a pretty good game for the Habs last night in net. Of the two goals scored on him, he really wasn’t at fault on either. Maybe on Beagle’s goal he could have held the post tighter, but he had to expect a pass or something from there, not a backhand flip over his shoulder. On the second, his defenders shouldn’t be giving Mike Green a shot from that spot…ever.
9) Hey Hooks, Ovie got another empty net goal…and the Caps got another win. ;-)
10) Someone explain to me that if there are two referees, why the guy behind the goal has to whistle the play dead when the puck is alive in the crease. Let the guy who can see it make the call. Steckel’s disallowed goal had no reason to be blown dead. At. All.
Still and all, a very solid win tonight. Play like that New Years Day, and the Winter Classic has the potential to not be a classic, in that a blowout by the Caps might be in the offing…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
10) Someone explain to me that if there are two referees, why the guy behind the goal has to whistle the play dead when the puck is alive in the crease. Let the guy who can see it make the call. Steckel’s disallowed goal had no reason to be blown dead. At. All.
Because with that scrum in front of the net, the guy standing 90 feet away at the red line isn’t likely to have eyes on the puck either.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Dec 29, 2010 10:24 AM EST up reply actions
to be fair
We’ve had 2 goals against waived off under similar circumstances this year if I remember correctly.
Suspend Colin Campbell!
7) These are not your father’s Habs…. or even last year’s. While they’re battling with Boston for the division title now, I don’t see them sticking there. Playoffs? Yes. But a 6, 7, or 8 seed.
seem to remember them being an 8 seed last year…
Suspend Colin Campbell!
They were, and that’s what they will be again… they’re in contention for the division title now, but I think they’ll fade a bit…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 29, 2010 1:03 PM EST up reply actions
Beagle I think.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Dec 29, 2010 11:51 AM EST up reply actions
Beagle got it but said Varly deserved it.
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 29, 2010 3:28 PM EST up reply actions
He is not giving himself enough credit. That goal was awesome, and he was all over the ice (in a good way).
Varly did a great job and got the shut out, but did nothing super spectacular (not to downplay his play).
I like Laich, but I <3 Green
Keep the faith!!!!!!
by RockinRed4Life on Dec 29, 2010 3:41 PM EST up reply actions
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