If You Want Money, Go to the Bank
by Becca H on Feb 1, 2010 2:30 PM EST
94 comments
We all know it by heart at this point - that famous Brooks Laich quote from almost two years ago now: "If you want money, go to the bank. If you want bread, go to the bakery. If you want goals, go to the net."
That's the motto around which Laich has built his game (and most of his 16 goals this year); it's also the foundation for just about the entire career of offseason acquisition Mike Knuble. The idea is simple: with so many talented snipers in one lineup, the puck will eventually make its way to the net, which will inevitably lead to rebounds ripe for the picking. It's not new or pretty, but it works.
What is new is the way in which it has worked itself deep into the Capitals' game plan...with just about everyone getting on board.
It's been a gradual change, something that's built up steadily over the course of the season, to the point where in the last two games - and with increasing regularity over the last month - we've seen a number of goals scored from right in the goalie's front yard. Which naturally on the scoresheet show up as slappers from the point, but that's another issue.
These goals are coming from Knuble and Laich and Eric Fehr, but they're also coming from less than usual suspects, guys with names like Alexander Semin, Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom. Even Tomas Fleischmann is getting his shots on net from close range, rivaling only Knuble in average shooting distance. And it trickles down even further when guys like Shaone Morrisonn and Jeff Schultz are getting on the board for practically the first time since John Carlson was in diapers because of other guys going to the net and creating a screen.
It's a noticeable shift away from what used to be the gameplan, the "prettier is better" mentality that for too long mired the team in a series of over-passing, overly cutesy plays with little to show for it - and it can probably be traced back to two factors.
First, the importance of that Knuble signing can't be overemphasized. Not only has he added that missing puzzle piece to the top line, making them even scarier than before, but he's also clearly been an influence on the rest of the team. It's not just Knuble-esque players like Fehr and Laich that have benefited from watching a master at work, either, although the two of them are clearly learning from and adjusting their game to match his. Everyone is taking notes, to the point where Knuble is often not alone by the time he gets to the blue paint.
But second (and more important) is that the whole team seems to be buying into the idea that to win takes more than talent. It takes hard work, a willingness to sacrifice the body, an ability to accept punishment for reward. It requires never giving up on the play, following the puck until the whistle blows or the puck crosses the line - whichever comes first, and not a second before.
Last spring they saw their season end too soon partly because they simply had no answer for the net presence of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Everyone on that team, from the fourth-liners all the way up to Sidney Crosby, made a distinct effort to get in the goaltender's face and make life difficult. How many times did we see #87 planted in front of the goal...and how often did he cash in as a result?
The Caps have seen what it takes to win, and now they're doing it. Every player to a man has bought in. It's not a coincidence that as a result the offense has become the most potent in the NHL. When you can combine the dirty, hard-working goals from in tight with the gorgeous goals oozing with skill, that's an attack that's hard to defend against. Just on this win streak alone, there have been almost as many of the former as the latter.
Ugly goals are becoming the norm around here - and as Caps fans, there is no more beautiful sight.
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Agreed. I’d be interested in the breakdown of how many of Ovie’s assists this month are rebounds off his shots from the junk collectors around the net. The man owes slippers some kind of bonus
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
Or vice versa. The two of them are starting to get that mutually beneficial relationship going that Ovie and Backstrom have had for a few years now – they make each other better. I’m kind of loving how many of his assists are coming on Knuble goals like this, but Knuble has actually picked up quite a few assists the other way, too.
He’s assisting in other ways too. Can’t remember which game this week it was (maybe Anaheim), but I remember seeing Knuble and Ovi come across the blue line together, Knuble on the inside with the puck. He passed it out to Ovi, then got between him and a defender, proceeded to lift the Dman’s stick, just high enough for Ovi to get a pass over to Backs across rink. It was like a hockey version of a pick and roll, and proof that the old man can keep up with the kids.
If Knuble keeps up his junk-collection routine, he may just challenge for the “Greatest Capital Garbage Man to Wear #22”. But let’s see what he does in the playoffs before he undresses the legendary Dino Ciccarelli (pun intended)!
Despised in all cities except Washington and Quebec.
by topshelf_22304 on Feb 1, 2010 5:59 PM EST up reply actions
Doesnt matter how long he plays, if he wins us a Cup scoring those goals he’ll be automatically better than Dino in a Caps jersey.
maybe, but he’ll always be a complimentary piece, Dino was our best offensive player
Aim for the head baby Jesus
and as great as “I broke my face. I ran into Brendan Shannahan. You can google it.” is, nothing will ever top Dino’s “I can’t believe I shook his freaking hand.” (even if he was with the Wings)
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
On Draper having to wear a USA jersey at practice: "well at least the Wings can settle bets without involving gold plated desert eagles!"
“If you want stamps, go to the post office”
“If you want pancackes, go to the IHOP”
“If you want flying monkey poo, go to the zoo”
“If you want to see the Pens game on Sunday, turn to NBC”
by dcsportsfan1 on Feb 1, 2010 2:42 PM EST reply actions 4 recs
What I liked is that we’re getting a smorgasbord of pretty goals, ugly goals, and everything in between. The second goal from last night looked like something out of Harlem Globetrotters.
I’m really hoping that this can keep up.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
Considering that I have Caps goalies on my fantasy team I’d like to see a couple of 0’s to help that GAA go down faster.
Don’t forget their lack of a crease clearing defenseman.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
Don’t forget that their captain is too selfish to win a Cup.
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Feb 1, 2010 5:58 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, he only scores a lot because he shoots 100 times a game and never passes. And he’s cheap and dirty.
When you can combine the dirty, hard-working goals from in tight with the gorgeous goals oozing with skill, that’s an attack that’s hard to defend against. Just on this win streak alone, there have been almost as many of the former as the latter.
Word, sistah. Going off of memory, last night had two goals from in the paint, and one from the slot. Against FLA they had two in tight, one off the rush and one from the point. I could go on.
But I like it. Hopefully Knoobs stays healthy. I’m itching to see him take his act into MAF’s little office space…
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
I seem to recall Knuble being regarded as a Penguin-killer, yes?
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
You have horrible form and are asking for back trouble.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Only if you’re not using Ovie’s curve.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Feb 1, 2010 2:52 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I’d just like to say, while everyone was calling for a big defenseman last year, I was repeatedly making the case for exactly this type of player as what was lacking on the team. Watching this team the last couple years, I was always thinking, this team’s scoring would be out of control if someone could stand in front of the net and create havoc.
Doesn’t happen often, but nice to be right…
You can pick up your OFB mug at Guest Services.
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by J.P. on Feb 1, 2010 2:52 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I’m not sure what Knuble does is necessarily creating havoc. He does create a bunch of goals by taking lots of abuse in the paint and banging in rebounds.
Having Knuble seems to have changed Ovechkin’s game a bit. OV seems to be working the perimeter a bit more, and using his blue liners to work the puck in the offensive zone. Of course, this could just be a bit of maturity on OV’s part, or it could be a result of skating with the same linemates for more than 2 games at a time.
You’re right that he’s not chopping out the defensemen’s shins or punching the goalie in the neck, but by “havoc” here, I meant “score lots of goals”.
You are right about OV changing his game – he is looking to create much more than he used to take any shot on net. Part maturity, I think, party knowing that he’s got two talented linemates who can also score. But honestly, sometimes it’s frusturating – instead of constantly trying the power move around the d-man, sometimes I wish he’d just shoot.
Nothing drives a goalie crazier....
than an opposing forward standing right in front of/next to them when they are trying to stop the puck, distracts the D-men as well and creates space from the circles in.
It definitely seems OV doesn’t feel the need to force the play cause he knows there is space and time…an Knubs is waiting on a rebound.
I hadn’t considered that being 34th in the league in goals could also be considered creating havoc… in that regard, he certainly is. As a defenseman, I would imagine its a tough choice between leave the guy tied for 36th in the league in front of the net and praying you don’t let the scorers ranked 3rd or 16th in the league put one past your goaltender.
The caps have so many weapons, you can’t reasonably hope to stop them, you can only hope to keep them to 2 or 3 and slip a few across their goal line.
by iwearstripes on Feb 1, 2010 11:29 PM EST up reply actions
Since somebody suggested Laich is Rocky to Knuble’s Bullwinkle …
by patred48 on Feb 1, 2010 2:59 PM EST reply actions 6 recs
/Needs more Mr. Peabody.
Driver and head Muckety-Muck of The Pavel Kubina Bandwagon
I like your nurse's uniform, guy.
These are O.R. scrubs.
O.R. they?
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Feb 1, 2010 3:13 PM EST up reply actions
Nice.
Game-Over Green? Canada-Over Carlson!
by Scott in Shaw on Feb 1, 2010 3:22 PM EST up reply actions
The foreshortening caused by a zoom lens has rarely been so disturbing. Awesome
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Feb 1, 2010 3:54 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Ewwww.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
by fat_daddyo on Feb 1, 2010 4:39 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
My gag reflex would like a word.
PuckDaddy be damned, I'm putting CincoCinco on the back of a Schultz jersey!
by Chris meet Alex on Feb 1, 2010 6:57 PM EST up reply actions
First, the importance of that Knuble signing can’t be overemphasized. Not only has he added that missing puzzle piece to the top line, making them even scarier than before, but he’s also clearly been an influence on the rest of the team
Does this mean we can start calling Knuble “The Piece”?
Driver and head Muckety-Muck of The Pavel Kubina Bandwagon
I like your nurse's uniform, guy.
These are O.R. scrubs.
O.R. they?
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Feb 1, 2010 3:14 PM EST reply actions
I’d say he’s probably The Rug, v2.0.
Damn! Looks like my women is on time.
by Bald Pollack on Feb 1, 2010 3:15 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Ah yes, the Lebowski Effect.
"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 Feb 1, 2010 3:15 PM EST up reply actions
Only if we can start calling Tyler Sloan “Donnie”
Driver and head Muckety-Muck of The Pavel Kubina Bandwagon
I like your nurse's uniform, guy.
These are O.R. scrubs.
O.R. they?
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Feb 1, 2010 3:17 PM EST up reply actions
What's the fuss over this team?
They are in an epic hat-trick slump like you wouldn’t believe. Yeesh.
by S h a g g y on Feb 1, 2010 3:22 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Really a great writeup, Becca
but it’s missing something…
There we go, that’s better.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
Great article Becca! My buddy calls Knuble “Hungry Hippo”…anything that gets loose close to the net, gets sucked in!
The old "It's always the last place you look" comment makes sense because once I find it, I stop looking!
Yesterday, they played a video of Shrek and his friends cheering when Nicky B. (following the example of Knuble) scored an ugly goal.
Rocking the Red since 1975
I really think all the kids there was part of the reason the place was so dead. All their parents had to watch them and act responsible. Even the drunks in my section were hesitating to scream “you suck, ref” due to nearby rug rats.
Yeah you can tell we are going straight to the net
I was at the panthers game and I saw vokoun throwing a hissy fit and going after our guys because we were in his face the whole time.
Good stuff, Becca
22 has also served as an important career reminder to all the young role players on this team. Let’s face it: some of these guys we’re cheering now are going to finish their careers with other teams, and what they’re learning now will help them not only keep their roles there, but be leaders to show the next group of kids how it’s done.
Driving under the influence of hockey since godknow's when.
some of these guys we’re cheering now are going to finish their careers with other teams
Nuh-uh. Take it back. I refuse to believe it. ;)
But it’s true, he really has been a great role model for the young’uns. He’s been around some of the great leaders of the game himself, it all goes in cycles – someday Brooks Laich will be telling a wide-eyed rookie about the time he played with Mike Knuble and Sergei Fedorov.
Speaking of pretty passes
Getting ready for tomorrow’s game, I was revisiting the season opener, and this nifty carebear behind-the-back pass from Semin to AO.
IS KEPTIN NOW
Loved that play. They did a similar one in preseason, too.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
two things from that video -
1) #needs more Knubs
2) in hindsight, anybody think that game set the tone for the season? Caps blowing out the Bruins and look where each of these teams are now……
Rock the Red! Rock the White! Rock the Blue! Rock the Pens!
by RedskinFan4Life on Feb 1, 2010 10:17 PM EST up reply actions
Awesome. Looking at that video, it’s amazing how no one on the Bruins seems to pick up Ovechkin on either of his goals.
"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 Feb 1, 2010 10:40 PM EST up reply actions
Excellent post, Becca!
I agree with absolutely every single solitary word in it and am thinking of calling River City Sports for a Knuble sweater. GMGM is a g-e-n-i-u-s, no?
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
82 | 54 | 15 | 13 | 121 |
|
Atlanta
|
82 | 35 | 34 | 13 | 83 |
|
Carolina
|
82 | 35 | 37 | 10 | 80 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
82 | 34 | 36 | 12 | 80 |
|
Florida
|
82 | 32 | 37 | 13 | 77 |
(updated 4.12.2010 at 9:21 AM EDT)
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