Recap: Caps 4, Bruins 1
by Becca H on Feb 2, 2010 10:25 PM EST
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You wouldn't know it to look at this current incarnation of the Washington Capitals, but it's really not often that a team gets to make history - to do something so special, so impressive that it's never been done in the franchise's 35 year run.
This team is special. It's impressive. And tonight, it's historic. Those 11 wins, by whatever means, should be celebrated.
There were times tonight when that history seemed in doubt. There's a reason why runs like this don't happen every day and why they mean so much when they do happen - because it's not easy to do. And as the Caps traveled to Boston to take on a struggling Bruins team, they faced an uphill battle for the entire 60 minutes. But in the end, as winning teams so often do, they once again found a way to win.
Ten more notes on the game:
- The Caps have pretty well established themselves as a first period team this season, but you wouldn't know it from tonight's opening twenty minutes. At the outset it looked like a team terrified of blowing the streak facing a team desperate to break out of theirs - and it spiraled downhill from there, with a parade to the penalty box and a 5-on-3 tally staking Boston to the early lead in what was one of the Caps' sloppiest periods in a long time.
- And it could have been uglier, were it not for the heroics of #60 in net. Jose Theodore held this team in the game early and absolutely stood on his head to give them a fighting chance, stopping everything he could and should stop - and many that can only be described as thievery. That's two games on the streak that Theo's stolen for the Caps now, and it's not as if he's played poorly in the other ones, either.
- Theodore was one of just a few Caps who showed up for the first period; Tom Poti was right there alongside his goalie, and continues to be one of the steadier, more consistent D in the last 10-15 games. He was good at both ends once again tonight, finishing +4 with some great defensive plays while also adding two more assists
- Since the Caps seemed to have some kind of magnetic pull to the penalty box in the first period, the penalty killing units had to be good - and for the most part they were, allowing just a 5-on-3 and killing off multiple infractions in a row (by one who...shall go unnamed, ahem).
- Good thing, too, because the power play seemed slightly off tonight and failed to capitalize on any of the four chances they were given. Of course, not having any power plays after the halfway point of the second period wasn't helpful.
- By my (admittedly weak) understanding of the rule book, a penalty shot is awarded when a player a) is on a clear breakaway and b) fails to get a decent shot off. Looked to me like David Krejci got a pretty good shot away - matched by an equally good save by Theo - on what turned into a penalty shot. No matter, though; just gave Theo two chances to stone Krejci, that's all.
- With Boyd Gordon's goal, it's official - every Caps' skater that has appeared in at least 8 games during this streak has scored a goal. Take a minute to roll that around in your mind when you go down the roster and see names like "Erskine" and "Morrisonn", won't you?
- But admit it, when Boston pulled Tim Thomas late in the game you were hoping Theodore would take a shot at the open net. You know, just to round out the scoring...no? Just me?
- With the way this team's offense is clicking and the amount of youthful talent to be found on the roster, the hottest player on the team...is a 38 year old offseason pickup with a claw for a hand. Mike Knuble once again gets on the board with the all-important tying goal, the result of several high energy, hard-working shifts to open the second period.
- Relatively quiet night for Alex Ovechkin (unless you count the mild chorus of boos that followed him whenever he touched the puck...it's been done, by the way). He did add to his goal totals with yet another empty net goal, but his best shift probably came about 6 minutes into the third when he responded to Johnny Boychuk knocking him over by going after Boychuk not once, not twice, but three bone-crushing times.
Game highlights:
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Reading positive words about the play of Tom Poti both scares and confuses me.
I have a blog too! www.scottyhockey.com
Let's Go Rangers!
by Scotty Hockey on Feb 2, 2010 10:28 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Scares and confuses a lot of people around here! Not me, though – I take a lot of heat for my Poti-love but I’m feeling very vindicated (and proud) lately.
I’m madly in love with Tom Poti, annoying accent and all.
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!"
annoying accent? i kinda liked his bite of the nite.
by twistedlogic on Feb 2, 2010 10:48 PM EST up reply actions
I enjoy his accent – it’s just mild enough to not drive me completely nuts.
And we can share him, RB! If he wasn’t married, I swear… ;)
Ha!
$$$$$$$$$$
I have a blog too! www.scottyhockey.com
Let's Go Rangers!
by Scotty Hockey on Feb 2, 2010 11:00 PM EST up reply actions
it’s a real shame that I’m not sure I could function without eating peanutbutter cups every day.
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!"
ah yes. i just ate a reese’s dark choc peanut butter cup. quite amazing.
by twistedlogic on Feb 2, 2010 11:03 PM EST up reply actions
yes, but its soooo refreshing isn’t it?
by twistedlogic on Feb 2, 2010 10:33 PM EST up reply actions
No, not at all. If he skates off with his hand to his ear on Thursday – as he did in the playoffs – I will personally go down there and kick his ass.
I have a blog too! www.scottyhockey.com
Let's Go Rangers!
by Scotty Hockey on Feb 2, 2010 10:34 PM EST up reply actions
if he plays like he’s been playing, i’m not gonna do anything except bask in the warmth of victory….
by twistedlogic on Feb 2, 2010 10:36 PM EST up reply actions
Dude, if he has reason to do that? I will personally go down there and give him a big kiss.
…that moment last year was probably one of my favorites, by the way. Sorry :P
No reason to be sorry. Your favourite moment was one of my worst of all time – that’s the beauty of sport.
I have a blog too! www.scottyhockey.com
Let's Go Rangers!
by Scotty Hockey on Feb 2, 2010 10:53 PM EST up reply actions
Just remember Scotty…
1) He’s a professionally trained athlete who works out just about every day
2) He’ll be dressed in full body armor, including a helmet
3) He’ll be on razor-sharp skates, and most importantly…
4) He’ll be carrying a stick.
I doubt there’ll be any literal ass-kicking… maybe some metaphorical.
Besides if you guys need someone to boo, you have Wade Redden conveniently available…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Feb 2, 2010 10:40 PM EST up reply actions
you have Wade Redden conveniently available…
For 4 more seasons after this one.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
I don’t think Gainey is that stupid desperate
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Feb 2, 2010 10:54 PM EST up reply actions
If there’s ever an overpriced player to be had, you can count on the Rangers or Montreal to try to acquire him.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Speaking of expensive players, is LA about to acquire Kovalchuk? Well, they are in contention. They have good defense. They have cap space. And they need offense.
Rocking the Red since 1975
i heard the devils were getting into that mix. i think espn confirmed too.
by twistedlogic on Feb 2, 2010 11:06 PM EST up reply actions
They aren’t getting much scoring outside of the ZZ Pops line, are they?
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
Yeah but Devils don’t have the top prospects/young, ready to play NHLers to give that LA does…
I have a blog too! www.scottyhockey.com
Let's Go Rangers!
by Scotty Hockey on Feb 2, 2010 11:08 PM EST up reply actions
LA’s got a great farm system, and ATL might see the benefit in sending him to the Western Conference so they see less of him.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
I’d love to see him go to LA. Hockey needs successful teams in major markets. The Kings doing well couldn’t hurt the NHL. Same reason I’m thrilled the Blackhawks are also strong. Wouldn’t hurt to see the Rangers, Stars, and Bruins playing better, either.
As long as the Stanley Cup finds its way to DC, that is. =)
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
And the bigger spotlight will be good for Ilya as well. He’s certainly got the hair for it.
IS KEPTIN NOW
You’re obsessed with his hair. I’m mesmerized by his eyes. I’d be sorry if he went west, actually, because then we wouldn’t see him as often.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Feb 3, 2010 10:14 AM EST up reply actions
Waddell cares not for top prospects like Coburn. He prefers guys like Zhitnik.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Feb 3, 2010 12:12 AM EST up reply actions
Devils need to do something. They’re in grave danger of falling out of first place — in their division. Pens are breathing down their necks.
Rocking the Red since 1975
I don’t know. I rather like the idea of the Devils coming out of first in their division – the Pens getting the division means we don’t see them before the ECF.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
With more chances for someone else to take them out first, media wishes be damned. Although right now, the only team I’d buy any stock in to do that is Ottawa.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
Sure looks like OTT and PIT are headed for a first-round tangle if the Devils can get out of their slump, doesn’t it?
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
Does acquiring Kovy put them on a level with CHI or SJS, do you think?
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
hah! Only beer, but I’ve had enough of this Potibashing for sure.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Water is wet, sky is blue, I hate Tom Poti and that is true.
I have a blog too! www.scottyhockey.com
Let's Go Rangers!
by Scotty Hockey on Feb 2, 2010 11:01 PM EST up reply actions
Have you joined us since your Rangers are playing the Caps in two days?
Odd thing. Poti is actually a Yankee fan.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Scotty’s a long time visitor. we like him.
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!"
Thanks, feeling is mutual.
I have a blog too! www.scottyhockey.com
Let's Go Rangers!
by Scotty Hockey on Feb 2, 2010 11:07 PM EST up reply actions
well there goes that. i was warming up to poti. but now you tell me hes a YANKEES fan. ugh
by twistedlogic on Feb 2, 2010 11:05 PM EST up reply actions
Poti was born in Worcester, MA and you’re telling me he’s a Yankees fan? You’ve just ruined him for me.
i’d hate him if he was a red sox fan too tho. although at least that would his local team.
by twistedlogic on Feb 2, 2010 11:50 PM EST up reply actions
I bashed Poti’s friggen wallowing around the crease enough for him for one night.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
You made it home in one piece, hurray!
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Very hurray. It got worse the further south I went but it wasn’t too bad. Totally worth it!
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
do share the details!
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!"
That sounds mored like something beta would do haha
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
We needed more folks and less being anchored to a table, I think.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
The table was too big, we should have gone for an L shape to keep everyone included.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
I have such shitty hearing in a crowd.. that would have been a good idea.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
There’s always Thursday! Although I’d like to do it in a more Caps-centric place. I’m sure it’s not nearly as fun when there isn’t a game watch party there.
Dunno I’ve only ever gone to all the same ones you’ve gone to, haha. Maybe if we moved it more into DC?
I’d prefer Ballston but whatevs
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
Me too, please oh please. Bailey’s works just fine, really. So many TV’s, we assured not to get shafted at least.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Understand but the MD Rink Rats and Rabits get shafted on Ballston. It’s simply too far to drive on a work night.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
Go have you own watch parrrrrrty! Or I’ll just have to skip it, Ballston is already a trek for me :(
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
I feel like even if we had it in DC, it would still be too far for you guys and any further than DC and it becomes too far for me and some distant VA people. :(
She did mention something about getting y’all drunk for free.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
Wait, what? Who gets drunk for free? how?
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
The lady who handed out the free app cards said ask for her and she’d get us drunk for free or something along those lines.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
Whoa, nice! I hope I can weasel my way into that as well.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Well seeming as I have to drive and I’m 19, you can get the drinks, I’ll get the crappy appetizer.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
I know right. Booo.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
Eventually it’ll be a house party and you can make up for all of these injustices then.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Hahahah Japers’ beer pong?
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
We can get our hands on a Caps’ themed table… maybe.
Sew up your heart, grow a pair, and watch hockey.
K_C has a really nice Weagle table and I have a table that isn’t Caps themed, but does have some Caps logos on it and is definitely hockey themed.
Sew up your heart, grow a pair, and watch hockey.
Let’s do Bailey’s – there’ll be a ton of seats Thursday unlike during the Penguins game. Perfect sports bar.
Yay! I opted not to go home tonight; am crashing at my dad’s instead and will go home tomorrow morning.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
Understand. Having him so close is a blessing for both of us.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
when I moved back to DC, “being closer to family” was not one of the reasons. But now that we’re both adults, I really enjoy getting to spend time with my dad. I looooove when we play hooky from work and go museum-hopping.
My dad has also turned into a full-blown rock-the-red Caps fan. He called me tonight to “woooooooohooooooo!”
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!"
Krejci looks funneh.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
It’s bad if you’re in a jpg with Poti and you’re the weird-looking one.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
He looks funny too, I just assumed everyone knew that.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
Congratulations Theo
I am awarding you the Hard Hat unilaterally and also by acclaim. I haven’t seen official confirmation, but if your #60 isn’t on that hat, well maybe Poti’s #3 is.
Anyway, congrats and go get ’em in NYC.
IS KEPTIN NOW
When I voted in the American Pest thingy, Theo was at 90%… the right choice.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Feb 3, 2010 9:47 AM EST up reply actions
i, too, hopped on that Theo bandwagon
Rock the Red! Rock the White! Rock the Blue! Rock the Pens!
by RedskinFan4Life on Feb 3, 2010 10:40 PM EST up reply actions
I always hope to see our goalie get a goal or an assist!
by HeartbreakRidge on Feb 2, 2010 10:30 PM EST reply actions
My $.02
The boys better pick up every single tab for Theo in NYC, he was that good.
There’s good Sasha and there is bad Sasha, we saw both tonight. But good Sasha was better with that quick pass to Laich on what proved to be the winner. Beautiful.
Just like there is good Sasha and bad Sasha there is good Tom Poti and bad Tom Poti. Bad Tom Poti has failed clears on the PK, and deflects the puck into his own net. Good Tom Poti is what we have seen since Juice was dealt, more or less, and if he stays around I wonder how much we need another D.
I think it’s been commented elsewhere already, but how about this, Greenie setting the record last year in front of the dads, and now this? How about a playoff long dads trip Ted?
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Feb 2, 2010 10:31 PM EST reply actions
I believe BB had the Dads administer corporal punishment during the first intermission with a cat o nine tails
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
Nah, I bet he had the dads threaten to call their moms. Now THAT’S scary.
by Becca H on Feb 2, 2010 10:33 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
My thoughts exactly. My wife disagreed. She’s like they are sports playing guys, so you go to the fathers card. I’m like no, its guys and their moms. You don’t embarass the woman who brought you into this world like that…EVER!
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Which dads are there? I know Chimera’s dad is there. And Backstrom’s. But who else?
Rocking the Red since 1975
BMo’s for sure. I think also Fehr’s, and I am pretty sure JoeB and Locker mentioned that Knuble and Theo had their brothers with them.
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Feb 2, 2010 10:37 PM EST up reply actions
And I think I heard that Green’s is in town. Bummer he doesn’t get to see Mike play.
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Feb 2, 2010 10:38 PM EST up reply actions
Greenie’s going to be a caveman when he returns with missing key games in the streak and playing for the dad’s trip. Put that together with the Olympic break and hopefully he will be shrewd and surly when he returns
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
And hopefully he’ll stay away from the Zamboni…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Feb 2, 2010 10:55 PM EST up reply actions
He headed straight for it, and shouted out bullseye…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Feb 3, 2010 9:47 AM EST up reply actions
I thought Theo’s brother was still in jail . .. ?
"We take the shortest route to the puck and arrive in ill humor." - Bobby Clarke
I think it was his brother-in-law…but I could be wrong. That whole thing broke while I was up there, you’d think I would remember it better.
not sure any details about relatives in jail, but Theo is the youngest of 3 or 4 boys. lots of brothers to pick from
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!"
His dad and four brothers all found guilty of loan sharking in 2003-2005. Very ugly stuff. His dad was the ring-leader. I am kind of surprised he’d bring one on the trip.
"We take the shortest route to the puck and arrive in ill humor." - Bobby Clarke
oh, now I remember that about his dad. didn’t know about the brother, though.
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!"
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20050216/theodore_fined_050215?s_name=&no_ads=
This article mentions a lot of half-brothers. So, who knows.
"I broke my face," he said. "Ran into Brendan Shanahan. You can Google it."
Some of Theo’s relatives sound like real pieces of work. Did not know t his father and brothers were guilty of loan sharking. And his father in law guilty of sex crimes.
Could Theo be the only “normal” one of the bunch? (I’m quoting a friend who said that about a mutual friend of ours who came from a pretty screwed up family.)
Rocking the Red since 1975
I think Lacher mentioned someone’s brother was there too… Theo? Can’t recall
by shank_sandwich on Feb 2, 2010 10:47 PM EST up reply actions
Ew?
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
I like seeing our bad boys redeem themselves for early game mistakes. In any case, the last time the Caps won 10 in a row, the wife of Valery Semin was VERY pregnant.
Rocking the Red since 1975
by CapsFan75 on Feb 2, 2010 10:33 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
The club record for an unbeaten streak is 14 games, also in ’84. Assuming the team gets that far, game 14 would be Sunday vs. Pittsburgh.
Damn! Looks like my women is on time.
My username is based on a Spinal Tap pun. And if I could offer one item on this team, it’s this:
I am knocked out by their their exuberance, their raw power – and their punctuality.
by shank_sandwich on Feb 2, 2010 10:33 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Oops.. in response to, this team goes up to 11.
Oops.. in response to, this team goes up to 11.Great win!
by shank_sandwich on Feb 2, 2010 10:37 PM EST up reply actions
And Tonight...
…the winning streak goes to eleven.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Feb 2, 2010 10:37 PM EST up reply actions
It’s like, how much more black could this be? and the answer is none. None more black.
Поклон перед вашим капитаном!
by Knubles and Bits on Feb 2, 2010 10:56 PM EST up reply actions
I thought Tim Thomas was doing his best impression of “bad Theo” – overcommits on the 3rd, and lost on the 2nd. Even the 1st looked like he might have been able to deny the pass through the crease.
Meanwhile, it looks like we’ve could have a goalie controversy heading into the playoffs.
It’s something we don’t have to worry about around here but I can’t imagine how nerve-wracking it must be to know that your margin for victory could be one goal because your team can’t score. Must be a horrific way to play as a goalie (not named Martin Brodeur).
…not that I’d ever make excuses for Tim Thomas, mind you. Do the words “over” and “rated” mean anything to anyone else? :)
I cringed during the awards ceremony last year. I don’t see how coach, D and goalie can all go to the same team. Best goalie will make D better. Best D will make Goalie better. Best coach will make team better. So….which is it?
More truthfully on Thomas, he seems to let his emotions get the better of him (see Winter Classic). He gets aloof and starts flopping around like a damn sardine. Sometimes he gets lucky, sometimes he looks like a moron. I’d be surprised if Thomas isn’t moved at the deadline for some scoring.
According to the work Alan Ryder does, Thomas was way up there in win contribution for last season. If I recall correctly, it was he and Vokoun at the top of the goalie list.
Chara wasn’t anywhere near the top of the defense list (again, per Ryder) — he was solid, but not worth his salary and most certainly not worth the Norris. Green, Keith, Lidstrom and quite a few others all would have been better choices both as nominees and winners.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Feb 3, 2010 12:12 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Ryder does great work. Do you have the link to his 2008-2009 compilation handy? I, sadly, seem to have misplaced mine. Seeing Matt Bradley listed that the most valuable defensive forward never fails to brighten my day.
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!"
I have the pdf. version but I got it from a link KHtaD posted here. If he doesn’t post it again just email me and I’ll send it to you.
Sew up your heart, grow a pair, and watch hockey.
This page should have what you’re looking for.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Feb 3, 2010 5:50 PM EST up reply actions
think about how poor Vesa (well, not anymore) and Gustavsson must feel in Toronto? Or Deslauriers in EDM. Poor guys have no margin for victory pretty much.
TT had a few good saves I think, but in general was pretty bad. But more importantly, yay for THEO :D more love more love!
Toronto can occasionally score; EDM and NJD seem to have a horrid time scoring too. So does MIN.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
NJD can score. It’s just that Lemaire won’t let them cross the blue line.
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!"
we don’t have a goalie controversy until Varlie comes back healthy and Theo shows he can return hot after the break and fend Varlie off. We’ll have competition post Olympic break and the best goalie will win. Should be simple
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
yep.
but my feeling also is that the D is playing so much better … that it becomes harder to tell which goalie is actually playing better. and i think Varly’s strengths are more suited to th Caps playing a run-n-gun style where we need a few jaw-dropping saves per night (think Pens series last year). but if the D is going to limit second chances and keep shooters from walking in uncontested then Varly doesn’t shine the same way. and Theo is playing better with our new-look D too.
I Laich winning. Have to admit, Theo stole that game and he looks confident out there.
"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
Speaking of Greenie, I feel like his presence was missed on the power play. BMo had a great chance that was denied by Thomas on a one-timer. Green might have been able to bury it top-shelf where Morrison just fired it into the pads.
Yeah, I thought the same thing. Not on that particular play, though. Green is a right shot and might not have been able to get it off in time.
"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 2, 2010 10:49 PM EST up reply actions
i dunno. that was a nice shot by BMo…..if that shots up about 5 inches, he scores.
by twistedlogic on Feb 2, 2010 10:50 PM EST up reply actions
true story, but i dont think greenie woulda done anything differently there. maybe he scores, maybe he doesnt. greenie is also right-handed which sorta changes the angle there.
by twistedlogic on Feb 2, 2010 10:53 PM EST up reply actions
i don’t think its a bad thing the PP was off tonight. they had scored a PP goal in 9 straight games. I think we are spoiled when we shout “no PP Goal!!! hang ’em!!!!”
we are still #1 PP anyway….
Rock the Red! Rock the White! Rock the Blue! Rock the Pens!
by RedskinFan4Life on Feb 3, 2010 10:47 PM EST up reply actions
What gets me about this is that … they’re not playing their very best hockey. Not even close. And yet they’re winning anyway. It’s like Joe B and Locker said when they stopped yapping about the record (a theme I wanted to smack them for, by the way) – this team finds a way to win because they believe that they can, where the Bruins looked beaten and like they were expecting to lose.
Is this really peaking too early?
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
Is this really peaking too early?
Well, most of the team gets a nice break in a couple of days, should help break up the season and get the team refocused come playoff time
Early this year they kept losing games where they had held the lead at one point but were still leading their division and may even have been leading the conference but were close to it. I was thinking of what would the Caps be like if they could ever get their act together and learn how to finish off teams.
I know you can’t win all the time but thinking about what an amazing record they would have if they could have only won HALF the game where they had had the lead and had blown it.
Now, the team seems to have their act together better. And they’re doing a better job of killing off penalties.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Honestly? With every win I feel less and less like they’re peaking too early and more like they’re just…good. They’re confident but not blowing teams out, they’re having to scrap for points, they know they can count on their goalies. Weirdly enough if they were still putting up 6, 7, 8 goals a night to the other team’s 1 or 2 I’d be more concerned.
and you know, every line has been contributing, so it’s not like anyone’s being very streakishly hot. and we’re getting so many bakery/garbage/school of knuble goals, so the guys seem to understand that they’re still having to work for the win.
and clearly Theo has been possessed lately and stealing some games, and they seem to know that too. I’m not too worried about peaking yet.
I’m beginning to think the same – they’re starting to play team D, they’re getting good goaltending, and the offensive lines are clicking (all four of them). When your fourth line is something of a scoring threat, you know you’ve got something special.
I have to keep pinching myself, and telling myself that it’s not all going to come crashing down.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
Murphy’s Law has always applied to the Caps. So, of course, Murphy becomes a superstar when he leaves the Caps.
Rocking the Red since 1975
and our motto is
When does the glass spill?
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
nah, my motto lately is “ha ha ha ha ha! Did you see that?! Caps win again!!!” ok, not so much a motto as a lifestyle. I really like it.
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!"
My motto is goddammit someone is going to screw this up.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
good motto!
with all this Poti-love, will someone please go check on Scotty? I’m afraid he’s twitching in a corner somewhere.
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!"
Nah. Me and Scotty are huffing spray paint, laughing through our silver lips knowing that one day the Tom Poti lovefest will come crashing down.
Sew up your heart, grow a pair, and watch hockey.
A goal goes in off Schultz and it’s “damn, that was a bad play.” A goal goes in off Poti and it’s “that guy sucks.”
:/
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Well I don’t really rag on him that much for the own goal against PIT. I don’t like him because the mistakes he makes are the kind that you are taught not to do from the minute you start playing hockey. Terrible PK clears, terribly timed pinches, screening your own goalie. He’s been real good lately, but he’s also been lucky. And he was in perfect position to stop the only BOS goal and somehow completely failed. No matter how good he is playing now, I just don’t see me trusting him ever. Like Theo, I’m just waiting for him to stick the dagger in our collective back.
Sew up your heart, grow a pair, and watch hockey.
A goal goes in off Poti and it’s "that guy sucks."
That’s because Poti sucks.
/Scotty’d
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Feb 3, 2010 5:50 PM EST up reply actions
My motto is please don’t lay on the ice like some kind of dead fish kthnxxbai poti
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
Poti’s motto is “DID THAT HAVE NUTS IN IT?! WHAT ABOUT GLUTEN?! OH FUCK!”
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Feb 2, 2010 11:32 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
So this is the mental image you get?
Cause that’s what I felt the team has been doing all year. Do the absolute minimum you have to win. Conserve energy. Show the league you mean business over a 2 week stretch, then coast the rest of the season into the playoffs as rested and refreshed as any club in the league.
I genuinely hope they don’t. I know that in the end it doesn’t matter in the playoffs, but I wouldn’t mind seeing this team get the President’s Trophy.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
as long as we don’t pull a “San Jose” in the playoffs
Rock the Red! Rock the White! Rock the Blue! Rock the Pens!
by RedskinFan4Life on Feb 3, 2010 10:50 PM EST up reply actions
Definitely not their best hockey, but as many have been saying, good teams find ways to win. When I read the recap tonight it still shocked a bit to see the big “Caps 4, Bruins 1”. We played that poorly and won 4-1. Wow! (Yeah, I know the 4th was an EN, but whatever).
Oh, and thank you Theo!
they didnt play THAT poorly. only in the first. that team in the 2nd period was not the same team that showed up in the first.
by twistedlogic on Feb 2, 2010 10:56 PM EST up reply actions
Exactly so. The Caps we all know and love put in an appearance at the beginning of the second. Did their dads threaten them or something?
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
probably the time-out chair or something
by twistedlogic on Feb 2, 2010 10:59 PM EST up reply actions
Goal scorers tonight: Knuble, Laich, Gordon, and Ovechkin (EN)
Key offensive playmaker: Tom Poti
Doesn’t sound to me like a team that’s peaking too early. I tend to associate “peaking” with the top line getting hot and blowing everyone away (as in Ottawa a few years ago). This ain’t that.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Feb 3, 2010 9:05 AM EST up reply actions
Observations from my Sofa...
1) Theo really covered the Caps collective butt in the first period, and while the B’s had their moments in the second and third, Theo was better.
2) Tim Thomas made some mistakes (he looked really bad on Brooks’ goal) but for the most part he played pretty well. He had zero chance on the Knuble goal and little chance on Gordo’s
3) Poti’s pass to Gordon was awesome. How awesome? It set up Boyd Gordon, didn’t it? I love Gordo, but his shot’s never going to win any awards.
4) The Caps need to tighten up their defense tomorrow. The Rangers have forwards that are much better than the Bruins: Gaborik and now Jokinen…
5) With the Caps and Dads visiting NY tomorrow, think they might go to visit Artie Fufkin?
6) Ok, Hooks.. with the empty netter, Alex now has the league lead in empty net goals. They all count the same though. By the way, did anyone notice the puck that Alex banged off the boards before he scored the empty netter? It sure looked like if it had a little more on it it would have hit the net. (And with the Caps up 2, it’s ok to shoot for the empty net…)
7) I freaking hate snow…when I left for work this morning they said it would be very little snow… I’ve already got 3 inches here in Germantown…
8) And today is Ground Hog Day….
Next up is the trip to MSG, a reunion with The Donald, and perhaps 12 straight wins…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Feb 2, 2010 10:52 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
that little bastard shoulda stayed in his hole. we’ve got another two or so inches of snow. still have class tomorrow and now we just have more slush. oh and…..
Poti’s pass to Gordon was awesome. How awesome? It set up Boyd Gordon, didn’t it?
roflcopterz
by twistedlogic on Feb 2, 2010 10:55 PM EST up reply actions
Aww, poor Muffins.
4) The Caps need to tighten up their defense tomorrow. The Rangers have forwards that are much better than the Bruins: Gaborik and now Jokinen…
Thanks for the laugh ;) Skeletor is not scary. Although I suppose he does like to score against the Caps so there’s that.
And if Hooks comes by…well, he probably wishes his best player didn’t have to carry the team’s offense and only had to score goals via empty net. Right now Sid = Penguins, whereas the Caps have an actual supporting cast.
Is Skeletor the name you have for Big Baby Olli? He has a giant infant’s head.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Yup – he’s just scary-looking. The Flames are kind of my western conference team and I could not be happier to have him gone, even if it means Kotalik comes back the other way. Dead weight, locker room cancer, the works…
I also refer to him as a man-baby.
And you know your offense is REALLY bad when the Rangers offense looks scary in comparison.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Feb 3, 2010 12:31 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Caps can also wins games in regulation!
Rangers don’t scare me. Matt Bradley’s got King Henrik’s number!
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!"
Does anyone have Matt Bradley for the hattie on Thursday? It’s basically a lock.
Поклон перед вашим капитаном!
by Knubles and Bits on Feb 3, 2010 3:40 AM EST up reply actions
Just Remember the Magic Formula:
Empty Net goal = Regulation Win
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Feb 3, 2010 9:50 AM EST up reply actions
Apologies for jinxing Semin in a previous thread. Old Semin definitely still exists.
On another more happy note. Revolution Card Jersey just arrived today. #hasmorebradley!
Those of you still waiting for yours, the info I got was that most are going out this week, and that it’s been tougher than anticipated getting them signed.
Tough getting them signed? As in, there are a lot more this year than last?
Good call on the Brads jersey!
"If you close your eyes in the NHL, you'll take one upside the head." - Alexander Semin
by mercurialwinger on Feb 2, 2010 11:41 PM EST up reply actions
Well, the Caps had been on the road for a ton of games and when they were home really need to focus on fixing some things. I don’t see any reason to think that the recent home-stand sparked them being able to deliver the jersies.
Names on my list for the jersey were Bradley or Laing. Now I’ve just jinxed Brads.
the 10 minutes or so that I got to watch while at work...
Got to see the team pull ahead and Ovie get those 3 hits on Boychuk…then the video got blocked :\ oh well, still got to see the best parts :D
Just saw the replay of that Boston goal – I didn’t even notice this, and I get that it’s a 5-on-3, but…man was that a lazy attempt to cover the man by Steckel. He just kind of coasted in slowly and gave Krejci about a year to shoot. I usually love him but yikes, that was a rough play by Stecks.
Really? How on earth could Steckel have made that play? The Caps were playing an inverted triangle (two men high). Steckel had to cover the high slot and pass to the far point. When Krejci got that puck there was zero chance Steckel could have made any difference in that play. You should be looking at how exactly that pass got through the slot to Krejci. Seemed like there was a Cap in perfect position to cut that pass off but it went right through him. For the life of me I just can’t tell who it was…
Sew up your heart, grow a pair, and watch hockey.
it was Green, with the hockey stick, in the press box!!
oh, wait……..
Rock the Red! Rock the White! Rock the Blue! Rock the Pens!
by RedskinFan4Life on Feb 3, 2010 10:54 PM EST up reply actions
That’s the closest Green has been to being in position defensively all season.
Go Flyers!
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Feb 3, 2010 11:25 PM EST up reply actions
I made it home alive, awesome! Had a great time as always! Even though a bunch of guys won the club scarlet prizes.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
Power Play?
One thing that disturbed me tonight that the power play looked like the October version of the PP where a running theme in the comments on the rink was that Ovie was not playing well from the point. I thought he was not not playing well on the PP tonight. I am the only who thought this? Hopefully it was just an aberration.
Yeah, it also doesn’t help that the B’s have the third best PK in the league and were playing at home. Also, no Green.
I think the absence of Green on the PP is telling, myself. We miss him on the point.
I think Ovi had an off night on the point, although he was awesome defensively.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
Honestly the only guy that could do the point similar to Green was Poti and yet he wasnt at the point.
I think that was an attempt by Bruce to manage his minutes a bit. Green eats up a lot of ice time and it’s falling to Poti to pick up some of that slack, no need to wear him out when other guys will do a decent job.
But it’s true, the power play without Greenie just lacks snap and flash, which is their trademark. No one gets a cycle going with a wrister or a slapshot from the point quite like #52, and when that doesn’t happen he’s moving around, making things happen. A highly underrated power play quarterback, for sure.
Without Green...
…They were running the PP with 5 forwards for awhile, with Ovechkin and BMo at the points. I do not like a five forward unit out there… it can lead to short handed breakaways, and then Penalty Shots…hey, whaddya know…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Feb 3, 2010 9:52 AM EST up reply actions
Power Play ##Needs##More##Green##
A Greener Power play unit is needed.
Green’s absence there is keenly felt.
Rocking the Red since 1975
It's so pretty
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
Is it my imagination, or isn’t that last column frequently “streak”? Maybe it’s just that they took that away to put in the goal differential column.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
I noticed they seemed to be having trouble with the “streak” column all week, with teams that had just lost in a shootout not showing any streak at all. Wonder what was up with that.
I’d really love for them to put in a ‘Next Game’ column, to show the team’s next opponent. That caps stat line would read @NYR
IS KEPTIN NOW
Goodness, when did we open up a 10 point lead? wow.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Feb 3, 2010 9:12 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah, really. Seems like just a few days ago we were all “Well, we’re ahead in points but they have a game in hand, so..”
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
It happened last night when the Caps won and the Devils lost to that team at #14 down there…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Feb 3, 2010 9:52 AM EST up reply actions
The Devils are in danger of falling out of first for their own division. About to be passed up — by none other than the hated Penguins.
Rocking the Red since 1975
At this point I’m beyond caring – I just want to finish first. If the Devils can’t hang on (and I doubt they will) that’s their problem and Buffalo’s.
Don’t get me wrong, I hate the Pens and don’t want them to win their division; at the same time, they didn’t last year and look what happened. Even placement for first-round matchups make no difference because it’s such a cluster between 6th and 13th place, on any given day we have a different potential first round opponent.
Devils have a couple games in hand, though. may work to their advantage.
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!"
In this case, Pens at #2 would be good for us. Gives 2 other teams a chance to knock them off in the playoffs before they get to us.
Hey Caps, how's the view from the top?
"If you close your eyes in the NHL, you'll take one upside the head." - Alexander Semin
by mercurialwinger on Feb 2, 2010 11:59 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
jesus christ, the screaming in my house right now. I’m going to kill the Wings as soon as I finish off my husband. if SJS wins.
Ok, I love then man, but this inability to handle not being #1 is driving me up an eff’ing wall.
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!"
Ha! I love it…and cut him some slack, men just don’t handle things like that as well as us womenfolk ;)
But Detroit will win, I have faith.
well, I’m still going to kill the Wings! They really need to get their hit together. I’m a little surprised Babcock hasn’t killed them all already. They really like to find new and inventive ways to lose games each week.
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!"
Usually by scoring less than the other guys.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Would look a hell of a lot shinier if the Sharks didn’t have a game in hand on us.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
They don’t; that was posted before their game last night went final.
Damn! Looks like my women is on time.
Ah, I hadn’t had my coffee yet when I wrote that., My bad.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
and now its fact - for today anyway
Rock the Red! Rock the White! Rock the Blue! Rock the Pens!
by RedskinFan4Life on Feb 3, 2010 10:59 PM EST up reply actions
Theo: sick, awesome, wall. (Still won’t trust him in April)
Becca: Yes! I was totally thinking Theo was pondering a SOG when he got the puck behind the net. It would have required some serious maneuvering to get out in a shooting position. I think his conscience took over.
And in case anyone cares, rule 25.8, sec. 3:
…the fact that he got a shot off does not automatically eliminate this play from the penalty shot consideration criteria. If the foul was from behind and he was denied a "more" reasonable scoring opportunity due to the foul, then the penalty shot should be awarded.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks.
I’m very grateful it did, to be honest. Was it last year that he went for it in a game that we had put out of reach and the other team stole the puck from him and scored?
And thanks for the rule clarification, I guess that’s a little clearer. It still seemed a bit of a BS call to me – a hook, definitely, but I think Krejci got a pretty good shot off and Knuble’s stick didn’t really change that. In my eyes, at least.
But like I said, just gave Theo to stop two chances on one guy in the span of thirty seconds ;)
Not for nothing, but while I heartily approve of Theo just absolutely shutting it down in any building, I LOVE when he does it in Boston. Just for nostalgia and all that…
i agree….krejci still had a fine scoring chance. woulda been PP anyways tho.
by twistedlogic on Feb 3, 2010 12:11 AM EST up reply actions
It would have, yes. And actually, the way Theo was playing tonight it probably was better off for us that it was a penalty shot, no?
yea, especially since krejci choked anyways. theo intimidated him of course.
by twistedlogic on Feb 3, 2010 12:14 AM EST up reply actions
those capitals, so intimidating. Vinny understands Krejci’s pain.
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!"
by RedBirdie on Feb 3, 2010 12:16 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
By the way, NO LOST SPOILERS!
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
I SECOND THAT STATEMENT
"My face is my mask."
by Jake Shapiro on Feb 3, 2010 12:13 AM EST up reply actions
Only if Captain Picard makes an appearance.
"If you close your eyes in the NHL, you'll take one upside the head." - Alexander Semin
by mercurialwinger on Feb 3, 2010 12:44 AM EST up reply actions
Also awesome:
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
by Ovechwin on Feb 3, 2010 12:16 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
PLEASE! take the telestrater away from Locker!
I like how Steinberg put a disclaimer on his blog.“And no, I didn’t doctor these images. Straight from Craig Laughlin’s pen to your eyes, dear viewer.”
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!"
From TEB's game story
I though Poti put it best when he said: “It’s nice to have streaks and stuff. But we have bigger goals for this team.”"
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Feb 3, 2010 12:17 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
Bruce thinks Poti should have been in olympic consideration:
“It’s too bad the American team wasn’t looking at him for the Olympics,” Boudreau said. “He has that kind of ability. He’s a pretty good defensive player and he can throw up those offensive [numbers] too.”
it;s my understanding that there’s some bad blood between Poti and USA Hockey…..and he’s hardly the only player with that sort of relationship.
I’m sure Tom cries himself to sleep each night with his gluten-free Olympic silver medal.
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!"
That’s absolutely hysterical that BB would think Poti could make that Olympic team. Who would you put Poti on the team over? And of guys that didn’t make the team, I have Ballard and Gleason easily ahead of Poti.
Sew up your heart, grow a pair, and watch hockey.
oh, I have no idea. I was just throwing that out there. I will admit that I was slightly surprised he wasn’t invited to camp, but that it would be a “thanks for being an Olympic medalist” invite. But, again, he (and some other guys) don’t have a great relationship with USA Hockey, apparently.
You know Bruce, sometimes he loves his players a little bit more than he should.
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!"
Yeah I wonder what happened with him and USA Hockey. I’ve been pretty vocal about my disapproval of their political process but I don’t think politics is what kept Poti off Team USA.
And I have zero problem with BB sticking up for his players like that, I just think it’s hysterical that Poti would even be mentioned for that team. I don’t remember anyone projecting him as even a candidate for the team, not even here.
Sew up your heart, grow a pair, and watch hockey.
I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m starting to love Contract Year Theodore.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
For those who couldn't make it out to the viewing party...
…here’s a bit of what you missed out on! A recap in photos, so to speak.
Slapshot came and visited us. :)
Shots all around!
And jordanDC’s girlfriend won a team signed jersey which was oneeee number above my ticket. :’( So sad.
by beta on Feb 3, 2010 12:55 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Squeaky wheel.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Feb 3, 2010 10:34 AM EST up reply actions
I was trying to be nice — I was very amused that she was in the process of winning the coolest prize while complaining about the inequity…
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Feb 3, 2010 12:41 PM EST up reply actions
She’s good people.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Feb 3, 2010 3:05 PM EST up reply actions
ID’s please? I’m sorry if I have forgotten the names of whom I met from the Japers’ Rink pick-up game.
"My left hand has pretty much turned into a claw anyway."
In the top photo that’s jordanDC in the yellow.
Left to right it’s CapitalCentre, [jordanDC’s gf], beta, Slapshot, kolzilla, kellobello, and Ovechwin.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Feb 3, 2010 2:32 PM EST up reply actions
For Jordan...
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Feb 3, 2010 5:55 PM EST up reply actions
Hey all checking in from Boston yet again. That game was insane. I thought the Caps fans were well represented up here. I rocked my red all day today and even got some heckles in random spots around the city. But for the most part everyone has been awesome. I did have a guy tell me on the T that the “Caps fuckin’ suck” I didn’t respond. I could have been mean, but I was so high on the win.
Theo was just amazing tonight. I found myself screaming “JOSE” on more than one occasion. He had some great saves, and I’ve never seen a whole arena celebrate a non-goal like the Boston fans. They were literally jumping up and down on some of his saves. I pointed and laughed at them. (I’m so mean) The penalty shot should have never been, but I’ll take the final result. I ended up getting a tad obnoxious when we scored all the goals in the third. I couldn’t help myself from jumping up and celebrating. Also, the Gahden doesn’t enforce the “puck in play” rule like they do at VC. Very annoying at times. All in all, this has been a great trip with a great end result. Hope ya’ll had fun at the watch party.
by terpgrrl on Feb 3, 2010 12:57 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Glad you survived your away arena experience! :)
Also, I wanted to let you know that a Bruins fan two seats down from me complimented your sign. He enjoyed the Spinal Tap reference and volunteered to dance like an idiot to try and get some camera time and offered to let me get the sign in there too. We tried, but they wouldn’t pan up a couple rows to where I was.
very similar experience when I was there for opening night. Did they all start to leave with @7min left last night? shocked me how many of them don’t understand that a game can turn at any moment, and a 2 goal lead is NOTHING in hockey.
Or is a 2 goal lead only nothing when you root for the caps?
I was really unimpressed with their fans. They stood all the time, worse than at VC (which I have always thought was bad) They left early. Some stood and were cursing at the team with a ton of time left. One guy was actually heckling Blades, their mascot. For being an original six team, I was expecting a lot from their fans. I really enjoyed the arena though, for being old. Not a fan of the circle scoreboard at the top. I like our scoreboard a lot.
Their fans seemed pretty depressed though. The losing streak may be bringing them down a bit. I’ll cut them some slack. Although, I took the Fenway tour earlier in the day and the chick tried to pretend she knew crap about hockey, and she was wrong, but I didn’t correct her. lol
"moments of brilliance"
The first 40 minutes or so reminded me of one of those soccer games that sometimes unfold between a good, talented team and an average, scrappy one—the latter can stay in it by sheer will and effort, but eventually talent shines through, and it’s a couple of “moments of brilliance” (as soccer commentators so often call it) that make the difference. At 1-1, we saw two: 1) Semin’s quick look-up turnaround tape-to-tape pass to Laich and 2) Poti’s Green-like end-to-end rush to Gordo. The Caps are capable of such plays; the Bruins, as of now, are not. And that was the difference in a tight game. Moments of brilliance. God I love this team!
A couple other quickies: This was perhaps the most tightly called game I’ve seen the Caps play this year, but there weren’t that many cheapies… Semin’s high-stick on Chara that led to the 5-on-3 goal was probably the most unnecessary (other than Backie’s cheapie to start), but Semin’s other penalties (as well as Ovie’s slash) probably saved goals. The PK was really strong all night, and it helps that all of the B’s are holding vice-like grips on their sticks.
Sharks lose! caps are #1!
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!"
I think this is the latest in the season the Caps have ever held the top spot. I’m sure the crackerjack caps PR department will have all sorts of historical goodies for us tomorrow morning if that is indeed the case.
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!"
Well, I’m pretty sure if the other day was the latest the Caps have ever led the conference (actually since they hit 70 it was the latest, hah), then it’s definitely the latest they’ve ever led the league.
And well deserved! Kudos to him and all the Caps!
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Feb 3, 2010 9:55 AM EST up reply actions
That was a really exciting game...
I especially loved Ovie’s little sequence of hits in that one shift.
Dallas Stars 4 Life: Stars Blogging From Hockeyville, Iowa
I'm a girl. The screen name can be misleading, I understand.
by Brad_Richards_Rocks on Feb 3, 2010 3:03 PM EST reply actions
Semin's Highstick on Chara
That was the worst call of the game. I just watched it again on NESN network and Semin’s stick comes nowhere near his face. He missed his sticklift and tapped his shoulder, and Chara hammed it up and the ref bought it. Caps could have won 4-0 ;-)
Uh, from what I saw, it was a pretty clear-cut stickblade to the face.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Feb 3, 2010 5:56 PM EST up reply actions
Hmm, must have been the angle from the Boston feed. I also saw another angle of the Mike Green elbow and it looks like he hit Frolik with his shoulder… but his elbow was pointed out so I understand why they ruled the way they did.
by _Skullduggery_ on Feb 4, 2010 12:01 AM EST up reply actions
just watched the high stick on Chara again. My bad… I saw a bad angle replay.
by _Skullduggery_ on Feb 4, 2010 12:10 AM EST up reply actions
Caps theme song
Was reading through the GDT for the third and someone asked what the Caps theme song is. I gotta go with “Never Say Die” from Jon Bon Jovi’s “Blaze of Glory” album.
Youtube Video (audio only)
Lyrics
Never say die, never say no
You got to look ‘em in the eye and don’t let go
When it’s your own blood you’ll bleed
And your own tears you’ll cry
When you’re brought up to believe
That it’s the strong who survive
Never say die
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
Even though Theo was amazing tonight
I still can’t help but feel angry towards him because his contract is horrendous.
Yeah, that contract is really killing the Caps. No way are they going to be able to trade for anyone at the deadline or resign Backstrom with Theo having such an enormous contract.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Feb 3, 2010 9:30 PM EST up reply actions
wait I thought it was Nyls…../
Rock the Red! Rock the White! Rock the Blue! Rock the Pens!
by RedskinFan4Life on Feb 3, 2010 11:06 PM EST up reply actions
Nyls was moved to the minors and his cap hit is donzo for the caps
Think of it this way. We are paying Threeormore .3 mil less than we did Nyls, and since Nyls didn’t play fo us at all he was overpaid by oh 4.850 mil. Now seeing as how Theo is going to get about a 3rd of the starts this season or so and at best can be called an extremely streaky 1a starter who can’t handle a full time load without supremely fucking up for some considerable stretches, while we have 2 NHL caliber young prospect tenders who are paid .850 mil each who have won us many games, and our former back up 1a starter, brent johnson, who is much more consistent than Theo and can easily hold down the fort and start for considerable stretches of games, is right now playing for the pens at around 1.5 mil. That means that for a borderline, streaky 1a starter right now we are paying 4.5 mil, and based on the discussion above, can easily be considered overpaid by 3 mil, if not more. How bad is that contract? 3 mil could be the difference between resigning semin and keeping the young guns together or letting him go somewhere else to be a caps killer. It could be the difference between keeping flash and fehr, who both deserve raises, and keeping our secondary scoring and supreme talent depth. That’s why I can’t stand Theo even though he has done some considerable good for this team.
by Area 51 Forever on Feb 4, 2010 4:10 PM EST up reply actions
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