Recap: Caps 5, Thrashers 2
by J.P. on Feb 5, 2010 10:36 PM EST
in Game Recaps
252 comments
[AP Recap - GameCenter - Game Summary - Event Summary]
Throughout this borderline-surreal 13-game win streak on which the Caps now find themselves following a 5-2 win over Atlanta on Friday night, there have been two constants - eye-popping offense (to the tune of 4.77 goals per game) and stellar goaltending (2.23 goals against per game and a .936 save percentage). Tonight was no different, as the Caps potted five goals and Michal Neuvirth played perhaps his most impressive game as an NHLer, stopping 43 of 45 Thrasher shots.
The Caps played with a bit of fire yet again - allowing the first goal and being outshot for the third consecutive game - but the result was the same as it has been for the last baker's dozen in a row: a win.
Ten more notes on the game:
- Let's lead off with Neuvi here. His glove (his new glove, that is) was superb, his positioning outstanding, his rebound control immaculate and his confidence evident. Moreover, he delivered the quote of the night, post-game: "Its Jose's streak i am just here to help when he gets tired." He's now stopped 78 of 81 shots against in his last two starts, perhaps not coincidentally against his country's numbers one and two netminders for the coming Olympics, and has a .959 save percentage in four appearances since getting pulled in Florida in mid-January.
- Call me conspiratorial, but I'm guessing that the "injury" that kept Neuvi out of Wednesday night's game for Hershey was related to a call from Washington saying they'd need him Friday night. Either that or he's the anti-Varlamov when it comes to healing.
- Best way to tell when this game was in the bag? Craig Laughlin likened Jason Chimera's laser of a slapshot on the Caps' fourth goal to Bobby Hull. Good morning, good afternoon, good night.
- John Erskine had trouble in (or was the direct cause of) transition on more than one occasion tonight. But most notably on the evening, he "had to answer" for a squeaky-clean hit. Enough already.
- As much of a cult hero as Matt Bradley is, he's still a grinder, and that was pretty clear on at least three great chances he had tonight that he either whiffed on or put smacked the Thrashers awful logo with. He did end the evening with a helper, though, and a team-high (tied with Boyd Gordon) Corsi rating.
- Eric Fehr looked a bit out of sorts, losing defensive responsibilities and ending the night with a minus-two rating (not easy to do in a 4-2 win). His line struggled early, and he never really got it in gear.
- Despite playing just two periods, Nicklas Backstrom continued his strong play with a goal and a primary assist, which matched running mate Alex Ovechkin's stat line. The two are, without a doubt, the NHL's most dangerous duo, each in the top 11 in the League in goals and top six in the League in assists.
- The Caps' penalty kill continues to boggle the mind as it's now 87.7% effective at home (3rd overall) and 72.6% on the road (29th overall).
- Alexander Semin scored the eventual game-winner (on the second beautiful set-up he received from Brooks Laich on the night) and added a helper, but also coughed up the puck on the power-play and put the puck in his own net moments later after chasing down the breakaway and sliding into Neuvirth after the shot was stopped. As our buddy Bald Pollack put it on Twitter... well, check it out if you want to.
- Mike Green's empty net goal, shot from his own end of the rink, was nice, but not all that impressive in light of the fact that Jeff Schultz scored one earlier in the year against Atlanta from further out... with a goalie in the net.
And so we hit the big one-three. Thirteen in a row. That's more than 15% of the regular season, and 100% amazing. But after a game that was closer than the score, one has to believe that if the team is going to push that streak to 14, they'll need a more complete effort on Sunday... or whenever their next game might be.
Game highlights:
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I could see why Neuvy being “injured” was fake, but it seems like an awful lot of work to get an ECHL goalie in time for the game, when Neuvy could’ve just backed up.
Good game, great team. We’re getting so spoiled this season.
Some reported that Neuvy had gotten banged up during his game at Hershey but was able to finish the game. Yesterday’s report was that Neuvy would be okay for the weekend.
Believe the injury was real but very minor.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Note the random Blackhawks fan
"My face is my mask."
by jakeshapiro on Feb 5, 2010 10:43 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
I don’t think it’s a blackhawks jersey. There’s a similar jersey I’ve seen at VC, but with Homer Simpson rather than an Indian.
I think there’s a mens league team with that logo. Homer Hawks maybe?
"Dozens of people spontaneously combust each year. It's just not really widely reported."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Feb 5, 2010 11:03 PM EST up reply actions
Could be a Chesapeake Chiefs jersey.
by DrinkingPartner on Feb 5, 2010 11:08 PM EST up reply actions
You got it. It’s the Homerhawk. Same as my avatar. C’mon guys, I’ve talked about us before!
I need 100% of you guys to give 110% 100% of the time.
by capsfan4life on Feb 6, 2010 12:27 PM EST up reply actions
Whatever it is, I betcha it still has the tags on it.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Feb 5, 2010 11:24 PM EST up reply actions
and Michal Neuvirth played perhaps his most impressive game as an NHLer, stopping 43 of 45 Thrasher shots.
You mean 43 of 44 Thrasher shots and 0 for 1 Semin soccer goals
by Brainumbc on Feb 5, 2010 10:43 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Just out of curiosity, I wonder if he gets credit for the save on that breakaway.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks.
I believe he gets one SOG and just gets the goal cause he had the last shot.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
But how can you have a goal scored without a SOG? Wasn’t this covered in quantum physics?
Russian Machine very rarely breaks.
It’s actually only one SOG in the PbP. That doesn’t make sense to me, as it was clearly a save and then… whatever. But it’s credited as one shot on goal without a save.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I was just looking it up because I didn’t want to be spreading bad information. I always thought of it the other way around. That’s pretty crappy.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
Agreed. I’d have scored it save, goal – 2 SOGs for Peverley. If Peverley took a faceoff and the Cap won the draw clean (i.e. w/o Pevs ever touching it) and the puck slid through the Caps’ G, Peverley would get a goal and a shot on goal. I don’t see this as being much different.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
If a goalie blocks a shot, then a puck goes into the air, hits HIS own mask and goes into the net, you’d hardly call it a save and whatever. Replace “mask” with “Semin”…
Difference being one is basically an act of god and the other is an act of… Sasha!
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
That led directly to wings, so it’s not all bad.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
I was very close to noting “Alex Semin is lucky this isn’t Colombian futbol,” but thought it in poor taste.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Feb 5, 2010 11:03 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Don’t shoot me, bro
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
Imagine if it was the gold medal game against Canada in Sochi.
"Where can you go from there? Where? ... Nowhere. Exactly. What we do is, if we need that extra push over the cliff, you know what we do?"
Well let’s hope the Russians already have a big lead if that happens.
Rocking the Red since 1975
by CapsFan75 on Feb 6, 2010 10:17 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
The Caps march through Atlanta!
Well, not really but pretty darn close.
What amazing date in history are we giong back to today, Mr. Peabody?
Semin didn’t get a hatty. No signed Bradley puck for me. :(
"Dozens of people spontaneously combust each year. It's just not really widely reported."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Feb 5, 2010 10:48 PM EST reply actions
And a goal against… a Semin hat trick?
"Dozens of people spontaneously combust each year. It's just not really widely reported."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Feb 5, 2010 10:52 PM EST up reply actions
*own goal
"Dozens of people spontaneously combust each year. It's just not really widely reported."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Feb 5, 2010 10:52 PM EST up reply actions
Such a goofy picture.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
You mean Neuvirth’s picture?
I vaguely remember that Neuvy had taken quite a shot to the face during training camp and needed stitches.
Rocking the Red since 1975
The faint mustache kills me.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
The faint mustache
killsthrills me.
by DrinkingPartner on Feb 5, 2010 11:07 PM EST up reply actions
Goofy? Don’t you know that that pose is the famous “blue steel”?
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Feb 5, 2010 11:22 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
*
Striking resemblance?
"Where can you go from there? Where? ... Nowhere. Exactly. What we do is, if we need that extra push over the cliff, you know what we do?"
Steak and lobster, and a nice bottle of Vodka, courtesy of one Mr. Sasha.
by DrinkingPartner on Feb 5, 2010 10:57 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Yea, first he uses him as a chair, now this? Geez.
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
by Ovechwin on Feb 5, 2010 10:59 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
None of the above. Crab cakes.
"Dozens of people spontaneously combust each year. It's just not really widely reported."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Feb 5, 2010 11:00 PM EST up reply actions
Neuvy looks like Jon Gosselin's baby bro
in that pic
by DonnieKnutts on Feb 5, 2010 11:02 PM EST up reply actions
Speaking of which, would it be that hard for, say, the teams beat reporters to confirm what was wrong with him?
Russian Machine very rarely breaks.
Late night snack
brats and sauerkraut.
Yum.
Another semi-ugly win. Yawn.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
That sounds delicious. I think I’ll have some summer sausage.
by DrinkingPartner on Feb 5, 2010 10:56 PM EST up reply actions
Very good drunk food.
Kraut is very easy to make, btw
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
Easy to make as in starting from raw cabbage, or easy to make as in heating it on the stove or microwave?
Russian Machine very rarely breaks.
From raw cabbage.
Just slice it thin, add salt (and water if you like, but not necessary) and bruise it up with your hands.
Pack into a glass container and keep in a cool, dark space for 2-6 weeks, and you’ve got kraut.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
I’ve seen that on TV before. I’d imagine it’s a lot tastier than the pre-fab stuff at the grocery store.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks.
It’s awesome.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
Less ugly than the one against the Rangers. Yes, there were gaffes. And too many shots for the other team. But the Caps could kill penalties today. And were not as sloppy, overall.
Rocking the Red since 1975
thrashers are also a pretty terrible team
i’m prepared to watch them sick to the bottom of the East.
by DonnieKnutts on Feb 5, 2010 11:00 PM EST up reply actions
It will take quite a bit for them to fall behind Carolina. But I fear for that franchise for the long term. They’ve had so much trouble keeping their stars.
Rocking the Red since 1975
what happened to nik antroponov
he was really, really, REALLY bad tonight.
by DonnieKnutts on Feb 5, 2010 11:05 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t know if it was him or one of the other guys but I saw someone on the team slam a stick in disgust when going to the bench.
Rocking the Red since 1975
I saw that too – slam the stick, and then slam the bench door really hard, right? I think it was Ron Hainsey (saw a 6 on the jersey) but not sure.
"If you close your eyes in the NHL, you'll take one upside the head." - Alexander Semin
by mercurialwinger on Feb 5, 2010 11:15 PM EST up reply actions
Some pretty bad teams may be sneaking into the Eastern Conference playoffs this year.
Rocking the Red since 1975
just as long as whoever ends up #8 seed isn’t on a hot winning streak, that’d be fine by me
Rock the Red! Rock the White! Rock the Blue! Rock the Pens!
by RedskinFan4Life on Feb 6, 2010 7:57 AM EST up reply actions
Unless that #8 seed has nothing left for the playoffs. (Like the Caps in 2007-2008)
Rocking the Red since 1975
I think that having “nothing left” is overdone. (The Caps in 2008, fwiw imo, had plenty left, and the series could have gone either way). Maybe in the second round (games 6 and 7) or later, then if a team’s made a long run, they could be out (I’m thinking along the lines of CAR last season, or Boston even). But first round is really early still, and that 8th seed, unless it’s CAR or TOR, won’t have had to make a big long run to get in.
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Feb 6, 2010 12:22 PM EST up reply actions
Missed yesterday’s game.
Lots of shots agains – nice, nice work by Neuvy – and they were harried by the forecheck. They are obviously the more explosive team by far.
Bobby Hull FTW
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
Over here the game ended in the AM. But to celebrate a semi-ugly win the celebratory snack would have to be balut and a few cold San Miguels (actually that’s the only way I’m able to take balut). Alert: don’t Google it if you have a weak stomach.
"Don’t put your beer in the microwave, eh. It’ll boil."-Bob McKenzie
It was a less ugly win than Win #12. That one took the cake for ugliness.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Got any Penguin balut around there?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Feb 6, 2010 10:27 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Nice. GOD that was well played.
"Where can you go from there? Where? ... Nowhere. Exactly. What we do is, if we need that extra push over the cliff, you know what we do?"
by UnleashFurry on Feb 6, 2010 10:29 AM EST up reply actions
Chimera skating down the left side at top speed and blasting a slap shot – that was vintage Bondra on that one.
Corey was there for nhl.com tonight. He’s got the recap.
http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2009020851&navid=DL|NHL|home
"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."
Felt like the quietest 43 save performance I’ve seen. It’s games like that (where the defense can be not the best and still get support in net) that make me bristle at the whole “we play better with Varlamov in net” camp.
Damn! Looks like my women is on time.
We’ve got hopefully/potentially 3 guys now. I don’t think anyone with will argue with playing the hot hand come April.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks.
And I’m perfectly fine with that. What I’m not fine with is the argument/statement that the team plays better with a comrade in back.
Maybe it’s the ungodly scoring from everyone, or maybe it’s the evolving and improving defensive awareness and play by 18 guys, but at this point, all we’re asking for is semi-competent help in back with flashes of brilliance, and both our healthy goalies are doing this (It’s like BB’s book says, on the surface it looks very easy to maintain). One’s a vet getting his legs and another’s slowly but surely getting more confidence at the big level.
The only thing left is a guy who I can’t help but think is going to come back down to earth from insane numbers right now, which is all the more reason to say that (right now) there’s no number 1, and to a degree any of the 3 young guys can do this job in the medium/long-term until they mature as goalies.*
*=enhanced by snow shoveling and beverage consuming
Damn! Looks like my women is on time.
by Bald Pollack on Feb 5, 2010 11:20 PM EST up reply actions
Ping me when you go out to shovel again and I’ll drink for two.
Kinda with you on the goalie thing, I guess. I don’t know. Neuvy was great. I guess we’ll have to give Varly some starts and see how he does.
I have zero confidence that Theo can keep it up. Neuvy I keep thinking of as unproven, but I guess he’s got as much mileage as Varly at this point…
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
Wish you’re wrong on the last point.
I don’t think you’re wrong. But I wish you’re wrong.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Feb 6, 2010 10:28 AM EST up reply actions
Speaking of wishes, I wish my Twitter logic evened out my posts over the last 16 hours.
Damn! Looks like my women is on time.
by Bald Pollack on Feb 6, 2010 12:35 PM EST up reply actions
I think to the extent that there’s any truth to it, it’s just because the team has had a lot of confidence in Varly in net. Right now they just look like they have a lot of confidence, period. I’m a Neuvy doubter but he has been very impressive lately.
any way you look at it, I think Theo’s gone after this year. we have two good goalies for next year
Rock the Red! Rock the White! Rock the Blue! Rock the Pens!
by RedskinFan4Life on Feb 6, 2010 7:58 AM EST up reply actions
any way you look at it, I think Theo’s gone after this year. we have two good goalies for next year
A certain young netminder begs to differ.
"Where can you go from there? Where? ... Nowhere. Exactly. What we do is, if we need that extra push over the cliff, you know what we do?"
The only way he’s here next year is if one of the others gets moved/hurt or has an absolutely horrid preseason, and even then that may not happen.
Damn! Looks like my women is on time.
True dat. I was merely pointing out the fact the Caps have more than two good goalies depth wise next year. Though Holtby has yet to test his mettle at the NHL level and barring any trades of any of the young goaltenders, he has to be considered as another good netminder that’s in the mix.
The Caps arguably have 3 good goalies this year and arguably could have 3 good goalies next year.
"Where can you go from there? Where? ... Nowhere. Exactly. What we do is, if we need that extra push over the cliff, you know what we do?"
by UnleashFurry on Feb 6, 2010 10:25 AM EST up reply actions
Oh completely agreed, I’m a Holtby advocate.
Damn! Looks like my women is on time.
by Bald Pollack on Feb 6, 2010 12:36 PM EST up reply actions
Given the propensity of our goalies to get injured, Holtby will get called up at some time and will likely get some starts.
That’s essentially how Varly and Neuvirth got their chances to begin with last year.
Rocking the Red since 1975
The way this team goes from 1 goal up to 5 in a blink of the eye just boggles the mind.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
Peerless hooked the world up with this stat (via Twitter): 13 times in last 12 games, scored < 3 min apart
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Looks pretty dicey as to whether PIT will be able to get here.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Flap harder, flightless fowl!
IS KEPTIN NOW
by EmilyB on Feb 5, 2010 11:11 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I’ve got mixed feelings about the whole thing. It would be nice to play the game as scheduled, but my nerves would be a lot better if it got moved.
All feelings subject to how much snow is in my driveway tomorrow, of course.
"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’d think they have a reasonable chance to get in since it won’t be until past 8pm EST. Plus they have 3 airport options.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks.
I doubt if conditions at BWI are any better than at Dulles or National.
They can’t get out of Montreal until 6:00 at the earliest. And it’s about a 2-3 hour flight.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Andrews!
Tom Brady is Sidney Crosby, except Tom Brady has felt the touch of a woman, and has his own house.
Wonder how hard the pens will actually try to get in town to play a back-to-back if the next option is a monday game.
They’ll do everything they can, I’m sure.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I admire all the enthusiasm but unless you live within site of the Verizon Center or things have improved drastically in the District’s and surrounding suburb’s snow removal capacity (which I highly doubt) I figure you’ll be still shoveling out come game time Sunday. At least that’s been my experience.
"Don’t put your beer in the microwave, eh. It’ll boil."-Bob McKenzie
You might be surprised. How long have you been expatriate? Things have improved quite a bit in the last 10 years.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
We may try to get to the game via bus. We live near a Park n Ride and were checking into Metro Bus service from that. Normally, we drive to the Metro in either Vienna or East Falls Church. (But there have been times we’ve drove into Ballston and partaken of the eateries in that region.)
Rocking the Red since 1975
I came home from work to realize I may have missed the ole electric bill. Luckily I’m not experiencing heavy snow. I missed most of th game til they decided to power me back on.
I’ve read who did well, poorly, or mde a memrable play. How was Flash tonight? Last night I don’t know how many points he got but he was very active – which forces teams to respect him/his line. I would have said he played well even if he didn’t get any points last night. Did that continue tonight?
Hope everybody got home ok
Yup. I didn’t go all the way home – I’m holed up at my dad’s for the weekend now. All the better I think as I don’t want him trying to shovel three feet of wet snow off the driveway at his age. I brought spare clothes, thinking that might happen.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
Lol, I was quietly watching the rebroadcast and staring to see if I was ever going to get an answer to both ?’s
You answered twice, mine and the one below :)
The other ? being that it seemed Flash got lost in the flashier play of others in the Rags game but I thought he skated hard and played well and that shouldn’t be overlooked. I have read very little about his play tonight. He’s not a D man – no comments is not the best endorsement for an O man…
He did end the evening with a helper, though, and a team-high (tied with Boyd Gordon) Corsi rating.
I’m still undecided about the merits of Fenwick vs. Corsi, but I’ll point out that Brads led both categories tonight.
"Dozens of people spontaneously combust each year. It's just not really widely reported."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Feb 5, 2010 11:07 PM EST reply actions
Is Neuvirth subtly suggesting that Czech Republic erred in not considering him for the Olympics? He’s made it a point to mention that he’s beaten #1 and #2 Olympic goalies.
"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."
Is that what passes for subtlety these days?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I’d wager that he’ll get his shot eventually.
"Dozens of people spontaneously combust each year. It's just not really widely reported."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Feb 5, 2010 11:21 PM EST up reply actions
I can’t imagine that he thought he’d be seriously considered while he was toiling away in Hershey. Not his fault that there’s a crowded crease in DC and he didn’t get to spend much time in it until too late in the process.
"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."
Why? The third G isn’t even an NHLer. Is playing in the top Czech league so much better than leading a championship AHL team?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
No, but I’m trying to think it through provincially. As in questioning how much attention is paid in Europe to the AHL? NHL gets attention, but otherwise I’d expect them to know more about the Czech league. It’s not what we think that matters, it’s what they think.
"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."
Right. But you’d hope the decision-makers would have everyone eligible on the radar and follow the top guys closely.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
True. But if there’s one thing we’re learning in the Olympic selection process, it’s that logic doesn’t always enter into the equation.
"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."
by gfcaps fan on Feb 5, 2010 11:47 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Watching him in these interviews, it does not seem that way. It seems more like he’s pointing out that he can hang with the big boys and should be full-time in the NHL.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Feb 5, 2010 11:24 PM EST up reply actions
Hmmm. Patience, young Skywalker…
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
Hmm. Ted has an OFB mug in the Capstronaut piece.
"Dozens of people spontaneously combust each year. It's just not really widely reported."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Feb 5, 2010 11:23 PM EST reply actions
my only interest in the capstronaut is will he have the stones to throw his hat on the ice for the hat trick. until then he should maintain a much lower profile. he’s beginning to overdose on the attention
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
by souldrummer on Feb 6, 2010 12:16 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Observations from my Sofa
Sold the tix via the Ticket Exchange in anticipation of the storm. I have a feeling I’ll be able to use the Pens tix since by then the storm will stop. As for when the game will be.. who knows.
Anyway here we go…
1) Semin giveth and Semin giveth away. A really bad turnover followed by kicking the puck into his own net. What a bad moment. Bruce might have benched him if Backstrom weren’t ailing.
2) Great game by Neuvy. Lots of quality play. In watching I knew the Thrashers were outshooting the Caps, but not by the margin they ended up getting. The Caps did get more quality chances from what I can see.
3) I hate snow…
4) Every game Ovechkin does something amazing….break stick, go back to bench, grab stick in stride, get back to the attack zone bury one-timer…amazing.
5) Get well soon Nick.
6) I really hate snow….
7) Since I sold my tickets via the Ticket Exchange for tonight, is it a sin to use the originals at Glory Days? They still look like valid tickets…
8) Snow….hate….
9) If the Pens make it to town tomorrow, do you think Alex will order room service for him?
All in all, a workmanlike effort and win, which seems to be the typical game before playing you-know-who. Let’s hope they get the payoff Sunday…or Monday… or whenever…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on Feb 5, 2010 11:25 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
4) Every game Ovechkin does something amazing….break stick, go back to bench, grab stick in stride, get back to the attack zone bury one-timer…amazing.
Agreed. Usually I’m not a huge fan of the Ovechcam as it usually causes CSN to miss a faceoff, but that particular one was a thing of beauty.
"Dozens of people spontaneously combust each year. It's just not really widely reported."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Feb 5, 2010 11:30 PM EST up reply actions
Kudos to the staff on that relay, but wtf was Atlanta doing not pressuring Nick when it was essentially a 4-on-4? Pretty big fail there, letting him dick around with it waiting for AO to return with his rocket launcher.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I had the impression that the Thrash on the ice hadn’t cottoned on to what Nick was doing yet, until Ovi crossed the blueline, and of course by then it’s too late.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
Perhaps. But their bench should’ve been yelling. And if any Thrasher ever lost AO when he was on the ice… they deserve what they get.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
That’s about the size of it. But I had the impression that that’s what happened.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
Yep. Total lack of awareness.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I think ATL did notice, but I think it was a huge sign of respect for Nick. They didn’t want to get burned over pursuing him because then they were in serious trouble. I think they just wanted to hold their box and kill those extra seconds easily.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
by Fehr and Balanced on Feb 6, 2010 4:42 PM EST up reply actions
Getting out was fun and fun at the same time. What a mess. Still, SO worth it, esp for those of you who have trouble dealing with casual fans. The casual fans weren’t out tonight – it was the diehards who made it out and made it worth it.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
As a casual fan, I enjoy my hockey mancave, that does not involve taking the metro in the snow(shocking, I know)
Refing was pretty weird tonight. For those of you watching on TV, did the holding call on Erskine look legit or did it look as if the ref was just mad because he got knocked on his butt?
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
The Schultz PIM and the Erskine PIM were completely bogus, imo
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
I thought the Erskine call was fair and was absolutely predictable in light of the PP advantage the Caps held up to that point.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Predictable, yes, I agree with that. Both given the penalty disparity and more particularly that when you have an arm sort of around-ish a guy and he falls, it usually draws a call.
Did not, in fact, think he really held him.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
I bet they play
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
really? The earliest they get to DC is 9:00, what with getting to the airport, loading up, etc. Surely they’ll have Dulles clear by then, no?
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
With what I just saw on the news, there thinking the storm won’t be ending untill 7 or 8pm tomorrow.
The FAA won’t let any planes inbound to any DC area airports untill the runways are clear.
A noon start is iffy at best IMO.
What amazing date in history are we giong back to today, Mr. Peabody?
i think it’ll go because it’s a national game. Dulles or maybe fly to a city south of dc where the snow’s over and bus or train it up
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
g’town villanova tomorrow on the other hand will probably be played to a half empty house
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
Having just looked out my window and turned on the news, unless everyone lives within walking distance of Verizon, they’ll be lucky to have a quarter of the house. Frankly, unless the Hoyas spent the night in a hotel near the arena, I’m not so sure they can get there. Probably can, though.
"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 agree…if the snow ends tomorrow evening, the game will be on. They’ll be constantly clearing the runways come tomorrow afternoon. By the time it tapers off, I think they’ll be fine.
NBC would blow a gasket. they have a megamarketable game on super Sunday. it has to be played if bettman is serious about growing his sport. i will say that this winter is a good advertisement for us being worthy of a Midwinter Classic
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
It is up to the FAA only, bottom line. They are not giong to allow any flights into DC unless they declare it safe, and they damn sure don’t care about NBC’s ratings. Their only concern is for peoples safety. and there not going to allow only the Pens flight, it’s all types of flights or nothing.(no special treatment for charter flights)
What amazing date in history are we giong back to today, Mr. Peabody?
Fluish (funny, he doesn’t look fluish) and a definite go for Sunday
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
I’m going with Rec’ish.
Поклон перед вашим капитаном!
by Knubles and Bits on Feb 6, 2010 3:14 PM EST up reply actions
Sunday’s gonna be huge:
Caps-Pens
Terps-UNC
Superbowl
"Dozens of people spontaneously combust each year. It's just not really widely reported."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Feb 5, 2010 11:59 PM EST reply actions
The funny one was a guy on Puck Daddy saying the win streak was no big deal, the Caps only beating the teams they should beat. Pens fan, I think. Too bad my browser screws up trying to reply to PD, because my response went like this:
“Oh, so you’re saying that the Caps should beat the Pens every time, then? (This is probably true, because every time the Penguins lose, an angel gets its wings, but that’s neither here nor there.)”
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
Neuvi named no. 1 performer of the night on NHL On the Fly on NHL Network. A $100 Palm Card, 1st Star, and No. 1 performer of the night…the Neuvi trick?
Whatever it is, its damned impressive.
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Feb 6, 2010 12:00 AM EST reply actions
its also great that he got to do this in his one and only appearance with the squad on the dad’s trip. i assume his father was there for the game?
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
Don’t think he was.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
I mentioned this in the third period thread
Today (2/5) is the one monthaversary of Ovechkin’s captaincy. He got his C just prior to the Habs game, which the Caps won 4-2. Thought I’d take a look back at J.P.’s recap of that game:
Can putting a letter on one player’s sweater change the collective personality and character of a team?
Probably not.
The rest of the recap is worth a read too. Clearly the seeds of this … whatever-it-is we are witnessing were sown that night. Zowie.
IS KEPTIN NOW
Neuvy is neu
after the game he had; the new word for cool under pressure while having one of your friends cause problems is Neuvy!
Droppin a few stats
I know, the Caps are the best offense in the league, but still impressive numbers
By Line
Ovie, Backy, Knoobs 185 points combined. 82 goals
Vancouver: the Sedins, Alex Burrows 179 points combined. 66 goals
Pitt Matt cooke, Sidney Crosby, Malkin 150 points, 67 goals
By top 3 scorers:
Wash, Ovie, Backie, Semin…90 goals 205 points
Van remains the same.
Pitt: Crosby, Malkin, Guerin. 163 points 72 goals
SJS: Thornton, Marleau, Heatley 195 points, 83 goals (also play on a line together)
note: adding Vancouver in there because H.Sedin is no2 in points currently and has been leading it for a while this season.
Over the last 15 games:
Ovie Backy Knuble : 68 points 32 goals combined averaging 4.53 ppg and 2.13 goals per game
Ovie Backy Semin: 72 points 28 goals combined averaging 4.8ppg and 1.86gpg
By comparison San Jose’s Patrick Marleau Joe Thornton and Dany Heatly over their last 15 games, 50 points and 22 goals averaging 3.333 ppg and 1.46 gpg.
People are stupid, a person is smart. This leads me to believe there must be at least one smart hockey fan in Philly.
mind you some of these stats: Wash is now 14-1-0 in its last 15 games where as SJ is 11-2-2 still two highly winning teams.
Interesting to note that the last 15 games are responsible for 35% of 8,28,19’s points and 31% for goals. In a span that is 18.2% of the season. So In less than a 5th of the season they have put up around 1/3rd of their points.
People are stupid, a person is smart. This leads me to believe there must be at least one smart hockey fan in Philly.
It must be worse than hell getting home tonight; we usually have our STHs on by now.
by DrinkingPartner on Feb 6, 2010 12:46 AM EST reply actions
Went out to play in the snow, snow was reaching the hoods of trucks. I was standing up to my waist in snow(albeit some of it was pushed up by a plow so it was higher than everywhere else) but I’m 5’11"
People are stupid, a person is smart. This leads me to believe there must be at least one smart hockey fan in Philly.
Really a nice recap, JP
Good morning, good afternoon, good night.
Everything’s better with a little Walton
But most notably on the evening, he “had to answer” for a squeaky-clean hit. Enough already.
At least Ursk won the fight convincingly.
Eric Fehr looked a bit out of sorts
One thing he did well — it was nice to seek Fehr once again getting under the defenders’ skin and drawing a penalty (even if the Caps were -1 on that particular power play)
Mike Green’s empty net goal, shot from his own end of the rink, was nice, but not all that impressive in light of the fact that Jeff Schultz scored one earlier in the year against Atlanta from further out… with a goalie in the net.
Snark aside, he really earned that goal. That was a hell of a display of skill, to shovely the puck backhanded into the net from that distance.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
Oh boy, the power just went out. Power supply on the computer lasts about half an hour, so I guess there’s good chance I’m offline for the weekend. Gah!
"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."
see ya on the other side
Rock the Red! Rock the White! Rock the Blue! Rock the Pens!
by RedskinFan4Life on Feb 6, 2010 8:06 AM EST up reply actions
Love this from Peerless
Watching Semyon Varlamov is the Fourth of July, with roman candles and sparklers. Watching Michal Neuvirth is sitting under the tree at a picnic sipping on iced tea. Both enjoyable, both capable of making you happy.
I have a C on my heart.
by boutros23 on Feb 6, 2010 8:12 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
FTLT
Snowy morning, kids still sleeping after watching the game and then the blizzard far too late, thought I’d delurk for a minute and say thanks to JP, the rest of the writers, and you all for helping me better appreciate hockey these last couple years.
I grew up in LA. Never played or really even watched the sport, tho’ always liked it in a general way just fine. Lived here since ‘00. When the Caps drafted AO I realized I and my kids had a pretty rare opportunity to watch the whole run of a historic player so began following the team in ’04. I grew up watching Magic Johnson in the old forum (yes, I’m that old) and wanted that kind of experience for my yutes.
Couple years ago, after I’d followed the team enough to realize just how little I knew about the game (you all prob can’t relate – but for someone who hasn’t really lived the sport, it can look like a pretty chaotic swirl of sweaters at first, except you assume they’re called jerseys), I asked a friend ( this guy ) to rec a website to help me better figure out what was going on. Been reading here since.
Anyhow, was out watching the Rangers game and heard myself saying crap about Mike Knuble finally giving them a presence at the net and worrying about shifts running too long and I realized that I’d picked up a thing or two here and wanted to say cheers. I – and prolly a lot of other folks — value and enjoy the game a whole lot more for what we’ve learned here.
Thx again.
by Sam DC on Feb 6, 2010 8:24 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
to realize just how little I knew about the game (you all prob can’t relate
Plenty of us can; don’t feel ashamed. Everyone’s gotta learn somewhere. Welcome.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Feb 6, 2010 1:37 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Just wanted to echo Sam’s sentiments and say thanks for being a great resource for newer fans who want to educate themselves. I’m pretty much a hockey noob but I’ve definitely learned a lot in the months that I’ve been reading the Rink. I’ve been hesitant to jump in for fear of being labeled a “bandwagon fan” but seems like if one is clueful and not a jerk, it’s all good. See, I even have an avatar already!
And I made sure to cut the tags off the jersey my husband gave me for Christmas. (He’s been a Caps fan since at least the Jaromir Jagr days, do I get a little proximity fan cred for that?)
You had me at "no problem"!
welcome! And new ain’t the same thing as bandwagon. I think you’ve already proved yourself to be more interested in real hockey than any “bandwagon” fan
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Feb 7, 2010 2:11 AM EST up reply actions
Actually – shouldn’t use/not my own pic.
by Sam DC on Feb 6, 2010 10:47 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Whatever you wish man. Would you believe I’m not a black pimp?
Damn! Looks like my women is on time.
by Bald Pollack on Feb 6, 2010 12:38 PM EST up reply actions
Or am I?
Damn! Looks like my women is on time.
by Bald Pollack on Feb 6, 2010 12:38 PM EST up reply actions
Cheers — glad to have you with us
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Feb 6, 2010 1:13 PM EST up reply actions
Great Night...
…too bad I don’t remember much. Between all the drinking and the eventual trip to Ben’s Chili Bowl, the whole thing is sort of a haze.
Yet another game where we really didn’t play well enough to win, but won in spite of ourselves thanks to overwhelming offensive skill and great goaltending.
There's a fine line between arrogance and ignorance and only I manage to erase that line.
Semin stole Backstrom’s GWG and gave it to himself when he kicked that puck in. Selfish jerk. I bet he wouldn’t have done that if it was AO’s GWG.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
by Fehr and Balanced on Feb 6, 2010 4:46 PM EST reply actions
Postpone It
I think it’s great that the game is still on, at least for the NHL , the Network and those lucky enough to live within the area covered by underground Metro. But I think it’s BS because of all the die hard fans in the outer suburbs who probably won’t get plowed out until after the game and will never get a rain check.
"Don’t put your beer in the microwave, eh. It’ll boil."-Bob McKenzie
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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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