A Speed Bump Ahead On the Historic Road?
by Stephen Pepper on Feb 9, 2010 2:30 PM EST
60 comments
A two day breather gives us a chance to reflect for a moment on the next potential step of this stupendous 14-game run of the Washington Capitals. Shattering the previous franchise-best mark of 10 straight victories, and besting the arch-rival Penguins twice in the process, the 14-game winning streak is just three short of the record of 17 straight, set by those same Penguins in 1992-93 (which, incidentally, included one victory over Washington by a 7-5 score).
Anyone who has looked at the schedule ahead knows that the Caps could tie that historic mark by the Olympic Break. That is, if they manage to prevail in three straight road games (and two back-to-back), a feat the team has accomplished just once in 12 opportunities during the Bruce Boudreau era.
Most players on the team will be on hiatus until shortly before March 3. As Tarik put it: "Many of the players who are not participating in Vancouver will go find an island and a palm tree" and players are not permitted to use the Kettler facilities until official practices resume. Some might view this as a speed bump for the otherwise unstoppable Capitals victory bus, regardless of whether the team wins out this week. To me, the break might better be viewed as an opportunity to halt and correct a few negative trends that have crept their way into this exhilarating ride.
1. Discipline. As we noted yesterday, Jose Theodore, during his personal win streak, has faced 5.2 power play opportunities per game. The Caps have been shorthanded an average of 4 times per game this season (236 times in 59 GP), but allowed 4.6 PP opportunities per game during the streak, and 6 opportunities in three of its last four contests. During those four contests, Capital players have committed 10 HHT (hooking, holding, or tripping) infractions.
2. Slow starts. In its last five outings, the Caps have managed just two first period goals, both of which served to tie the game at 1-1. (The team leads the league in first period goals scored to date, with 69.)
3. Defensive mistakes. This is more anecdotal, and no collection of players makes the right plays with the puck 100% of the time, or even close to that. But more frequently during this past week of action, high-percentage scoring opportunities, if not goals, for opponents are directly resulting from poor clearing attempts and outlets, and unwise east-west passing from those manning the points (for example, this one and this one from Sunday). Overall, the Caps have also allowed at least 35 SA/G in each of the the last four games.
By contrast to Coach Boudreau's consistency in setting out the forward lines during nearly this entire streak, the defensive pairs have been rearranged frequently, rotating Brian Pothier, Tyler Sloan, and Karl Alzner (and not all due to the recently-served Mike Green suspension). But differences in skating abilities and the ability to rest guys may suggest sticking with such a rotation.
4. Scoring depth. For sure, the Caps are still the class of the league offensively. But in the last five contests, the team's third line has scored 2 of the team's 23 goals. (Reborn sniper Boyd Gordon, however, has two himself during that span.) While Craig Laughlin may have called Jason Chimera's blast from the left circle last Friday "Bobby Hull-ish!," the third scoring trio, in particular a struggling Brendan Morrison (2 goals, 5 assists, and just 17 shots in his last 15 GP), is going to have to be a little more productive to cause concern for opposing coaches and potentially create more favorable match-ups for the top two lines.
So while we continue to celebrate the unprecedented success of Les Capitals, these trends give us something to chew on for the remainder of the week. I'm not at all suggesting that this team needs to lose a game to get back on track: these Caps have already lost big games and know in their heads what it takes to avoid it. Elite teams find a way to make timely adjustments, to prune mistakes before they become ugly, deep-rooted weeds in the Garden of Eden that is this Caps season-to-date.
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I thought about this after the record in Boston. I was hoping that the Caps weren’t wearing themselves out too early. As ESPN pointed out only the Islanders won a Cup after being in the top 5 in longest winning streaks. But I think this is a good time for this streak to happen, the Olympics will force the team to take a breather. Of course I would love to see the Caps set the record for longest and I think it is definitely possible. We shall see what the road holds ahead.
Я Харт не так ли?
by Capsfan07 on Feb 9, 2010 2:47 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
The streak has indeed covered some glaring problems, most notably the recent first period slow starts and shot differentials. We all know that the end is probably coming soon (my guess is Ottawa where they seem to throw out some klunkers) but it’s hard to be critical when they’ve won 14 in a row. Bruce loves records, so I doubt he wants the streak to end. But if they should get to 18, I bet he’ll be anxious for a loss so he can really start coaching again and correcting some of the flaws that have been obscured by the flush of victory.
by b.orr4 on Feb 9, 2010 2:56 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
One thing that is nice about this streak is that it’s far enough away from the start of the playoffs where we don’t need to be worried about a burnout happening a few games into the first round.
I think the Penguins in ’93 that set the 17 game record did it leading right up into the playoffs and then got bounced in the 1st or second round.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
by zephyr on Feb 9, 2010 3:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Upset by NYI in overtime of game 7, second round.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Feb 9, 2010 3:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
that was the series after Hunter “finished his check” on Pierre Turgeon. Turgeon was hurt for most ot the Pens series if I recall correctly.
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Feb 9, 2010 6:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
one of the lowest moments in my history as a Caps fan. Hunter was my fave player, by a mile. After that, well, that was unforgivable. Supporting a team of grinders that always came up short in the playoffs? Not a problem, they gave it their best. Taking a guy out on a dirty cheap shot way after the play was over and changing his career forever? Yech.
by CarlosLA on Feb 9, 2010 9:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Correct. It went from March 9 – April 10 of 1993, approaching the finish to the regular season.
by CalleYo on Feb 9, 2010 4:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The Islanders played a great series in ‘93, but more importantly, the Penguins didn’t take them seriously enough. They thought they’’d cruise to their 3rd straight Stanley Cup. The Caps are not in the same situation – they will be much hungrier and less complacent as they haven’t won anything.
Despised in all cities except Washington and Quebec.
by topshelf_22304 on Feb 9, 2010 5:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
good point about that. it’s hard to see this team being unmotivated or overconfident in the playoffs under any circumstances. on the brighter side it would be nice to see the streak continue to build a cushion in the eastern conference standings so that they can make sure that they are healthy heading into the playoffs.
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
by souldrummer on Feb 9, 2010 5:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Cushion we got. NJD’s got one game in hand right now, but we lead the EC by 14 points.
I’m actually more interested in seeing whether we can take the President’s Trophy. It’s going to be one of us, SJS, or CHI if nothing changes.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
by gotsparkly on Feb 9, 2010 6:04 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
One thing that the streak has done to us fans – I think it’s raised a lot of our expectations. I didn’t expect a Stanley Cup finals appearance when the season began. Now, I will be disappointed if we’re not hoisting the cup in June.
by Kolzilla on Feb 9, 2010 6:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Earlier this year I had posted a running commentary of the Caps losses where they had held the lead at one point and I was thinking about how they should have been undefeated. if they had really had their act together.
Yes, I know that no team can win it all as that would be realistic. But even winning half of those games would have given the Caps a really awesome record. Well, now the Caps are getting their act more together, as a whole.
They are coming back from deficits. They are finishing the job better.
In many ways, the Caps play better when they have an underdog mentality. (But, of course, they can’t get too far in the hole.)
Rocking the Red since 1975
by CapsFan75 on Feb 9, 2010 6:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
As people have pointed out, part of the reason for the lack of discipline (penalties, slow starts) had been the fact they’ve had very few practices since they’ve basically been playing games every other day. They have been playing an almost playoff like schedule during January and February, as far as the number of games is concerned. Most of the teams they’ve played were “playoff bubble” type teams, either just making it or just missing the cutoff for the playoffs. Okay, there were a few good teams thrown in there, too, like 2 wins vs Pittsburgh. In a way, it’s almost like they were playing the equivalent of the first round (and possibly the second round) of the playoffs, with no letup. There’s usually even a slight break between playoff series.
Rocking the Red since 1975
by CapsFan75 on Feb 9, 2010 3:17 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
This was exactly my comment. We have long known that defensive lapses and missed coverages happen when the team does not practices for long stretches of time, which has happened because of a compressed schedule and Mother Nature (as Tarik put it) pelting us with a snowball or three. Penalties happen when missed coverages result in scoring opportunities for the other team, and the guys are scrambling to get out of trouble and commit an oops.
I was thinking about the scoring depth issue, too. Would like to see the balance return, and it is this that I think the break will have the greatest effect on.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
by gotsparkly on Feb 9, 2010 3:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Will the Caps play successfully against Ming of Mongo tomorrow and get Gordon number of wins (#15)? They just finished winning Flash number of wins (#14).
Could not resist the Ming of Mongo reference, with Flash and Gordon (who seem to see a lot of PK time together).
Probably Pittsburgh is more the Caps equivalent of Mongo (and either Crosby or Malkin, the equivalent of Ming) than Montreal is.
Rocking the Red since 1975
by CapsFan75 on Feb 9, 2010 3:19 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Heh. Separated at birth?
I need a snappy signature...
by IRockTheRed on Feb 9, 2010 3:25 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Mongo and Montreal have one thing in common. They start with “mon”
Rocking the Red since 1975
by CapsFan75 on Feb 9, 2010 4:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No matter when the streak ends I’ll be happy with it, we’ve witnessed history.
(On Mike Green) He’s urban, you northern folk wouldn’t understand!
by Ovechwin on Feb 9, 2010 3:25 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Now what we need is 16 wins during all four rounds of the playoffs. It’s only Fehr.
Rocking the Red since 1975
by CapsFan75 on Feb 9, 2010 3:37 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Double Entendre. Very, very nice. I wish i could rec it as much as I Laich, but I don’t think i can rec it 21 times, one will have to do
Still waiting for someone to draft Paul Newman. . .
by kingzman264 on Feb 9, 2010 7:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
My two cents...
I think it’d be better to have the win streak end and have the Caps come back to earth, than to keep it up and burn out as the playoffs start. This winning streak is great, but I’d hate for it to affect the playoffs, since I think the Caps have the chance to go really far.
Here's to all us girls who love hockey...and the men who play it.
by Brad_Richards_Rocks on Feb 9, 2010 3:44 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
I know where you’re coming from.
Rocking the Red since 1975
by CapsFan75 on Feb 9, 2010 3:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I know where you’re coming from, but I think it’s good to have something to strive for, too. I’m not convinced that breaking the streak would necessarily grant them more playoff success – how many streaks like this have happened in Olympic years?
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
by gotsparkly on Feb 9, 2010 3:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah. The Olympic break will give mostly everyone a chance to take a break and recharge. I might be a little worried about Flash and Semin, but not really about any other Caps Olympian, Ovechkin, Backstrom should be fine, Varly will be able to stay sharp in practice and probably won’t face shots in games.
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Feb 9, 2010 4:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I worry less about Fleischmann, since the odds of the Czechs making the final medal rounds is pretty slim. Not impossible, but slim.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
by gotsparkly on Feb 9, 2010 5:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
If only the Czechs had been able to stay united with the Slovaks. Then they would have had an awesome team. But politically, it was not meant to be.
Rocking the Red since 1975
by CapsFan75 on Feb 9, 2010 5:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The thing is, due to the format of the tournament, the teams who play in the final medal games will play a measly two (or potentially three) more games than teams who get knocked out at the first opportunity (and the Czechs getting knocked out then would be a surprise). There’s no big difference between the level of fatigue that the major teams will endure.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Feb 9, 2010 6:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I like the timing of the streak a lot for the fresh start after the Olympics as people have been saying, especially if the team can bang out these last games with authority like a spoiler football team in the last games before the playoffs:
If you aren’t going to the Olympics it means #1 you were specifically passed over/people think you’ve got room to improve and #2 you’ve got nothing to lose with plenty of time to rest up. So I’d like to see the depth scoring take off in these last few games with the depth guys laying it all out there, certainly depth energy should be through the roof.
And Pepper’s article provides a starting place/road map on things they can focus on in these next 3 games.
by Icebat on Feb 9, 2010 6:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m thinking that only a loss in the next three games—the last three before the deadline—will give GMGM license to make a trade. So take that for what it’s worth.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Feb 9, 2010 6:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I see McPhee as always playing the long game. I don’t think it’ll make a difference one way or the other. I just don’t think he cares about perception, or “license.”
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Feb 9, 2010 11:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Honestly, i don’t see the streak as being bad in any way shape or form. The team is gaining confidence and still believes they can come back even if they start slowly/fall behind. After the first two goals on Sunday, it would have been easy to think “well here we go again, just like game 7” but that didn’t happen this time.
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Feb 9, 2010 6:45 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I’m with SG. Streak is something they can point to the rest of the season. “Let’s go back to playing the way we played when…”
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Feb 9, 2010 11:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Winning is never a bad thing. The attention the team is getting for the streak is also doing a lot for the league nationally and for the team.
"We take the shortest route to the puck and arrive in ill humor." - Bobby Clarke
by Karl W on Feb 10, 2010 2:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Team is having too much fun to start losing now. I don’t see them as getting run down at all, though that very physical Pens game no doubt left its mark(s).
I am hoping for short playoff series (no Game Sevens, please), so I don’t mind seeing the team get some practice in playing from behind and then shutting it down in the third period.
IS KEPTIN NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Feb 9, 2010 6:57 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
For a contrarian view, ’Hawks coach Quenneville wants his team to pick up the pace on the way to the ’Lympic break:
“We’re looking to capture some momentum here,” Quenneville told reporters. “It’s important we try to sustain something like (Saturday’s) win and go into the break on a positive note. We have to concentrate each and every night to get our emotion level as high as we can.”
IS KEPTIN NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Feb 9, 2010 7:15 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Unless someone was been called up from Hershey before noon today, we may be seeing some interesting line combinations and defensive pairings.
Erskine is injured — Questionable
Green is being benched, apparently
So our defense is down to Poti, Pothier, Schultz, Sloan, and Morrisonn.
So who takes up the 6th blue liner slot? Does Quentin Laing make his NHL debut on the blue line? (He’s a trooper, we all know that) Or does Brooks Laich move to the blue line and, if so, who takes his place on the 2nd line?
Rocking the Red since 1975
by CapsFan75 on Feb 9, 2010 8:23 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Brads, maybe. He’s two goals shy of double digits.
Who would Brooksie pair with on the blue line? Ima guessing he’s more of a offensive defenseman…
IS KEPTIN NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Feb 9, 2010 8:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Except Brad is a right winger, not a left winger.
So what will be the lines tomorrow?
Rocking the Red since 1975
by CapsFan75 on Feb 9, 2010 8:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Who said erskine is injured and green is being benched??
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Feb 9, 2010 8:45 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Check out the TSN website. (Erskine’s injury was why he didn’t play against Pittsburgh.)
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/injuries/
They have now changed Green’s status from questionable to probable, so maybe the benching isn’t happening after all.
Rocking the Red since 1975
by CapsFan75 on Feb 9, 2010 8:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The benching never was happening.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Feb 9, 2010 8:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m sure Bruce just used it to threaten Green.
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 9, 2010 9:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Most likely. But if you reasoned it out to the logical conclusion, the benching wasn’t happening. We just don’t have enough available defensive personnel to make it so.
Rocking the Red since 1975
by CapsFan75 on Feb 9, 2010 9:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Sure, but Green really respects Bruce, and is almost like a kid that doesn’t want to disappoint his favorite teacher. Bruce putting it out there for the whole world to see that Green might not play because he was late to practice? Green knows he screwed up big time. Point made.
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 9, 2010 9:35 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
So Green will now try and be a “good little boy” for the rest of the year and make it to practice on time.
Rocking the Red since 1975
by CapsFan75 on Feb 9, 2010 9:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Green’s a rebel!
(On Mike Green) He’s urban, you northern folk wouldn’t understand!
by Ovechwin on Feb 9, 2010 10:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
He’s gangsta.
IS KEPTIN NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Feb 9, 2010 10:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Benching him would not make sense at the present time, given our thinness in blue line personnel.
Boudreau reached the same conclusion that we did. Green as a healthy scratch in the press box while a forward is pressed into duty on the blue line would be illogical.
Rocking the Red since 1975
by CapsFan75 on Feb 9, 2010 9:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
First of all, no one ever said anything about Green being benched. He MAY be but to assume he would is out of the question.
I can pretty much guarantee that if Erskine does not play (which I think is unlikely, at least for health reasons) that Green will.
Move along, nothing to see here.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Feb 9, 2010 8:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, back when “caps123” had posted it in the Caps Clips Thread from earlier today, the line said “Green was questionable — disciplinary reasons”. So, the benching looked like a strong possibility. However, that notation has been changed to “probable”.
Rocking the Red since 1975
by CapsFan75 on Feb 9, 2010 9:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, but you stated it as a fact that Green would be benched.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Feb 9, 2010 9:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
We’ll move along — now that the TSN web site have been updated.
Rocking the Red since 1975
by CapsFan75 on Feb 9, 2010 9:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, there never WAS anything to see.
In all seriousness, it doesn’t take more than a few seconds of rational thought to see that BB wouldn’t bench Green if the alternative were playing Quintin Laing or Brooks Laich on the blue line.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Feb 9, 2010 9:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The SportsNation Poll on ESPN asks this question.
With the Olympic Break coming up, when will the Caps lose?
14% at Habs
33% at Sens
6% at Blues
47% win all 3 to tie Pens record
Just over 13k votes.
by jaytown99 on Feb 9, 2010 10:33 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
link?
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 9, 2010 11:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
"No Brooks Laich, no win. Know Brooks Laich, know win."
by kellobellow on Feb 9, 2010 11:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe Mike Wise is getting cabin fever?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/09/AR2010020902574.html
This is a little over the top…
by miseenjeu on Feb 9, 2010 11:35 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
the kicker is, Wise is in Miami! He was covering the super bowl and all the snow means he can’t get a flight home.
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 9, 2010 11:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Um, isn’t this the same guy who not too long ago said, “With all due respect, it’s hockey”? And now he’s bewailing the fact that the Caps aren’t playing during the Olympics?
Ok…whatever.
You had me at "no problem"!
by mosaicist on Feb 10, 2010 9:17 AM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Now that’s an ass that could be kicked off the bandwagon.
by redlineblue on Feb 10, 2010 1:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
70 | 47 | 14 | 9 | 103 |
|
Atlanta
|
69 | 29 | 29 | 11 | 69 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
69 | 28 | 29 | 12 | 68 |
|
Florida
|
68 | 28 | 30 | 10 | 66 |
|
Carolina
|
69 | 28 | 33 | 8 | 64 |
(updated 3.17.2010 at 8:57 AM EDT)
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