Recap: Caps 4, Penguins 3 (SO)
by Stephen Pepper on Mar 24, 2010 10:45 PM EDT
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It gives us a challenge. It just keeps us on top of things, so that we're not losing the mindframe that we need going into the playoffs. - Mike Green, to Al Koken on the CSN broadcast just prior to face-off, on what it meant to face the Penguins tonight.
Challenge accepted and met. Well, sort of. It was a playoff-style game. Tight checking, sharp netminding, heavy hits, all in a raucous home building. Unfortunately, not ended in playoff-style. A bit deflating to have to go through the shootout motions after this exhaustive affair. But, nevertheless, the Washington Capitals have now matched their franchise season-best points record of 108 and, further, breaking the records of home wins and total wins (30 and 50, respectively) is still within reach.
Oh yeah, and three up and three down for the Pens against the Caps this season. For what that's worth. Actually, to know that (a now precious few) Pittsburgh supporters have left the D.C. barn despondent again this season is still worth quite a bit.
Ten more notes on the game:
- For all those that maintain that Alexander Semin has no hockey sense, Sasha he don't need much o' that with hands like those, at both ends of the ice on the third period PK. He was the firestarter tonight for the triumphant comeback. But did he get jobbed on the high-stick call for a follow through?
- Speaking of hockey sense, good Canadian prairie native Eric Fehr always seems to be in the right place, take the right angle to the net, and just make the smart hockey play this season, doesn't he?
- Jose Theodore excelled from start to finish. Saw rubber through traffic, kept a good number of rebounds to the sides. Unfortunately, it seemed that the trio of forwards on ice for Jordan Staal's GTG -- Eric Belanger, Matt Bradley, and David Steckel -- were more mesmerized by Theo's brilliant efforts a moment ago than were Staal and co.
- The apparent lack of communication between Tom Poti and Joe Corvo in the first frame was unnerving. Chalk it up to Corvo getting adjusted again after a night off.
- Jason Chimera brought speed through the neutral zone, and muscle behind the net against the likes of Brooks Orpik and Staal. But he didn't bring any punishment to Orpik, who ran Brendan Morrison without payback. Maybe with both Brooks Laich and Boyd Gordon out, and Quintin Laing getting so few shifts (only 6:40 TOI tonight), it was a tricky proposition to risk losing another checking forward to the box.
- John Carlson now has two games versus the Penguins notched in his belt, skating 17:43 and 17:39, respectively, making some key blocks and creating a fair bit of offense. But we'd prefer not to see him rush to the net with Sidney Crosby behind him, ready to break the other way. Is he playoff ready as the 6th D?
- We don't like that a Cap player was the recipient, but the open ice hit by Staal on Semin was good, clean hockey fun.
- You might have expected Matt Cooke to be the #1 pest tonight going in, but Michael Rupp sure made a case for himself.
- Each team won exactly 50% of its draws (28 for 56) but, on this night, Morrison schooled Crosby on the draw (winning 5 of 6 head-to-head). Adding to Mo's case for second line center in the post-season?
- Coach pulled another shootout rabbit out of his hat, giving Mike Knuble the nod to bury the skills competition winner. We knew that Bradley would have been next.
Tonight's was a matchup that lived up to the hype. But importantly, for Caps' fans, it showed again that the team has the ability to play the sound defensive game required for a deep playoff run.
Game highlights:
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I admit that Green’s pre-game quote above reminded me of this classic ’80s prog metal album.
by Stephen Pepper on Mar 24, 2010 10:48 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
he still spiced it up with a little bad sasha but that shortie has got to go on the short list for goals of the year. Not the top, but close to the top in terms of an amazing fusion of situation and determination
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
by souldrummer on Mar 24, 2010 11:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Steak or lobster, Jose Theodore? What'll it be?
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
You can tell that guy just loves playing the Pens. His energy level always goes up a notch.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Mar 25, 2010 12:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Goddamn I had fun at that game. Big prayers go out to my season ticket holder neighbor headed to Afghanistan before the playoffs begin. :(
I have a C on my heart.
Wow, that’s heavy. My prayers as well.
by Stephen Pepper on Mar 24, 2010 10:55 PM EDT up reply actions
…where were you sitting? Guy behind me was talking about having to go back over in a few weeks, almost made me cry.
Ugh. I think the saddest thing of all is that I’m not in 412 so it was someone else – heartbreaking, two of many.
You might send something to the Caps. Maybe they could honor them at a game.
Только игра! Почему надо быть гневаться?
WARNING: Irrrational defender of Semyon Varlamov
FREE ERIC FEHR
Caps Snaps - Washington Capitals Photography
Tell me about it. I got to see one game before I left (and it was one of the losses!), and won’t be back till after next season starts. But, on the bright side, the fact that I will be missing the playoffs for the first time in almost 20 years I think pretty much guarantees that this is the year they win the Cup! :~0
here’s hoping you find as much japers’ rink time as possible between now and then.
by Natty Bumppo on Mar 25, 2010 8:15 AM EDT up reply actions
I thought we were gone for sure after going down 2-0 in the SO.
When Crosby scored, I thought “This sucks, now all the headlines will read ‘Crosby wins it for Pens!’”
Then there was “Ugh, Ovie sucks at the shootout, why does Gabby always pick him?!”
Then there was “Wait, Knuble is 37 and he’s 0-for-4 in his entire career on the shootout? Uhhhh….”
Then there was spontaneous orgasm.
"My face is my mask."
by Jake Shapiro on Mar 24, 2010 10:51 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
NHL loving for Jose
I posted in the fan post but wanted to note that NHL network guys were saying that JT deserves a lot more credit than he’s been getting.
really high praise actually and was great to hear.
If he keeps playing this way (the way he’s played all of 2010) not only do I think we can win the Cup, I think it’ll be damn near impossible to beat us 4 of 7.
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.
eastern conference playoff predictor by ricky rage
at the risk of being yelled at for putting this in the recap, can someone please let ricky rage know that the program he made has ceased working as of tonights game vs pit. i do not know how to get ahold of him, maybe he could fix this?? i downloaded it again, and the glitch occurs after tonights game and moving forward. sorry for the interruption…great win, awesome finish…any input or direct way to reach ricky would be appreciated. i have been filling in all the games since march 1 and am just bummed that it stopped working now….
by lifetime caps fan on Mar 24, 2010 10:54 PM EDT reply actions
Uh…. I’m pretty sure it was working, it’s just that the Penguins weren’t our closest competitor for the East crown… anyway he posted a new version with some new stuff.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Mar 25, 2010 1:51 AM EDT up reply actions
it’s both. The Pens aren’t our closest competition anymore (that’s Buf and NJ), but there’s also some coding issues in there that I noticed this morning when I was updating mine. Interesting note, Toronto’s been eliminated from the playoffs.
I’ve got a corrected copy, just no where to post it online for folks to get access to.
can either one of you email me a copy of the corrected one please??? …… puckheadmark@cox.net
i would greatly appreciate it…i downloaded a 2nd copy and everything was working fine until last nights games and its the same problem with the 2nd time i download it, so i personally did not mess it up, as i thought i may have.
my kid and i fill it out every night, and we play with it all the time…
thank you
by lifetime caps fan on Mar 25, 2010 7:34 AM EDT up reply actions
Why wouldn’t you post a comment in the FanPost to which you’re referring?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Probably because he can’t see it anymore, JP. I know I can’t.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Honestly? I’m the only one that sees Ricky Rage’s “New Playoff Tracker” as the top FanPost on the list?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I sure don’t. I don’t know about anyone else.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
And you’ve refreshed this thread in the past 10 hours or so? Really weird.
Another option would be to search for, say, “Tracker” and click on FanPosts.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I see it…
I like Laich, but I <3 Green
by RockinRed4Life on Mar 25, 2010 8:00 AM EDT up reply actions
Has a team ever come back from being down 2-0 in a shootout and won it in 4 rounds? Seems like it might not have been done before.
You had me at no problem.
Semin did get jobbed on the high stick follow through. He was trying to shoot the puck but got stick lifted so he missed the puck and got all face. Not really his fault. Tough call.
Orpik definitely took a charge at BMo and jumped for the hit. Ridiculous play. Loved seeing Nick put Orpik on his ass when he tried to take a run at him as well.
Carlson and Belanger both had their best games as Caps. We’ll see if Carlson is playoff ready, but I sure prefer him to any of the other options.
Chimera has, and will always have, hands made of pure granite. I’d like to see him start throwing them a little more, can’t hurt his finesse game.
Crosby was not good defensively tonight. You won’t hear about it anywhere else. And that shot away from the play on Carlson was completely lame and spoiled.
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.
It seems that every game for Carlson is his best SO FAR. Not a bad sign.
by fnralch on Mar 24, 2010 11:03 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
His play and ShaMo waking up make me feel very, very comfortable as far as defense goes.
President and sole member of the Erskine lobby.
agreed. i thought that sha mo has looked really good in the last couple of weeks. he seems to have found the ideal balance between physical play and defensive positioning. gelling with carly can’t hurt either.
Carlson blows away any of the other choices for the #6 spot in my mind. He’s starting to want to activate more offensively. This is a good and bad thing. He still isn’t fully used to NHL speed. I have no doubt he’ll eventually get it. His patience with the puck when deep in his own zone has already been a huge help. He makes the smart play 9 times out of 10. The guy is only going to get better.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Mar 25, 2010 12:47 AM EDT up reply actions
I see I’m not the only person that thinks that ShaMo / Carlson has actually been a pretty good pairing. Poti / Corvo is still something of an adventure to my mind, but the others work for me.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Poti/Corvo always makes me nervous currently.
I like Laich, but I <3 Green
by RockinRed4Life on Mar 25, 2010 8:01 AM EDT up reply actions
For a shift or two, Bruce went with a rotation of 52-3, 77-26, 74-55. If 3-77 doesn’t work, these may be decent alternatives (though I’d sooner go with 52-55, 77-26, 74-3 for the time being).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
The Backstrom hit on Orpik was awesome – anytime I see #44 in white fall to the ice it’s a great moment but to see Nicky pull that out…people just forget how ridiculously strong he is on his feet.
Very impressed with Carlson, as well.
You know who didn’t forget how strong he is on his feet? David Backes didn’t forget.
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.
David Backes knows whats up
He picked Backstrom for the Hart didn’t he? We must silence him in order to keep Lars under the radar and keep his price lower than 8.5 mil.
Semin = King of Dangle Sauce
by Area 51 Forever on Mar 24, 2010 11:07 PM EDT up reply actions
I wouldn’t say that was a hit, more like a block.
When are people going to learn. Activating Mean Lars only brings ruin to your team.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Mar 25, 2010 12:49 AM EDT up reply actions
Crosby gave up the pass that 28 intercepted for his short-hander too. It looked like it was pretty much the same pass as he'd sent across immediately before & that 28 was ready for it the 2nd time.
3-point shooting contest, anyone?
by not in vancouver anymore on Mar 24, 2010 11:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Unfortunately that is the same pass Crosby tries 87.87% of the time on the power play.
The Caps are my daddy
by PensAreYourDaddy on Mar 25, 2010 2:56 AM EDT up reply actions
I think it’s one of those things that when it works it’s awesome, but more often than not it puts the other team in transition and sends yours scrambling. The Caps have a couple of those plays.
Sigh. Things got a little violent in my section after the game – we had a fight at the top of the last flight of stairs before the exit. Not good.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Yeah, that’s the problem with your PP. Very predictable and very little movement. It’s the same even with Geno and Gooch. Every team in the league knows exactly where to find your stars so if you don’t move around it’s not that hard to defend, even as good as they are.
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.
Agreed, though Geno and Gonch are our two best shooters, so even standing still that gives a little more punch than we have without them.
I hate our power play and hope that Sid’s off-season assignment is “become a better power play guy”.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Mar 25, 2010 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d bet that his off-season assignment is “become a better defensive player.”
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.
I’m not really following you on that one.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Mar 25, 2010 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Well he already has all the offensive skill he needs. I’m not sure how he’d work on being a better PP player. PP is a team thing, not an individual thing (seems like Crosby fans have a tough time with that concept, zing!). I still think he’s not great defensively, and he could definitely work on that on his own over the summer. He wants to be great at everything, and D is where I still think he can make the most strides. That’s all I was saying.
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.
Ok, I guess he could always become better, though I think he is already a pretty decent defensive forward.
I think he could work on becoming less predictable on the power play, though you’re right it would probably take the whole team working with him over the summer to make a real difference.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Mar 25, 2010 8:43 PM EDT up reply actions
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!
Carlson hit the post…again. Thank god he didn’t kill another one of his teammates who just happens to be Canadian.
Semin = King of Dangle Sauce
by Area 51 Forever on Mar 24, 2010 10:55 PM EDT reply actions
its ok he is just waiting for the biggest stage possible to actually score.
Semin = King of Dangle Sauce
by Area 51 Forever on Mar 24, 2010 10:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Tobacco? Carlson’s new nickname? He’s always putting it on his pipe.
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
by souldrummer on Mar 24, 2010 11:09 PM EDT up reply actions
He is and always will be Captain America to me.
Everyone wants to kill the king. But the prince, he just sails along telling all the ladies, "One day I'm gonna be king."
The creator and active cheerleader of the Brendan Morrison lobby.
ALI FAROKHMANESH!
What more can I say?
by Steck It Out on Mar 25, 2010 1:30 AM EDT up reply actions
Crack would be a better nickname, b/c he’s always hittin’ the pipe.
But I’m not much for nicknames, especially forcing ’em early.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 25, 2010 7:36 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Say what you want about the gimmick, but tonight’s was EPIC.
Поклон перед вашим капитаном!
by Knubles and Bits on Mar 24, 2010 10:57 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
You would, Knubles and Bits.
"My face is my mask."
by Jake Shapiro on Mar 24, 2010 10:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Holy crap!
Almost home. What an amazing game!!! I’ll post pics later tonight.
Только игра! Почему надо быть гневаться?
WARNING: Irrrational defender of Semyon Varlamov
FREE ERIC FEHR
Caps Snaps - Washington Capitals Photography
by cobracg on Mar 24, 2010 11:00 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
I see your signature’s changed. What was the original English phrase? The Russian sounds rather weird.
It basically says “Is only game! Why you have to be angry?”
Только игра! Почему надо быть гневаться?
WARNING: Irrrational defender of Semyon Varlamov
FREE ERIC FEHR
Caps Snaps - Washington Capitals Photography
by cobracg on Mar 24, 2010 11:15 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Ah, someone who is down with the Bryz.
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
by souldrummer on Mar 24, 2010 11:18 PM EDT up reply actions
I think that correct russian but I’m trying to make it broken. I’ll correct later.
Только игра! Почему надо быть гневаться?
WARNING: Irrrational defender of Semyon Varlamov
FREE ERIC FEHR
Caps Snaps - Washington Capitals Photography
I just started importing the photos. They should be on my website by 1:30.
Только игра! Почему надо быть гневаться?
WARNING: Irrrational defender of Semyon Varlamov
FREE ERIC FEHR
Caps Snaps - Washington Capitals Photography
Faceoff percentage
I noticed BMO was winning a good amount of faceoffs against Crosby, no idea he was 5 for 6. Atta boy.
"I have a lot to offer this team down the stretch with my experience, having been a main guy on a team before and knowing what it's like and how you have to prepare. When you're a young guy, you always think there's next year. You're naive. You think that window of opportunity is going to be there every year. But it's not." -BMO
by morrisonhotshot on Mar 24, 2010 11:05 PM EDT reply actions
Probably wouldn’t have been on the broadcast, but did anyone actually at the game see a little moment between Staal and ShaMo in the first period (I think)? Play was whistled dead on an offsides and then Staal decided to shoot the puck at Mo…followed by Mo shooting the puck back at Staal. Staal then, er…grabbed himself and the two were kind of yapping at each other as they passed.
Random observation but I was dying of laughter, I thought it was great – there’s no question these teams really dislike each other, which is great. It’s how we get such exciting, emotional games out of one that, for the Caps at least, was relatively meaningless.
And speaking of Mo, I thought he also had a great game tonight. I really enjoy him and Carlson together. Poti and Corvo on the other hand….eep.
Oh, and Jose was a beast tonight. That is all.
God I just want someone on our team to lay out Staal so lands on the obnoxious nose and chin he has.
Semin = King of Dangle Sauce
by Area 51 Forever on Mar 24, 2010 11:09 PM EDT up reply actions
I thought ShaMo had a pretty good game. It seemed he was putting a good hit on someone. I would have said he played a great game, but he did screen Theo for that third goal the ‘guins scored. I was also confused that BB put Knuble out in the shootout, but then realized, he is our penguin killer. He’s just going to keep living up to it, isn’t he?
I think that trying to be a devoted fan or detractor of 28 gives you the same view of sheer madness.
Saw Carlson calling for the puck several times; he must really like that
I took a fine photo of Knuble scoring his (hockey) goal, in which Staal appears to be felching Knuble. I may have to learn to post pics here (mac) cause I think some of yall would enjoy this one.
Jag antar parader är cool.
freaking refs
a joke, plain and simple. more missed calls, more phantom calls…just absolutely ridiculous. the ONLY pp we got was probably from the fans as a makeup call for the blatant penalty that SHOULD have been called 15 seconds earlier. this is the type of crap that reminds me way too much of the playoffs last year vs PIT, and makes me really question what the league is up to. And im glad the Caps won so im not just crying sour grapes…We still got the 2 pts and it was absurd…
by lifetime caps fan on Mar 24, 2010 11:15 PM EDT reply actions
I enjoyed a moment between plays early in the third (I think, it’s a little fuzzy) where both Captains were on the ice making their case with different zebras. Dunno what was decided, but it was cute.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
I thought the calls against the Caps were legit (maybe with the exception of the Semin high stick), but there were a lot of non-calls on blatant penalties on the Pens.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Mar 24, 2010 11:28 PM EDT up reply actions
YES
I counted at least five non-calls on blatant Penguins penalties. The open ice trip. A slash on Ovechkin. Another trip along the boards. Interference (twice) on Semin (one of which got him called for the high stick)… it was ridiculous, the way that game was called.
And yes, the calls against us were all good calls. But they have got to call things fairly.
If you call a tight game against one team on the ice, you have to call it tightly against both.
And when the announcers on CSN (and Corey) start calling things out……..
Blog: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
by IRockTheRed on Mar 24, 2010 11:31 PM EDT up reply actions
you forgot about the interference where fleishmann was held up, i think while killing a penalty but i could be wrong on that…….where was that call???
by lifetime caps fan on Mar 24, 2010 11:35 PM EDT up reply actions
I left a bunch out. Wouldn’t want to seem like I was whining about bad refereeing or something… even though the refereeing was horrifically bad tonight.
Blog: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
by IRockTheRed on Mar 24, 2010 11:53 PM EDT up reply actions
AO was definitely tripped twice with no call. Fehr was whacked in the face with a stick. Crosby hit Carlson totally away from the play. NHL officiating is just bad so don’t bust out the tin foil, but I keep waiting for it to even out and it hasn’t.
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.
Totally agreed. I hate it when all the calls go one way. One team rarely does less than another in terms of things they can get called for. I knew it was going to be rough when Fehr took that highstick right in front of the ref, and he didn’t even notice.
what’s great is when your team is resilient enough when they don’t have to complain about it because they’ve won and survived all of the trials and tribulations
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
by souldrummer on Mar 24, 2010 11:35 PM EDT up reply actions
what’s great is when your team is resilient enough when they don’t have to complain about it
So stop complaining about it already.
The Caps are my daddy
by PensAreYourDaddy on Mar 25, 2010 3:02 AM EDT up reply actions
someone wake up on the wrong side of the igloo? this is where we come to vent. no one forced you to come to the “dark side” :) he said you don’t HAVE to complain, because we won and it does not MATTER…all that being said, we still ARE going to complain so the refs don’t get away with deciding games come MAY.
by lifetime caps fan on Mar 25, 2010 7:38 AM EDT up reply actions
I think it was more the fans at the game driving me nuts. They spent equal time cheering the Caps and jeering the refs. I guess I should have been happy to hear so many chants of “Refs You Suck” rather than the obvious alternative that I normally hear.
It just sounds kind of bitchy for the 1st place team to spend so much time complaining about the refs, and I know I’ll catch hell for this, but many fans seemed to think it’s a penalty every time your guy falls down. They were going nuts over every offsides call, for crying out loud. Do they go to Nats games and argue balls and strikes all day, too?
by PensAreYourDaddy on Mar 25, 2010 8:37 AM EDT up reply actions
Do they go to Nats games and argue balls and strikes all day, too?
who’s the umpire?
by Natty Bumppo on Mar 25, 2010 8:58 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Exactly. I can live the with calls, if they’ll just call the game even. Playoff atmosphere? Yeah, just like last year’s playoffs. Not the type of atmosphere I’m looking for.
"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 Mar 24, 2010 11:35 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Somehow, the Caps still won — no thanks to the officials. I didn’t think the Pens were that much more disciplined as a team this year, overall.
Rocking the Red since 1975
simply put
the Caps did not really commit 5 times as many penalties as the Penguins. That’s the game the refs called though.
I generally loathe ref-complaining, but this is a pattern in Caps-Pens games. It is total crap.
The keyboard is mightier.
It’s more than Caps / Pens – I saw some of it in Wings / Pens as well, both this season and particularly in last year’s playoffs. I recall a full 30 seconds with the Pens having too many men on the ice and no call despite the Detroit bench screaming, and when the ref noticed, he simply sent the extra Pen off with no penalty.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Exactly this. I don’t mind the calls that were made against the Caps – those were legit – but how many times are the black and gold going to get away with doing whatever the hell the want on the ice?
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
That said, the Caps won anyway, and that I think is going to be key coming into the playoffs, because there is no reason to expect, and every reason not to expect, that the refereeing will be any different.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
watching Ovie mime diving tot he ref was hilarious.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [wrong] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
Bruce deserves a lot of credit tonight. Some very good choices at key moments… Knuble in the SO the biggest.
And on a separate note, Joe Corvo was a mess tonight. Gives me bad vibes thinking of the playoffs.
by marks4java on Mar 24, 2010 11:20 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Jesus Christ that game was crazy heart attack inducing.
To be or not to be. That's not really a question.
Follow me on Twitter! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes!
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
by Ovechwin on Mar 24, 2010 11:22 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Whoa. Henrik Sedin with 3 points and counting tonight (3 A), midway through VAN’s game tonight. He’s passed Ovechkin in points (99 to 98).
Henrik is pretty inconsistant, Ovie need not worry
Bah-Ram-Ewe, Ovechkin will wreck you. Fear the Furious Fleece!
by kingzman264 on Mar 24, 2010 11:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Anyone have a thought about how poorly Crosby plays w/o Malkin compared to how well Lars plays w/o 8? Interesting contrast, I think.
3-point shooting contest, anyone?
by not in vancouver anymore on Mar 24, 2010 11:24 PM EDT reply actions
Excellent excellent point
Take away 9 and Lars just gets meaner. Take away 71 and Sid just gets dirtier!
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
by souldrummer on Mar 24, 2010 11:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Aaagh! Post fail. 9 was decent tonight, though.
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
by souldrummer on Mar 24, 2010 11:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Lars takes it personally when ANY of his mates are taken away.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
What’s so special about Crosby anyway?
Rocking the Red since 1975
by CapsFan75 on Mar 25, 2010 12:19 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
isn’t 71 a center? Don’t they play on different shifts except on the PP, which has been awful with or without 71?
Suspend Colin Campbell!
Not always, and when they skate the same line Malkin goes on the wing ‘cos Sid’s the faceoff guy.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
I realized I hate all the Staals and Tom Poti pisses me off all the time. I think someone ’round these parts is rubbing off on me.
To be or not to be. That's not really a question.
Follow me on Twitter! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes!
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
Phrasing!
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 Rob Parker on Mar 24, 2010 11:33 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Meh
To be or not to be. That's not really a question.
Follow me on Twitter! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes!
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
I’m so feelin the Poti hate, too. I don’t want to, but I do. (Sorry Becca) I definitely pulled a Biden (or an F&B) and yelled “Tom [Gretzky] Poti” a few times tonight.
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
It’s been gradual for me, but every game I seem to say at least 3 bad things about him. Poor guy.
To be or not to be. That's not really a question.
Follow me on Twitter! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes!
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
On the bright side, it’s a sure sign that you’ve become a smarter hockey fan.
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.
He’s really struggling lately. I hope Boudreau considers resting him once we clinch the East. He’s not the youngest and has logged a lot of big minutes.
by Kolzilla on Mar 25, 2010 12:25 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
If it keeps up this way I could see Poti/Corvo being the third pair. I don’t think it’ll happen because BB loves vets in general and especially Poti.
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.
When those two are on the ice, I cringe. I’m just not impressed. Although, I don’t think I’d switch any of the pairings around. So I don’t know who would go where. Schultz/Green needs to stay, and ShaMo and Carlson are clicking pretty well. It’s a tough call.
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
Like when he lost his perfectly good stick on the PK? Though my non-STH vantage point (AKA the bar) wasn’t too great, I’m pretty sure I saw that happen when 55 was in the box.
by vzotsky on Mar 25, 2010 7:19 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
quick thoughts
1) Loved when Orpik tried to stand up Backy with a big open-ice hit…and Nicky just Callahan’ed him off of him. Sweet.
2) Penguins bench after Sid’s SO Goal… a little too happy with themselves. Giggling. Laughing. I noticed.
3) Ovie flipping the puck to himself was awesome. if he scored on that play, it’d be another for the YouTube reel for sure.
My crush on Nick Backstrom grows every game. What a player!
To be or not to be. That's not really a question.
Follow me on Twitter! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes!
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
It's a Magic Number...
Caps
108 + (2*9) = 126 max
Pens
91 + (2*8) = 107
./~ Pens can’t catch us! ./~ Pens can’t catch us! ./~
Devils
90 + (2*10) = 110 max
The Devils can still, in theory, catch us… the Magic Number for the Conference is down to 3!
Blackhawks
99 + (2*10) = 119 max
119 – 108 = 11 + 1 = 12
TWELVE POINTS for the Presidents’ Trophy!
Blog: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
nice! I was doing all this math in my head earlier tonight, and figuring out exactly who needed to lose and when in order to clinch the East the fastest and the Presidents (though that figuring for that is a bit more complicated). Glad to see someone else came up with the same numbers I did. :)
I like Laich, but I <3 Green
by RockinRed4Life on Mar 25, 2010 6:06 AM EDT up reply actions
...
Glad to see I finally did the math right the first time, LOL!
Blog: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
Yep across the board (wins, H2H and GD).
"I know I was the best CIA agent the CIA ever had, but I thought I told you honkies from the CIA that Black Dynamite was out of the game!"
by Bald Pollack on Mar 25, 2010 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions
Has anyone heard anything about Backstrom’s contract recently?
OT i know, but this kinda stuff keeps me up at night
Bah-Ram-Ewe, Ovechkin will wreck you. Fear the Furious Fleece!
by kingzman264 on Mar 24, 2010 11:51 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
At this point I doubt anything gets done before the offseason. They’re not going to want that to be a distraction come playoff 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 Mar 24, 2010 11:55 PM EDT up reply actions
But June is awf’lly close to July.
:/
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
I have nothing of value to add
the comment count was 87 and for some reason i didnt like looking at that number.
by aaw6848 on Mar 25, 2010 12:12 AM EDT reply actions 19 recs
probably the most subtle antiSid move I’ve seen in a while
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
by souldrummer on Mar 25, 2010 12:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Rec’d for providing a public service.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
I had 87 direct messages on twitter and asked people to DM me so it was more. Then it stalled on 92 >.< Got someone else to message though.
To be or not to be. That's not really a question.
Follow me on Twitter! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes!
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
Things not to like
Penalty differential, 5 to 1. Caps need to draw more, take less
Shots against: 40+ seems a bit high, no?
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
The officials missed a few blatant penalties on the Pens. It’s not that the Caps’ penalties weren’t legit but the Pens were getting away with murder. (Nothing like playing 6 against 10.)
Rocking the Red since 1975
Heck, they even missed a “too many Mites on ice” call.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Considering that one of the referees was moving the net during the Mites on Ice, I’m not surprised. The kids seemed ok with it though….
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Mar 25, 2010 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions
Aside from the non-calls though there were too many stretches of the game that were reminiscent of last year where i was screaming at them to clear the zone annd they just couldnt. Theo was asked to do too much in the first against a team missing malkin and gonch.
That said, when the Caps turn it on they are simply unstoppable. That was not true last year but was evident in the third tonight. Overall, it was good enough.
by Kolzilla on Mar 25, 2010 12:29 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
And they STILL keep looking for the pass rather than just shooting the puck at the net already.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
what’s great is when your team is resilient enough when they don’t have to complain about it
I think the Caps are now 7-0-1 this year when allowing 40+ shots, that is if I read the jumbotron stat correctly.
The Caps are my daddy
by PensAreYourDaddy on Mar 25, 2010 3:07 AM EDT up reply actions
Oops
Quote fail.
Above was supposed to be in response to the comment about 40+ shots against.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Mar 25, 2010 8:41 AM EDT up reply actions
That’s a ridiculous stat and I don’t even know how to begin to explain. I will say that I don’t think it’s sustainable and I don’t want them making a habit of it. The only possible explanation is that when we get a lead other teams have to open up and dump pucks on net, but that doesn’t apply last night since PIT came out with 17 SOG in the first period. It wasn’t all during the push to tie in the third and we didn’t lead the game for very much.
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.
The way Theo has been playing though, it does wonders for his save percentage! (Of course it is going to come back and bite them in the ass at some point if they keep giving up that many; Theo can’t be godly forever).
I like Laich, but I <3 Green
by RockinRed4Life on Mar 25, 2010 6:07 AM EDT up reply actions
Ovechkin and Crosby remain tied at 18 points each since the last Pens/Caps game. Sid has one more goal, and AO has one more assist.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Sid has one more goal, and AO has one more assist.
all of canada is confused
by Redlined on Mar 25, 2010 12:35 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Was it just be or did anyone notice they had changed around the 2nd and 3rd lines after the Fehr goal?
I saw that the Pythagorean line (aka the Red Square line) were reunited. And so was the Ginger Line; i.e. the Red Head Line.
Oddly enough, it was our right wingers on both lines who had scored. (As well as the fact that Knuble, our 1st line right wing had scored today, as well).
Today was truly a RIght Wing victory.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Damn, I’d love to be at a PC and post a shift chart, but O’s ST is calling (and a wedding, how convenient)
by vzotsky on Mar 25, 2010 6:54 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
The KFH "i've been drinking heavily" recap
1. have any of these refs read the rule on interference?
2. what was up with that pitt dude dropping his gloves in that scrum and not getting a penalty?
3. i’d have more insightful to add but refer to post title
4. whatever, its a tie
by Kerry Fraser's Hairspray on Mar 25, 2010 1:05 AM EDT reply actions 2 recs
oh, and 5. not gonna hate, that staall shot was a frickin snipe
by Kerry Fraser's Hairspray on Mar 25, 2010 1:07 AM EDT up reply actions
I hate that guy and hate that he loves to score on us. That snipe takes a little of the shine off Theo robbing him just before, but not all the shine.
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.
- is a huge problem whenever a team from Philly is playing. There seems to be something in the water that makes them invisible to interference calls. How you don’t call the interference after Flash’s trip is beyond me. Just because your arm is up doesn’t mean it’s only for one player.
- is still bothering me this AM. McKee threw his gloves off AND threw a couple punches at Laing. No penalties.
So. If Orprick connects on his hit on B-Mo…it’s a 5 min major and very suspendable. Why not have some type of preemptive fine or suspension for shit like that?
Orpik’s hit is only a PIM if BMo doesn’t get up. I’m positive that if there is no injury the play continues. It will not be addressed but it was a ridiculous attempt.
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.
We don’t like that a Cap player was the recipient, but the open ice hit by Staal on Semin was good, clean hockey fun.
Since Morrison had possession of the puck when Semin was hit, should it have technically been interference? Split second thing and I’m glad they didn’t call it, just curious about the letter of the law.
A few painful moments for one of the "precious few"
Well played game by both teams, but the shootout gods were smiling on the Caps tonight.
.
The Caps are my daddy
by PensAreYourDaddy on Mar 25, 2010 2:52 AM EDT reply actions 6 recs
Love the pictures.
Here's to all us girls who love hockey...and the men who play it.
by Brad_Richards_Rocks on Mar 25, 2010 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Just posted my photos from last night’s game on my blog. Please take a look, I’ve got some nice shots: http://capssnaps.blogspot.com/2010/03/capitals-vs-penguins-32410.html
Только игра! Почему надо быть гневаться?
WARNING: Irrrational defender of Semyon Varlamov
FREE ERIC FEHR
Caps Snaps - Washington Capitals Photography
Wow some of those are very very good. What kind of camera do you use?
I like the second one of Green without his helmet on. And the one of Ovi drinking from the water bottle. Carlson is one funny looking dude though, IMHO.
I like Laich, but I <3 Green
by RockinRed4Life on Mar 25, 2010 6:48 AM EDT up reply actions
I also like "Chimera on crack"
I have a T1i with a Sigma 18-250mm lens.
Только игра! Почему надо быть гневаться?
WARNING: Irrrational defender of Semyon Varlamov
FREE ERIC FEHR
Caps Snaps - Washington Capitals Photography
by cobracg on Mar 25, 2010 6:52 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
This needs to be made into a caption contest…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Mar 25, 2010 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions
That’s a great shot just before Knuble’s 2nd period goal.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Mar 25, 2010 8:48 AM EDT up reply actions
So the first period scared the bejesus out of me. Running around in the D zone, unable to get the puck out against a heavy cycle and heavy forecheck and a hot goalie keeping the Caps in it. I was having really distressing flashbacks.
Did anyone catch what the adjustments were that lead to stronger breakouts and neutral zone play? I couldn’t tell immediately, but I’m pretty sure that there were some — the second and third period were much better both in terms of getting out of the zone and getting through the neutral zone with speed to set up chances.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Mar 25, 2010 8:04 AM EDT reply actions
I don’t know if there were adjustments. Maybe I’ll watch the game again to try to pick it up but it looked like PIT came out flying and we weren’t quite ready for it. We were a little nervous with the puck early and couldn’t make clean passes. Once we settled down I thought we did a much better job.
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.
Corvo a bad deal
After watching several post-trade games, I’m of the mind that we gave up way too much for Corvo. A Potsy for Corvo trade would have been more reasonable. Let’s hope Osala never pans out for the ’Canes.
But Brawndo's got what plants crave. It's got electrolytes.
I don’t think OO will pan out, and Potsy isn’t any better. If there’s anything to lament about that trade it’s the 2nd round pick. Corvo may not be playing great but it’s still not a terrible trade.
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.
Belated Observations from Section 421
I would have posted last night but after the game I got on the train at VC (Red line to Shady Grove) only to have it go out of service right at VC. So I get on the next one, along with everyone from the first train and those who showed up afterwards, and we followed the wounded train back to Grosvenor. I didn’t get home until Letterman came on…
Anyway, a couple of observations about last night:
- Memo to Flash: Just because an opponent commits a penalty against you that isn’t called does not mean you get a chance to commit a penalty for free. Just pay it back the best way by putting a puck into the opponent’s net.
- Speaking of Flash, was last night the first time he ever got sent to the box twice? I don’t think he has 20 PIMs this year yet.
- I don’t like Sid, but damn, that pass he threaded to Guerin, that was pretty. I don’t like Staal either, but that shot that tied the game was pretty damn good too. Theo could not be faulted on any of the goals he let in.
- Speaking of Theo, how is he not the number one star last night? Sure he allowed three goals, but if he’s not playing brilliantly, the Caps are out of the game by the second period. The defense was a bit too leaky for my tastes. 42 shots on goal is bad…. 42 to the Penguins worse… 42 to the Penguins without Malkin is unforgivable. The Caps need to tighten that up, big time.
- I couldn’t tell from where I sit, but was Ovechkin fouled in the OT when he took that shot. It sure looked like a trip.
- Note to Carlson: The net is 72 inches wide, not 74 inches… Keep on shooting, it’ll happen one day.
- On the Pens first goal, Schultz took out the lead forward but then stood there and watched as the Pens made a play. Other than that, it was another strong game for Sarge. Wouldn’t it be cool if he ended up winning the NHL’s +/- title?
- On a side note, one of my cats doesn’t like when I go to the hockey games. He then spends the night as a dead weight next to me while I try to sleep… damn cat….
Anyway, the Caps looked pretty good, but could have looked better. They’ll need to play better than this to win in the playoffs consistently. I am sure they can and they will. Still a record of 3-0-0 with one left against the defending champs is not too shabby…
Let's go Caps!
Your cat just needs a way to show his support while you are gone
.
.
Agree about Theo. Definitely deserved number 1 star.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Mar 25, 2010 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions
That’s a fine looking companion there. And not to worry, my silly deadweight cat (he weighs in at 15 pounds, all muscle, mind you) will be cutting off circulation in my legs during the Caps/Canes game tonight…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Mar 25, 2010 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions
AO was definitely fouled on the OT shot, but I guess the refs just wanted to let it play out because it was so late in the game. Another shameful instance of situational reffing. The Pens D got his stick right between his legs and tripped him up. That has to be called.
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.
I was so wound up after the game. It’s pretty rockin’ that the Caps came back TWICE: in regulation and in the shootout.
Here's to all us girls who love hockey...and the men who play it.
by Brad_Richards_Rocks on Mar 25, 2010 12:14 PM EDT reply actions
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