Recap: Caps 5, Lightning 4
by J.P. on Mar 4, 2010 10:44 PM EST
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[AP Recap - GameCenter - Game Summary - Event Summary]
Welcome to Washington, Messrs. Walker, Belanger and Corvo, and buckle your chin-straps - the game's played a little faster and looser here.
Through forty minutes of Thursday night's 5-4 win over Tampa, the Caps had done a solid job of controlling the game, save for discipline issues and a penalty kill that yielded a couple of tallies before turning into a Swedish-built brick wall. But whether it was lingering rust, tired legs after a game and subsequent travel a night earlier, or just a loss of focus, the Caps' played an ugly third period and were somewhat lucky to escape with a win.
Ten more notes on the game:
- When the Caps picked him up from the 'Canes on Wednesday, Scott Walker had all of three goals on the season and just eight total since the start of the 2008-09 campaign. On Thursday night, he scored twice in under three minutes in the third period, including the game-winning tally, while skating just ten shifts for the game. Beats the hell out of Carolina, doesn't it, Scotty?
- Eric Belanger's Caps debut wasn't nearly as storybook, as he was on the ice for both Bolts' power-play tallies (one on which his lost draw led directly to a deflected-in point shot) and lost seven of the 12 faceoffs he took on the night. Perhaps the "Belanger is a great penalty killer" meme should be reconsidered, especially in light of evidence to the contrary.
- Nicklas Backstrom also was on the ice for those two Tampa power-play goals, but his late second-period 3-on-5 penalty-killing shift in which blocked three Kurtis Foster shots in succession sans twig was heroic. In fact, it was downright Laichian (and more than a little scary to watch).
- The third player to make his debut as a Cap - Joe Corvo - introduced himself by hitting Steve Downie on his first shift and finishing the night with that hit, a trio of blocked shots and 20:19 of ice time (including 2:37 on the power play and 2:54 shorthanded). Solid.
- The only Cap older than Walker - Mike Knuble - continued to pile up the goals with another two tonight. He now has 25 on the season and looks to be giving his career-best of 34 a serious run. Given that he has lit the lamp 18 times in his last 22 games, we like his chances.
- As impressive as the Caps' are now, just wait until Alexander Semin gets back from Vancouver.
- Then again, Semin isn't the only member of Team Russia to be struggling lately - Alex Ovechkin has now gone 321:35 without scoring a goal (his last marker came immediately preceding a shower of hats against Pittsburgh nearly a month ago). His second-period helper, however, gave him 90 points on the season, making him the only player in the League to hit that milestone in each post-lockout season.
- Sticking with struggling Russians, Semyon Varlamov did not look sharp in his first Verizon Center start since December 3. He has now given up 10 goals on 57 shots against in his last two NHL starts, but avoided losing back-to-back starts (something he's only done once this season).
- Entering the game, Tampa backup netminder Antero Niittymaki was 6-2-1/2.38/.926 lifetime against the Caps. Starter Mike Smith was 0-4-0/4.64/.849. Rick Tocchet must have had some action on tonight's game.
- Boyd Gordon - fighting for playing time given the logjam among the bottom-six forwards - distinguished himself with a 12-for-14 night in the faceoff dot, an assist on Walker's first goal, and 4:15 of penalty-killing time during which nary a puck got passed Varly. Fantastic effort.
An ugly win is still a win, and the Caps, for the moment, have opened up a five-point lead in the race for the President's Trophy. But while it's quaint to say "they don't ask how, they ask how many" when it comes to wins, this is precisely the time when "how" does, in fact, matter. We'll cut 'em a little slack for now - this team is a bit of a work-in-progress, with new players and players returning from a long break - but it's getting very close to crunch time, and efforts like tonight's third period have got to become more and more rare.
Game highlights:
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Apart from the PK woes, I thought Belanger had a nice game. He meshed pretty good with Flash and Fehr.
Everyone wants to kill the king. But the prince, he just sails along telling all the ladies, "One day I'm gonna be king."
I agree. Looking forward to seeing what that line can do.
"My face is my mask."
by Jake Shapiro on Mar 5, 2010 12:42 AM EST up reply actions
agreed, Gordo looked fantastic tonight.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
The Blood Cult of Matt Bradley. Tune in Wednesday when Japers Rink offers their first burnt offering to Matt Bradley to give him an endless supply of the blood for his strident ways.
Loved the final seconds where he mashed Lecavalier against the boards. He played awesome.
Everyone wants to kill the king. But the prince, he just sails along telling all the ladies, "One day I'm gonna be king."
by Steck It Out on Mar 4, 2010 10:56 PM EST up reply actions
Bummer about Varly. That’s not so good.
Minny’s PK was a lot better with him off the ice, so, yeah, maybe time to rein in the expectations that he’ll be the magic bullet here.
Nice to see Scottie Wals making an impact.
"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
Varly looked really good in Hershey last week...
and maybe he should play a couple more games there to get his confidence back.
Then again, the Caps can afford a couple of shaky games from him right now—remember his struggles early in the season followed by stellar play prior to the injury.
by The Road Warrior on Mar 5, 2010 3:34 AM EST up reply actions
I don’t think Varly played a poor game, but he wasn’t very good.
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Mar 5, 2010 6:01 AM EST up reply actions
That’s just it — he stopped all the pucks he should have (except one, the Lecavalier second goal), but didn’t make any robberies on the other three. The Downie goal, ok. It was deflected down and away from him from ten or so feet out. The Stamkos goal was bad communication among Corvo (who looked just lost on that play, a product of being new here), Morrison, and Poti. But Varlamov certainly has the capability to make that stop. The first Lecavalier goal was a product of Backstrom losing him as Lecavalier circled around him, and Poti not getting there to stop a feed to Lecavalaier in the slot. Again, at the top of his game, Varlamov might have made that stop, but it would have been extremely difficult.
If you've read this far...seek help.
I thought the Stamkos goal was largely due to broken stick BMo being ignorant and taking Tom Poti away from his defensive responsibility (not that we can be sure Poti would have shut Stamkos down). That wasn’t the time for BMo to take the straight line to the bench, right through the slot. Agreed on the rest of your read.
Those Belanger PK numbers are brutal. Kinda shocked it took us this long to figure that out. I did like his 5 on 5 play and I think we actually have 3 legit scoring lines now (at least, once Semin returns). Corvo was solid. He had some nice stick work and blocked some pucks on the PK. He did lose Downie down low on the play where Downie put the puck through the crease, but that’s bound to happen. I love how quickly he gets his point shot off. Maybe he can mentor Juice?
That PK was brutal. TBL doesn’t have a great PP on the season, but they absolutely eat us alive. It’s almost like we give their skill players too much time with the puck and they do something skillful with it. Weird. And that Lecavalier goal looks almost exactly like Marty St. Louis chance from the PK in my breakdown. It’s amazing that BB has this team play so aggressively in all other facets, but then employs one of the most passive PK strategies ever. It wouldn’t even matter if Belanger was a good PKer. Anyone can stand on the top of the face off circle and waive their sticks around.
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.
Kinda shocked it took us this long to figure that out
"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
Good call. I hadn’t read through that thread.
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.
Linked to the BtN numbers here?
"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
Well I definitely saw that thread so I must have just overlooked it. Either way, the shine is off Belanger as a PK upgrade. Still wouldn’t matter if he was any good at it. (Plus, comparing him to Mikko Koivu is just unfair. That guy is ridiculously good on the PK.)
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.
And plays in a real PK system (disclaimer: did not see the game tonight).
(But I feel like I’ve seen enough to have a fair idea of what went wrong).
"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
IIRC
Minny does (or used to at least, when they had the #1/#2 PK) employ a similar system, passive box. But they are even more passive, block shots, and have a great PK goalie too.
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Mar 5, 2010 6:02 AM EST up reply actions
I did lol @ the Semin/Vancouver tweet…tried to share that with my roommate who seemed unimpressed
by alright alright alright on Mar 4, 2010 11:05 PM EST up reply actions
Heh. Twitter’s my focus group – gotta test material out sometimes before throwing it out here.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Haha. JP isn’t the only person using JP’s tweets for blogfodder:
You know a player is special when his supposed scoring slump is measured in minutes instead of games. Such is the case of the Washington Capitals’ absurdly prolific mega-star Alex Ovechkin.
You can take the blogger out of SBN, but you can’t take SBN out of the blogger.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Ok, then, if Semin is still in Vancouver, who was that masked man wearing 28 who had 4 takeaways and 6 attempts tonight? I think he’s played pretty well defensively the last 2 games. If you’re talking about scoring, I am sure he’ll find the back of the net soon. I was really hoping GMGM would find a good center for that line. Maybe they should try the new guy out there.
How many giveaways did he have? Did you see that time he was coming into the zone in the third and basically just waited until the defense got back? Semin has been okay. He’s stayed out of the box and that’s a plus. But he hasn’t been fluid offensively. I think it’s primarily post-Olympic hangover and I’m fine with that. Part of where we are right now is developing depth and being in close games where the deeper lines have to produce can be healthy. I’m confident Ovie can turn it on when the bright lights shine.
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
Rick Tocchet must have had some action on tonight’s game.
Love it.
DC Landing Strip - Waxed and Ready to Go
Doubt you can actually make money by betting on the Caps at home these days.
by The Jade Donkey on Mar 5, 2010 10:03 AM EST up reply actions
Just home from the game, and I had to come here to see if any of what I thought was legit. I guess so. I thought Varly looked shaky, but I couldn’t be sure if it was him or his defense letting him down. Probably a little of both, at least as far as a breakaway is concerned. Right now, I’d be feeling better with a tandem of Theo and Neuvy.
Nicky on that penalty kill was awesome! Standing ovation as he went to the bench.
Otherwise, I thought the top line looked a lot like it was still in Vancouver. Hey, it’s the new guys who were supposed to look out of place, not the guys who’ve been here forever.
"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."
Skating off two weeks of rust, inserting three new guys into the lineup and playing the second of back to backs. I’m not reading much into that third period or the game as a whole. Belanger looked like he was feeling his way out there and given that he just came from about as different an offensive system as you can find in the NHL, that’s hardly unexpected. It will take the new guys at least a handful of games before we can get a sense as to how they’re going to fit into their new team. Luckily, the Caps have so much wiggle room in the standings that they can afford to experiment in the hopes of finding the right combinations.
It seemed in BB’s post-game we’d lost the game the way he approached the press a lot of the time.
There are going to be a lot of man-games on the bench through the playoffs, it’ll be interesting to see how he approaches the rest of the season and playoffs with the new guys with regards to playing time.
If I think I’m on the bubble I’m bringing him coffee every morning.
and a garden salad for lunch each day
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
The Blood Cult of Matt Bradley. Tune in Wednesday when Japers Rink offers their first burnt offering to Matt Bradley to give him an endless supply of the blood for his strident ways.
They all get to practice together, I think BB is going to get the new guys into the system, then start rotating the lines.
I would like him to sit the people who don’t play well. . .
WHat other NHl team has that ability?
Bah-Ram-Ewe, Ovechkin will wreck you. Fear the Furious Fleece!
That would make sense to most of us yes, but Bruce’s history is an “it’s your turn to sit” style when he’s faced this before. Which frustrates us because somebody always likes the guy sitting and somebody who screwed up is always playing the next game instead.
But we’ll all see soon enough how he does it I reckon
I too, reckon. I think thats true; however, he sometimes plays a tad bit o’ favorites.
I would like to see him pressue everybody from the 2nd line down to earn their time on the bench. One day, when Semin, Laich, Flash, etc has a lazy game, switch it up on them and throw bradley or steckel on the 2nd or 3rd line
Bah-Ram-Ewe, Ovechkin will wreck you. Fear the Furious Fleece!
Belanger looked like he was feeling his way out there and given that he just came from about as different an offensive system as you can find in the NHL,
I thought Todd Richards or whoever it is who replaced Lemaire went with more “O” a la Boudreau, Bylsma. But yeah, at the very least, the talent Belanger has on his wings is superior to in Minny, for sure.
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Mar 5, 2010 6:05 AM EST up reply actions
yeah, Minnesota’s not quite so trap-happy these days. but, as a team, they’re not built to be prolific scorers. I assume that will change as their new GM has a couple more years of running things.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
The Blood Cult of Matt Bradley. Tune in Wednesday when Japers Rink offers their first burnt offering to Matt Bradley to give him an endless supply of the blood for his strident ways.
“I thought the Caps were in deep trouble. And that was before Nick Backstrom broke his stick. It could have spelled disaster, but Backy was willing to tenderize his rear end to stop the pucks.
Thanks to that Swedish hiney, the Caps stumped a motivated Bolt PP unit.”
haha from over on russian machine never breaks.
I've often thought of becoming a golf club
Frankly, even the VC crowd was rusty. Took everyone a while to get into the rhythm of the game.
And I must say, the new goal song was a little bit meh.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
by EmilyB on Mar 4, 2010 11:26 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
I don’t feel like we every, as a crowd, got into it, really.
Or maybe it was the assholes sitting in front of me, who when I said “hey, puck in play, SIT DOWN!” stopped, looked at me, and said “chill out.” Needless to say, they made themselves a whole bunch of enemies tonight.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
The Blood Cult of Matt Bradley. Tune in Wednesday when Japers Rink offers their first burnt offering to Matt Bradley to give him an endless supply of the blood for his strident ways.
Ugh, we had visitors in our row who just couldn’t stay in their seats. They must have come in and out at least a half a dozen times during the game. And not always during a stoppage in play. I was ready to choke somebody.;
"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."
it was completely unmemorable. it was like the tofu of goal songs. Which also means it wasn’t so horrible that it’s stuck in my head and the best way to get it out is to run, repeatedly, into a brick wall. So I guess that’s a positive.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
The Blood Cult of Matt Bradley. Tune in Wednesday when Japers Rink offers their first burnt offering to Matt Bradley to give him an endless supply of the blood for his strident ways.
And frankly, hard to hear. I don’t have an actual impression to share with you, therefore, meh.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
I’m pretty sure they didn’t even play it after the 4th and 5th goals!
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
The Blood Cult of Matt Bradley. Tune in Wednesday when Japers Rink offers their first burnt offering to Matt Bradley to give him an endless supply of the blood for his strident ways.
Apparently it’s from a local band called the Sandbox Kings. I couldn’t really hear it either.
EITM is going to play it on his show Friday and then they will post it online.
by Gin and Tonic on Mar 5, 2010 1:50 AM EST up reply actions
Agreed on the crowd. It was a lot like Buffalo sounded on the TV last night. Are we not recovered from Vancouver too?
I couldn’t even hear the goal song. Bring back the old stuff!
"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."
Frankly, even the VC crowd was rusty.
Unmistakably so. For example, response to the unsportsmanlike call on Green had hardly any riot in it at all.
Even Carlson’s miscues looked pretty good to me tonight, and rare enough.
There were 2 D on the ice for Caps power plays (by this I mean simultaneously). What is up with that?
If you click on Wilbon, the terrorists win.
He was a little ‘meh’ in the 1st period, but realllyy picked it up through 2nd and 3rd.
He got the perfect amount of ice-time tonight
Bah-Ram-Ewe, Ovechkin will wreck you. Fear the Furious Fleece!
Agree. I thought he started slow in both games but got better.
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.
Now that he isn’t going to be yo’yo’d to Hershey town i think he is going to get more and more consistent.
I loved some of his shots from the point yesterday. Specifically, i think sometime in the 2nd period, he was given a little bit of room, someone was screening the goalie, he let a wristshot loose from the point (A very quick release I must add) and it had some SERIOUS speed. If he finds his scoring game before POs, goalies be warnedd!!
Bah-Ram-Ewe, Ovechkin will wreck you. Fear the Furious Fleece!
who says he won’t be yo-yo’d? or do you just mean he’ll stay in hershey so they don’t trigger a year of the contract towards free agency?
Honestly, I am pretty rusty on the rules for a guy like him and the roster rules.
I thought they couldnt bring anybody up from hershey anymore, save emergeny recall.
Bah-Ram-Ewe, Ovechkin will wreck you. Fear the Furious Fleece!
i think it’s four non-emergency moves with hershey that are allowed. whether that’s one-way or round trip, i don’t know.
bigger issue is that if he gets to 10 games then it counts as a year played for later gaining free agency.
Yeah, I think with the 10 games thing you’ll see 74 go down and 27 come up.
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Mar 5, 2010 6:08 AM EST up reply actions
Belanger said he thought the crowd was great. Oh just wait and see…
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 just listening to that. What the hell is the crowd like in Minnesota? Dead?
"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."
it’s Minnesota. They’re super polite. And there’s not been much to cheer about, what with Lemaire running the show all these years.
Minnesota’s actually one of my favorite teams to have come visit because their fans know their hockey, and, as expected, aren’t jackasses. Even when the Wild lose, they’re perfectly happy to tell you how much they enjoyed the game and have a beer or two with you at the bar.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
The Blood Cult of Matt Bradley. Tune in Wednesday when Japers Rink offers their first burnt offering to Matt Bradley to give him an endless supply of the blood for his strident ways.
MIN is always sold out. Maybe there isn’t much excitement in the building, I dunno. But they definitely have bodies.
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 the Wild played here earlier this year (and broke Grampa’s pinky, grrr…), one of their beat reporters had very nice things to say about Caps fans and his experience at the Phonebooth. I wrote to him to say thanks, and he wrote back:
I really wish we could have had an off day in D.C. It is such an amazing place. You guys are in for a fun year there. I’m expecting a deep playoff run, and what a great crowd too! Definitely my biggest surprise on the trip.
Love Midwesterners, yes I do.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
was that Russo?
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
The Blood Cult of Matt Bradley. Tune in Wednesday when Japers Rink offers their first burnt offering to Matt Bradley to give him an endless supply of the blood for his strident ways.
Probably. I e-mailed Russo once to complement him on an article and he immediately replied thanking me. Nice guy.
And he does a great job. Can’t say enough good things about his work.
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.
and speaking of Russo, just found this nugget on his blog:
While Nolan told him he wanted to stay because he still believes the Wild can make the playoffs, Nolan did tell Fletcher that if two teams called, he’d “certainly be interested.” The two teams, sources say, were San Jose, where he lives in the offseason and once captained, and Washington.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
The Blood Cult of Matt Bradley. Tune in Wednesday when Japers Rink offers their first burnt offering to Matt Bradley to give him an endless supply of the blood for his strident ways.
I like the guy but I don’t see how he fits in. He’s not a 4th line guy and he’s not going to replace our top 9.
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.
more I’m just astonished that guys are willing to waive their NTCs for two teams and Washington is one of them! I’m still finding this whole elite team status kinda strange. (but Nolan would have looked damn awesome in Caps red)
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
The Blood Cult of Matt Bradley. Tune in Wednesday when Japers Rink offers their first burnt offering to Matt Bradley to give him an endless supply of the blood for his strident ways.
Yeah he would. He might have been a nice fill in if we had to move Flash or Fehr but I don’t see how it makes sense to pick him up with the current roster.
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.
can we do a post deadline day post-mortem somewhere to complie all these interesting gems? i read also that DC was close to picking up Park from NYI just before we decided to go for Belanger instead. maybe that’s not a gem, exactly.
I think Park is a nice player, but Belanger is much much better. Park can PK and always plays with effort but he’s not really a C I don’t think and not as good in the dot.
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. i just want to know the inside details on what GMGM was looking at during the day. they seem to be coming out from the other teams (partial sellers) but not us.
No way GMGM is just going to spill that.
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.
right, and it’s not clear any of the other GMs just spilled it, but obviously some underlings around them did. anyways, our morsels would be coming from outside sources.
Yeah. I wish he’d be more open about it but I know why he doesn’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.
This was not Russo, it was Glen Andresen.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
I’m a little surprised he doesn’t recall how much louder it was when the Wild were here earlier in the season.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
The Blood Cult of Matt Bradley. Tune in Wednesday when Japers Rink offers their first burnt offering to Matt Bradley to give him an endless supply of the blood for his strident ways.
oh, and we didn’t even do “Unleash The Fury” or “Victory!” or “Inches” on the video board tonight! Just wait until 18,000 red-clad crazies are screaming “UNLEASH THE FURY!” wonder what he’ll think of the crowd then.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
The Blood Cult of Matt Bradley. Tune in Wednesday when Japers Rink offers their first burnt offering to Matt Bradley to give him an endless supply of the blood for his strident ways.
No Unleash the Fury? Perhaps related to the lighting issues?
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
no clue. but, yeah, none of the usual late-third period video options. Bummed out, because I really love that hokey stuff.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
The Blood Cult of Matt Bradley. Tune in Wednesday when Japers Rink offers their first burnt offering to Matt Bradley to give him an endless supply of the blood for his strident ways.
I didn’t even notice that or the goal song change. I was just relaxing watching the game.
/No Monk lately
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
Yeah sometimes I like to just be there and chill. I wasn’t really ever worried except when Backstrom was doing his best Laich impersonation.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
The rash of penalties in the second got them riled up pretty good, and the penalty kill woke them up. It seemed to me that the crowd willed that penalty kill.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
Speaking of which, that diving call on Green was beyond absurd.The one ref who didn’t make the call was waving at Green telling him to get up. Then we saw the trailing ref had called the trip, he went over to him and told him to add the dive.
Wow. I didn’t realize that’s how it went down. Fucking garbage. I forgot to mention that. That’s a classic can-opener. No chance Green can stay up, and of course he’s going to spin. That was a ludicrous call. Sometimes there can be a trip and a dive, this was not one of those times. If there was a trip, there could not have been a dive call, and vice versa. Now I’m mad again. Thanks, b.orr4.
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.
Did anyone see the high-stick calls on Laich and Poti? I didn’t see anything on Laich but wasn’t looking at Poti.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
And Laich’s was soft/legit. He got his stick up and made contact with the head but it didn’t hit with any force.
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.
but it happened right in front of the Tampa bench and boy were they screaming bloody murder to get that call.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
The Blood Cult of Matt Bradley. Tune in Wednesday when Japers Rink offers their first burnt offering to Matt Bradley to give him an endless supply of the blood for his strident ways.
Poti’s was in front of the bench. Laich’s was at the bottom of the far faceoff circle in TB’s zone.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Mar 5, 2010 12:21 AM EST up reply actions
Poti’s High Stick was well earned. Laich may have clipped the guy, but even if it’s just a glancing blow, you get called….
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Mar 5, 2010 8:40 AM EST up reply actions
also check out the awesome man-hug between ovie and semin on the interviews on the caps website
I've often thought of becoming a golf club
Scotty Walker, welcome to Washington!
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
And yes, you're s'posed to wear this when the media stops by your locker
Scotty apparently had to be reminded to put it back on.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Steak or Lobster, what'll it be, Scott Walker?
I recommend you invite Matt Bradley to dinner…
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Sure trying to make GMGM look like a genius.
"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."
On Scott’s first goal they used the video of a freaky old guy in sunglasses dancing around an office. That’s how I was picturing GMGM.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Scott Walker’s face looks like an omelet.
On this night, he’s beautiful.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Mar 5, 2010 2:32 AM EST up reply actions
Just checked out the highlight vids.
If Varly looked shaky, Smith was brutal.
I will say, for all of you that said the 4th line was a nasty matchup problem waiting to happen, you were right (and I think I’m looking at Knee High or maybe D’oh as the first to make this observation).
"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
once again, Laich abused Smith.
Smith has to be the worst skater in the NHL. he’s painful to watch. just stay in the crease!
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
The Blood Cult of Matt Bradley. Tune in Wednesday when Japers Rink offers their first burnt offering to Matt Bradley to give him an endless supply of the blood for his strident ways.
On the contrary. I <3 me some Mike Smith. I liked the play where he was casually watching the puck go behind the net, then saw that Ovi was the only guy in the Lightning zone, and then decided to go get the puck. That’s what you want to do, joust with Ovi for puck possession and leave the net wide open.
But 3 different times it looked like he let the rebound shot get through the 5-hole. Ouch.
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Mar 5, 2010 6:13 AM EST up reply actions
from Nate’s twitter:
Caps could clinch division in this homestand if they win out and ATL is 2-2-1 or worse in the same time frame.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
The Blood Cult of Matt Bradley. Tune in Wednesday when Japers Rink offers their first burnt offering to Matt Bradley to give him an endless supply of the blood for his strident ways.
*groan*
And so it beings.
If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys.
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
When he goes to the Palm, maybe he’ll try the veal.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Oof. NHL.com using it makes it completely unappealing as a nickname. Glad they didn’t ruin Real American Hero.
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.
That’s actually the caps website.
If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys.
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
Yeah, I would have noticed if I had any attention to detail.
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.
Juice sighting tonight in the press box with most of the other scratches (Steckel, Bradley, Laing and Sloan … didn’t see Erskine). First time I’ve seen any of the healthy scratches there all season. They just passively watched the game — no cheering or high fives or anything when the Capitals scored. The only open display was Bradley standing and clapping during one of the recognition things for the troops.
The healthy scratches rly make me sad.
I want Steckel, Bradley, and Laing to play. . .but idk how errbody fits.
Really glad Sloan is out though.
Bah-Ram-Ewe, Ovechkin will wreck you. Fear the Furious Fleece!
People get banged up. Being able to have healthy scratches is a blessing.
DC Landing Strip - Waxed and Ready to Go
This is true.
It’ll prolly rly help come PO time
Bah-Ram-Ewe, Ovechkin will wreck you. Fear the Furious Fleece!
After last year? Hell yes.
Every time Nicky scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Mar 5, 2010 4:09 AM EST up reply actions
Bruce says Stecklel’s been fighting a cold. now they have the ability to sit him and not have to play Sloan as a forward.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
The Blood Cult of Matt Bradley. Tune in Wednesday when Japers Rink offers their first burnt offering to Matt Bradley to give him an endless supply of the blood for his strident ways.
I got that same update from my mom (who I believe was right in front of you, haha)
I saw Greener and Schultz on that side of the press box that one game where everyone was hurt early in the season, but I wonder why they were all over there tonight? Didn’t want to deal with the local media?
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
I do not care
for Mean Lars’ unorthodox shot-blocking style. I am vehemently against him using it on Foster.
If you click on Wilbon, the terrorists win.
I’m very against him bruising those beautiful haunches.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
The Blood Cult of Matt Bradley. Tune in Wednesday when Japers Rink offers their first burnt offering to Matt Bradley to give him an endless supply of the blood for his strident ways.
I’m working for Mel Brooks!
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Mar 5, 2010 12:09 AM EST up reply actions
I mentioned this in the GDT, but would it be impossible to use a wooden stick on the PK and especially on a 5-on-3… it is just killer to see a guy out there with a broken stick. You can always switch it out later.
↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → b a (select) start
I’d support this. I wonder how hard it is to go back and forth though. Once you get used to a stick changing like that might make it harder to play with the puck.
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’ve always been an advocate of going to wooden sticks for penalty kills and I’m especially in favor of it for 5 on 3 kills. I’m sure they wouldn’t have anywhere the same comfort level in terms of stickhandling, but all they’re really trying to do is just blast it out of the zone. I’m surprised no one’s ever made the switch.
I’d advise against doing this since our PK system is swinging the stick as fast as possible on the ice and the wooden sticks are about 10 times as heavy. The PK would get even worse.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
by zephyr on Mar 5, 2010 12:41 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Seemed to me like the miscues were either the Russians or just guys not being used to each other yet. And yes, it looks to me like Ovi and Semin are still not quite back from Vancouver yet. Maybe the practice tomorrow will help nudge that out of them both.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
AO has been better than Semin. He’s had some chances and looks more snake bit than anything else. Semin had a partial breakaway and two 2 on 1s that resulted in 0 shots on goal.
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.
How’s Ovie’s hitting and backchecking, though? He seemed a little lackadaisical in his own zone tonight. Do you know what his ice time was? I think it’s completely legit that there’s some jet leg, motivational fatigue, and Russiafail hangover as he realizes he has to wait 4 years to remove some of the sting of Vancouver.
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
He didn’t have his same stamp on the game and he may be hungover, but I still thought he was at least dangerous a couple times the last few games; he had chances that we are used to seeing him bury. Semin wasn’t getting pucks to the net or creating much. His two best plays are marred by the fact that he ruined them.
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.
Not an impressive night for Varlamov. Advantage: Theo.
I was very happy with the first games for the new guys. Walker obviously had the big night, but despite the PK problems of Belanger (which I blame more on the system than any individual F – as F&B said, no F can really stand out on BB’s PK when they are just standing at the top of the circle waving their sticks), I thought he looked good. Great skater and he created some chances.
I really hate the passive PK. The Caps have a bunch of very quick forwards with good instincts, so I just don’t understand why BB doesn’t utilize that and have them pressure the opposing PP more. If nothing else it makes it helps out the Caps’ vulnerable D and makes it so they don’t have to run around and cover so much ground.
I was really happy with Corvo’s game, I think he is gonna really help the Caps at both ends of the ice. His pinches were smart and effective, and he had a solid defensive game winning puck battles and holding good positioning in front of the net. On TB’s 2nd PP they had the puck in the zone most of the time, but Corvo did a heck of a job blocking shots/passes and making sure nothing got to the front of the net.
It was a very nice contrast to the first PK where Shamo stood still making sure the faceoff dot didn’t score while Downie stood alone in front of the net.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Mar 5, 2010 12:03 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
I was remarking tonight on the passive PK. it stands in such sharp contrast to how aggressive and even sometimes unorthodox the Caps are in every other aspect of the game.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
The Blood Cult of Matt Bradley. Tune in Wednesday when Japers Rink offers their first burnt offering to Matt Bradley to give him an endless supply of the blood for his strident ways.
Yeah Red, i saw your post above, definitely agree.
I think at this point, with the new guys, BB is building the PK from the bottom up (i hope).
The only problem is that the aggressive style on the PK is pretty risky. My club team plays some really aggressive hockey on the PK, and it puts alot of pressure on the goalie to clean up the sometimes very quality chances the other team gets. We clear pucks alot, and dont let the other team set up easily; however, we are moving around so much and trying to get them out of the zone that a man inevitably slips by. With a nice pass, he is in choice real estate to score.
Bah-Ram-Ewe, Ovechkin will wreck you. Fear the Furious Fleece!
Well it isn’t like this passive PK is preventing quality chances. And they aren’t clearing out pucks either. It’s the worst of both worlds.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Mar 5, 2010 12:19 AM EST up reply actions
they’re not keeping any momentum by skating around, they just move sticks around. if belanger can facilitate a change to a fluid skating PK style (stecks can’t) then maybe his current ugly PK GAON/60 won’t matter.
I think it’s all on BB at this point. It’s not about the personnel. Even when Nick and Semin and Flash are out on the PK they set up shop on the top of the face off circle and waive.
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 agreeing, BB/Evason/French have to get them moving around and keeping some momentum. Steckel isn’t a good enough skater for that, IMO. he’s the worst of a very mediocre group of PKers we’ve got, so maybe if we’re going to stick to an 8 man rotation he can be a direct replacement.
hate to pick on Stecks but he’s the most like a pylon, his teammates have to follow if he’s on the ice, and i figure the other PK line would basically do the same.
Yeah, that’s pretty damning for Steckel. Didn’t realize it was that bad. And DAMN, Semin is a stud on the PK.
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.
Hell yeah. But he’s not ready to help us yet…
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.
This is so fun to look at. The only D worse on the PK than Poti are Erskine and Sloan.
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 guess not. Or maybe he’s still on the CBJ chart?
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.
Semin is my favorite PKer by far and has been ever since he started getting sometime on it last year. I think it’s one of the most focused strong parts of his game.
He’s like that guy on your house league team that gets the puck while you’re a man down and skates it around for 2 minutes where the other team can’t touch him.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
At the very least guys like Steckel, Gordon, and Belanger can win the draw which should lead to a clear.
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Mar 5, 2010 6:19 AM EST up reply actions
The face off dot will kill you! Now, if I could just get these crappy Men’s League refs to start calling a trip on that damn blueline…
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 can’t get on belanger for a lost PK draw. it was basically a tie, sat there for a bit, got to ShaMo’s skates, and Nicky didn’t help out either.
ShaMo losing downie, that deserves some criticism.
Lost draws happen, and you’re right, at least he didn’t lose it cleanly. I’m not really down on Belanger. I liked his game.
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.
Observations From Section 421
As impressive as the Caps’ are now, just wait until Alexander Semin gets back from Vancouver.
Genius, pure genius.
A few notes from the corner….
1) Semyon was not on his game and he still isn’t. He needs more game action, but not necessarily at this level. Maybe he should do some time her Hershey. Theo and Neuvy can play up here now.
2) My first game in attendance since January… yay
3) Got to see Corvo unleash that shot in the third. He can bring it.
4) Knubler and Walker get multi-goal games… nice.
5) Vinny gets a multi-goal game…not so nice.
6) The Caps seem to have forgotten that despite the fact that they’re much better than Tampa, that Tampa has some guys who have game. St. Louis, Lecavalier, Foster, Stamkos…they need to be noticed.
I’m off to bed, with a smile on my face, and a touch of worry. I know Bruce will get them working better soon.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Mar 5, 2010 12:15 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
It seems the Caps seem to give up a lot of goals to Tampa Bay this year. BTW, did anyone notice that Stamkos has almost identical stats to Ilya Kovalchuk?
Rocking the Red since 1975
Did not notice the stat thing, but it’s interesting. The TBL PP is dominating our PK units. That’s a big reason they are scoring so 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.
Despite the record against them, Tampa is a team I would not want to play in the playoffs.
They seem to score at ease against the Caps.
Don’t forget Marty… he’s better than those two…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Mar 5, 2010 8:45 AM EST up reply actions
If TP had better management, a tadd better goalie, and like 1 or 2 decent d-men, they would be competing on the level of Buffalo and Pittsburgh
Bah-Ram-Ewe, Ovechkin will wreck you. Fear the Furious Fleece!
It’s funny to put Pitts and Buffalo on the same level…
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
Well i would put Buffalo above pittsburgh when the Sabres arent sliding. . .
when they are sliding, they are even
Bah-Ram-Ewe, Ovechkin will wreck you. Fear the Furious Fleece!
Of course, Buffalo’s been slip sliding away, as of late and that was even before the Olympic break.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Buffalo does not have a single 20 goal scorer. Not one. For comparison, the Capitals have 5 20 goal scorers right now and they are going to have more.
Buffalo is a 1 man show that’s going to breakdown and then the team is done.
Pittsburgh is a better team by far IMO.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
By far. Look at what they did to NYR tonight. Hank stood on his head and let in 5. Miller can be on his game, but he’s still going to have to make 45 saves to keep his team in it and hope they can somehow score 3 or more.
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.
Every year, it seems that Buffalo gets off to a great start and then they fall apart. As do the Rangers.
Rocking the Red since 1975
You can only lean on a goalie for so long.
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.
Or on a single aspect of the game. The Bolts lean a lot on their strength (Marty, Vinny, Stamkos) and hope they can outscore everyone. That works against some teams but not others, and if the other team builds up a big lead, it can bite ya.
The Rangers rely on defense and goaltending, and the Pens overwhelmed the Rangers last night. Lundqvist did everything he could, but in the end… well 50+ shots from an opponent usually adds up to a loss.
Interesting that Fleury got pulled and Johnny picked up the W.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Mar 5, 2010 8:48 AM EST up reply actions
I was ribbing my good friend who is a sabers fan about how Torres who they just picked up has more goals than Vanek and that too bad they didn’t have him all season cause his 19 goals probably would have given Miller another 6 wins.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
Wow. I didn’t even realize how bad Vanek was. And he’s making 7+? They would have been better off letting EDM have him. Idiots.
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.
cough Nylander cough
good god, it’s like any player that EDM shows interest on, you should just run away. if he’s even considering playing for the inflated paycheck it takes to go up there, you don’t want him. what was the last decent contract an EDM GM signed?
They’re not the richest team. Maybe it’s a ploy so their fans will learn to be happy with cheap hard-working guys
before the deadline they had 13 guys making $2M or more. and they were reasonably near the cap.
no, they’ve spent money just not well.
Well there ya go.
On trade day the Oiler fans were going ballistic in the comments on TSN when early on their one deal was a 7th round pick in the ECHL and AHL for another 6th rounder in the AHL. They were screaming for help now, not some guy who can break into the lineup in a few years.
I pointed out to them that it didn’t even mean they’re planning for the future for their NHL team, their AHL team could just use some help or need to get rid of some bad blood. Some agreed true enough but the majority were all focused on their bitch fest about the big splashes the team needed to make in the present.
Pittsburgh is starting to gel right now… kind of like they did in 2009… be afraid….
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Mar 5, 2010 8:46 AM EST up reply actions
Kingsman, you underestimate Pittsburgh. They’re a better team than Buffalo.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Nevarrrr!
I think i am biased, in retrospec, pittsburgh has pretty much had Buffalo’s number this year. . .
I am just hoping that they meet in the Play offs and ryan miller goes crazy american hero style and boots them guins. . .so we dont have to face them
Bah-Ram-Ewe, Ovechkin will wreck you. Fear the Furious Fleece!
I think this team can take anyone, throw anyone at them and I like their chances.
If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys.
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
Yeah!
I’d play them against team Canada. Or Jesus!
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
Okay, any NHL team. That Jesus guy has a wicked wrister.
If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys.
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
Jesus Saves…. and then Knuble puts the rebound in for the win…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Mar 5, 2010 8:50 AM EST up reply actions
Actually the guys who traded Luongo are Mike Milbury (Islanders to Florida) and Mike Keenan (Florida to Vancouver).
I should change my first name…sigh….
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Mar 5, 2010 8:51 AM EST up reply actions
Stamkos is on some kind of crazy point streak.
If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys.
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
That man is the truth. I think we could handle TB, but it would be a chippy and high scoring.
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
Hey! He doesn’t have a ring!
Signed,
Paul Pierce
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Mar 5, 2010 6:22 AM EST up reply actions
He’s so good it almost makes me wish we had traded for Tampa’s #1 pick in the 2008 draft (which was Stamkos). But if we had done that, we would not have made the playoffs in 2008.
Stamkos definitely has done better with Tocchet as coach than with his predecessor who did not seem to believe in him for some reason.
Rocking the Red since 1975
A lot of teams give up goals to Tampa. Vinny, Marty, Stamkos are going to get their goals, they’re as talented and as tough as they come. That said, I think Vinny’s first goal was a little soft as Varly had a good look at it, but then, it was Vinny Lecavalier shooting it…
The Downie goal was a deflection on the power play (it happens) and Vinny’s other goal was the Caps being a bit lazy. I thought the Stamkos goal was also soft until I got home and saw the replay and analysis. Poti was supposed to have Stamkos and he was off in space looking away from him…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Mar 5, 2010 8:45 AM EST up reply actions
I dunno, I have a clear recollection of LeCavalier in alone on Neuvirth in his debut and the puck getting snared with a very sexy glove.
No Alex, no ratings. Know Alex, know ratings.
Seems to me like shooting across the goalie’s body makes for an easier save than shooting straight. Maybe it’s just me, but that Vinny-Neuvy one was across Neuvirth’s body, while the PPG for Vinny was a straight shot.
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Mar 5, 2010 12:52 PM EST up reply actions
As always, a nice bonus recap.
1) Semyon was not on his game and he still isn’t. He needs more game action, but not necessarily at this level. Maybe he should do some time her Hershey. Theo and Neuvy can play up here now.
If the plan is to play Varly in the playoffs, better get him back up to speed now. And that means NHL competition. Regular season means [Khristich]. Let him play, even if it costs the team a game or two.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Mar 5, 2010 9:03 AM EST up reply actions
So who will be the healthy scratches among the forwards next game? Probably not Walker since he scored two goals. And probably not Fehr who’s had points in both games. (And Fehr finally gets his 16th goal after losing it on review yesterday.)
Rocking the Red since 1975
Lets wager.
I’ve decided he’s going to sit Walker and play Belanger.
I’m thinking back to his history when we had this problem with the D not long ago.
How can you sit Walker after the game he had? Play Stecks sit Gordo?
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
I don’t see Belanger sitting. I think Steckel and Gordon will rotate, and Walker and Bradley will rotate. The rest will stay constant until an injury or Fehr gets benched.
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.
For the Rangers Game:
Forward Scratches: Gordon, Laing, Walker…
Defensive Scratch: Erskine
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Mar 5, 2010 8:54 AM EST up reply actions
Why would you sit 3 points, a +3 and a great night on the dot with two of those guys?
"First Lady, I'm sorry I pimp slapped you into that china cabinet."
by Bald Pollack on Mar 5, 2010 10:25 AM EST up reply actions
Because who else are you going to sit? I don’t actually mind giving Steckel another day off if he’s been sick, but Bradley has to get back in the lineup. Fehr played too well to go to the dog house. I guess Chimera could take a rest.
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.
All of that is cool, but this notion of sitting Gordon because he’s not Steckel is stupid. Gordon’s quietly had a decent month on the scoresheet (hell, he’s got as many goals as Steckel does in half the GP), is taking faceoffs as good as Steckel does, and is killing penalties better than Steckel is this year, against better QUALCOMP and worst QUALTEAM.
Steckel’s got his extension; while he’s healthy give Gordon another game or two before he gets a little stale.
"First Lady, I'm sorry I pimp slapped you into that china cabinet."
I think I must have come off as though I disagree more than I do. I have said a couple times that I’ve really liked Gordon’s game since his back healed. I have no problem with him getting more playing time, and I agree that it’s not a foregone conclusion that Steckel gets the 4C on a nightly basis. I just don’t think it’s fair to banish Bradley to the press box after how well he’s played this year.
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.
Noted. My rant’s really more towards the atmosphere in general rather than you; you and I go together like chicken and waffles.
"First Lady, I'm sorry I pimp slapped you into that china cabinet."
Mmmmmm… chicken and waffles.
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.
So I went to my first game tonight since mid-December (got laid off, been avoiding excess spending) – needless to say I was ready to root for my team.
In the middle of the penalty fiasco, I (along with several others in my section) decided to deliver a few choice words to the referees. Now let’s be honest, I’m a very quiet and shy person, but I feel a lot more comfortable at the Booth. I made sure there were no little kids around, etc. A woman in front of gave me the coldest stare I’ve ever seen, and said “Watch your language.” I kindly leaned back and said, “With all due respect, you’re at a hockey game.”
Thoughts? I know the game isn’t a excuse for foul language, but isn’t this to be expected? Again, no kids were around and the arena-wide chants that followed were just as colorful.
*yawn*
I’ve said worse, as have the majority of people around me.
If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys.
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
Well sure, but how did you use these words? We’re talking sentences or sentence fragments.
I’m thinking a fanpost with a link to an audio file
“Open your eyes, asshole.” and a lengthy “bullshit.” I’m thinking the woman was just irritated that I was right behind her.
I’ve been yelled at for less than that by people.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
The Blood Cult of Matt Bradley. Tune in Wednesday when Japers Rink offers their first burnt offering to Matt Bradley to give him an endless supply of the blood for his strident ways.
Great we won, little disappointed for Varly though
but anyone else read John Buccicross’s new mailbag from ESPN. Highly disappointed in his comments about the Dan Boyle hit on Semin. He basically does say its okay to go head hunting, and unless you actually injure you should not be suspended.
He also goes on a rant about both Sidney Crosby and Lady GaGa not being overrated.
"We have a Malkin and an Ovechkin, so it's hard not to talk about 'The Show,' but I agree with you, I like to think our team is here to do a job and play well and play in harmony and find that fine balance among ourselves and within our lineup."
-- Russia center Sergei Fedorov
Varly was better in this game than in the Ottawa game. Of course, the early bad PK didn’t help. It’s still taking time to get up to snuff. I don’t think another Hershey start is in order.
(I was of the opinion he had needed another Hershey start after the Wilkes Barre rehab start but he did well in his last rehab start.)
Rocking the Red since 1975
I’ll be worried if after 2 or 3 more starts that we see no improvement. Sure, the Lightning are the Lightning but Lecavalier, Stamkos, St Louis, etc are obviously all deadly.
i’m just not sure how much he did wrong. the third goal, sure, vinny fooled him badly on the breakaway, but he was already put in a bad position. he looked out of place when he had to snow angel (and the sure goal hit schultz skates). again that was vinny getting him down and committed. those happened after viny had scored on him. other than that i count three goals from a total 22 feet away from net.
The third goal is why I don’t like Schultz/Green.
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.
Alzner-Green
Schultz-Corvo
Poti-Juice
Ain’t gonna happen this year, is it?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Mar 5, 2010 8:49 AM EST up reply actions
I’d say it’s exceedingly unlikely given how things have played out thus far. But in a couple years we’ll see Green/Alzner, Carlson/Schultz. Man, that will be awesome.
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.
Well, I’m pretty much the Corvo lobby around here, but I wouldn’t mind seeing them re-sign him if he does well.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Mar 5, 2010 7:03 PM EST up reply actions
You converted me. I could live with him re-signing but it’s all about the terms at that point. We’ll see how well he plays and what he want s out of his next deal.
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.
What do we do for goal next year? Theo’s a free agent and I don’t think GMGM wants to pay 4M for him for next year.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Who’s going to pay him 4.5 next year?!
If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys.
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
True, but I have to think there are more attractive options than Jose Threeormore.
If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys.
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
Well, not as attractive, but better goalies.
If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys.
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
by Ovechwin on Mar 5, 2010 12:54 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
No moe Threeormore until he lays a big egg. He has earned Theodore. ..for now
Bah-Ram-Ewe, Ovechkin will wreck you. Fear the Furious Fleece!
by kingzman264 on Mar 5, 2010 12:55 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
But do the Flyers have the Cap space? But Theo is an improvement over the people they’ve had there this year.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Flyers traded away their important draft picks and didn’t want to budge on their current roster. Combine that with a lack of goalies on the block and they got only what they deserved.
Yup. And they’ve had cap problems anyway. They signed Danny Briere to a mega expensive contract. And took on Pronger.
Rocking the Red since 1975
I think they’re in cap hell next season, too.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
The Blood Cult of Matt Bradley. Tune in Wednesday when Japers Rink offers their first burnt offering to Matt Bradley to give him an endless supply of the blood for his strident ways.
The Flyers have a pretty crappy record considering their goals for – goals against number.
Ottawa, on the other hand, is almost even steven in goals for and goals against and somehow is in first place in the North East.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Win by one lose by more. =D
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
by zephyr on Mar 5, 2010 1:01 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
The start of their season was pretty ‘meh’ and they went on they struck gold the same time the Caps did right before the break. If they played that way all year, they’d have a superior differential.
by TFG on Mar 5, 2010 1:03 AM EST up reply actions
which tells you how awful the northeast is. Imagine what Buffalo would be like with some legit offense. Ottawa wouldn’t stand a chance at winning the NE if Buffalo was halfway competent at putting the puck in the net.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
The Blood Cult of Matt Bradley. Tune in Wednesday when Japers Rink offers their first burnt offering to Matt Bradley to give him an endless supply of the blood for his strident ways.
well, they do have Toronto.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
The Blood Cult of Matt Bradley. Tune in Wednesday when Japers Rink offers their first burnt offering to Matt Bradley to give him an endless supply of the blood for his strident ways.
how bout letting varly and neuvy battle it out next year, and if need be pay for a goalie at the deadline, when more teams will have been eliminated than were this year?
I don’t think I’d want to rely on getting a deadline goalie, how’d that work out for Philly?
If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys.
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
Well, it could work if we leave ourselves cap space. Vokoun is UFA after next year…
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.
Yea, but he’ll come at a price. Any idea what he’d be worth?
If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys.
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
I dunno. A stud goalie at the deadline you’re looking at least at a First and a good prospect, if not elite.
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.
That would be my plan. Let Neuvy and Varly battle it out. And if one of them’s hurt, then Holtby can come up an get an occasional start. (Trust me, Holtby would get some call ups since both Varly and Neuvy are on the injury prone side, with Varly worse in that department.)
Rocking the Red since 1975
I’m okay with that scenario as well. It opens up 4.5 mill in cap space, but takes a way of bit of a safety net. I think if you can get Theodore (and I’m just throwing out a number here) for somewhere around 2.5 or 3 mill, you sign him for a year.
We need a full year healthy out of Varly so we’ll probably try to sign him for another 1 year deal unless we find a ringer out there who wants to play for a winner. Not enough stability out of the youngsters for extended periods to hand it off fully yet
that’ll be the challenge, keeping him healthy. We all know he started real strong the beginning of the year it just seems difficult for him to get full on into the swing again. I’d really hate for him to turn out to be another Jim Carey
"We have a Malkin and an Ovechkin, so it's hard not to talk about 'The Show,' but I agree with you, I like to think our team is here to do a job and play well and play in harmony and find that fine balance among ourselves and within our lineup."
-- Russia center Sergei Fedorov
no i meant just that was hot for one year and then that was kind of it.
"We have a Malkin and an Ovechkin, so it's hard not to talk about 'The Show,' but I agree with you, I like to think our team is here to do a job and play well and play in harmony and find that fine balance among ourselves and within our lineup."
-- Russia center Sergei Fedorov
Buccigross nailed it at first, calling it a clean hit by Semin and a dangerous retaliation by Boyle, but then muffed it by including the injury clause in his argument.
DC Landing Strip - Waxed and Ready to Go
Nobody seems to have addressed the primary point of breaklance’s post.
Is Lady Gaga overrated or not?
He also goes on a rant about both Sidney Crosby and Lady GaGa not being overrated.
That’ll make Knuble a little happier. He is a fan of The Gaga….
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Mar 5, 2010 8:55 AM EST up reply actions
This Dan Boyle thing is quickly becoming a bit of a litmus test. Are you an objective enough reporter to call a slew-foot a slew-foot? Bucci, you fail.
And to tell you the truth, I don’t get it. Why is there a huge population of Boyle apologists. What was it about that play that puts the cardboard sunglasses over so many people’s eyes?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Mar 5, 2010 8:56 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
From Ed Frankovic’s gamer:
"I don’t know how many other superstars would be doing that, which is what makes him special, it was definitely a turning point. They had made it 3-2 and if they score when Nick is out there they still have a 5 on 4 again and they could have gotten the lead. It’s a lot different story playing with the lead than playing from behind," said Boudreau on the importance of Backstrom sacrificing himself for the good of the team.
Hurry, George!
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
by EmilyB on Mar 5, 2010 1:02 AM EST reply actions 4 recs
Anyone watch Tocchet’s post-game interview? Guy did not sound happy with his team. There are some great quotes in there about 5 or 6 guys killing the team and he really doesn’t know if some of these guys want to play in the playoffs.
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.
Perhaps he should point out that the team will go bankrupt eventually if it doesn’t make the playoffs?
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
Haha, I know you’re joking but it made me think about how the players really don’t like anything less than an owner coming in talking about money wwwwooohhhs. It’s probably the least inspiring thing ever. Life isn’t like movies where you go out and win after someone telling you the team isn’t making enough money so then you hold a bikini car wash to save grandmas factory.
/Speak from experience on a folding team
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
Perhaps he should delegate responsibility upstairs… It wasn’t Tocceht’s choice to pick the goalies or other players. And I’m certain he didn’t sign Vinny to that boat anchor contract. Sure he’s worth it on a team that is strong now, but the Bolts aren’t in a position to be strong for another 2-3 years, and by then Vinny will be on the downside of his career…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Mar 5, 2010 8:59 AM EST up reply actions
This was an ugly game, but there were a number of mitigating factors tonight.
Back to back game.
Lots of rust for most guys.
Olympic hangover for some.
Varly’s first NHL start in forever.
New guys adjusting to the system.
Their top guys scored, ours were quiet
That being said – WTF is up with the PK? And the PP for that matter. Lots of work to be done there.
I do like Corvo out there. And once Belanger, Fehr, and Flash develop some chemistry that is going to be a good 3rd line.
Give it some time, before long I think it will all come together.
Potsy was +1 and 22:17 TOI in a 4-1 win for the Canes.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Pothier is playing the next 20 games as an audition for a contract for 2010-11. I think he’ll do well and get some offers. I wouldn’t be averse to him getting one from GMGM…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Mar 5, 2010 9:00 AM EST up reply actions
did corvo unleash his wicked slap shot this game?
I'm not booing Stephon Heyer, he's trying hard. I'm booing the fact that Stephon Heyer plays for us.
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Florida
|
53 | 25 | 17 | 11 | 61 |
|
Washington
|
54 | 28 | 21 | 5 | 61 |
|
Winnipeg
|
56 | 26 | 24 | 6 | 58 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
53 | 23 | 24 | 6 | 52 |
|
Carolina
|
55 | 20 | 25 | 10 | 50 |
(updated 2.10.2012 at 9:27 AM EST)
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