Capital Ups and Downs: Week 26
by J.P. on Apr 12, 2010 11:00 AM EDT
in Capitals Ups and Downs
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PrintOur weekly look at individual Washington Capitals' ups and downs:
| Goalies | Trend | Notes |
| Jose Theodore |  |
Finishes the regular season with a 2-0-0/1.98/.934 week. Bruce Boudreau may not have named his playoff starter yet, but he knows it's JT60. |
| Semyon Varlamov |  |
Beat Pittsburgh and played well in a shootout loss to Boston, ending the week 1-0-1/2.88/.910. Be ready, Varly - you'll likely get your chance in the playoffs. |
| Defensemen | ||
| John Carlson | |
Returned from injury to play two games and tally his fifth assist of the season. Looks as ready as one can be for what's next. |
| Joe Corvo | |
Snapped an eight-game pointless streak with a helper against the Thrashers, but is goal-less in ten. On the plus side, he only killed 56 seconds of penalties for the week, so it looks as though he's officially off that unit. |
| John Erskine | |
Blocked five shots against the Bruins on Monday, but skated only four shifts on Tuesday in Pittsburgh. Perhaps Karl Alzner should've gotten a sweater for that one after all. |
| Mike Green | |
Took a couple of games off but came back to contribute a pair of helpers and to add four to his plus-minus while skating his usual big minutes. Was not on the ice for a goal against at even strength or shorthanded all week. |
| Milan Jurcina |  |
Skated this week, but there's a world of difference between skating and "skating." |
| Shaone Morrisonn |  |
Mo's tailspin continues, as he had a minus rating in three of four games (and was even in the other), adding no offense and being on the ice for five of the ten goals the Caps allowed on the week. |
| Tom Poti | |
Plus-three in three games on the week, but on the ice for four of the eight goals against in the other two and both power-play goals the Caps allowed. |
| Jeff Schultz | |
All hail Double Nickel, who finishes the season at an eye-popping plus-50 after being plus-11 in his last three games (and adding three helpers). Schultz skated 90:19 for the week (including 10:32 shorthanded) and was on the ice for one goal against, Dennis Wideman's even-strength tally with less than two seconds remaining in the first period on Monday. Bravo, Mr. Nasty. Bravo. |
| Tyler Sloan | |
Played in three games this week, but an injury kept him from playing a fourth. Though the injury is minor (and he's apparently already recovered from it), his season could very well be over. |
| Forwards | ||
| Nicklas Backstrom | |
Had his streak of three consecutive three-point games snapped on Sunday. Looks poised to take the playoffs by storm. |
| Jay Beagle | |
Called up for the Pens game and didn't look out of place, especially in the face-off circle, where he went 7-for-10. |
| Eric Belanger | |
Ended the regular season with points in back-to-back games and solid penalty killing. |
| Matt Bradley | |
Hit double-digits in goals for the first time in his career and set a career-best in points as well with his game-winning tally in Pittsburgh. With the regular season he's had (five game-winners), seems destined for some post-season heroism. |
| Jason Chimera | |
Scored against the Thrash to break a ten-game goal-less drought and was feisty as heck against the B's on Sunday as he gets ready to bring a little sandpaper to the second season. |
| Eric Fehr | |
No points on the week and a minus-two in a 5-2 win earned him a Sunday scratch, but he'll be back in the lineup for Game 1... right? |
| Tomas Fleischmann | |
Potted a goal against the Pens but won just nine of his 22 draws (40.1%). It'll be interesting to see where he fits in come Thursday. |
| Boyd Gordon | |
Returned to the lineup Friday night, had a helper Sunday and won 75% of his faceoffs in two games. Gordo's another guy who provides Bruce Boudreau with a nice problem to have. |
| Mike Knuble | |
Three games, three goals for the week. Can't wait to see what he has in store for the playoffs. |
| Brooks Laich | |
Scored the game-winner in overtime on Monday night by going to the net and taking one in the man-area. Atta boy, Brooksie. |
| Quintin Laing | |
Had a helper in Pittsburgh, but it's hard to see him dressed for many games going forward. |
| Brendan Morrison | |
Looked bad in his return to the lineup Friday night, but bounced back with a plus-two Sunday. |
| Alex Ovechkin | |
M-V-P! M-V-P! |
| Alexander Semin | |
On fire, with two goals (including his 40th of the season) and |
| David Steckel | |
Won just 46.7% of his draws on the week, was on the ice for both power-play goals against, and sat out Friday night's game. Could he be nursing an injury? |
| Scott Walker | |
Returned to the lineup, but is probably headed back to the press box for the start of the playoffs. |
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Speaking of nice problems for BB to have, I really did think that he’d go with a default lineup those last few games. To not only go against that, but to see the team’s play for said last games was nice.
Although I liked the whole healthy competition for a sweater each night thing for the bottom 6, I hope there’s a default lineup for said 6 here on out.
They're coming.
Agreed. When the team is healthy, there’s no way that guys like Erskine and Sloan should get a sweater. Walker should be the odd man out on the 4th line as well.
"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 Apr 12, 2010 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree with you, though I wouldn’t hesitate to rotate out Gordon/Stecks depending on their play. Laing and Walker have no business playing over some of the other guys tho
Free Eric Fehr!
Agree about Walker in this round. He’s not needed against the Habs…. if we get Boston or Philly in round 2, Walker gets a sweater every game…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 12, 2010 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions
For what reason? Truculence? Always put out the best team you can possibly put out. I don’t think it changes if the Caps are playing the Habs or the Flyers (Just make sure both lineups have a good dose of Knuble)
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
Walker’s grit and lately energy he has shown definitely merits a sweater agianst a more physical opponent in my mind and even should be rotated during any series – why? Because being a physical team in a 7 game series has its wears on an opponent.
I also don’t think his voice can’t be overlooked. After coming in the guys have said he is a very vocal supporter of what needs to be done in the locker room. That kind of thing can’t be overlooked either.
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
It’s good to see so many up arrows in the final edition before the playoffs. The boys definitely aren’t backing in, despite the loss to the Bruins.
Are these going to continue into the playoffs?
"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 Apr 12, 2010 11:06 AM EDT reply actions
Poti’s play has been beyond frustratingin tight around the net.
Unfortunately, his inability to clear the puck during power plays comes out at least once or twice a game, and usually has bad consequences. I’m not sure why, but he seems to have trouble clearing the puck all the time.
Blog: I Rock the Red
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I feel like Sloan missed an up arrow because of that little injury, boo!
Follow me on Twitter!! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes
I wish I could quit you, Tyler Sloan! - Co-founder of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
me, too! Poor Sloan.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
Who do we think Centers the 28/21 line? I guess if it is Belanger or Morrison, it means the other centers #3 and Flash/Fehr play the wings there. If Morrison doesnt center #2, does he even play?
Free Eric Fehr!
I’d have to think that Flash starting a game at center would be a null and void option at this point.
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on Apr 12, 2010 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions
For you or for BB? I’d bet it’s still an option but unless either BMo or Belanger get hurt or just stink out the joint I don’t see Flash moving to C.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
Oh yeah, it’s an option if they get hurt, but if everyone’s on equal/healthy ground, Flash stays on the wing.
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on Apr 12, 2010 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions
I know everyone is on the “never let flash center again” campaign but he doesn’t do poorly when he does center points-wise. Not enough data to fully support this, aka even now most of the games he’s centered came during The Streak, but as far as faceoffs IF he should center during the playoffs his FO’s should be kept low and away from top centerman. Last few games he’s been dismal against veteraned centers that even Steckel has had poor outings against.
bottom line: he’s an option while his defensive prowess is oft met with scowls, and rightfully so, his play making ability surpasses either Morrison or Belanger. – which is the only reason he can be considered a 2nd or 3rd option
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Flash I think looks better in the O zone at C than at W. Just, FO and defense is a problem, but he looks good offensively.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans who can bear reading something less intelligent than a story at Japers' Rink
by red army line on Apr 13, 2010 9:14 AM EDT up reply actions
Ugh.
if Flash centers #2
The list of players I’d put at 2C ahead of Flash extends to Hershey (and might go to the Stingrays if I knew more of ’em).
Hey let's go, today is going to be our night
by redlineblue on Apr 12, 2010 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions
It’s so maddening that he can’t pick up his faceoffs or defensive responsibilities. That, and he trends Sasha so damn much. He’s the ultimate poor mans Semin. In fact, you might as well say Semin is the rich mans Flash.
President and sole member of the Erskine lobby.
Not recent Sasha. April Sasha’s been a bit of a BAMF, in fact.
Whereas Flash is…Flash.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Yeah, Flash is now the guy making dumb passes or standing around on the ice. I’m glad Sasha has woke up. Makes me wonder if he could cobble together a full season of play like this. We’d easily have 2 50 goal scorers on this team.
President and sole member of the Erskine lobby.
If he could, he’d be a ridiculously elite player instead of a merely excellent one. He’s good, but he’s shown no indications of being able to put it together over the course of a season.
Put another way, he’d be Pavel Datsyuk with more offensive upside, instead of Alex Kovalev with more defensive upside.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Apr 12, 2010 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Yeah, the way he gets into the PK makes me think he idolizes Datsyuk and Fedorov. He seems at his best there, always giving it his all.
It might just be an inspiration problem. He was with some pretty awful Caps teams, without Ovechkin and more of an Olympic player. I’m hoping he smells blood now with the playoffs imminent, Ovechkin being the C and the Olympics being so far into the future.
President and sole member of the Erskine lobby.
Sasha has been strong. I love it when he stick-lifts from behind and picks the opponent’s pocket, been seeing more of that of late.
As for inspiration, well, there is the possibility that next season may be his last with the team. No better chance then now for a Cup with AO and company/
Countless times you think “man, Semin is the best player this team has ever had” and then a period and a half later “TRADE SEMIN”. I kind of hope he stays, he’s just too much talent to let go of.
President and sole member of the Erskine lobby.
I’m with you, please can we keep him. Maybe Ovie can become his agent and help get him to stick around for a while at a decent price.
Yeah Sasha’s got some head scratching/banging-into-the-desk moments, but the upside is just too much to let go.
by Elliotte on Apr 12, 2010 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
He is a ridiculously elite player and not a merely excellent one. By GvT, Semin was tied for 6th best skater in the league this year.
Comparing him to Kovalev is an absolute joke. Too bad he’s apparently lost on you.
Yeah maybe this year it’s not an apt comparison if you look at 2009-10 production. But that’s know what Knee was doing. He’s not saying 2010 Alex Semin = 2010 Alex Kovalev. He’s saying 2006-2010 Alex Semin is similar to 1994-1998 Alex Kovalev. It’s not an absolute joke, it’s actually a freighteningly accurate comparison, and the main reason it is a bad idea for GMGM to lock up Semin long term. Maybe you don’t know much about Kovalev’s history, or maybe you’re being intentionally concrete, but one way or another the comparison between two immensely talented players that never seemed to put it all together or bring it consistently is apparently lost on you.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
by Rob Parker on Apr 12, 2010 7:14 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Locking up Semin long-term is far too dangerous. He commands too high a cap number, and is too inconsistent. Amazing talent, yes. But there have been a great many amazing talents who have disappeared into mediocrity, and precious few who play at a high level year after year. In order to make that long-term commitment, you have to be 100% sure about a guy, and no one is 100% sure about Alexander Semin.
You had me at no problem.
Does almost triggering a heart attack for Bruce make Sasha’s case for the green arrow stronger, or otherwise? ;-)
http://www.japersrink.com/2010/4/12/1416921/alex-semin-speaks-leaves-bruce
An interesting fact about Jeff Schultz’s +50: it’s the highest +/- for a defenseman since 1999/2000, in which Chris Pronger went +52. It’s also the highest +/- for any player since the lockout.
GUTEN TAAAAAAAAAAAAG!
So in other words, he really was just getting started
by macvechkin on Apr 12, 2010 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
Sarge is awesome… a healthy Schultz and the Caps beat Pittsburgh in round 2 last year, for sure.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 12, 2010 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions
So he compares to the 1999/2000 Hart Trophy Chris Pronger? And JS55 still isn’t mentioned as a Norris Candidate?
"It hit me on the pants. I had protection. It felt good. Why? I wanted to win."
True, for the Hart voting. But Norris?
"It hit me on the pants. I had protection. It felt good. Why? I wanted to win."
Do you really look at the current pool of candidates and think Schultz is a legitimate challenger?
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
justified or not, Norris has always taken into consideration offense more than defense.
Besides, really?
(caveat: I really, really do love Sarge.)
No, not really.
Just trying to show the fallacy of the argument by pundits to down-play Green’s offensive stats as not having that much pull for his Norris bid. If that’s true, why isn’t a D-man with a solid defense stat (+/-) that hasn’t been seen in ten years?
"It hit me on the pants. I had protection. It felt good. Why? I wanted to win."
by bagace on Apr 12, 2010 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Bradley can’t be the surprise hero of round 1, because who’d be surprised? I nominate Belanger for this important role. Who do you think might over-contribute?
Hey let's go, today is going to be our night
by redlineblue on Apr 12, 2010 11:14 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Round 1’s overcontributor is going to be someone who can overpower the Habs in terms of size, and also add some speed to the mix. My guess would be Belanger, although Bradley of Fehr would not be a surprise…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 12, 2010 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions
I think Laich is going to have the biggest improvement of goals/60 against the Habs. I’d go so far to say as he’ll have the best playoffs for the team in terms of over-performing. Once he loses the college cage he’s going to be a terror. There’s something about him that you know he’s going to find a way to give more than he already is, and he’s already giving 110% every shift.
President and sole member of the Erskine lobby.
Once he loses the college cage he’s going to be a terror.
Actually he’s been playing kind of angry in that cage. In a very good angry way.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
He’s been giving a bit more. He’s finishing his checks even harder and being almost Ovechkin reckless around the net.
Those missed games seemed to have depressed the hell out of him and he seems so into being able to play hockey again. That’s the basis my prediction, at least.
President and sole member of the Erskine lobby.
Did he wear the cage again yesterday? (I couldn’t watch, but he had upgraded to a huge visor at practice on Saturday.)
"In the past we developed individually, but now we're growing as a team and that's what is important." - Mike Green
by kellobellow on Apr 12, 2010 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions
what a stretch for brooksie
first his face, then the man area. ladies of the rink…pray things do not happen in threes.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
Just curious, could you give a little more detail on Chimera and Belanger’s ratings, mainly what held them back from getting pluses?
For those that might be wondering, only two regular Caps who were with the team prior to the Olympics were in the minus come the end of the regular season, Sloan at a -4 and Fehr at -1. (Belanger and Corvo finished at -1 and -2 respectively, but only had 6 weeks of ratings).
Your big winners (overachievers?) were Theo, Brads, and Brooksie at +9, +8, and +7. Carlson and Ovie both came in at +5, with Backstrom, Flash, Knuble, and B Mo at +4.
Just curious, could you give a little more detail on Chimera and Belanger’s ratings, mainly what held them back from getting pluses?
They played and contributed as I’d expect them to.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
That would be awesome, but if I had to pick someone from the Caps who would “surprise” folks (not us, we know better) it might be someone like Nick Backstrom.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 12, 2010 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions
In my O-pinion, I can’t see the caps winning the cup without the RM getting the conn smythe. just doesn’t compute, based on the game they play.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
I could very easily see Backstrom winning it.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
i just don’t see us winning if AO is not our best player – and if Backstrom is humming along then I expect AO to be out best player, if you know what i mean. hopefully we can discuss who further in june.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
I’d expect AO to get a healthy dose of Markov, so we may see Backstrom get 4 goals and a busted nose at some point in the series.
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on Apr 12, 2010 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Swedish machine never breaks.
"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 does, however, get the occasional migraine. Let’s hope for none of those.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
I’ve always heard Spring and Summer are the worst for migraines and the few times I’ve had migraines they both came in May-Juny-July timeframe. Hopefully he has a dietitian to minimize the chances. That is a massive loss if he has to suffer from one.
President and sole member of the Erskine lobby.
Different migraineurs get triggered by different things. I think I remember reading that Nick’s often act up when he absorbs a big hit in a game. But in the past 3-4 weeks, he’s been noticeably better about jiu jitsu-ing impending hits. So hopefully it’s not an issue this year.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Apr 12, 2010 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions
AO is our best player. But not our best playmaker. It’s the little details that Lars takes care of so instinctively and seamlessly that will win us a championship.
I think that 100-point milestone for Nick was huge for him as a player, and is sending him into the playoffs on exactly the right note.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Looking in previous years:
Malkin (as 2C)
Zetterberg (as shutdown 1C/W?)
Niedermayer (1D? 2D?)
Ward
B. Richards (2C?)
So yeah, not always the first guy that comes to mind.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans who can bear reading something less intelligent than a story at Japers' Rink
by red army line on Apr 12, 2010 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree with JP. The Capitals’ road to Lord Stanley goes through 1C.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Glad your on board with my prediction!
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Or Green. In ’94 everyone remembers Messier and Richter but Leetch won the Conn Smythe.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
I could also see Theo, if he goes on a tear through the ECF and SCF. Varly, for the same reason.
Heck, even a healthy Sasha could, I think, as a top PK guy and a high secondary scorer.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans who can bear reading something less intelligent than a story at Japers' Rink
by red army line on Apr 12, 2010 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t see Theo getting it unless he puts up ridiculous numbers. Like historically ridiculous. He hasn’t gotten credit all year and I don’t see that changing. It’s all “yeah well it’s not hard to win behind that offense.” The highest scoring Cap would be more likely than Theo.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
That’s the narrative that the NHL and the media will push. The Caps are a high scoring, prolific offense. Theodore would have to put up like 1.5GA to even get his name mentioned once the feeding frenzy starts. He deserves a ton of credit for the Caps success on the 2010 part of their season and he’s only had one #1 star (I think) during his goaltending clinic against the Red Wings. We might as well nickname him Al Czervik.
President and sole member of the Erskine lobby.
I think there was at least one more #1 star. I bet YNC would know, because she’s awesome at things like that.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
A very cursory look thru my photobucket shows at least 4 first stars for Jose: 2/2 @Boston 3/6 Rags, 3/20 @TBL, 4/3 @CBJ.
He was also named First Star of the Night once by the NHL, but the exact date/game is lost to history.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
post-olympics steckel really worries me. i’m dying to know how the 3rd/4th lines and PK units shake out in the playoffs.
When Chimera is back on the 4th he was playing out of his mind. He was something like 80% on the dot and was even forechecking quite successfully. It might either be an injury, lack of work ethic or that he doesn’t have any chemistry outside of 15-39-10 or 25-39-10. Given how awesome Chimera is, I really hope we see that line come out against a team vulnerable to forechecking. They were putting on such a damn clinic I had to blink to make sure I wasn’t watching the Red Wings.
President and sole member of the Erskine lobby.
steckel & chimera seem to be a good match, but i’d personally like to see gordon feature prominently. either way, all those healthy scratches are suddenly going to be a very big deal now that the second season has arrived. does BB stick with his favorite guys, or does he continue the musical chairs? does he favor bradley or walker in big games? i can’t wait.
by Natty Bumppo on Apr 12, 2010 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Gordo might line up better against a team like the Habs. Steckel’s reach can only overcome so much. You almost want to see him sit this series and let Gordo have the reins for the 4th. Still, it’s hard to say. I don’t think we’ll be cursing Steckel this series since the matchup is very poor for the Habs but at the same time, will Steckel cause it to be a 6 game series instead of a 4 or 5? It’s a non-zero chance, for sure. Guess we’ll see in a week what will happen.
Personally I’d rather kick Bradley up to the 3rd, bring down Chimera to pair with Steckel and Gordo. That’s a reasonably effective line and Bradley is a bit more of a 3rd line guy to me than a 4th line. He has the skates to do things and a reasonable skill set. Just needs other guys with offensive talent to play with.
President and sole member of the Erskine lobby.
Here’s a good possibility:
16-18-14
25-39-10
by mechanicsville on Apr 12, 2010 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Alzner was brought up, not given a chance to play, and then sent down. He was trending Alzner.
"He was the patron saint of quality footwear."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Apr 12, 2010 12:32 PM EDT reply actions
Good thing, too – wouldn’t want the team’s best PKer around.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Perhaps that was the proverbial light bulb that he was referring to. He realized that participating in this PK could only reflect poorly upon him. NHL experience is overrated anyway.
"He was the patron saint of quality footwear."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Apr 12, 2010 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Sort of surprised Ovi got an up arrow. This week he finally exploded, got his 50th, played like we know he can. So he was better than he has been, but what he has been was way below expectations. What he did this past week was pretty much exactly what he should be doing, nothing more, nothing less.
Unless this little M-V-P chant of J.P.‘s is his way of campaigning on Ovi’s behalf…in which case I’m all for it :)
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 12, 2010 12:58 PM EDT reply actions
I didn’t get the “countless histrionics” reference in the Semin blurb?
"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
“Be ready, Varly – you’ll likely get your chance in the playoffs”
Not sure if that’s a slam to Theodore or just saying that he’ll play some games. If it’s the latter then I can agree.
~~~ R0cK D@ R3D ~~~
by Chaz-Capapalooza on Apr 12, 2010 2:13 PM EDT reply actions
I believe it means that if Theodore isn’t absolutely 100%, we know the team can win with Varlamov starting. Say what you will about the Capitals “goaltending problems” but the fact is we’re about to walk into the playoffs with two capable .910+ goaltenders. That ain’t a bad situation to be in. Injuries even happen to goalies.
Go flyers!
President and sole member of the Erskine lobby.
I think it’s written because we’ll have some back to back games throughout a long journey to the Cup and since Theodore isn’t Ryan Miller he might get some of those games off.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
On the TSN series preview they say Varly is the starter. I wouldn’t buy it, but when they bring up the stats vs MTL, both in small sample size, Varly’s numbers are excellent.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans who can bear reading something less intelligent than a story at Japers' Rink
by red army line on Apr 12, 2010 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Ovie must unleash his fury
Backstrom is capable of winning the Conn Smythe, but honestly I don’t think the Caps can win the Cup unless Ovie is the playoff MVP. His passion and drive will determine how far the Caps go. He’s their Captain and emotional leader for a reason. He must bring his A game early and often, which means we have to see the pre-Olympics Ovie if he and the Caps are to fulfill their destiny as SC champions.
That’s why I’m surprised at the up arrow for him. Despite his achieving the 50 goal plateau, I don’t regard this as extraordinary for him. It’s business as usual, more of what I’d like to see happen early and often during the playoffs.
I will, however, join JP’s and SeattleCapsFan’s chorus and add my voice to the MVP chant for Ovie. Personal bias? Maybe a little, but Ovie’s numbers playing fewer games than his rivals speak for themselves, plus the fact that he makes those around him better players. To me it’s a no-brainer who the Hart trophy winner should be, but you never know when voting and popularity contests are involved.
I don’t understand why there is the stigma that the Caps can’t win the Cup if Ovi isn’t their MVP. The whole team is really great and it’s not like saying Ovi is going to be bad just that someone will be even MORE unreal.
Would it be so bad if Theodore got 8 shutouts, or Backstrom assisted on 20 goals for Ovechkin but got 10 goals himself? It’s not that hard to imagine Backstrom ending up with a lot of points considering the way he’s been playing.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
by zephyr on Apr 12, 2010 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I have to agree here. Ovechkin doesn’t have to be anything short of himself for the team to prosper. You look down each of our lines and almost no one in the league stacks up in terms of offensive depth. The top 3 lines can and do score often, and even the 4rth line gets in on the action. The biggest reason the goal differential for even strength is so atrocious is because of the skill we have at every level.
If anything I thikn playoff sucess will really be influenced by(in order): Backstrom, Theo/Varly(but mostly Theo), Green, Semin, Laich. Backstrom and Green make offensive genius akin to Peyton Manning of hockey, goalies are always important, Green needs to keep playing shutdown, Semin needs to keep being BaMF Sasha atleast 70% of the time, and Laich is – and to quote boudreau – the puzzle piece that completes the caps and he needs to keep playing that way.
Ovechkin is the icing, he can make every other aspect look great, but the core needs to still be brilliant. Crosby, Gretzky, Orr, Brodeur, Roy didn’t win cups completely carrying their team.
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
No up for Q
sigh, another week without an up arrow for Q53. really though the nice assist against pittsburgh would do it but i suppose being a healthy scratch doesnt help the cause.
so the committee to get Q an up arrow officially disbands and throws our support to matt bradley in his pursuit for the playoff up arrow.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
Tyler awarded the hard hat to Quintin after the Thrashers’ game, if that’s any consolation. So Q is the last owner of record of the Red Hard Hat for the 2009-2010 regular season.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
If I were handing out arrows...
Q would need a pair of assists, a goal, or solid PK ability with lots of blocked shots to get one. I think he’s been playing average even for himself. I know it’s hard to just be game ready when you’re benched so often but he needs to make it happen.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
i think for Q, he needs to do more shot blocking, digging in the corners and more or less eating minutes so the big boys can get a rest. assists are just bonuses for him. i thought his assist against pittsburgh on bradleys goals was fantastic (backhanded i think) and definitely up worthy, but he didnt do enough of the other things to warrant the big green arrow. hard to do so w/ 7 minutes per game and not alot of PK time.
i bet if arrows were given for practice habits and locker room attitude, he’d get up arrows all the time. really hope the caps get to the cup finals up 3-0 so he might possibly get a sweater and a chance for his name on the cup…they would probably mispell it anyway.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Apr 12, 2010 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Eric Fehr is a down!?! He sits one game and the Caps lose in troubling fashion! Clearly J.P. is really Bruce Boudreau.
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Founder of the Eric Fehr Fan Club.
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