Tuesday Caps Clips: Headed for Game 7... Of Course
by J.P. on Apr 27, 2010 6:42 AM EDT
in Caps Clips
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PrintYour savory breakfast links:
- Recaps of and other assorted musings on last night's loss from us, CSN Washington (Masisak, O'Halloran, Beninati), WaPo (blog, gamer, Bog, column, shot chart), Vogs, Puck Daddy, NHL.com (Rosen), Scott Burnside, SI.com (Muir, Farber), Globe and Mail, DCEx, Ed Frankovic, Peerless, RMNB, FanHouse, Puckhead and StC, and from the Montreal side of things, Montreal Gazette, EOTP and Habs Inside/Out.
- Not surprisingly, a long series doesn't bode well for the next round (of course, neither does losing in Game 7). [BSH]
- On the Masterton finalists. [Puck Daddy]
- Good stuff in this week's Farm Report. [FanPost]
- A Caps prospect behaving badly... and it's not Joe Finley. [PensBurgh]
- Apropos of nothing (ahem), is the clock ticking on Dale Hunter's NHL coaching ambitions? [LFP]
- Finally, happy 22nd birthday to Semyon Varlamov (I'm sure he's just full of laughs today).
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Peerless is invoking past Caps’ playoff failures and insane goalie performances against, but wouldn’t this be the most painful first round loss the franchise has ever endured by a country mile? Those teams were never on par with this one in terms of talent or expectations.
And this is the point where I try to laugh at the bandwagoners and the transplants. The transplants probably deserve more laughter; they had a choice. Do some research before you jump in to support this choking dog franchise.
I hate listening to people's dreams. It is like flipping through a stack of photographs. If I'm not in any of them and nobody is having sex, I just don't care.
by Rob Parker on Apr 27, 2010 9:56 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
How can decades-old losses under different ownership, management and players be relevant to this current crop?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 27, 2010 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
It’s not. But it’s relevant to the 12 year old child inside me that spent the entire last night heartbroken.
I waited all year for this?
by Rob Parker on Apr 27, 2010 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions 12 recs
Oof. I hear that. But I still say we’ve got one game to go before we have to go there.
For me, Friday night was disappointment. Last night was stunned numbness. Tomorrow night will be heartbreak… or relief.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
It can potentially be both, like finally putting a slowly dying pet to sleep.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 27, 2010 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions
Whoa. A slowly dying pet. I had to laugh at that comparison.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
Ironically enough, one of my pets died during the game. Locker the goldfish, one half of the goldfish team of Joe B. and Locker.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions
“stunned numbness” is a great way to describe it. Exactly what I felt. I pretty much didn’t say a word to anyone the last two periods of that game and barely moved from where I was.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions
It went from “Why can’t we score on this guy?” to “Wow, we’re never going to score on this guy again.”
I think the Fehr goal was huge, actually, for the team’s psyche.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I felt like I was Dory in “Finding Nemo”…I kept saying “just keep shooting just keep shooting”.
I told Mrs. YLM, “Halak is like 24 years old, and he’ll never play another game better than this one”.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions
I’ve heard that statement about seemingly every goalie the Caps have ever played in the playoffs over the last 27 years. Says more about Caps teams than the goalies.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Apr 27, 2010 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I wanted to throw my laptop at the screen when Joe B. mentioned the name Johan Hedberg.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions
I had the Vs. feed. Good thing. I’d have thrown up in my mouth with that reference.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Apr 27, 2010 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions
Telling in the manner in which it was scored. Go to the front, and put tips on low shots. Seems pretty obvious to me.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
It was definitely huge for my psyche.
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 27, 2010 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions
True story, for all of it.
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 27, 2010 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m a Bengals fan, after watching a safety drop an interception that would have won the Superbowl, then Joe Montana throwing the game winning touchdown minutes later, the child inside me has been numb to pain since I was, well, a child.
Aim for the head baby Jesus
Yea, but technically Cleveland has won more NFL championships than pittsburg, they were just all before most of us here were born. Cincy has nothing but college success (the big O won 2 in a row against the Buckeyes)
Aim for the head baby Jesus
I am not proud to say that I was close to tears after last night’s game.
by Moonage Daydream on Apr 27, 2010 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions
Of course it isn’t, but it doesn’t make it any easier to swallow. We fans are the only common thread between ’86 and ’10.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
This is where Wise and the bandwagoners say that they weren’t really vested in the team.
“Eh, I was only interested because it was fun to be in Chinatown for the games. Thank goodness the Redskins are going to be good this year.” But don’t worry, they’ll be complaining when they get called bandwagoners in the future.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
Well, you know what? That’s not a good thing. We want to turn those bandwaggoners into long-time fans because at one time or another we were all bandwaggon fans. You don’t build a fanbase by blowing a first round series to an 8 seed. But hey, we still have to play game seven so let’s not go there just yet, or whatever.
As pessimistic as I want to be, I fully expect the Caps to put up 6-7 goals in a win Wednesday. The better team always wins in game 7 — we were reminded of that last year, twice.
President and sole member of the Erskine lobby.
Yea, give this town a winner a few times and we can create fans that will stick with the Caps through anything, look at Redskins fans.
Aim for the head baby Jesus
Thats the point isn’t it? You aren’t really fans until you have the 12 year old inside of you crushed and come back the next night because that is what you have to do.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
I know you're aiming this right at me
The transplants probably deserve more laughter; they had a choice. Do some research before you jump in to support this choking dog franchise.
Suck my sweaty scrotum.
I loved Konowalchuk and Zednik growing up, my mom loved Dale Hunter, and when I moved here during the rebuild, I could afford Student Rush tickets. I saw a young team with a talented core and I got hooked. Can you blame me?
/Runs back crying into the arms of his Avalanche/
/Wait a minute – that didn’t work/
Fehr and Flash. . . they're like those Biblical twins, Gallant and. . . Goofeth.
Those cheap student rush tickets were a huge factor in me becoming a fan too.
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 27, 2010 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions
I was definitely aiming at you, but it’s not to call into question your fandom. You live here and have STH’s, it just sucks that’s how it worked out for you. I used to pretend to be Rod Langway or Scott Stevens in my driveway as a kid. I never had a chance.
I waited all year for this?
Its just depressing. There’s no other way to put it. I want to be optimistic, but I am not finding it easy to do.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 7:22 AM EDT up reply actions
There’s no reason to be depressed until there’s a reason to be depressed. Until that final buzzer goes on Wednesday night and the Habs have more goals than the Caps, you’ve gotta believe.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I know…I keep trying to tell myself that, but I think its because I kept looking at last night as an absolute must win. I just don’t like it coming down to a win or go home with this team, especially with its history, past and recent.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 7:29 AM EDT up reply actions
.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 27, 2010 7:33 AM EDT up reply actions 19 recs
Wicked
Cheers, Complaints, homerism and bashing of mediocre pop musicians in 140 Characters
"DO NOT get stuck behind Kyle Wellwood in the buffet line. This isn't really etiquette, but it will prevent you from starving to death"- Down Goes Brown on Etiquette for Jason Spezza's wedding
by Kevin Sellathamby on Apr 27, 2010 7:35 AM EDT up reply actions
Very nice.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 27, 2010 7:37 AM EDT up reply actions
Haha….
I hate the Red Wings for ruining that song.
BORN AND RAISED IN SOUTH DETROIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIITTTTTT
Are ya?
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 7:39 AM EDT up reply actions
I hate the Red Wings for ruining that song.
I hate Journey for ruining that song.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 27, 2010 7:45 AM EDT up reply actions 9 recs
There’s no doubt the song is cheesy and terrible, but its entertaining cheesy and terrible. Like the theme from “Flashdance”
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 7:47 AM EDT up reply actions
Rec’d. Rec’d so hard.
I have to go. But if I find one single dog hair when I get back, I'll rub... sand... in your dead little eyes. I also need you to buy sand. I don't know if they grade it, but... coarse.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Apr 27, 2010 7:49 AM EDT up reply actions
How about the “Glee” version?
"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."
After the game I heard my daughter start to sing that version. Now it’s all I can sing and here in my head! Quoting OV from last year “you think series is over…it not over” It’s not over…it wasn’t over when the Germans bombed pearl harbor! JUST WIN!
Boo.
"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."
My wife made me watch one episode… ugh. Usually her choices are much better (True Blood, for example).
Anyway, this is getting OT…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 27, 2010 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions
Indeed, and I actually haven’t watched it since the first couple of episodes. The music is pretty good, though.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
I just hate Journey. And Foreigner. And Kansas. And Styx. . .
Fehr and Flash. . . they're like those Biblical twins, Gallant and. . . Goofeth.
by D'ohboy on Apr 27, 2010 8:20 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
All awful. I generally follow the rule that any band named after a place is terrible (Kansas, Boston, Chicago, etc.)
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 8:21 AM EDT up reply actions
Small wonder there is no band named, “Pittsburgh” (unless there is some techno-polka band out there)
If you've read this far...seek help.
Throw Asia in that mix as well, ugh
"Why don't you smegging well smeg off, you annoying little smeggy smegging smegger!"
“The Final Countdown” gets a pass, if only for being Gob Bluth’s ubiquitous intro song.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 9:15 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I would exclude Berlin from this though, Metro is a great song but we are getting way OT…
"Why don't you smegging well smeg off, you annoying little smeggy smegging smegger!"
No, they are a prefect example.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Apr 27, 2010 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions
I hate my ex-gf for really liking that song…
But Brawndo's got what plants crave. It's got electrolytes.
when you consider that “South Detroit” is, well… Windsor, Ontario.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Apr 27, 2010 8:18 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Rec’d for execution, unrec’d because I hate that song, rec’d again for optimism.
"Do not be afraid to ask for credit, for our way of refusing is very polite."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Apr 27, 2010 7:45 AM EDT up reply actions
(Definitely not my execution on the image… don’t want to give that impression)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Then unrec’d so I am not a sycophant.
"Do not be afraid to ask for credit, for our way of refusing is very polite."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Apr 27, 2010 7:50 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Thank you.
I’ll admit to having been a bad fan last night. I used the fact that I haven’t been sleeping well, but I went to bed after the second period. It was better than any of the alternatives — I wasn’t interested at bitching at the TV for another hour. I did wake up during the third sometime after Montreal scored their third goal. And again right before the Caps finally scored. That gave me some hope — not so much for that game, but for tomorrow. I’ll be there, because win or lose I’d probably hate myself for giving up and selling my tickets.
I believe. Let’s hope the team still does, too.
"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."
So true J.P., we can’t be depressed about a series loss that hasn’t happened yet. Might as well just hope. But I’ll suggest that our new 80’s theme song should be Livin’ on a Prayer.
by Kolzilla on Apr 27, 2010 7:57 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Flash votes Material Girl.
I waited all year for this?
by Rob Parker on Apr 27, 2010 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
This needs to be a sign. And a shirt. And so many other things.
Photography: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
J.P. – Can you get a higher resolution version, say 11×17? I’d be willing to run off 100 or so of them at my office…
Photography: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
That’s all I’ve got – maybe someone else has a bigger version.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Let me see what I can do with Photoshop.
Photography: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
Livetrace it in Illustrator for a great scalable vector.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I don’t have Illustrator. Do you?
Photography: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
Chance of you getting home on lunch and running a quick scalable vector of that? Adobe’s between versions – CS4 is no longer available for TBYB, and CS5 isn’t out yet.
Photography: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
Not today, I have a car appointment at lunch. Sorry :(
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
brainumbc’s doing it.
Photography: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
Thank you. I feel a little better now. But I think I will avoid my usual reading on other sites today—I’m not up for the haterz talk.
I ’m holding onto the fact that last year we forced the Pens to a game 7 last season despite being outshot in so many of the games, and afterwards the Pens said that their massive firepower would eventually get the better of our goalie, Varly. It will likewise be hard for Halak to keep it up.
I hope the guys played more loosely and fluidly in game 7. And I hope they clutter up Halak’s crease with their bodies. That does seem to get Halak off his game. Last night it appeared that they were trying to force the plays rather than take the few opportunities offered. I also hope that the lines go back to normal. Although I understand that Bruce was trying to jumpstart Semin by putting Backs with him at the start of the game, I was disturbed by not seeing our dynamic duo together with Knubes. The world was off-kilter until they were re-united in that game.
by capsyoungguns on Apr 27, 2010 8:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Here it is...
Print at 8.5×11 or 11×17 and bring as many copies to the game tomorrow night as you can manage! Let’s do this thing!
Photography: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
Worst playoff loss ever? To me it was the second round loss to the Rangers in 1986 (the Caps finished 29 points ahead of the Rangers in the regular season).
Worst first round loss ever? 2000, Caps lose in five to Pittsburgh (the weird game format series). The Caps got kneecapped 7-0 in the opener, then lost three games by one goal apiece. That was a 102-point team that year.
If the Caps lose on Wednesday, they retire the Tony Kornheiser Memorial Choking Dogs Trophy. There is no second place finisher.
But that said, if the Caps “play” as well as they did on Monday (even with Varlamov’s second tier performance), they will win. Period. No goalie on God’s green earth has consecutive 53 in 54 performances in him.
Right?
If you've read this far...seek help.
I was just gonna mention the 86 thing for the old timers. Too young to remember it personally though.
Didn’t help that was the year the Steve Smith Incident happened.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 8:23 AM EDT up reply actions
If the Caps lose on Wednesday, they retire the Tony Kornheiser Memorial Choking Dogs Trophy
Oy. I love Tony, but I won’t be able to listen to him on Thursday. Actually, I’m not sure what he’ll say this morning.
"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."
Agreed re: ’86 – when someone asked before this series started whether or not this was the best shot the Caps have ever had at a Cup, I said it was the best heading into the playoffs, but that ’86 season was setting up awfully nicely after one round.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
That 1986 series has some eerie parallels to this one… Caps finish far ahead of their opponent, and if you look at the game progression… Rangers win Game 1 in OT, lose big in Game 2, lose in Game 3, win in OT in Game 4, win Game 5 by two, win Game 6 by one…three one-goal wins for the Rangers.
If you've read this far...seek help.
That 1986 year still bums me out. It’s been on my mind alot since we lost game 5 in this series.
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
by Rather Bengt on Apr 27, 2010 9:23 AM EDT up reply actions
This year is worse for me. As F&B stated above this team is loads more talented than past teams. Just pissed that they don’t seem to have learn their lessons from past years. That includes the head coach.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Apr 27, 2010 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m not calling for BB’s head but damn I would wish he would adjust more
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
by Rather Bengt on Apr 27, 2010 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions
It’s the adjustments he does make that makes me question even more. Last night’s panic of shifting lines all over the place made no sense. A precision change (Flash to the press box) was needed and he carpet bombed everything.
To me the 1st PP unit should be Carlson & Green at the points with the normal first line at forward. Knuble is being totally undervalued by his own coach in just the situations he is needed. Driving me bonkers.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Apr 27, 2010 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions
I actually wanted BB to go to the SOB line sooner last night. Nick had his game going and was dealing all night. Halak made sure it didn’t matter.
I waited all year for this?
When Halak made that save on Semin about 2 minutes in I said Uh-oh and JoeB said it right after me. I was trying to be optimistic but that killed me, can’t imagine what it did to Semin.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
How Baks is ever not the 1st line center is beyond my comprehension.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Apr 27, 2010 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions
The line blurs when you’ve got both AO and Sasha to play with. AO can do more by himself than Sasha can, and that’s why it happened.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 27, 2010 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions
Not so as much against this Habs team.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Apr 27, 2010 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions
I think the real question is why the SOB line didn’t start the game.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 27, 2010 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions
The reason is because that line doesn’t create traffic.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
But they score like no one’s business. And if that isn’t a surefire way to get Sasha started, then I don’t know what is.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 27, 2010 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions
See, we’re already way ahead of the ‘86 series since there’s going to be a game seven. I said it last night and I’ll say it again today, that was the best game the Caps have played in a long time. And if they put out that kind of performance again on Wednesday, they win. Halak’s good, but he ain’t Jacque Plante. More to the point, I’m a firm believer that in a seven game series, the better team usually wins and the Caps are the better team. Yeah, on the surface, Montreal’s feeling good about themselves, but when they take a closer look at that game and see how badly they were outplayed, they’re going to lose a lot of that swagger. Besides, I refuse to believe that the team with the best home record is going to lose 3 out of 4 games at Verizon.
A little OT but, good god, as a Red Sox/Caps fan thank god I wasn’t old enough or I don’t think I would have survived 1986.
Talk about the two-fer… lose ugly to the Rangers in 1986, then lose to the Islanders the following year in the Easter Tragedy in a 4th OT in Game 7. Survive that with your wits intact, and you are a Caps fan.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Sad part is I thought the 80’s were bad and then came the Pens series in the 90’s.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Apr 27, 2010 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Well I’m a Vikings/Caps fan. After the infamous 12-men-on-the-field choke vs. New Orleans less than 3 months ago (the Vikings set the record for the highest yardage plus-minus in a playoff loss), I don’t think I could handle another historic choke this soon afterwards.
by L A Vikes Fan on Apr 27, 2010 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions
I was rooting for the Red Sox in the 1986 series as well but they are not my favorite team. I’m a Cardinal fan who lived through the 1985 series where they had a 3 game to 1 edge in the series and lost, not to mention the 1968 series where that happened as well.
Too many traumatic world series. But at least the Cardinals have won some series in my life time, unlike the Caps.
Yes, I remember that Rangers series against the Caps — all too well.
Rocking the Red since 1975
The Caps are 2-6, all time, in Games 7. Of the eight Games 7, three went to overtime (1-2 record), and another loss was of the one-goal variety.
The symmetry of the Caps’ home record the past three playoff series suggests a win. 2-2, 2-2, 2-2, 1-2.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Last night I was pissed, but in a strange way now I’m excited about this game seven. Actually, I’m looking forward to it. As sports fans, we live for the thrill of the contest and what greater drama than a game seven, loser go home death match. Something about the greater the risk, the greater the rewards has me wishing it were Wednesday already.
My blood pressure does not agree with you, sir.
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
by ns on Apr 27, 2010 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions
I too wish it were Wednesday, just so I didn’t have to wait. Not because I like Game 7’s. They make me too nervous. I’ve never been to a Game 7 in person, and I won’t be going tomorrow.
Rink Rabbit & newest member of TySlo's fan club.
I like them if we’re in a situation like the Canadiens – nothing to lose, playing with house money, no idea what we’re doing here. Being in our situation? Well, as a fan I’ve never been here before, but it’s pretty awful so far.
Agreed. It was one thing to go to a Game 7 last year when we were down 3-1 in the series (not that we should’ve been, but what can you do?) Going to a Game 7 because we blew our 3-1 lead to the Canadiens isn’t good. I still have faith in the Caps, but this game is going to make me a nervous wreck.
Rink Rabbit & newest member of TySlo's fan club.
The thought of a one and done game against this Habs team makes me want to throw up a little. That being said, I just want to get it over with. The waiting is torture.
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 27, 2010 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey. We are performing but not producing! Don’t worry boys, we’ll get ‘em next time! If not, they’re sure to regress to the mean in the next 1000000000 performances, we can wait. As long as we fire lots of shots and score no goals we can all feel good about ourselves and go home happy! It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game.
I waited all year for this?
Don’t worry. I need to get away from the computer in a few. I’ll leave you to talk about how awesome we still are in a few.
I waited all year for this?
Why is there reason to believe? Even if we manage to win game 7 the Caps have shown they are intent on taking the hardest fucking route possible. They aren’t going to pull their heads out of their asses. They aren’t going to all of a sudden find killer instinct.
I waited all year for this?
There’s reason to believe because the Caps are the better team. And they’re better than the team they’d play next round, and the round after that and the round after that.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Yes, they are. And I ask again “why was Scott Walker picked up by GMGM”?
But Brawndo's got what plants crave. It's got electrolytes.
I dunno….because we like picking up ex-Canes?
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
by Rather Bengt on Apr 27, 2010 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions
Awesome question. I was thinking that all night. I’d love to talk to him and wonder how he feels about that.
I waited all year for this?
Funny, nobody has brought that up with coach at the press conference either. Anytime someone brings up a semi-touchy subject he abuses them like a defenseman pushing Flash off the puck and everyone backs down.
by Kolzilla on Apr 27, 2010 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
And being the better team isn’t the bottom line anymore. Playing like the better team is. And I don’t mean “we were better for most of the game except that one period where we were dominated but we figured our firepower would let us come back”. I mean for, like, a whole 60. With balls. Big balls. That you have to carry around in a wheelbarrow.
I waited all year for this?
by Rob Parker on Apr 27, 2010 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions 10 recs
Wisdom + a South Park closing = rec’d.
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on Apr 27, 2010 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions
Couldn’t agree more. And the Caps should have ’em hanging out of their hockey pants tomorrow night because they can score. At. Fucking. Will. They can dominate these runts and rejects, no matter how out-of-his-mind their goalie has been over the past two games.
Play like it, and it’ll happen.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 27, 2010 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
The only optimism I have is that when this team is self-motivated, like “season on the line” self-motivated, they are near-impossible to close out. But the fact that this team still needs the “season on the line” motivation is why they aren’t going to win a Cup. They may win this series, but they still have that tumor of complacency.
I waited all year for this?
I don’t think it’s complacency, but it does seem like apathy, or perhaps sheer inability. This team isn’t full of themselves, in all that we can see and read and listen. No doubt there’s some piece missing, though.
But who knows? Maybe they pull themselves out of this G7 and go on a tear.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 27, 2010 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions
Perhaps poor word choice :-), but it’s entirely possible.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 27, 2010 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m taking everything one series at a time. If they close out the Habs, I’m not assuming it was a miracle and Philly’s going to demolish them. It sucks that we need a 7th game, but right now all we need to do is win it. After that, we’ll look to the next series and try not to screw ourselves over in that one.
Rink Rabbit & newest member of TySlo's fan club.
They can’t “play small,” and by that I mean standing in place, keeping to the outside (and there has been a lot of that in this series). They have to assert themselves, dominate space, crowd Halak. The Caps spent 82 games “playing large” by occupying more space through movement and getting guys like Knuble and Laich to the net.
Play large.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Apr 27, 2010 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions
It didn’t seem to help much when Fehr put a defenseman through Halak and into the back of the net.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
It helped a lot. Fehr scored on that same goalie just a little bit later.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
After he made about 300 glove saves.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
How bout testing the blocker side high tomorrow night huh?
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
I got the distinct impression last night that Halak was making a concious effort to keep his glove high because that was where the Caps were shooting. When he slide over and stopped Green on the PP he just knew that that was where the shot was going, he wasn’t reacting, he just knew that was where the shot would be aimed.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
He was totally cheating on the glove side, especially as the game wore on.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Apr 27, 2010 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions
The one where Knuble’s blocking out the sun.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 27, 2010 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions 7 recs
J.P. with the winner.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Apr 27, 2010 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions
For the last two+ years the thing I have been wondering about with this team is whether: a) they are on a trajectory to be truly a perennial championship contender, or b) merely this decade’s version of the Ottawa Senators (1999-2006) — 100+ points five times in seven years, a disappearing act when it counts (one trip to a conference final).
It’s still too early to say, but they have not yet presented evidence that they are a championship contender outside of a sparkling regular season record. They have a chance to present that evidence.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Apr 27, 2010 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Since 2000, no team has won the Stanley Cup after going seven games in the first round. Only one, the 2004 Calgary Flames, managed to make it to the Stanley Cup Finals.
Fehr and Flash. . . they're like those Biblical twins, Gallant and. . . Goofeth.
and until this year, no non-original 6 team had earned more than 120 standings points either.
by Elliotte on Apr 27, 2010 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
This may be a good time to point out that the Regular Season Means [Samuelsson]™.
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on Apr 27, 2010 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I don’t get these stats. They really don’t mean anything. The Caps managed to come back from being 3-1 twice in a row. When’s the last time that’s ever happened?
Also, that’s only 10 years ago. Does that mean it happened in 1999, 98? 97?
Nothing really matters except how they play tomorrow.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
Also, that’s only 10 years ago. Does that mean it happened in 1999, 98? 97?
It means that I’ve got better things to do than go through every Wikipedia page on every NHL Playoff year ever.
It also means that the Caps either:
A) Shot themselves in the foot with their lack of focus, or
B) Weren’t really a Stanley Cup contender to begin with.
Fehr and Flash. . . they're like those Biblical twins, Gallant and. . . Goofeth.
I wasn’t asking for answers, hope it didn’t come off that way.
I’m with you that it shouldn’t have gone this far and it really makes me sour but, as Ovi says, it is what it is. We’ll find out tomorrow!
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
To me the problem is simple stubbornness. Bruce (or his team) is unwilling to adjust to what the other team is doing. In game 2, we turned the game around when we simplified. No dancing through the neutral zone, no beautiful passing plays and 30-foot wristers. Dump the puck and crash the net. DUMP THE PUCK AND CRASH THE NET! Playoff hockey. Do it and win. Don’t do it and go home.
I still say if we get passed Wednesday Philly should be a much less heart-attack inducing series. They (shouldn’t) won’t give us nearly as many problems….I hope.
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 27, 2010 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions
If for nothing else, win it to shut Allan Walsh up.
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on Apr 27, 2010 7:59 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I had to un-follow him on Twitter. Awful.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 27, 2010 8:04 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m surprised the universe didn’t explode when he tweeted that Wise’s game column was “one of the top hockey columns of the season”
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 8:04 AM EDT up reply actions
Some of his stuff is actually kind of funny:
Am I the only one pissed off at Versus for the constant “Nightmare on Elm Street” commercials. I have a 7+6 year old watching. Enuf already.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 8:08 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I actually totally agree with that. Sitting on the couch with my 2-year-old and that comes on? Not cool.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Could be worse. You could have been subjected to the same Ledo Pizza commercial every single commercial break, and sometimes two or three times a break.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 8:13 AM EDT up reply actions
I’M AN EMPTY CORNER!!
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 8:45 AM EDT up reply actions
The empty corner of whaaaaat?
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 27, 2010 9:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Jen is actually a set of triplets that work for Creig Northrop’s Window Installation Company.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
And they do their banking with Bruce Boudreau’s good friend, Jack Hollerbach and Harvest Bank of Maryland.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions
Who needs fencing… that weed killer will take care of the weeds and the dog…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 27, 2010 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Am I the only one pissed off at Versus for the constant "Nightmare on Elm Street" commercials.
Versus sure can pick ’em. Like Amway as a major sponsor now. Reminds me of the fr33 cr3dit r3port ads of last year. “This business does not do what you think it does.”
Lighthouse Hockey: Playing the NHL Lotto
whats worse for a kid, watching nightmare on elm street commercials, or Halak do a Freddie impersonation and rip their hearts out?
for me, the calvert-woodley creepy dinner party adds are what makes me thankful for the remote.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Apr 27, 2010 8:19 AM EDT up reply actions
Those ads make me not want to go to Calvert-Woodley. Which is annoying because I don’t live too far from there.
Fehr and Flash. . . they're like those Biblical twins, Gallant and. . . Goofeth.
Great, great wine shop. Didn’t realize they had such a robust advertising budget, but good on them and their creepy ad.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
you think it cost more than $1000 to produce that ad? cant imagine those “actors” got hollywood scale.
but agreed, great shop…but i’ll take pearsons on wisconsin for great deals and 24 hour wine tastings…OT i know but i cant really focus on the game today…
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Apr 27, 2010 9:08 AM EDT up reply actions
Everything goes on half mute at commercial or intermission. I read my book till the game comes back on again.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 8:22 AM EDT up reply actions
I hope it’s a self-help book about positive thinking.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Apr 27, 2010 8:44 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’m surprised the universe didn’t explode when he tweeted that Wise’s game column was "one of the top hockey columns of the season"
Glad I missed that one, I would have needed a whole cow to suppress my bite mechanism.
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on Apr 27, 2010 8:14 AM EDT up reply actions
better yet, win it so you can read about him promoting “client Milan Jurcina”
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Apr 27, 2010 9:52 AM EDT up reply actions
Hey, can I be a client?
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Apr 27, 2010 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions
After watching this team all year. . .
. . . is anyone legitimately surprised?
Fehr and Flash. . . they're like those Biblical twins, Gallant and. . . Goofeth.
by D'ohboy on Apr 27, 2010 8:27 AM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Nope.
I have to go. But if I find one single dog hair when I get back, I'll rub... sand... in your dead little eyes. I also need you to buy sand. I don't know if they grade it, but... coarse.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Apr 27, 2010 8:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Lack of 2C’s been a problem all year. In that case, I can’t really say I am.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 8:29 AM EDT up reply actions
If a lack of a 2C were our only problem. . .
Fehr and Flash. . . they're like those Biblical twins, Gallant and. . . Goofeth.
by D'ohboy on Apr 27, 2010 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’m more concerned with this team’s inability to focus for 60 minutes as demonstrated over the course of two years.
Fehr and Flash. . . they're like those Biblical twins, Gallant and. . . Goofeth.
by D'ohboy on Apr 27, 2010 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
In general that’s the biggest concern, but I doubt they’ll be unprepared for game seven. That certainly cost them two games but last night’s wasn’t one of them. For game seven, I worry that Green, Semin, Laich, Flash and Backstrom will be pressing way too hard and will be undisciplined or frustrated all night as a result. They must must must score early.
In general their problem is not lack of focus, its lack of willingness to outdig/outmuscle the other team. I could totally see them getting outworked in game seven, esp if they get behind early. They got outworked by the Rangers last year.
If they combine effort and talent they will be fine.
In general their problem is not lack of focus, its lack of willingness to outdig/outmuscle the other team
It’s both. Add in stubborness by coach and players and its a recipe for Game 7’s against teams they should have taken care of in 6 or less. And, yes, that includes the Pens last year. That team beat everyone, not with more skill, but outworking them.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Apr 27, 2010 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions
For me, I’d say it’s less ‘unsurprised’ and more ‘uber-frustrated’.
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on Apr 27, 2010 8:30 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m thinking that more than half most of those 54 came with no other Cap within 10 feet of Halak, and a sizeable percentage may have come with no other Washington Capital even in the offensive zone.
But Brawndo's got what plants crave. It's got electrolytes.
Yes, I’m surprised. Why? Not for the regular season, but for all the freakin’ happy talk after being eliminated in 2008 (a learning experience going forward), and 2009 (lessons learned the hard way).
This team shows little evidence of having learned any lessons from the playoffs of the last two years. They have not developed a killer instinct.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Apr 27, 2010 8:32 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
After watching this teamall yearyour whole life. . .
What immediately came to mind.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Apr 27, 2010 8:45 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I am. They should be putting 4 or 5 goals a night against this team, not 1 each in the last 2.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 27, 2010 9:28 AM EDT up reply actions
I know… don’t remind me. I was there in 1987 until 2 AM Easter Sunday… Kelly Hrudey hopefully has done something horrible so that there is a special level of Hell set aside for him (Making 73 saves on 75 shots in a 4 OT doesn’t get you sent to hell, alas…)
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 27, 2010 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions
The sad thing is…not at all.
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 27, 2010 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions
I wonder what changes Boudreau is going to come up with for game 7. If any. The PP will probably be left alone because it’s been running so smoothly in this series.
I have to go. But if I find one single dog hair when I get back, I'll rub... sand... in your dead little eyes. I also need you to buy sand. I don't know if they grade it, but... coarse.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Apr 27, 2010 8:29 AM EDT reply actions
Flash moves to the point and runs the entire PP.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 8:30 AM EDT up reply actions
I just realized Nashville has had a better PP % than Washington in the playoffs.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 27, 2010 8:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Everyone has a better PP% than the Caps (probably, I haven’t checked the numbers. Point is, the Caps PP has been fucking terrible).
I have to go. But if I find one single dog hair when I get back, I'll rub... sand... in your dead little eyes. I also need you to buy sand. I don't know if they grade it, but... coarse.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Apr 27, 2010 8:34 AM EDT up reply actions
Nashville was 1-25, so I’d guess Washington’s is the worse. Shockingly.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 27, 2010 8:36 AM EDT up reply actions
1/37 now? Unreal stuff right there. And if you showed me that stat without giving me the series in games, I would think that the Caps were already eliminated.
J.P. pointed it out earlier. If you had heard that the Caps would have more shorties than PP goals in the series, would you have even given them game 7? I wouldn’t have.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
Much as I am loathe to give the coach advice, the only thing I’d recommend is “dance with who brung ya.” That means the lines as we’ve known them, the power play as we’ve known it, and perhaps even starting Theodore. Time for experimenting and mix-and-match is over.
If you've read this far...seek help.
that should have been last game, but Flash’s leash is the longest on the team apparently
Asking the question: Can the Caps avoid being San Jose East?
by kurlNdrag on Apr 27, 2010 8:39 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I think he’s free-range.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Apr 27, 2010 8:46 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
time to put him down.
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
by ns on Apr 27, 2010 8:49 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I just think Walker should get a chance to play at least one game in the playoffs. To not give him a chance it’s kind of cruel. As long as the guy he is replacing is Flash and not someone else, of course.
Lobbies: Green, Carlson, Orlov
Yes, especially since the thinking behind bringing him in was for his playoff experience and grit.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
THIS!
Why did we want Scott Walker? Can someone ask GMGM that question?
But Brawndo's got what plants crave. It's got electrolytes.
His adorable pug nose?
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 9:31 AM EDT up reply actions
He’s exactly the guy that can break Halak out of this wall. When a guy like Walker scores it seems to have a bigger impact on goalies than when a pure goal scorer like Ovi does. It happened to Lundy last year. Love to see Walker on the ice come Wednesday.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
Yup. I was more than a bit pissed when I saw Flash out there in the final 2 minutes last night. What has he done in this series to deserve that ice time?
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
Most logical thing at this point.
"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."
Disagree. Dress Nylander.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 27, 2010 8:44 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I like this idea. His big bald head might reflect enough light to blind Halak.
by Brainumbc on Apr 27, 2010 8:46 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
He’ll skate circles around their whole team. I say do it.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 8:51 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Perreault.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Apr 27, 2010 8:46 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
One year ago tomorrow night… this happened.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 27, 2010 8:38 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
.
I wouldn’t have a problem if it ended like this
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 8:44 AM EDT up reply actions
I could do without the OT and potential to end my life via a heart attack.
"That's hockey. You never know what's going to happen. It's a tough sport. No tooth, a broken nose, but I'm looking good [laughs]." - #8
I’m not sure what I’ll do if we go to OT. At this point, I can’t even watch the first 10 minutes of the 1st period.
Rink Rabbit & newest member of TySlo's fan club.
by caps123 on Apr 27, 2010 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
That’s for sure. I don’t know if I can handle another series like this one…don’t let anyone ever tell you it’s easy being a Caps fan.
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 27, 2010 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions
<3 Amazing game, worth every penny.
Follow me on Twitter!! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes
Co-founder and president of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
And if they don’t .. we all get 10 more hours of our lives back every week.
It’s a win win situation.
by Brainumbc on Apr 27, 2010 8:47 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I like spending that 10 hours a week with them. I would like it to continue.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 8:51 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Yep. I say “hockey is my boyfriend” for a reason.
"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 27, 2010 9:15 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
He keeps giving you gifts through the holiday season before unexpectedly breaking up with you in April?
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on Apr 27, 2010 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
falling short of expectations?
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
by ns on Apr 27, 2010 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Inability to get up for important performances?
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 9:21 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Always finishing before he ought to?
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Apr 27, 2010 9:22 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Aggravating when they just can’t pull it out?
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 27, 2010 9:22 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Extreme reluctance to pull the goalie?
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 9:23 AM EDT up reply actions
Always coming from behind?
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Apr 27, 2010 9:23 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Weak stick shafts resulting in broken sticks?
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 9:26 AM EDT up reply actions
Taking it too hard to the net?
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 9:26 AM EDT up reply actions
Scoring often and from all directions and sometimes not scoring at all?
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 27, 2010 9:27 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Usually caused by holding the stick too tight?
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
by ns on Apr 27, 2010 9:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Unable to find the five hole?
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 27, 2010 9:28 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Alarmed when he calls for the extra attacker?
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Apr 27, 2010 9:27 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Getting nailed for Too Many Men?
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 9:28 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
That really was worth it. I feel much better now than I did all night.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 27, 2010 9:31 AM EDT up reply actions
That was the most amazing way to drink my (afternoon) coffee. Well done, guys.
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 27, 2010 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions
I like your fightin’ spirit. It’d be even more effective with an avatar, so won’t you adorn your profile with one?
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Apr 27, 2010 9:14 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Sports radio in Calgary and a team’s marketing employee are saying EA Sports’ NHL 11 will feature teams from the Canadian Hockey League, the top tier of junior hockey in that country.
Although there is minor league hockey in North America, Major Junior hockey, as it’s known, is played by 16- to 20-year-olds, and the majority of NHL players have seen some kind of action in in its three leagues. So bringing in teams from the Ontario Hockey League, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and Western Hockey League would deepen the game’s singleplayer career mode and diversify choices available in general manager mode.
The first word came from Dhiren Mahiban of CKNW-AM radio in Calgary, via Twitter: “EA Sports NHL 2011 will have a #CHL mode where you can play with teams from the #WHL , #OHL and #QMJHL”
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 8:59 AM EDT reply actions
Nice.
Here’s my idea to improve the game: different skating strides. Everybody looks like the same guy but with a different number on his back after a while. Animate like 6 different skating styles and mix them up a little!
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
They did that with the football games eventually, to where the bigger guys like the offensive and defensive linemen run vastly different than the skill guys do. Adds a lot to the game.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 9:04 AM EDT up reply actions
My freaking beard itches & I’m going to my 35th college reunion this weekend, but I’ll gladly trade the “boy he must have been a failure after graduation” look for a shot at the Flyers.
Bench.Flash.Today.
HitTheMidgets.Rinse.Repeat.
by LangwayWasTheKing on Apr 27, 2010 9:02 AM EDT reply actions
Can we order up a radio show? We had a good week after the last one?
by LangwayWasTheKing on Apr 27, 2010 9:04 AM EDT reply actions
It’s too bad benching B-Mo for Stecks didn’t provide the spark we’ve all been looking for.
Know Don Cherry, No Win. No Don Cherry, Know Win.
by M-M-M-My Chimera on Apr 27, 2010 9:28 AM EDT reply actions
Who’d have guessed that Bmo wasn’t the weak link?
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 27, 2010 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions
Tomas Fleishmann is the Saul Smith of hockey.
by Kerry Fraser's Hairspray on Apr 27, 2010 9:49 AM EDT reply actions
We thought we were a year behind the Penguins. Turns out we’re a year behind the Sharks. I’m going to go learn some Origami so I can enjoy my paper tigers all year ’round.
I hate listening to people's dreams. It is like flipping through a stack of photographs. If I'm not in any of them and nobody is having sex, I just don't care.
by Rob Parker on Apr 27, 2010 9:50 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Not you, too?!?!
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 27, 2010 9:51 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh quit WHINING! Jesus. It’s not like we lost game 7 already! We still have one more chance to get this right, and you’re giving up on them. Well, screw that. I’m not yet!
Photography: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
by IRockTheRed on Apr 27, 2010 9:51 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Many of us, maybe not you, are in self defense mode and I can’t really blame anyone for feeling it or saying it.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
by Sct112 on Apr 27, 2010 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Just. Plain. RUDE.
I waited all year for this?
by Rob Parker on Apr 27, 2010 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
It’s starting to sound like CI over here :) I gave up on contributing to that blog’s comments when “chickenlittlecapsfan” started coming around.
"If you want money go to the bank, if you want bread go to the bakery if you want goals go to the net." - #21
by snakegriffin on Apr 27, 2010 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
You mean they haven’t lost game seven already? You want some perspective, go back and look at the Philly boards after they lost game six against the Caps in ‘07 or Pensburgh after they lost game six last season to the Caps. You’ll find the exact same comments.
The perspective isn’t from them, it’s from the fact that we’re sounding like them. That should scare anybody straight.
Whatever. That’s a cute idea but I’m going to stick with wallowing over these bunch of underachievers that I’ve actually watched and followed. I could care less what some idiot PHI or PIT fans thought.
I waited all year for this?
Why not save the wallowing over underachieving for when they’ve actually underachieved?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 27, 2010 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions 6 recs
They have underachieved for this series, if not the playoffs as a whole.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 27, 2010 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions
And yet, here they are playing a game seven at home with a better than average chance of winning the series. Go figure.
You forgot the “against an 8 seed” part.
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on Apr 27, 2010 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions
Nothing’s fully blown yet except The Client by @walsha.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 27, 2010 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
The 3-1 lead is blown. Now it’s 3-3 and a best of 1. The series isn’t over, but the breathing room is gone. Also blown: my dream that these guys had learned lessons and developed a killer instinct.
I waited all year for this?
by Rob Parker on Apr 27, 2010 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
What made you think they had developed the killer instinct. They didn’t really show it this year during the regular season.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
I just figured they had to develop it eventually. After all the talk about learning lessons from past years, I just hoped it was true. They played a little harder down the stretch this year so I had hoped maybe that was the maturity. After the first couple months they didn’t seem to go up 5-1 and then coast to 6-4 quite as much (but maybe they just weren’t getting the leads). I guess you’re right. I had no reason to be so optimistic.
I waited all year for this?
And the acquisition of players like Knuble, Walker, etc.
Fehr and Flash. . . they're like those Biblical twins, Gallant and. . . Goofeth.
The Knuble and Chimera ones made me think MGMT got the message. Still does. Coaching staff and players apparently haven’t.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Apr 27, 2010 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions
You mean Walker, Nacho eater extraordinaire?
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 27, 2010 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions
They should never have let it get to G7, is all I mean. It is underachieving, even if it’s not failure.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 27, 2010 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions
True, but ultimately there’s one thing that matters: advancing or golfing. If they advance, they achieved their primary goal for this series.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
No, I agree, and that’s one nicety of the playoffs, but they’re only hampering their own ability to continue achieving by allowing themselves to underachieve in the first place.
If that makes sense.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 27, 2010 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions
This series isn’t the goal. It’s a necessary step but by farting around in this series they’ve made it much harder to actually reach their ultimate goal. And even if they win, they’ve shown a serious vulnerability that will continue to be exploited.
I waited all year for this?
This series isn’t the goal.
This series is the goal of this series.
by farting around in this series they’ve made it much harder to actually reach their ultimate goal. And even if they win, they’ve shown a serious vulnerability that will continue to be exploited.
Conjecture.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Conjecture doesn’t make it wrong. I’m not sure the last time a team routinely got dominated one period per game and still won a Cup. Or had 2/4 their best players disappear and won a Cup. Or went 1/37 on the PP…
I waited all year for this?
I’m not sure the last time a team that won a Cup looked back and gave a shit how they got out of Round 1.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 27, 2010 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
And even if they win, they’ve shown a serious vulnerability that will continue to be exploited.
Not really. Different teams pose different challenges. Montreal was a pain in the ass all year for the Caps (2-1-1 against them). They (like any team) pose unique matchups, and the ones they present are aimed right at the Caps most glaring vulnerabilities (weak penalty killing, susceptibility to a hot goaltender due to the nature of the shots they take, frustration with “defense-first” systems).
Philadelphia is probably a better team than Montreal, but do not pose the same sorts of matchup problems that Montreal did. And the Caps’ strengths (better team speed, ability to overwhelm weak goaltending) are pointed right at the Flyers’ vulnerabilities.
Look at this another way. Consider Philly, Pittsburgh, and New Jersey. The Devils were 6-0-0 against the Penguins (and none of those wins were by fewer than two goals)… the Penguins were 5-1-0 against the Flyers… the Flyers were 5-1-0 against the Devils.
Which among them is the best team?
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Apr 27, 2010 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
The Penguins.
And you’re ignoring the fact that we’ve pretty much given away a period of each game this series. Last night was probably the best effort, we only gave away 12 minutes! MON is outhitting us and pinning us in our zone. MON. The Habs. What exactly are the Flyers going to do to us?
MON is well-situated to take advantage of our weaknesses, and they have. But those weaknesses won’t go away. They have just been put in high-relief. I don’t see how either PIT or PHI will be incapable of replicating what MON has done to us other than Halak.
I waited all year for this?
Pittsburgh can — they showed that last year when everyone on the roster bought into playing a 200-foot game. Philly can forecheck aggressively, but is also prone to undisciplined forechecking, meaning, their 3rd/4th line forwards can play mighty stupid at times. And while both Philly and Montreal lack a certain footspeed on the blue line, Montreal might have a deeper bunch, top to bottom.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Apr 27, 2010 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions
MON deeper D than PHI? That’s hysterical. Maybe MON has an advantage on their 3rd pair, but it doesn’t even come close to making up the disadvantage they have in the top two pairs. MON has an advantage in net. That’s it.
I waited all year for this?
Even with Gagne and Carter out? Probably their two most skilled forwards?
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Yeah. Richards and Briere and Giroux and Hartnell are all as good as anyone not named Cammalleri on the Habs.
I waited all year for this?
Philly and Montreal split four games this year. Both were 1-1 at home. Is there a clearly superior team there?
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Apr 27, 2010 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions
I think so. You may disagree. PHI was a train wreck for a lot of the year and are playing their best hockey right now. I think you have to consider that.
I waited all year for this?
I’d agree, though the Flyers injury situation does muddy the water. I had the Flyers pegged pre-season as the Eastern team I was most worried about. Their struggles this year surprised me. They seem to be finally playing like the team I expected they’d be.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Apr 27, 2010 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t. They beat a team they beat like a drum this year, nothing more.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Apr 27, 2010 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions
The Devils were an anomaly… such a great first half, talent, goaltending, defense, coaching, seemingly just enough scoring… then they fall off the map for the second half, and adding Kovie did nothing to help. Topped off by a whimpering loss to an underachieving squad. Just kind of strange. What changed in the second half for NJ?
Because I’m emotional and pissed off. Because even if they win they underachieved. Because even if they win they’ve given no sign that they are going any further. Will there really be much achievement in winning in 7? HOOORAAAAAAAAAAAAY… you didn’t choke a 3-1 lead away with home ice. You took a vastly over-matched 8 seed to a full 7 games before scratching out a hard fought victory. Well done indeed.
I waited all year for this?
by Rob Parker on Apr 27, 2010 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Will there really be much achievement in winning in 7?
Yep – they’ll advance to the second round of the playoffs, which was the immediate goal.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Yeah. They will have succeeded in the first round. But I won’t be looking at it as a “success.”
I waited all year for this?
This isn’t figure skating. They don’t give style points for how you get there, just that you get there. As since we’re conjecturing, how about considering that if the Caps look death in the face and come out and play a dominant game seven and win, don’t you think that’s going to be a huge confidence builder? Victories are victories. As fans we want them to be perfect and neat, but players view ugly victories probably the same as impressive ones, a win is a win. Nothing builds character and confidence more than achieving something you had to fight hard to get.
This is like wrecking your car but still walking away. Not a success, just a touch of luck.
How did looking down the face of death work last year?
I waited all year for this?
Oh, come on. You can’t really think that’s a valid analogy. That’s just truculence. If the point of the series is to win the series, how is doing that a failure, regardless of means?
If wishes were horses, we'd all be eating steak.
by Hang a Laingtern on Your Problems on Apr 27, 2010 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions
how is doing that a failure, regardless of means?
The same way people were highlighting flaws and looking for improvements on a Presidents’ Trophy team. How is winning the PT a failure, regardless of means? Because you’ve done it in a way that makes you less likely to win a Cup.
I waited all year for this?
Truculence
A disposition or apparent disposition to fight, especially fiercely.
But Brawndo's got what plants crave. It's got electrolytes.
How did looking down the face of death work last year?
It worked out well for the better team in both series.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Was it a confidence builder? Did it lead to the team taking the next step mentally? I’m not saying we are going to lose game 7. I’m saying that we are playing a game 7 is the big problem.
I waited all year for this?
Obviously I agree with that.
And yes, I’d say winning Game 7 of round 2 was a confidence builder for the team that won it and took them to the next step, mentally.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Sweet. Too bad the team that took the mental step isn’t ours. (And they had already been to an SCF.)
I waited all year for this?
Hi, I’m J.P. Nice to meet you. Welcome to Japers’ Rink. Enjoy your stay.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Yeah, I think taking a Game 7 after almost blowing a 3-1 lead into a loss would be bigger than each of those 3-1 comebacks and that Game 7 win last season too.
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 27, 2010 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions
They have underachieved, no doubt. But if you win the round in the playoffs, you succeeded, if you lose, you failed. Very cut and dried.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 27, 2010 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Right, but with grades, you’re talking about something that accumulates and shapes the quality of the final result. In this particular case, if you end up passing the final test, no one will ever care how many C’s you had before you got that. Yeah, C-grade rounds have a great chance of making the climb incredibly steeper and it’s right to be frustrated about that, but I think it’s fair to say that should the Caps ever win the Stanley Cup, it doesn’t matter in the least how it finally got done.
It would be awesome if the Caps literally steamrolled 16-straight wins and went down in history as the greatest hockey team to ever take the ice, but I’m happy to settle with “Best team of the ‘09-’10 season,” even with the stumbles along the way.
"That's hockey. You never know what's going to happen. It's a tough sport. No tooth, a broken nose, but I'm looking good [laughs]." - #8
Even though it didn’t turn out that way last year, winning a Game 7 in round 1 has to take some of the pressure off the guys (assuming we you know…DO IT tomorrow). A lot of eventual winners have to overcome a tough match up in the series leading up to the Finals. We’re a LONG way from that currently, but the potential to overcome the worst possible opponent we could have faced in the 1st round whether it took 7 games or not has to be a motivating factor…both for tomorrow night and going forward if and when we win.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Apr 27, 2010 9:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Guess I’m the only guy who took a class pass/fail.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Turns out we’re a year behind the Sharks.
J.R. for 2C!
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on Apr 27, 2010 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions
Jonathan Cheechoo for “Remember me I won the Rocket Richard” award
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
by Rather Bengt on Apr 27, 2010 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions
too bad Chimera isn’t a right wing. I’d be fun to throw him up on the first line. Imagine Montreal having to deal with that kinda speed.. Ovie, Nikki, Chimera
I know we all have our moments Red-rocking support for ThugLife. But I really want to know…
Can Mike Green hold in a puck in the zone on the PP any longer?
It’s driving me nuts
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
Corvo looked great last night. He needs to get that job.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Agreed. Corvo was our best looking D-man last night. I don’t have a hatred for Joe C at all, but that shouldn’t be the case.
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
by Rather Bengt on Apr 27, 2010 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Doesn’t it seem like Corvo has a higher hockey IQ than our other 5 defensemen?
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
No.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 27, 2010 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Tell me more. I just think Corvo is making better decisions.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
Corvo’s all-around play on the Plekanec game-winner in Game 1 ruled him out of having a “higher hockey IQ” than anyone in my book. But yeah, he had a decent game last night.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
We broke down the film of a goal where Corvo and Sloan were on the ice. Sloan over committed behind the net and Corvo had a chance to bail him out but completely missed it and followed the puck too. Someone had the front of the net wide open. If there’s anyone with a hockey IQ on our blueline it’s Shultz then Poti… and Carlson probably, but haven’t really seen enough. Green gets a consolation prize?
I don’t know if it’s low IQ or a low panic threshold. I think it could be both, which is strange, given this team is the best 3rd period team in the league.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 27, 2010 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m fine with low panic threshold in terms of play, not in terms of psyche. They need more of the Carlson/Baks relax with puck in traffic.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Apr 27, 2010 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions
After a Night's Sleep
I am still optimistic and I still believe, but I am bit more rational and less defensive this morning. My apologies, if I was too aggressively defending the Caps and BB last night. I have been a fan since the early day (I was 8 in 1974) and wear the Caps on my sleeve.
Here are some thoughts for tomorrow night:
1. Replace Steckel with Walker. We need the energy. No other changes. As much as 14 has sucked, I don’t think 9 or 39 or 53 is an improvement. I’m not supportive of call-ups for game 7.
2. D pairing stay the same. Modify the O lines to be:
8-19-22
16-18-28
24-14-21
10-15-25
Do not screw with the 1st line as we did last night. I’m not crazy about Flash at 3C, but I’m intrigued to put Fehr and his size and goal scoring with Semin. The idea is that his drive, his prowess in the corners, and his intelligence could help set Semin up. I love the 4th line and see no reason to change.
3. Modify the power play to create more traffic in front of Halak. Do this by putting 8 in front of the goalie, 19 and 28 on the wings, and 77 and 52 at the point. I like 77 on the point and, I think, you let the captain dig at Halak with his size and drive. (Second unit = 3 and 74 up top, 21 and 16 on the wings, and 22 in front of Halak.
4. Start Theo. I just feel like that’s the right move. I worry about Varly’s confidence. JT has more experience and really wants to redeem himself.
5. Create traffic in front of Halak as much as possible. Use our size or, with someone like Walker or Gordo, just be Sean Avery without penalties.
6. Play within yourselves. No obvious penalties. Stay off the PK.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
Walker would definitely add something Flash doesn’t. But that’s why you make the move in game 6, so you aren’t in a corner for game 7. No way he can sit Flash now.
Doesn’t matter which goalie we play. What matters is that we are having the conversation again.
Fehr won’t get promoted.
I waited all year for this?
Unfortunately your third point is true. I’ve really come to like Fehr this season, but BB doesn’t seem to have the same affinity. It’s a shame.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
Amen, brother. I’m with you on Theo, too.
Some people die just a little.
by bigonetimer on Apr 27, 2010 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t know. I’m not doubtful. I don’t know what to expect.
Last night, BB was very non-committal.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
I don’t know where Bruce’s mind is on it either. Varly has to have the second goal—but it wouldn’t have mattered with the way Halak played. A one-off performance, imo, which is why I feel OK today.
Some people die just a little.
by bigonetimer on Apr 27, 2010 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions
All BB would say is that changing goalies is a possibility. Didn’t really fault Varly, said he maybe should’ve had the third, but he’s not a goalie so he wasn’t sure. Agreed on Halak. If the Caps had created more traffic and gotten their PP to work, pucks would’ve gone past him (more than one at least). He played a fantastic game, but I doubt he repeats.
Rink Rabbit & newest member of TySlo's fan club.
a 5 on 3 for 1:15 with no shots on net is pretty telling. the PP is struggling at it’s core.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
Exactly. Even if the Caps win Game 7, they’re going nowhere with that PP. What is it now, 1 for 37 or something like that? Ridiculous.
Rink Rabbit & newest member of TySlo's fan club.
Let’s give MTL a little credit here, too. I have no reason to believe that the power play that was so great in the regular season will have the same struggles against PHI… should the Caps be fortunate enough to get there.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
This.
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
by Rather Bengt on Apr 27, 2010 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Montreal has been fantastic on the PK, and at shot blocking in general. That combined with a goalie that seems to be a puck magnet and shooters that think they need to be too fine to score makes for a tight series.
All the more reason that BB needs to get Walker into the mix. He’s exactly the guy that scores on Halak when guys known for the scoring prowess don’t (Flash/Semin). Same as Brads last year against Henrik, hopefully a grinder goal would have the same effect.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
Totally agree we need Walker. He’s got the energy.
He’s also got karma. Last season, GWG, game 7, OT for the Canes.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
Only thing that matters to me is he won’t play like the shrinking violet that is #14. Any points would be gravy.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Apr 27, 2010 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions
Unfortunately, I don’t think he’s going to replace 14. If he place, Walker is likely to replace 39.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
I sadly agree.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Apr 27, 2010 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions
Let’s win the damn series and the our PP will be 0 for 0.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
by macvechkin on Apr 27, 2010 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Sure, MTL deserves credit. And I’m sure the PP will get back in shape if we play Philly. But it’s not only MTL that’s responsible for the 1/37. Caps deserve the blame as well.
Rink Rabbit & newest member of TySlo's fan club.
Of course – see my “it’s effing broken” comment above.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Why? In the regular season PHI and MON had identical PKs (83%). PHI is playing their best hockey of the season so I don’t see why we’d solve their PK unless Boucher goes Toskala.
And we don’t have the worst playoff PP. BUF came in at 0%.
I waited all year for this?
I can’t really tell, but maybe MTL’s PK > Caps PP is because of system, and maybe PHI’s PK plays a system better suited to be victimized by the Caps’ PP?
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 27, 2010 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions
I actually think PHI’s PK is better suited to exploit our PP. But whatever. That would be a luxury to be able to find out.
I waited all year for this?
I can definitely see SHGA being a problem while Mike Richards plays on that PK unit.
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 27, 2010 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions
I seem to remember the Caps having much more success on the PP during the regular season against PHI than they did against MTL.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 27, 2010 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions
I wonder how much of that was due to the one game where Carcillo went nuts.
I waited all year for this?
The Caps had 7 PPG against the Flyers and 3 PPG against the Canadiens (I don’t have the number of total PPs on hand). Sure, the long Carcillo PP helped, but the Caps still had to score. One of the PPG against the Canadiens was when Fehr scored with 12 seconds left to tie it as well, so that was a 6 on 4 and not your typical PP.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 27, 2010 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Sure, the long Carcillo PP helped, but the Caps still had to score.
Deep. I understand that. I also don’t think that’s a representative game for PHI.
I waited all year for this?
Well PHI didn’t shit themselves until after the PP killed them, so I don’t think you can completely write it off. But if you want to, the Caps were 3/12 on the PP in the other 3 games against PHI, and 3/17 in the 4 games against MTL. Still better.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 27, 2010 7:33 PM EDT up reply actions
that second goal deflected off Godron, right? Not exactly an easy shot to save.
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Apr 27, 2010 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Erm, I think Locker was giving Varly the benefit of the doubt. I didn’t see either of the first three goals change direction (even though I do think it’s more likely that 3 did). Varly wasn’t good, yesterday, early.
Again.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 27, 2010 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions
I didn’t hear Locker’s comments, I thought the change of direction was visually evident. Still it was a makeable, if not easy, save.
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Apr 27, 2010 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions
I think that one and the 3rd both changed direction ever so slightly. But those are still pucks that need to be stopped in the playoffs. I think Theo, on top of his game, stops those pucks because he is more positionally sound, rather than relying on reaction to stop them. If varly had been in “textboox” position on either of those, they are saves and not goals. Varly can make the spectacular stop more often than Theo, but he needs to make the easier ones as well.
Aside from winning game seven tomorrow, the second thing I most want to see is Lapierre being carted off the ice from an Ovechkin hit. Is there a bigger piece of low-life puke than that guy. Two diving penalties in a must-win game. Seriously, how do his teammates even look that guy in the eye.
Because a twist of fate and those are two diving PPs for MON. He worked hard, he hit and he was a generally good player last night. He’s among the top of the douche bag scum list in the league but he does what he can for his team.
I waited all year for this?
Totally disagree. Those were gutless plays that would have embarrassed a french soccer player. It’s only the Caps inability to score on the PP that prevented him from being the most hated man in Montreal this morning.
by b.orr4 on Apr 27, 2010 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Obviously I hate diving. I’m just saying it’s clear that teammates don’t feel the same way. Every single team has guys that take dives for their team. If it was really that big a deal people wouldn’t. Maxi is a grand douche, but I don’t think his teammates hate him for it.
I waited all year for this?
I’m sure they love him today, but if those needless dives had cost them the series I doubt there’s be a lot of good will today. Nothing drives me around the bend more than when I see a hockey player acting like a soccer player. It disgusts me when Semin does it and even more when a coward like Lapierre does it. At least Semin doesn’t go around constantly talking shit yet never backing it up. Sorry, I don’t have a problem with the Montreal players but that guy just pisses me off.
The problem is, if BB finally makes some significant lineup/line/goalie changes, it will smack of desperation. Almost a “why did you wait until game 7 to get X out of the lineup?”
I think we are a bit desperate.
If we win, BB will happily answer that question.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
BB has shown time and again a penchant for nepotism and an inability to adjust. What I don’t get is why the players aren’t adjusting themselves, because at least some of them must see it’s not fucking working.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 27, 2010 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions
He has not, but that’s understandable.
I was impressed last night that he did defend the team’s approach and did compliment Halak. Other coaches might have ripped into their team, but that’s tough to do when they put 54 shots on the goalie.
He was also careful not to glaze over the 3 goals that Varly let it. That’s why I think the door is open for Theo.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
And that scares the shit out of me. Do we really want to rely on Theo for this final game. I don’t know what’s going to happen, but we can’t have the goalie lose this one for us. I think Varly has proven to be the better big game goalie in comparison.
We absolutely cannot have a goalie lose this one for us, and that’s why it’s a tough decision to make. Varly has let in 2 early goals in his last 2 games, and the Caps haven’t managed to climb out of either deficit the last 2 games. Theo’s looking to bounce back from his 2 early goals in game 2. It’s a tough situation for sure, but I would go with Theo. Again, just win.
Rink Rabbit & newest member of TySlo's fan club.
I’d be much more comfortable with a goalie change in Game 7 than the blown up lines in Game 6.
Th Caps had 17 goals in a 3 game stretch this series. If we score one goal again it probably doesn’t matter who we have in net. And if we score 6 it probably doesn’t matter either.
In other news, I can’t remember looking that the PP very often and saying “Oh look, I saw that crafty set play they were trying, it just didn’t work this time”. I find myself doing that a lot in watching other games/teams. Seems like I would have seen more, maybe I should take my palm away from my face more often though.
the canadiens put in a rookie dman into his first NHL playoff game in an elimination game at home. was that despiration? how did it turn out?
BB should be thinking about the lineup that gives this team the best opportunity to win, not which one smells or doesnt smell despirate. if he changes an they win, he’s a genius, if he changes and they lose, he was despirate. if he doesnt change and they win, he’s a patient genius, if he doesnt change and they lose, he’s stubborn.
winning makes everyone look smart.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Apr 27, 2010 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions
Kolbe is on with Tony now. And Tony has brought up the “Choking Dogs” question. Not unreasonable, unfortunately.
"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."
He’s not saying no. Although pointing out all the reasons they should be able to win tomorrow.
"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."
Asked why not go back to Theo, Kolbe doesn’t seem to think Bruce will change goalies, and he’s giving Varly a little bit of a pass on last night.
"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."
Scenes from Kettler
So, what do you think they’ll be doing over at Kettler today?
A little:
1. skating
2. x’s and o’s
3. video
4. massage therapy
5. aroma therapy
6. electroshock therapy
7. primal scream therapy
8. experiencing rebirth under water
9. return to the womb visualization
10. nah; playing NHL 2010, playoffs round 1, game 7, Caps vs Habs
6. electroshock therapy
7. primal scream therapy
That was me in my wife’s studio (she’s an artist) after the game last night.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 27, 2010 1:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Just a thought, knock off the bulletin board material. Saying we can win this series with mediocre defense probably just pissed the habs off, not to mention all the other dumb things the players said. I want the satisfaction of knocking the Caps out, not the Habs.
Personally, I don’t think bulletin board material means anything. If you need the other guy saying something disrespectful to get your ass in gear this time of year, you’re in the wrong business.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 27, 2010 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
So true. If you need something to motivate you now — in a do-or-die game 7 — you’re in the wrong business.
Game 7 that extra chip on your shoulder from the other team talking trash might give them the extra push, just saying i wouldn’t give another team anything to work with.
by JasonGoPens on Apr 27, 2010 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree with you on that point.
I’d also like to point out some silver lining (you know me!), it’s great to see Mike Green talk shit and then take it upon himself to go out there and back it up. He knew it might be unpopular to talk about how the other team “really doesn’t have much” so he made sure his teammates got on his back and followed his lead. If there is one benefit we can take away, it’s Mike Green’s ability to lead and back up his bravado.
I waited all year for this?
Jaroslav Halak’s shaky hand agrees.
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on Apr 27, 2010 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions
It worked for Michael Jordan, even when he had to make it up in his own head that someone was dissing him.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Apr 27, 2010 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions
OK, I've waited long enough
How’s Tom Poti? 300+ posts and not a word so far? Per NHL site he had no 3rd period ice time.
But Brawndo's got what plants crave. It's got electrolytes.
I went ballistic. He got hit, went down, lost a glove, stick.. started skating to the penalty box instead of the bench (!!!!!) and nobody ever said a fucking word about it!
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
He got hit in the mouth with a puck. Not even NHL’s writeup gave mention to it.
But Brawndo's got what plants crave. It's got electrolytes.
wait, what happened?!
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS, PLAYOFF EDITION!
He caught a puck to the head — in the game thread someone said he was hit in the nose. Either he was concussed or couldn’t see because he was skating rather aimlessly around while holding his face/head.
President and sole member of the Erskine lobby.
Definitely got him in the face. He skated right away to the box, then to the locker room.
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 27, 2010 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions
Sam Rosen did on Versus. They showed replays and everything.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Apr 27, 2010 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions
Not really hilarious. At all.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 27, 2010 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Getting hit in the head with a puck isn’t hilarious… doesn’t matter who it is.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 27, 2010 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions
yea, so bloody hilarious he’s having surgery today. ha ha ha.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS, PLAYOFF EDITION!
So does Tom Poti fail to clear the puck twice as badly, or half as badly with one eye?
I waited all year for this?
Oh wait, wasn’t one of the reasons we wanted a Caps in 5 series was to limit exposure to injuries like this? Now one of our top D-men is out until at least the ECFs…awesome.
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 27, 2010 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions
well, this has been a thoroughly awful 24 hours. I couldn’t even make it through the game last night, and if I’m a bad fan because I can’t take the heartache that is watching Game 7, well, I’m a bad fan. But I just can’t do it.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS, PLAYOFF EDITION!
I can’t take going down to the VC to watch game 7, but I can’t take staying at home and not watching it either. So I’ll be a nervous wreck in front of my TV.
And as bad as these 24 hours have been, next 24 are going to be worse (for me at least).
Rink Rabbit & newest member of TySlo's fan club.
I’ve got to find something to do for Game 7. And I’ve been banned from beer :( grrrrr
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS, PLAYOFF EDITION!
Model airplane glue?
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
by Rather Bengt on Apr 27, 2010 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions
if I’m not ingesting it….
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS, PLAYOFF EDITION!
As a result of last Friday night?
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Apr 27, 2010 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions
the doc assured me it’s not the result is excessive consumption on Friday! it appears my liver is all out of whack for some other reason, and so no beer until they figure it out. (and that’s why my 24 hours has truly been sucktacular)
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS, PLAYOFF EDITION!
Damn. That sucks. Hope they figure things out quickly.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Apr 27, 2010 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions
2 game sevens that will start 22 hours apart. If my heart is still beating by Thursday morning it will truly be a miracle.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
I don’t envy you. But can’t wait to watch the whiteout tonight
For every action, there is an equal and opposite criticism.
by Rather Bengt on Apr 27, 2010 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions
So Brent Sopel is on my hit list now. Check out around the 1:28 mark of this video near the middle of the screen.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
He probably saw a cracker and got scared.
I have to go. But if I find one single dog hair when I get back, I'll rub... sand... in your dead little eyes. I also need you to buy sand. I don't know if they grade it, but... coarse.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Apr 27, 2010 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Whaa?
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 27, 2010 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions
He thought he saw a cracker, so he got scared and pushed someone else in the way.
Is nobody getting the joke?!
I have to go. But if I find one single dog hair when I get back, I'll rub... sand... in your dead little eyes. I also need you to buy sand. I don't know if they grade it, but... coarse.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Apr 27, 2010 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions
….no? Erat’s a redneck?
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 27, 2010 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions
I can’t believe you don’t remember this.
I have to go. But if I find one single dog hair when I get back, I'll rub... sand... in your dead little eyes. I also need you to buy sand. I don't know if they grade it, but... coarse.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Apr 27, 2010 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
LOL
I hadn’t even heard of that. Hysterical.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 27, 2010 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh, wow, I’ve never read that before.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 27, 2010 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Dude, is this some super esoteric Japan joke that even I don’t know :-)?
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 27, 2010 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions
No matter who you are, if you watched the game … Halak was definitely "in the zone", stopping 54 shots on net! Hopefully he can’t repeat the performance twice in a row. While I think the Caps played much better overall … they still have to find a way to beat Halak, get their PP working, and get guys to stand in front of the net.
Other observations:
• Green seemed a little more focused but 2
penalties???
• Semin & Fleishman both stepped up their
game but still came away “goal-less”.
• Didn’t think Morrisonn was a boost to the blue-line – took the 1st penalty that Mtl. capitalized on ….on the ice for 2 goals scored against & no hits. Corvo had 10 shots on net?? but was a -2 & seemed to want to play
the role of winger more than D on a few occasions. Also, no hits.
• Forwards did a better job of backchecking & covering Carlson, Corvo & Mo when they pinched or were high on the boards on a Mtl. rush except for a few times when thankfully, Varly made the save (which they didn’t do on Friday) It looked like the D might have been frustrated shooting from the point & having no one in front of the net to tip or get the rebounds.
• Carlson got caught at least twice, the most glaring being LaPierre undressing him for a great goal scoring chance in front of the net. LaPierre (as much as I dislike the dude), had zero trouble skating around him. Carlson on the ice for the first PP goal against & on the empty net (-1) – no blocked shots.
• Funny nobody mentioned Corvo’s attempted hip check … which failed.? Proves my previous point, especially if you’re watching NHL hockey, that it happens regularly. It takes courage to even attempt that kind of check, but they’re very effective when they connect.
• The most noticeable stat differences were in shots on net (obviously) Wash. 54 – Mtl. 22 AND blocked blocked shots: Mtl. 23 – Wash. 12. Mtl. has done a superior job of blocking shots this whole series.
• Varly was just OK – didn’t really get tested & again let in 2 goals in the 1st. Curious that Bruce would pull Theo after letting in 2, but not Varly.
Hope Poti is okay … has anyone heard? I think Wash. can win Game 7 if they get their PP clicking & play the same way they did lastnight. A goal or two in the 1st will rattle Halak enough to get him off his game a bit. Go Caps!
Avatar, yo.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 27, 2010 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions
Hip check almost missed, but didn’t. Didn’t make 100% contact either, but 50% I guess.
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 27, 2010 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions
• Varly was just OK – didn’t really get tested & again let in 2 goals in the 1st. Curious that Bruce would pull Theo after letting in 2, but not Varly.
Theo let in 2 on 2 shots (or 3 on 3 going back to the OT)
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
Not to mention Theo’s history w/ MTL.
"Stop hating and just accept the new Red Jesus into our life." --F&B on 14
I think it’s getting kind of ridiculous how BB will absolutely not let Theo play in Montreal. Maybe it wasn’t necessary last night, but if pulling Varly was best for him and the team, I’d hope he would do it and not refrain just because we were in Montreal.
Rink Rabbit & newest member of TySlo's fan club.
And Varly has let in 2 goals in the first 10 minutes in back to back games. Whether it’s on 2 shots or 7 shots, our goalies have to be more prepared early. I wouldn’t have pulled Varly last night either (cuz throwing theo into that atmosphere coulda been disastrous), but I am certainly not pleased with the goaltending that Varly has provided in the past 2 games. Yes he made some great saves in game 5 to keep us in it, but he still allowed the game winning goal in both games before they were 10 minutes old.
Whether it’s on 2 shots or 7 shots, our goalies have to be more prepared early.
Agreed except I think the overall team needs to be better prepared.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
by zephyr on Apr 27, 2010 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
probably true, but in game 6 especially, we had the better chances, but their goalie made the saves to keep momentum on their side. Same was true (to a lesser extent) in game 5 (not that we had the better chances necessarily, but we did have chances). The fact that the last 2 games have started out 2-0 is 90% varly/halak, and 10% the preparedness of the rest of the teams IMO.
blocked blocked shots: Mtl. 23 – Wash. 12. Mtl. has done a superior job of blocking shots this whole series.
It’s a lot easier to rack up the blocked shots when the play is in your zone for 90% of the game.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 27, 2010 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions
AND blocked blocked shots: Mtl. 23 – Wash. 12. Mtl. has done a superior job of blocking shots this whole series.
I hear a guy who is pretty good at blocking shots may be available in July.
Lobbies: Green, Carlson, Orlov
Several, in fact. But mainly an Ottawa guy.
Gorges looks really good for MTL. Think GMGM can swipe him?
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 27, 2010 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Montreal blocked more shots (23) than they themselves had on goal (22)
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Apr 27, 2010 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
"Lights out at KCI"
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/capitalsinsider/lights-out-at-kci.html
Maybe Bruce decided since enough people have decided not to show for the playoffs they should just get an early start on the golf. (No). Curious nonetheless
Stop, please. The Caps are going to win this series.
But Brawndo's got what plants crave. It's got electrolytes.
Please, that statement is just as ridiculous as Icebat’s.
"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 27, 2010 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Systems and Focus
A thought has been percolating inside me this year and it popped up as a full-blown epiphany last night.
I don’t think the Caps lack focus more than any other team in the league. I think most teams in the NHL are only really capable of 40 minutes of hard, focused hockey. Every team has a lull at some point in a game – the team that comes out firing in the first cools off in the second; or the team that looks sleepy in the first wakes up in the third, etc. I’ve referred to this before as the Caps’ tendency to put on a “Keystone Kops” routine at least once a game where they get caught running around, take penalties and give up goals. Part of this is human nature, and part of it as we used to say in the military, is because “the enemy has a vote:” other teams are working to get you off your game, and opposing coaches and players are making adjustments to counter your advantages.
So the real question is, “why does the Caps’ lack of focus seem to hurt them so much more than other teams?”
I believe the answer lies in Boudreau’s system. Don’t get me wrong, I love watching the Caps play in Boudreau’s system and it’s infinitely more exciting to watch than Hanlon’s. I’d much prefer to lose being aggressive than lose through passivity. That being said, the aggression of Boudreau’s system lends itself to the kind of breakdowns we’re seeing in the first period.
Take the first and second goals from Game 5. On the first, Knuble failed to get the puck deep enough, then missed his backchecking assignment. In a less-aggressive system, Knuble probably dumps that puck in, and the third forward is high, rather than down low anticipating the cycle. Furthermore, Knuble’s job is probably to backcheck straight toward then net, rather than put backside pressure on the puck.
On the second goal, numerous people have pointed out that Ovechkin didn’t drop down to support his defense, ignoring the fact that doing so isn’t his job in Boudreau’s system. He’s supposed to cover the point and be ready to start the breakout, not cover the front of the net. That was Sloan’s job and he made a mistake, in part because Backstrom didn’t do a stellar job guarding Gionta down low.
In both cases, a simple missed play (Knuble’s failure to get the puck deep coupled with his poor backcheck on the former, and Backstrom’s lack of effort coupled with Sloan’s positional mistake on the latter) led to a goal against because the Caps’ system is aggressive and lacks redundancy. If one player makes a mistake, there isn’t a teammate waiting behind him to pick up the slack.
I hate using other sports to explain hockey, because I frequently find the metaphors lacking, but I’m going to do it in this case because I don’t want to spend hours using MS Paint to draw diagrams on screen captures.
- The Caps play the hockey equivalent of a blitzing defense with man-to-man coverage on the corners. Responsibility is all on individual players, because there is no safety help if you get burned. When it’s working, it’s totally dominant, but when it breaks down, it surrenders lots of big plays.
- The Habs (and really, most teams in the league) play the hockey equivalent of the Cover-2 defense. It doesn’t aim to thwart the opposition so much as absorb it and slow it down. Small mistakes are minimized through mutual support. It’s boring, but safe.
In the Caps’ system, the forwards are constantly pressuring the puck and trying to create turnovers inside the offensive zone. What this means, however, is that the Caps often have one guy pressuring the puck, and two guys covering passing lanes. This often leaves two defensemen covering three forwards in the neutral zone. If you create a turnover – that’s great because it’s likely to lead to a scoring chance. If you let the puck get through on the other hand, you’ve likely got an odd-man rush the other way. It’s incumbent on individual players (in this case the two defensemen and the off-wing forward), to cover these guys. That off-wing forward needs to hustle his ass off, or almost every breakout is going to result in a 3-on-2. The defensemen need to cover the right guys and not allow them space, while simultaneously not letting the opposition get behind them. Any small mistake or momentary lapse in focus can lead to disaster.
The contrast with the Habs’ system couldn’t be more stark. There’s very little pressure on the puckhandler inside the zone. Instead, they back up and take away passing lanes. If one guy gets beat on the rush, there are four guys behind him to pick up the slack and slow the puck carrier down, allowing him to get back into the play. The entire system is predicated around not letting the other team get odd-man rushes against. They want to force you to dump the puck in.
Once inside the zone, the Habs cheat toward their goal. They’re happy to surrender the points, knowing that these are low-percentage shots that can be blocked fairly easily. This is why the Caps could take 54 shots yesterday, yet only score on 1 (well, that and an insane performance by Halak).
In practice, what this means is that one small mistake by a Capital leads to a scoring chance-against, whereas one mistake by a Canadien is less detrimental because his teammates are covering for him.
Returning to my point about focus and my assertion that every team is going to lose focus at some point in a game, the Caps and Habs (you could substitute almost any opponent here, though) both have lapses in focus during games. The Habs’ system is built around hedging against such lapses through playing safe, cheating toward the defensive and redundant defensive backups. By contrast, the Caps’ system is built around the notion that, on balance, the Caps’ aggression will create more scoring chances than it gives up, and the Caps’ superior skill will convert more of those chances than their opponent.
As we have seen throughout this series, unfortunately, the Caps’ lapses (try saying that ten times fast) are occurring predominantly in the first period and Montreal has enough skill up front (Cammalleri and Plekanec) to take advantage of those windows to gain a two-goal advantage. At this point, Montreal simply goes into a defensive shell, playing the NHL equivalent of the prevent defense. When the Habs have their lapses in focus, their system has minimized the damage, and Halak has admirably held the fort behind them.
Even if the Caps manage to overcome their five on five lapses, the massive special teams disparity in favor of Montreal evens the playing field yet further.
What we’re watching play out is exactly what R.J. Umberger was talking about after we played Columbus. He said that the Caps “don’t play the game the right way.” What he ought to have said was that every hockey team is going to have mental lapses during a game, and that the Caps’ system leaves them very vulnerable when those lapses occur, while systems like Ken Hitchcock’s, or Jacques Lemaire’s or Jacques Martin’s, or Claude Julien’s minimize the risks during such situations.
There is a reason that most coaches use much more conservative systems; it’s not necessarily that they’re better, it’s that they’re better able to control for the uncertainty inherent in ice hockey. Boudreau’s system, through its aggression, seeks to capitalize on that uncertainty but leaves itself open to counter-attacks.
I’m not saying that the Caps can’t win the Cup playing Boudreau’s system, but I do believe that it will require adjustments on the part of the coaching staff and players. The coaches need to be more patient and willing to take what the opposition is giving them. In this series, that means more dump and chase, more taking the puck wide on the rush, and more point shots with traffic in front. For their part, the players need to realize that they cannot have a lapse in focus during the first period, because once Montreal gets a lead and goes into a shell in front of Halak, they’re very, very hard to beat.
Fehr and Flash. . . they're like those Biblical twins, Gallant and. . . Goofeth.
by D'ohboy on Apr 27, 2010 11:39 AM EDT reply actions 22 recs
Whoa. Great stuff.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 27, 2010 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Lost me at football, but I do appreciate the rest of it.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
You mean you didn’t get the analogies or just quit reading?
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 27, 2010 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions
Great post.
"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 27, 2010 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions
Rec’d, and might I request that you FanPost this?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Certainly. I didn’t expect to write something so long when I sat down, but I was in a boring meeting which allowed me to ruminate on it.
Any edits/suggestions before I do so?
Fehr and Flash. . . they're like those Biblical twins, Gallant and. . . Goofeth.
Great post D’Oh. I think the systems analogy is a good one.
I still think BB’s system itself is less an issue than the adjustment issue. They need to learn to use how other teams are playing them to their advantage. Heck this even changes shift to shift based on personnel the other team deploys. This team has the talent to play different styles of hockey when they choose to. Both the coaches and players seem to have trouble adjusting their “game”.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Apr 27, 2010 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions
But look at recent Stanley Cup winners. The Lightning, Canes, and Pens all won the Cup using an aggressive forechecking style. Same style we use. What was the difference? I’m not sure. Better D and goaltending? More willingness to go to the tough areas? Mental fortitude?
Depth at C?
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions
So the real question is, "why does the Caps’ lack of focus seem to hurt them so much more than other teams?"
Because you have mediocre goaltending and even worse defense.
I've always wanted to be a PPP Princess. You see kids, you can be anything you want to be; so long as Jay Leno doesn't also want to be that.
When they have this “focus” then those aren’t even apparent issues though.
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 27, 2010 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions
The problem with your argument, however, is that there are numerous teams with worse defense and worse goaltending that are less prone to this problem.
Fehr and Flash. . . they're like those Biblical twins, Gallant and. . . Goofeth.
Anton Volchenkov on the Norris:
Green? He’s like a fourth forward when he’s out there for Washington. I don’t see him playing that seriously defensively, but offensively he is of a lot of benefit
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
Doesn’t bother me. I’d rather have a guy who actually plays in the league take shots at Green than some hack writer from the Delco Times.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t see it as taking a shot at Green. He is basically saying that Green is really, really good offensively but not so good defensively or doesn’t take it as seriously. I disagree with that last part to a certain extent though. I think Greenie is trying really hard to be more responsible defensively. I thought he played much better defensively after the Olympic break, especially in the last three weeks of the regular season, but just hasn’t played like himself in the playoffs. Also, Chesnokov added the following comment right after.
That’s expected from Volchenkov, whose reputation is that of a “defensive” defenseman.
Based on some of his answers, Volchenkov does seem to value good defensive skills in a defenseman much more than offensive ones.
You scored four goals this season. Some may say that this is just too few for a top defenseman. What can you say about your offensive abilities?
All the top defensemen have a different responsibility, if I can put it this way. The main responsibility is to defend and protect your zone, and not to score. And if you look at me, I am not a player who usually plays on power plays, and that’s where the points are usually collected. I usually kill a lot of penalties. I also usually play against the main forwards of opposing teams. That’s why I have a different responsibility.
And by the way, Volchenkov also added:
And if you were to leave Ottawa, would you prefer to stay in the East, or move to the West?
I would, to be honest, prefer to stay in the East.
What is your prediction for the playoffs this year?
It’s so difficult to pick any team. I think Washington’s chances are good.
Lobbies: Green, Carlson, Orlov
by CapsFan2020 on Apr 27, 2010 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Seems like bulletin board stuff for the Caps.
Also — seems like a guy not interested in joining the Caps next year.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
Until Green proves he can play defense when it counts its going to be knock. heck, until he proves he can play offense when it counts he’s never going to be considered a truly elite D-man. More and more I’m convinced there is a guy on the Caps roster who can possibly win the Norris, maybe even multiple times. His name isn’t Mike Green.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Apr 27, 2010 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t care. Just sign here. Plzkthx.
If my answers frighten you, then you should cease asking scary questions.
Japers' Rink - We've got brains, brawn, and intricate Blingees!
What more can I say?
by Steck It Out on Apr 27, 2010 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Looks like Lambert wrote the Predators Eulogy on PD. Wonderful.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 11:58 AM EDT reply actions
I’m probably going to kill him.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 27, 2010 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions
If the franchise ceased to exist tomorrow, is there anyone out there, besides all 12 Predators fans, would care?
BA-ZINGGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!
THEIR FAN BASE IS IN A PLACE I AM NOT FAMILIAR WITH. THEREFORE THEY MUST NOT HAVE ANY FANS.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions
HAHAHA IT IS NOT AMONG THE PLACES YOU WOULD THINK OF AS A TRADITIONAL HOCKEY CITY, LOLOLOLOL
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Apr 27, 2010 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
But please, for your own sake, at least make it look like you’re putting some sort of effort into looking like you’ve seen snow in more places than just the TV when “the possums start nesting on the aerial.” Whatever that means.
NASHVILLE IS IN THE SOUTH. THEREFORE, ALL ITS FANS ARE HILLBILLIES…I MEAN, SONS OF THE SOIL. THEY MUST TALK FUNNY TOO LIKE ALL SOUTHERN PEOPLE. LOOK HOW WITTY I AM.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions
To really cement the level of apathy this town has for their NHL team, let’s head back to the site that lets you know exactly how to pronounce a perfectly straight-forward name like “Niemi.” The station airing the games in Nashville would frequently cut away from live action for weather updates. I’m not kidding.
YEAH BECAUSE A GAME IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN LIFE RITE?
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 27, 2010 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, there were tornadoes everywhere here Saturday. I couldn’t get upset, people needed to know to take cover. I would’ve missed the one in my area if they hadn’t broken in.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 27, 2010 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Everyone knows how to say Nye-my.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
.
Najimy?
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions
I spelled it with an “I” initially and got anime. Fixed it with the “y”
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Turns out they’ve made the playoffs five times in their 11-year existence and have picked up a total of eight wins. Yup, a postseason record of 8-20. But, given that it’s their comfort zone and all, I bet you can’t guess how many of those wins have come with the team facing elimination.
Did you guess “zero?” Congratulations, you are not only correct, but you’ve also successfully counted the number of Nashville natives who will notice that the Predators’ season is now over.
I love a good joke. But he can go to hell.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 27, 2010 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions
A joke has to be “funny” to be a “joke”.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions
The definition of “funny” is a forever debatable topic.
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 27, 2010 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions
But it doesn’t even have a punchline. Its a “heh….they have no fans”.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions
AND TEY R SCARED OF TORNADOEZ
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 27, 2010 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Right. PPP’s Ottawa eulogy was funny.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 27, 2010 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions
That is just brutal. But that’s the nature of the blogosphere and the press. Any fuckhead can write whatever he wants.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
So, we want the Blogs to win, amirite?
by DrinkingPartner on Apr 27, 2010 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions
He actually showed up at OtF, so props for that.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 27, 2010 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Shocking. An unfunny regurgitation of the usual comments against Nashville and other summer teams.
I have to go. But if I find one single dog hair when I get back, I'll rub... sand... in your dead little eyes. I also need you to buy sand. I don't know if they grade it, but... coarse.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Apr 27, 2010 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions
his tweet?:
boo hoo someone made fun of my hockey-apathetic city this isn’t fair
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 27, 2010 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Wouldn’t have had a problem with it if it….y’know…was “funny”. Or “entertaining”. Or didn’t just rehash the same old tired memes. Its just lazy tripe.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Yup. Anyway, moving on. Life has too many douches.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 27, 2010 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Life has too many douches Sopels.
FTFY.
Hey let's go, today is going to be our night
by redlineblue on Apr 27, 2010 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
@twolinepass
a website selling ‘me so hornqvist’ shirts is calling me unfunny. ouch.
BURNNNNNN!!!!
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions
I didn’t read it, but from the parts quoted in these comments this article doesn’t seem to be any different than the types of stereotype based jokes he was making after the US won the WJC. People didn’t seem to have a problem with that.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 27, 2010 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah! That was funny!
Pass or fail on the eulogy(ies), F/B?
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 27, 2010 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions
They weren’t meant to invoke sympathy, exactly, but yeah. Waste of time.
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 27, 2010 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m gonna come right out and say it: The Caps #needmoreStefanDellaRovere.
It has been a real pleasure watching him lead (yes, lead) his team to the best season in the history of the Barrie Colts and through the playoffs to the eve of the league championships.
Delly had a little help from team ownership/management in that this is the year they mortgaged the franchise’s future through trades of picks and prospects to build the All-Star team that is currently taking the ice, but it then became the task of the head coach and the captain to meld all these newly-arrived skill players into a cohesive unit.
And meld they have, as SDR cheerfully accepted and embraced a new role on the team, sliding down from top-six skill lines to the checking/energy/defensive lines. His own regular season stats took a noticeable hit, but the production of the team soared, and the team smoothly and efficiently pwned most of the regular season records and titles.
As good as Delly was in the regular season, he has been that much better in the playoffs. He has elevated his offensive game; going 7-1-8 in thirteen games (he had nineteen goals in the regular season, for comparison.) But it’s his choice of when to score those goals that really sets him apart. For example, the Colts’ starting goaltender was injured and the backup was in. The Colts were ahead and clearly winning the game but the other team sneaked in a goal. SDR made sure to find the net twice more to announce in no uncertain terms that he had his new goaltender’s back and there was to be no idea of a comeback.
He is especially incandescent in the games when the Colts are ready to close out a series and advance. He spent much of the conference finals against the Brandon Wheat Kings playing super hard in the corners and along the boards (the only series in which the Colts lost a game), but when Game Five came along with the Colts up 3-1 in the series, it was definitely Captain Della Rovere scoring two goals in the first period to ensure victory.
Whatever he’s got going on, the Caps need more of it.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
I said the same thing last year. I believe my comment was that I wish he was 2-3 years older, so he’d be ready for the NHL. The guy brings what is needed, when its needed. Sometimes it truculence, sometimes its grinding in the corners, other times its skill.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Apr 27, 2010 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions
I said something to the same effect yesterday (by saying the Caps need a Cooke, Ott, Avery), a guy who is a grinder, who is a pain, and who will do anything it takes to win.
Carcillo?
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t believe ‘moron’ was one of the words RCheli used.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Sweet moustache though.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions
He’s a moron, no doubt, but he scored 12 goals this year (plus two more in the playoffs so far).
These are players that you only like when they’re on your team. Do you think anyone outside of DC (or Quebec) liked Dale Hunter? Did anyone outside of Edmonton (and NY and St Louis) root for Esa Tikkanen?
I hate the guy’s guts, but I can’t deny that Max Lapierre’s been a big factor in this series.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions
BTW, shouldn’t there be some sort of fine for taking that many Unsportsmanlike Penalties in the same game? I thought they were cracking down on diving?
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions
The first dive was terrible and I wished the refs could’ve given him a 10 minute misconduct, too. The second I thought was a penalty at first.
Of course, he then went an scored the big third goal, and all was forgotten.
The one where he flopped into the glass? That was actually really funny.
It was reminiscent of the old “The Night Jagr Killed Sean Avery” video on youtube.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Funny, he was a non-factor to me until last night. His dives would have made Michael Phelps proud, but that third goal was a dagger.
If my answers frighten you, then you should cease asking scary questions.
Japers' Rink - We've got brains, brawn, and intricate Blingees!
What more can I say?
by Steck It Out on Apr 27, 2010 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions
He’s got the skill to score 20. If he cleaned up his act and stopped taking so many dumb penalties he’s be a great player. same goes for Avery. problem is guys like that hurt as much as they help. I’d never compare Esa or Dale to those douches. Esa & Dale had a brain cramp or two like most players, but very rarely. It’s a common occurrence with those two.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Well, those two guys had a lot more talent — Hunter especially. I don’t know if we’ll ever see a player like him again (someone with 70+ points consistently and 200+ PIMs), although if they keep Downie on the line with Stamkos and St Louis in Tampa, he could come close (just because the other two could lift him up so significantly).
And Hunter had one of the biggest brain cramps in SC history (although they had pretty much already been eliminated).
I’d like to add that Delly has been very careful in choosing his spots to agitate.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
And I knew you’d bring that back up. Did you happen to watch the game last night? Unless our pest is going to cross-check Halak in the throat I don’t know what else you wanted. But then again, that sort of thing probably does jive with your sensibilities.
I waited all year for this?
My sensibilities? That’s a bit ridiculous.
I don’t think teams need dirty players, but if you don’t think that there is a need for a guy who is willing to get into scrums, face wash, push, shove, bite, whatever, then you’re a bit naive. The NHL has changed a lot post-lockout, but that type of guy is always there.
Again… are you watching the series? The Caps have gotten involved post-scrum, and Chimera got penalized (the only guy… somehow) in the scrum a few games back. They have guys that hit, and face wash, and get into it. They don’t have guys that are fighters or guys that are among the biggest douche bags in the league, but they have the grit. They aren’t being pushed around and it’s not a lack of agitation that is stopping them.
They have 92 SOG in the last two games. They have 2 goals. But yeah, Steve Ott is what we are missing. Good call.
I waited all year for this?
by Rob Parker on Apr 27, 2010 5:53 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
More shots…and better shots are what we need. Obviously actually jumping on some of these rebounds (and for all the gaudy save % numbers he has given up plenty of loose change these last 2 games) would help as well. Hey any deflections we can get would only help, would be nice if we could get a bounce or two off their D men to serve the same purpose.
Our top players need to score. Don’t let him get into their heads. A perfect shot will still beat any goalie. A perfect pass even more so.
Outshoot them again 54-22 and we’ll be talking about Philly Thursday morning.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Apr 27, 2010 5:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Highlights, What Highlights?
Tweet from PHT:
New PHT – 2010 NHL playoffs: Capitals, Blackhawks highlights http://dlvr.it/f8xy
Um — wouldn’t that be Canadiens highlights?
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
Good to See We Can Hang In There
Just tweeted courtesy of DCBog:
With discourse turning uncivil, Caps temporarily shut down message board.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
Apparently they’ve done this before. There seemed to be a core group of people on that site that pretty much ran things, and when a few of them acted up, they banned them and shut it down when they kept acting up under different names. Eventually, they took away their off-topic side, which led many of the core group to start their own board. After looking at that board for a while when it first started, it was pretty disgusting.
I’m happy reading the Caps Clips here, and reading Tarik’s blog. Good information.
by killianskid34 on Apr 27, 2010 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Yep, the Caps message board is awful. It got even worse after they switched to the new format. Once I found Japers’ rink I never visited that site again.
Lobbies: Green, Carlson, Orlov
The official one (that just went down) is the slowest shit in the world. You have to wait about 20 minutes for it to load.
Rink Rabbit & newest member of TySlo's fan club.
They should just get rid of it and put a link to Japers’ rink in its place.
Lobbies: Green, Carlson, Orlov
No thanks. We already have enough freaks coming out of the corners.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
by zephyr on Apr 27, 2010 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I was trying to find a nicer way to say it… but yeah.
"In the past we developed individually, but now we're growing as a team and that's what is important." - Mike Green
We have our own problems, we don’t need theirs!
Follow me on Twitter!! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes
Co-founder and president of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
You may not be aware but there are quite a few people that post here that used to post, and may still do, in the Caps message boards and they act just fine. Anyway, I think most of the freaks, as you call them, wouldn’t post here and the ones that do usually just do it once.
Lobbies: Green, Carlson, Orlov
The boards thing continues to make me chuckle. Ted and the org want one thing, civil/loving discourse, which they are never going to get, especially given how the boards were run in the past (haven’t been on there in 2-3 years). Either let the boards be or get rid of them. This issue seems to comes up anytime the Caps fail at something. I could care less. It’s their team. their site, etc. But doing this now is a bad PR move.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Apr 27, 2010 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Do they even moderate those? Unmoderated internet message boards are the devil’s candy.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions
There are more eloquent and knowledgeable posts above, but one thought I’ve been having this series that Boudreau simply isn’t a good tactician, or in-game adjuster.
I’m generally loathe to put too much blame (or credit) on a head coach in any sport, but it seems like as this series has dragged on and the Canadiens proved themselves worthwhile opponents, there’s been little to no adjustment in philosophy or tactics by the Caps.
The PP is now 1-for-infinity and I haven’t noticed any major shift in strategy.
The team should be dumping and chasing more often than not, but it’s now game 7 and that’s still not happening.
I don’t know. I’m not the most knowledgeable hockey fan in the world, but I’m not seeing much adjustment by the Caps.
Would I fire BB if we lose Wednesday? No. But I am concerned going forward whether Boudreau has what it takes to strategize a talented team to the Cup.
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
Sometimes, and I know I’m not the only one, I feel like the Caps win despite their coaching, and not because of it. BB shows an excessive loyalty to certain players (here’s looking at you, Flash [and to a lesser extent, Steckel {FMUsername}]). He’s also, as you said, too stubborn to change in game, a huge example is the power play. But also the fact that players aren’t really simplifying, though that can’t be entirely on BB especially since we don’t know everything he is saying.
I also hate the constant line juggling. The theory that they’ll develop chemistry with everyone in this manner is ridiculous because they are never actually on the same line to create any chemistry.
I have to go. But if I find one single dog hair when I get back, I'll rub... sand... in your dead little eyes. I also need you to buy sand. I don't know if they grade it, but... coarse.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Apr 27, 2010 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Wednesday's game just got even harder to win
Tom Poti is out for Wednesday’s Game Z with the Habs.
Figures. He’s finally not driving me crazy, so therefore a puck must find his face.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
That news came from a Vogs tweet.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Apr 27, 2010 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions
“Tyler Sloan….please pick up the white courtesy phone. Tyler Sloan…you’re needed to the white courtesy phone”
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions
That’s cool, not like we neededone of our top two defenders this postseason.
"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 27, 2010 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Juice?
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 27, 2010 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions
MTL would make him look like a traffic cone.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Apr 27, 2010 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Alzner pls?
Now THAT is an emergency recall…
They're coming.
by Bald Pollack on Apr 27, 2010 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Fuck.
Follow me on Twitter!! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes
Co-founder and president of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
There goes our best defenseman for the series. And that, folks, is why you don’t let it go to seven games. Tyler Sloan in a decisive game seven in round one. Let that shit sink in for a minute. Jesus.
Your choices are 89 or 4, I think.
23 isn’t ready.
I don’t see them calling up Alzner for this, although that might be the best choice.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
The fact that Alzner might not be ready is a major failure by this organization. He’s ready enough to be the 7th defenseman on this team, and if he isn’t ready for that, he should have been.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
by macvechkin on Apr 27, 2010 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Ummm even I’m terrified.
Follow me on Twitter!! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes
Co-founder and president of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
It sounds like he might be out for a while:
@Michelleztv Boudreau confirms no Poti for tomorrow. Said he took a puck to the eye and its pretty significant
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
I don’t even know if a visor would’ve helped. The puck came up quickly.
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 27, 2010 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Holy shit, I hope he’s alright, like regardless of the game tomorrow, I hope there isn’t any kind of permanent damage.
Follow me on Twitter!! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes
Co-founder and president of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
Hindsight being 20/20 and all, it really sucks that we had to give up Pothier to get Corvo. I felt that the Capitals needed a defenseman at the deadline for depth as much as a shutdown guy. This team never could afford a hit to one of its top four. This is terrible news. Just awful.
Perhaps this rallys them? I mean I have no clue what motivate this group, but may this?
Follow me on Twitter!! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes
Co-founder and president of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
They seem to need some injuries to play their best.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
They watched Eric belanger rip out his own tooth and go back on the ice with no obvious effect on their drive.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
They played hard last night, they ran into a brick freaking wall. Effort was there.
Follow me on Twitter!! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes
Co-founder and president of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
I thought they tried to shoot through the brick wall when they should have run into/through it head on.
I look for Knuble and Laich bringing their picnic blanket along with their lunch pails to the crease tomorrow
and why couldn’t they have brought their picnic blankets YESTERDAY?
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS, PLAYOFF EDITION!
Let’s get to realism. What are the D pairings?
Can you really go 74-89 or 74-4? That makes me nervous. (27-74 would also make me nervous).
This probably violates the whole L/R thing, but what about:
52-55
74-77
26-89
or
52-26
89-55
74-77
or
52-55
27-77
74-26
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
I’m all in favor of saying to hell with the L-R thing and getting the best D pairings out there.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
Specially since all but one of their D are lefties.
Speaking of which: Odds that Spacek recovers from his whatever in time for Game 7? Pretty good, I bet.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Yeah…wow that’s really killed Montreal hasn’t it??
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
I think its most likely that they will just rotate 5 D and give the 6th man (Sloan?) a shift every now and then. I would do
52-55
74-77/26
52-55
74-77/26
…
with the occasional 89-77/26 thrown in against Montreals 3rd/4th line on faceoffs.
I’d just throw 52 and 74 together at this point. Screw it.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Sure. I just don’t think MTL has the firepower to win a shootout. Jump on em quick with a couple goals, and watch them fold.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions
not like we neededone of our top two defenders this postseason
There goes our best defenseman for the series.
It’s April 15. Game one. I tell you that we’ll be concerned a D is out for game 7.
Would anyone have said these quotes would be about Poti? Certainly not I.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
Sure – he’s the biggest ES and PK minutes guy. He may not win a Norris, but he’s one of the team’s most valuable D from just about any point of view.
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Based on the regular season, I would have guessed 52 or 55.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
I’d probably have been concerned about missing 52, 3, 55, 77, 74, 26 in that order.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Or one could argue that we’ve probably gotten his “good” games and this might not hurt us in Game 7.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
One couldn’t argue that for very long.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
He was playing at or slightly above expectations, but I’m happy to give someone else a shot on our PK. We can manage the loss at ES, as long as it isn’t more Sloan.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
This is just stupid. I don’t even know how to respond to this.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
What’s so difficult to understand? That our PK still was blah and that we can’t survive without him?
Or that we can manage not having Tom Poti at ES for one game?
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
Since he was running low, I bought some more “good games” for Poti off of eBay. I hope he can get well and refuel on them.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
C’mon that was half-serious. What it really means is that you never now how the guy missing the game would have played and how that compares to who subs in for him. You still get 20 guys and 5 skaters on the ice at a time. And I can live with giving someone else a spot on the PK.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
I think it hurts a lot on ES. This team hasn’t done very well defensively when missing Poti, in the past.
Anyway, it doesn’t matter. There isn’t anything that can be done about it now.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
They’re going to have to score goals. It’s really that simple.
by Kolzilla on Apr 27, 2010 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
You might have a future in helping Locker write his keys to the game.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
by zephyr on Apr 27, 2010 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
“Sloan Peterson”
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Huh? So you are all for playing a guy who is significantly worse a player both at ES and even on PK.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Apr 27, 2010 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions
well, it’s game seven and he hasnt exactly done his best work in game sevens…but this is a big loss.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Apr 27, 2010 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions
He’s out until at least the Conference Final, per Tarik.
Defenseman Tom Poti will miss Game 7 against Montreal tomorrow night after getting hit in the eye in last night’s 4-1 loss at Bell Centre.
Poti flew back with the team last night and was scheduled to have surgery today. Coach Bruce Boudreau estimated Poti would miss two to three weeks, meaning if the Capitals win tomorrow, they would be without him at least until the conference finals.
I am praying for tweet from someone saying:
“Karl Alzner on his way from Hersey.”
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
I Should Play the Lotto Tonight
Right on call from TEB:
D-man Tom Poti will miss a few weeks after taking a puck to eye. GMGM says team could make recall.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
poor Poti. what a shitty way to have your season end.
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Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS, PLAYOFF EDITION!
Naw, this isn’t the end of his season.
It just means he needs to heal quickly for the Conference Finals.
If wishes were horses, we'd all be eating steak.
by Hang a Laingtern on Your Problems on Apr 27, 2010 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions
optimism, I’m glad one of us has it.
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Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS, PLAYOFF EDITION!
I feel juvenile for almost laughing at that…
Everyone seems to be healing fast. Brian Campbell, 2-3 weeks ahead. Marc Savard wasn’t supposed to play, right? Vanek back early? It’s the playoffs.
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 27, 2010 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions
I hope those are 2-3 Brian Campbell weeks. And that the recovery time actually matters.
I waited all year for this?
that’s, what, 1.5-2 weeks in reality?
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS, PLAYOFF EDITION!
if the Caps paid attention to how Quennville does things, Bruce would have been screaming “CONCUSSION!” and saying Poti would be about 4-5 weeks and trying to get that puck suspended.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS, PLAYOFF EDITION!
Double Darnit
@JapersRink RT @drosennhl Boudreau confirms that Poti got hit in the eye and he’s definitely out tmrw and probably for the 2nd rd.
Before anyone replies — yes — I know we have to get to the 2nd round first.
However, knowing this would seem to open the door a bit more for Alzner. If he’s needed in round 2, might as well get him in now.
Watching more games on Slingbox than anyone else!
I’m all in favor of a “future is now” pairing of Carlson-Alzner tomorrow night.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 27, 2010 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
I have to agree.
Follow me on Twitter!! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes
Co-founder and president of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
I hate even suggesting this but is it almost a blessing in disguise? I hate injuries – I never want to see anyone get hurt, Capitals or opponents, but Poti seems to always find a way to help this team lose in the playoffs, be it from a deflection, a penalty, a bad clear, or just a terrible PK.
does anyone have a clip of what happened? dont recall seeing anything on CSN or a significant mention of it during the game…then again, i was mumbling to myself to much to hear anything anyway. not that i care to see how poti got hurt, but hard to imagine that there could have been an injure to a top dman and the broadcast didnt bother to show it….
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Apr 27, 2010 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions
It definitely wasn’t mentioned on CSN. I went back a nd checked the DVR for it, and even though he was clearly out of it, Joe B and Locker said not a word.
If wishes were horses, we'd all be eating steak.
by Hang a Laingtern on Your Problems on Apr 27, 2010 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions
CSN also couldn’t be bothered to note Belanger’s injuries in Game 5 eirther.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
They were quick to mention that Schultz went off the ice slowly and did mention he was back out there.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Versus showed a couple of replays, so if anyone has that…
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 27, 2010 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Get well soon Tom. Surgery…ugh.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 27, 2010 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions
From Tarik on Twitter
D-man Tom Poti will miss a few weeks after taking a puck to eye. GMGM says team could make recall
bold is mine, so it looks like they’re at least considering Alzner
GreenLife52 named a finalist for the Foundation Award for his chartiable work, along with Dustin Brown and Ryan Miller. Congrats!
"My face is my mask."
is it over stating it to say
that this is the most important game in caps history? i mean, a loss and this team is 1-3 in playoff series over the past 3 years. clearly underachieving in the playoffs and close to taking on the post season choke rep of caps teams in the past. does this become a psychological issue with the team? does this impact whether UFA’s would be willing to sign here…does this become a self-fulfilling prophecy?
the past two seasons they have cruised in to the playoffs only to stumble in round one. its one thing to come back from 3-1 to win, its another to go up 3-1 and lose…and to be the the first 1 seed to lose in the playoffs after being up 3-1.
i’m not one for hysterics, but this is a HUGE game for this team and franchise.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
Its important, but the win over Florida to put us back INTO the playoffs was bigger.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions
i would agree that was huge. the team was supposed to make the playoff easily that year. but after the bad start and the excitement at the end of the season, i think a loss in that game would not have been as bad.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Apr 27, 2010 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Probably
If you go 1-3 at home in Game 7s within about a two year period, you are doing years worth of psychological damage.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
yup. to date it has been easy to dismiss the talk of caps as playoff chokers because those were different players, coaches, etc…..
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Apr 27, 2010 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions
I think it’s the most important game because it’s the next game and it’s the only one that this team has control over.
The past is in the past…it’s a series of collective events that get you to a singularity.
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
I like that analysis. I wish everyone will stop talking about lost opportunities, blown chances, bad decisions, poor performances — and just look at this as a one-game series. That is what our playoffs has come down to.
Hershey Bears weather blue line attrition
During their 22-game run to the Calder Cup in 2009-10, the Hershey Bears used nine defensemen.
They’ve already used 10 in these playoffs. And they’re not even out of the second round.
"Doug [Yingst] is always saying that’s one position you really need depth in, and he’s been right," Bears head coach Mark French said. "We’ve needed that depth so far. But, yeah, I’m a little bit surprised we needed all that. It’s good that we have them."
The blue line, already missing recalled John Carlson, is where the Bears could least afford attrition. That’s exactly where they’ve been hit the hardest.
Patrick McNeill has been sidelined since Game 3 of the Bridgeport series with a shoulder injury. Greg Amadio suffered an upper-body injury in Game 1 of the Albany series that is expected to keep him out at least through Game 4.
Sean Collins missed a game due to illness. Grant Lewis suffered a lower-body injury in Game 4 of the Bridgeport series.
Thus far, though, the Bears have weathered the adversity.
"I thought [losing McNeill and Amadio] would be really devastating for us, but guys have stepped up," Bears assistant coach Troy Mann said.
"I don’t think our D get a lot of recognition since we lost Carly, who was the stud of the D corps and could play 30 minutes a night every night. We’re just solid back there, reliable."
Forming D-pairs on the fly is a part of the game that often looks routine. But, of course, it isn’t necessarily routine.
Mann, who runs the blue line, had a juggling act all night in Game 1 against Albany.
It started at the 11-second mark when Amadio went to the penalty box with a fighting major. Later, Patrick Wellar, who’s been the team’s unsung hero in the last quarter of the season, was lost for 10 minutes with a misconduct and Amadio suffered his injury.
Mann said his mixing and matching, when he’s forced out of set pairs, comes from a combination of pregame planning and in-game instinct.
"You try to go with what you think’s the right fit," Mann said. "One thing about this year’s team is we’ve really tried to stick with lefty-righty matchups. We’ve had more right-handed shots. We haven’t really felt a comfort level with two righties playing together [forcing one to play left D]."
Lefty Karl Alzner has carried a heavy load. He has done a lot of double-shifting and hauled a lot of minutes while being a steadying influence on his partners.
"When you’ve got a guy who manages minutes like Alzner, you can afford to put him out there a lot more," Mann said.
"Alzner raises everybody’s game. Even Collins, who, let’s be honest, he didn’t have a great season, but he’s played really well here since Carly went up [to Washington]. That has to do with Collie’s play, but it also has to do with Alzner, as well."
Mann said Alzner, averaging 26-27 minutes a game, played more than 35 against Albany in Game 1, which went to overtime.
In Game 2 against Albany, Dylan Yeo and Johann Kroll, who both spent most of the season with South Carolina (ECHL), were pressed into duty and did a solid job.
Yeo played four regular-season games for Hershey. Kroll, who played two games for Hershey last season and none this season, banked 16 AHL games in 2009-10 in stints with Manchester, Grand Rapids and Lake Erie.
"I think short term, these guys can do the job," Mann said. "Over the long term, you never know what you’re getting. Yeo and Kroll have been up and down since they turned pro. Can they sustain that over an 80-game schedule? We really don’t know. But short term, they can do it."
Yeo paired with Bryan Helmer, 37, who also has carried a heavy load. Kroll paired with Wellar, who was his partner during South Carolina’s run to the ECHL championship last season.
"I just love playing with him," Kroll said. "Big guy who’s pretty predictable about what he’s going to do with the puck.
"That helped out a lot, just knowing that I’ve played a lot of games with him and knowing some of his tendencies definitely made things a lot easier."
Kroll figured his season was done when South Carolina was eliminated from the playoffs. A long summer beckoned.
"Then my coach [Cail MacLean] called me and said that they want to add some depth on defense [in Hershey]," Kroll said.
"At first, you’ve got a little nerves going, not playing in a couple weeks. It’s fun to get out there and compete and play."
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
YNC – for future reference, a link and a snippet is a better (and, technically, more legal) way to go about sharing info like this.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Ersky’s been sitting so long he might qualify for a two-game “conditioning” stint.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
by EmilyB on Apr 27, 2010 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
The one positive is that the Caps finally figured out that right now to beat Halak you need the deflection or the shot-pass. I’ve been thinking this for the past two games (as he’s heated up). Shots right at him are bouncing off harmlessly or going right into his glove. We need people on the far side of the net to redirect. I’m glad Green/Fehr figured that out and maybe that bodes well for Game 7.
A little bit of good news for the day.
The Abe Pollin family has finalized a deal with Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis to sell him the family’s share of the Washington Wizards and Verizon Center.
If wishes were horses, we'd all be eating steak.
by Hang a Laingtern on Your Problems on Apr 27, 2010 1:49 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Maybe now they can get to work fixing the ice.
Fehr and Flash. . . they're like those Biblical twins, Gallant and. . . Goofeth.
And taking down the stupid mystics banners.
Pretty please?
Follow me on Twitter!! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes
Co-founder and president of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
I think he already owns that team.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
who cares?
women’s basketball is positive. just leave them.
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
via @DarrenDreger
TSN reports Alzner has been called up. Poti out with an eye injury.
"In the past we developed individually, but now we're growing as a team and that's what is important." - Mike Green
Woooo!
/hope
Follow me on Twitter!! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes
Co-founder and president of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
My fear with them bringing up Alzner (from a Bears fan first, Caps fan second) is that the Bears already don’t have a lot of depth on the blueline (contrary to popular belief). We already have in Miskovic who’s a rookie and Yoe who only played 4 games with the team in the regular season plus Kroll who’s barely played at all. Unfortunately for the Bears though, I think it’s the best call for the big club
The safe word will be "hwiskey"
They can just play McNeill 25 minutes a night.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions
“out with eye injury” doesn’t really convey the severity of the injury.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS, PLAYOFF EDITION!
Alz-n-er.
Alz-n-er.
Alz-ner F@#k Yeah.
Comin’ again to save the motherf@#king day, yeah.
Alz-ner, f@#k yeah!
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
by macvechkin on Apr 27, 2010 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
How about “Alz-ner right now” by Free.
It's all happening
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Apr 27, 2010 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions
http://www.japersrink.com/2010/4/27/1447241/alzner-recalled
(Sorry J.P.!)
"In the past we developed individually, but now we're growing as a team and that's what is important." - Mike Green
Jacques Martin is 0-4 in Game Sevens, per @CraigCustance…
On the Forecheck/Twitter/CLS
"What do you think this is? Major League Baseball?"- Shea Weber
by Chris Burton on Apr 27, 2010 1:53 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
well, there’s a shinning glimmer of hope I will hold on to for tomorrow.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS, PLAYOFF EDITION!
Thoughts
Yeah, as soon as I heard Alzner had been recalled I’ve been thinking of the Future is Now pairing. What else do you have left to lose? They’ve played together quite a bit, they’re supposed to be the help coming on the back end. Let them do it.
I can’t believe I’m saying this because I’m one who likes the balanced lines and using what worked in the regular season…but…considering it’s Game 7, I say let your best players go be your best players. SOB line. Put it on their shoulders. Regardless of who you think should be in goal, expecting them to have shut out Montreal in either of the last 2 games would be asking too much. Scoring has been our issue in closing this series out. We can point to the PP and it’s a factor but the last 2 games just scoring on Halak in general is why we lost. Let the horses go lead the race.
I’d like to see Scott Walker in for Flash. No clue if we’ll see it. Whatevs…all points are moot. I know saying the first goal is key is cliche, especially with this team’s ability to erase almost any deficit (besides the last 2 games)…but tomorrow night getting the lead is all important. Breaking through Halak early will be the best jolt the team can get.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
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