Mike Green: Quiet Improvement
by Becca H on Apr 5, 2010 2:30 PM EDT
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"The light just went off in my head that I need to play this way. Now, I think defense first." - Mike Green
Since breaking into the League, Mike Green has had to work to shake off the reputation of being a defenseman in name only, someone explosive with the puck but inept in his own end. It was a reputation that likely kept him off the Canadian Olympic team this past February and one that challenged his first Norris Trophy nomination. And while the knock against Green's defensive game was often overblown, and exacerbated by an injury-filled postseason performance last year, there were times when mental lapses and an apparent lack of awareness did seem to cost him - and the Caps.
This season has marked a turning point in his game, though. Still a puck-moving defenseman, Green has demonstrated a renewed interest and ongoing evolution in his defensive work, and over the last month has very quietly become one of the most reliable defensemen for Washington.
The talk is starting to shift from murmurs of Green as a defensive liability to discussion of him as a legitimate Norris contender for the second straight year. A closer look at the ever-improving Mike Green:
- In 15 games since the Olympic Break, Green has been a minus exactly three times.
- He regularly skates between 25 and 30 minutes, including time on both the power play and the penalty kill. In fact, he averages around five minutes a game in power play time, which is second in the league - an average of one second per game behind Mark Streit, in fact.
- As JP pointed out last week, Duncan Keith (whose name is frequently thrown around as a Norris contender this year) has been on the ice for 11% fewer goals FOR at 5-on-5 (90 to 80) than Green. He's also been on the ice for 46% more goals AGAINST (50 to 73) than Green. All while Green sees 21% less ice time 5-on-5.
- Green is the leader among defensemen in numerous categories: goals, assists, points, power play goals and power play assists, and is tied for second in game-winning goals. He's also second in the League in +/-, behind only teammate (and frequent defensive partner) Schultz. It may sometimes be a skewed stat, but with as much ice time as he gets - and as much of it comes on special teams, where +/- is void - it's not just a coincidence that his numbers are that high.
- He registers in the League top ten in time on ice per game - he may not have the highest rating when it comes to quality of competition, but if he's playing between 25 and 30 minutes a night you know he's facing the other team's best at least some of the time.
- His 130 hits are the third-highest total on the Capitals, as are his 104 blocked shots. Last year he had committed 95 giveaways in 68 games; this year that number is down to 73, in 5 more games played. Same with penalties - last year he could be counted on for a minor every other game (68 PIMs in 68 games), but this year he's knocked that down to 54 PIMs.
The best part of Green's play of late is that he's simply becoming more of an asset physically - and more aware mentally - to really help his team. Goals are nice, but he is first and foremost a defenseman and is really approaching the game as one.
He's become better at picking his spots to join the rush, which accounts for both a lower goal total and a lower turnover rate while also accounting for a happier coach. He's taking chances as they come instead of forcing them, with fewer bad turnovers and instances of getting caught down low in the opposition's zone. Lately he's seemed to be more aware of incoming forwards, which has made him better at avoiding punishing hits and handling them better when they come - thus preventing him from, again, being caught out of position.
On the surface, these things combined could lead to increased Norris Trophy chatter over the next week or so. But more importantly, they speak to Green's continued evolution as a blueliner and a renewed dedication to defense that he'll need when the playoffs roll around.
And frankly that's what matters most of all.
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Truly an elite player. And I love that someone as high-profile as he is can “quietly improve.”
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
I’m definitely on board the Green for Norris train. A month ago, it was Keith’s to lose, and now he’s on the verge of losing it. I think Keith may still win due to the massive hype that he’s accrued, but Green SHOULD win it.
"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 5, 2010 2:43 PM EDT reply actions
Agreed. Keith will win but Green should win it.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Now I’m not even so sure Keith will win. It seems to me like there’s zero hype nowadays about defensemen, which helps Green because all his hype used to be negative. And it always makes me hopeful when both some of the Canadian media pick Green and I’d say the stats pick Green as well.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 5, 2010 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Nah. I think the lack of hype is because everyone who’s anyone knows Keith already won it.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
I disagree. I think that Green has closed the gap considerably and people have recognized it.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
And you probably think people are good at heart. We’ll see how it shakes out, but I’m skeptical. There’s a lot of inertia behind the “Green can’t play D” argument. I’m not sure the post-Olympic showing is enough to stop it.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Last year I don’t think anyone predicted how close Green actually would be to Chara in the voting. I think the voters value Green’s contribution a lot more than the negative commentary would indicate.
That’s actually a really good point – I forgot how close the voting was last year, and there’s no question people have noticed an improvement over last year even without this post-Olympic boost.
It’d be funny if, with all these “can someone like Green win the Norris?” and “will the suspensions affect Ovie’s 3rd MVP bid?” stories…they both won. Not sure it’ll happen but damn that would be awesome.
And Green’s ~20 goal, ~75 point season wins the Norris while his 31 goal, 73 point season in 68 games does not.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 5, 2010 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions
He’d help himself considerably, at least, I think, with a strong final four games, especially with three on national TV.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 5, 2010 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions
You know me better than to think that I believe people are good at heart. I’m just going by what I hear and see. When Ken Campbell at THN says it’s Green’s, it’s pretty clear that there’s at least some recognition that he’s right there.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I’m not buying at all the notion that Keith has won the Norris. Since March 1, Keith’s had two goals, 10 assists and been a -9. More importantly, the Blackhawks have gone 8-7-2. By comparison, Green’s had five goals, nine assists and been a +7 and the Caps have gone 10-2-4. How guys finish plays a big role in the way votes are cast.
I disagree. I think that Green has closed the gap considerably and people have recognized it.
i think J.P. nails it. As difficult as it is to measure, the buzz is working in Green’s favor these days
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
Last night NHL on the FLY spent a few minutes talking about Green and how much he improved on defense. It was really good to see folks talking high about Mike.
I saw that, I just think it’s too little too late. I think he narrowly misses and then next year the narrative is “Mike Green finally learned to play D so should be a Norris winner” and we hear the “finally learned to play D” meme all season. Part of that probably depends on the playoffs though.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Green has looked very solid the last 2-3 games I’ve watched. The numbers from JP’s tweet are unexpected, though.
I would love to see a good playoff run out of Green.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
Brian Leetch from ’94!
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Leetch dominated that playoffs. He was so far the best skater out there.
Green kind of reminds me of Leetch — not a “physical specimen” (both looked out of shape and pudgy, although obviously they weren’t), but he had great vision out there, and seemingly played 30 minutes a night. He was terrific positionally, and until his skating ability waned with age, he was able to play terrific defense without having to get that big hit.
Good take. I think Leetch never got his due, but that might be because I’ve lived around so many Isles and Devils fans that used to rip on him. Leetch was also a guy that got picked on about his defense because he pinched a ton even though everyone involved in the Rangers at that time has said that Leetch was told to be very aggressive in the offensive zone.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Hopefully the amount of times I yell “DAMMIT GREEN” at the games will decrease. :) I have been noticing a trend of good-Greenie lately.
Brads, You're my hero!!!!!
Through the end of their respective 24-year-old seasons (with Green still having a few games left):
Scott Niedermayer: .11 goals per game, .39 assists per game, .15 plus per game
Mike Green: .23 goals per game, .27 assists per game, .15 plus per game
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 5, 2010 2:49 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
He can fix that middle number by setting up Ovie a few times in the next four games. :)
And I hope he can get one more for himself for a nice round 20.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Careful – we don’t want Mike Green having a nice round anything.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 5, 2010 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Everything around here always comes back to Brooks.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
All roads lead to Brooks.
"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 5, 2010 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions
A silver cylinder with a cup-thingy on top doesn’t count as round, does it?
there were times when mental lapses and an apparent lack of awareness did seem to cost him – and the Caps.
I wonder—could he somehow harness both parts, being both the rushing defenseman and the solid defensive defenseman as well? In Tarik’s story, he writes that with the Caps up 2, Green let a 3-on-1 stay 3-on-1 and stopped at the blueline. Personally, with a slim lead, I’d rather have the 08-09 Mike Green join that rush.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 5, 2010 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t know, I think with a slim lead I’d prefer he stay back – if we’re down by 1, especially in the playoffs, I’m all for him jumping up. But the fact that he chose to hang back and play defense instead of trying to run up the score is a good sign to me. Pick your spots, Greenie.
Same. Frankly, given how a lot of Caps 4-on-1s end (with a rush coming back the other way), I’d just assume he stay back in general. On this team, a 3-on-1 is likely to be pretty successful as it is.
I’m thrilled to see the lightbulb go off in Green’s head. When I’ve been able to watch over the past couple of games, I’ve noticed him making smart, subtle plays that make me hopeful for how he’ll do in the playoffs.
I guess what’s most important is that everyone is on the same page, especially with a 1 or 2 goal lead (“worst lead in hockey”). While his choice to stay back shows growth, he has the speed to make it back, and if the team is built around an aggressive attacking style, I’d rather he join that rush. Not lead it, not get deep, but just offer a late guy type thing (like Kimmo Timonen on his goal against Detroit yesterday).
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 5, 2010 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions
I think late guy in is exactly what Green keeping back is. Pulling up at the blue line is making yourself available to move forward for a late pass. In the past Green would be the guy crashing the net, and that is what needs to stop in order for him to keep defense first as an idea.
by HateOffSeason on Apr 5, 2010 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Personally, with a slim lead, I’d rather have the 08-09 Mike Green join that rush.
Heh… “Mike Green” and “slim” in the same sentence.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 5, 2010 3:08 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Whatev's
Rec’d for making me shoot Diet Dr. Pepper through my nose at work. +1
"Absolutely destroyed by Alex Ovechkin" - J.B.
Not only is this hilarious, but now it’s been turned green!
"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 5, 2010 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Haha, love it.
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 5, 2010 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Why are you giving him credit for decreasing his PIM? I thought lots of PIM was the sign of a great D.
Signed,
Z. Chara
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
“The light just went off in my head that I need to play this way. Now, I think defense first.” – Mike Green THATS WHAT IM TALKIN ABOUT MIKEY
~~~ R0cK D@ R3D ~~~
by Chaz-Capapalooza on Apr 5, 2010 3:19 PM EDT reply actions
No Green tonight?
FWIW, the radio guy for the Bruins was just on XM and he said he didn’t think Green was going to play tonight because Bruce wanted to rest him.
I doubt it. If Bruce wanted to rest Green, why would he continue to give him huge minutes?
"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 5, 2010 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Well, a night off is a lot more rest than the difference between 24 and 27 minutes in a game.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
That’s true, but I’d think if Bruce felt Green needed the rest we’d see his minutes reduced first.
"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 5, 2010 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t disagree with that at all.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Didn’t he hit 30 the other night when Carlson got hurt? And Corvo got 16 and Shamo got 18?
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Doesn’t really scream “Green needs a rest” to me. Even as bad as Corvo was he could have taken another 4-5 minutes. I didn’t think Shamo was terrible either. Normally I’d say 18 is the right ballpark for him but with 5 D I’d rather push Mo a little harder and let Green get some rest. I just don’t see any way BB sits Green at this point. He’s playing so well, is so important to us, and is in a Norris battle and one goal shy of 20.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
From NHL.COM
Defensively the Capitals are not as proficient. Washington has yielded 2.78 goals per game, which is the third-worst among the 16 teams that would be in the postseason if it started today.
Now that’s an interesting perspective.
And a frustrating one, at that. It all goes back to what is – in my opinion at least – this sense that 15 other teams will be able to adjust their game to suit playoff-style hockey and the Caps will somehow wander around clueless.
They know that goals-for will go down; I believe they’re able to adjust in terms of goals-against, as well. Of course that’s my highly biased opinion but there it is. And having a healthy, improved Green (and a healthy Schultz period) will go a long way toward that adjustment, two things that were missing last year
I’d call it troubling, not sure if I’d call it frustrating. The stat is what it is and reinforces what everyone already knows – the Caps are not a great defensive team overall. The stat doesn’t lie, even if it doesn’t fully explain how much of that number is due to the team’s atrocious PK.
What I find frustrating is not so much the assumption that the teams higher than the Caps in this mark will adjust better and play better defense than the Caps in the playoffs as a result, but more the assumption that the Caps’ huge goals for numbers will drop off so much in the playoffs that the spread between them won’t continue to be enough to win games.
the assumption that the Caps’ huge goals for numbers will drop off so much in the playoffs that the spread between them won’t continue to be enough to win games.
Excellent, excellent point. And very true. The playoffs are definitely tighter in terms of goal-scoring but there’s been a lot of offense in the last few postseasons, especially in earlier rounds. Plus this team’s attack is just really potent – they’ll drop off a bit but can anyone see a team being able to keep Ovie, Semin, Laich, Backstrom, Green, Flash, Knuble, etc. off the board entirely?
The reason it’s so potent is because they can score many different ways. Guys like Knuble and Chimera were added so we could get the goals that we couldn’t get last year in the playoffs. Is it possible that there is a dropoff in goals scored? Yes. However, I don’t think it will dropoff like it has in years past.
Also, I’ve been wanting to say this, so I’ll take the opportunity. A lot of people like to try and make the connections of last year’s president winning Sharks to the Caps of this year, and try to say the same thing will happen based on the similarities. I think that is an incorrect conclusion to make for two reasons.
The first is the Sharks struggled last year with having leadership. Marleau had his C taken away after they exited the first round because he wasn’t the Captain that the team needed. Thornton also had leadership struggles in the past with Boston (although I’m willing to give him a pass on that considering he was pretty young). These Caps have a much more sound leadership, both from the guys wearing the letters, and even guys that don’t have them. I don’t think our leadership will allow the Caps to lose focus.
The second is that the Caps have gained a lot of experience in the playoffs the last two years. Those three series all went to seven games, and by now, I would hope that the Caps know exactly what they have to do advance deep into the playoffs. The Sharks have never really gotten that far in the playoffs, so I don’t know that they have learned what it takes to win in the playoffs.
I think our team is built the right way to go deep into the playoffs and ultimately be successful. If they lose, I think it will be that the team that defeated them truly earned the series win. That being said, looking at the rest of the league, I don’t know that there is a team that can beat the Caps 4 times before they can beat them 4 times. The playoffs are a fickle monster, and things happen. But all in all, I like our chances.
I’m not sure I agree on leadership and on experience, but what I will say is that the Sharks haven’t been as close as the Caps last season—taking the eventual champ to Game 7.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 5, 2010 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe I’m wrong about that, I dunno, I think I’m just getting tired of some the criticisms of the Caps that seem lazy. I see a lot of suggestions that the Caps will flame out like the Sharks did last year, and it doesn’t make sense to me, because the Caps have actually had some success in the playoffs, among other things.
And I apologize for getting OT, this thread’s about Mike Green, not about the the Caps’ playoff chances. Maybe it’s the raging homer in me, but I thought Green deserved the Norris last year, and I still believe that he deserves it this year. It’s a treat to be able to watch him play.
What kills me is who wrote this. Corey’s spouting the meme.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Well, he’s reporting numbers – which are, on the surface, true. And as much as I think this team is better defensively than others think they are, there’s no question they’re better offensively than defensively. That’s Bruce’s system (sort of) and the numbers – again on the surface – don’t lie in that regard.
Also same number of Goals Against as Pit yet you dont hear anyone talking about how they cant play defense (fwiw, I don’t think either us or them are anything more than average at D but wins win championships)
"Have you ever played?" "Yes, I was a goalie"
But the Pens have proven that they can go deep into the playoffs with a not-so-stellar regular season. The Caps haven’t.
Anyway, the easiest way for the Caps to drop that GAA is to limit their penalties (they are below average with # of short-handed situations) and killing them off (of playoff teams, only Nashville is worse).
Well, because it’s his system to be aggressive offensively – but it also includes being responsible defensively, being disciplined, etc. It’s not a shutdown defense but when the boys play it the way it’s supposed to be played, the defense almost keeps up with the offense.
I say ‘sort of’ because as we all know, that doesn’t happen as much as it should ;)
But, as Peerless pointed out, the Caps have the 2nd fewest ES GA in the NHL (to Phoenix, and fwiw, teams like LA are tied with DC with an extra game). So it goes back to the PK.
Here’s the link to the nhl.com story
Green is 7th among Caps in SH TOI/G, 5th among D. Who thinks his 2:09 is too little? Well, if Poti sees a reduction, someone has to pick up the slack. I’d like to see Green more on the PK.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 5, 2010 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Anyone able to do the math at what the Caps goals/game against would look like if they had an average for teams in the playoff PK? I know that our lousy PK is hurting us to the tune of completely canceling out the awesomeness that is our 25% effective PP. I don’t know what it means in terms of total goals given up though.
by HateOffSeason on Apr 5, 2010 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Last year, the Penguins GAA was 2.91 and they were 5th worst among all the teams that made the playoffs. Don’t remember a whole lot of criticism about their defense heading into the postseason.
More confidence in Fleury at the time, probably, although for my money I’m not sure why – Fleury got hot at the right time and is occasionally really good, but he’s like Theo and can run hot and cold very easily. I don’t consider him to be up with the Brodeur’s and Roy’s of the world, Cup or no Cup.
I haven’t done the numbers, but the Pens were a completely different team after dumping Therrien for Bylsma and their deadline moves.
True. But the fact is it was essentially the same guys who put up that horrific GAA over the course of the year (and that’s what it was at the end of the year, so it was probably higher at one point) – meaning they adjusted and improved their defensive game for the playoffs.
Meaning if they can, we can.
The Pens played a lot of their defense with their withering forecheck, of course.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
And IIRC Gonchar was out for some time, Fleury as well, right? I guess for us it’s more “what you see is what you get” sorta deal.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 5, 2010 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Their GAA is also worse than the Caps this year (if you strip out the GA attributable to the gimmick)…but they’re clutch, right?
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
More confidence in Fleury at the time, probably, although for my money I’m not sure why
Me neither. Fleury’s numbers heading into the playoffs last year were 2.67GAA and a .912 save%. That’s not that much better than Theo’s 2.85GAA and .909 save% this season.
ESPN made an interesting counter point:
There is much focus from the naysayers on the Caps’ 17th-ranked goals-against average (2.78), but the statistic everyone should really look at is their five-on-five goals for-against ratio: tops in the NHL at a whopping 1.54 mark. As far back as we can tell, it’s the best ratio in more than 12 years.
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
So...
Stay out of the fucking box?
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
by Rob Parker on Apr 5, 2010 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Hey, better discipline! Write a fanpost, JP probably never even thought of it.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
F&B: guest motivational speaker in the Caps lockerroom.
Are you going to print a thousand copies of that on an Ameritel supplied copier, tape it on the wall and call it motivation?
we're not gonna allow someone like Downie to go after him.
I think you mean, F&B: master of the obvious.
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 5, 2010 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah but I’m going to print three different slogans with a similar message and try to trick everyone into thinking they say the exact same thing.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Did some research....
7-3 against the top 5 goalies in SV%
7-4 against the top 5 goalies in GAA
5-5 against the top 5 goalies in WINS (3 losses of which came against Brodeur)
Looks like our defense shouldn’t be a problem as long as we keep up the 3.8 G/G
(Let’s pray someone knocks out NJD)
~~~ R0cK D@ R3D ~~~
by Chaz-Capapalooza on Apr 5, 2010 3:45 PM EDT reply actions
*6-6 against top 5 goalies in WINS
~~~ R0cK D@ R3D ~~~
by Chaz-Capapalooza on Apr 5, 2010 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions
don’t shoot the messenger, just found out its add one win and one loss to every column, YIKES
~~~ R0cK D@ R3D ~~~
by Chaz-Capapalooza on Apr 5, 2010 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions
They won’t score 3.8 G/G in the playoffs. But they can probably score 3.45 (just to pick a number out of the air).
It’s going to come down to the PK. Can they wring enough kills out of their wretched system and boneheaded personnel decisions to allow them to carry the day 5 v 5 and 5 v 4?
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
I’m to the point where the PK is just something they have to overcome, the same way that have to overcome lousy ice or something.
If the Caps can run 22% on their PP and 78% out of the PK, then I’m pretty sure they can win a series.
All the more reason that I don’t want to face MTL.
we're not gonna allow someone like Downie to go after him.
Our PP can’t operate that high if Ovi doesn’t roll out of his slumperland.
~~~ R0cK D@ R3D ~~~
by Chaz-Capapalooza on Apr 5, 2010 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m not completely sure that is true. Ovi needs to score for the Caps to win the Cup, but him shooting is enough of a threat to make him the point of concern whether he is putting them in the back of the net or not and the PP can be very effective without him.
What he does need to do is relax a bit, not shoot into shinpads, and start putting them on net rather than wide.
we're not gonna allow someone like Downie to go after him.
last game he couldn’t put it on net. He let a pass hit his stick and dribble by him when he had a clear shot to the net, then he chunked a one-timer which would have been in…again, on a clear shot, no pressure. So yes, he needs to relax. He needs to stop thinking about the Rocket
~~~ R0cK D@ R3D ~~~
by Chaz-Capapalooza on Apr 5, 2010 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Take him off the top PP unit maybe and roll two units? IIRC the PP went ~35% when Ovie was out 6 games with the “upper-body strain” or whatever it was. The talent is there, and as a bonus (?) more Ovie/Green/Backstrom (etc) at ES and more Flash (etc) on the PP (less defensive liability 5-on-5 while not sacrificing too much skill on the PP).
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 5, 2010 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions
thats what i was thinking, put flash out there to start but sneak ovi in there when we got the puck behind the net, change it up a little bit BB
~~~ R0cK D@ R3D ~~~
by Chaz-Capapalooza on Apr 5, 2010 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions
They’re gonna give up PP’s, that’s a given. But if everyone starts thinking like Greenie here, we might actually bring our PK up to average…after all, we play better when we play better defensively. We get screwed against NJ because we play with a high risk offense and when Marty stops the shot theres an odd man break the other way with parise/elias If we play D against them, we’ll win
(The one game we beat the devils in the score was 4-1)
~~~ R0cK D@ R3D ~~~
by Chaz-Capapalooza on Apr 5, 2010 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions
It’s going to come down to the PK.
Amen to that. If these “experts” want to find a real weakness that could quickly derail the Caps, the PK would be it. If that doesn’t show a marked improvement, they may not get out of the first round.
Looking at all the teams in the East, all of them have glaring weak spots. Pitt has a porous defense and Malkin is in a down year; NJD have Marty to deal with, and they have a real hard time scoring; BUF might be the most “complete” team, but they also struggle to score.
Ottawa and Montreal are not even worth talking about, really. It would take a real, real hot stretch that is just flukey by definition for them to get out of the East.
You look at it that way, and the Caps have probably as much of a shot as anyone. If they had a decent PK, they’d be the big favorite, or course.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
I wouldn’t bank on Malkin having a bad year. He looked really good against ATL. And they’re PP is getting a hell of a lot better not that he and Gonchar are back. Their D is definitely the problem, but don’t count them out to score.
~~~ R0cK D@ R3D ~~~
by Chaz-Capapalooza on Apr 5, 2010 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Pitt’s PP has struggled all year with Gonch and Malkin out there. On paper, they’re great. In practice, not so much. I keep expecting that they’ll bust out, of course.
Pitt could come out of the East. But they’ve got easily the same amount of problems as the Caps on D, without the firepower up front to camouflage it. That’s all I’m saying.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
BUF might be the most "complete" team, but they also struggle to score.
I heard someplace that they’ve been the highest scoring team in the league since March 1st. Wonder if that’s true.
Interesting if true.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
Buffalo is going to sneak into the playoffs. Whoever they play in the first round better look out. That’s setting up to be a sweep
~~~ R0cK D@ R3D ~~~
by Chaz-Capapalooza on Apr 5, 2010 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions
If by “sneak in” you mean “be a dangerous team that no one talks about” then I can get on board with this one. They’ve almost locked up at least a #3 seed, though, so it’s not like they’re going to be a surprise entry.
If they end up #3, they most likely get the Canadiens. That would be an interesting series.
At #2, which is less likely, they would get the Flyers, who they ought to crush.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
Yep, they were getting hotter. They’d relinquished the NE lead to OTT and were a ways back of NJD, then picked it up a lot.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 5, 2010 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions
IIRC, Ottawa took the lead based on points, but the Sabres still had a bunch of games in hand.
"You want to start being part of the Rink? Fine, but more’s expected of you than John/Jane Cap Fan. Carry the cause of informed discussion to the unwashed masses and don’t crap in the yards of other SBN sites if you decide to go over there. They’re passionate about their teams too, no need to troll elsewhere and/or be a sore winner." --BP
yes, thats what i mean by sneak in…side note…Caps are 16-11 against the current Eastern Playoff Teams
~~~ R0cK D@ R3D ~~~
by Chaz-Capapalooza on Apr 5, 2010 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Wow, having seen a lot of Sabres games this year I’d say Ryan Miller is the reason why Buffalo is where they are. They’re going to need Tim Connolly back soon, too.
But Brawndo's got what plants crave. It's got electrolytes.
He’s hurt again?
/shocked
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Maybe they’re just being cautious with Vanek and Connely — they pretty much have the #3 locked up, so now is the time to rest and heal (as much as you can).
That was my thought, too – although they’re still in a dogfight with whoever emerges from the Atlantic for 2nd place, and you know they’d rather play the 7th seed over a potential Sens/Habs series any day.
I don’t know. I think there is a greater fear here on Japers for the Canadians, but I see that team as a complete dud. Any of the possibles for the last 3 playoff spots in the east are not good teams.
The Canadiens aren’t without weapons. Their PP is lethal, and Halak has found his groove. Given the Jose is a bit of a head case, playing a few games up there in Montreal might not work out for the Caps.
we're not gonna allow someone like Downie to go after him.
Let’s put it this way. The Caps should – SHOULD – beat anyone they face in the first round without too much difficulty. None of the teams down there scare me enough to make me think we’ll be out in the first round.
That being said, the Habs would be a tough first round draw for this team. Definitely the best goaltending, better power play (against our scary PK) and a team that has played us exceptionally tough this year. Every team has a couple of teams that shouldn’t beat them or give them a good fight but do anyway – the Habs are one of ours.
Here is another way of looking at this. Green has played in 16 games since the Olympic break. In those games, he has been on the ice for 42.5 percent of the total minutes played. The Caps allowed 44 goals in those games, Green was on the ice for a total of 11 of them — 25.0 percent.
42.5 percent of the ice time… 25 percent of the goals. That is math a Caps fan (and a Norris voter) would have to like.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Apr 5, 2010 4:29 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Every second against the other team’s 4th line, no doubt.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
That’s why they call him “Grinder Greenie”, yep.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
The problem with that stat is that Green doesn’t play on the PK as much as some of the other defenseman, so those numbers may be a little skewed.
However, Sloan (at least against the Blue Jackets last game) didn’t play shorthanded at all. In fact, looking at the box score, neither Sloan or Corvo played on the PK, Green played 51 seconds, Shultz 1:27, Morrison 1:40, and Poti a whopping 3:46.
No offense to BB, but what the hell is Poti doing playing that much time shorthanded?
In keeping with SI sports writers who occasionally acknowledge the game of ice hockey, I nominate Joe Corvo for Norris:
1. has played for more teams.
2. has played for two different NHL teams in the same season – twice!
3. His name is alomst “Joe Cool”
4. Has played for a franchise that has won a Stanley Cup
5. wears the same jersey number as Ray Borque did, another famous Norris trophy winner.
For all these reasons, and probably more, he’s the clear Norris front runner guy.
But Brawndo's got what plants crave. It's got electrolytes.
ESPN is picking up this story and running with it…
"I am ready for his provocations"
by PaintDrinkingPete on Apr 5, 2010 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions
I used to say Green was a forward trapped at the D position and I gawked that he was even considered for the Norris last year. This year however, he is much wiser and knowing when to jump into the play and when to stay put and he has actually become a reliable defensemen and is deserving of being considered for the Norris this year.
This year when Green does jump into the play and gets caught he has done a great job of back-checking and making up for his mistake. He has certainly become a much better defensemen and his plus/minus is proof.
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Florida
|
53 | 25 | 17 | 11 | 61 |
|
Washington
|
54 | 28 | 21 | 5 | 61 |
|
Winnipeg
|
56 | 26 | 24 | 6 | 58 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
53 | 23 | 24 | 6 | 52 |
|
Carolina
|
55 | 20 | 25 | 10 | 50 |
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