Recap: Caps 6, Penguins 3
by J.P. on Apr 6, 2010 10:56 PM EDT
in Game Recaps
Email
Print
[NHL.com Recap - GameCenter - Game Summary - Event Summary]
"Quite frankly, the game doesn't really mean a lot to us." - Bruce Boudreau, earlier today
Heading into tonight's game in Pittsburgh, the Capitals had proven everything they could possibly prove against the Pens in the regular season. They'd beaten their biggest rivals three times in three meetings when standings points mattered for both teams, and done it in impressive fashion each time. So while completing a season sweep of Pennsylvania's better team might have been the very definition of a "sweet nothing," it certainly wasn't going to change much in the grand scheme of things - what's left to prove can't be proven in early April.
Nevertheless, the Caps came out and took care of business against a team that is desperate for wins as they fight for Atlantic Division supremacy. Playing with just five defensemen (and that includes Joe Corvo and Shaone Morrisonn) from early on (John Erskine skated just four shifts on the night), the Caps grabbed a first period lead and never relinquished it. Every time the Pens cut the lead to one - and that happened three different times - the Caps pushed it back to two before putting the icing on the cake into an empty net for the 6-3 win. That, my friends, is how it's done.
Ten more notes on the game:
- Let's kick things off with Jeff Schultz, who had two assists and a plus-five rating on the night while playing a team-high 25:00 (including 2:31 of perfect penalty killing) and with more of his even strength ice time coming against Sidney Crosby and Jordan Staal than any other Pens forward. Over the past two seasons, he's now +12 in eight games against Pittsburgh, with a goal and three assists. Double Nickel now leads the League in plus/minus.
- Speaking of League leaders, guess who's back in a deadheat for the Richard and [checks Vancouver score] Ross races? Alex Ovechkin now has five goals in his last three games against the Pens... and four in the other 17 over that span.
- "No Man's Land" on the penalty kill is no man's no longer - it's David Steckel's. Early in the second period, Steckel and Tyler Sloan gave a picture perfect demonstration of what's wrong with the Caps' penalty kill, allowing Crosby to waltz in from the half-boards, pick a spot, and let 'er rip. Sid's snipe beat Semyon Varlamov (who had a strong night despite Shaone Morrisonn's best efforts... to aid Pittsburgh). That said, the penalty kill was 3-for-4 on the night, which isn't impressive, but allowing just three shots on goal in 6:46 of shorthanded ice time is a good number.
- One stat that you're likely to see elsewhere is that the Pens have now had as many or more power plays than the Caps in the last 15 meetings between the two teams. Yes, there have been games in there when the Caps have needed to move their feet more, when they simply were outworked, etc., but 15-straight times is, um, pretty unlikely.
- Related: with the Caps scoring just four seconds into their only extra man opportunity of the game, the Pens officially had 101.5 times as much power play time as the Caps on the night. That's a little bit funny. Sorta.
- Perhaps the most impressive play of the night was Alexander Semin's willingness to compete for the puck and negate an icing with Maxime Talbot (and his elbow) bearing down upon him. The puck kicked out to Tomas Fleischmann, who fired it past Marc-Andre Fleury (sending the leaky Fleury to an early shower), but the takeaway from that sequence was Semin proving that you don't have to be a big, physical grinder to make a play along the boards; you just have to have... guts. Kudos, Sasha (who opened the scoring with a nice wrister past Fleury after embarrassing Alex Goligoski in the neutral zone).
- How good is Nicklas Backstrom? Seriously. Three assists, plus-two rating, 62% faceoffs won... isn't it about time we recalibrate the rivalry to Sid vs. Nick and Alex vs. Geno?
- Back in July when the Caps signed Mike Knuble, we noted that one of the things he brings to the team is a proven track record against the Penguins. Sure enough, he potted a goal in each of the four meetings between the two teams this season. Sure is nice to have him around, ain't it?
- Matt Bradley's career-high tenth goal of the season was also the game-winner, which means that half of his goals have been. That's just one less than Alex Ovechkin's GWG total.
And thus concludes the away-from-home portion of the Capitals 2009-10 regular season. Now it's back to Verizon Center for a pair of games to wrap up the regular season, followed by two home dates to kick-off the playoffs against the Bruins and then back out on the road for a pair. After that? Hopefully at least one more in D.C. and then... to be determined, with a determined Caps team doing the determining. It's getting close to go time.
Game highlights:
461 comments
|
1 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Meet your new league leaders!
Только игра! Почему надо быть гневаться?
"The power of Moscow pride should never be underestimated."
Caps Snaps - Washington Capitals Photography
by cobracg on Apr 6, 2010 10:57 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
this makes me almost as happy as seeing Ovi’s face on the points and goals leaderboard
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 6, 2010 11:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Sedin has 0 G, 0 A and -1 after 2 vs. COL.
Только игра! Почему надо быть гневаться?
"The power of Moscow pride should never be underestimated."
Caps Snaps - Washington Capitals Photography
Why can’t he have -1 G, -1 A after 3?
by fnralch on Apr 6, 2010 11:40 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Or This? Man, Ballard is a great player!
Только игра! Почему надо быть гневаться?
"The power of Moscow pride should never be underestimated."
Caps Snaps - Washington Capitals Photography
Vokoun is going to demand that Ballard be sent elsewhere if he’s going to stay in Florida…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 7, 2010 9:23 AM EDT up reply actions
Or this
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Apr 7, 2010 2:32 AM EDT up reply actions
he would if he was tied with crosby
Kids in the backseat cause accidents, Accidents in the backseat cause kids.
by Area 51 Forever on Apr 6, 2010 11:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Because he is a great player and I feel that everything we can do to praise his amazing game can only help to develop the feeling of calm and peace and self satisfaction that will lead him to maintain his current calm and peace and self satisfaction. Why do we need to worry about his stats? “It’s only game!”
erskine has scored...now i can die in peace
Crap!
H. Sedin to D. Sedin to tie at 4 with 4 mins left in the 3rd. H. Sedin now 1 point ahead of Ovi.
Только игра! Почему надо быть гневаться?
"The power of Moscow pride should never be underestimated."
Caps Snaps - Washington Capitals Photography
Bad Sasha? No. BAMF Sasha.
Semin had a busy night: A goal, an assist, and a date with an uncalled elbow. Then back out on the ice for assorted badassery. Congrats on #39 and here’s looking at 40!
Note: The Union Jack’s committee chose a different set of stars: AO #1, The Kid #2, and Leopold #3. I think I like the local media’s choices better, heh.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
Congratulations, Tyler Sloan!
You stepped up big when Hot Pockets went down and in the process made the Sloan Lobby very, very happy. The Red Hard Hat now boasts a #89. Wear it well.
Now helping to keep an eye on all things Gr8 at Alex Ovetjkin.
So I'm looking at the standings...
And I don’t see the Penguins getting out of that 4th spot. If that’s the case… Eastern Conference Semifinals rematch?
If you think both the Devils and Sabres (and Caps, natch) can take care of business.
Personally I think the Sabres might be ripe for an upset, depending on how the seeding falls.
If the Devils get Boston or Philly they might fall as well.
by Davethecapsfan on Apr 6, 2010 11:03 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m not assuming that the Pens will beat Ottawa.
Eitherway, I’d still prefer the Pens in the 2nd spot without having to lose to them.
by The Jade Donkey on Apr 6, 2010 11:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Ottawa is so hot/cold, i dont know if they could sustain a 7 game series.
If they were hot, I could definitely see them beating the Pens. . .i just don’t know what the chances are of them getting hot
Bah-Ram-Ewe, Ovechkin will wreck you. Fear the Furious Fleece!
7-3 in the last 10, had a streak going that was only 2nd to the Caps, at the same time, and have played very well leading into the playoffs. Their in sync. That could be an upset, if the Pens trend keeps up.
by The Jade Donkey on Apr 6, 2010 11:41 PM EDT up reply actions
For sure, it is looking good for a potential upset. If Elliott keeps his play up, Spezza and Alfredsson and the bunch keep scoring, and AV-Club helps the Sens block tons of shots like we know they can, then the Pens could get dropped quite quickly
Part of me wants to meet the Pens in the Finals, because it looks like we have a sizable edge on them, and we wouldn’t have to play Buffalo or New Jersey.
But the other part just wants them to be out of the play-offs so we don’t have to worry about them.
Bah-Ram-Ewe, Ovechkin will wreck you. Fear the Furious Fleece!
I am more than ok with someone else taking care of the Pens in the post season, especially after having swept them this season. I’ve seen enough of the Pens in the post season. The Stanley Cup is still the cup, whether or not it went through Pittsburgh.
Like any fans, I’ve always assumed the road goes through the Pens. I’ll be rooting for Ottawa or Philly or Boston. I’d prefer Philly, because they will beat the piss out of Pittsburgh. And then a 2nd round to go through. And then The Caps in the East finals. Thats the only way I’ll encourage it. Otherwise, never want to see them again.
They’re like that ex you only want to run into in the dark, with no witnesses, and clearly at a disadvantage.
by The Jade Donkey on Apr 6, 2010 11:55 PM EDT up reply actions
You really think Philly can beat Pittsburgh?
Everyone wants to kill the king. But the prince, he just sails along telling all the ladies, "One day I'm gonna be king."
The creator and active cheerleader of the Brendan Morrison lobby.
ALI FAROKHMANESH!
What more can I say?
by Steck It Out on Apr 6, 2010 11:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Nope, but I think they’ll do the most Physical damage to them in the 1st round. Montreal won’t. Boston will be too busy praying for goals. Philly, always playing from behind, will be pounding them left and right. Hurting Malkin, and hopefully Crosby. Of the 4 potential foes, with the refs on their side, i only see Ottawa beating them.
by The Jade Donkey on Apr 6, 2010 11:58 PM EDT up reply actions
yeah, i was thinking of Philly last year….up 3 goals and then losing the game
Rock the Red! Rock the White! Rock the Blue! Rock the Pens!
by RedskinFan4Life on Apr 6, 2010 11:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Philly “beat the piss out of” PIT two straight years. All the way to the SCF… I’m not buying the PHI toughness as being a real problem for playoff teams.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
Same, I think most of the perceived fear of the Flyers is based on history and not what the Flyers are actually like. People actually fear the Flyers because Carcillo is a loose cannon? Psh.
If they hadn’t been totally taken down by injuries these past few weeks/months, I think they could have been a legitimate challenge for the Penguins. More so then Boston of Montreal.
Bah-Ram-Ewe, Ovechkin will wreck you. Fear the Furious Fleece!
I don’t like the idea of our boys playing against Pronger AND Carcillo for a 4-7 game series. We’d win for sure, because they have no goaltending (despite Boucher’s shutout tonight), but there would always be this sense of impending doom on my part that someone was going to get sucker-punched or stepped on or hammered face-first into the boards.
…so we’ll probably draw Philly in the first round. Sweet.
Oh i share the same anxiety of a potential 1st or 2nd round draw with Philly.
Guys like Carcillo can’t wait to get their 15 min for taking someone out in the Play-Offs, especially when they’ve already dropped 3 games.
As for Pronger, the guy is a dirty, dirty player. While I don’t think he would flat out target one of our guys, he would still make his instinctive dirty plays throughout the series.
Now we have to wait and see who loses their way into the 8th seed, and right into our blazing path to the finals
Bah-Ram-Ewe, Ovechkin will wreck you. Fear the Furious Fleece!
It’ll make more of a difference than Boston or Montreal, though, wouldn’t it? And if they’re playing Philly in the 1st rnd, then they are the #2 seed, and we don’t see them until the ECF, meaning 3 rounds of playoffs and not 2.
by The Jade Donkey on Apr 7, 2010 12:00 AM EDT up reply actions
Given a choice between Pitt and Ottawa, I’ll take Pitt.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Pitt’s D doesn’t seem to be as aggressive as they were last year. Yes. they have more offense, but their lineup is not as balanced as Ottawa’s and Ottawa is more consistently fearless about the crease (and we seem to have a harder time getting them out).
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Gil and Scuderi were PIT’s top shutdown pair last year. Where are they playing now? And why aren’t people talking about that? (Or the fact that Orpik wasn’t their first choice for shutdown D.)
OTT blows. I don’t care about the season record. They got some of the Caps’ worst performances and rely on a goalie on borrowed time. You give us a best of 7 and we will dominate them.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
by Rob Parker on Apr 7, 2010 12:05 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’ve mentioned a bunch of times the loss of Gil and Scuds was going to really handicap them. Gonchar is still Gonch but he is starting to show the age in his own zone as well. It’s not like their GAA is anything to be happy about so that whole “your D won’t hold up in the playoffs” is the one argument from them I don’t understand at all. This year at least.
by Davethecapsfan on Apr 7, 2010 12:08 AM EDT up reply actions
Whoa, nelly.
Not me. Pitt is dangerous in ways that Ottawa is not
"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 would still rather not face the Pens since their forecheck is a nightmare to face in the playoffs. At the same time, is anyone still scared of them? I’m sure as hell not.
Same thing we were all saying last year.
This was not their best effort that we saw tonight.
"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
Are you serious?
To be or not to be. That's not really a question.
Follow me on Twitter! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes!
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
Very. The Caps can handle Pitt, I think, based on what I’ve seen this season. Ottawa’s much more aggressive and their lineup is more balanced wing-to-center.
shrug YMMV, but I mislike the Caps seeing Ottawa in the playoffs.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Leclaire and Elliott do not frighten me.
To be or not to be. That's not really a question.
Follow me on Twitter! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes!
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
Varly’s best game since like November. Was lights out; and he has reasonable bones to pick about all three goals.
I agree. I’d say he’s just about back to form, and to say that after a Pens game makes me very happy.
Every time the Swedish Swashbuckler scores a goal, an angel gets its wings.
by SeattleCapsFan on Apr 6, 2010 11:36 PM EDT up reply actions
He had one dribbler that I think he’d like to have back, but dribblers seemed to be a happening thing tonight.
Speaking of … angry flower is angry.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Thought he was good but not brilliant. Each of those goals are definite tough ones to give but other than that I didn’t feel he was tested an awful lot. His rebounds though sent often careening away usually were directed well out and into the corners.
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."
I know BB says he doesn’t like to play the match up game, but when we do play the pens in the playoffs, I want 55 out there against the Kid’s line as much as possible. Hopefully he can be paired with Carlson, because I noticed that he was doing a great job of giving it to Sid in the last meeting.
FЯEE ALEX!
as much as I think the rest of the Rink is swept up in Carlson fan-dom, I for one am not that comfortable with him to have him matched up against one of the top players in the NHL.
I Laich the professor.
resident master jinxer
Yeah, I’d wait a bit on that. let’s see how he looks in the postseason. He’s going to be a great one, but there is a learning curve involved in playing defense in the NHL.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Yep, I have no doubt that he will eventually excel at this level, but I would be more comfortable with Green (yes I said that), Jurcina, Corvo, ect paired with 55.
Also, when did Laich make that quote in your sig?
I Laich the professor.
resident master jinxer
speaking of Corvo, if that’s how he’s going to play in the postseason and he’s just been saving it for big games….thank you GMGM
I work with 7 penguins fans and this is really getting old....
there was a couple moments where I was gnashing a bit. Particularly a fight for the puck around Varly, was hoping to see 77 come through and “clear the crease”.
But he had a solid game.
I Laich the professor.
resident master jinxer
If you are waiting to see Corvo “clear the crease” you are going to waiting for a long, long time.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Apr 6, 2010 11:18 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
I thought Corvo acquitted himself well tonight. Poti had another strong game as well.
by Kolzilla on Apr 6, 2010 11:34 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
If by strong game you mean Poti made his usual 2-3 bonehaded decisions with the puck then yes he did.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
by Carl Putnam on Apr 6, 2010 11:36 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Really? because I thought he looked like shit yet again. Losing the puck against the boards again, getting beat by any forward he’s up against, not shooting… I’m not impressed, at all. I think he should be planted on his ass for a few games. I’ll take Juice over Corvo, and thats saying something.
by The Jade Donkey on Apr 6, 2010 11:24 PM EDT up reply actions
It’s actually been my signature for at least a month or more.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Except 55. Note: who was missing for the last playoff series against the Pens. Schultz.
Rocking the Red since 1975
by CapsFan75 on Apr 6, 2010 11:15 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’d rather get 55 on Geno and Poti-Carlson or something like that on 87. I don’t need a repeat of last season, Sid victimizing Green over and over again.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 9:19 AM EDT up reply actions
You don’t think Green is a) more competent defensively with two arms and in shape and b) a better defender this year?
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
I think he’s perfectly competent, but I feel that some of his offensive skills would go to waste against Sid as opposed to Geno, and I like 55’s track record against 71.
In addition, considering how many of Sid’s goals were from in tight, I’m not so sure a healthy Green would have prevented them (well, not counting that the puck might’ve been cleared beforehand). And Sid will get his offensive totals either way, right? Geno may be the key, as he was in the SCF.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Schultz will be out as often as he can be against Crosby, and I suspect they will try to find a way to get Poti or Morrisonn out there on Malkin. The match ups should be interesting….
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 7, 2010 9:26 AM EDT up reply actions
The way I see it, 55 has a history of shutting down 71, and I’d say 52 would be more helpful offensively against 71’s line than against 87’s line (since 87 competes so hard).
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 9:40 AM EDT up reply actions
I feel the need to go tearing through the streets of Washington screams Caps-related things at the top of my lungs.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
Maybe tonight’s Nats game would work (per Canwest news)
On April 7, the Washington Nationals— appropriately, nee the Montreal Expos — will honour Theodore on the diamond pregame for his efforts.
really?!?! ooooh, $5 ticket and spot at the bar, here I come!
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
Lmao I just glanced at the standings to the right and I saw that we are up by 45 points in our division. That’s ridiculous. That’s like half a season’s work for a borderline playoff team.
Hi can I order for deliver please? Yeah I'm a Redskins fan I'd like a big bowl of poop
by Area 51 Forever on Apr 6, 2010 11:04 PM EDT reply actions
Assuming I did the math right, we lead Atlanta by more points than the gap between 1st and last in every division besides the NW (because Edmonton is really terrible.)
Sometimes, you really just want to hit a b**ch.
lol big math fail
Hi can I order for deliver please? Yeah I'm a Redskins fan I'd like a big bowl of poop
by Area 51 Forever on Apr 6, 2010 11:25 PM EDT up reply actions
I am tired but 118 (Caps pt.s) minus 81 (ATL) = 37 points.
by Eruzione FTW on Apr 7, 2010 12:15 AM EDT up reply actions
what a satisfying victory
ovie breaks his slump, varly finally looks (relatively) sharp, Corvo doesn’t play terribly, we beat the Pens. In front of their fans. Great!
He used to.
"I’d like to take the credit but dig mama, there’s no "I" in "revolut" …in "team."
by Bald Pollack on Apr 6, 2010 11:07 PM EDT up reply actions
you sir, need to visit Pensburgh/pensblog and see the outrage, then you will realize why Ovechkin’s ENG was perfect.
I Laich the professor.
resident master jinxer
by iced on Apr 6, 2010 11:09 PM EDT up reply actions 6 recs
i don't have to go there to know
as soon as he got it, i knew there would be outrage
by DonnieKnutts on Apr 6, 2010 11:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Sweet, delicious outrage.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 6, 2010 11:13 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I wouldn’t mind reading a “best of” of that outrage, if anyone’s up to it.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
A particular all CAPS rant on page 3 is pretty memorable.
by Davethecapsfan on Apr 6, 2010 11:15 PM EDT up reply actions
CAPSLOCK: they way to let everyone know your rant is really important!
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
Per: PensAreYourDaddy
KHAN!!!!!!!!
That’s kind of witty
Bah-Ram-Ewe, Ovechkin will wreck you. Fear the Furious Fleece!
Yeah, he is definitely a solid guy.
Never trolls or hurls crazy accusations/insults
Bah-Ram-Ewe, Ovechkin will wreck you. Fear the Furious Fleece!
he had several good ones tonight (I’m skimming the comments). personally, i vote for this, made earlier in the game:
I vote for not pulling the goalie and giving Ovie the empty netter.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
Seriously, who didn’t know AO was getting an ENG as soon as PIT pulled the goalie? Blame Bylsma.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
Sending a message to his team?
That was a horrible effort by the Pens. I’d be peeeeved if the Caps had pulled that shit…
"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
they’re ready to toss Bylsma off a bridge tonight. Damn, there’s a lot of hate on the Pittsburgh blogs right now.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
What’s the world coming to? Gee, they can’t be yearning for Therrien to come back.
Rocking the Red since 1975
cut them some slack
they live just up the road from philly. dumb unreasonable rage is contagious…
Kids in the backseat cause accidents, Accidents in the backseat cause kids.
by Area 51 Forever on Apr 6, 2010 11:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Across the road, but whatever.
And if the Caps had just posted that performance, I’d be bloody well annoyed, too, so I can understand them being miffed with the coaching staff.
"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
yeah but I wouldn't be steaming shit pissed
if BB pulled our goalie late and Crosby got a ENG. That’s what I think the Pens fans are pissed about…
Kids in the backseat cause accidents, Accidents in the backseat cause kids.
by Area 51 Forever on Apr 6, 2010 11:59 PM EDT up reply actions
I mean
I would be angry cause is crosby but I wouldn’t be pissed at our coaching staff
Kids in the backseat cause accidents, Accidents in the backseat cause kids.
by Area 51 Forever on Apr 7, 2010 12:00 AM EDT up reply actions
there was some half-serious “fire BB” talk floating around caps nation I thought after a series of slows starts. The responsibility to get the team ready, falling on the coach. Everyone says silly things when they are hyped up.
I Laich the professor.
resident master jinxer
Yeah. That was me.
Definitely one of the most popular fanposts of all time. Definitely.
"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
We pretty much all called it.
To be or not to be. That's not really a question.
Follow me on Twitter! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes!
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
Quoting Shatner… that’s always good.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 7, 2010 9:27 AM EDT up reply actions
Eh, I’d prefer to leave that stuff where it is and not bring it here.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Put another way...
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Apr 6, 2010 11:14 PM EDT up reply actions 7 recs
Pens fans like Radiohead?
"We are such fans of your music and all of your records. I'm not speaking of yours personally, but the whole genre of the rock and roll."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Apr 6, 2010 11:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Even some none Pens fans… me for one.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 7, 2010 9:27 AM EDT up reply actions
That’s the best part. We were screaming at the television for him to get the puck. Could not believe .2 sec left. Just wow.
"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."
Well, they’re going to boo him every time he touches the puck anyhow. Might as well give them a reason. Oh, and he wouldn’t be scoring ENGs on you if you didn’t suck. Yes that last word is gratuitous, but I had to.
I like the Washington Capitals.
Really, Eugene? Kind of like when E-Staal got the ENG on your boys?
CapsAreNotMyDaddy
by PensAreYourDaddy on Apr 7, 2010 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions
It was the best possible scenario!
To be or not to be. That's not really a question.
Follow me on Twitter! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes!
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
Sure it’s a gimme, but that’s the position they were in in the game. I’d bet Boudreau rests Ovie one of these last 2 games so Sid will have a chance to win the Richard. I’m sure neither Ovie or Sid cares about it much at all compared to the playoffs.
by Davethecapsfan on Apr 6, 2010 11:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Concur. These last two are probably going to be dress rehearsals for the playoffs, to the extent that health allows.
AO might get less ice time than he would normally, but he’ll be getting a regular shift.
"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 haven’t seen the TOI chart yet, but i think Ovie did get some relatively low ice time
Bah-Ram-Ewe, Ovechkin will wreck you. Fear the Furious Fleece!
19:22 according to
http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20092010/TV021186.HTM
I Laich the professor.
resident master jinxer
Ah, I love PO’ed Pens fans :)
Here's to all us girls who love hockey...and the men who play it.
by Brad_Richards_Rocks on Apr 7, 2010 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Nice to see the Caps again not mail one in when they could have.
Steckel and Tyler Sloan gave a picture perfect demonstration of what’s wrong with the Caps’ penalty kill, allowing Crosby to waltz in from the half-boards, pick a spot, and let ’er rip.
Once again Stecks looking horrible on the PK. Goes directly to the topic from earlier today.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Yeah, always good to beat the Pens. And this game also answered the question about the Caps’ lack of jump recently. Put ‘em up against an opponent they care about beating, and it’s there. So I’m worried less about the playoffs now (though still pretty worried).
That said, and I’ll probably get killed for this here, I think Sid deserves the MVP this year. That Pens team doesn’t even make the playoffs without him. Jordan Leopold gets two goals with anyone else dishing him the puck? I don’t think so.
I love Ovie and all, and I hate the Pens, but the Caps have a great team without Ovechkin. The Pens have a bunch of barely serviceable journeymen. Crosby’s the only reason this team is even competitive.
I could see the argument about how much better he makes them, but they would still have a good team, just like we do without Ovie. His assist on the first Leopold goal was a pedestrian feed back out to the D man at the point that ShaMo had to put in for him. Wasn’t he the 2nd assist on the 2nd Leo goal as well? Truthfully Miller or Bryz should get MVP this year in my mind.
by Davethecapsfan on Apr 6, 2010 11:14 PM EDT up reply actions
disagree with you there…..I think Malkin is the MVP. Sid couldn’t do anything without Malkin around. Look at the recent games when Malkin was out. To me, an MVP is a player who makes others around him better. Malkin does that better than Sid, IMO.
Rock the Red! Rock the White! Rock the Blue! Rock the Pens!
by RedskinFan4Life on Apr 6, 2010 11:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Malkin can make others better when he decides to show up. Sid doesn’t vanish for multi-game stretches like Geno does.
Jordan Leopold gets two goals with anyone else dishing him the puck? I don’t think so
.
Really? So it was the pass that made those goals happen? Not Shamo booting one through the 5 hole and Leopold having all day to shoot on both? I give Sid as much credit as anyone for his passing skill, but those weren’t passes that made goals happen. His pass to Guerin in the last game was such a pass, today . . . not so much.
I just don’t see how the Pens “don’t make the playoffs” without Sid. They are still the 2x defending EC champs, IIRC. It’s a damn good team. There’s an argument for Sid, but him carrying PIT isn’t it.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
by that line of thinking ryan miller is far and away the MVP.
Kids in the backseat cause accidents, Accidents in the backseat cause kids.
by Area 51 Forever on Apr 6, 2010 11:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Although I see the logic behind MVP implying “most valuable to the team”, I think it means more along the lines of “most valuable player” (lol, MVP) as in the player with the most value, as in, the best player in the league, as in, Bradley Ovechkin
Bah-Ram-Ewe, Ovechkin will wreck you. Fear the Furious Fleece!
Yeah i know that
That’s why i think OV should repeat as MVP, but I was responding to katzistan’s criteria and his pick that crosby should be MVP, but based on his criteria Miller should be MVP. The fact that his criteria isnt the correct one and isn’t the one used to determine the award is another matter entirely though.
Kids in the backseat cause accidents, Accidents in the backseat cause kids.
by Area 51 Forever on Apr 7, 2010 12:02 AM EDT up reply actions
Ah, i seeee.
My bad, and for sure. Either Miller or Bryz (or maybe Sedin?) following that logic.
Bah-Ram-Ewe, Ovechkin will wreck you. Fear the Furious Fleece!
eh sedin not so much cause they would still have luongo and the other sedin, so they would still be able to at least score some and stop the puck, which can’t be said about buffalo or pheonix without their MVP-ish guys
Kids in the backseat cause accidents, Accidents in the backseat cause kids.
by Area 51 Forever on Apr 7, 2010 12:17 AM EDT up reply actions
I think the real criteria is “most outstanding player on a playoff team.”
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
Poor Vokoun. . .
Bah-Ram-Ewe, Ovechkin will wreck you. Fear the Furious Fleece!
by kingzman264 on Apr 7, 2010 12:09 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
yeah i agree with you, i was just showing kazistan the error in his ways because by his criteria crosby wouldn’t even be considered it would be Miller all the way, and by your wisely correct and reality criteria OV will repeat as MVP, or should anyway
Kids in the backseat cause accidents, Accidents in the backseat cause kids.
by Area 51 Forever on Apr 7, 2010 12:13 AM EDT up reply actions
also goalies aren't usually allowed to win the Hart so Miller winning it would be silly
or at least against the award’s tradition
Kids in the backseat cause accidents, Accidents in the backseat cause kids.
by Area 51 Forever on Apr 7, 2010 12:14 AM EDT up reply actions
it’s not against any traditions, it’s just pretty rare and somewhat similar to a pitcher winning the MVP in baseball.
unless i have completely missed the joke…
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
your snark detector is off macvechkin but its ok you can always turn it on for the playoffs.
Kids in the backseat cause accidents, Accidents in the backseat cause kids.
by Area 51 Forever on Apr 7, 2010 12:19 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I hate the Pitcher-Goalie comparison when it comes to the MVP. While they both have their own trophy, a Cy Young pitcher plays 40 games tops, maybe (correct me if I’m way off, I don’t really follow baseball). They play a quarter of the season.
However, a Vezina goalie will play 60-70 games. The vast majority of the season. Entirely different.
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 7, 2010 2:23 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
This will be mildly OT but I think it's an important distinction
a Cy Young pitcher plays 40 games tops, maybe (correct me if I’m way off, I don’t really follow baseball). They play a quarter of the season.
The problem with looking at it this way is that a pitcher has way more impact on a game they play in than any other non-pitcher. i.e., a given MVP candidate position player will get slightly over 1/9 of their team’s at-bats, while a Cy Young candidate will get about 7 times that (these are obviously back-of-the-napkin calculations). Of course, there’s defense as well, but a) no one’s winning an MVP in baseball for fielding and b) pitchers field as well.
So, essentially, even though a staff ace will only pitch 1/5 of the time (remember people, back of the napkin) he impacts that game at least 7 more times than any non-pitcher.
Just as, strictly speaking, goaltenders are ALWAYS their team’s “most valuable player”, the staff ace is just as important in baseball. Yet, position players in both sports don’t have their own awards (yes, there are Silver Sluggers and the Norris trophy, but I’m talking about a pan-position player award), so the MVP should be going to one of them.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Apr 7, 2010 3:10 AM EDT up reply actions
NHL.com drops a reference to our national anthem “Rocket’s Red Glare”, when discussing a Russian and a Canadian.
I Laich the professor.
resident master jinxer
I hope Semin is ok. . .he was grimacing a few times after that elbow from Talbutt (Oh Burn!!!) Talbot.
At first it looked like his arm got stretched in an uncomfortable way, then it was his head, then the announcers said he was rolling his neck around a few times. . .
Bah-Ram-Ewe, Ovechkin will wreck you. Fear the Furious Fleece!
I hope he’s okay, also. Luckily, he was able to come back (and not miss any shifts). Still, I’m sure that the hit took an awful lot out of him and he wasn’t quite the same. Understandably so.
He’ll probably be fine on Friday.
Rocking the Red since 1975
I thought Poti played a pretty poor game. Despite ending the night at +2, his Corsi rating was -10, which was the lowest on the team. He responded poorly to the Pens’ forecheck and it led to a couple turnovers, one of which could have been costly. Of course we beat the Pens, so I can’t really complain too much.
"We are such fans of your music and all of your records. I'm not speaking of yours personally, but the whole genre of the rock and roll."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Apr 6, 2010 11:15 PM EDT reply actions
Agreed. Engblom had a great breakdown of a failed breakout of Poti’s during the second intermission. Really good stuff (analytically, that is).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Totally agreed, and I said as much in the GDT. Some were lamenting that they preferred Locker, but I think Engblom’s breakdown blows Locker’s out of the water.
"We are such fans of your music and all of your records. I'm not speaking of yours personally, but the whole genre of the rock and roll."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Apr 6, 2010 11:19 PM EDT up reply actions
I think Locker’s analysis is usually quite informative as well (and with less worthless graphical silliness).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I don’t know. Why choose between Engblom and Locker when Rod Langway was clearly the best pickup in that trade?
GUTEN TAAAAAAAAAAAAG!
by Wheeler on Apr 6, 2010 11:22 PM EDT up reply actions 7 recs
Remember, the Caps got in that trade:
Rod Langway – Hall of Famer, 2 time Norris winner
Doug Jarvis – Great faceoff man, still holds the NHL record for consecutive games played (964 games, nearly 12 seasons)
Craig Laughlin – Scored over 20 goals for the Caps 3 times, and in two other full seasons scored 16 and 17.
Brian Engblom – Solid checker and was traded (with Ken Houston who was a journeyman) to LA for Larry Murphy.
Great trade by David Poile
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Apr 7, 2010 9:35 AM EDT up reply actions
Locker’s analysis is fine, but he always chooses to break down plays that lead up to goals unless no such plays are available. I like how Engblom dissected a play that may have otherwise been overlooked.
"We are such fans of your music and all of your records. I'm not speaking of yours personally, but the whole genre of the rock and roll."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Apr 6, 2010 11:23 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
And “lamenting” is too strong a word. Not sure why I used it.
"We are such fans of your music and all of your records. I'm not speaking of yours personally, but the whole genre of the rock and roll."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Apr 6, 2010 11:24 PM EDT up reply actions
To be fair to Locker, he’s actually doing color at the game. Engblom has more time to work with his producer to prepare nice breakdowns. Engblom is better overall anyways, but Locker and he have different roles.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
And Locker can get through an entire simple sentence, and occasionally a compound sentence, without stumbling over his words. I’d much rather listen to Locker than Engblom.
(Although Engblom seems like a decent enough guy)
"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 like Engblom a lot. I watch vs just to hear his take. I don’t think Jones is the idiot others seem to enjoy casting him as, but Engblom is the best of the lot, the most articulate when addressing points, and the most fair in assessing performance. His comments tonight, regarding the style of play Ovechkin got away from were spot on.
I like Locker, and he’s gotten much better in just the last few years.
by The Jade Donkey on Apr 6, 2010 11:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Locker gets tongue tied a decent amount as well, though I feel I am nitpicking at this point. Both of them bring a perspective to the game that I often am not aware of. And that is a valid point, CP.
"We are such fans of your music and all of your records. I'm not speaking of yours personally, but the whole genre of the rock and roll."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Apr 6, 2010 11:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Love the sound of the recalibrated rivalry….backstrom is truly a superstar of the ovechkin/crosby level
What happens if there’s a tie in points or goals? Who do they give the trophy to?
I think both.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
Nitpick: Ovie only has these two goals in the past two games against the Pens.
Even atheists believe in Matt Wieters
Thanks – I fixed the stat. Was just thinking of the hat trick game and this one – forgot the one in between.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Whatevs, the clutch SO goal started that little comeback. Basically without exception if it’s Caps/Pens Ovie and Sid are going to show up.
by Davethecapsfan on Apr 6, 2010 11:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Good win, and overall good to have some momentum going into the playoffs…but the real goal for these last 2 games is to keep guys healthy and be prepared for the playoffs to start. None of this means anything next week. A good start to Round 1 will go towards easing a lot of wear and tear on the guys when you’re trying to make a deep run.
Get focused, because while all this is nice, the REAL season begins in 8 days. Everything becomes more important. Everything.
good stuff Caps
time for Ovie to hit his stride and nice sweep of the damn pens
TULO = 2010 MVP!
Troy Tulowitzki: "When people think of the Rockies, I want them to think of a winning organization."
LETS GO WINGS!
Part of me yearns for a Detroit-Washington Cup repeat so this “love affair” the Wings fans have for the Caps will come to a violent end.
CapsAreMyDaddy
by PensAreYourDaddy on Apr 6, 2010 11:59 PM EDT up reply actions
In the interest of domestic peace, I politely request that come June, the Wings be golfing. (and, yes, Wings fans, players, and coaches are quite in love with the Caps, aren’t they?)
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
i’d rather play Umberger and the Blue Jackets…..oh, wait…..
Rock the Red! Rock the White! Rock the Blue! Rock the Pens!
by RedskinFan4Life on Apr 7, 2010 12:02 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
yea
i do like the Caps and i want them to beat the Pens but careful about talking about the Wings going golfing…you guys are the ones with a lot to prove in playoff time.
TULO = 2010 MVP!
Troy Tulowitzki: "When people think of the Rockies, I want them to think of a winning organization."
LETS GO WINGS!
by TuLoRocks2008 on Apr 7, 2010 12:05 AM EDT up reply actions
I married a Wings fan. believe me, one of us will be dead if its Caps-Wings. And I quite like living….
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
lol
true
TULO = 2010 MVP!
Troy Tulowitzki: "When people think of the Rockies, I want them to think of a winning organization."
LETS GO WINGS!
by TuLoRocks2008 on Apr 7, 2010 12:11 AM EDT up reply actions
So…nothing like a real tactical defensive battle, eh?
Pens: bad defense + bad goaltending = bad combination.
The Caps had no business winning that game. I love it that they did.
"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
The Caps had no business winning that game
what?
Bah-Ram-Ewe, Ovechkin will wreck you. Fear the Furious Fleece!
Shorthanded, second game of back to backs, zero standings implication for the Caps…by rights, Pitt should have crushed them. Which makes it a very good win.
"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
Oh, oh. I thought you were commenting on the play of the Caps in-game, cause they definitely deserved that win.
You are right though, with all of those odds stacked up against us, I am very, very pleased that the team came out and played the way they did.
When I saw Beagle out on the ice, I had memories of the last play off series /shudder
Bah-Ram-Ewe, Ovechkin will wreck you. Fear the Furious Fleece!
To be fair, he was against Crosby and Staal, who are both very good in the dot.
Still, I don’t see a real spot for him on the Caps roster. . .which I think you and I both know
Bah-Ram-Ewe, Ovechkin will wreck you. Fear the Furious Fleece!
He won 7 of 10 last night.
Nice sig, BTW.
"I’d like to take the credit but dig mama, there’s no "I" in "revolut" …in "team."
Ha. Then I must have only noticed the three he was brutalized on. I didn’t see him win a single draw.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
He wasn’t too bad in preseason from the dot either (if memory serves).
Maybe that’s when to bring him up, in September and early april for two-game stretches.
"I’d like to take the credit but dig mama, there’s no "I" in "revolut" …in "team."
No business b/c of the situation and who we suited up? Or how both teams played? I don’t feel like we were “dominated” by any stretch.
by Davethecapsfan on Apr 6, 2010 11:30 PM EDT up reply actions
The former.
"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
We had nothing to play for and suited up Beagle and Sloskine. I’m quite content with the win.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Add in Sloan getting PK time as well.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
My wife sure d…
Never mind.
"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
So who is the more subtle douche
Brooks Orpik behind the play off camera or the refs?
Kids in the backseat cause accidents, Accidents in the backseat cause kids.
by Area 51 Forever on Apr 6, 2010 11:33 PM EDT reply actions
that's another candidate
but I’d just like to know the I’m not the only one noticing the douchy imbalance in calls when we play the pens.
Kids in the backseat cause accidents, Accidents in the backseat cause kids.
by Area 51 Forever on Apr 6, 2010 11:37 PM EDT up reply actions
I noticed that last season during the playoffs, and everyone said I was wearing tin foil.
I never once complained about the calls made ON the Caps. What I complained about was the calls NOT made on the Penguins, and they were many.
Blog: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
That was an obvious elbow and the fact that they didn’t call it was ridiculous. Then Home Eddie said “He was just finishing his check…” on the replay. Yeah, finishing his check with his elbow.
by The Jade Donkey on Apr 6, 2010 11:37 PM EDT up reply actions
I thought there was a rule, where finishing your check with your elbow is ok if you have a penguin on your jersey? not sure what y’all are so upset about, the refs called it by the booK!
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
Well, even if they HAD been calling a penalty, Flash’s goal would have negated it, but still. That was a brutal elbow, incidental or not.
Blog: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
Rupp was also a jack ass
he was the one who started the shoving match in front of our bench for no reason right?
Kids in the backseat cause accidents, Accidents in the backseat cause kids.
by Area 51 Forever on Apr 6, 2010 11:38 PM EDT up reply actions
It was an elbow that reminded me of Cookes shoulder to the head of Savard, very sneaky. Semins lucky.
Nothing in particular
but the fact that he played made me assume that he did some very douchy things. Plus I meant to highlight the refs screwing us and I just threw him in…should’ve put in talbot’s elbow or rupp trying to fight us while we are leaving the ice
Kids in the backseat cause accidents, Accidents in the backseat cause kids.
by Area 51 Forever on Apr 6, 2010 11:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Penalty Imbalance
This has gotten past the point where I can pooh-pooh it. 15 games?
I don’t know what might be done, though? Ted and BB lobby for calls a la the NBA?
It’s not as funny as it used to be.
"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
by fat_daddyo on Apr 6, 2010 11:41 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
And I wasn’t amused when it started, to tell you the truth.
"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
For sure. There is definitely a frightening discrepancy forming. Along with what you said, I don’t think there is a real forum for Teddy Leo or Brucey B to express their discontent with the seemingly (and strongly supported by fact) one-sided calls that go on during the games.
It wouldn’t bother me as much if the refs would at least call the Penguins for the questionable, hits they have on our players. In this game, Talbot elbowing Semin and Gonchar diving at Ovechkin’s legs.
Even if they are picking us up for ticky-tack or nonexistent penalties, and not calling those same penalties for the Capitals, the referees should at least look out for the safety of our players.
Bah-Ram-Ewe, Ovechkin will wreck you. Fear the Furious Fleece!
I don’t like that stat anymore then the next guy, but how can we really but any stock in this?
Just because the Capitals are taking penalties, does not automatically mean that the Penguins are as well. Tonight at least I think all the calls against the Capitals were legitimate, there will be missed calls in all games, the Caps escaped with a few vs Bruins.
With rotating referees, games being split between VC and the Igloo, I admit the statistic is frustrating, yet isn’t “The Capitals are not as disciplined the Penguins” a much more reasonable argument then “The entire league is out to get us/ referees ignore Penguin penalties”?
I Laich the professor.
resident master jinxer
You know, if we were the only team claiming that Sid gets referee preference it might be debatable. Looking up the youtube footage on Crosby diving would lead you to believe he’s incurred many, many fines by the league.
He hasn’t.
by The Jade Donkey on Apr 6, 2010 11:50 PM EDT up reply actions
A guy at another blog, can’t remember which one, took random 14 game samples – 3 against a particular team, and 3 against just any team – and the Caps got pretty much the same calls against, but the Pens have gotten significantly fewer calls against than the other opponents.
I’d like to see that study done for the Pens. In other words, how many penalties are called against the Pens in a typical 14 (now 15) game sample against 3 random teams, and in random 14 (15) game samples.
That would not be dispositive, but it would be pretty compelling evidence, imo.
"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
That would be here It’s a good article.
The odds on the Penguins getting called for only 43 penalties across any given 15 game stretch is .01437%, according to the Poisson distribution. That’s pretty seriously bad odds.
Blog: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
In a vacuum I could buy this, but, alas, I’ve watched the last 15 Pens/Caps games. That’s simply not true. I’ve said many times that the Pens earned more PPs in the playoffs, but the last 8 regular season games the Caps are 7-0-1. There is no way they deserved to be SH more times in every single one of those games. It’s time for a regression to the mean.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
Even if you weight the coin, it’s getting well beyond the realm of the statistically insignificant.
The refs need to do a better job, period.
"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
Or at least have consistency in their calls
either call everything or let em play, but don’t call some penalties for one team and none for the other.
Kids in the backseat cause accidents, Accidents in the backseat cause kids.
by Area 51 Forever on Apr 7, 2010 12:04 AM EDT up reply actions
It’s not so much us getting called for stuff that I don’t think should be calls, other than a few in Games 3 and 6 in the playoffs last year, but the lack of calls the other way. I feel like we should just be getting 1 or 2 more PP opportunities per game against the Pens that just aren’t getting called…but overall the only game I thought was extremely bad was Game 3 last year with them down 2-0 i the series and getting 6 (I believe) consecutive PP’s.
We are a little less disciplined then they are most of the time, this is pretty much bald fact.
by Davethecapsfan on Apr 7, 2010 12:07 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah exactly. I texted D’ohboy “The refs are letting them play except when they ain’t.” They let so much go early in this game, and then call AO for a harmless slash? Sure, he hacked, but he didn’t change the play or even force the puck carrier to lose the puck. It wasn’t any different than Sid throwing three innocent cross checks into AO’s back in the third. Either you call that shit or you don’t, but don’t do it sometimes. You can call what you called on the Caps, but then do it both ways.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
I was wondering how many times Sid has to cross-check Ovie before the penalty gets called. Clearly, its more than 3.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
I wonder if AO isn’t starting to get the Semin treatment from the refs. Last night he was tripped twice pretty blatantly, no call. Then tonight, the slashing call was really lame.
well, last night the ref’ing was uniformly piss poor. I don’t particularly like that, but I can live with it.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
We should ask the owl
“how many crosschecks from 87 to 8 does it take to get to the whistle”?
Suspend Colin Campbell!
Is what it is though…it’s not going to change I would bet my life on it. If we play in a series again just expect the number of PP chances to be skewed and we’ll deal with it. Fortunately out PP has shown it doesn’t need a lot of chances to capitalize against them. Also one of their biggest issues is a PP that goes nowhere too often.
by Davethecapsfan on Apr 7, 2010 12:12 AM EDT up reply actions
Look at the RMNB link in the recap
Fantastic pure statistical analysis, the likes of which I haven’t seen since freshman year at SUNY Albany. It’ll blow your mind regarding the penalties (if you can follow along)
I'm the first to admit when I'm wrong.... except when someone else beats me to it.
by Backhanded Complement on Apr 7, 2010 12:34 AM EDT up reply actions
Relax…there’s going to be some major regression to the mean, or a ton of refs are going to get fired.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 9:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Vogs just put this nugget up on twitter:
Caps 2nd half pace would produce 135 points over a full season. NHL record is 132 by 76-77 Habs.
Wow. As Ovie would say, “Oh jesus!” and “that’s sick.”
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
Still skewed though; points for losing and all…
by The Jade Donkey on Apr 6, 2010 11:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, but the ’76 Habs had a massive competitive advantage…
"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 a massive talent pipeline where they had exclusive signing rights.
"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
so we are the greatest regular season salary cap team in NHL history?
Kids in the backseat cause accidents, Accidents in the backseat cause kids.
by Area 51 Forever on Apr 7, 2010 12:05 AM EDT up reply actions
Talent pipeline dried up in 1963. I don’t think the ‘70s teams were made up from that, but probably a few veterans were. But half of MON’s Cups came before 1963 and then 4 more in the ’60s. Those you can attribute to the exclusive talent pipeline.
/how’d the Habs do tonight?
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
They still owned Quebec, man.
"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 know. I was mostly fleshing it out because I started this argument with Becca last night. Fact is the majority of Habs Cups are attributable to the prospect protection scheme they enjoyed.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
I was actually wrong yesterday, F&B – they did have one player who was drafted under that special protection rule that eventually played in the NHL. I believe it was one game.
…oh, and they lost in a shootout to the Islanders tonight and it sucked and I’d rather not talk about it on happy Pens night, thanks.
I mean…ahem. We should focus on this awesome recap instead of talking about other teams :D
LOL, one player. They had every French Canadien player until 1963!
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
I will just turn your attention to this article and let someone who knows the Habs better than I do explain it, because…yeah, rooting for them since 2000 does not make me an expert on their history and I should not pretend to be one ;)
That doesn’t say the protection rule didn’t exist. Not explicitly with any source. It just explains other ways MON got good. I don’t see how the two are mutually exclusive.
Per A Thinking Man’s Guide to Pro Hockey the Canadiens and Leafs had exclusive territories within 50 miles of their home cities until 1967, and there wasn’t really any chance for another team to get a Quebecer until the draft was instated until 1963.
Further, the C forms were an unofficial way of maintaining territorial prospect control. Every Quebecer wanted to be a Hab, so anyone with any promise was signed to a C form at an early age (as they pointed out with the Bobby Orr example). Now, it’s not Montreal’s fault that the French speakers wanted to play for them, just like it’s not TOR’s fault that guys like BB and other Ontario natives wanted to play for TOR, but it was most definitely a big advantage for MON and the fact remains that until just about 1970 MON had a huge advantage at securing just about every great French player.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
I never said the rule didn’t exist – I said it didn’t help.
And the Leafs had the same advantage with their 50 mile radius and players within it; there’s nothing in the genetic makeup that gave the Habs an advantage when the rule was crafted, there just happened to be more good French-speaking players. Plus they bypassed a lot of the good ones.
At any rate…a topic for another time and place, no? Before someone yells at us for sidetracking the Recap thread.
Shift Chart
Yeah, I know there’s a glitch here and I’ll fix it at some point, but WSH worked and I liked the emphatic statement that Fleury was pulled…
by vzotsky on Apr 6, 2010 11:49 PM EDT reply actions 4 recs
I like how it shows the goals
...and if I do it again, it's a 10 day suspension.
Chowdah Chatter - an outlet for my random thoughts and such.
That’s what rolling 4 lines looks like.
Love these shift charts, btw
"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
A very Rask-like exit for MAF!
To be or not to be. That's not really a question.
Follow me on Twitter! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes!
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
not to start another East vs. West debate, but I took a look at the stands and was honestly shocked to see, with 2-3 games remaining, only one Eastern team has cracked the 100 point mark. New Jersey, Buffalo, and Pittsburgh have the potential to do so (and very likely will). the West has four teams above that mark, Nashville almost certainly will, and Detroit and Los Angeles remain mathematically in the chase for 100.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
I think people get a little too over the top with standings points when dissecting playoff teams. I mean, is 100 points vs. 95 points that big of a deal. Personally I think you can lump the teams into a couple groups. Was, SJ, Chi are the elite, and then Phx, Van, NJ, Buf, Nsh, Pit, Det are a half step down. Then it gets pretty blurry.
Not that this has much bearing on the playoffs. Pigs will fly before Nashville or Phoenix go anywhere.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
They’re my 2 of my 3 favorite teams in the west!
=’’(
Bah-Ram-Ewe, Ovechkin will wreck you. Fear the Furious Fleece!
Heh, they might play each other in round 1, in which case you’re golden! :-)
P.S. – That’s not to hate on those teams btw, that’s just, to me, the reality of the playoffs.
P.P.S . – Usually when I make statements such as that, one of those teams gets to at least the conference final. I believe my sentiment last year was that the Wings were ‘ripe for a fall’ as our Canes friends might say.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
Golden indeed! That’ll prolly be a rather boring series because of their styles, but i just kinda like the way they play anyway.
p.s. – It’s all good
p.p.s- Which one do you think would make the deeper run?
Bah-Ram-Ewe, Ovechkin will wreck you. Fear the Furious Fleece!
It’s probably true that the East is weaker this year but I think people forget that these things go in cycles – just like the balance of superstars in each conference. There’s no doubt in my mind that there are more individual talents in the East right now and there are better teams out West; back in the late 80s/early 90s I’d say those roles were reversed.
And yet at the end of the day the Cup goes to the last team standing, regardless of how strong or weak their conference was. So there you go.
…but yes, to your point, it is kind of astounding :P Sorry to ramble.
Great point, Becca. I know the NHL isn’t the NFL, and hockey isn’t football, but I remember back in the days when the NFC was winning all the titles even though the AFC was dominating inter-conference play. All that matters is who gets the Cup.
CapsAreMyDaddy
by PensAreYourDaddy on Apr 7, 2010 12:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Exactly. I’d say the East was weaker than the West last year, too, but the Pens still had to show up and beat the Wings – the toughest team IN the tougher West – and they did.
As much as I’m trying to forget that little fact ;)
I’m kind of wondering though how 4 teams in the west get 100+ playing a much “tougher” division where they can’t beat up on teams, minus edmonton, and only playing 20ish games against the East in the season. I mean people are saying Caps have so many points because they beat up on the East but shouldn’t that same theory be used against having 4 maybe 5 – 100 point teams and almost all of the seeds locked up somewhat early? Someone has to be beating up on someone and I don’t think every team in the west went 20-0-0 in their games against the East.
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."
Half wins!
To be or not to be. That's not really a question.
Follow me on Twitter! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes!
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
by Ovechwin on Apr 7, 2010 12:33 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Damn, good game Caps
I was hoping your boys would phone this one in tonight.
CapsAreMyDaddy
by PensAreYourDaddy on Apr 6, 2010 11:53 PM EDT reply actions
lose a bet involving your sig line?
...and if I do it again, it's a 10 day suspension.
Chowdah Chatter - an outlet for my random thoughts and such.
and it’s such a lovely sig line!
PAYD, we were greatly entertained by your posts at Pensburgh tonight! Quality work. I hope you saw our kudos up-thread.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
I’ll be sure to take a look.
CapsAreMyDaddy
by PensAreYourDaddy on Apr 7, 2010 12:04 AM EDT up reply actions
Actually, I thought my best material was in your game day thread:
Did you ever hear that one of the Bush administration’s answers to global warming was to convert the US to celcius?
Come on, that’s comedy gold! :-)
CapsAreMyDaddy
by PensAreYourDaddy on Apr 7, 2010 12:19 AM EDT up reply actions
alas, I didn’t join in the fun of the GDTs.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
It was a good game. Regardless of the outcome, that’s what I was hoping for.
Hell of a shot by Sid on that power play. Our PK gave him all day to shoot. He might as well have ordered dinner.
Everyone wants to kill the king. But the prince, he just sails along telling all the ladies, "One day I'm gonna be king."
The creator and active cheerleader of the Brendan Morrison lobby.
ALI FAROKHMANESH!
What more can I say?
by Steck It Out on Apr 6, 2010 11:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Ovie could order dinner for him! “Ovechkin!”
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
by RedBirdie on Apr 6, 2010 11:56 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Have you guys picked up any chatter about Ovechkin’s ENG goal/his celebration after it?
I Laich the professor.
resident master jinxer
Exactly. Loved that – my roommate was like “he scored, why isn’t he happy?” Tough to explain but I thought that was a great moment. Ovie’s growing up before our very eyes sniff
No, I don’t want Ovie to grow up. He can be peter pan. The sheer joy is always a delight to see.
I agree totally about the stupidity of the average person. Horrifyingly, nearly 50% of people are even stupider!
by Bman21212 on Apr 7, 2010 3:22 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I agree. I have watched 8 closely lately, (thanks to VC seats on the glass), and he has gotten very serious. He isn’t showing the enthusiasm he used to. I hope that implies how serious he is about that last team goal, but I just don’t think he is having any fun lately. That’s what I love to see in his play.
time to break this out one last time this regular season....
Rock the Red! Rock the White! Rock the Blue! Rock the Pens!
by RedskinFan4Life on Apr 7, 2010 12:00 AM EDT reply actions
Nice recap, J.P. You think Schultz would have made a difference last year?
That Semin battle to negate the icing, and the punishment he took, can’t help but remind me of the icing Flash bailed on last night. When Semin makes you look soft… damn you’re soft.
I know that both members of the Sloan Lobby are travelling home, but I’m surprised nobody has given him props tonight. His first period was awesome, and he was steady for the final 40. Twice he got body position on Crosby and made slick plays to get the puck to safety, and then he had the nice hip check. Without any glaring gaffes I’d say that’s a great game for TSlo. Sure, he wasn’t great on the PK, but I don’t think that’s really on him, our PK system just blows.
Come on, I’m not the only one thinking “Thanks for one more helpful hand, BJ” after AO’s first goal.
So how does this game make people feel about the whole “turning on the switch” thing? They’ve been largely going through the motions the last few games but they clearly wanted it tonight. A good sign?
Our D corps is just better than theirs. End of story.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
hey, there’s three members of the Sloan Lobby! I just forced myself to not watch the game in the interest of not giving myself a heart attack or causing Mr. B to go crazy with my constant freak out. Glad to hear TSlo had another good game against the Pens!
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
neither positive nor negatives in the game. A pretty decent game for him in that case
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."
Did you DVR the game? Watch the first period again. He had at least two amazing plays on Crosby to deny him the puck, and a sweet hip check. That’s enough for me to be impressed with TSlo.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
The nice slide deep in our zone to deny a pass/shot stands out as well. With Laing out of the lineup so much have had few opportunities to see a Cap do this the RIGHT way this year (see: Not deflecting it into your own net in OT of Game 5 coughPoticough).
by Davethecapsfan on Apr 7, 2010 12:17 AM EDT up reply actions
No I didn’t. I thought outside of the hip check he was invisible all night which is good for him I guess. I thought the hip check was well timed but didn’t seem to have a lot of force behind it, timid as it were.
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."
Well check NHLN tomorrow. I bet they replay the game at 2 PM.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
I really need to get a DVR. or call out sick.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
I didn’t like him getting spinned around behind the net freeing up crosby.
What I mean to say is for, Sloan I think this was a great game. But that is not saying much, as people have mentioned a good hipchecs, stepping up in the dzone, getting some good positional play.
Still a mediocre game, which translates into fantastic for Sloan…or “all I could ask of him”
I Laich the professor.
resident master jinxer
I think Sloan in part looked good because the wingers backchecked well and limited the passing options for the Pens’ puck carrier.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Apr 7, 2010 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions
This is the shit I hate. Guy has a good game and people still spew this crap.
To be or not to be. That's not really a question.
Follow me on Twitter! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes!
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
Lay a smakedown on ’em!
"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
Thank you for beating me to this. Guy has a good game and some people just can’t give credit where it’s due.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
I feel the same way with Poti but people will shout and yell from the deepest parts of their soul that I’m wrong. I thought Sloan was decent tonight neither good nor great, by normal nhl standards a neutral arrow for the game. But I concede perhaps that it being TSlo it should be an up arrow for so much time and so little collateral being laid
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."
I’m so glad we have a bunch of experts on this blog who can manage a team and select players much better than GMGM and Bruce Boudreau.
To be or not to be. That's not really a question.
Follow me on Twitter! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes!
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
I’m just glad we have a bunch of experts that know how to add the flour in at the wrong time.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
Uhhh I didn’t hear you complaining.
To be or not to be. That's not really a question.
Follow me on Twitter! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes!
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
Pfft you know you liked them.
To be or not to be. That's not really a question.
Follow me on Twitter! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes!
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
I again, I wasn’t whining about Sloan’s performance. It was solid, he limited his mistakes.
But it wasn’t eye popping, in relation to his recent performances (which may or may not have been due to his pairings with 3/4) he was fantastic.
I Laich the professor.
resident master jinxer
Just wondering but
Do you also say Philthy?
To be or not to be. That's not really a question.
Follow me on Twitter! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes!
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
Would you rather me join the Tyler Sloan fanclub, and be the official campaign coordinator for Sloan for Norris?
I will echo what F&B said below, I don’t like certain players (Green, Sloan, Neuvirth, Semin)
But its not like I am going to ignore a solid performance. There were many instances tonight where I thought to myself “Wow, nice play Sloan”
So, in a nutshell, this game he was very solid, I can only think of one instance when he was pylonized.
I Laich the professor.
resident master jinxer
You didn’t answer my question.
To be or not to be. That's not really a question.
Follow me on Twitter! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes!
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
Ah, right.
No, I refrain from using “Philthy” “Broad Street Bullies” “Crosbitch” “Pengwhines” “Cyndy Crysby” “Ovigina”, ect.
My bad
I Laich the professor.
resident master jinxer
But you say T-Slow. Awesome, thanks.
To be or not to be. That's not really a question.
Follow me on Twitter! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes!
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
yea, I really didn’t mean that as derogatory.
I usually just shorten it to T-Slo or TySlo.
Just a shorthand reference.
Cuz, F&B is right, Sloan is a very good skater, and his speed is one of the best facets of his game IMO.
Nobody was complaining to much when the “Gir-poo” was raining down earlier this year in A-Giroux.
I Laich the professor.
resident master jinxer
And I do call him TSlo also. I’m just going to post-hoc change my justification for it and say it refers to his mental process. Because when he has the puck on his stick, his decision making process is so TSlo.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
I think this is the first time I ever dropped a “T-Slow”
At an inopportune time apparently.
I Laich the professor.
resident master jinxer
She’s just a little touchy because she ruined her cupcakes and Lanway picture.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
I beg to differ about Gir-poo. I complained about it at the time, and will continue to do so.
TSlo is an abbreviation, like ShaMo or BMo. It just sounds like bitching about his speed.
Blog: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
No one ever gives my boy TySlo props ’round these parts.
To be or not to be. That's not really a question.
Follow me on Twitter! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes!
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
Look, I know I’m a mean-face-jerk, and I have it in for certain players, but I’ll give credit when it’s due. Sloan is due credit tonight.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
He made quite a number of good plays…sure Sid turned him into a pylon but he had his game on tonight and played solid, if not well.
by Davethecapsfan on Apr 7, 2010 12:13 AM EDT up reply actions
I wouldn’t say Sid turned him into a pylon because Sid didn’t really attack him. Sid just took a shot from the top of the circles and scored. But that’s on our PK. We do that shit with everyone, it’s not on the D as individuals. Think about the Trent Hunter goal that sent the game against NYI to OT (the one that went over Varlamov’s glove. It’s mentioned in my PK FanPost and J.P. talked about Varly’s low glove in the recap).
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
I meant more a play on their PP in the 1st I believe behind the net when he just spun the other way and left him in the dust.
by Davethecapsfan on Apr 7, 2010 12:18 AM EDT up reply actions
You never know what to expect from a guy who would tell his own grandmother to shut up!
To be or not to be. That's not really a question.
Follow me on Twitter! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes!
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
by Ovechwin on Apr 7, 2010 12:19 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Q: How many battered women does it take to change a lightbulb?
A: One, if she knows what’s good for her.
"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 know you were asking JP but. . .
Chimera+Knuble+Schultz+Fehr > Rupp(sp?) – Scuderi
Bah-Ram-Ewe, Ovechkin will wreck you. Fear the Furious Fleece!
Sloan
Over 23 minutes tonight. Never thought I’d see that in a million years. In fact, five of our d-men were over 20. Any word on Erskine? Injured, or just too slow?
DC Landing Strip - Waxed and Ready to Go
The Caps played hard. Haven’t seen that in a while.
As for turning the switch, my only question is whether they can turn it on against the Bruins, or is it just reserved for top flight competition?
"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
This was also not even close to the best lineup we can throw out there. The depth this team boasts is insane.
And the Bruins game was meaningless. That’s the point. They didn’t really want the Bruins game. They wanted this game, and they will want the playoff games.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
I was meaning, will they come out flat like they did against the Rangers, is all.
When they play hard, they’re great.
"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
Right, we were missing what will likely be our 2nd and 3rd line centers come playoffs.
by Gin and Tonic on Apr 7, 2010 12:13 AM EDT up reply actions
Tyler Sloan fan club ladies, video of Sloan in the hat hard. Hot. (he comes on after Bruce)
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
On a soft fucking goal. Bullshit. But take it to the OT Hockey thread. This is for the Caps/Pens game.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
Indeed, it just happened while I was responding to all of your stuff. We need a vent server hahaha
by Davethecapsfan on Apr 7, 2010 12:14 AM EDT up reply actions
Idk if you all could handle the intense bravado and deep sensuality of my voice
Bah-Ram-Ewe, Ovechkin will wreck you. Fear the Furious Fleece!
I can contain my laughter really well no worries.
by Davethecapsfan on Apr 7, 2010 12:16 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m sure JP will link to it tomorrow, but Steinz has an outstanding recap on the empty netter up.
Alex Ovechkin really wanted a second goal against Pittsburgh. He was one goal behind Sidney Crosby for the scoring lead. He was playing against his arch-rivals. The game had been a bit chippy. The fans had been booing. And in the final 30 seconds, with his team up two and the goal mouth yawningly empty, Ovechkin figured maybe he should get his 48th.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
Henrik just leapfrogged Ovechkin in the standings with that assist.
Great game tonight aside from the defensive woes, especially Morrison. Good lord.
LILES! Wow. Saved the Avs with a diving pokecheck, spoiled Henrik’s bid for a second assist.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
Take it to the OT hockey yo!
To be or not to be. That's not really a question.
Follow me on Twitter! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes!
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
Make it then? I honestly didn’t check!
To be or not to be. That's not really a question.
Follow me on Twitter! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes!
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
My apology! I shouldn’t be trying to send people to non-existent threads!
To be or not to be. That's not really a question.
Follow me on Twitter! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes!
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
Little late now :) and how can Ovie’s point scoring lead be OT anyways ;)
by Davethecapsfan on Apr 7, 2010 12:35 AM EDT up reply actions
tweet of awesomeness from Corey:
I nominate Alex Ovechkin scoring two goals after the Mellon Arena crowd chanted ‘M-V-P’ for Sid Crosby as “Bad-Ass Performance of the Year.”
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
by RedBirdie on Apr 7, 2010 12:29 AM EDT reply actions 3 recs
Was gonna post that but you beat me to it. Is it a totally punk “twist the knife” thing to do or what? I appreciate it, though, for exactly that reason – it shows me that the Caps will drive the knife when it’s called for. This is good in the playoffs.
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
So - ShaMo?
Really wish we’d given Alzner a chance to work into the rotation.
How about a couple games of Green,Schultz,Corvo,Poti,Carlson,Alzner and see where that takes us?
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
He had an off night but since the trades he’s been pretty decent, and quite physical – more like a faster version of Hot Pockets who also can hold his stick well. But his plays didn’t cause us to lose the game so I don’t think he’ll be thrown under the bus quite as much
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."
This was probably my favorite JP-penned recap in a long time – not that your other ones have been awful, JP, I just enjoyed the lovely blend of snark and positivity in this one (topped off with a win over the Pens, which makes every recap better).
I honestly was ready to lose this game. All day I was prepared for it, and I was at the point where I didn’t even care if we lost – a rare feeling which usually fades by the start of the game. Tonight it lasted until the middle of the 2nd when I realized, man, I REALLY just want to win this game.
Nice to see the boys come out the way they did and play the way they did in a game that didn’t matter, especially after playing last night and playing without a full lineup! I was especially impressed with the way they responded to goals – twice they scored when the PA announcer was still announcing the last Pens goal, absolutely the kind of response we needed.
And it’s a toss-up which goal is my favorite – right now I’m torn between Ovie’s ENG and Bradley’s lovely tap-in. You know, the kind of timing play that tends to go awry when the 3rd/4th liners start trying it out.
I was astonished the Caps came out as strong as they did to start the game. Normally vs. the Pens this year its been the other way around. And as for goals, what about Sasha’s? On replay the shot is just so nonchalant.
As all of his pretty goals look when he’s Good Sasha. Sick hands.
by Davethecapsfan on Apr 7, 2010 12:37 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, the nonchalance factor was great. Just kinda came in, ho hum, lifted it over the glove and gave that slightly weary expression. “If I have to abuse another goaltender, I swear…”
MAF looked awful tonight. Imagine how Theo’d be getting lit up if he’d allowed the Sasha and Knuble goals?
"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 pretty sure the confidence in MAF is seriously wavering right now amongst the Pens faithful.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
I for one will take the Caps goal tending over the Pens’ or Philly’s. On that note, kinda nice to see Lundqvist getting pulled in the second tonight. Sure, Theo’s gotta do it in the playoffs but I’m feeling more & more confident.
It can clearly be argued the Caps have the best offense in the NHL. Just because we don’t have THE best goal tending or defense, doesn’t mean they’re not good.
every hockey writer in North America would be writing articles on how awful Theo is and the Caps aren’t going anywhere with goaltending like that.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
Brads, for sure, no? Getting the primary from Mr Spleenless is the icing on the cake, there.
Besides that, Sasha Semin taking Goligoski out behind the woodshed was great.
"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
he’s not spleen-less! Just spleen-dented.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
Indeed a very good recap tonight. I also thought tonight would be a letdown despite the Caps always get pumped for the Pens, because they have so little to play for except personal highs and knowing they can ruin the Pens 2nd seed chance.
My favorite goal is quite a toss up between Flash’s snipe(he had a very small window with MaF challenging so far out, and he pounced on the open puck well), Ovi’s eng just because it pissed of Pensburgh so badly, or The Professor’s pretty 5th gwg on the season.
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."
Corey tweets:
Backstrom has 67 assists, third most in #Caps history. Adam Oates is 2nd w/69 in 2000-01. That’s in danger.
Go Nick!
by cuqui on Apr 7, 2010 12:34 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Bäckström is the man! I was talking my out of state little brother post-game tonight, we’re both in agreement that he’s the second most valuable player on the team. A must sign in the off season.
by Eruzione FTW on Apr 7, 2010 12:44 AM EDT up reply actions
"Quite frankly, the game doesn't really mean a lot to us"
Advantage: BB Mind Games
Russian Machine very rarely breaks. Oh and f**k Brooks Orpik.
The only time I really read opposing blog recaps is for pens games. Schadenfreude!
To be or not to be. That's not really a question.
Follow me on Twitter! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes!
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
Sergei Gonchar only played 14:36 on the night, and only 9:36 at even strength. That’s much, much below his averages. Is the Sarge hurting too or is that a result of dressing 7D? And if it’s the latter, why’s the most experienced and thought of best defensemen seeing his minutes cut when three other defensemen played 20+ minutes. That’s a real question right now for this team.
Very interesting. Gooch has definitely lost a step and if they can’t trust him against the Caps then that’s even better for us.
A pretty girl is like a violent crime.
you might remember my fanpost where I broke down how the Caps fare against top-10, middle-10, and bottom-10 teams. I’ve updated the spreadsheet. To tie it to tonight, that Caps had 5.25 goals per game against Pittsburgh this season, while giving up 3.25.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
by RedBirdie on Apr 7, 2010 12:46 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I really hope Ovi wins the Richard by one goal!
To be or not to be. That's not really a question.
Follow me on Twitter! I even say some relevant stuff sometimes!
Founding member of the Tyler Sloan Fan Club
Reading BB’s quotes over the last few days, I very much doubt he’ll be sitting Ovie as long as the Richard and Ross are in play. Managing his minutes, yes, but Bruce has been very vocal about how competitive Ovie is and how he wants to win – the team comes first but he’s got a shot at both trophies and Boudreau knows it.
Plus things are just starting to click again with Ovie – take him out of the lineup and risk him having to warm up again, with the playoffs looming.
I was thinkning that too, don't want him to go cold.
But today in the Post BB said that it would be up to Ovi whether or not he’ll rest. So most likely, he’ll be playing knowing Ovi’s competitiveness.
Pretty happy with my mobile fantasy picks for tonight...
Backstrom 3A and +2
Schultz 2A and +5!
12 points.
Woo Hoo!
I absolutely can not get enough of watching Ovie jump into the Glass to celebrate Knuble’s goal.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Donate to the Rink Pledge Drive for SAVES FOR KIDS! Ain’t nothing [crappy] about giving $5 so a stranger’s premature baby can have the time on a respirator they need.~Gould Old Days
Observations from My Sofa
I missed most of the first period babysitting my grandson… worth every moment.
- Great game for Sarge. He was everywhere, and now leads the NHL in plus minus. A +5 night is nothing to sneeze at, no matter what you think of the plus minus stat.
- Nice to see Ovechkin back in the goal column. Also a great game for a lot of folks.
- With Brads getting his 10th that give the Caps ten guys who have scored 10 or more for the Caps and 12 guys in overall double figures (add in Belanger and Chimera). This means that only the last guy on the 4th line wouldn’t be in double figures in goals (Steckel, presumably).
- Good effort from Varly tonight. The accidental deflection by ShaMo is something that happens (nice answer to it by Flash!). The Crosby goal… well, the guy can shoot. He never saw the other goal by Leopold either. He seemed a little shaky though, but he’s setting down into his regular form.
- Memo to Marc-Andre Fleury: To quote Keith Olbermann, “a good craftsman never blames his tools.” The stick didn’t deserve all that abuse you dished out on it.
- To all the ENG complainers around the net: ENG=WIN
- My grandson apparently loves hockey, even at 7 months old. He was a bit fussy, but when he ended up in my lap while I was watching the game, he stared at the TV and smiled a lot. I think he likes the bright colors and the motion, but it does seem to settle him down.
A great win, considering that one team was playing without one of their top players, had nothing to play for other than pride, and the other team is fighting for points. Next up are the last 2 home games, and next up is Atlanta, starring Colby Armstrong.
Mr. Walker… this…is your time!
Let's go Caps!
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recent FanShots
The Vault
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- Who are the Non-Smythe candidates for the Devils, Kings?
- End is near for Rick Nash, Blue Jackets as trade discussions set to resume
- Why the Devils and the Kings are evidence the Capitals shouldn’t trade Alex Ovechkin
- Eulogy: Remembering the 2011-12 New York Rangers
- Stanley Cup Final: 5 keys for New Jersey Devils and Los Angeles Kings
Latest stories and headlines from NHL.com
- Driven DeBoer delivers Devils back to NHL's elite
- Driven DeBoer, fired by Panthers, delivers Devils back to the land of elite in just one year
- Bruins acquire son of Hall of Famer Ray Bourque
- Bruins add a Bourque: Chris Bourque, son of Hall of Famer Ray Bourque, acquired from Capitals
- Shinnimin named CHL's Player of the Year
