Tuesday Caps Clips: Bruins @ Caps Game Day
by J.P. on Sep 28, 2010 6:41 AM EDT
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Your savory breakfast links:
- Previews of tonight's game against the B's from Vogs and the Post (and a rally cry from Capital Spirit), and be sure to check out our SB Nation partner Stanley Cup of Chowder for coverage from the other side of tonight's match up.
- Reactions to the Matt Hendricks deal. [Caps365 (video of Hendricks), Dump 'n Chase, CI, Ross Hollebon's Sports Pub]
- Could the ultra-passive Caps penalty kill be a thing of the past? Sure sounds like it. [Masisak, Caps365 (video)]
- Coverage of the first day of HBO's invasion. [NHL.com, CI]
- Pictures and observations from Monday at camp. [Caps Snaps (including Pouty Neuvy), Caps In Pictures (Group 1, Group 2), RtR]
- A couple of Caps could contend for the Calder. [NHL.com]
- Previewing the Southeast. [Brophy]
- Prospects and veterans alike are battling for the final couple of roster spots. [CSN Washington]
- Tom Poti and re-upping in D.C. [NHLPA]
- 30 in 30: Tyler Sloan. [Red Line Station]
- Brooks Laich and Marcus Johansson on, y'know, playing. [Caps365 (video)]
- The Caps are an economic eco-system (which would make the Penguins BP or something). [Ted's Take]
- A list of the top NHLers of all-time by jersey number includes Caps at 8, 69 and 90. [SI]
- Stretch speaks. [Capitals Center]
- Pre-game rituals, featuring Alex Ovechkin, sex, and Sidney Crosby's mother. [Maxim, via Alex Ovetjkin]
- The latest Caps rap to surface contains the lyrics "Fleischmann will impale ya." Enough said. [Capitals Outsider]
- Leftover (but solid nonetheless) Duchesne Cup photos. [Examiner]
- On-ice work up at Bears camp starts today. [Patriot-News, LDN]
- Speaking of the Bears, this preview had me until "Finley will fight for a top spot on the Bears’ defensive corps." [KOL]
- Looks like former Cap Brendan Morrison will find work after all. [Kurtenblog]
- And former Caps draft pick Maxime Lacroix is back for a second stint in South Carolina. [Stingrays]
- More on that alumni game up in Hagerstown. [Puck 'N Hockey]
- Finally, happy 57th birthday to Doug Gibson.
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OK, I wake up and get freaked out. Today’s Tuesday, right? Or are you a time traveler bringing us tomorrow’s clips? :)
"It's always good to have vikings."
Clips published early for some reason (i.e. my fault). But they’re complete and correct(ish) now.
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Your lips to the hockey gods’ ears, Stretch.
Fantasy Teams: Baby Got Backstrom (Ladies of Twitter) and All's Fehr in the Crease (Six Beers Too Many)
Hanlon's Razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEUW!!!
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Don’t bother with the new “Let’s Go Caps” rap video. For one, the music/rap is terrible and annoying, and for two, it’s full of shots of the Penguins scoring on the Caps. In a nutshell, last year’s model for this is MUCH more amusing and better.
Photography: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
Agreed. With the sound off, I thought this was a Penguin promo.
He's a better skater than Nick, but he's big in the back[side]...BB
by Backeez Got Back on Sep 28, 2010 8:21 AM EDT up reply actions
Regarding the newer aggressive PK: what are some of the trade offs to playing the PK like that?
"Just the fact that I knew something was bad, I knew it was probably broken, I knew I'd have to miss some time--that makes me upset more than anything."
Like everything else the Caps do, it’s high risk, high reward. If a guy gets out of position and falls over, the puck’s in the back of the net. BUT if they get a chance to grab it, it’s down at the other end on a shorthanded breakaway faster than lightning. The more aggressive style could open us up for more goals against, but it could also help our goals for by allowing us to take control of the puck and either get it out of there or put it in the back of the other team’s net with nothing they can do to stop us.
Photography: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
Awesome, thanks.
"Just the fact that I knew something was bad, I knew it was probably broken, I knew I'd have to miss some time--that makes me upset more than anything."
by QuintinLainged on Sep 28, 2010 8:26 AM EDT up reply actions
Some worthwhile reading, replete with MS paint.
"#DCU is like senior prom. A bunch of people standing around waiting for a 17-year old to score."
by Bald Pollack on Sep 28, 2010 8:30 AM EDT up reply actions 7 recs
Well, it’s not aggressive in the same way that the Caps are offensively aggressive – it would probably actually reduce the goals against (if done right) because it forces the other team to rush passes and rush shots while preventing them from setting up.
Last year the Caps would sit back and wait for the other team to establish their position and then react; it sounds like this new system is more proactive, really putting pressure on the other team so that the Caps control the play rather than react to the play being controlled.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
It’s more proactive than reactive; try and take the puck away, rather than waiting for them to give it away. We take it, we make it go to their end, we wear them out.
I hope we can establish the discipline it takes to stay out of the box; however, we have to overcome preconceived notions, too. If the referees expect to see a hook, they will see one.
Photography: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
Exactly – proactive over reactive. Think a less talented version of what the Flyers have done for years. More shorthanded chances are a bonus offshoot, but rarely the goal; the goal is to prevent the other team from setting up and forcing you to run around, as has so often been the case.
I will say that while the Caps always need to be more disciplined, the problem hasn’t been that they take too many penalties – they actually weren’t shorthanded all that much. The problem was that when they WERE shorthanded they’d more often than not give up a goal. Fewer chances, more goals, lower PK %. Yuck.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
In virtually every sport except baseball, from peewee’s to pros, taking away time and space usually leads to bad decisions and turnovers by the offense. Put pressure on a great QB and he becomes average, agressively guard a shooter in basketball and he turns the ball over, pressure a defender in soccer and he’ll kick the ball out of bounds. This “new” approach on the PK is nothing more than that. What’s astounding is that it took a defensive-minded coach in Evason this long to implement it.
This "new" approach on the PK is nothing more than that. What’s astounding is that it took a defensive-minded coach in Evason this long to implement it.
What’s really amazing to me is that it took an aggressive coach in Boudreau this long to insist upon it.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Yeah, his philosophy in every other facet of the game is to pressure the puck as soon as you lose possession. You can’t quite take it to that extreme on the PK, but I’m shocked he didn’t watch Ryan Callahan blow up our PP by taking away our point men and not realize the difference.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I love watching Cally play PK when he’s not making Green and Ovie cough up the puck at the blueline.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Sep 28, 2010 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions
I loved his PK work wearing the Real Red, White, and Blue.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
by Rob Parker on Sep 28, 2010 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
No doubt, he’s a treat. Burke getting him on the squad was inspired.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Sep 28, 2010 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions
I think it’s a lot more than creating offense while shorthanded (at least, I hope so). By creating pressure on the points, teams aren’t given the opportunity to set up their powerplays, pass around the perimeter, set-up one-timers from the point, etc. as easily. Obviously, the risk is that a really good passing team can catch the Caps chasing the puck and the breakdowns can lead to odd-man opportunities down low, etc., but it’s a welcome changed in my mind. Granted, it has the high probability of totally exposing a guy like David Steckel, but we shall see.
My guess is the PK ends up looking like more of the same by Halloween.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
My guess is the PK ends up looking like more of the same by Halloween.
There’s that eternal pessimist we all know and love.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
Well, if you think that David Steckel is going to look good in a system that requires him to be quick up top, you’ve got another thing coming, sister.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Yeah, well, that’s assuming Steckel sees a lot of PK time. Has he so far?
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I haven’t seen the two games so far, but Stecks led the F’s in PK TOI/G last year, is Bruce’s son, and if he isn’t killing penalties… what the hell is he going to do for you?
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Take faceoffs and game winning field goal attempts.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Sep 28, 2010 8:37 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Makes me wonder why he’s on the roster. Stecks just isn’t bringing much to the table, is he?
by mechanicsville on Sep 28, 2010 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Tougher competition, poor teammates, low GAON/60, very tough zonestart, decent Corsi%? Steckel ain’t great, especially at his cost, but he isn’t worthless, either. I’m actually starting to lose track of why we actually think he’s bad. He’s tradeable, probably paid too much (considering who can be had at nearer to minimum, like Gordon and Betts), but he’s still a decent hockey player.
by red army line on Sep 28, 2010 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions
GVT isn’t great for a one-way defensive player since you really need to contribute offensively. Considering his teammates, I don’t think the coaches are looking for offense from Steckel, which hurts his GVT a lot.
Everyone’s PK numbers were bad, pretty much. And even then, so fine, don’t use him on the PK. Maybe he can go up against a star center and shut him down at evens for a series…oh wait a second.
by red army line on Sep 28, 2010 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions
I also think that, at least around here, Steckel had a pretty brutal season in the context of being voted 9MVC. I think that even the people that laughed at his 9MVC expected more offense than we got from him, and we’ve started to recognize that his defensive prowess isn’t quite what it’s cracked up to be. Another premature extension of a loyal soldier, I guess.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Meh. I’m feeling that it’s selective memory (contributed in large part by Steckel not chipping in offensively), rather than an actual decline. With pretty much the entire team overperforming (high sv% + high sh%), I’m not sure who’ll fall hardest. I wouldn’t be heartbroken if it’s Steckel, that’s for sure.
by red army line on Sep 28, 2010 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeesh. If his shot % got any lower than it did last year, I’d suggest putting a guy wearing a Bondra black and gold jersey puking into a bucket in his place.
"#DCU is like senior prom. A bunch of people standing around waiting for a 17-year old to score."
by Bald Pollack on Sep 28, 2010 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Kind of funny that you cite selective memory for the people that are disappointed when it is most certainly selective memory that got him MVC9.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
It’s really too bad many more people tend to vote than comment.
by red army line on Sep 28, 2010 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions
(Just for your information, it was actually #10)
by red army line on Sep 28, 2010 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions
He gets a ton of PK time – second most on the team per game.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
In 2009-2010.
This is 2010-2011…
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Twitter: @IRockTheRed
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… the first year of his (relatively) big three-year deal.
Yeah, it’s a safe bet he’s gonna get a boatload of PK time.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Further to this point, it’s somewhat disheartening to read between the lines that the coaches have no intention of using Semin on the PK.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 28, 2010 8:35 AM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
Man, with this level of cynicism I have to ask: Did you recently stand outside your ex’s window with a Boom Box over your head and blaring “in your eyes”, only to get kicked off the driveway by her dad?
Country Gentlemen's Pig Fertilizer Gazette
Dunny-on-the-World
It’s cynical for me to want to see a player whose skillset is well-suited to the “new” approach and who has proven to be an effective penalty killer actually utilized on that unit?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Not at all. I agree with you that Semin would be good (imho outstanding) on the pk, especially in that system. I just think that the inference of him not being used is a pessimistic reading, not necessarily intended by the piece.
Country Gentlemen's Pig Fertilizer Gazette
Dunny-on-the-World
“The numbers say Semin should see more time, but the coaching staff may not be willing to trust the enigmatic star with that kind of responsibility.”
C’mon… doesn’t that sound to you like more than mere speculation and something closer to an -off-the-record comment?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Good reporters don’t just throw out idle speculation like that. Corey is a good reporter. Ergo…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Especially since Semin was seeing almost a minute a game last season.
by red army line on Sep 28, 2010 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions
it’s 50-50 to me. And the reason is b/c of Semin’s contract situation. Speculation is rife on the subject, KHL, trade, deadline, end of season, etc. It’s just as easy to say that the author is infering the team wouldn’t trust him on the PK b/c he may not be there much longer, (i.e. they don’t want to hinge the improved PK on a guy who make take his stick and go home). As it is to say that the coaching staff imparted some off the record lack of confidence in Semin’s play.
Country Gentlemen's Pig Fertilizer Gazette
Dunny-on-the-World
I don’t see how the KHL threat has any bearing on how Semin is deployed on the ice this year. If him playing PK gives the Caps a better chance to win, then he should play on the PK. They can fill holes next year when they get there.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I don’t think it does either. It was illustrative of the rampant speculation regarding his place in washington. Active trade speculation certainly WOULD affect a player like Semin’s deployment on a team that is retooling their PK.
Country Gentlemen's Pig Fertilizer Gazette
Dunny-on-the-World
I still disagree. He knows the system and he can play. You play your best players. End of story. When Semin leaves, then you look at what you have and you fill that hole.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
and again, I don’t disagree. What was being debated was the inference of whether or not Corey was told something off the record about Semin being trusted by BB or Evason. I don’t agree with J.P. that it’s obvious that Masisak was given that info. I was suggesting that absent something like an anonymous quote of “according to sources close to the coaching staff” variety it could be an inference by Corey based on what Masisak knows from his extensive experience covering the team.
I certainly think that the guy is entitled to an opinion about the team. And if Corey Masisak writes such an opinion, I won’t treat it as “idle speculation” but as the theory of an informed and observant hockey writer. But unless the man has an attribution (anonymous or named), I’m not going to just accept that somebody on the coaching staff told him, “Look, we just don’t trust Semin. And you didn’t hear that from me.”
Country Gentlemen's Pig Fertilizer Gazette
Dunny-on-the-World
I wasn’t even arguing the point of where Corey’s info comes from. I’m arguing that whether or not Semin is in the Caps’ future plans, whether or not he’s here next year, has literally zero influence over whether he PKs or not.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Reporters do use off the record insights without “according to sources” attribution in just this manner, though. It’s common, and well understood by sources who deal regularly with the press like sports coaches or whoever. Not saying that must be what happened here, but it’s an ordinary thing if it did.
"This guy is an android. He's not human....Oh my goodness."
I really doubt that any coach said to Corey, on or off the record, “We’re not going to use Semin on the PK, we don’t trust him.”
You had me at no problem.
And I’m of the mind that your doubt is likely misplaced.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Might they have said “We think Semin’s skills are well suited to the needs of our new penalty kill, but his history of untimely penalties makes us reluctant to commit to him on the PK unit.”
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Sep 28, 2010 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions
Just curious if there is any way to determine how many penalties Semin has committed during a penalty kill. I could be wrong, but I can’t think of many.
Only the long way… which is ugly as homemade sin, but can be done…
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by IRockTheRed on Sep 28, 2010 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Three big factors. First, he doesn’t play a ton of PK time, so the sample size isn’t large. Second, a two-man advantage is pretty uncommon, which drives the odds even lower. Third, does it matter? This is the kind of thing where perception is greater than reality.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Sep 28, 2010 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions
Fourth, if he tends to take bad PIMs at ES does it really matter what his specific data set looks like while he PKs? If a guy is prone to bad penalties, you don’t want to take that chance when he’s on the PK, period. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the games he PK’d in last year were the games where he looked particularly focused.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Would it make you feel better if most of his ES PIMs are in the offensive zone?
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Not really. I think he’d take the same reaching/hooking PIMs if he was in the D Zone on a PK as well. Sometimes he reaches for pucks, and takes hooks, and sometimes he uses his skating. I like his potential on the PK, but I don’t think he is constantly playing his top notch D. I don’t know how BB decides to pick his spots with Semin on the PK, but I understand the concern for sure.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
That makes little sense. Every PK unit guy is going to commit penalties from time to time. It’s why most coaches practice the PK with more than 4 forwards. To not use your best PK weapon just because you think he’ll not be on a couple more PK’s than some other guy which much less skill makes little sense.
"The most important thing - to get to the playoffs and move on." Evgeny Kuznetsov
by Carl Putnam on Sep 28, 2010 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions
I meant that in the context of killing a penalty being a really bad time to take a penalty. 5-4s are bad, 5-3s are hard to survive. I’m not sure I want our king of hooks and slashes out there killing penalties regularly.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Sep 28, 2010 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m just going off memory, but I don’t recall Semin getting more than maybe one penalty when on the PK. If anything he plays smarter on the PK.
"The most important thing - to get to the playoffs and move on." Evgeny Kuznetsov
by Carl Putnam on Sep 28, 2010 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions
Maybe, or BB is just more careful about using him on the PK and doesn’t do it when he’s in his hooky moods.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
The penalties he takes tend to be in the offensive zone when the other team has the puck. Not usually a PK problem.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
Agreed, his penalties usually come when he tries too hard to make up for a sloppy turnover. When he is focused on playing defense he’s quite good at it.
Aim for the head baby Jesus
It really is astounding that a guy who can be so undisciplined at times can be so sound defensively when he really focuses on it. I guess that’s what makes him an enigma wrapped in a question.
Wrapped in a rug to drop in a river on his more frustrating days.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
So in summary, your first choice for the PK is a guy who committed 20% of the teams minor penalties last season, logs 1st unit PP time in addition to 2nd line ice time, and has a history of injuries.
From a pure defensive talent standpoint, I’m putting 28 on the PK. Looking at the big picture, I’m finding someone else.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Sep 28, 2010 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions
I think his situation on the PK won’t change much from last season. He got about 1 minute per game, and was helpful while not being a key part.
Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.
I’d be fine with that, and perhaps increasing his PK time if he does well. Of course, I’ve never been a fan of having significant overlap between PP1 and PK1 to begin with.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Sep 28, 2010 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions
Looking at the big picture I’m doing the opposite. Scoring goals is not a problem for this team.
Semin is on the PK 80% of the time isn’t extremely valuable?
"The most important thing - to get to the playoffs and move on." Evgeny Kuznetsov
by Carl Putnam on Sep 28, 2010 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions
It isn’t realistic. For Semin to play on the PK 80% of the time he would have to kill virtually every PK second that he isn’t in the box.
That seems unlikely. 40% might be in the ballpark.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Sep 28, 2010 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions
My word choice was poor. I should have said on 80% of the penalty kills.
"The most important thing - to get to the playoffs and move on." Evgeny Kuznetsov
by Carl Putnam on Sep 28, 2010 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions
Best case he’s good to go maybe 60% of the time. Obviously you’re not going to throw him out there if he’s at the tail end of a shift, and since he plays ~19 mins. a night, that figures to happen fairly often.
PK time is also brutal time. Its exhausting, and you get more banged up (little injuries, the kind that wear you out). I dunno if I want Semin, who’s already injury prone, diving in front of shots. Use Flash for that.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Sep 28, 2010 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions
You just described Patrick Marleau, minus the penalty taking. He’s definitely a guy I want out there killing the opposing penalties, even in the big picture.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Sep 28, 2010 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
It doesn’t make much sense that they’d use Morrisonn, then, and not Semin.
by red army line on Sep 28, 2010 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Nah – but you don’t know how much he’ll be used in the new system or how well he’ll do. Yes, the odds are that he continues to eat up PK time, and no, he’s not the fastest guy out there. However if he can win the draw and be one of the guys who moves less while the other three are in more attack mode…I don’t know.
Plus we’ve seen flashes of them play aggressively on the PK and I have to say, he wasn’t bad. Might be interesting to see how he adjusts to the new style – or if he becomes useless trade bait because he can’t.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
He’s not fast enough to do what is required. He’s not going to find another gear all of a sudden.
"The most important thing - to get to the playoffs and move on." Evgeny Kuznetsov
by Carl Putnam on Sep 28, 2010 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions
You don’t have to be fast.
Sincerely,
Jeff Schultz
by red army line on Sep 28, 2010 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Completely different animal playing defense on a PK versus playing forward. D-men move within a fairly small area around the net for the most part.
"The most important thing - to get to the playoffs and move on." Evgeny Kuznetsov
Not buying it, really. Once you’re set up the defensemen are responsible for the corners and low slot too, correct? It’s not as if the defensemen never have to skate, back up, or come out. Steckel’s size and reach could well cancel out his speed. I wouldn’t bet on him being successful, but doesn’t mean he can’t be.
by red army line on Sep 28, 2010 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes, but the corners and low slot are around the net. It’s a couple of strides to either spot. In addition, due to Sarge’s size and reach he covers more ground without having to move a lot.
Forwards are responsible for much more movement during a PK, both inside and outside of the defensive zone.
Steckel is consistently late to get to the point men on the PK.
"The most important thing - to get to the playoffs and move on." Evgeny Kuznetsov
If the PK is going to be more aggressive, I’m not sure it matters. There won’t be time wasted in acceleration (not an issue for AO or Green, but sure is for Steckel), and a 15-ft wingspan (as iwearstripes says below) takes away a ton of space if everyone else plays it right.
by red army line on Sep 28, 2010 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions
If Steckel is still down at the dot when the puck hits the point man he could have the late Manute Bol’s reach and it wouldn’t matter.
"The most important thing - to get to the playoffs and move on." Evgeny Kuznetsov
If there’s a more aggressive philosophy in place, he isn’t going to be “still down at the dot.”
by red army line on Sep 28, 2010 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions
That’s not true. Aggressive PK means that the forwards are constantly pressuring the puck carrier, not just sitting close to the point men. So if a forward comes out of the corner and up the half wall with the puck and the D is covering guys in front then the forward is going to have to come down and take away space. That then leaves the point open and the forward is going to have to get back to that point very quickly.
With the passive PK the Caps have used that F on the halfwall gets almost no pressure because the Fs aren’t chasing below the top of the circle. How many times did we see St. Louis come off the halfwall unchallenged, take his time and then zip a perfect set up pass for a Stamkos one-timer?
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Sep 28, 2010 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Aggressive PK means that the forwards are constantly pressuring the puck carrier, not just sitting close to the point men.
I’m not so sure about Steckel’s footspeed, but having the forwards constantly pressuring means Steckel isn’t accelerating from zero all the time, correct? That could be the few feet difference he needs.
by red army line on Sep 28, 2010 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Actually with the amount of stopping to change direction that you have to do you are accelerating from zero (or close to it) much of the time. For example, if you have to come down to pressure a forward coming out of the corner then turn and go back to the point your first couple steps are crucial.
Regardless, I don’t think Steckel is a good enough skater to provide aggressive pressure even if he doesn’t have to constantly accelerate.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Sep 28, 2010 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Not only that, but even if Steckel does happen to effectively pressure his opponent and steals the puck he’s not going to outrace anyone back down the ice to score a short handed goal. Teams aren’t going to fear him like they would guys with speed and/or skill.
"The most important thing - to get to the playoffs and move on." Evgeny Kuznetsov
Schultz lack of speed is further mitigated by his reach. A big part of being effective on the PK is getting sticks in passing lanes. Having a 15 foot wingspan certainly doesn’t hurt in that regard.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Sep 28, 2010 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions
That point re:Semin sounded to me like Corey editorializing. At least I hope it was for the reasons you mention.
by mechanicsville on Sep 28, 2010 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions
The Rink has advocated using Semin on the PK not only for the betterment of the unit but to help focus what can be a HHT monster otherwise.
"#DCU is like senior prom. A bunch of people standing around waiting for a 17-year old to score."
by Bald Pollack on Sep 28, 2010 8:40 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
You’re bringin’ it this morning… Natty-Lite.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 28, 2010 8:43 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I was asked to try and emulate the actions of someone you admire for a work training class today, so there you go. /OT
"#DCU is like senior prom. A bunch of people standing around waiting for a 17-year old to score."
by Bald Pollack on Sep 28, 2010 8:48 AM EDT up reply actions
Do you think this is because the more aggressive forwards on the PK may be called on to block more shots and therefore increase the chances of getting hurt? I get concerned about seeing Backs out there getting his feet in the way of pucks.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Sep 28, 2010 8:39 AM EDT up reply actions
I think Backstrom is mostly going to be out there to have his stick in passing lanes rather than his body in shooting lanes, though he does it well enough for me.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
by jordanDC on Sep 28, 2010 8:42 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Always worth another viewing.
Six Beers Too Many fantasy team: It's Neu-virth Than Usual
"I wake up in the middle night frustrated because we lost out in the first round and I want to see our players hoist the Stanley Cup." -Brooks Laich
by CapitalCentre on Sep 28, 2010 9:43 AM EDT up reply actions
With Backstrom’s durability thus far, I don’t see any reason to discontinue using him. Don’t make him the top PKer (until maybe a competitive playoff series, and later rather than earlier), but hey, I wouldn’t even mind AO getting 30 secs a night.
by red army line on Sep 28, 2010 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions
I wouldn’t even mind AO getting 30 secs a night.
See, not only would I not mind 30 seconds, I’d really like to see Ovie as a PK regular. It’s an area of his game that is completely deficient. Crosby has improved aspects of his game that were weaknesses, like faceoffs, and practiced them into strengths.
I know that he Ovie is used as a purely offensive weapon, and quite effectively. But with the “C” on his chest, he needs to be able to lead by example on offense as well as defense, and PK time is as symbolic of stalwart defense as PP time is symbolic of skillful offense.
You had me at no problem.
See…I’m not convinced this is necessary. I agree that there are areas in which he needs to improve, and defense is one of them, but I don’t think he needs to go to that extreme. He gets more than enough ice time as it is – why force him into a role that’s not really a good fit for him?
Guys like Crosby and Backstrom have that defensive responsibility in their game already that makes them effective PKers, it’s why both of them have gradually added that skill to their repertoire. I think it has very little to do with leadership; I don’t need him out there 30 minutes a night to prove he’s a good leader, I need him to excel at what he does best and work to improve areas that make him better at that.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
When games are playing out as high-scoring affairs, 5-4 or 6-3, I want to see the Ovechkin we’ve seen for 5 years.
But when the games are tight, low scoring affairs, such as the 2-1 losses to MTL in the playoffs, Ovechkin as an offensive dynamo doesn’t work well for the team. When he gets shut down on every rush, it becomes demoralizing.
In those tight games, Ovechkin can’t lead by example, because he isn’t used defensively, and I think the team is hurt without a defensive leader. It’s not like Poti or Green are going to be big inspirations.
You had me at no problem.
Ovechkin would be great on the PK but it is a waste. He’s more valuable resting for the first ES shift than being out there. Still, if push comes to shove I’d rather have Ovechkin out there than not. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again that Ovechkin has the physical talent to change fate — no other guy is going to have the same strength and skating to close a gap or get someone off of the puck like Ovechkin. All things considered, he’s the size of any of the biggest, best defenders in the league yet has twice the skating ability.
Human existence being an hallucination containing in itself the secondary hallucinations of day and night (the latter an insanitary condition of the atmosphere due to accretions of black air) it ill becomes any man of sense to be concerned at the illusory approach of the supreme hallucination known as death.
I wouldn’t be heartbroken if some of his PP time goes into PK time. I don’t think it’s coincidence some of the best puck possession forwards in the league are really good PKers.
by red army line on Sep 28, 2010 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Seriously. I mean, Ovechkin’s not going to suddenly morph into Peter Forsberg, but a gradual transition into more PK responsibility would be wise, IMO. It’s an important aspect of the game.
You had me at no problem.
Regular PK time could morph AO’s feet into Forsberg’s feet, though. I think it’s just too much of an injury risk to make it worth it to play AO on the PK.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
by Rob Parker on Sep 28, 2010 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
He plays so damned hard already, PK minutes wouldn’t be much tougher on Ovie than 5v5 minutes where’s he’s flying around and smashing bodies. More leg work, less upper body work.
You had me at no problem.
False. If he plays more PK, he’s going to block more shots, and that’s what I’m worried about.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Risk/Reward. I still say we need him to play at a high level on both sides of the ice. Plenty of elite players play PK, and you don’t hear too much hand-wringing about potential injury. And not every PKer blocks shots with Laing-like frequency.
You had me at no problem.
Pavel Datsyuk missed half the 09 SCF with a broken foot. Crosby doesn’t play a ton of PK because he took a shot off the foot a couple years ago. Lots of guys PK, lots of guys don’t. I don’t think the reward with AO on the PK is anywhere near the risk.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Sid still gets close to a minute. I don’t know about Ninjak, but I’m not even asking for that much.
by red army line on Sep 28, 2010 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Sid got a lot more this year because of his faceoff skill. I don’t think they’d really want him to get that much if Staal could win draws. It’s personal preference, but I just don’t see the point. If he was Pavel Datsyuk good at defense then maybe you say “you can’t waste his D skill on the bench” but he’s not. I don’t think he’s terrible at D, but I don’t think he’s anything special either. Certainly not going to change the overall make up or success of our PK.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Let’s hope. After seeing how good Semin and Backstrom are I wouldn’t mind another puck-controlling forward (of which quite frankly the Caps don’t have much).
by red army line on Sep 28, 2010 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions
I love skill on the PK, and I have no problem with guys like Marleau and Richards/Gagne/Carter doing it. I just think those guys have exceptional defensive skills so that it makes more sense. To me it just feels like playing AO on the PK is doing it just to do it. He’s our best player so he has to PK. I just don’t think it’s an optimal use of his talent, and the attendant injury risk really makes it even less worth it.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
Ovie may not be good enough on D as-is to make a big difference on the PK, but without giving him some practice, we’ll never know if he could be a defensive leader in tight playoff games like the ones we lost last Spring.
I would brush aside all these concerns anyways. What matters most is to have your captain able to lead the team in all types of games and strategies.
You had me at no problem.
What matters to you most is having your captain able to lead the team in all types of games and strategies. But that’s irrelevant. Captain issues are all internal to the room; if the players are cool with his leadership, and all signs suggest they are, then there isn’t an issue.
And the PK wasn’t the reason we lost last spring. I don’t see how AO playing on the PK changes a thing.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
The game is played on the ice, not in the locker room, and Ovechkin has always said that as a captain, he mostly leads by his in-game example. Of course they’re all fine with him being the captain. But that doesn’t mean he’s doing everything he could.
PK was what put us down 1-0 for the majority of game 7. But more indirectly, I think an inability to change strategies and effectively play a defensive game was a big part of why we lost.
You had me at no problem.
Mike Green was what put us down 1-0 in that game and EVERYBODY knew the habs would score after that ridiculous cross-check.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
And Semin took the bad PIM when we were dominating early in game 6. I’m just not seeing the point. How does AO on the PK change any of that? How about the PP? I’d point at that before the PK. And again, whether he plays PK or not is entirely irrelevant for his Captain duties.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
This isn’t really about the Habs series(though it would all be moot if we’d won that series and 3 more, proving Ovie’s style can win a cup). Obviously, an inability to score did us in, especially on the PP. It’s about a perceived weakness in Ovechkin’s game.
We just disagree. I think it would be a huge boon for the captain to be solid on offense and defense, and I consider PK to be the epitome of defense. You think PK time for Ovie is too big a risk. You’re probably in the majority, too.
You had me at no problem.
PK defense is not in game defense. They are entirely different due to
- Being a man or more down
- The only objective for each player is to defend the zone and clear when possible
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
(Point being, I’d rather AO show better defense when needed during even strength and not have him on the PK at all)
I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.
by zephyr on Sep 28, 2010 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Exactly this; Sid took the faceoff, looked for an opportunity to move up ice and then got the hell off the ice to let the grinders get on.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Sep 28, 2010 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Pavel Datsyuk missed half the 09 SCF with a broken foot.
And was ineffective for the other half because he had no lateral acceleration. Between that and Lidstrom coming off surgery to save a testicle after one of the Hawks speared him, I think that sunk the Wings later in the series.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Sep 28, 2010 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Agreed, but it’s moot now. The Pens won the Cup.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
by Rob Parker on Sep 28, 2010 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yep. That team was no slouch itself.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Sep 28, 2010 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think anyone wants him to be the Caps’ top PKer. But 5 seconds a night isn’t making much use of a premier talent.
by red army line on Sep 28, 2010 3:05 PM EDT up reply actions
5 seconds a night is pretty much nothing. That’s mostly throwing him out at the end to catch the other team tired for the shift after the PK (when all the other team’s top players are gassed from the PP). I’d prefer that deployment.
Lockout talk makes me want to go out and choke an old lady - Elliotte Friedman
I’ve seen Ovi kill penalties on the Russian team. I get the feeling that the Caps simply don’t use him on the PK because of the risk of him getting hurt. The last time I remember Ovi killing a penalty was on the game against the Ranges on 02/04/10. He blocked a shot with this chest. Check out the highlights (around the 10:58 minute mark).
http://rangers.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?hlg=20092010,2,842
Here’s what Ovi said when asked afterwards:
With 15 seconds left in the game, Ovechkin helped preserve the victory by kneeling to block Michael Del Zotto’s slap shot. "I have to," Ovechkin said. "The coach puts me in that situation, I have to make some blocks."
Lobbies: Green, Carlson, Orlov
I think you answered your own question – if that was the concern, Nick wouldn’t be getting more PK time.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I think I could have answered my own questions if I had actually read Corey’s article first.
Don’t like that they are concerned about Semin’s ability to be responsible right out of the gate. Seems like he has shown good PK abilities in the past so give him a shot to prove himself. It’s not like his potential failure on the PK early in the season is going to have a significant impact on the team’s overall regular season performance.
I don’t want to count chickens, but the first part of this season should be a big test to determine what the team has or doesn’t have with the current roster. Gives them the chance to add or subtract pieces as needed for the playoffs.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Sep 28, 2010 9:05 AM EDT up reply actions
the first part of this season should be a big test to determine what the team has or doesn’t have with the current roster
Agreed, but how much can you really know? I mean, after 82 games last season, you’d have thought the PP was pretty good, but then…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
True but I don’t think the issue of the PP in the playoffs was due to Caps personnel on the ice (other than maybe letting Corvo take some of Green’s PP time). You can try and change strategy at any time but post trade deadline, it’s hard to make significant changes to the players you’ve got.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Sep 28, 2010 9:22 AM EDT up reply actions
I mean, after 82 games last season, you’d have thought the PP was pretty good
True, but the odds are probably better that I’ll get a glimpse of Haley’s Comet in my lifetime than I’ll see the league’s best PP go 1-33 again in a seven game series.
by b.orr4 on Sep 28, 2010 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Rec’d.
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Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
by IRockTheRed on Sep 28, 2010 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions
Who is on the PK this year? Gordon is a given. Backstrom’s been very effective. Chimmer got a lot of time on PK in the first preseason game. Mackan led the forwards in the last one. Stex is likely to see action there, and Knuble too.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 28, 2010 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions
I would assume
They’d roll out at least one defenseman, seeing as Poti was largely a mainstay last year. If they’re claiming to make only “minor tweaks”, as mentioned in the article, then I would assume that they would only change the system, not the personnel to an extent.
.بله ، امضای من است به زبان فارسی
by Steck It Out on Sep 28, 2010 9:25 AM EDT up reply actions
Sorry, I should have said. Yes, I was trying to figure out who the forwards will be.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 28, 2010 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Sounds like Bradley will get some time there.
Hopefully not Knuble. The two big plays in the MTL series notwithstanding, he was a pretty awful PKer last year.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
He’s like Stecks. Not exactly a speed skater. I never want to see him on the PK.
"The most important thing - to get to the playoffs and move on." Evgeny Kuznetsov
by Carl Putnam on Sep 28, 2010 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions
He’s smart enough to be have been very good at it a couple of years ago. Now, I think just getting 1st line ice time next to Ovi and Backstrom is tough enough on his legs, so I agree that it’s not a great use of personnel, but even though the stats aren’t great I never felt terrible having him out there. It’s not like he was a leader in SH TOI.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 28, 2010 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions
As you allude to, at his age its best that he saves his legs. He probably skates better than I give him credit for, but his latreal skating, especially doesn’t seem to be fast enough to make him an effective PKer at this point. Unlike Semin I’d rather he spend his time on the PP.
"The most important thing - to get to the playoffs and move on." Evgeny Kuznetsov
Laich and Bradley usually get some PK time, as does Flash on occasion.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
How many PK forwards are there? 6?
I think I’d like to see Gordon, Backstrom, Johansson (if he makes the team), Semin, Bradley, and Chimera or Laich out there. Obviously, with Boudreau in charge Steckel is going to be in that mix too.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 28, 2010 9:38 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m not sure how much we’ll see Chimera out there – I like the idea of him on PK but they didn’t use him all that much last year. That could change, though, obviously.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
Bruce just gave him a good hard look. I expect he’s going to get an audition. We’ll see how he does. He hasn’t been the greatest PKer in the past, but if the PK is going to be more aggressive he may be more effective.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 28, 2010 9:46 AM EDT up reply actions
It would be nice for him to get some more ice time short-handed, since he doesn’t get much on the power play.
Why wouldn't you play Perreault? He's a really talented young player.
Why aren’t we talking about MJ90 for PK? The article highlights the PK success with him on it in preseason.
Admittedly, against woeful CBJ and only slightly less woeful NSH.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Yeah, I’m with JP. That was the worst part of the article.
As a great man once told me, “talk is cheap, it takes money to buy whiskey.”
If the Caps start out the season with Steckel regularly manning the PK, this new aggressive approach may not work and if it doesn’t work, I think they’ll go back to what “worked.”
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Year / Rank / %
01-02 / 24th / 82.1
02-03 / 28th / 81.2
03-04 / 26th / 81.3
05-06 / 28th / 78.9
06-07 / 23rd / 80.2
07-08 / 25th / 78.9
08-09 / 17th / 80.6
09-10 / 25th / 78.8
Brutal, especially when considering that the Caps were #1 overall in the league in 97-98.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
Oh my god, putting all the numbers in one place like that makes my eyes bleed. That’s completely miserable.
"Do you see my fist? It was fists like these that built quaint Canadian cities out of the harsh Canadian wilderness, etc. etc."
by SeattleCapsFan on Sep 28, 2010 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions
I was just trying to capture the spirit of the thing.
'Cause the end of what it was is what it is right now...
by D'ohboy on Sep 28, 2010 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Well, you succeeded, sir.
"Do you see my fist? It was fists like these that built quaint Canadian cities out of the harsh Canadian wilderness, etc. etc."
by SeattleCapsFan on Sep 28, 2010 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions
The Dickensian aspect?
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Sep 28, 2010 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
i thought about rec’ing your quick research, but i’d prefer to bury it from the light of day. holy PK, batman.
by Natty Bumppo on Sep 28, 2010 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions
We’ve been through this a million times the last 2-3 years. How does the coaching staff not see it on tape or in the stats??? He’s the best PK guy they could have, especially if you are going to pressure the points. Good thing I’m not a press guy in DC. I’d be all over the coaching staff with follow up questions.
"The most important thing - to get to the playoffs and move on." Evgeny Kuznetsov
by Carl Putnam on Sep 28, 2010 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m not so sure about that. The Caps do like it when things work the way they’re supposed to. They respond very well to positive reenforcement, and if this version of the PK continues to work as well as it has, they will continue to do it this way.
At least I hope they will.
Photography: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
I don’t think more SH chances are the point of a more aggressive PK. The point is to force turnovers (and thus a chance to clear the zone) by pressuring the entry into the zone.
My thoughts on this…
One, it can’t get much worse, so they might as well try something new.
Two, I’ll believe it when I see it. Training camp “commitments” to defense, improved PK’ing, etc. are one of the rites of late summer, but all too often they do not bear out in substantive changes once the real season starts.
Three, the most heartening part of Corey’s article was the subtle suggestion that Stecks, Erskine and Sloane will not see PK time. Here’s hoping…
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Heh. That’d be nice.
Sadly though, I imagine they have 4 D in the PK rotation. Green ain’t one of ‘em. If Erskine also isn’t one of them, that leaves Schultz, Alzner, Carlson and Poti (in my desired order of PK TOI), so he’s going to get at least some. And we have no idea if Alzner and Carlson will/would be effective over the long haul. If they aren’t, Poti gets a lot of ice time.
More awkward, knock-kneed, and hurried failures to clear are unfortunately on the menu.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
Green ain’t one of ‘em.
Why do you say that? If it’s because of all his time being on the PP, couldn’t JC74 can take over some of those duties?
"HISTORY DOESN’T MATTER!!! .... Who cares if it’s never been done? We aren’t those teams who failed before. We are in control of our own destiny, and we will make it happen our own way.." - A Gordon, June 2010
What makes you say Green ain’t one of them? He got 2:09 SH per game last year, which isn’t much less than any other defenseman other than Poti. I think Bruce likes to use 5 or even 6 D to kill penalties.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 28, 2010 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions
Belay my last.
Perhaps there is hope after all that Poti doesn’t see time on the PK.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
I’d settle for balance among the PKers.
I don’t think Poti is naturally as bad on the PK as folks around here think, based on the stats. I think he was overused. If the PK time is balanced, I think his effectiveness will improve. I don’t mind him on the PK, but I do mind him averaging 3:30 when everyone else averages 2:00
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 28, 2010 1:09 PM EDT up reply actions
I think what’s so frustrating about Poti on the PK is that he can do a lot to effect the outcome, make a couple of great reads, then blow the clear or leave his stick in the wrong lane. He plays so well, then has these strange mental lapses that glare like the daystar.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Sep 28, 2010 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions
I think it’ll be interesting to see how/if perception of Poti’s PK play shifts should he be given less time shorthanded. You have to remember, he was The Guy last year only out of necessity – and I’m not arguing that he’s a stellar PKer, but there’s a chance we’re a little biased against him because he was out there the most. There just was no one else, and the PK sucked in general.
As I said elsewhere, it’s not like the Caps took SO many penalties – quite the opposite. But when you take 3-4 a game and give up 1-2 PPGs a game, the numbers don’t look pretty for anyone. If he sees less ice time and that PPGA number goes down, who knows?
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
I would sggest that if the forwards can apply more pressure on the points, Poti will fare much better on the PK.
by mechanicsville on Sep 28, 2010 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m not sure that follows. Forwards taking more risks may put more, not less, pressure on the D down low
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 28, 2010 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions
The other team could get the puck down low easily anyways. Even if they give up an extra scoring chance, getting the puck and clearing an extra 5 times is a net plus.
by red army line on Sep 28, 2010 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions
I was picturing the opposite. Opposing forwards being harassed sufficiently up front, and not being allowed to walk deep into the zone or make undefended passes down low, may give the Caps D a better chance to defend and clear the puck well.
by mechanicsville on Sep 28, 2010 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions
That’s the theory. But it will also create more odd man isolations when a forward is out of position after pursuing a puck carrier who passes it off. Aggressive PK could mean that everyone moves more, not just the Fs
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 28, 2010 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think more SH chances are the point of a more aggressive PK. The point is to force turnovers (and thus a chance to clear the zone) by pressuring the entry into the zone.
Not the point, but certainly the icing on the cake. Of course forcing turnovers and getting the puck the hell out of Dodge is the point. But given this team’s speed…
Photography: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
by IRockTheRed on Sep 28, 2010 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions
The way this team is built, creating shorthanded scoring opportunities should be somewhere around an octonary objective…
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Sep 28, 2010 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions
This will probably get me banned from future meetings of the rink rabbits, but Laich pissed me off with his comments in that video. He has this Eddie Haskell persona, always saying things that make him sound like such a perfect team guy, like how he doesn’t like it when the team goes anywhere without him. But to imply that HE was the only vet who wants to play every preseason game can be construed as a dig at the rest of the team (tomorrow’s CBC headline: “Ovechkin Finally Forced To Play”). As much as we hear great quotes out of him, and that whole “Brooks is still practicing” image, there’s got to be a reason we don’t know as to why he was passed over for the “C” or either of the “A’s”.
"HISTORY DOESN’T MATTER!!! .... Who cares if it’s never been done? We aren’t those teams who failed before. We are in control of our own destiny, and we will make it happen our own way.." - A Gordon, June 2010
by bagace on Sep 28, 2010 9:00 AM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Eh…if you want to take it that way you can, but I don’t think there was any malicious intent to it. I think Laich just likes to be around the guys, he seems Crosby-esque (without the talent, of course) in that regard – eats, sleeps, breathes hockey. I also thought he, Knuble and Boudreau all went out of their way to make the point that some guys like to play every game and some prefer only a few to get ready. Do you think less of Knuble for only wanting to play in a few games?
My guess is he wasn’t given the ‘C’ because it’s Ovechkin’s team and he wasn’t given the ‘A’ because nothing was going to change in how he led/acted if he got a letter – he just does it naturally. But for other guys it could be a kind of call to arms, incentive to raise their game and become even more of a leader. Boudreau even pointed that out about Poti last year, if I recall.
And as for the “Brooks Laich is still practicing” thing…I think that’s just him. I have a friend whose brother played with him in Seattle and she said the difference between her brother (who had about the same amount of talent at that level) and Laich was that Laich had an incredible work ethic while her brother didn’t.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
Darling, it's a Lacroix
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 28, 2010 9:19 AM EDT reply actions 5 recs
Any AbFab reference gets a Rec…
Now where is the gin bottle?
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Sep 28, 2010 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions
Darling, it's Stolichnaya
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Sep 28, 2010 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions
Terrifying.
"Now wait a minute. This is just purely a social call. You know, just two adults getting a stew on, man."
by The Ghost of Bebop on Sep 28, 2010 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions
Patsy always gets rec’d, my highschool english teacher looked just like her.
Aim for the head baby Jesus
What's the over/under for attendance tonight at VC?
Let’s set it at an even 10,000. How hockey-starved is this town?
by M-M-M-My Chimera on Sep 28, 2010 9:28 AM EDT reply actions
Very hockey-starved, but perhaps not enough to take in a weeknight preseason game on a rainy day against a team that’s not a big rival. We’ll see, though – hopefully it’s closer to 15,000.
Anyone going? I’ll be there, who else?
If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.
Well we weren’t at first because it is a school night, but I don’t think I can stay away. May surprise my son. If he gets his homework finished.
Alright, confess-how many goals are you going to make this year?
"I'm not going to tell!"
Well can you at least guarantee fifty?
"No way. I have a different objective. To win."
by capsyoungguns on Sep 28, 2010 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions
We’ll be there
He's a better skater than Nick, but he's big in the back[side]...BB
by Backeez Got Back on Sep 28, 2010 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions
I’ll be there. I’m passing on the other two games this weekend, though.
"It's always good to have vikings."
I just walked over to VC box office to ask about walk-up seats. They still want $40 for the cheap seats, which will buy a lot of beers at the Japers’ Rink After Party or 1/5 of a Winter Classic jersey at CapsCon, so I’ll pass. Reluctantly.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
I don’t get it that the face value of the pre-season games is the same as regular season. I swear it wasn’t that way last year, and my cost is still less than regular season.
"It's always good to have vikings."
bummed I can’t go. My parents will be enjoying my tickets.
Watching the O’s try to use strategy is like watching Mike Green trying to figure out the difference between "your" and "you’re"--Terpgrrl
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
You could probably go higher and still take the over (last year was in the 13-14k announced range if memory serves).
"#DCU is like senior prom. A bunch of people standing around waiting for a 17-year old to score."
by Bald Pollack on Sep 28, 2010 9:29 AM EDT up reply actions
Well is the over/under you are discussing the announced attendance or actual seats being occupied because for a preseason game the difference will be 1000s I would assume :)
Indeed – are we talking Susan O’Malley attendance or fannies-in-seats?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
On a selfish level, I’m hoping closer to 5,000. This will ensure short bathroom/beer lines. And seeing as how regular season games are always packed- I’m wishing this for preseason games only.
I bet there are around 12K tonight though.
www.digisourcesolutions.com
You gotta run to a window and say: "Hey, these floors are dirty as hell, and I'm not gonna take it anymore!"
Over 10K….. there will probably be about 12000 folks there. The Nats also have a game tonight which will make the Metro less fun, esp. since they’re playing Philly (meaning Philly fans…) But it should be a decent crowd.
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Sep 28, 2010 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions
now that the Phillies have clinched, expect ballpark attendance to be smaller.
Watching the O’s try to use strategy is like watching Mike Green trying to figure out the difference between "your" and "you’re"--Terpgrrl
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
Last night was a perfect storm of sorts. Roy Halladay was on the mound and the Phillies were trying to clinch. Who knows whether they’ll come out tonight. I think better weather and a Ryan Zimmerman T-Shirt Tuesday will lead to a similar crowd but the mix will be slightly better than the 75/25 Phillies/Nats ratio there was last night. I’m going to all 3 games of the series, but my priority was Wednesday, Tuesday, and lastly Monday if I had to choose.
The wait for 10/7 begins. This man is focused. Are you?
by souldrummer on Sep 28, 2010 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions
It wasn’t really Zimm that was the problem last night; it was Roy Halladay on his game. Nats have had a good homestand otherwise. They won 3 of 4 against the Astros. They won 2 of 3 from the Braves. So far without Zim this homestand they are 3-2.
Nats starting pitching is the biggest reason that it’s hard to expect but so much of them next year unless they make moves.
The wait for 10/7 begins. This man is focused. Are you?
by souldrummer on Sep 28, 2010 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions
The way Halladay was pitching last night, there are 29 teams in baseball that would have lost last night’s game against the Phillies.
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Sep 28, 2010 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions
This.
The wait for 10/7 begins. This man is focused. Are you?
by souldrummer on Sep 28, 2010 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions
I cursed when I saw Halliday was pitching.
Watching the O’s try to use strategy is like watching Mike Green trying to figure out the difference between "your" and "you’re"--Terpgrrl
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
I hate the Phillies.
Watching the O’s try to use strategy is like watching Mike Green trying to figure out the difference between "your" and "you’re"--Terpgrrl
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.
we’ll be there Wednesday. I hope Nats fans turn out for the last home game of the season. For once, I’d like to actually be surrounded by fellow Nats fans for a game against the Phillies.
Watching the O’s try to use strategy is like watching Mike Green trying to figure out the difference between "your" and "you’re"--Terpgrrl
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.