Recap: Capitals 4, Coyotes 3
by Rob Parker on Nov 21, 2011 10:11 PM EST
in Game Recaps
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[GameCenter - Ice Tracker - Game Summary - Event Summary - Faceoff Summary - Play-by-Play - Home TOI - Visitor TOI - Shift Charts - Head-to-Head - Fenwick/Corsi - Zone Starts]
Tonight the Washington Capitals returned home after a tough road trip, having picked up zero of a possible six points, and sitting on a four game losing streak overall. Their opponent, the Phoenix Coyotes, is not the kind of team that was going to make it easy on the Caps as they tried to bring an end to their losing streak (as if easy opponents exist in the NHL). The Coyotes are well-coached, disciplined, and incredibly difficult to beat when they are given a lead. Well, the Caps spotted the Coyotes a 2-0 lead, on 2 shorthanded breakaway goals (the latter needing a second-chance penalty shot to beat Tomas Vokoun), but you can throw out the Coyotes' stellar record when scoring first, as the Caps came back to tie the game before the end of the second period. The Caps came out and won the third period, ending their losing streak and sending the home fans happy.
Ten more notes on the game:
- Going into the game, all eyes were on Dmitri Orlov, as he was making his NHL debut. The book on Orlov is that he's a dynamic player with the puck, but still a bit raw in his own end. So it makes sense that he'd be paired with Karl Alzner, the Caps defenseman most capable of erasing his partner's mistakes. It also made sense that Orlov would see negligible PK time. We are a little baffled that Orlov also saw negligible PP time, though. Isn't that exactly where his skill set would seem to fit in?
- Speaking of the Caps PP, it's been struggling big time. The Caps had 5 power plays, and on those power plays 3 goals were scored. Unfortunately, two of those goals were for the visiting Coyotes. However, in the third period, the Caps had an extended 5 on 3. Of course, the Caps were in the midst of a streak of 2:47 of scoreless 5 on 3 time, spanning 3 such advantages. This 5 on 3 lasted just long enough for fans to finish asking "why is Brooks Laich on the point?" The 5 on 3 came through, and gave the Caps an insurance marker. The two shorthanded goals were ugly (for Caps fans), but the power play goal was huge. (And additionally, the Caps just missed out on another power play goal. Carlson scored one second after a power play expired, immediately cutting into the Coyotes' two goal lead and preventing Phoenix from sucking the life out of the game.)
- That insurance goal became even larger later in the third period, as a bad rebound by Vokoun and bad net coverage by Orlov allowed the Coyotes to cut the Caps' lead back to 1. Hey, Alzner can only do so much.
- So far this season Caps fans have become too accustomed to seeing the Caps come out of the second intermission tied and laying eggs in the third period. Tonight the Caps got an early third period goal to set the tone for the period. Even better, it came from the top line. And even better, it came after Alex Ovechkin dumped the puck in, Nicklas Backstrom won the battle on the end boards, and Joel Ward continued the good work down low and got the puck to the front of the net for Backstrom to finish. The top line cycled effectively for the entire third period, we can only hope it isn't a phase.
- Mathieu Perreault returned to the lineup after prolonged absence. His legs were moving all night and he drew the first power play for the Caps. We understand there's a tough competition among the forwards, but it still seems strange that Perreault is having such a difficult time getting a sweater.
- There's no denying that the Caps got good bounces on their first three goals, but if you look past the bounces you'll see that the Caps had great pressure on the Coyotes' D, forcing a turnover, and then crashed the net creating traffic for Jason LaBarbera on the first goal. On the second goal the Caps executed a crisp neutral zone regroup and hit the offensive zone with speed, forcing the Phoenix D to drop deeper in the zone than they otherwise would have. And on the third goal, as noted above, the Caps won battles down low and got one of those dirty goals fans have been asking for.
- Which forward led the Caps in ice time tonight? Why, Mike Knuble of course. After skating on the fourth line for weeks now, Knuble got huge minutes tonight, playing a significant role in all three phases. There's no doubt Knuble didn't like the decreased ice he got, so we just assume he must have voiced his displeasure behind the scenes, forcing Bruce Boudreau to play him some more. We're anxiously waiting for the upcoming articles detailing the "rift between Mike Knuble and Bruce Boudreau."
- Roman Hamrlik has taken a lot of heat from Caps fans for his play so far this season, but he deserves credit tonight. In our opinion this was his best game of the season to date (or at least it's on the short list). He was one of the 4 D Boudreau went to late in the game when he shortened the bench, and in particular he had a very nice play to break up an odd man rush in the second period, tipping the puck harmlessly out of play into the netting. Time will tell if he's turning a corner, but it's nice to see him playing up to our pre-season hopes and expectations.
- A red balloon hovers down near ice level with the Caps trailing by a goal. Moments later Cody Eakin scores to tie the game. Coincidence, or ginger bat signal? You be the judge.
- So in the last two games, David Steckel and Boyd Gordon, two players who aren't exactly known for creating offense, have a goal and an assist against their former team. Is Eric Fehr going to play on Wednesday? Someone might want to cover him.
And just like that the losing streak is over. The Caps followed up two of their worst performances in the Boudreau era with one of their best games of the season. They were patient, they worked hard, and, most importantly, they didn't start running around like individuals when they went down a couple goals. And, hey, Alex Semin didn't take a penalty today. Sure, the Caps didn't mop the ice with their opponents, but don't fret, we have no doubt they kept it close because true men don't kill Coyotes. Up next, a chance for some revenge against the Winnipeg Jets on Wednesday.
Game highlights:
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It was fortold...
A red balloon hovers down near ice level with the Caps trailing by a goal. Moments later Cody Eakin scores to tie the game. Coincidence, or ginger bat signal? You be the judge.
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Nov 21, 2011 10:13 PM EST reply actions 19 recs
Tremendous.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 21, 2011 10:19 PM EST up reply actions
If someone could photoshop the balloon firing a laser that engulfs LaBarbera in flames, I would be forever in your debt.
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Nov 21, 2011 10:21 PM EST up reply actions
not the first time
something in red has floated on the ice at Verizon.
by kingbonehead on Nov 21, 2011 10:22 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions 4 recs
IMMA BALLOONIN MAH GINGER
"A picture is worth a thousand words. For moving pictures we manage to shorten it to one or two."
Von ein und ein luftballon…
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Neunundneunzig Jahre kriegen
Liesen keinen Platz für Sieger
Kriegsminister gibt nichts mehr
und auch keinen Dussenflieger!
Interestingly that could parallel the NHL. 99 years of war, there is no room for a winner, there are no more war minsters, and no more Jets. But the Jets are back, so whatevs.
Red balloon was hilarious.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Nov 21, 2011 11:56 PM EST up reply actions
Kudos to the In-Game entertainment folks for playing 99 Luftballoons as the music to celebrate the win.
It almost makes up for them offering up a remake of “Manic Monday” in the “vote for it” music between the second and third periods….
Almost…
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 22, 2011 9:56 AM EST up reply actions
Really encouraging display by a lean lineup on Orlov’s night.
"...what're you gonna do?"
by Rainbow, Kitty, Beer on Nov 21, 2011 10:15 PM EST reply actions
Sorry, but it was nice to have a game that had me focusing enough on actual hockey that I wasn’t spending half the game figuring out how to rearrange my bullets for an acrostic.
Plus, nothing I liked was ten letters.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Nov 21, 2011 10:18 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
REDBALLOON Rob come on.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 21, 2011 10:20 PM EST up reply actions
Should have kept up with 3rd period thread.
Btw are the Fenwick/Corsi numbers right? My lying eyes say no way.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 21, 2011 10:30 PM EST up reply actions
I just link ‘em, I don’t track ’em. But I thought the Caps dominated Corsi and Fenwick.
Please, call me F&B.
Yeah I find it hard to believe Alzner had that bad a game.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 21, 2011 10:33 PM EST up reply actions
Only caught first five and last five, but considering CSN had chances so lopsided, I’d guess this game was similar to that one where Carolina threw everything at Braden Holtby, much of that coming from the outside.
Red Line Station and @RedArmyLine, featuring coverage of the most frustrating team in the NHL
I believe in next year.
by red army line on Nov 21, 2011 11:04 PM EST up reply actions
But shots by period had the Caps dominating the first and second, 31-23 overall.
Please, call me F&B.
Then score effects? I don’t think Phoenix is good enough possession-wise to make up that difference in a single period, so that’s why I was hypothesizing the “throw it towards the net” strategy. I’ll look at the PbP in the morning.
Red Line Station and @RedArmyLine, featuring coverage of the most frustrating team in the NHL
I believe in next year.
by red army line on Nov 21, 2011 11:30 PM EST up reply actions
31-23 was the margin at the end of the game I think. It was 25-12 us through 40 minutes.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 21, 2011 11:33 PM EST up reply actions
That’s shots. I thought we were talking about Corsi…?
Red Line Station and @RedArmyLine, featuring coverage of the most frustrating team in the NHL
I believe in next year.
by red army line on Nov 21, 2011 11:45 PM EST up reply actions
Right, but would you expect a huge divergence if the shots are so one-sided? Unless you think the Caps were blocking tons of shots…
Please, call me F&B.
Which they didn’t seem to be, should have added that in my last comment but it felt like (especially in the first 2 periods) Phoenix’s offensive pressure was few and far between.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 22, 2011 12:07 AM EST up reply actions
I feel like at least 50% of the Coyotes’ scoring chances in the first 40 minutes were breakaways.
Please, call me F&B.
Yeah, that’s what my eyes were telling me too.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 22, 2011 12:56 AM EST up reply actions
Neil did tweet this after two.
#Caps need to drop the hammer in the third. They are dominating puck possession (+12 Corsi) and have #rallyballoon in their favor.
Fenwick and Corsi had us in the minus…not sure what the confusion is.
Red Line Station and @RedArmyLine, featuring coverage of the most frustrating team in the NHL
I believe in next year.
by red army line on Nov 22, 2011 11:52 PM EST up reply actions
Really well done F&B, had a little bit of everything in it.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Keep United in DC. A Fair Deal at RFK, and a Pathway to a Stadium for a team loyal to the city.
Thanks, last one had basically no hockey analysis so I tried to make up for it and get some real coverage into this one.
Please, call me F&B.
In all fairness, there wasn’t much actual hockey being played by the Caps in that game.
"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 Nov 21, 2011 10:20 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Why is that necessary?
Patron saint of quality footwear.
by fat_daddyo on Nov 21, 2011 10:25 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Too many letters.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Nov 21, 2011 11:52 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
I can’t believe more people don’t get this joke!!! Pay attention folks!
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 22, 2011 9:57 AM EST up reply actions
I dont know why the Caps refuse on most nights to play the grind it out style. They are one of the bigger teams in the league, it suits them. I kind of like the lineup without Semin in it.
Still musing on this one … Sit Semin out for Wednesday’s game. Get him back on the ice Friday.
Hi. My name is Christoph J. I'm a Caps fan.
by Christoph J on Nov 21, 2011 10:25 PM EST up reply actions
So we assume Semin is back in the lineup Wednesday? And if we get Bad Sasha does he get nacho duty again on Friday against NY?
See above.
Hi. My name is Christoph J. I'm a Caps fan.
by Christoph J on Nov 21, 2011 10:26 PM EST up reply actions
You’re saying that because you can’t see Bruce holding him out another game or because you personally think there’s no reason to scratch him beyond just a game.
Hi. My name is Christoph J. I'm a Caps fan.
by Christoph J on Nov 21, 2011 10:30 PM EST up reply actions
What is the purpose of scratching him? Hopefully to get him to wake up and play better. If he plays better, is the lineup better without him in it? How do you test to see if the message has been received?
If you follow the logic trail of the answers to these questions…I think he plays.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 21, 2011 10:31 PM EST up reply actions
Sitting him on the bench didn’t seem to get across to him. Between now and Wednesday what does Semin do to indicate the message was received? Now, I’m not saying sit him out forever, I just don’t think it hurts to have him sit one more game then get him on the ice Friday.
Hi. My name is Christoph J. I’m a Caps fan.
by Christoph J on Nov 21, 2011 6:41 PM PST up reply actions
Referring back to my comment from the 3rd period thread.
Hi. My name is Christoph J. I'm a Caps fan.
by Christoph J on Nov 21, 2011 10:39 PM EST up reply actions
This is it.
A game off to sharpen his focus, then throw him back in the fray to see if it works.
If he still stinks…then there’s a problem.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Make that two games off to sharpen his focus.
Hi. My name is Christoph J. I'm a Caps fan.
by Christoph J on Nov 21, 2011 10:55 PM EST up reply actions
No point to sitting him two games. If two games is going to work, so will one.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
If two games is going to work, so will one.
Not sure about that. Ok. He plays Wednesday and if he stinks, there’s a problem no doubt. Then we’re left one wondering whether another game may have let the message really sink in.
Hi. My name is Christoph J. I'm a Caps fan.
by Christoph J on Nov 21, 2011 11:12 PM EST up reply actions
That seems silly. Why waste another game? I don’t see how sitting two is such a better measure than one. And if we do that and he comes back and still isn’t playing well, we could have known it a game sooner.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 21, 2011 11:29 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah. Play him Wednesday. If he plays poorly again, sit him Friday. Rinse, repeat.
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Nov 21, 2011 11:31 PM EST up reply actions
This seems more counterproductive.
Hi. My name is Christoph J. I'm a Caps fan.
by Christoph J on Nov 21, 2011 11:33 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah I’m not in favor of going back to the well if it is proven it isn’t working. If the message isn’t received, then more needs to be done behind the scenes to figure out what’s going on with him.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 21, 2011 11:34 PM EST up reply actions
Agreed. This is definitely the worst course of action to take. Can’t be doing the sit him one game. Play him. Sit him again if he plays poorly. That really starts messing with things and dilutes the message.
Hi. My name is Christoph J. I'm a Caps fan.
by Christoph J on Nov 21, 2011 11:38 PM EST up reply actions
The notion of wasting a game seems rather silly actually. It suggests that scratching Semin for today’s game is a waste. I don’t see the urgency in playing him Wednesday to find out sooner whether sitting him out was an effective measure or not. A couple of things come out of sitting him another game. 1) The accountabilty message sinks in a little bit more and 2) if Semin is smart, he gets to sees it as an opportunity to study the game as it unfolds, perhaps recognizing more the tendencies and little things Bruce and the coaches may be harping about to him and his teammates.
Now I don’t know who accompanied Semin in the box, but maybe staff involved with strategy, team mates and/or assistant coaches having productive dialogue with him during the game would further cultivate active observation rather than the passive watching, eating nachos and sulking. Who knows … Maybe sitting in the box is really all about sitting in the corner of the room for a “timeout” session. That seems more like a waste.
Hi. My name is Christoph J. I'm a Caps fan.
by Christoph J on Nov 22, 2011 12:16 AM EST up reply actions
He hasn’t been a scratch in like 7 years. I think sitting him 1 game sends the message. A 2nd one does nothing to strengthen what was already a drastic change.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 22, 2011 12:57 AM EST up reply actions
Someone check me on this, but when Semin was benched “i.e. Bruce held him off the ice for an entire period” that didn’t seem to send the message to him. That was a drastic measure, no?
A 2nd one does nothing to strengthen what was already a drastic change.
I don’t see how a 2nd one does anything to weaken what was already a drastic change.
Hi. My name is Christoph J. I'm a Caps fan.
It appears he was in the press box with three other people in the twitter pic I saw but the quality of the picture wasn’t too good so I could not make them out.. He was wearing a black toque.
(I tried to post the pic but with no luck since it’s on a secure server.)
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Now admit it…you’d all pay money to watch Semin go bongos on someone while wearing that hat…
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 22, 2011 9:59 AM EST up reply actions
To emphasize and follow through with the accountability — Is one game enough to wake him up? I just don’t see the cons (or at least one convincing enough) of sitting him out one more game. That’s all.
Hi. My name is Christoph J. I'm a Caps fan.
by Christoph J on Nov 21, 2011 10:51 PM EST up reply actions
Well, if it doesn’t motivate him more, it sure hurts his trade value.
"...what're you gonna do?"
by Rainbow, Kitty, Beer on Nov 21, 2011 10:53 PM EST up reply actions
The con is not having Alex Semin (the good version) in the lineup…OR…not knowing that there is a problem with his game that isn’t getting fixed easily one game earlier when we could have.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 21, 2011 11:30 PM EST up reply actions
What’s the urgency to have Semin (not knowing which version shows up) in the line up on Wednesday? Is the need for all the weapons the Caps have got against a “mighty” Winnepeg squad. We know this … the Caps can roll 4 lines deep and if necessary, shorten the bench like Bruce did during the third aginst the ‘Yotes and win sans Semin. It’s still November and the season is long.
Hi. My name is Christoph J. I'm a Caps fan.
by Christoph J on Nov 22, 2011 12:25 AM EST up reply actions
Against Winnepeg we might not “need” good Sasha to win. But as the team is currently constructed…we’re going to need Good Sasha to show up at some point in the playoffs for us to get to where we want to go. I want to know what we can do to help him get to playing like he can play as soon as possible.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 22, 2011 12:58 AM EST up reply actions
Good question. But it seems to me he’s going to have to drastically make over his game so as not to get penalized so often. His “normal” game does nor work anymore. Either the rules have changed. Or the refs’ interpretation has changed,. He almost has to “be like a rookie” and change his entire mode of operation.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
What’s the urgency to sit him?
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Keep United in DC. A Fair Deal at RFK, and a Pathway to a Stadium for a team loyal to the city.
by Bald Pollack on Nov 22, 2011 8:43 AM EST up reply actions
Or, because statistically speaking, it’s probably the better bet.
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I buy this. I’m just wondering if scratching him another game is merited or whether he served his time.
Hi. My name is Christoph J. I'm a Caps fan.
by Christoph J on Nov 21, 2011 10:34 PM EST up reply actions
I’d say this game definitely sends a strong message since it’s been so long since he’s been a healthy scratch. Especially considering the fact that we did well, he should be pretty motivated to step up….at least that’s what I hope.
Agree with those who think he needs to be in a game to test whether the message is received. I think one game can be about accountability, but beyond that it raises questions about whether Bruce is sending mixed messages about accountability vs. whether he believes what he says about the refs penalizing Sasha based on his reputation.
There's no bigger burden than a great potential - Linus Van Pelt
I was not in favor of sitting Semin, simply because he is so much better (potentially) than any other substitute. This message stuff is fine, but these guys are professionals. He simply needs to play and play; it is not like we have anybody else to pick up the slack. Frankly, – and I don’t know why this hasn’t been theorized by anyone yet – I think he was put on the pine not to send a message to him, but to Ovi.
by Wilderthing on Nov 21, 2011 11:39 PM EST up reply actions
You’re not the only one who said it was an attempt to send a message to OV.
My own theory. Given so many penalties (and most of the recent ones being bogus), he could not longer play his game so the only way to break the cycle was to healthy scratch him.
But it probably appears that Semin will need to totally revamp his game in order to survive in the NHL. Change his techniques. It doesn’t mean it will be easy but may have to be done.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Sitting Semin was meant to send a message to Ovi? What message is that?
Hi. My name is Christoph J. I'm a Caps fan.
Don’t disagree with that. It struck me as odd to send Ovi a message by sitting Semin.
Hi. My name is Christoph J. I'm a Caps fan.
by Christoph J on Nov 22, 2011 10:00 AM EST up reply actions
Doubt it, probably just benched in a close game. Or maybe he was nursing something and aggravated it, that would explain the prolonged absence. I really don’t know. BB doesn’t seem too enamored with his play though so I suspect a benching.
Please, call me F&B.
Aside from the drawn penalty he didn’t make too much of an impact. Was disappointed with him flinching away from what he thought might be possible contact early in the game.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 21, 2011 10:32 PM EST up reply actions
How’s it match up time-wise with that one play where he peeled off to avoid contact by the boards? I don’t remember seeing him a lot after that.
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I’d have to go over a TiVo to be certain myself. I think Dave commented on it earlier in the threads.. but there was a 1 on 1 at the opposing blue line that MP85 pulls away from, when he probably had a legit shot of winning the puck.
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Yeah, think it was in the 1st period. Was a pass towards him a little out of his reach and he flinched like Mark Sanchez lining up at receiver (okay bit of an exaggeration) from possible contact he for whatever reason thought was coming.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 21, 2011 11:31 PM EST up reply actions
Given the game, the score, the recent series of scratches, not surprising. I haven’t had a chance to look at the TOI, but Eakin didn’t play much in the third period either, not sure he had a shift in the last 10 minutes, if he did it was only 1. Eakin, Orlov, and Perreault were all sitting together on the bench for a good bit of the third period.
Also, I don’t recall seeing Johansson later in the game, which surprised me.
coach I want to play...
The kids on the bench (late in the game)
by sk84fun_dc on Nov 21, 2011 11:03 PM EST up reply actions 6 recs
Agree on Hamrlik, he looked fine whenever I noticed him, for once. Maybe he’s doing a Hannan-Knuble circa 2010 imitation.
"...what're you gonna do?"
by Rainbow, Kitty, Beer on Nov 21, 2011 10:25 PM EST reply actions
The whole “AO tuning out BB” contention IIRC.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Keep United in DC. A Fair Deal at RFK, and a Pathway to a Stadium for a team loyal to the city.
by Bald Pollack on Nov 21, 2011 10:28 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, pretty much. “AO must not like having less ice time so he probably is saying something behind the scenes.”
Please, call me F&B.
Some nice quotes from 22 (Kerstein):
“#Caps Knuble on 28 “same stuff can’t be sliding, let it go through and let it just sweep it under the rug because it, it ends up showing itself somewhere down the line”
“nobody is making a mountain out of a mole hill, as far as his situation, should be ready the next time he get’s a chance to play”
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Keep United in DC. A Fair Deal at RFK, and a Pathway to a Stadium for a team loyal to the city.
by Bald Pollack on Nov 21, 2011 10:35 PM EST up reply actions
… should be ready the next time he get’s a chance to play.
Not trying to read too much into this, but … Nice.
Hi. My name is Christoph J. I'm a Caps fan.
by Christoph J on Nov 21, 2011 11:02 PM EST up reply actions
The pitchfork store doesn’t take refunds, so yeah.
"...what're you gonna do?"
by Rainbow, Kitty, Beer on Nov 21, 2011 10:30 PM EST up reply actions
Heh. How many more have you recruited over the past two days?
Hi. My name is Christoph J. I'm a Caps fan.
by Christoph J on Nov 21, 2011 10:32 PM EST up reply actions
Coach changes for some, miniature American flags for others!!
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Nov 21, 2011 10:35 PM EST up reply actions
Just curious. Who are the viable candidates out there to replace him at the moment? And when is Bruce shown the door?
Hi. My name is Christoph J. I'm a Caps fan.
by Christoph J on Nov 21, 2011 11:21 PM EST up reply actions
Trade Bruce to the Blues for Hitchcock?
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Nov 21, 2011 11:57 PM EST up reply actions
In all seriousness, how likely is it for the Caps to get Hitchcock and is he even available? Obviously not.
Hi. My name is Christoph J. I'm a Caps fan.
by Christoph J on Nov 22, 2011 12:28 AM EST up reply actions
Entirely impossible. But who the hell was Charron before he took over for the Lightning? Keenan, Hartley, Carbonneau (Bleh), Crawford are all available, I guess, if they’d want a gig. Doesn’t mean they’re improvements, but I’d rather see a coaching change than a blockbuster trade.
Regardless, none of those moves really change what happened tonight, so I’mma let it go until tomorrow.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Nov 22, 2011 12:32 AM EST up reply actions
Hartley and Crawford are employed right now. Carbonneau is a thought. Eff Keenan.
(And you mean Boucher, I think, but he was a stud in the Q and AHL so he was seen as a rising star before he got to TBL.)
Please, call me F&B.
Yeah, I did. And my info was outdated. Whoops.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Nov 22, 2011 12:39 AM EST up reply actions
...
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Nov 21, 2011 10:33 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
Coach: “I just need Hadeed”
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 22, 2011 10:00 AM EST up reply actions
Yes yes, but I’m going to ask everyone to leave their torches and pitchforks at home since they breaks red balloons.
What doesnt kill you makes you stronger.
by BetterOffWith28 on Nov 21, 2011 10:48 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
I’m not going to pitchfork for him, but I still think he should be fired, yes.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Nov 21, 2011 11:57 PM EST up reply actions
Stats say we crushed in faceoffs too.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 21, 2011 10:34 PM EST reply actions
Well…that our full time centers did at least.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 21, 2011 10:35 PM EST up reply actions
What was Gordo’s percentage for the night? Typical?
Hi. My name is Christoph J. I'm a Caps fan.
by Christoph J on Nov 21, 2011 11:30 PM EST up reply actions
12/20 so 60%. Besides MP all the main centers for us were over 50%.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Nov 21, 2011 11:32 PM EST up reply actions
Nice. Not too shabby for the regulars.
Hi. My name is Christoph J. I'm a Caps fan.
by Christoph J on Nov 22, 2011 12:31 AM EST up reply actions
Yes, 60%.
http://www.nhl.com/scores/htmlreports/20112012/FC020292.HTM
One shift, the face-off in Caps d-zone, #15 vs #15, Halpern won the face-off, but Gordon took the puck away from the Caps because he stayed with the puck/play and the play ended with a Coyotes goal and a Gordon assist (and that was on a face-off he lost.)
Oof
Hi. My name is Christoph J. I'm a Caps fan.
by Christoph J on Nov 22, 2011 12:29 AM EST up reply actions
The bounces go both ways.
"A picture is worth a thousand words. For moving pictures we manage to shorten it to one or two."
by Dimagus on Nov 21, 2011 10:43 PM EST reply actions 7 recs
Guess who was the third star tonight?
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Nov 21, 2011 10:54 PM EST reply actions 5 recs
Awesome.
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Nov 21, 2011 11:01 PM EST up reply actions
Net Presence
"A picture is worth a thousand words. For moving pictures we manage to shorten it to one or two."
by Dimagus on Nov 21, 2011 10:56 PM EST reply actions 5 recs
I could get used to an Ovechkin-Backstrom-Ward line….
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 22, 2011 10:01 AM EST up reply actions
Journal de Quebec reporting that Galiev had wrist surgery in DC. No WJCs for Stas.
Sniffle.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
No WJCs looked like the case anyway, but not good that it didn’t heal (assuming) and required surgery.
Thanks for the update.
At least he got it in DC. Some great docs there.
Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.
Lay off the FIFA for a bit, Stas.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Video game playing fiend? Maybe he should lay off of twitter too …
Hi. My name is Christoph J. I'm a Caps fan.
by Christoph J on Nov 21, 2011 11:26 PM EST up reply actions
poor kid. But better to get fixed now, I suppose.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Season Pledge total--$403.25!
I’m encouraged by what I saw tonight. Keeping in mind that Phoenix was a tired team and had their backup in (not that we’ve been putting backups on blast lately but still) I think it was a solid effort. Especially loved the cycling from that 1st line there in the 3rd. Thing of beauty that is.
The safe word will be "hwiskey"
You don’t think the Caps are just as tired?
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Nov 21, 2011 11:13 PM EST up reply actions
Hard to say, but I’d be inclined to think no.
Hi. My name is Christoph J. I'm a Caps fan.
by Christoph J on Nov 21, 2011 11:16 PM EST up reply actions
This was the Coyote’s sixth game playing every other day (+1 extra in the middle), 4 days of rest preceding it.
This was the Capitals sixth game playing every other day (-1 for back-to-back, +1 after it), 2 days of rest preceding it.
"A picture is worth a thousand words. For moving pictures we manage to shorten it to one or two."
Thought the ’Yotes road trip was a bit more brutal than that for some reason. Thanks for putting a side by side comparison.
Hi. My name is Christoph J. I'm a Caps fan.
by Christoph J on Nov 21, 2011 11:29 PM EST up reply actions
I think that Semin was throwing the ballons trying to get a delay of game penality to keep his streak alive. After all it was in the offensive zone.
by icehammer97 on Nov 21, 2011 11:46 PM EST reply actions 4 recs
Good win, sure, but two things I didn’t like:
(1) Ovie. Another bad game by his standards. Same bad habits showing. One particularly egregious show of lazy backchecking in the 3rd. Same move foiled quite comfortably time and time again. Juxtaposed with Sid’s return tonight. That “rivalry” is pretty dead now, huh?
(2) We still concede the blue line far, far too easily. I really don’t get why this isn’t coached more—the idea of “charging a fee” to enter the zone. Our D just back up and let players skate unfettered into the zone far too often. Schultz was guilty of this on more than one occasion. Half the time I’m yelling “STEP UP” at the screen.
Maybe I’ll see if I can get good footage to do a breakdown, but the D need good back pressure from the Fs to step up. It’s easy to blame the D for backing in, but if they don’t have help from the Fs they are going to get burned wide if they step up. Gap control is obviously a key, but slower D really need help from their Fs to maintain that gap and hold the blue line. Obviously 55 and 44 are slower so they are going to need more help in that respect.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Nov 21, 2011 11:51 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
It’s a good point. On one of the worst instances of backing down tonight was a sequence in which 21 and 25 caught too deep on a forecheck. But I’m not even saying step up and try to Scott Stevens somebody on the blue line… at least have an active stick. Sweep the stick, use a pokecheck, something. Don’t just keep backing up.
by DonnieKnutts on Nov 22, 2011 12:14 AM EST up reply actions
Want to shout out props to JP on 106.7 tonight. I was flipping stations stuck on 66 on my way home. Must have just finished a segment ripping Ovi and maybe the whole team to shreds; I caught the last couple of phone calls. JP comes on and talks sense. I can’t imagine that he didn’t want to throttle eveyone while he was waiting to go on the air.
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
Really? Awesome! I was pissed off at the guy this afternoon (Holden Kutchner?) saying “I don’t understand why you don’t start a goalie for an entire month and let him get some rhythm.” Bruce sucks at goalie management, but you can’t start one guy every day in a row for a month (And don’t show me a picture of Nabokov or Kiprusoff). I just can’t stand that station talking exclusively football to the point where they think football things work in hockey. A goalie is not a quarterback.
Sorry for the OTOT rant.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Nov 22, 2011 12:00 AM EST up reply actions
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Here it is
"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity"
by caps_shutterbug on Nov 22, 2011 12:12 AM EST up reply actions 8 recs
I forgot about this mans awesome pictures.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Nov 22, 2011 12:13 AM EST up reply actions
thank you from this woman :)
"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity"
by caps_shutterbug on Nov 22, 2011 12:19 AM EST up reply actions
Baddabing, badda boom. I won’t make that mistake again.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Nov 22, 2011 12:24 AM EST up reply actions
It’s making the “I am disappoint” expression.
:*/
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Nov 22, 2011 12:15 AM EST up reply actions
thanks
"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity"
by caps_shutterbug on Nov 22, 2011 12:17 AM EST up reply actions
via @7500centfish
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Absolutely pleased with the win, but I thought both teams played fairly poorly. Eakin continues to impress me, but I worry about him long term. I don’t know why. I thought Orlov was close to invisible, except on Korpikoski’s second goal. I like Laich on the PP Point. Vokoun was ok, but if I’m him I want the penalty shot again, and I’m furious at my rebound control (Which, looking back at it, has always kind of been an issue). I saw glimpses tonight of what made me fall in love with Alexander Ovechkin. His off the puck play was far better than it has been in a while.
I just came away from tonight’s effort feeling like the Coyotes just played worse than the Caps tonight.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
I thought Vokoun was worse on the first goal than the second. You never like to get beaten through the body, but it’s tough when a guy gets a shot off that quickly. The first goal he didn’t really challenge at all.
Please, call me F&B.
I only have seen the first goal from the view in the highlights above, but that’s a hard play to judge as a goalie. It looked to me like Vokoun played assuming a backhand shot/Vrbata losing the puck. Vrbata made a great play to settle that and get the shift from backhand to forehand off. Probably ought to have pokechecked, but you probably still get beat. I hadn’t seen the first goal until now (Got to the bar late).
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Nov 22, 2011 12:09 AM EST up reply actions
Also, I wish the highlight showed this better, but Backstrom looked incredible behind the net on the play leading up to his goal. His work in the trenches is so good, but all he ever gets credit for is being Ovechkin’s wing/set up man. I am often reminded of how much I should appreciate Backstrom throughout a game.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Nov 22, 2011 12:13 AM EST up reply actions
He’ll get some credit this year when he finishes with more points than Ovechkin.
Please, call me F&B.
Got back from the game. Glad they won even though I was distressed by the fact that our PP’s were short handed scoring opportunities for the other team, one real shortie and one penalty shot. What’s up with Vokoun? (But the alternatives in our system are all slumping as well.)
At least they came back on the PP (the same one where the penalty shot was scored) and did get their act together. The kids (Orlov, Eakin) weren’t too bad on the PP.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
I am presuming the top 3 lines will be the same on Wednesday. So does Perreault play Wednesday or is he replaced?
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Is Sasha’s most likely destination for next year the Chelyabinsk team in the KHL; i.e. the one that Kuz currently plays with? Several reasons: 1) He did his hockey school there; 2) His best friend plays on that team (and played there beginning the early part of last season after being with a different club.)
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
So I just found out why Slava Malamud has been bashing Ovi on twitter so much lately. Apparently, Ovi doesn’t give him interviews anymore.
SlavaMalamud Slava Malamud
#Crosby should learn Russian and get interviewed to death by me. Something else he can own Ovechkin at #Bitterness
SlavaMalamud Slava Malamud
Giving interviews in Russian (as I and @wyshynski have found out) is something else, besides being awesome, that Ovie doesn’t do anymore.
Lobbies: Green, Carlson, Orlov
I just asked him if Ovi stopped granting him interviews around the time he started mocking Semin on twitter. I wouldn’t be surprised if that was the case.
Lobbies: Green, Carlson, Orlov
You might find an IMG stamp on that. AO speaks better (english) LaLoosh every week, whereas the his Russian-language interviews tend to be more interesting candid open to interpretation. As any snowflake will tell you, saying what you think is tricky bidniz stateside.
....when the truth is if they knew anything about the game, they'd be in it.
--GMGM
FEEL LIKE WE WERENT WATCHING THE SAME GAME
I don’t know what you all saw but I saw all the same problems and then some.Yay so we out shot a tired offensively challenged team. Almost every one of their shots was a quality chance. The PP sucks so bad its a liability!! Ovechkin isn’t just lost he’s bad!! He constantly holds the puck too long when he is already on an island,always leading to an odd man rush he passes out of corners to nobody ,more odd man rushes. He stands around on a 5-3 doesn’t move his lazy ass for a second off that door step.Caps had a 5-3 and didnt make the phx defence move at all .It is a sad state that a team this talent laden is so very bad now.I don’t see anything positive out of last nights win as far as improvement ,We dominated most of the game but gave up way too many golden oppertunities ,all of them through horrible mistakes. I will gladly take the two points though.
Ice Breakers>Goal Shakers....THE CAPS !!
Almost every one of their shots was a quality chance.
That definitely wasn’t the game I was watching. Aside from the breakaways I didn’t think they had many chances that made me hold my breath.
Obviously the SHGs were a problem, nobody denied that.
Obviously AO is struggling, should we just rip him for every game at this point? When he was on the door step on the 5 on 3 his job was to be near the net, how much moving did you want him to do? The lack of PP movement has been a constant complaint of mine, but it isn’t all on AO.
Did you not see the cycling in the third period? I thought that was at least a positive sign, even if I don’t expect it to be permanent.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Nov 22, 2011 9:35 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Almost every one of their shots was a quality chance.
First, not true (I recommend checking out Neil’s twitter for potential chance updates after the game), second, speaks more to lack of shots by Phoenix than lots of scoring chances surrendered.
Red Line Station and @RedArmyLine, featuring coverage of the most frustrating team in the NHL
I believe in next year.
by red army line on Nov 22, 2011 11:57 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t have much to add, as y’all seem to have it covered and there was a lot of beer involved last night. But Orlov was absolutely bouncing all over the place waiting to take his first shift. I don’t think he sat on the bench and he kept leaning way over the boards and jumping up and down a little. Could not wait to go out there and officially be an NHLer.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Season Pledge total--$403.25!
Observations from Section 421
Sorry for the delay, was listening to an old Nena CD… the song about a nuclear apocalypse…
Anyway…
1) Interesting night for Carlson. Makes a bonehead play on the power play that leads to the first breakaway and goal by Radim “I only play good for the Coyotes” Vrbata, and then turns an equally boneheaded clearing attempt into the Caps first goal. A fair trade, but would like to see less of the former and more of the latter.
2) And man, on that breakaway on the first goal, Vokoun looked completely lost on the ice…so out of position at the end. He had no chance on the penalty shot goal, as Korpikoski shot it perfectly.
3) Joel Effing Ward…. Oh yeah.
4) LaBarbera really got focused on that balloon, and that may have distracted him in the second, although he really couldn’t be faulted on either goal as they were both tipped on the way in by his own guys.
5) Ovechkin… sigh. At some points in the game he looked inspired, he was hitting, got some good shots, moved the puck, but he was drifting at times too.
6) If MP85 never takes another faceoff for the Caps again… I’ll be happy.
Ah well, not the best effort, but a win is a win, and after going 1-5-1 recently, a solid, regulation victory over a team playing well is a good thing.
The reunion party continues tomorrow, with Eric Fehr making his hopefully non-triumphant return to Washington, followed by Steve Eminger’s return on Friday. And lurking on the horizon is some team from Northwest of hear. I hear something happened up there last night too…
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
Agree on Carlson, and that almost made it into a bullet point. Very up and down night for him.
I thought LaBarbera deserved some blame on the second goal. His man tipped it wide and then his own stick tipped it back into the corner of the net. Tough call at live speed, but still… he’ll want that back.
Should I just put in an obligatory “Alex Ovechkin is still not his former self” bullet? Like the “Alex Semin took a penalty today” bullet?
Please, call me F&B.
I suspect LaBarbera was expecting to make an easy save on that second goal, and his reaction to the tip from his teammate caused him to create the second tip. If his teammate doesn’t touch it, he covers that muffin (tip o’ the hat to Gordo) for a whistle.
You don’t need to bullet Ovie and Semin, but there needs to be a mention since they account for a significant percentage of the teams Cap Space.
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 22, 2011 3:07 PM EST up reply actions
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