Recap: Sabres 5, Caps 1
by Becca H on Nov 26, 2011 10:08 PM EST
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The Caps have a somewhat uncanny way of taking something good and making it go bad, before you've even had a chance to process the positives. They do it within games - snatching the momentum away with a goal only to then lose it by giving up a goal; they do it within seasons, putting together a glimmer-of-hope winning streak only to have it be undone by a losing one.
Tonight we saw both happen. A penalty shot awarded to uber-hot Jason Chimera cut the deficit in half, a chance for the good guys to grab some momentum only to see the lead extended back to two just seconds later. And with the loss, the Caps once again find themselves in a losing streak just days after putting together the shortest of winning streaks.
So if you're feeling nauseous after that game... well, let's just say there's a reason.
Ten more notes on the game:
- Usually when the Caps take on the Buffalo Sabres, it's Jason Pominville and Thomas Vanek who team up to give the Caps fits, as the two have combined for fifteen goals and fifteen assists over the last seven seasons (23 GP) against Washington. And while they did cash in once again tonight, it was the somewhat lesser-knowns on the Sabres - the Luke Adams, the Zack Kassians, the Paul Szczechuras doing the honors. Take from that what you will.
- The fact that they were able to run up the score against Washington has at least a little to do with the fact that Dennis Wideman and Roman Hamrlik were paired up on defense (at least in the beginning). Their respective goals-against numbers are scary in general, but the two together have been much more disastrous than when they've been apart and at least one was on for each of Buffalo's first four goals.
- Of course, it didn't help their cause when their last line of defense failed them, too. Tomas Vokoun struggled early and often tonight; he wasn't controlling rebounds, he was bobbling pucks, and at least two of the goals were pretty much on him. A very un-Vokoun-esque performance, to be sure.
- Whether or not Jason Chimera had a clear breakaway could probably be argued either way, but the replay pretty clearly shows that the defender took out his skates first, then the puck. Good call, better finish by Chimera to get his ninth (!) of the season.
- On that whole officiating thing, it didn't change the course of this game (no, only some sort of supernatural being could have done that) but the diving call on Alexander Semin was weaker than a tree branch heaped with snow on a blustery winter's day. We get it, he has a reputation - that he's never given a chance to shake said reputation (or at the very least live up to it) is beyond frustrating. Didn't seem to get the benefit of the doubt from his coach, either, as he had only four shifts after the infraction and none in the final six minutes of the game.
- That shorthanded goal by Jochen Hecht is a perfectly illustrated example of why Alex Ovechkin, regardless of what he thinks, should not be on the power play point.
- And for those keeping track at home, the Caps have now given up four shorthanded goals in the last week - which is bad on its own, and worse when you factor in that the Caps have scored just two goals with the extra man over that same stretch. I'm no expert, but generally you don't want to have a negative goal-differential with the extra-man...
- A lone bright spot tonight, as has been the case for much of the season, is the consistently steady play of Karl Alzner on the blueline. He logged over twenty minutes of ice time tonight, wasn't on for a single goal-against and led all defensemen in hits with four (tied with Brooks Laich and Troy Brouwer for the team lead).
- It's no secret that the Caps' top line is easily their most suspect defensively. The fact that Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom were both out for four of the five goals-against, though, goes beyond defensively suspect into the "dear god, get them off the ice" territory. And again, without having expert status it's probably safe to say that you don't want to be thinking that about your top ("top"?) line.
- This is the second time in the last week that the Caps have lost to a banged-up team playing their backup goalie (even if Jhonas Enroth is a much better backup in general than Jonas Gustavsson). Surprising, considering it's the kind of game that usually requires a lot of hard work and energy because the opponent is full of young, hard-working, energetic call-ups trying to make their mark. Wait, that's not right...what's the opposite of surprising?
So after winning their first seven games of the season (remember that?), the Caps are now losers in two straight, ten of their last fifteen and haven't looked good in the process.
At some point it goes from being a slump to a trend, and a scary one at that. If this team isn't capable of putting together more than a few wins - or at the very least the kind of effort that should result in a win, whether that's the ultimate outcome - then they have much bigger problems than shaky goaltending one night or disappearing offense another (or both). They have problems that may require some sort of change... what that change needs to be, we may be getting closer and closer to finding out.
Game highlights:
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Well I guess you could say this debacle now is a good thing
What doesnt kill you makes you stronger.
by BetterOffWith28 on Nov 26, 2011 10:16 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Locker: “If you’re a finisher and you’re about 6’2” 220 lbs., you go to the net."
How big is AO, again?
Please, call me F&B.
…6’1", 219 lbs? :D
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
The Ovi is Fat storyline: not just for the offseason anymore
RAMPAGE
by JediChewbacca on Nov 26, 2011 10:17 PM EST up reply actions
Re: the 4th Sabres goal and AO's lack of movement
The optics are bad but I don’t have a problem there. The shot didn’t come from an area where he had responsibility. If he moves over, then all 5 guys are out of position. It’s classic men’s league hockey. I’m not sure if he was actively thinking that he should be disciplined or if he was just too tired/lazy to move, but I prefer players to stay disciplined to their assignment in most cases. If he cuts over to take Adam and leaves his point man to step into the slot, then maybe we are bitching about how he was running around and leaving his assignment. The breakdown(s) came earlier in the play and led to Adam getting that shooting opportunity. AO looks horrible flat-footed but I don’t think he bears much responsibility on that one.
Please, call me F&B.
Brooks got caught in no mans land, which I think had everyone confused about where to be? Maybe?
It was a complete shitshow, anyhow.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Yeah, and I’m sure the constant line juggling (and for Laich, position juggling) doesn’t help with defensive cohesion.
Please, call me F&B.
I agree. That said, he was a -5 and that should never happen. Not a lot of ways to analyze that number.
by Kolzilla on Nov 26, 2011 10:19 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Yeah, I’m not singling out his play on any one goal here (which is partly just because I was admittedly not paying very close attention…some nights I decide to put in as much effort as they do). Just the fact that he was on for all five goals – minus-four, because the last one was a SHG, but still.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
He’s a 4 because he wasn’t on for the second BUF goal. Players on the ice for a SHG still get a +/ depending on which side they’re on.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Nov 26, 2011 10:23 PM EST up reply actions
Fucking formatting.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Nov 26, 2011 10:23 PM EST up reply actions
Early in the year when the D was playing well, and the Caps were getting contributions from the lower lines, and the top line looked like shit … I was OK with that. I knew that most of the scoring from the lower lines would cool down. But I assumed (foolishly) that the top line would pick it up. I would just like to thank the Caps for destroying that cautious hope early. At this point, I’m not surprised by any loss and won’t be surprised when they’re swept in the first round by whichever team they play.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Nov 26, 2011 10:15 PM EST reply actions
we won"t make the playoffs with the current setup
RAMPAGE
by JediChewbacca on Nov 26, 2011 10:16 PM EST up reply actions
Truth spoken. We’re barely in the Top 8 right now.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
`
we’re only there because of the opening to the season
RAMPAGE
by JediChewbacca on Nov 26, 2011 10:23 PM EST up reply actions
If not for going 7-0 at the start, this team would be the Columbus Blue Jackets. The CBJ before they started winning games that is.
by Ovietracker on Nov 26, 2011 10:26 PM EST up reply actions
I’d almost rather have Nash than Ovechkin at this point. Is that sad?
by Murshawursha on Nov 26, 2011 10:29 PM EST up reply actions
Yes it is sad. Invisible Ovechkin, disinterested Ovechkin, floating Ovechkin…what’s up with this guy? He bragged about coming into training camp in great shape determined to recover his old form. What I’m seeing is a shadow of his former self. No, actually less than a shadow, and it’s painfully sad to watch.
by Ovietracker on Nov 26, 2011 10:35 PM EST up reply actions
It’s so painful to watch both Ovi and Semin. What has happened to them? The promise of youth gone. When I think of them, I think of the song “Those Were the Days My Friend”. And it was based on a Russian melody.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
In Ovechkin’s case, it’s been suggested elsewhere that there are 124 million reasons for what’s wrong with him. It’s suggested Ovechkin is just the latest pro athlete with a long term multimillion dollar guaranteed contract to either buckle under the pressure or decide to coast especially if he no longer likes his coach.
Semin is another case entirely. He’s on contract only one year at a time, so it’s not like he’s fixed for life financially. Whatever is going on in his head, only he knows. Or maybe he doesn’t, that’s possible.
by Ovietracker on Nov 26, 2011 10:47 PM EST up reply actions
This is something that I often forget. The top line hasn’t played like they should the entire season.
Well Nicky played well for awhile
RAMPAGE
by JediChewbacca on Nov 26, 2011 10:18 PM EST up reply actions
and I think Brouwer is good on the top line, they just lack a scoring winger… which is shameful considering Ovi’s track record
RAMPAGE
by JediChewbacca on Nov 26, 2011 10:21 PM EST up reply actions
Clearly, I was panicking after the first few games. Clearly, the issues that were apparent then weren’t structural problems that have been evident over the course of four years.
Clearly.
Unleash the Apathy.
and won’t be surprised when they’re swept in the first round by whichever team they play.
But you will be surprised when they fail to lose a game in the playoffs as well, right? I’m starting to get nervous.
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I believe in next year.
by red army line on Nov 27, 2011 1:25 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah, if even Becca, who usually finds a silver lining in the darkest Caps cloud, is this down on the team, I know the situation is even more dire than I thought.
I said this on the Game Day Open Thread, warning the Caps to beware a team decimated by injuries. Did they listen, did they heed the warning? NO!
What will it take to shake this team out of its slumber? Changes might be coming, because the view from here is there is a huge rift between the coach and many players, most notably the supposed “stars” of the team. When Jason Chimera is the best player…ouch!
by Ovietracker on Nov 26, 2011 10:25 PM EST up reply actions
Thanks for mentioning Sasha’s dwindling ice time down the stretch. Agree that BB is not helping things by “piling on” the player. Did Sasha have a great game…no…but benching him me thinks was not called for.
is Semin being benched because Bruce is pissed at him, or benched because Bruce can’t take the risk that the refs will call yet another diving penalty?
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you mean he’s been engaged before committing penalties? Could have fooled me.
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Looked pretty good on Wedneday (?) when he didn’t take a penalty.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
All except for one of his points on the season have come before he took a penalty (or in games when he didn’t take a PIM).
Please, call me F&B.
Seriously, there’s a guy who’s psyche has been crushed by the refs. How do you fix that?
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
I’m not even going to pretend to know how to figure out Semin. And I think it’s too generous to just say his psyche has been crushed by the refs. He’s been a head case for a long time.
Please, call me F&B.
Yeah, but he never just quit. He’d just keep getting more stick penalties because he’d at least be trying, in his own way.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
by gfcaps fan on Nov 26, 2011 10:36 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
He used to actually play with passion after getting a PIM but the number of “phantom” penalties has gotten to him.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
I’d object on the basis of hearsay but that’s so full of speculation it doesn’t even count as hearsay.
Please, call me F&B.
well, we did used to say that a Sasha hat trick was a goal, an assist and a penalty. I’m not sure they all happened in that order.
There's no bigger burden than a great potential - Linus Van Pelt
Yeah, that’s true. I haven’t looked to past seasons, but I still think he could just be in a cold streak. I’ve said he’s a streaky player forever. He’ll get hot for a month or so and absolutely tear up defenses, and people will say he’s turned a corner…
Please, call me F&B.
I think it’s the latter.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
Any predictions on when Sasha will no longer be a Cap? Will be be traded this week? Or will they trade him near the deadline? Or just let him walk after the season?
Or even put him on waivers.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
I bet he walks. No team is sending anything mroe than a bucket of pucks back for him at this point.
by Murshawursha on Nov 26, 2011 10:25 PM EST up reply actions
As a Sasha fan, I’m resigned to that. Unless they’d rather have the Cap space first.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
They can get the Cap space by sending Semin to Hershey… he’d clear waivers right now. The problem would be bringing him back after his pennance, as he wouldn’t clear re-entry waivers (having Semin at his current cap hit is a problem. But at half his current hit….)
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 26, 2011 10:30 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t buy that he’d clear waivers.
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by winterion on Nov 26, 2011 10:30 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah, some team would take him for free.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Nov 26, 2011 10:31 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
A team with cap space a plenty.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Sounds like a job for Dale Tallon.
Matt Bradley would LOVE that.
by Murshawursha on Nov 26, 2011 10:33 PM EST up reply actions
Dale Tallon wouldn’t touch Semin with a 10 foot stick. It’d have to be a team that thought they could get something out of him and have Cap space. Calgary maybe?
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 26, 2011 10:35 PM EST up reply actions
11 teams have enough space for Semin. I’d think every one of them who have the money to pay him would take him.
by hockeyman33 on Nov 26, 2011 10:35 PM EST up reply actions
(not pro-rated, CHI and DET are sitting in the 5 million range, not sure if they could take on his hit.)
by hockeyman33 on Nov 26, 2011 10:37 PM EST up reply actions
What team is going to pick up a guy with 5 goals, 5 assists after 22 games, has 32 PIMs (all minors) with a cap hit of $6.7M?
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 26, 2011 10:33 PM EST up reply actions
Any team that needs scoring and has cap space. Are you pretending the past never happened? That every team in the league doesn’t realize Semin can turn things around and still end up with 30+ goals this year? He’s not just some random 5 goal scorer.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Nov 26, 2011 10:35 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Can he turn things around? Unless he goes to a team with a disciplinarian as coach (St. Louis maybe) he’s going to have issues.
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 26, 2011 10:38 PM EST up reply actions
Be nice if it’d happen Tuesday.
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 26, 2011 10:40 PM EST up reply actions
A team that’s desperate to hit the cap floor and who hopes that he’d regain his scoring touch.
I wonder what’s happened to Semin this year. He hasn’t been the same since his groin injury last year. Wasn’t that what derailed Chris Clark’s careeer.?
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
And mine…. wait, I’m allergic to fake internet postings from noted personalities.
Signed,
T. Poti
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 26, 2011 10:37 PM EST up reply actions
But his cold streak has been going on longer than even a typical Semin cold streak. His productivity was low for the 2nd half of last season. And has continued into this season. So, I’m wondering what’s going on?
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
reply fail — I don’t think Semin clears waivers.
There's no bigger burden than a great potential - Linus Van Pelt
Suppose Semin’s put on waivers. What team would be most likely to claim him?
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
GMGM is not going to put him on waivers.
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That was a very hypothetical hypothetical, I must confess. GMGM would have to believe the situation with Sasha was totally hopeless. And that no other team would want to fork out anything in a trade before he would put Semin on waivers.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Someone’ll recognize he needs a change of scenery and make a decent offer, i’d bet.
by hockeyman33 on Nov 26, 2011 10:31 PM EST up reply actions
The Isles would offer us Nabby. Not that he’d be worth taking off their hands. Or that he’d be improvement over our goalies.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Okay, I’m envisioning a 3-way trade: To TOR: Nabokov. To NYI: Semin. To WSH: Komisarek.
Of course the wrench here is Komisarek is injured. But leaving out that little detail…
by Murshawursha on Nov 26, 2011 10:36 PM EST up reply actions
The real wrench there is that it’s a brutal deal for the Caps.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Nov 26, 2011 10:40 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
It wouldn’t happen anyway… Toronto isn’t parting with Komisarek…
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 26, 2011 10:41 PM EST up reply actions
We don’t need the help on D? The contract sucks, but so does Semin’s so I’d call it a wash on that front.
by Murshawursha on Nov 26, 2011 10:41 PM EST up reply actions
But at least Semin’s contract is not an albatross contract.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
I’d say it pretty much is at this point, though at least it’s up at the end of the year.
I didn’t factor in that Komisarek has two years left. That does make it a lot worse.
by Murshawursha on Nov 26, 2011 10:44 PM EST up reply actions
True, it’s done after this season.
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 26, 2011 10:45 PM EST up reply actions
Komisarek is out for 8 weeks with a broken arm.
Regardless it’s an awful deal for Caps.
by Rather Bengt on Nov 26, 2011 10:43 PM EST up reply actions
And he also is slow and not great with the puck, things that are already a problem. And I’m a big Komisarek fan.
Please, call me F&B.
Komisarek looked fairly all right with the Leafs this season before his injury. But he was also playing anywhere from 4D-6D minutes and also his last 2 seasons with the Buds were mediocre to awful.
by Rather Bengt on Nov 26, 2011 10:50 PM EST up reply actions
I know it’s probably user error, but I can’t get the game highlights to show anything but a black screen.
An admirer noted: "I think it's safe to say that your mustache has experienced more than an ordinary man's entire body".
by Acer Jonesy's Laughker on Nov 26, 2011 10:26 PM EST reply actions
Probably not posted at nhl.com yet. Need a working link.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
Thought maybe it was because of lack of content.
An admirer noted: "I think it's safe to say that your mustache has experienced more than an ordinary man's entire body".
by Acer Jonesy's Laughker on Nov 26, 2011 10:28 PM EST up reply actions
The following video has been edited by the FCC to protect your sanity
RAMPAGE
by JediChewbacca on Nov 26, 2011 10:27 PM EST up reply actions
That’s just showing all the highlights from the Caps’ perspective, that’s no mistake.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Nov 26, 2011 10:29 PM EST up reply actions
Missed most of the game...
…was hanging out with my grandson. I am appalled by the result.
I’ve been a big fan of Bruce, but it’s time for something to change… what the Caps should do is one of two things:
1) Fire Boudreau
2) Make a trade that really shakes up the roster.
The first is a lot easier, but I don’t think it is the right answer. But something is going to happen before the Blues game on Tuesday…
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
I trust GMGM will make the right decision. The pre-deadline trade’s worked out well in the past…
follow me on twitter! @lynx_the_one
George has built an impressive roster. It’s up to the coach to get the players to put out the effort.
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 26, 2011 10:31 PM EST up reply actions
And if the coach has lost the room? What I’m seeing is a team no longer listening to the coach, a team not interested in his defense first system or whatever it is these days.
by Ovietracker on Nov 26, 2011 10:39 PM EST up reply actions
Then you change coaches…
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 26, 2011 10:42 PM EST up reply actions
dinasaur called for the result (only saw the first period). I told her she didn’t want to know, go back to having fun and look up the results later. I didn’t want to ruin her night.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
Do it privately, but have him say he’s turning it in and giving it to who? Chimera? Knuble? Backstrom?
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 26, 2011 10:39 PM EST up reply actions
Laich is an interesting choice, but does he have one of the A’s?
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 26, 2011 10:41 PM EST up reply actions
The thing is, if Brooks were captain material, he’d have one of the A’s, ahead of Chimera… Brooks has been here a lot longer.
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 26, 2011 10:44 PM EST up reply actions
Well I cant disagree cause I’m not in that room. Only they know what he’s like in the room. But to me he seems like one of those glue guys. One that plays hard and leads by example. He does all that and thats why they gave him that big deal over the summer.
Not saying Brooks isn’t a leader, but he’s not one of the Alternates and Chimera is…
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 26, 2011 10:48 PM EST up reply actions
Right, and neither one of us is in the locker room to know why, but what I’m seeing from articles, interviews and such is that he is a good leader and from my limited vantage point, he is captain material. Why he doesnt have a letter, I have no idea.
But I like the Alzner answer better, so I change my mind! lol.
I believe it wasn’t more than a week ago that I read something like (really paraphrasing here) “some guys don’t need letters to be leaders” in reference to Laich.
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Please not Mr Ed.
LIVING IN PA IS NOT A CRIME. LIKING THE PENS OR FLYERS IS.
by Sidehillman on Nov 26, 2011 10:53 PM EST up reply actions
They’re having issues with motivation and you’re suggesting publicly humiliating the team’s best player?
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My issue with taking the C away isn’t just that it is a public humiliation and would distract from reality, but also that it wouldn’t accomplish anything positive. He scored goals before as Captain, he can do it again as Captain. Taking it away only leads to media debacles and endless talk, which would be even more distracting.
by jopierce on Nov 26, 2011 10:45 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Agree with you. Wrong move. Change coaches first. I like Hunter as an ex-captain. Have him teach Ovie.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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Best player? Did we time machine back to 2009-2010?
by Murshawursha on Nov 26, 2011 10:45 PM EST up reply actions
He’s not producing well, but he is the best player on this team.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
The only thing stopping me from making a case for Green is durability.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Nov 26, 2011 10:50 PM EST up reply actions
Green? The man of glass? You've got...
to play to be good. How is it the smallish, 40-year old Nick Lindstrom plays game after game, year after year—he’s great and he’s durable, and Green, 15 years his junior, gets hurt every other week, which is one reason (not the only) why I think he’s one of the most overrated players in the league. Or does that go to Ovie now?
by slipperyice on Nov 27, 2011 12:18 AM EST up reply actions
come on now, comparing anyone to Nick Lidstrom is setting them up to failure. even Jesus comes up short when you compare him to Lids.
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And if Ovechkin is wasting that talent it’s even more unacceptable.
by Ovietracker on Nov 26, 2011 10:58 PM EST up reply actions
Alzner.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Nov 26, 2011 10:41 PM EST up reply actions
If he stays in DC, I expect him to be captain of the Caps one day. If not, he’ll be captain somewhere else.
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 26, 2011 10:42 PM EST up reply actions
If he doesn’t stay in DC, GMGM should be fired.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Nov 26, 2011 10:45 PM EST up reply actions
I’m thinking he’ll be a Cap for a decade or more…
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 26, 2011 10:46 PM EST up reply actions
He’s not likely to be here long term. If it was before Ovi was captain, sure. Then there wouldn’t be a “what if” scenario.
by jopierce on Nov 26, 2011 10:46 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
I don’t care, he’s the most vocal leader. Give it to him and re-evaluate when/if he retires at the end of the year.
by Murshawursha on Nov 26, 2011 10:51 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t see what stripping Ovie of the ‘C’ would do (though I’m frustrated with his inability to lead by example too). I think such a move would have the opposite effect than what we want.
What’s he going to do, suddenly have an epiphany? If his decreased production and playoff failures didn’t do that, being humiliated in front of his team won’t either.
by Kolzilla on Nov 26, 2011 11:07 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
I’m not necessarily advocating stripping him of the C (though I will go on record as thinking it would be a good thing if he surrendered it), but I do think if something of that nature were to happen, Knuble would be the best option to succeed him.
by Murshawursha on Nov 26, 2011 11:12 PM EST up reply actions
although if BB remains the coach, I don’t see anything staying private if Ovi doesn’t stay captain. We might get a no comment or “I’m tired of talking about it” from BB, but it’s not going to convince anyone that it’s Ovi’s choice to turn it in.
There's no bigger burden than a great potential - Linus Van Pelt
The Caps absolutely cannot take the C away from Ovechkin. He has to give it up on his own if and when he realizes it’s best for the team. Maybe with the burden of leadership lifted, the Big O can go back to concentrating on scoring goals.
by Ovietracker on Nov 26, 2011 10:42 PM EST up reply actions
Taking away the captaincy from Ovechkin is not a panacea for anything and won’t fix anything. No way it happens. He may need to grow into it, but you don’t take it away. Sorry.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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That’s what I said. The Caps can’t take the C away from Ovechkin, but he can voluntarily relinquish it IF he decides it’s best for the team, and also best for him to focus and concentrate on scoring goals.
by Ovietracker on Nov 26, 2011 10:50 PM EST up reply actions
Unfortunately I’m not sure AO actually knows what is best for the team pursuant to winning. The fact that he prefers to play the point while it is constantly proven that him playing there on the PP hurts the team tells me that he is not what one would consider a brilliant tactician.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Nov 26, 2011 10:52 PM EST up reply actions
How much of playing the point on the PP is Ovechkin, how much of it is coaching, and how much is the responsibility of both?
by Ovietracker on Nov 26, 2011 10:54 PM EST up reply actions
It’s an issue with both. It shows that while Ovechkin may want to win, he’s not the best thinker, and that he doesn’t have the smarts to make those decisions. Which normally wouldn’t be a problem, but (as STLSpidey posted while I type this) BB is unable or unwilling to get Ovechkin to play elsewhere.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Nov 26, 2011 10:56 PM EST up reply actions
And Boudreau doesn’t have the stones to take him off.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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That, along with other disappointing flaws in his game, lend creedance to the idea that he’s not an intelligent hockey mind and that he needs a coach who will treat him like a child.
by Kolzilla on Nov 26, 2011 11:01 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
He needs a coach he looks up to and respects. That’s why, for me, Hunter is the best option.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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If you look at the Caps as a family and the coach as a surrogate Dad, it’s apparent that they are rapidly moving away from the Mike Brady/Brady Bunch end of the spectrum at the start of the season to the Al Bundy/Married with Children area they are in now. Is it the Dad? Is it the kids? Damned if I know but it’s getting time for intervention of some kind.
Don't put your beer in the microwave, eh. It'll boil.- Bob McKenzie
by ExPatCapFan on Nov 27, 2011 12:24 AM EST up reply actions
because we’re looking for a single solution that will solve everything overnight?
All indications are that Ovie’s an overgrown child. Since taking the captaincy his production on the ice has gone down hill. He’s getting in positions he used to but he’s not making the shots he used to. People try to point to hot goalies or Dmen that have him figured out…that’s not it: Ovie’s slipped. He doesn’t have the same accuracy and it’s probably due to a lack of focus. He should get to the spot where he was a few years ago. No more captain, go out and party twice as hard, whatever it takes. The C really seems to be pulling him down out there though.
How can you say the captaincy is what is bringing him down? Is there causality that you see, but I don’t. Has another player said they don’t respect him? What is the weight you speak of? I don’t believe the captaincy is impacting his play at all. I think it’s some immaturity, some ego, and lack of a coach to control it.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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Agreed. Like I said…he was scoring while he was captain and he was scoring when he wasn’t. Taking the captaincy away isn’t going to change the fact that he’s older than he was four years ago and other teams have had more time to strategize against him. There are many reasons for his decline in scoring.
by jopierce on Nov 26, 2011 11:06 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
His production was fine while Captain until: 1) The Olympics; and 2) the suspension for the Campbell hit against the Blackhawks. It just seems that those two events sapped the production out of his life.
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If Ovechkin is still “damaged” by these disappointments and letdowns years after the fact, then he has even bigger problems than the weight of the C.
by Ovietracker on Nov 26, 2011 11:01 PM EST up reply actions
When was the last
“Vokoun-esque” game? every loss he’s been awful…he hasn’t had too much help on D, but the ones that do go in tend to be his fault.
by snowburnt on Nov 26, 2011 10:36 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
The fact that Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom were both out for all five goals-against
I’m still trying to make this work in my brain. I know they were never great defensively, but I can’t even comprehend this level of awfulness in their own zone.
The safe word will be "hwiskey"
one guy who is great on D cannot overcome 4 guys and a goalie who are seemingly incompetent at times.
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And Semin (the Siberian snowflake) was even, while Ovi and Backstrom were both -4
There's no bigger burden than a great potential - Linus Van Pelt
Not unless you’re a masochist, given the Caps can never beat the LA Kings, even during a good year.
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No, but voluntarily seeing the Caps play in either San Jose, LA, or Vancouver is especially masochistic, even for a Caps fan. To root for the Caps in hostile territory in a game they have next to no chance of winning.
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“To root for the Caps in hostile territory in a game they have next to no chance of winning.”
That could be many an arena now-a-days. Will take my chances getting a tan prior and post game.
I hear you. But those three arenas they especially have trouble in. And those 3 teams they especially have trouble with as well.
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I hear ya…but honestly. I would have trouble having any confidence with the Caps playing and beating anyone, anywhere right now. LA, VC, Hong Kong, Bali, etc.
So when you see the Caps in an opposing arena, you just focus on the other good things of that city. And the fact that it’s a getaway. And don’t expect squat out of the Caps.
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Obviously I want the Caps to do well anywhere, whether I am there or not. The opportunity presented itself that I would be in LA while the Caps would be there so I got tickets. Supporting Caps regardless of past history.
Good luck, my friend. I would take that opportunity, as well. I hope their luck there turns around for your sake.
I don’t think they’ve ever beaten the Kings during the Boudreau era.
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It’s not all bad. The Kings are fun to watch.
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 26, 2011 10:49 PM EST up reply actions
I hate to be a conspiracy theorist here, but it almost seems that Ovie (and Backstrom?)
are trying to get BB fired. On the ice for all goals against? How can that happen unintentionally?
Players do not play to lose to get a coach fired. I refuse to believe that.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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Grassy knoll inside the arena?
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
I agree
If players sulk to get a coach fired, the sulking could become a bad habit that won’t go away.
However, something is just not right with the team this year. Either “everyone has us figured out”, or the team doesn’t have its head on straight, probably a mix of both.
I agree with your points, which is why I’ve come around to a coaching change. They aren’t properly motivated. The team isn’t getting the most from its players.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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I was on board with seeing how Bruce does the whole season including the playoffs, even a week ago. But if this losing trend goes on to Christmas, we may fall out of the playoff picture altogether by the time Jan and Feb come around. If it looks like this is where we’re headed, then we gotta fire Bruce to shake up the locker room.
Think positive! When we see BB’s Caps skate the Cup around the VC this season we will all be laughing about making such asses out of ourselves before the season was even one fourth over. Uh…right? Can I get an Amen? No?
Don't put your beer in the microwave, eh. It'll boil.- Bob McKenzie
by ExPatCapFan on Nov 27, 2011 12:40 AM EST up reply actions
maybe that’s part of the problem? Some of those guys love BB and they’re “his” guys. wonder if that breeds contempt in the locker room?
Then again, the guys who work the hardest game after game aren’t the ones that immediately spring to mind as BB’s Boys, except for Laich (and he’s work hard for anyone, because he just loves to play hockey. Right, Boy Scout?)
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They might not be playing to lose, but it certainly seems they are no longer inspired or interested in playing according to his system. Something has to give.
by Ovietracker on Nov 26, 2011 10:52 PM EST up reply actions
Yes. Change the coach.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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I am wondering if that trend has persisted over the last couple weeks if not more
during our losing streaks.
I know Bruce has a rep as a players coach
But this has a the beatings will continue until the morale improves feel about it.
maybe he's gotta be more of a "players coach" again?
or has the accountability thing rubbed off on players the wrong way?
That’s an interesting theory, but I’m not buying.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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Being more of a players coach again isn’t a solution but neither is accountability when the guy doing it isn’t successful. He’s been the players coach for years and suddenly it’s about accountability. I don’t know if he can be the kind of coach to sell accountability and discipline. He hasn’t done it the past few years.
by jopierce on Nov 26, 2011 11:03 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
I think a player's coach can still stress accountability
but a player’s coach probably shouldn’t try to switch from good cop to bad cop himself. If the Caps want both, maybe we need a disciplinarian type as an assistant coach. That’s one way to keep Bruce being who he is but he can also have the “bad cop” there to keep the house in order, assuming we even keep him.
I don’t think there needs to be good cop/bad cop roles. I think an authoritative coach is someone players respect for abilities and decisions but not hate for the focus on discipline. It starts with the coach instilling a team mentality that negative consequences hurt the team and an individual’s mistake has ramifications past that one guy. That’s what teamwork is about.
by jopierce on Nov 26, 2011 11:22 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
I’m not buying either. This season Boudreau is supposedly holding his players, even the stars, more accountable. Maybe it’s too little, too late.
by Ovietracker on Nov 26, 2011 11:03 PM EST up reply actions
I think when Bruce came up, he was wide-eyed “Ovie’s the best player in the world, and I get to coach him”. Now we’ve arrived at “Ovi’s supposed to be one of the best players in the world, and it’s my job to coach him.” (or hold him accountable, or whatever). I’m not sure the transition is happening.
There's no bigger burden than a great potential - Linus Van Pelt
for both parties, imo.
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Agreed. Even under Hanlon, at least they looked like they gave a fuck on a nightly basis.
by Murshawursha on Nov 26, 2011 11:00 PM EST up reply actions
That is sad, if they looked like they cared more under Hanlon than they do now.
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A team collectively not caring. So it isn’t all Sasha’s fault?
by Ovietracker on Nov 26, 2011 11:02 PM EST up reply actions
He’s the convenient scapegoat
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Seems like Ovechkin is the convenient scapegoat. I’m surprised how little talk about out goalies there is.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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Ovi hasn’t been our only convenient scapegoat. Semin too. But I get where you’re coming from. Neither Vokoun or Neuvy have had their act together. Vokes is feeling his age. Neuvy had lost it. And Holtby, down on the farm, doesn’t have it either. What happened her?
Not to mention Hamrlik and Wideman.
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I wonder if they’re also feeling the malaise of the rest of the team. And if it’s got them totally screwed up in the head.
by Kolzilla on Nov 26, 2011 11:12 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
I’m not sure that our goalies keeping those pucks out would have helped our lagging offense and defensive problems. I wish Vokes had done better job tonight but I’m not sure he could have helped turn the tide. There were lots of problems. And ultimately, even if goalies fail to stop pucks the team can still win by preventing chances and scoring more goals and they aren’t doing much of either right now.
by jopierce on Nov 26, 2011 11:26 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
You can't give up easy goals when your team...
is down one goal. They’re killers. Vokoun did it tonight—and Nuevy did it last night with that ridiculous glove muff on his on goal no. 4 (I think). You can’t give up easy goals when you’re down 1—cardinal.
by slipperyice on Nov 27, 2011 12:25 AM EST up reply actions
To me, it looks like they care, but they are thinking too much/holding their sticks too tight and when things go downhill – they are depressed!
No, they didn’t. At first they did, sure, when they were a young, rebuilding team. By the end though they most certainly did not – and it’s the same here, they used to look like they cared and be fun to watch when BB first came in. The last few weeks in particular, they’ve looked like that pre-Thanksgiving 2007 team.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
I’m buying an Alzner jersey. Right. Now.
by TheBored on Nov 26, 2011 11:01 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
I’ve got my Matt Hendricks Courage Cap. I’ll be wearing it on Thursday.
There's no bigger burden than a great potential - Linus Van Pelt
there are player-specific courage caps?
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I paid the extra for the autograph. (I think this year it’s an extra $15 for most of the team, but more for Ovi, Backstrom and a couple of others).
In 2009-2010, I got a Quintin Laing autograph – he’d had the spleen puncture, the broken jaw and swine flu, so I figured all that qualified as courage. The community table told me that he’d been thrilled, since no one ever asked him for his autograph. I went to break down day after Montreal eliminated us, and I had a chance to tell him that I was the one who’d asked for his autograph on a Courage Cap.
There's no bigger burden than a great potential - Linus Van Pelt
They usually have a few caps that have been pre-signed at the table by different players. But since Hendricks wasn’t one of them, I filled out an order form on the 12th. Since the team was on the road, it took a few days for them to get the autographs. It was ready for me on Wednesday, so I paid for it then.
There's no bigger burden than a great potential - Linus Van Pelt
Don’t look farther than our next opponent to see how a club can turn around after a coaching change.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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Wouldn’t have been a good fit for this team at all, imo.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
Because of his distaste for Russians, or because you don’t like Hitch-hockey?
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
I have $50 to Olie's autism charity or So Kids Can and a beer on the under for 50/57/107 as AO's final stat line for 2011-'12
And on Pekka Rinne's PK SV% dropping under .920 by the end of the '12 season
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 27, 2011 3:35 PM EST up reply actions
Hitch is a great coach, and I don’t care enough to nitpick knowing that. Don’t have that luxury, I think, waiting for an ideal coach, because the “window” is slowly closing.
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I believe in next year.
by red army line on Nov 27, 2011 10:22 PM EST up reply actions
hitchcock went to STL right?
"I'd have to say Russian girls over American girls. They have much better fashion sense, I think." -Semyon Varlamov
How about the guy he replaced in Zurich: Bengt Gustafsson…
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 26, 2011 11:15 PM EST up reply actions
it because we’re anti-balloonheads
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I still adore you, my sweet socialist Canadian RB
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Thank you my bunny-eared, Mike-green loving socialist American RB.
by Rather Bengt on Nov 26, 2011 11:27 PM EST up reply actions
pass. wasn’t particularly impressed with what he did with Sweden in Vancouver
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Maybe…. but he did win Gold in Turin in 2006…
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 27, 2011 12:01 AM EST up reply actions
With this game, the Caps move into the minus column on goal differential. They were +1 this morning. The league leader is defending SC champions Boston, at +28 after today’s game.
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we should all remember that Boston looked like utter shit 6 weeks ago.
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by RedBirdie on Nov 26, 2011 11:15 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
A 10 game win streak would look lovely right about now.
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 26, 2011 11:15 PM EST up reply actions
They need to start with a 10 game not looking like shit streak first.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Nov 26, 2011 11:16 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Ok, so the Caps will draw upon their experience as Stanley Cup Champs to pull out of this funk. Roger.
It isn’t even anger-inducing. It does not seem to be worth that kind of emotional investment. It might not even be disappointing any more. It is expected.
-Peerless 5.6.2011
by macvechkin on Nov 27, 2011 12:09 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Folks, do you think Eakin will be back in the lineup on Tuesday?
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
…was he in the lineup tonight?
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
Squeaks was a healthy scratch tonight.
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He got to watch his Kootenay Ice teammate Brayden McNabb celebrating the win. Gah.
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Will he back in the lineup on Tuesday? And, if so, who does he replace?
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Bruce Eakin was actually a pretty good hockey player back in the day. Maybe he’ll take a leave of absence from his TCBY store to give the Caps a hand.
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Still holds the Saskatoon Blades franchise record for most assists in a season with 125 in 1981-82.
by Rather Bengt on Nov 26, 2011 11:39 PM EST up reply actions
You guys are making me laugh. Well, laughter is the best medicine, they say. So, now I have an image of Squeaks behind the bench. And also an image of TCBY Yogurt. Making me want some frozen yogurt.
And so does Coach Squeaks put himself in the lineup? And, if so, who does he bench?
Squeaks, the Boy Wonder Coach. Not old enough to drink legally in the US of A but coach.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
this post requires a
[Joe B Voice]
No Relation!
[/Joe B Voice]
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But he is a relation! Bruce Eakin is Cody’s uncle.
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damn Wikipedia for not giving me that info!
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About a month ago, I had found the obituary of Cody’s grandfather/Bruce’s father, George “Red” Eakin who was a legend in Wrestling in Manitoba.
link::
http://www.passagesmb.com/obituary_details.cfm?ObitID=161444
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Or we shuffle. If we HS one of the D ahem, and move Laich to D, that leaves a forward spot…
There's no bigger burden than a great potential - Linus Van Pelt
Liked your “ahem” for D
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
unintentional (or Freudian slip). I thought about naming names, but when I took the names out, I forgot the take out the “ahem”
There's no bigger burden than a great potential - Linus Van Pelt
Originally, I was wondering if there was a possible slip but could see you were calling our defensemen who needed it badly.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Or hockey? Baby steps.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Nov 26, 2011 11:21 PM EST up reply actions
If we get a new coach, he needs to give motivational speeches like this
while Bruce gave a speech that sounded manufactured for HBO.
Someone in the Caps organization should take inspiration from Glengarry Glen Ross ...
…and end a motivational speech this way.
by Rather Bengt on Nov 26, 2011 11:46 PM EST up reply actions
Well, look what he grew…
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 27, 2011 12:02 AM EST up reply actions
Sayeth Bruce
"This group has got to learn how to be mentally strong," Washington coach Bruce Boudreau said. "It hasn’t had a lot of adversity in the last four years, unless it was in the playoffs. Now we’ve reached some adversity, and some guys are having a hard time with it."
Wow. And uh, that’s a bit on you.
Coach — what do you intend to do to help them learn to deal with adversity? Are you training them in practice to do the things that they will need to do when they encounter adversity or pressure? When they get to the playoffs, they need to have the habits ingrained that will help them succeed, and the regular season is the time to develop them.
John Wooden could coach a number of college aged basketball players to cope with the spotlight of NCAA basketball over a period of time. The parallel isn’t exact, since he had college athletes instead of professionals. But I’m not sure why attention to developing good habits for team play from the get go wouldn’t be a good idea. And if the answer is that you have stars who know how to play their game — not under pressure, they don’t. They have a lot of talent, which isn’t the same.
There's no bigger burden than a great potential - Linus Van Pelt
Oh, it gets worse. missed this part of the quote.
“Boudreau was then asked where that wherewithal comes from, if it’s taught or inherent.
"It’s got to come from within, I’ve got to believe," he said. "I’m hoping that’s got to come from within because if I’ve got to teach them how to be tough, then I don’t know quite how to do that."
Yeah, that’s kinda what we’ve been saying.
That quote probably will be the last drop in the bucket that’ll get BB fired
What doesnt kill you makes you stronger.
by BetterOffWith28 on Nov 27, 2011 10:18 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
If I remember correctly, BB said ( and I’m paraphrasing here) that when he was a player, he never really worked at being the best he could be. Thus, he has no real world experience at overcoming the adversity that they faced now because as a player he would just let it happen and not try himself. Or something to that effect.
Is it just my imagination or has it mostly been our “marginal” guys who’ve skated at most of the Morning Skates? Or at least that is the case of our forwards. The only forwards were Perreault, Eakin, Hendricks, and Semin. I recall reading that Alzner and Carlson attended as well, along with some other defensemen and Neuvy.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Back-to-Back games, and the full team has practiced/played every day this week, including last Sunday and Thanksgiving Day.
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So only our marginal guys would have the incentive to do the Morning Skate.
Next question: are they having practice tomorrow and, if so, what time?
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I believe it is generally 11 am on non-game days
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although if they’re traveling home tonight, it may be subject to adjustment.
There's no bigger burden than a great potential - Linus Van Pelt
best bet is to always check the Caps twitter for up to date info, of course. but 11 is the standard non game day skate time. Bruce could decide the absolutely need to practice, or he could decide that they need to stay home and think about their craptastic play. to teh twitterz!
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But they’ve done so many later times this year, depending on how late they get in.
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They have played/practiced for 12 or thirteen days in a row now. I think they have tomorrow off, or at least no skating.
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SlavaMalamud Slava Malamud
#Caps will be wearing their 1974 unis tonight. If the Rochester Americans in #Sabres unis are lucky, Caps will bring their 1974 hockey, too
12 hours ago
Wish granted.
What was the full Brooks Laich quote referenced on HNIC?
Something about well, some of the team showed up.
Team is a black hole
Where does one start when describing the absolut suckiness of our team??
0 Heart, 0 effort, 0 discipline
It doesn’t even matter anymore whether or not Bruce is at fault for the teams play,or at least it shouldn’t. It’s either players or coaches,and I dont believe even making a blockbuster trade would change the teams overall play for the better.Like I said it shouldn’t matter anymore GMGM needs to make a coaching change now.
Alex Ovechkin is no longer a slumping hockey player. He isn’t,and its that simple. What he is now is a big bumbling,poor stick handling ,poor decision making, skating disastor thrust into all the situations you need a star to perfom in and he is miserable at it.Unfortunatly for the Caps they aren’t going to win anything when their 10 million dollar man is playing like a 3.5 million dollar man.Even more unfortunate for Coach BB, he either was never the coach we thought he was or he has something to do with his stars overall stink.I hate to say it but it looks like the russian machine is broke.
The team has zero physicality on its back end,and the best we even have to offer in defensive toughness is Erskine who will probably be dealing with the shoulder all season or more.The team definatly needs somebody to collect tolls in front of our net.
I would love to see Semin skating with the “top line” for the entire homestand.I think its a good way to try and get those guys confident again.I don’t like Brouwer on that line. I dont like the mixing in of a grinder on that line.Keep it a skill line that teams need to worry about all three players all the time. I would switch the lines now and keep them the same for a few games. Another of BBs issues that kill me is the shuffling,umm it ain’t working now for over a year.
8-19-28
25-90-20(85)
22-21-42
50-15(85)-26
6-27
55-74
44-81
D pairings are a disator any way you slice it there just isn’t a physical presence there and the Only guy who can actually defend is Alzner.Hamerlik was a horendous signing,he’s slow and just plain bad,he hasn’t really looked good to me for years.Schultz is slow ,not physical and for a guy with height and reach like that you would figure the guy could shoot a puck every now and then instead of always going into a corner.Shoot it every now and then Sarge.
Ice Breakers>Goal Shakers....THE CAPS !!
Regarding Sasha and momentum shift
If it was important for the team a few games ago to see Sasha get benched for lackadaisical play and penalties, then what kind of damage does it do for the team to bench him last night? On that bad flopping call.
I’d say that anyone who didn’t see the replay on CSN would get this message: “star player, still not caring….still not listening to coach…our team is not a team.” Add in the fact that immediately after a score, lately, a D-man brain farts and gives up another goal within seconds.
Wouldn’t that take some pep outta a winger’s step? (Chimera not withstanding)
What really sucks is that the Sasha benching seemed to get him focused and Ovi has flashed bits of his old self lately — that move in the Rangers game and lots of hits all around. And the team had a nice performance all around on Wednesday night, which now seems like a long time ago.
Just thinking that the benching last night — based on a bad call — seemed like a momentum shift. And why wouldn’t it be, since it conveyed to Sasha that your coach has no faith in you; conveyed to the team that star player still is not pulling his weight, and conveyed to everyone else that BB can’t motivate his stars. That’s not helpful in getting the team playing as a unit.
Also, not sure how much of a factor the extra shifts were but some of the guys, even Brooksie, looked a little flat footed at times.
I think that benching Semin created bad ripples all around.
Actually, Semin had 5 shifts in Period 3. Granted, he didn’t skate at all past 14:21. But Johansson was benched for the remainder of the game as well. It appears that our former 2nd Line has been demoted.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
There is nothing wrong with this team that a few more bloody saves from the position that is supposed to make them would not fix. Vokoun has been quite terrible compared to his prior record. Not happy at all with his play. And Neuvy, ick.
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