Capitals Lunchbox, Season 2, Episode 9
by J.P. on Dec 15, 2011 10:01 AM EST
in Capitals Lunchbox
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PrintIn which Stephen Whyno, Kellie Cowan and I talk about what's wrong with the Caps, whether or not it can be fixed, and a lot more. Dig it (in two parts).
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Someone should live-blog themselves watching this episode in these comments…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
“Handsome?” I feel the tension!
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work in the Washington Post and on ESPN Insider.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
by NGreenberg on Dec 15, 2011 10:04 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
“heh” ……. “heh”
"You can want to get to April but when you get to April you may not like the answers you get, so you might as well enjoy the ride while it's going on." - Brian McNally on JRR, 8/29/2011
by bagace on Dec 15, 2011 10:09 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Where is JP’s iPad????
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work in the Washington Post and on ESPN Insider.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
Learned: goaltending is a problem
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work in the Washington Post and on ESPN Insider.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
Someone should live-blog themselves watching this episode in these comments…
I immediately regret this decision.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Season 2, Episode 9: “The one with the airing of the grievances”
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work in the Washington Post and on ESPN Insider.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
“it starts in that back end” Awkward.
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work in the Washington Post and on ESPN Insider.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
J.P. looks to be Whyno’s older brother. Similar glasses and head nods.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on Dec 15, 2011 11:20 AM EST up reply actions
I’m sorry. Is that really Whyno or a high-school student on a school project?
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
C’mon. Let’s keep things substantive or complimentary (or complementary, for D’oh). Your pick.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Fair enough. My bad. I just had never seen him in person before.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
I’m mostly opposed to the idea of just giving a guy three starts in a row. Yeah, someone needs to get on a rhythm, but I like a meritocracy and I think the “win and you’re in” approach is the way to go right now.
Please, call me F&B.
I’m fine with “win and you’re in,” but right now it’s more “shit yourself less than the other guy and you’re in.” Maybe a few starts in a row gets someone into a groove, but I don’t think you’re going to see Neuvirth afforded that chance unless he is winning, in which case it’ll be “win and you’re in.”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 15, 2011 12:10 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I like the “predictability” comment from Vokoun. It sounds a lot like what Theo was getting at. I do wonder how statisticians would address that kind of thing? Maybe just player-induced narrative?
Please, call me F&B.
Yeah, I’m not sure how much I buy that. Sounds really narrative-driven.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I totally agree
With your guys’ idea to bring up Holtby, I’d bet good money that he’d turn it on right away when called up to the big boy club. He HAD to be crushed by that emotional whirlwind of being an NHL backup to minor league-er in the span of 24 hours. Goaltending, like most things, is mostly mental, and you have to believe that’s at least a partial explanation for his struggles down in Hershey. One has to think it’s a similar case for Neuvy, who went from starter to backup in 24 hours as well.
As for Vokoun, it’s certainly not time to panic yet. We’ve seen what the man can do already. If it wasn’t for him, we don’t start out the season 7-0-0 (see first game vs. Pittsburgh). I really doubt that he’s “lost it” a quarter-way through the season. I think he needs to adjust as well: he was used to being the workhorse in Florida, and needs to get used to taking more nights off than he probably wants.
The bad news is that while our goalies struggle to adjust, it’s costing us games. The good news is it can only get better. We’d be in much deeper shit if our goaltending has been great but we were still losing games.
by David C. Rothman on Dec 15, 2011 12:11 PM EST reply actions
as long as we’re analyzing emotions, I would guess Vokoun could also be in a similar situation? : from hot free agent goalie to bargain basement acquisition?
by kingbonehead on Dec 15, 2011 12:14 PM EST up reply actions
Agree, you can also throw in the fact that he’s gone from NHL basement to cup-contender, and the bright spotlight that comes with that.
by David C. Rothman on Dec 15, 2011 12:21 PM EST up reply actions
Given the current trend – a few more weeks and he’ll feel right at home.
by Gin and Tonic on Dec 15, 2011 1:56 PM EST up reply actions
I tend to agree with this last sentiment in that of all the problems this team has right now, goaltending is the one that there’s really nothing you can do anything about other than hope the law of averages comes through for you. Powerplay? System. Defense? System. Forecheck? System. Goalies? Two dudes playing unsustainably bad hockey.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
playing unsustainably bad
From your post to god’s ears….
by kingbonehead on Dec 15, 2011 12:31 PM EST up reply actions
Holtby had a horrible start to the season, was out of position a lot and letting in soft goals, plus the D in front of him was struggling. Last few starts have been better, relatively speaking, but still plenty of room for improvement. Forgetting about the impact on Vokoun and Neuvirth, I don’t think Holtby has earned the recall with his play.
It’s almost as easy to have the conversation about whether Grubauer should be called up to Hershey/AHL and given a start or two given his performance in the ECHL to date this season.
I don’t get this sentiment that Holtby has to “earn” a call-up. Our 2 goalies certainly have not been earning their ice-time with their play lately, they are struggling in a big way. How about Holtby earns a call-up because he may be our best chance to WIN as of late? Maybe Vokoun and Neuvy need a few days off to iron things out with Prior in practice, perfect chance for Holtby to step in.
by David C. Rothman on Dec 15, 2011 12:31 PM EST up reply actions
It’s almost as easy to have the conversation about whether Grubauer should be called up to Hershey/AHL and given a start or two given his performance in the ECHL to date this season.
Couldn’t disagree more. Abberation or not, Holtby’s already played double-digit games in the NHL at a high level. It’s utterly incomparable.
As to earning his way back to D.C., he is 4-2-0/2.31/.911 in his last six starts (small sample and all), but more to the point, there comes a time here where if the two guys they have here can’t get it together, trying to see if Holtby can recapture the magic he had last year isn’t the worst idea in the world. (And just to be clear, I don’t think we’re at that point yet, and hopefully never get there.) Ideally, you’d want Holtby’s play to make it impossible for the Caps to keep him out of D.C., but it’s not the only way he gets here.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Agree to disagree, except that they aren’t at that point.
I didn’t suggest calling up Grubauer to the NHL. True, he hasn’t had an AHL start yet, but I don’t think it’s such an outrageous comparison, and I did not say it was identical situation. I am commenting on on individual play to date this season.
Yes, Holtby has played in the NHL in a previous season, as to recapturing the magic, pretty sure most agree that was not sustainable. Yes, his recent starts have included better stats. Yes, I have seen him play several times this season and plenty of shaky moments as recently as his start on Sunday.
I am not saying the two goalies here are playing well, but not sure I see the benefit of calling up Holtby at this time. I was responding to the comments in the thread, haven’t watched the video.
As for the systems...
The Caps pulled off the 1-2-2 brilliantly last year. I would like to see a more aggressive 1-2-2 when we don’t have the lead though. To put it in NHL 12 terms (maybe its real life hockey terms too), they Caps play a 1-2-2 high, whereas IMO they should play a 1-2-2 low (i.e. all forwards in the attacking zone, D in the neutral zone) when tied or losing.
I think Philly exploited the Caps’ man to man very well. They did a lot of criss-crossing and weaving when entering the zone, and it sure looked confusing to me, nevermind to the players on ice. When playing man-to-man, you run the risk of losing your man very easily…sort of like in basketball, the offensive team can set picks of sorts, force mis-matches, etc. Since it’s worked out pretty well other than Tuesday’s game, I think it should be given a chance for longer before they go back to a zone D. Let’s hope they learn and adapt after last game.
by David C. Rothman on Dec 15, 2011 12:19 PM EST reply actions
Semin
Somebody said earlier that Semin struggled once we switched from run-n-gun to defensively responsible. I say that’s coincidence and not causation. Semin seemed to struggle when coming off an injury, or feeling 100%. When he was healthy, he was producing. I don’t think the system change had anything to do with it. Semin has an excellent 2-way game (so much that I think he should be put back on the PK), and I think a guy like him should flourish under Hunter’s system. Semin just lacks confidence right now, as evidenced by that sweet dangle where he declined to pull the trigger; #ConfidentGoodSasha would’ve shot that.
Didn’t Ovi have a much stronger 2nd half of the season than 1st half? The systems are not to blame for our stars’ struggles.
by David C. Rothman on Dec 15, 2011 12:28 PM EST up reply actions
Somebody said earlier that Semin struggled once we switched from run-n-gun to defensively responsible. I say that’s coincidence and not causation.
It’s a full year of whatever you want to call it.
And Ovi’s ability to produce in either system is a testament to his abilities as a player.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Semin played great against NYR in the playoffs. We’re not getting by the Rags in 5 without him. He played ‘okay’ against Tampa, then again so did the entire team.
by David C. Rothman on Dec 15, 2011 12:43 PM EST up reply actions
I’ll take a year-long sample over a two-week sample any day.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
But the point is he can be successful under a system other than run-n-gun, especially when it counts (playoffs). Ho do you explain his lack of production during BB’s hybrid system this year? The man is just struggling/lacking confidence now, regardless of system.
by David C. Rothman on Dec 15, 2011 1:08 PM EST up reply actions
When has he had sustained success in a system that emphasizes dumping and chasing and winning board battles and de-emphasizes scoring off the rush?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
A loaded question given that he’s been playing run-n-gun for most of his career with the Caps. It’s absurd to think that’s the only style of hockey he can play. Again, I attribute his struggles last season to injuries. He also seemed to play better with a more experienced center in Arnott. And I don’t see this system really de-emphasizing on the rush. On the contrary, it thrives on quick counter-attacks, and thus in the few games we’ve seen under Hunter, his Caps have looked better on the rush than BB’s Caps all of last year. Nevermind the fact that Semin is more of an east-west guy than a north-south guy.
Semin is far better defensive player than Ovi, and as many would argue, just as or more skilled than him overall. I think Semin can and has adapted to this new system. He’s getting his chances, and it’s only a matter of time before he puts him in the back of the net again.
by David C. Rothman on Dec 15, 2011 1:24 PM EST up reply actions
And I don’t see this system really de-emphasizing on the rush.
Hey, don’t take my word for it – ask Brooks Laich:
“The one thing that [Hunter]’s said since he’s come here is, ‘we’re not going to score a lot of rush goals. Against good teams in the playoffs, you don’t score those easy, rush goals. You have to work for your goals, you have to be physical. You have to forecheck. Score your goals off the cycle.”
Does that honestly sound like Alex Semin hockey to you?
As for him getting his chances, he has seven shots on goal in five games under Hunter. The last game was definitely his best, from an offensive standpoint, but I’m still skeptical. I do, of course, hope you’re right.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Brooksie sure likes to talk eh? Coach Brooks is right, the Caps can’t depend on the rush goals for their offense all the time. Likewise, not all the goals are going to come off the cycle. Coach Hunter said (and I wish I could find the exact quote, but alas I lack your resources sir) the 1-2-2 trap is designed to create turnovers and a quick counter-attack. Counter-attack means attempting to score off the rush, not rush into the zone to start a cycle. That system sure worked well for Tampa last year in Round 2.
Sasha, of all people, had 5 hits last night, most of them heavy, which evidence enough that he can adapt. Sasha also is also good at takeaways when he’s not hooking, and pounces on turnovers very well. I’m not going to measure his chances by shots because I previously pointed out, he’s lacking the confidence right now to shoot as much as he usually does. He’s putting himself in good position to score, he has to shoot more though.
by David C. Rothman on Dec 15, 2011 2:29 PM EST up reply actions
On November 26, 2010, Semin recorded a hat trick against Tampa Bay. With that game, he was 50-48-98, plus-42 over his previous 82 games.
Since then, he is 16-20-36, plus-5 in 67 games.
In a curious way, he’s a player that never really did come back after that eight-game losing streak last season. He’s been more or less out of it ever since. Now, what happened in that eight-game losing streak? Does “implement a new system that does not involve running and gunning” ring a bell?
If you've read this far...seek help.
But then I recall a report where Semin had missed the practice prior to the St Louis Blues game early last Dec at the recommendation of the trainer. He played that game anyhow. I wonder if that injury was the beginning of his groin problems from last year.
Time line: early Dec — reported “injury” keeping out of practice.
Mid Dec — Rangers game where Caps were killed during losing streak. After that game, he sat out a week but played in a game the following week (Pens game) after being considered “doubtful” only the previous day. (Note: Hendricks was sick and Fehr out of town for grandparent’s funeral so Semin probably played since they were desperate for forwards.)
Late Jan — Semin gets hurt worse against Vancouver (?) and now it’s revealed that it was a groin and that he had played through it for a while.
Sounds like the slump started before the implementation of a new system and the decreased productivity could be correlated with last year’s groin injury.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Yeah, I promised myself one thing I’d always remember about the slump last year is that all sorts of things were broken before things changed, so that pops a flag whenever looking at how things were “after the slump” and “after the system change” unfortunately.
If Semin were scoring like Robert Pattinson through the slump maybe there would not have been a slump or a systems change (at that point).
I wonder how often Bruce-style pre-game pump-up scoring videos get played these days. First I heard of them was that he stopped doing them for the Rangers series. Might be good to bring back the memories once in a while if they’ve stopped altogether. Playing them every game could get a bit less inspiring though
No, I don't think I'll ever get over Macho Grande
Anyone else having trouble playing part 2?
It dies for me right after the commercial. Went to csnwashington.com and could find pt 1 but not pt 2, so maybe the problem is on their end?
You had me at Ovechkin.
Never mind, working now…
You had me at Ovechkin.
by norcalcapsfan on Dec 15, 2011 12:48 PM EST up reply actions
Kellie with a nice two-part ’box. She stood tall again, despite more line-jiggling.
Ambiance and vanity.
by Acer Jonesy's Laughker on Dec 15, 2011 6:04 PM EST reply actions
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