Recap: Caps 4, Predators 1
by Becca H on Dec 20, 2011 10:14 PM EST
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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]
Mike Knuble has made a career out of skating alongside superstar talent and making them better. It's how he became a mainstay in the League, and it's how he got to 1000 games (and counting).
So it was somehow fitting that on a night where he was honored for hitting the big 1-0-0-0, his young teammates that he's mentored the past few years would take over and get the win for the big guy.
Ten more notes (give or take four) on the game:
- Coming out of the gate strong hasn't exactly been a strong suit for this year's Caps. Tonight, however, fresh off the celebratory ceremony for Knuble, the Caps strung together a series of excellent shifts to start the game on the right foot. They got the crowd into it early, then proceeded to keep them in it right up to the intermission with two first-period tallies.
- One of those goals came courtesy of Alex Ovechkin, who picked up a great break-out pass by Karl Alzner, blew by Jonathon Blum and slid the puck past Anders Lindback. Of note on that play? No Shea Weber on the ice at the time, which is probably how Ovechkin gets so open and was able to tie the team lead with eleven goals.
- Not for long, though as just about eight minutes later Nicklas Backstrom took that goal-scoring lead right back with his twelfth goal of the year. The way he scored it was simply his strength on display, as he maintained control of the puck while outmuscling a defender and skating around the net. Add in an assist and 55% of his draws won and that's a good night for #19.
- Good decision-making by Matt Hendricks in the first period, when Blake Geoffrion took exception to a clean hit by Hendricks in front of the Nashville bench and tried to get him to fight. Hendricks refused, the Caps got a power play and the momentum shift that could have resulted from that fight - with the Caps up 1-0 and controlling play at the time - might have changed this game drastically.
- Riding the hot hand, Hunter elected to once again go with Michal Neuvirth in net - and he wouldn't regret that decision, as Neuvirth was again stellar between the pipes (including making some incredible saves late in the game). He turned aside twenty of twenty-one shots and seems no worse for wear after giving up that one fluky goal against the Avs; in his last three starts he's posted a save percentage of .960, a GAA of 1.01 and one shutout.
- After a lackluster performance in Colorado, Head Coach Dale Hunter did what most coaches do when things go wrong: he shuffled the lines. And while they raised some eyebrows at first, it's hard to deny that some of the changes seemed to work right away - among them, moving Marcus Johansson to the wing alongside Backstrom and Semin and shifting Ovechkin to the right wing with Brooks Laich and Troy Brouwer. By doing so he got some of his big guns away from what is easily one of the League's best defensive duos in Shea Weber and Ryan Suter, guys who always give this Caps team fits.
- The Caps had a comfortable two-goal lead in the third period when Alexander Semin made the mistake of failing to dump the puck in on a change, leading to Nashville's lone tally. As is his way, though, he turned those curses into...well, happier curses, when his absolutely blistering shot over Lindback's shoulder gave the Caps back their cushion about six minutes later. By the way, with that goal he officially has his first two-game goal-scoring streak of the season, if you can beli-...yeah, you probably can.
- Sure as the sun rises in the east, there isn't anyone better at the slick, subtle, crossover drop-pass than Marcus Johansson. Bet on it.
- Karl Alzner's pass to spring Ovechkin on the breakaway in the first wasn't just a great assist - it was also his ninth assist and tenth point of the season. All of a sudden King Karl, who isn't supposed to chip in on offense, is just one assist and two points shy of his entire total from last season - both of which were career highs at the time. (H/t @capsmedia)
- Not to be outdone, Roman Hamrlik picked up his first assist as a Cap on Backstrom's goal in the first period. And it only took him 28 games, too! Well done, Hamr.
- Undisciplined play (including some penalties that can be real killers like too many men and delay of game) put the Caps shorthanded five times tonight - but the penalty killers were up to the task, rendering Nashville's blazing hot power play completely ineffective and killing off all five. And with a power play goal serving as icing on the cake, it was quite a nice night overall for the Caps' special teams.
- Back when Hunter first took over as coach, Brooks Laich noted that one of the differences in Hunter's coaching style was in the line-matching, meaning guys had to be a bit more alert on the bench than they maybe had to be in the past and that it would take some adjustment. So it's not surprising that the Caps have been dinged for quite a few "Too Many Men" penalties under their new bench boss, including another one tonight. Adjust faster, boys.
- Last time the Caps got goals by Ovechkin, Backstrom and Semin in the same game? Try October 30, 2010. So yeah...it's been awhile.
- Even without the win it would have been an impressive milestone, but we're betting the two points makes tonight extra sweet - so congratulations to Mike Knuble on his 1000th career game, and counting! (And not to be outdone, a hearty congrats to Johansson on his 100th career game - a tenth of the way there, way to go MoJo.)
So the Caps pick up a crucial two points in the standings, looking pretty good overall and celebrating a milestone night in style. And while there was a lot to like about the performance, the real test for this team comes in what they do after the win - namely, can they add another one, and maybe another one after that, to get off the rollercoaster and on the consistency train? Time will tell.
Game highlights:
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Who is CONG, and why did he rat Knuble?
Patron saint of quality footwear.
by fat_daddyo on Dec 20, 2011 10:19 PM EST reply actions 3 recs
My impression was that Semin in fact didn’t control the puck before NSH scored. Someone sent the puck to him but it was way off for Semin to control, not speaking about dumping it in. Can anyone please comment?
Cup, please.
Semin got a stick from it but bobbled it. It was a little ahead of Semin but we’ve all seen him catch tougher passes. It happens. It’s a physical error rather than a mental error, I think. I’d rather physical than mental errors with him.
Please, call me F&B.
I thought it was a shitty pass.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 20, 2011 11:21 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Encouraging game. It felt like a mix of the old and the new—with the exception of the fourth goal, our stars scored star-like goals, while the system helped secure the game. Each of the first three goals were created out of individual moments of brilliance from #8, #19 and (especially) #28 . (The way he stickhandled himself free of Weber’s would-be stick-block is why 28’ll will always be a tantalizing player.) We’ll need those moving forward. The game got uncomfortable for a bit after the Preds’ early goal in the third, but it was a pretty solid defensive game. The second period, when we should’ve been putting the game away, was a wash because of all the penalties.
Couple more things:
• Big fan of 90/19/28. Keep that one together.
• NOT a big fan of 44/55 together. They weren’t on the ice for any goals but they would’ve been had the Preds converted some gilt-edged chances.
• Preds’ D-man Jack Hillen, former Islander, was interviewed in the Nashville post-game and was asked what he saw differently in the Caps than in previous years. Along with the usual "trap" stuff, he did say that it was noticeable how the Caps now essentially run three lines now instead of four and spread the starpower out a little bit more. Thought it was an interesting observation from the opposition.
• Backy was immense tonight. He makes the game look so easy. The goal was nice, but there were other moments—subtle moves in the neutral zone, saucer passes, etc.—that really showed why he’s such a valuable player. We often say that whoever’s with #8 is the de facto first line, but I think it’s whoever’s skating with #19.
by DonnieKnutts on Dec 20, 2011 10:25 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Well the box score is pretty telling. Hendricks and MP85 had just over 6 minutes of TOI. They’re being used very selectively it seems.
No matter where 8 goes he will get the opponent’s best lines out to defend him. Putting him with Laich and Brower makes for a big heavy line that plays really hard physical and along the boards. Backstrom is just as dangerous and playing with 2 very talented guys like Jojo and good Sasha is a tremendous line.
Speaking of Good Sasha what a shot sequence. Mackan is certainly getting fancy with those drop passes but the goal Semin scored tonight was something we haven’t seen in a long time. where he can just cruise in and whip a laser from his wicked fast wrist shot. Watch his shot closely at the last moment he whips it around the defender’s stick before firing top corner. Hopefully is funk is over, but 2 very Semin goals in succession have to be good for his confidence.
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
Classic 28. Wrong foot, moves the puck a foot at the last minute to clear himself a shooting lane, shoots it from 3 feet behind him, and picks the top corner. While not technically the GWG, I would wager that if they did win-probability for goals, it would be the one that moved the needle the most tonight.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
What were Brooks’ face off numbers tonight? Thought the new lines were great, but I’m curious as to how Brooks did centering the top line statistically in addition to how everyone else thinks he did. Truth be told, I didn’t really notice him much, but at times I was having trouble keeping up with the new lines.
I counted at least three times when Halpern took d-zone face offs for Laich, and then boogeyed to the bench.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 20, 2011 11:49 PM EST up reply actions
Laich was pulling blueline duty in the last part of the third period.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
I saw that for a shift or two, but the times I remember counting were Halpern taking a draw while only Ovechkin and Laich were forwards, and he was quickly replaced with Brouwer, and two were in the second period.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 20, 2011 11:55 PM EST up reply actions
Could Semin be…whisper it in case you jinx it…getting hot? That snipe was 3 inches from being an auto-clear and a rush the other way. But when he’s on he’s lethal. And that was a lethal shot.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
That thing was a rocket, perfect accuracy, Sasha has a terrific shot.
by Joey Kirby on Dec 20, 2011 11:16 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Is there a replay or something of the Hendricks Geoffrion incident? From our angle it looked absolutely hilarious as to what happened, as we couldnt see Hendy’s face and Geoffrion looked just embarassed.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 20, 2011 10:29 PM EST via mobile reply actions
It was even more hilarious when you could see Hendy’s face. He had the biggest shit-eating grin on his face.
by Aliceanna on Dec 20, 2011 10:33 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Check out the TSN video, right side.
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by red army line on Dec 20, 2011 10:46 PM EST up reply actions
Alan May just tweeted that he’s doing one of his last appearances on Wash Post Live? Where’s he going?
Caps 5-3 now in their last eight. That’s pretty good.
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Dec 20, 2011 10:50 PM EST reply actions
Sidebar: Do the Rangers lead the league in fights straight off the opening whistle? Is this a 24/7 thing or what?
by DonnieKnutts on Dec 20, 2011 10:53 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
I caught the first 15min of the game. Looked like we could have really had a couple more in that time. I saw the team took three minors in the 2nd period, but any reason they could only must three shots on goal in the 2nd? Only 20 shots on goal all game.
Forgive me if this has already been posted….ran late a couple nights ago…
Sorry as this I am sure has been asked & discussed ad nausem and I missed it:
This next statement is a stretch (and not talking about our old friend up in NY) but is there any slight possibility that the coaching staff is keeping 22 on 4th line in an effort to save his minutes come spring time? I know that is a reach, just trying to come up with some idea why he is not being given an opportunity where he can succeed (and possibly help others succeed as well (i.e. Ovi).
Also, has there been an explanation by any of the beat reporters on this?
The thought has crossed my mind. It’s a possibility. He still gets time on special teams, though he had more PK than PP time tonight…don’t think I saw him on the man advantage at all actually.
Another thought crossed my mind recently: Why this preoccupation with Knuble’s minutes? I mean, I get it—great locker room guy, awesome character, likable veteran…etc. etc. But the way people breathlessly campaign for him here you’d think we had Malkin or a Sedin twin wasting away on 4th-line minutes.
It just goes to show, again, that just as posters here play favorites, sometimes irrationally, just as often and vociferously as the oft-maligned VC newbies or CI knuckleheads. They’re just different guys
by DonnieKnutts on Dec 20, 2011 11:06 PM EST up reply actions
My preoccupation (no offense intended) with minutes is that I have not seen a slow down in production in Knubles play when he his paired with players that he himself has said he excels with. I am just flummoxed why he seems to not be getting this opportunity when he has shown time and time again up until the ripe ole age of 38 that he can pot 38 grapes. Why the change?
Knuble is still a quality player, and it’s not like the 4th line was struggling. Perreault, Halpern, Hendricks, and Beagle were doing a good job. A guy like Mojo could use Knuble’s strong presence much moe.
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I believe in next year.
by red army line on Dec 20, 2011 11:27 PM EST up reply actions
I am high on Knuble, but I don’t think he’s a top-9 forward on this team anymore, and I certainly don’t think he’s top-6. I think you want your top six guys on your top two lines, which Huntsy did tonight and I felt it worked out wonderfully. Then he made a solid “checking” line, and rounded out a fourth line. I’m ok with how it went.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 20, 2011 11:40 PM EST up reply actions
Playing devils ad…why no top 9? Has there been any opp to show that 22 cannot play top 9? If anything, with the recent struggles of the offense, I would think it woud make sense to throw 22 on top line to see if he can jump start the o and a few others.
Ward does seem to be struggling a bit lately…and continuing to take bad penalties. A switch of 22 and 42 wouldn’t seem unwarranted. But it seems like both BB and Hunts have been loathe to separate 25 and 42 from the same line, other than that short-lived 42 on the first-line experiment
by DonnieKnutts on Dec 20, 2011 11:49 PM EST up reply actions
I hear what you’re saying, but I think realistically at some point you have to look at Knuble’s age and what else the team has. I realize what he has brought, and what he probably can still produce…but I want this guy producing it in April, and I could care less what he’s doing now.
Top 9, probably a stretch, but with the way I think Hunter filled his lines (As mentioned) it’s like he took his best six forwards (8 19 90 28 21 20) and said “You’re my top six, how can I make this work?” and then decided he wanted a shutdown defensive line with Halpern taking those draws, and then he took the last three guys and threw ‘em together. I’m not saying he’s not capable, I’m saying I agree with Hunter that those six guys are better than Knuble right now, and even though they’re struggling, I like the lines Huntsy pulled out tonight, and the only criticism I had was that Hendricks/Perreault/Knuble got far too little playing time, and I feel if Knuble is only getting 6 minutes of ice time a night, you should put him out for some PP time, since I consider him the seventh best offensive forward and Ovechkin plays the point.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 20, 2011 11:53 PM EST up reply actions
I must say I didn’t miss Eakin tonight.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
I didn’t miss Eakin at all. I thought Perreault brought fire when he was on the ice, and Knuble on the ice for the last minute was just fun to watch. Hendricks was fun too (And I watched that clip, his face was hilarious. It was almost like “Go on, hit me, I dare you.”)
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 21, 2011 12:02 AM EST up reply actions
Hey WM…appreciate your view point…will have to crash and reload the guns…I have never been the best at debating :)
By the by…I didn’t think he was fading last spring ( a fault in my original premise) as he seemed to come on strong towards the end of the year so that argument can go by the side.
I would still prefer, as has mentioned here earlier the age old lines that never seem to appear anymore…atleast to give them a shot(in no particular order as it is late):
8-19-22
28-90-20
25-21-42
26-15-85/
I appreciate it! And I don’t think it’s a debate because neither one of us can really win or even have any sway. I love having Knuble on our team, and barring a hell of an offer, I wouldn’t move him to another. I feel like he helps no matter where he’s at. Good discourse, and more than willing to chat more about it and other ideas later.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 21, 2011 12:13 AM EST up reply actions
I consider it a situation of putting players where they best succeed. Knuble has had his best success when playing with top players. He has been a consistent 20 goal scorer because of who he has played with, scoring his beautiful, greasy garbage goals. Not going to be as many chances for those on the fourth line. And he has had good success in the past with Nicky and Ovi. So I believe it was legitimate to question why that line hadn’t been reunited.
Knuble: "I am what I am. I play well with good players."
On his milestone: "It's going to be like unwrapping a birthday present. Then the day after you're kind of like [sighs]....Now you just have to keep going."
by capsyoungguns on Dec 20, 2011 11:28 PM EST up reply actions
My best answer to that is 8-19-22 is a fairly known quantity, but 8-19-whomever is relatively not. So I would think it would behoove the coaching staff to fiddle around with other lines to see what might work better.
by DonnieKnutts on Dec 20, 2011 11:31 PM EST up reply actions
Fair question, but, compared with Knuble’s stats over the same period last year, Brouwer out-produced Knuble with the same linemates.
by DonnieKnutts on Dec 20, 2011 11:37 PM EST up reply actions
[Playing devil’s advocate] Mike Knuble had a broken jaw this time last year, and a broken hand this time two years ago.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
If I’m coach Hunter, I dress Ovechkin with Brouwer every single chance I can. I think those to are just fun to watch together, and especially with Brouwer it wears down an oppositions best d-pairing.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 20, 2011 11:42 PM EST up reply actions
I’m not as high on Knuble as a lot of people are. I think it’s noted. I think it’s also noted that 8-19-22 hasn’t worked in a while. Tonight there was a total line shuffle, and it worked. Maybe in a week we have a reshuffle and it works.
I’m so happy that he got his 1000th game. I was very happy to be there. It was exciting, and I remember how I felt as a kid attending Hunter’s 1000th game. But I agree with where he’s slotted on the roster.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 20, 2011 11:54 PM EST up reply actions
Brouwer has the highest on-ice shooting percentage among Caps forwards by about 1.5% (11.24%, versus 9.88% for second-place Johansson). His start has been nice, but I think he’ll see a slowdown shortly (even if he’s playing every shift with 8 and 19).
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I believe in next year.
by red army line on Dec 20, 2011 11:45 PM EST up reply actions
He’s a career 13% shooter, though. Not too shabby.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 20, 2011 11:47 PM EST up reply actions
Certainly. I liked the lines tonight. But when posters were questioning 22’s placement, the lines hadn’t been adjusted that much. Tonight was a big change.
For the record, I am just as big of a fan girl of our Euros, with Nicky and Mackan at the top of the list at the moment. Oh and King Karl can do no wrong (despite his DOG penalty tonight).
Knuble: "I am what I am. I play well with good players."
On his milestone: "It's going to be like unwrapping a birthday present. Then the day after you're kind of like [sighs]....Now you just have to keep going."
by capsyoungguns on Dec 20, 2011 11:40 PM EST up reply actions
His DOG penalty was the reason it’s a shitty rule and the IIHF rule on it is better – it was clearly unintentional and he wasn’t trying to even launch it anywhere near that far – just get it away from the guy he was defending. I can’t be mad at him for poking a rolling puck out of play.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 20, 2011 11:44 PM EST up reply actions
I so agree with you.
Knuble: "I am what I am. I play well with good players."
On his milestone: "It's going to be like unwrapping a birthday present. Then the day after you're kind of like [sighs]....Now you just have to keep going."
by capsyoungguns on Dec 20, 2011 11:45 PM EST up reply actions
Ref has the ability to say it was unintentionally shot out, and thus just basically “Icing.”
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 20, 2011 11:56 PM EST up reply actions
Thanks.
Makes a ton more sense. Though devils advocate, wouldn’t you also have a lot of debate over proving if its intentional or not? I mean that case was pretty clear, but if its subjective how often is it going to end up being called?
Honestly, I don’t think it’s something a ref shouldn’t be able to determine, like handballs in football. And like anything, they won’t be right 100% of the time, but it has to be better than the way the stupid rule is now. I remember when they tried out the rule the way it is now in the AHL for like a year, everyone hated it and they got rid of it. Then like 2 years later it’s in both the NHL and AHL. Does. Not. Compute.
The safe word will be "hwiskey"
Yep – entirely subjective rule, which is why I’m the slightest bit “not sure” about it. I’m leaning ever closer to preferring IIHF rules altogether at this point, but that may be because I’m actually watching some KHL hockey.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 21, 2011 12:04 AM EST up reply actions
Considering most (if not all) DOG’s are accidental, treating them all like an icing call (FO in front of your goalie) would solve that problem, as well as be a whole lot less frustrating.
"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
is there any slight possibility that the coaching staff is keeping 22 on 4th line in an effort to save his minutes come spring time?
If so, wouldn’t that mean that the top-liners will be even more tired when the post-season rolls around? If your theory is correct (which it could be), it seems like cutting off the team’s nose to spite its face.
Campaign Promises fantasy team: Hamrlik To Fall
by CapitalCentre on Dec 21, 2011 10:52 AM EST up reply actions
I meant
It just goes to show, again, posters here play favorites, sometimes irrationally, just as often and vociferously as the oft-maligned VC newbies or CI knuckleheads. They’re just different guys
I’m a Perreault fanboy myself. He can do NO WRONG, dammit!
by David C. Rothman on Dec 20, 2011 11:08 PM EST up reply actions
I was always on the Mackan club but also do laich lobby. Nicklas Backstrom can do NO WRONG, dammt!
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
I’m in the “Why the hell was Laich playing Wing for so long?” lobby, and I’m completely in the Backstrom can do NO WRONG, lobby. It may be similar to the “Messier > Gretzky!” lobby, but I’m totally more behind Backstrom than Ovechkin.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 21, 2011 12:09 AM EST up reply actions
There’s only one person that has anything to do with hockey that would say that Mark Messier was a better player than Wayne Gretzky: Wayne Gretzky.
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 21, 2011 11:12 AM EST up reply actions
Well… from my observation—and this is just my observation—Eastern European players tend to get harsher treatment from posters…(removing Ovie as an outlier): the Flashes, the Hamrliks, the Semins.
Good ol’ Canadian (or Canadian-American) boys tend to get a longer leash: Fehr, Sarge, Knuble.
I’m not claiming xenophobia here. It could be a figment of my imagination. It could also be totally unconscious on some people’s parts. But I pick up on some subtleties here and there. Ironically, it’s somewhat analogous in my mind to the way certain parts of the Canadian media will never truly accept Ovie.
by DonnieKnutts on Dec 20, 2011 11:30 PM EST up reply actions
Which one of those is “irrational”? It’s also easy to root for a guy when he’s consistently exceeding his role (Fehr, Schultz, Knuble).
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 Dec 20, 2011 11:37 PM EST up reply actions
You mean exceeding his role as in his cap hit?
by DonnieKnutts on Dec 20, 2011 11:39 PM EST up reply actions
In Fehr’s case succeeding in limited minutes.
Knuble: "I am what I am. I play well with good players."
On his milestone: "It's going to be like unwrapping a birthday present. Then the day after you're kind of like [sighs]....Now you just have to keep going."
by capsyoungguns on Dec 20, 2011 11:44 PM EST up reply actions
Unfortunately, Fehr is not healthy enough to take advantage of that in increased minutes in Winnipeg – but I’m not sure he’s capable of that next step into top-six fowardom even when healthy…which is what makes him a great “beloved third liner.”
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 20, 2011 11:45 PM EST up reply actions
And de facto team mascot, as it were.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Right. What’s nice about a guy like Fehr (And in my opinion currently a guy like Knuble) is even if they aren’t capable of top-line minutes (I don’t think Knuble can play 82 games at 18 minutes a game), they’re still capable of production, and they’re still capable of showing off what you want from them. In other words, I like Knuble right where he’s at (Though I think he should get some time on that 2PP unit).
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 20, 2011 11:48 PM EST up reply actions
Neuvirth has had pretty strong support. Baxter and Mackan are Europeans (and from as far east as Flash and Hamr). Laich has taken a lot of heat. Wideman has taken heat.
Please, call me F&B.
True on all points, but I will say that Swedes are a special breed. Swedes are so lovable
by DonnieKnutts on Dec 21, 2011 10:44 AM EST up reply actions
If you are arguing that people on this site are harsher with the Caps’ Eastern Europeans than with North Americans due to their nationality as opposed to their play, I would heartily disagree. The reason I come here for my analysis is that I trust the writers and the regular posters here to evaluate fairly and objectively. All of the players will be and have been criticized and scrutinized at some point on this site irrespective of their nationality.
Now I do think there is a smaller group in the hockey world, both fans and in parts of the media, that favors North American players and judges them by a different standard. It’s easy to find them—just read the comments section of TSN or of Puck Daddy or even at the NHL site. And we all know the prejudiced individuals within the media. (Milbury—cough cough). They pop up locally at CI and sometimes in other local blogs, but other fans call them out.
But I don’t think it’s systematic—every group has it’s crazy, irrational individuals. For every Damien Cox and Don Cherry, there’s an Elliotte Friedman or a Bob McKenzie. (And I note that Cherry does in fact appreciate Ovi—just not all that goal celebrating he once did).
Personally I just ignore the crazy guy talking that ignorant crap about soft Eurotrash—including when he’s that old fart on National TV during the Olympics.
Knuble: "I am what I am. I play well with good players."
On his milestone: "It's going to be like unwrapping a birthday present. Then the day after you're kind of like [sighs]....Now you just have to keep going."
by capsyoungguns on Dec 21, 2011 1:01 PM EST up reply actions
Thinking about it I undercut my argument by mentioning the Olympics. That was a time when xenophobia was at a fever pitch. And commentators such as Milbury are paid to be controversial. I stand by my belief that what prejudices are out there, it’s not systematic. And outside of occasional posters not on this site.
Knuble: "I am what I am. I play well with good players."
On his milestone: "It's going to be like unwrapping a birthday present. Then the day after you're kind of like [sighs]....Now you just have to keep going."
by capsyoungguns on Dec 21, 2011 1:26 PM EST up reply actions
I think it also has to do with where you’re coming from as a fan or as a person in the media who grew up with the game. Cherry often acts as if Europeans are assaulting his great game of hockey because he mentally inserts the word “Canadian” before “game of hockey.” I imagine that to him, Canada lives and dies by this tremendous sport and maybe to him, America and Europe making great strides in various areas (drafting, ability) undercuts Canada’s stronghold on the sport.
I’m all for international participation. I love that the Caps are so European-friendly. DC is especially an area full of immigrants and foreigners, and it’s nice to see such an international city have such a friendly perspective on international talent.
And I agree. Swedes are so lovable. And have great square backs with which to curl protectively around the puck.
Knuble: "I am what I am. I play well with good players."
On his milestone: "It's going to be like unwrapping a birthday present. Then the day after you're kind of like [sighs]....Now you just have to keep going."
by capsyoungguns on Dec 21, 2011 1:03 PM EST up reply actions
Went over to the Preds recap of the game. Seems like a fan or two there is legimately interested in Semin, stated, “I’m back on the trade for Semin bandwagon”. Sounds like there is a sect in that community legitimately interested in him.
Did ya see that shot?
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Is there anyone in the league who can shoot the puck off their back foot anywhere nearly as well or hard as Semin? It amazes the hell out of me.
I have seen Kostitsyn, Crosby, and Brian Campbell do it. None as well.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 20, 2011 11:32 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
So sweet tonight. That first period had to be the best they’ve played under Hunter. It was a weird feeling tonight. I actually felt more confident than tense about the Caps. They played with verve and Intensity.
That was quite the ceremony for Knuble. Very impressive. But he’s worth it.
Knuble: "I am what I am. I play well with good players."
On his milestone: "It's going to be like unwrapping a birthday present. Then the day after you're kind of like [sighs]....Now you just have to keep going."
I loved the new look lines, Hunter and his staff balanced them very well, my favourite has gotta be 28-19-90 though, if they keep these line combos, I expect us to be picking up more wins like this, and hopefully Neuvy’s good play tonight (and lately) is a sign of good things to come!
by Joey Kirby on Dec 20, 2011 11:20 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions
Where is the best site to look at line combos for the year? Have a theory I would like to explore…thanks.
DailyFaceoff seems good..
by Joey Kirby on Dec 20, 2011 11:56 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Caps are now 1-0 in games where Frau Mage wears her Halpern shersey. In real post, it was so awesome watching the Caps just assert themselves that way. I felt I finally saw Huntsy’s system.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 20, 2011 11:29 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I thought the 2nd half of the Jets game was pretty much exactly as Dale wanted, we just couldn’t muster as many scoring chances against, but the overall puck possession and pressure seemed there.
I can buy that – but today you saw it come to fruition and if the Caps can play like that, they’re a dangerous team.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 20, 2011 11:41 PM EST up reply actions
With about 3 minutes left in the 2nd Ovi went to the bench for a stick. The only got a quick look, but it looked like it had a less severe curve than he’d been using in the past. I was curious as to whether he just grabbed a teammates stick, or if he’s dialed back the curve.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
Some time during the middle of his slump, I definitely wondered if anybody had ever advised him to use a straighter blade. I can’t remember which coach/player it was I read about, but I read somewhere that a coach had convinced a player to try a straighter blade, and it stuck…better production ensued. Who was it, I wish I could remember.
by DonnieKnutts on Dec 20, 2011 11:50 PM EST up reply actions
I was kind of wondering if his terrible shooting percentage might be related to some changes to his twig. I also seem to recall one of the beat writers writing about Ovi dumping a bucket of pucks on the ice and working on his shot before or after practice a few weeks back.
I looked on Getty Images to see if I could tell from the pics, but I can’t tell for sure. Maybe a little shallower curve with a touch less fade, but hard to say.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Dec 21, 2011 12:04 AM EST up reply actions
There’s no way the equipment guy could’ve gotten one of Ovie’s spares in time, right? He lost/broke his stick right at the bench.
You tried your best and failed miserably. The lesson is "Never Try."
If someone has the game on DVR it should be easy to tell by the tape job…
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Dec 21, 2011 9:30 AM EST up reply actions
After his seven shots on goal tonight, Ovechkin now has 124 shots, which ties him for third-most in the league with Evgeni Malkin and one behind Patrick Sharp for second. Oh, and only 7 behind league-leader James Neal, who has played one more game.
#OviRising
Reporter: "What’s your Mom’s birthday?"
Tortorella: "I have no idea."
by Wheeler on Dec 20, 2011 11:50 PM EST via Android app reply actions
Pumped.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 20, 2011 11:55 PM EST up reply actions
Proven fact, more SoG more goals and points.
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
by breaklance on Dec 20, 2011 11:55 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
1,100 games
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
by EmilyB on Dec 21, 2011 12:06 AM EST reply actions 8 recs
If the one on the right keeps making drop passes like that to Semin he’ll be playing many more games in red. Hell at this rate, he’s probably going to be playing many more in red anyway.
We’ll allow him to make the occasional drop pass to Ovi.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Most definitely. I’ve been a big fan of Mojo since he started last year. I also will never get over the fact that he’s a rising star on the Caps and literally only two months older than me. And I’ll never get past my street hockey league…
So when did you turn 21 this month? You appear to be about 4 months older than my second daughter.
That’s a scary thought — all these kids coming up to the Caps: MoJo, Orlov, and Eakin (even though he was just sent down.)
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Actually today (21st) is my birthday. Very happy for an early bday present from the Caps as I was somewhat dreading this game seeing how we’d been playing lately.
I was at the 5-1 game against the Devils last year on my bday which was one of the most fun Caps games I’ve been to.
Happy birthday, Mein Freund!
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 21, 2011 12:28 AM EST up reply actions
Thanks! Already partaking in being 21 and thankful the Caps saved the 20th which had been a pretty miserable day up until that point.
Sorry, the rest of your birthday was so miserable.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
No the 20th sucked. The 21st is my birthday, which will be great. I hope I get to watch an Arsenal win in addition to the Caps win.
Congratulations! And a virtual cup of champagne passed to you in celebration. But I’m sure you had some real alcohol now that you can have the stuff legally.
(So, now, you are exactly 4 months older than my younger daughter.) Are you a college kid at the moment, too.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
I’m enjoying a very nice Black Chocolate Stout which is an awesome beer. And yes I go to American in DC, which is central to how I became a Caps fan in the first place. Saw the 09 series against the Pens which was just after I got into AU and was completely hooked. Never really caught on to the Devils or Rangers when I was growing up in Northern Jersey, but watching that series on Vs. got me into hockey. My family moved to Northern Va a year ago so it’s now my local team.
This comment has nothing to do with the hand or team and really should be refrained from in the thread.
"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 Dec 21, 2011 8:12 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Cautiously optimistic tonight. Waiting to see Friday night at the Rock. Let’s see if they can string two together. Definitely liked what I saw.
Not only did 8, 19, 28, 20 score – including a PP, we only gave up 1 goal.
On to Friday!!
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
And the PK was awesome. I mean, flat out awesome.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 21, 2011 12:11 AM EST up reply actions
Sorry – you are so right. Still, though, holding my breath a bit until Friday night.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Agreed, but until then I feel on top of the world. Actually attending the game does that to you.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 21, 2011 12:14 AM EST up reply actions
I’m the eternal optimist. It’s just one game at a time. Trying to keep things into perspective. The goal is April. Let’s build to get there.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Completely.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 21, 2011 12:19 AM EST up reply actions
I was on pins and needles as well.
On the other hand, I also was definitely in awe sometimes watching Shea Weber. Damn, that guy is just a defensive wizard. He was just always in the right place, and his stickwork was amazing.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 21, 2011 12:15 AM EST up reply actions
Early yet, and small sample size, but DH doesn’t look completely lost behind an NHL bench, does he?
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Nope. He looks calm, collected, and has the exact same facial expression regardless of what’s going on. He just keeps chewing that gum.
Indeed...
I still have yet to see anything close to this seemingly photoshopped face:
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Dec 21, 2011 12:22 AM EST up reply actions
What was up with that timeout in the first minute of the third period? Or was that an actual TO? The Nashville crew said it was, but they cut to Hunts on the bench and he wasn’t talking to the players or doing anything other than standing and chewing gum. Seemed an odd time to take a TO
by DonnieKnutts on Dec 21, 2011 12:20 AM EST up reply actions
Guys had been out for a minute, poor defensive match up, and it was an icing. I thought the move was good – you can’t take it to the next game, so take it now. Panned out, I think.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 21, 2011 12:22 AM EST up reply actions
Glad someone mentioned this.
I was watching the Preds feed and they’d commented that there was no Cap close to challenging the icing so I thought maybe Hunter called em in to say “Hey, the 3rd period has started, we still have a period to play, lets keep those legs moving”
But I was also drilling my dvd cabinet into the wall sideways (not sure it will stay up there) so I wasn’t actually watching the screen to see if that assessment was actually valid.
No, I don't think I'll ever get over Macho Grande
I don’t think they announced it at VC, if they did I totally spaced. But given the stop in the action I soon concluded in my head that someone had taken a timeout.
Definitely announced, but was announced while the crowd was loud. I only caught it because it was on the main board.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 21, 2011 12:37 AM EST up reply actions
…and I agree the Preds announcers also observed he wasn’t even actually talking to the team. So if it was any admonishment or lesson it was brief and/or subtle, otherwise he just felt like resting the guys. Or else he’s beyond our feeble coaching senses and the timeout itself conveyed the appropriate message to the team
No, I don't think I'll ever get over Macho Grande
Channeling Keyshawn
C’mon man! I have no problems calling out Semin when he plays disinterested and sloppy but this was not one of those games. His Corsi / Fenwick was among the highest on the team and this was one of the his best games of the season, which included a goal at a critical juncture of the game. Are we really going to call him out on the NSH goal? Never had possession on a off-target pass, Neuvy gives up a 40 footer. Not sure how that’s Sasha’s fault.
Off target pass for sure, I’m not giving him much slack for it. I do think he could have recovered better, but outside of his absolutely boneheaded boarding penalty, he was a stud.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 21, 2011 12:31 AM EST up reply actions
Semin and the Dump and Chase
My absolute FAVORITE play of the night:
3:30ish into the 2nd period, Semin foregoes forcing a 2 on 3, and instead elects to dump it into the corner. He and Marjo have a full head of steam, so Marjo easily retrieves (beats Weber) and slides it to Semin (who has hustled to the far corner anticipating the cycle), who quickly finds Backstrom in the slot for a scoring chance.
This was my favorite play because it gives me hope: maybe Semin’s not a lost cause in this more conservative system. I’m a firm believer he can fit into any system whenever he is skating hard and making good, quick decisions.
The keyboard is mightier.
Semin, dare I say, looked ecstatic after his goal. Rare.
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Dec 21, 2011 12:51 AM EST reply actions
After the goal against the Avs, it was utter relief. He let loose a little tonight.
He also boarded the eff outta Tootoo. So there’s that
by DonnieKnutts on Dec 21, 2011 12:52 AM EST up reply actions
And retook the team PIM lead from Erskine…
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 21, 2011 8:54 AM EST up reply actions
not a huge minutes watcher, but…. only 15 for ovie tonight? nursing the lead? how many times has he had lower
Is Blake Geoffrion any relation to Bernie "Boom-Boom " or is that as common a surname in Quebec as is Tremblay?
Don't put your beer in the microwave, eh. It'll boil.- Bob McKenzie
In fact, Geoffrion’s great grandfather also played pro hockey — Howie Morentz (on the Canadiens). Believe his dad, Dan, also spent time in the NHL.
One note: this summer, they had some of the rookies do some art, including both Eakin and Geoffrion. On Geoffrion’s art, he drew a Habs logo and also the words “Boom Boom”
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Geoffrion is the first 4th generation player in NHL history.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
by CapsFan75 on Dec 21, 2011 7:48 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Good win tonight; good puck movement. I really got to hand it to Dale with his creative lines. I just love 90/19/28 and, what the hell, why NOT 8/21/20? We have been debating the lines on these boards for over a month, and I am probably wrong about this, but I do not remember ever seeing a proposal for these specific combinations. Good analysis of the players, good patience in making a decision, and then good deployment of the lines. I think this bodes well for the rest of the year. Yes, it is too bad about Knubes dropping down but I think it probably makes sense. He can gets lots of time on the PK, PP, and I personally think it would be interesting to have him take a few turns on the 3rd line, especially if 21 stays top 6.
Very Late Observations from Section 421
Finally my train got to Grosvenor at about 11:15, followed by a drive home, so you wait until this AM for your numbered items:
1) First of all, congratulations to an all around class guy for reaching a tremendous milestone in his career. Mike Knuble is proof that life can begin at 30. A great career with more to come.
2) Also kudos to MJ90. 100 games is a big milestone. Most pro hockey players finish with 0 NHL games. Bravo.
3) On to the game. It’s great to see the star players playing like star players. Apparently someone told Ovechkin it’s ok to shoot the puck and he did, mustering up 7 shots on goal. Only one player in the game (Jordin Tootoo) had more than half as many shots, with 5.
4) Come to think of it, if Tootoo is the leading shot-on-goal guy for Nashville, then the team was playing solid defense. Well done. Plus it’s apparent Nashville has issues up front.
5) Despite the solid effort, there were a couple of unnecessary penalties in the game. Semin had no need to hit Tootoo like he did. Yeah Tootoo is an [Avery] but he’s not worth 2 PIMs And now Semin is once again the team leader in PIMs with 38… all 2 minute minors putting the Caps shorthanded. This has to stop. Also the cross check by Chimera was unnecessary. Yeah, he was probably hooked or held a little beforehand as he went to the net, but blasting the guy down afterwards wasn’t worth the 2 minutes either.
6) A 4-1 win is nice, but a 6-1 or 7-1 win is nicer. There were a couple of times where the Caps had open nets to shoot at and missed. Gotta bury those. If they bury the couple of chances they had in the first on the empty net, and if Brouwer scores on that post he hit, it’s 5-0 before the Kostitsyn goal. At that point the game is essentially over (some teams can come back from 5-0 down in the second, Nashville isn’t one of them.)
7) At one point I heard some of those ultra-annoying Tootoo train whistles in the VC. Nashville has fans in DC? I know the Preds’ dads were there, but they hopefully have more self-respect than that… then again, they were wearing Preds jerseys. That yellow is really annoying to look at.
8) And a bit of a thank you to the Phoenix Coyotes for the early Xmas present in the form of a 2-1 win over Florida. Sure is weird to be watching the Panthers on the scoreboard like it matters in December…
Of the opponents the Caps face in the next couple of weeks, Nashville is probably the second-strongest (the Rangers are the strongest, and that’s coming up next week). There are some winnable games coming up before they go to California: 2 with Buffalo, New Jersey, Columbus and Calgary, along with the Rangers. That’s 12 points available. Let’s get them all!
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
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