Recap: Sabres 4, Caps 2
by Becca H on Dec 26, 2011 10:12 PM EST
in Game Recaps
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There is something to be said for the concept of having patience with a new coaching regime and waiting until new systems sink in before judging the way a team performs. But when the problems appear to go beyond the systems, when the same behavioral issues exist that have existed in the past with very little change, it's a troubling thing to watch.
Unfortunately that's what we've seen so far with this Caps team under Dale Hunter, a team that has all the talent and, when they want to, the ability to outwork the other team - but for whatever reason they're not able to put those two things together for longer than twenty minutes here, thirty minutes there. And while there's still a lot of hockey to go and time for this team to be whipped into shape, their ability to play a complete game will determine just how far they go in the playoffs (or if they make it there at all).
Ten more notes on the game:
- The ugly started early in this one, with the Caps taking a penalty just nine seconds into the game - and giving up the first tally just forty-two seconds later. The last thing you want to do against a struggling team is give them confidence, and that goal insured that the Sabres had some swagger right from the get-go. By the end of the first they'd tacked on three more goals, chased Michal Neuvirth and put the Caps in a significant hole that would prove to be too deep. A disturbing trend, no doubt.
- Neuvirth might have ended up on the bench just barely half a period into the game but it's hard to pin too much of that early deficit on him. The first goal was a bad line change that led to a 2-on-1 and a goal by (who else?) Jason Pominville, the second a shot off the faceoff. He never really got a chance to settle into the game, and his team didn't give him much chance to see the few shots he faced. Not one he'll be proud of, to be sure, but nothing to make him hang his head, either.
- Congratulations to Matt Hendricks for picking up his first goal of the season, the last of the forwards on the regular roster to get one. It was the product of some good, hard work all around by the fourth line (...and one of those last-minute killers that usually have more of an impact when you're not trailing by four at the time).
- After not seeing any action for over a week, Tomas Vokoun came in with two and a half periods remaining and a four-goal hole for his team. Whether it was the desire to prove himself or the fact that the pressure was somewhat off, he was admirable in relief and turned aside sixteen of the seventeen shots he faced the rest of the way. It may not have resulted in a comeback win, but there's something to be said for stopping the bleeding - especially for a guy who could use a little confidence.
- On paper this looked like an even game, with the Caps keeping up with the Sabres when it came to shots on goal. The difference? Every Buffalo shot seemed to be either right on top of the crease or sent through a screen of perfectly placed Sabre jerseys; every Caps shot, a routine one from miles away with no bodies blocking Ryan Miller's view. Even a bad goalie is going to stop those every time... and Miller is not a bad goalie.
- Fascinating that on a night in which he actually could have been whistled for at least two legitimate penalty calls (albeit sort of silly ones), Alexander Semin manages to stay out of the box. If that's not the mark of a strange officiating night - including Brooks Laich's phantom "trip" - I don't know what is.
- The Caps' penalty kill has been like the little girl with the little curl in the middle of her forehead. When it's good, it's very, very good; when it's bad, it's tonight's game. Or something. It got better as the game went on (as did almost everything about their performance) but giving up two power play goals in one game - one period, even - is not the recipe for success.
- The importance of faceoffs can sometimes be overstated, but when no one on the team who took more than three draws finished the night above 50% in the circle, that's a big problem - especially when at least one Buffalo goal came about because of a lost draw.
- Alex Ovechkin was actually one of the few who showed up tonight, that extra bit of physicality in his game that always seems to be there when he plays certain teams and a boatload of shots on or toward the net. And while it may sound petty, there just aren't many sounds sweeter than that of an angry Buffalo crowd raining boos down on #8 when he scores.
- Late in the third period Mathieu Perreault attempted to hit a Buffalo player, had his stick jam on the boards and snap, and ran the broken blade into his midsection; he played a few more shifts but has reportedly been taken to a Buffalo hospital for precautionary reasons. Not sure you could find a finer metaphor for this game than a guy impaling himself on his own sword...get better soon, Matty P.
When the Caps came out flat early on and dug themselves a hole in the first period, it was hard not to have flashbacks to the last game Bruce Boudreau would coach behind the Washington bench - exactly one month ago tonight. But there were differences that go beyond the score, a few positives amid the negative.
Like last time they fell behind early and lost by a large margin. Unlike last time, however, while the deficit was bigger early the Caps improved as the game went on, shut down the Sabres' offense, improved the penalty kill, scored a few goals to claw back in and showed a significant level of "give a crap" in the final twenty minutes.
That it was once again too little, too late... well, that's something this team needs to work on from here on out.
Game highlights:
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No comments yet? I think the game speaks for itself too.
Well, let’s look forward to the next one.
"One of the most difficult things everyone has to learn is that for your entire life you must keep fighting and adjusting if you hope to survive." -George Allen
Was at Verizon Center tonight to see the
Wizards in Ted Red and I was monumentally disappointed in the game.
As for this game which I’ll see on the DVR prob tomorrow morning since I’m off of work for the week, I’m resigned to the reality that this Caps team just doesn’t have the mentality to have their heads in the game for 60 minutes.
I heard on a radio show soon after Hunter was hired that the Caps would soon go on a big run because that’s what happens to many teams soon after a new coach comes in midseason. I haven’t really seen that jolt yet in terms of results.
And let’s hope Matty P is okay. Or who gets to be the 12th forward? Will Squeaks get another callup from Hershey or will someone else get the nod, in that regard?
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
But when the problems appear to go beyond the systems, when the same behavioral issues exist that have existed in the past with very little change, it’s a troubling thing to watch.
Ugh, indeed. This fills me with despair, because is this even a fixable problem? I’m at a loss.
The keyboard is mightier.
In case anyone missed it, Matty was sent to the hospital as a precaution after the game. he may or may not make the flight back tonight.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Season Pledge total--$718.07!
sounds like he’ll be held overnight, scheduled to rejoin the team in DC tomorrow
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Season Pledge total--$718.07!
But will the Caps even want to play him on Wednesday, due to health concerns? Which is why I wondered earlier if there could be a call up.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Beagle could be ready.
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 26, 2011 11:08 PM EST up reply actions
Hard to pin an entire result on one moment, but that Hammer DOG made the game pretty much DOA. After the second BUF goal, it felt like a foregone conclusion. I know the Caps came back against NJD last game, but this doesn’t feel like the same bunch that used to flip 3-0 scorelines with ease. Pretty demoralizing to watch, knowing that.
Watched the BUF feed, and they were on Ovie pretty hard. Yeah, it’s to be expected—and yeah, he had a decent game. But sometimes those “iso” cams can be pretty damning. Ovie’s patented “stick-tap” backcheck maneuver was the object of ridicule
Surely discussed in the first and second period threads (I was at dinner), but the Caps gave up a third goal of the season, a second goal of the season, and a first-ever NHL goal tonight. That is so many layers of fail.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Yup. That has, unfortunately, been a pattern too often as of late. Many first goals in a long time given up, as of late. Goals to people in droughts. Goals to enforcers. First points to minor league callups. Etc.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
I watched MSG as well. I though they reacted per Internet meme, but nearly always came back ok. The first penalty was a dive and then, upon replay, was a trip. Regehr’s hit was amazing, but then they complimented him for getting right back up. The only real ridiculousness was saying that he never gets back on D, and is “known for that.”
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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Yeah, I think the commentators were for the most part fair. But as I said, the “iso” cam is damning. When Comcast runs an Ovechcam reel, they focus mostly on his positive plays. When an away network runs their version of Ovechkam, they’re looking for more of a mix—and those isolated shots of him standing straight up, gliding through the neutral zone, lazily tapping his stick on an opponent’s backside…well, they’re slightly alarming. But nothing we haven’t seen before
by DonnieKnutts on Dec 26, 2011 10:52 PM EST up reply actions
Disagree – one goal doesn’t end the game.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 26, 2011 11:16 PM EST up reply actions
Quick analysis:
1. It’s not the coach. Sorry – can’t come to that conclusion after 12 games.
2. The goalies need to be better. BUT, can’t put the goalies in early PK opportunities and can’t lose coverage as the Caps’ did. None of the goals were prototypical bad (as in Colorado’s first goal). Neuvy wants Erhoff’s back, but that was also one hell of a shot.
3. I hold the defense accountable for most of the problems. They are running around too much. They react to pressure as if the sky is falling. Jim Johnson has work to do. 27, 74, and 81 are young and show its from time to time. 6 and 52 tend to be more offensive. 4, 44, and 55 are not what I’d call mobile and get caught flat footed too much.
4. Forwards aren’t scoring, but I think that’s part and parcel of Hunter’s system. If you give up 4 goals on a DH32 team, you aren’t going to win. In fact, if you give up 3 goals, you aren’t going to win.
5. Bottom Line: All of the Capitals problems are above the shoulder pads. Period. They have the talent to win. Something is missing in their camaraderie, their cohesiveness, their confidence, their flow. If it was kosher, I’d have the boys meet at a bar and drink themselves into oblivion together. Go bowling. Go paint balling. Go to a strip club and make the rookies pay. Go have fun for fuck’s sake. Realize that you can’t win just by showing up anymore. You have to work for it. You can do it. If I was the coach, I’d put soccer balls on the ice tomorrow or drop sticks and play football on the ice. They need something.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Go to a strip club and make the rookies pay.
“Dima, the good news is we’re going to a strip club. The better news is it’s your treat. Hand over your Amex card.”
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
You’ve obviously never been.
I think it’s more like – “Go to the bank. Ask for $1,000 in one dollar bills. And – hand over your AMEX.”
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Well, obviously.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
So – you’ve been? Way cool.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Hunts looked as pissed as he’s looked behind the bench after that fourth goal. Wonder if he 24/7’s them at all.
by DonnieKnutts on Dec 26, 2011 10:53 PM EST up reply actions
Soccer balls on ice—yes. That’s how my son learned how to skate in his initiation before becoming a Mite. Get the guys thinking about how fun hockey can be.
I keep reading analysis (and tweets) that the way this team is constructed is a poor fit for Hunter’s system. But this team certainly didn’t seem like a good fit anymore for BB’s. I just don’t know what to think—or expect. How far we have come from the excitement of this summer with all of the additions.
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 26, 2011 10:54 PM EST up reply actions
I used to put soccer balls on the ice for Bantams. It’s a great way to relax and take your mind off games for a bit.
I also did contests where I had the kids skate from goal line to center ice and slide on their stomachs and see who could go the farthest.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
I put balls on ice when.. oh nevermind.
"One of the most difficult things everyone has to learn is that for your entire life you must keep fighting and adjusting if you hope to survive." -George Allen
Yes adjectives are a wonderful thing.
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 26, 2011 11:00 PM EST up reply actions
Couldn’t hurt. They definitely need to relax. Too much over thinking which leads to indeciveness and passivity. Opening the game with a stupid penalty shouldn’t set the tone. Yet it did.
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 26, 2011 11:03 PM EST up reply actions
I have a hard time with coaches that force a system upon a team that isn’t the best fit for how the team is constructed. Shouldn’t they be flexible and say hey, with 4, 44, 55, we can’t really play man-to-man defensive system? I know a lot more about football and have seen plenty of new coaches come in and try to make a team play a certain system instead of trying to make the system fit the team, and it just seems obvious that they are going to fail, and then they do. I hope that isn’t what is happening here.
by vtcapsfan99 on Dec 26, 2011 11:21 PM EST up reply actions
It’s certainly possible, but remember that they have 52 on the sidelines. When he comes in, I imagine you’ll see either 55 or 44 head to the sidelines. Erskine is more mobile. Beyond that, I think you do the best you can. It’s not as though you can find six mobile, high reacting D sitting on the scrap heap.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
You are right, Green will help, but I don’t really have much confidence in him staying uninjured for long enough to make an impact.
by vtcapsfan99 on Dec 26, 2011 11:42 PM EST up reply actions
55 is already on the sidelines these days. So if Green’s back, our D is 52, 27, 74, 44, 6, and Oisk. And then Oisk becomes marginalized, as well.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
I’m not so sure 81 moves to the sideline. I think he fits the mold for Hunter.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
I don’t think football coaching and hockey coaching are similar enough to say you can’t force a system on people in the NHL. If the Wild can trap with the guys they had (Cam Barker’s one of the slowest players in the NHL) it’s possible for the Caps to play man-to-man D with the guys they have. I think it’s a confidence issue. They just have nerves about the switch from zone to man-to-man.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 26, 2011 11:34 PM EST up reply actions
So how do they fix this confidence issue? They just need more time and coaching?
by vtcapsfan99 on Dec 26, 2011 11:36 PM EST up reply actions
Read below. I think it comes with time.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 26, 2011 11:50 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t have any answers for the confidence issue.
But, on the defensive personnel issues, the thing the Caps will need to do for the draft is to look for some players who would be a good fit for a man to man system. Granted, anybody we’d acquire would not be ready immediately but in about 2-3 years. And hopefully these hypothetical draft picks could work, even if the system became more of a zone system.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Hunter won’t be here in 2-3 years to rely on this drafted defenseman. It’s futile to draft according to the current systems needs and wants unless you’re really committed to the coaching system, and I don’t think anyone is yet.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 26, 2011 11:56 PM EST up reply actions
But reasonably mobile young defensemen could hopefully fit in most systems. Admittedly, trying to draft guys to fit in a current system is chancy.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
It doesn’t really matter. Any drafted defenseman won’t make a significant impact for at least two years in this system, and there’ll be free agents and trade opportunities that can fix issues easier. The core’s set, waiting for draft picks is the wrong approach on any level.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 27, 2011 12:02 AM EST up reply actions
I was really hoping the acrostic for this one was “FUCK KALETA.” Both of his tripping penalties looked like attempts to take out guys’ knees.
Also, fuck that guy.
Reporter: "What’s your Mom’s birthday?"
Tortorella: "I have no idea."
by Wheeler on Dec 26, 2011 10:52 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
And it’s not as if Kaleta isn’t known for that bullshit.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 26, 2011 11:17 PM EST up reply actions
(RUS up 1-0 early in the second, goal from Khokhlachev.)
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
It’s being shown on GCL too. :) Nice
"One of the most difficult things everyone has to learn is that for your entire life you must keep fighting and adjusting if you hope to survive." -George Allen
and now 2-0
"One of the most difficult things everyone has to learn is that for your entire life you must keep fighting and adjusting if you hope to survive." -George Allen
Psst…guys, please keep that in the OT hockey thread. Thank you :)
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
by Becca H on Dec 26, 2011 11:11 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Draft pick note of the day — we would get the #8 pick if the draft were held today. Meanwhile, we would get the 11th pick from Colorado. Now, time to do research and find a more up-to-date list of Junior rankings to see who the possible picks around #10 are.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Neuvirth was absolutely bad tonight. After a few great games, he just looked poor. Vokoun, on the other hand, looked fine.
I did some research, and while the Bruins last year were just above average all year, the Blackhawks, Penguins, and Red Wings all had long periods of excessive poor play during their Stanley Cup winning seasons. The Penguins, for instance, had three months where they finished under .500, and in two of them they were SIGNIFICANTLY poor.
I say this because I’m starting to realize there is no perfect recipe, there is no perfect team, and the best team in hockey doesn’t always win the Stanley Cup.
The Stanley Cup goes to the hottest team in April, May, and June. All of the last four Stanley Cup winners turned their shit around in April, and were just hot going into the finals. That’s all it takes, and that’s all it takes in any tournament.
This talk about “Let’s start looking at where we draft” shit needs to be halted, fast. After Hanlon was fired, the team went 9-5-4 from Thanksgiving to the end of December. In twelve games with Hunter, they’re 5-6-1. It’s too early to throw in the towel, especially since the team is in much better position than they were that year. This team needs something, and we don’t know what it is, but we know they’re capable of getting hot. It just needs to be at the right time. And it doesn’t help having a fan base that froths at the mouth for Frk and Yakupov. If nothing else, it’s time to look at moving prospects for legit players, because this is not a team that is being built for a rebuild. It’s a team that needs to win, now. We didn’t trade our first round draft pick for Troy Brouwer because we thought in three years we might be good. This team didn’t take a huge step because Gordon and Boudreau and Bradley and Flash are gone. This team needs to realize “Shit, we can do this.” And if it takes a trade for players to think about what the Hell they’re doing, then it takes a trade, but it’s not time to call it in.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 26, 2011 11:29 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
there’s only one person walking about where the caps draft
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Season Pledge total--$718.07!
Here, yeah, but I heard it a lot at the bar tonight.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 26, 2011 11:34 PM EST up reply actions
Agree with you on Neuvy. I honestly don’t understand him this season. With Vokoun faltering, this could have been his chance to lock down the starting position. Vokoun has given him a number of tries at it. Instead Neuvy is not taking advantage of his opportunity. It seems the goalies are infected with the same confidence problem as the rest of the team.
by vtcapsfan99 on Dec 26, 2011 11:41 PM EST up reply actions
In fairness to Neuvy, being a consistently good goalie is the hardest thing to do in sports, if you ask me. Roy and Hasek were amazing, but even they had duds. ONE BAD GAME, and one coach trying to prove a point to Roy was all it took for Roy to refuse to play for Montreal and all of a sudden Colorado was a perennial cup contender. Roberto Luongo was one of the best goalies years in and years out, and look at him now. He’s just as good as he was, but he’s struggling. Goalies get figured out. Shooters get lucky. Goalies now adays will sometimes use the butterfly on shots because it’s a percentage thing, not a reactionary. And they get burned. Sometimes you face the perfect shot (Elias let one of those go in the shootout against Neuvirth on Friday). Sometimes you let in a fluke. Goaltenders, even when perfect, can give up goals. There’s no rhyme or reason or science. There’s just facts and statistics and probabilities.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 26, 2011 11:55 PM EST up reply actions
Great post.
I’m tempted to change my sig and use some of your gems: “This team needs to realize ‘Shit, we can do this.’” And “This talk about ’Let’s start looking at where we draft’ shit needs to be halted, fast.”
I am convinced this team can get their act together, play like a team and not like a bunch of individuals bumping into each other. We’ve seen them do it. Against the Preds is the best example.
I can’t remember the exact quote but my favorite observation thus far from 24/7 is Torts saying that the game is hockey is about teams losing their momentum and trying their damndest to get it back. The best hockey runs on that knife’s edge of emotion and discipline. This team has the emotion part down. But the discipline part is still a work in progress.
I am not about to give up on the season.
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 27, 2011 9:27 AM EST up reply actions
This talk about "Let’s start looking at where we draft" shit needs to be halted, fast.
It’s too early to throw in the towel, especially since the team is in much better position than they were that year.
This team needs to realize "Shit, we can do this."
God bless. Mage – you and I are of like minds on this.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
by STLSpidey on Dec 26, 2011 11:33 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
I’m humming the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” even now.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Nuff Said - Right?
Bluto: Hey! What’s all this laying around stuff? Why are you all still laying around here for?
Stork: What the hell are we supposed to do, ya moron? We’re all expelled. There’s nothing to fight for anymore.
D-Day: [to Bluto] Let it go. War’s over, man. Wormer dropped the big one.
Bluto: What? Over? Did you say “over”? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no!
Otter: [to Boon] Germans?
Boon: Forget it, he’s rolling.
Bluto: And it ain’t over now. ‘Cause when the goin’ gets tough…
[thinks hard of something to say]
Bluto: The tough get goin’! Who’s with me? Let’s go!
[Bluto runs out, alone; then returns]
Bluto: What the fuck happened to the Delta I used to know? Where’s the spirit? Where’s the guts, huh? This could be the greatest night of our lives, but you’re gonna let it be the worst. “Ooh, we’re afraid to go with you Bluto, we might get in trouble.” Well just kiss my ass from now on! Not me! I’m not gonna take this. Wormer, he’s a dead man! Marmalard, dead! Niedermeyer…
Otter: Dead! Bluto’s right. Psychotic… but absolutely right. We gotta take these bastards. Now we could do it with conventional weapons, but that could take years and cost millions of lives. No, I think we have to go all out. I think that this situation absolutely requires a really futile and stupid gesture be done on somebody’s part!
Bluto: We’re just the guys to do it.
D-Day: [stands up] Yeah, I agree. Let’s go get ‘em.
Boon: Let’s do it.
Bluto: [shouting] “Let’s do it”!
[all of the Deltas stand up and run out with Bluto]
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
by STLSpidey on Dec 26, 2011 11:43 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Unleash the fury!
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
We need Bluto to come give our team a motivational speech! Thanks for the posts, Spidey and Emily.
Sorry I’ve been feeling so pessimistic about the guys’ chances. Enough horrible starts have not had me feel too good.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
I’m not suggesting you should feel good. I don’t feel good about it either. I just think that without even half of the season played yet, it’s too early to be super distressed. It fucking pisses me off to lose. I hate it. But I also know it takes time and you can’t go 82-0.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 26, 2011 11:57 PM EST up reply actions
I know a team can’t really expect to go 82-0. We’ve had a pattern in the last 2 months of bad losses and getting off to horrible starts in the last 2 games. We’ve been wondering about the mental fortitude of the guys and wondering if there’s a way to change things.
As bad as we’ve gone, I figure it would probably be February before the management decides the best course of action for this team and its personnel.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Rec’d.
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 27, 2011 9:30 AM EST up reply actions
Takes some time to get confident in a new system. It’s a lot easier for skill players to be told “Go, do your own thing, be free flowing and have fun” than it is to have those same players be told “It’s time to pull on the reigns.”
In the 93-94 season, the Detroit Red Wings (Who I feel is an entirely fair comparison to this season, as I consider Ovechkin = Yzerman, Backstrom = Fedorov, and the free flowing system under Demers to a more restrictive system under Bowman) hired Bowman in the summer, and started the year 5-7 (In Hunter’s first 12, they’re 5-6-1, which could be more fairly called 6-5-1 if you’re going by 92-93’s scoring system), but were at 20-13-2 on the morning of January 1st. Not too much difference in the early going, but the results came later. Bowman’s real success did not begin until about the 25th game of the season, when he finally got to 12-11-1, and then the team just took off.
Bowman had a training camp, but there’s a lot to like in this situation. The next few years, Bowman’s team got to the finals, won two in a row, and then a third down the line. It’s not easy, it takes time, and it’s hard to swallow as a fan. Bowman had pre-established NHL success, but Hunter has pre-established coaching success on another level. Hard to really say.
With another thought, looking for more information about Bowman, I just read a neat quote Kukla’s Korner just used to describe Ovechkin shifting to RW from LW, but I feel can be more adequately used to describe Johansson right now.
"When I was in Montreal with Lafleur, he had a lot of pressure early. He came up as a centre, and we kept telling him, ‘You’re playing against Bobby Clarke, Phil Esposito, Jean Ratelle.’ That’s hard. We moved him around instead and he found his niche on right wing," said Bowman.
It’s way too early to give up hope. If Detroit had given up on Bowman after 12 games, and I’m sure some fans did, where would they be?
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 26, 2011 11:49 PM EST up reply actions
Get back to me when it looks like they can run off a three game win streak, much less five or six.
Invoking distressed jersey avatar.
by ShootTheBullets on Dec 26, 2011 11:52 PM EST up reply actions
You don’t need a three game winning streak to win four out of seven four times.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 26, 2011 11:55 PM EST up reply actions
We’re going to need some 3 game win streaks to have a chance to try the 4 of 7 thing.
by ShootTheBullets on Dec 26, 2011 11:58 PM EST up reply actions
After the Islanders’ regular season dominance and playoff disappointment in 1979, Arbour decided that he would no longer concern himself too greatly with his team’s finish in the regular season. Instead, he focused his team’s energy on how they would perform in the playoffs. In 1980, the Islanders dropped below the 100-point mark for the first time in five years, earning only 91 points. However, they finally broke through and won the Stanley Cup.
Al Arbour only won 999 games won four Stanley Cups after changing that mindset.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 26, 2011 11:59 PM EST up reply actions
Er…that was typed poorly. Al Arbour won 999 games, but his cups only happened after he stopped focusing on the regular season.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 27, 2011 12:01 AM EST up reply actions
Should be noted that 16 of 21 teams qualified for the playoffs at the time.
As well as the Presidents Trophy in the middle two years of their four year run.
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
Right, but he made it a point to emphasize playoffs over regular season – regular season numbers dropped in the first year of that dynasty, of that there is no doubt.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 27, 2011 12:35 AM EST up reply actions
I find that logic a bit of a stretch on several levels. First of all, other than 1978, they were going 2 or 3 rounds deep every year and losing to the eventual Cup champion.
Second thing is, it’s very easy to de-emphasize the regular season when 4 of the 5 teams in your division qualify and to finish 5th the Isles would have had to play a man down every night.
Compare this to the Caps, who in the process of de-emphasizing the regular season are legitimately questionable to make the playoffs.
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
it’s not a direct analogy, though. the Caps have had levels of success that those early ’90s Red Wings teams could only dream about. Those Wings teams had potential; these Caps teams? They have dominated the NHL in ways that most teams (including those Wings teams) can only dream about.
I think that’s what’s so damn frustrating. Rationally, I can say the playoffs are a crapshot, and shit happens and Montreal should have been called for all the holding and interference and never should have been in that series and fuck Yanni and blah blah blah. but as a Caps fans? I’m so tired of waiting.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Season Pledge total--$718.07!
It’s not a direct analogy unless the Caps really turn into a powerhouse that wins some Cups. I’m totally tired of waiting. But I’m seeing where the precedent has been set and the model this team could follow.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 27, 2011 12:00 AM EST up reply actions
Reality bites. We are what we just saw until we’re not. I’m losing hope quickly.
If the Rangers thrash us Wednesday, grab the life jackets.
by ShootTheBullets on Dec 26, 2011 11:46 PM EST reply actions
Really. Tell us what you’d do then? You give up? You blow the team up?
What would you do in Minnesota where they overachieved and have now not won in 7 games. First team since 1999 to have a 7-game winning streak followed by a 7-game losing streak. Do you abandon them as well? I can tell you my friends in Minneapolis are excited and hanging in there.
The Caps have problems, but they are a better than average team in this league that has lost their way. They need to figure it out, but this is far from abandon ship time. They are three points from a playoff spot, seven points from the division lead, with two games in hand. This season is far from over.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
What would you do in Minnesota where they overachieved and have now not won in 7 games. First team since 1999 to have a 7-game winning streak followed by a 7-game losing streak. Do you abandon them as well? I can tell you my friends in Minneapolis are excited and hanging in there.
that’s the cold, it does strange things to the brain :)
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Season Pledge total--$718.07!
I’m just saying they look more likely to fold than they do to catch fire, and have for six weeks. I agree they have talent but their inability to handle adversity is mind-boggling.
by ShootTheBullets on Dec 27, 2011 12:01 AM EST up reply actions
How can you say that they can’t handle adversity? If they make the playoffs, they’ve handled adversity. A few losses is adversity. A string of them is. Crosby said “We needed to lose to learn how to win.” Because they go on a losing streak is no reason to say they can’t “handle adversity.”
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 27, 2011 12:03 AM EST up reply actions
Why did this year’s team fall apart when Green went down? Yet, our team from 3 years ago kept having injury after injury during the November/December time frame yet, after one bad road trip, they still could right their ship.
And who went down in that time frame: Morrisonn, Fedorov, Poti, Green, Semin, Schultz, Erskine. And repeat injuries for Fedorov, Poti, Semin, and Green as well. They were bringing up callups from Hershey right and left and managing to win. The Caps of that time frame were being praised for the ability to withstand injuries.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Adversity is judged at the end of a season – not at the end of December.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Dec 27, 2011 12:13 AM EST up reply actions
Your guess is as good as mine. This team has some fragility to it that is concerning.
But the season isn’t even half over. Three points from a playoff spot, seven from the division lead, with two games in hand.
Every “next game” is the game they turn it around.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Yes, they’re not totally out of it yet, but starting to wonder when the turnaround will take place.
Admittedly, Buffalo and NJ both got off to horrible starts last year. NJ had started off so badly and had so many things go wrong that they were looking like last year’s version of Columbus. They made a strong run and just missed out. Buffalo was only doing slightly better but turned it around to squeak into 7th place.
I’d have to go back and look to see the exact records for Buffalo and NJ for last year.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
They play like dogs on the road. When they go down 1-0, it’s been quickly devolving into a three or four goal hole. They haven’t won a game 7 since the Rangers’ series when Federov saved their bacon against a vastly inferior team; before that, I think Hunter was captain. They need to play to win, not to keep from losing.
by ShootTheBullets on Dec 27, 2011 12:09 AM EST up reply actions
What do you say about the Florida Panthers? They have 3 three-game losing streaks this season and 2 three-game winning streaks this season.
Are they more likely to fold or catch fire?
It’s the NHL. This is how seasons work.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
This season is far from over.
Absolutely correct. This team will make the playoffs and the season will not end for another 5 or 6 games after that.
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
10-15-2 since 7-0-0. Those are Islander numbers, only worse.
by ShootTheBullets on Dec 27, 2011 12:24 AM EST reply actions
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