Recap: Panthers 5, Capitals 4
by Kareem E. on Dec 5, 2011 10:52 PM EST
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If you asked anyone at the beginning of the season if they thought the Florida Panthers would be leading the Southeast Division about a third of the way into the NHL season, the only folks that would have answered affirmatively would have been a subset of very confident Florida Panther players. But if you'd waited until October 26 - after the Washington Capitals staked out to a blazing 7-0 season-opening start - to ask who thought the Panthers would be leading the Southeast division on December 5, odds are that not one person in North America would have raised their hand. But a first-place Panther squad is exactly what the NHL is witnessing.
Tonight, the Caps squared off against the upstart Panthers - a completely re-built team with a lot of familiar faces to Caps fans - and looked to shave into the 'Cats five point division lead by securing Dale Hunter's first road win of his coaching career.
It didn't happen. Florida dominated Washington the first two periods, skated out to a 5-1 lead, withstood a furious third-period Caps rally, and skated away with a 5-4 victory. They are now seven points ahead of the Caps.
Ten more notes on the game:
- The difference in today's game? Special teams. Florida was 3-6 and the Caps 0-2 on the power play.
- Discipline was clearly a problem tonight, with numerous bonhead plays that led to Panther power plays. One particular sequence highlighted the discipline problems: Bracken Kearns takes a first-period run at Jeff Halpern and nails him hard (but clean). John Erskine immediately reminds him that taking such liberties is a no-no. Erskine beats Kearns to a pulp, but racks up 17 minutes in the process, puts the Caps down a man and messes up the defensive pairings. Winner? Panthers. Perhaps the Caps are trying too hard to impress the new coach?
- That said, not all penalties the Caps took were legitimate. The "interference" penalty on Troy Brouwer had to be one of the oddest penalties ever witnessed, where the ref mistakenly thought Brouwer had kicked the stick at an opposing player. (Admit it, after a voo-doo call like that, the fatalist Caps fan in you knew Florida would score. They did.)
- One potential story-line from tonight was the chance to see Tomas Vokoun and Jose Theodore battling against their old teams. But it wasn't meant to be, and the winner of the Battle of the Backups turned out to Scott Clemmensen, solely becayuse he was slightly less shaky than his counterpart Michael Nuevirth. Neuvy, by the way, is doing his best to play himself back to Hershey with that woeful 0.873 save percentage.
- When the Caps look back on this game, they're going to see so many wasted chances to have done the right thing. Take, for example, the Panthers fifth goal. Former Cap Tomas Fleischmann comes in one-on-five, beats everyone, blindly passes the puck back to an unmarked Steven Weiss, who deposits it into an empty net. All five Caps skaters were within 15 feet of the goal, yet no one picked Weiss up. For that matter, no one decided to do much about Flash either. Failing to execute on the small things can kill you.
- Mike Knuble scored a beautiful goal, beating Clemmensen five hole to slice the deficit to two. (But tell me his wind-up didn't feel it took an hour to get off his stick!) He also was a force on the second Caps goal, tying up two Panther defenders and allowing Cody Eakin to walk in and beat Clemmensen to start the rally.
- On the flip side, Knuble got burned pretty bad on the Panthers fourth goal, where he gave up the post and allowed Caps-killer Sean Bergenheim to wrap one home. It's those little things that kill.
- Dmitry Kulikov had the period of his life today, netting three points in the first period. For those of you that have no idea who he is, he is a defenseman for the Panthers.
- John Carlson had himself a nice game tonight, with three assists, eight SOG and a +3 rating in 26+ minutes.
- And Jason Chimera....yes, that's 11 goals on the season! Hands of silk!
Give the Caps some credit. They could have mailed it in when it was 5-1. Instead they rallied, fought hard to the absolute bitter end and made it close. There are positives that can taken away from that, specifically that the team showed some heart and appeared to, for a few brief minutes, enjoy the game again.
Sure, naysayers might say that the Caps could only muster offense after Florida eased off the pedal at 5-1, or that the goaltending left a lot to be desired, or that the defensive zone coverage was a constant adventure. And it would certainly be true. But the Caps are still a work in progress and four games is not enough time for the Caps to gel under Dale Hunter's style or system. Patience should be the buzzword through the month of December. As awful as the first 40 minutes were, Caps fans just saw a 20-minute glimpse of what an inspired Caps team can play like. If Dale can routinely channel that energy and confidence, the Caps will be right back in the thick of the Eastern Conference race shortly.
Game highlights:
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Love the optimistic closing Kareem. Thanks for not falling prey to the “Trade Ovechkin” crowd that pops up its ugly head every now and then.
Patience should be the buzzword through the month of December.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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Cheeba.
Cheeba.
Cheeba.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
spidey, I did my first tweet at someone, just for you.
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The Caps try my patience, absolutely they mock my glass half full approach on nights like this. But what choice do I have but wait out the month of December and give Hunter a bit more time to impress upon these Caps the necessity to play 60 minutes, THREE periods? Patience. I’ll give it a try. There is no other option really.
You know what they say
Shit in one hand, wish in the other. See which fills up first. This team is destined for a second round exit. And if you disagree, would love to make a wager to a charity. I appreciate the optimism from several in the crowd, but i think its time to be realistic. Would love to be wrong, but just don’t see it.
by Strong Side on Dec 5, 2011 11:17 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Second Round is pretty generous with the way they’ve played this season.
Nonethless, you/me/we need to give Hunter more time before we throw them all under a bus for the season.
Second round is extremely generous, considering they have gotten past the 2nd round twice in their history and never in the Ovechkin era.
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
This team is destined for a second round exit.
I don’t get how you can say this in December. Every team goes through shitty slumps. At 7-0, I thought the Caps were gonna conquer the world, and no one was gonna catch them.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
Sure it's speculation
But I’ll put my money where my mouth is. 50 bucks to so kids can that caps don’t advance past second round.
by Strong Side on Dec 5, 2011 11:29 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Give the Caps a 70% chance to win each series, and 51% they don’t make it past round 2, FWIW. And I think I erred on the high side (that is, the 70%) there.
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by red army line on Dec 5, 2011 11:33 PM EST up reply actions
So even odds seems like a fair bet
And if we’ve lowered expectations such that getting out of the conference semis is at best a 50/50 proposition with “the best talent assembled in the ovechkin era,” that speaks volumes to our window of opportunity
by Strong Side on Dec 5, 2011 11:42 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
WM - Will you post the other side if I'm right?
by Strong Side on Dec 5, 2011 11:30 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I haven’t gotten a job yet that qualifies me to make that choice yet. Ask me again around February-March. I’d love to take you up on it right now, but I can’t say yet.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
Didn't mean to put you on the spot
Offer stands for anyone willing to book the other side
by Strong Side on Dec 5, 2011 11:43 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
And to be clear
I would love us to prove me wrong. I’d happily eat my words and pony up
by Strong Side on Dec 5, 2011 11:49 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Spot-on recap, you nailed it. The Caps could’ve rolled over and become a cat toy for the Panthers, but they showed so much heart in the 3rd period that I almost don’t mind the loss. Poor discipline+questionable calls really killed us. Neuvy is too good to continue playing this poorly, but he’ll work his way out of it. Let’s not forget that Neuvy stole many games for us last year, and carried us fairly well into the playoffs.
Patience indeed.
by David C. Rothman on Dec 5, 2011 11:02 PM EST reply actions
I won’t go so far as to say I don’t mind the loss. I do mind. But I have to focus on the positive that they tried to rally, and hopefully they can build on what they showed in the 3rd period.
I’d rather they play well in the third like this, than have them play well in the first, get a couple of cheap goals to take a lead, but then fold like a cheap suit the rest of the game, resulting in a blowout.
by brooksengr on Dec 5, 2011 11:07 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
That’s why I said *almost. I certainly mind because it was against a divisional foe who’s sitting on top of us in the standings. But they can definitely build on the 3rd.
by David C. Rothman on Dec 5, 2011 11:23 PM EST up reply actions
Neuvirth actually had moments where he looked studly and made stops he probably shouldn’t have. At the same time, four of the goals against are just unacceptable. It’s weird.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
It seemed like all of the defensive zone breakdowns lead to “A” chances for Florida. In terms of pure quantity, at ES, ignoring penalties, I don’t think Florida was dominating at any point.
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by red army line on Dec 5, 2011 11:16 PM EST up reply actions
I never felt that Florida was dominating, which is why I had no surprise that when the Caps dominated the third, it was flat out domination. I hate saying Neuvy has to be better, because he did make some absolutely great stops. But he can’t be giving up that garbage. It doesn’t matter if you make the big save your team absolutely needs when you can’t make the routine.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
I only saw the second and third, but i thought it looked like the Panthers really pinned the caps in their own zone for long stretches of the second.
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That worried me a lot, since Florida did a lot of dump-and-chase. Give that much room to Vancouver, and they’d actually have dominated.
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by red army line on Dec 5, 2011 11:35 PM EST up reply actions
Right – but the Caps pinned the Cats in their zone for long stretches in the third and first.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
like I said, missed the first. All I know is I come home, game is 3-1, and the Caps proceed to look like complete turds for 95% of the second.
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The second was all about awful penalties. The Caps definitely looked lost after those penalties and having to spend so much time on the kill.
But I really liked that 3rd, especially with the shortened bench and weird lines. What happened to Hendricks? Listening to the post-game show on the radio on the way home, they said he wasn’t on the bench all through the 3rd. Which led to bizarre things like the Ovi-Perrault-Ward line. WTF? (Although, apparently, Ovi was also double-shifting all period).
by Aliceanna on Dec 5, 2011 11:28 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Laich still rolling with the quotes:
We have to have a 3rd-period effort in the 1st period and run that for 60 minutes. What we’re doing right now is not acceptable
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Sounds like he’s got a lot to get off his chest. Good. His words should carry a lot of weight in the room..And I don’t doubt Hunter will have a few choice words about what went on for the first two periods. Maybe not for the media’s ears but he’ll surely give the players an earful behind closed doors.
Hunter, though, came back with this vintage Boudreau-esque quote
We battled. We came back in the third. One inches away from tying it up. The boys showed a lot of character that way…
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I don’t see Hunter as one to bash his players publicly. Hopefully he’s being hard on them in the locker room and at practice. Or maybe rather than just being hard on them, challenging them to play better.
I agree.
And for the record, fuck 13 year contracts.
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
And for the record, fuck 13 year contracts.
Maybe you should change your handle?
Soon the Championship with be ours, all ours!
by kingzman264 on Dec 6, 2011 12:51 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Hmm. Maybe that quote is for the media’s ears, and he’s letting Chimera and Laich do the talking calling out their teammates?
But I didn’t hear any Boudreau-esque excuses. Nothing about running into a hot team, or bad bounces, or whatever. In fact, his comments on the penalties were that “it’s not what my eyes see, it’s what the refs eyes see”.
I think getting the team out of a “we’re the victims of (fill in the blank)” mindset may go a long way toward fixing some attitude problems.
There's no bigger burden than a great potential - Linus Van Pelt
It always sounds nice, but it’s not like this is his first time speaking up, and they’ve never seemed to listen to him in the past. It’s not like the Caps don’t know that they need to make a 60 minute effort. I don’t think Laich calling out the team is going to get Ovie, Semin, Wideman, Schultz, Hamrlik, etc to fix their problems. Hopefully Hunter can make them listen and change their ways, but they’ve never held themselves accountable to Knuble or Laich before.
by Flash in the Pan on Dec 5, 2011 11:16 PM EST up reply actions
Then what exactly is going to get the attention of the Ovechkins, Semins and others on this team? What will it take for them to finally “get it”?
The core needs to change. It’s toxic. We’re way past the window dressing with the Brouwers, the Wards, etc. at this point. And with Dale in charge, I think the mix under him needs to change for him to succeed.
Do you guys realize that the reason Semin hasn’t done anything in the last two games is because he hasn’t dressed?
by sailchef1 on Dec 5, 2011 11:26 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
He’s on pace for 35 points this season. There is something seriously wrong here.
by Flash in the Pan on Dec 5, 2011 11:28 PM EST up reply actions
Hopefully Hunter can figure something out. If not, I think it’s time for a shakeup trade. I’m sure Semin can fetch a decent return; Detroit has over 5M in cap room and want to add a rental for their top 6. I bet Semin would excel with Datsyuk.
by Flash in the Pan on Dec 5, 2011 11:27 PM EST up reply actions
Semin has very little value right now.
by CVDTerp on Dec 5, 2011 11:28 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Semin could very well excel with Datsyuk. Maybe a change of scenery would help. Having Mike Babcock as a coach would be very interesting.
I was thinking more of the “veteran Russian center” effect, like what Fedorov did but to a greater degree. And the last season Fedorov was here, Semin scored something like 79 in 62. He could be ridiculous with Datsyuk, and if Detroit realizes that, they might be willing to give us something nice, like Kindl or a 1st.
by Flash in the Pan on Dec 5, 2011 11:31 PM EST up reply actions
Ken Holland is no fool. If he decides Semin is beyond mentoring, no way will Detroit take the cap hit risk with him.
Detroit also has a deep farm system.
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by red army line on Dec 5, 2011 11:35 PM EST up reply actions
Detroit’s farm system is bullshit – they’re the New York Yankess of hockey. They overhype their own prospects, claiming “So-and-so is AWESOME, but we’re just keeping him in Sweden/Finland/Grand Rapids to let him mature…”
Then some stupid team trades for Detroit’s 1st or 2nd round pick (which is reliably damn close to dead-fucking-last) and a prospect and the guy is never fucking heard from again.
Detroit rarely parts with anything of value. Seriously, the Caps were lucky to get anything out of the Lang deal. I can’t think of another player that Detroit traded away or let go as a free agent who has turned into much of anything. Fleischmann and Shawn Matthias are two of the best guys they ever traded away over the last 15 years. Sean Avery is probably next after that. That’s it.
Unleash the Apathy.
Nyquist is a point-per-game player in the AHL at age 22. Tatar, a draft year younger, had 57 points last year in the AHL. Jarnkrok was one of the better players at last year’s WJC (and Malin IIRC attested to his skills as well, pre-draft). Jurco has 39 points in 27 games this year for Saint John.
Off the top of my head I don’t think any team has four guys that look this good.
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by red army line on Dec 6, 2011 12:06 AM EST up reply actions
And I’m telling you that those guys are either not as good as the hype suggests or they are not available.
Look at Detroit’s trading history. They flat-out do not get burned by trading guys away who are of value. If those guys are good, they’ll keep them.
Unleash the Apathy.
Detroit’s farm system is bullshit
Who exactly have they kept that fits this mold, recently?
I think circumstances are different. They’re really close to being the best team in the league, and with each passing year they’re getting further from the top spot. If Lidstrom retires after this season, unless they sign either Suter or Weber (I’m guessing only one hits the open market, and there will be plenty of competition) they’re in for a few years of pretty poor play by Red Wings standards, right (considering supposedly their prospects are all at least two years away). They have cap space, they’re not getting any younger, they have real incentive, just like the Capitals.
Whether they’d give up one of those guys for Semin is another issue. Not sure if they could be persuaded to give up a guy stuck down on the farm depth chart but is actually a solid prospect (like their 1st, actually).
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by red army line on Dec 6, 2011 1:27 PM EST up reply actions
To look at it another way, the last time GMGM traded with them, he landed a late pick in a good draft that he turned into a great player, and a prospect who’s currently scoring at a ppg pace. Who’s to say he can’t do it again? Yeah, that’s totally overly optimistic, but the idea of having three firsts in this draft makes me more excited about the Caps than I’ve been since game 8.
by Flash in the Pan on Dec 6, 2011 12:07 AM EST up reply actions
Prospect @ PPG pace? Do you mean Flash?
Flash is the best ACTUAL player Detroit has traded away in my memory. Maybe you could argue for Ville Leino, but . . . it’s close.
Seriously though – that’s about as good as it gets. Detroit has precious few “Marc Savard for a used jockstrap” trades since Ken Holland took over.
Unleash the Apathy.
Yea, I was trying to be overly optimistic. Honestly though, if we can get any 1st rounder in this draft for Semin, I wouldn’t be disappointed. At the very least we could use the late first to trade up from one of the other two.
by Flash in the Pan on Dec 6, 2011 12:58 AM EST up reply actions
and Ville Leino was not going to succeed in Detroit with Babcock as coach. Babcock hated the guy. So they could waste a roster spot on him, or try and get something in return. Option 2 is the smarter move.
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By the time the trade deadline rolls around, Semin might either be out with another injury or sitting out more games in the press box. EIther way it won’t make much of an impression on a team looking to load up for the playoffs.
I hope things will be better for Semin than that.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
One never knows. I also don’t think Ken Holland or Mike Babcock would appreciate Semin’s stick penalties either. Semin’s flaws are bad enough, but not in the Red Wings puck possession and discipline system.
Maybe refs would be more hesitant to make reputation calls if it meant fucking with a storied franchise like the Red Wings?
by Flash in the Pan on Dec 5, 2011 11:51 PM EST up reply actions
Maybe the Isles then? They’ve been looking for a scoring winger to play on the Tavares line. At the deadline, they’re paying less than 2M to try out a former 40 goal scorer on their top line. If he doesn’t work out, it’s not going to hurt their playoff hopes. If it does work, they’ve got plenty of cap room to resign him. Okposo also looks like he needs a change of scenery, and he’s a very Hunter-esque player. Semin for Okposo might work.
by Flash in the Pan on Dec 5, 2011 11:44 PM EST up reply actions
They’d probably throw Nabakov in the deal as an extra incentive.
(I’m not necessarily advocating that the Caps acquire Nabby to be their backup but the Isles would probably throw him in since they’re trying to get rid of him)
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
I’d really love it if they’d also throw in their first pick for this year but that obviously won’t happen. The Islanders have made many questionable moves in recent years but even they wouldn’t do that.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Yeah, there’s no way Semin fetches us another ticket to the Yakupov lottery. I’d be pretty happy with Okposo though. He’s like Brouwer with a higher ceiling, and he’s signed at a 2.8M for five years.
by Flash in the Pan on Dec 6, 2011 12:10 AM EST up reply actions
Okposo was wonderful for a couple of years. I don’t know what happened last year but his performance seemed to fall off a cliff.
He is younger than Semin so that’s helpful. Realistically, would the Isles through in a 3rd or 4th pick, along with Nabby.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Don’t think the Caps would accept Nabby. If we get him, if guarantees we’re putting him, Neuvy, or TV through waivers, where they’ll certainly be claimed. I don’t know if they’d be willing to add to Okposo; he is a former 1st round pick who’s had a 50 point season. It’s also hard to tell if his drop off is just him still not being over that hit he took last preseason that cost him most of the season.
by Flash in the Pan on Dec 6, 2011 12:33 AM EST up reply actions
amazing how even on nights when they are scratches, Semin and Hamrlik get called out. I think it’s time to realize that there are more than two scapegoats on this team.
by DonnieKnutts on Dec 5, 2011 11:47 PM EST up reply actions
That’s the true sign of a scapegoat — to get called out in games where they are scratches.
On that subject, do you expect either of them to be in the lineup on Wednesday? Any of the people that Semin could possibly replace all scored tonight.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Sitting out tonight doesn’t erase their horrid performances this season. For a defenseman making 3.5M to make the mistake Hamrlik’s been making is unacceptable. Same goes for Semin making 6.7M and being on pace for 35 goals (and that’s assuming he plays all 82, so the real number should be even lower).
Why do you keep defending Hamrlik? I’ve never seen a defenseman making the volume of mistakes that he has, especially a guy on an expensive contract who’s supposed to be a steadying influence on a young blue-line. I challenge you to find one redeeming factor about his signing, because I honestly cannot think of one.
by Flash in the Pan on Dec 5, 2011 11:57 PM EST up reply actions
I challenge you to find one redeeming factor about his signing, because I honestly cannot think of one.
Well, he does lead the D in Corsi and doesn’t play pillow-soft minutes, exactly. You figure that with Toskala-esque goaltending behind him (in terms of quantity) he’s going to play better and he’ll get better goaltending behind him. His scoring chance ratio isn’t terrible, a little over 50% I think.
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by red army line on Dec 6, 2011 12:08 AM EST up reply actions
I guess what the stats say and what my eyes are telling me aren’t matching up. It just seems like when he’s on for goals, he’s not just on the ice, he’s actively making the mistakes (turnovers, being a disinterested pylon) that cause the goals. As for the scoring chances and corsi, how can he have good numbers have one point on the year? He was supposed to provide some puck-moving along with the blocked shots, but he has no assists in 23 games. That’s ridiculous. It’s hard to write that off as bad luck, or guys just not finishing.
by Flash in the Pan on Dec 6, 2011 12:18 AM EST up reply actions
Some guys drive Corsi an insane amount without having a ton of points—Frolik, Sturm, etc. Some have points while being Corsi disasters, or, at least, sub-par—Kovalchuk, Fleischmann, for example. But give me guys in the former category over guys in the latter, since at least guys in the former are creating shots for teammates, indirectly.
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by red army line on Dec 6, 2011 8:45 AM EST up reply actions
The only one, and it’s way out on a limb, is that he’s maybe gonna be like a Hal Gill type character, and be terrible all year, but be an asset in the playoffs.
At least Gill’s only making 2.25M. 3.5M is a lot to pay for a guy who brings nothing for the entirety of the regular season.
by Flash in the Pan on Dec 6, 2011 12:21 AM EST up reply actions
Well I don’t think anyone but some Caps fan would convincingly argue Ovechkin even comes close to playing at a $9.5MM level.
Food for thought…
Ilya Kovalchuk: 6g 10a 16pts
Alex Ovechkin 8g 11a 19pts
And here is the season pace:
P Kessel 16g 18a 34pts
Time for a new coach?
by sickleandhammer on Dec 6, 2011 5:21 AM EST up reply actions
I don’t think Laich calling out the team is going to get Ovie, Semin, Wideman, Schultz, Hamrlik, etc to fix their problems.
Gee, sure looks like there were more than two people called out there…
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 6, 2011 1:24 AM EST up reply actions
Think maybe Brooks gave a Knublesque “this isn’t gonna turn into one of those 7-2 laughers” 24/7 style speech after the 2nd?
Kind of sad when we’re applying "this isn’t gonna turn into one of those 7-2 laughers" to our entire season.
by Flash in the Pan on Dec 5, 2011 11:21 PM EST up reply actions
I’ll take the 2 – 5 – 10 on Erskine. Even after a clean hit. Err on the side of over-punishing, given the passivity they showed before.
It makes me a little sad to say this, but I have full confidence that the Caps will catch the Panthers before the end of the year.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
You’re not the only one who noticed that bullet sounded contradictory.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Maybe he’s said that he even has to say it?
by Flash in the Pan on Dec 5, 2011 11:18 PM EST up reply actions
Draft pick watch — if the season ended today, the Caps would have the 8th and 10th picks in the NHL Entry draft. Colorado and the Caps are tied in points, with Montreal. But the Caps have the most in the ROW column of those three teams and the Avs have the least.
But, as we know, actual results will vary. Chances are, the Caps will right their ship, relatively speaking, at some point.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
(1) Bush-league by Erskine, picking a fight after a clean hit. We hate when other teams do it, so we shouldn’t condone it when our guys do it.
(2) Yeah he’s soft, yeah he’ll fade, yeah he’ll disappear in the playoffs… but face facts: Flash is playing better than any forward on the Caps right now. Full stop
(3) Halfway through the game, my thought was… how many times in the Ovie era have we beaten up on the Panthers with high-flying offensive displays? It felt karmic in a way, to be getting our butts handed to us in the same way… Florida was making the Caps look totally foolish with highlight-reel-worthy plays and we were scrambling around the defensive zone in total chaos and desperation. The tables turned.
(4) With that said… Fla’s gonna be near the top of the SE til the end, I predict. I’m buying.
I personally did not agree with Oisk in picking the fight and leaving our team short handed for so long. Given that there’s only 3 defensive pairings.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Yeah, got me thinking about the excellent “How Jason Chimera scored a goal from penalty box” fanpost.
I was thinking about that particular incident as well. When Chimmer fought Campbell in the Blackhawks game last year. And the Caps had a PP goal that game with Campbell in the box.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
I thought it was Seabrook. Would’ve been a bigger deal if there was another Cap pounding Campbell’s head.
by Flash in the Pan on Dec 5, 2011 11:47 PM EST up reply actions
I didn’t know the Erskine fight was after a clean hit, and now that I know, I’m furious. That shit is not ok, and having just seen the fight, and nothing that lead up to it…fuck that shit.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
not only was it clean, but Halpern popped up after it, no harm done. So totally needless.
by DonnieKnutts on Dec 5, 2011 11:49 PM EST up reply actions
I notice Oiskhad only 6:57 minutes of ice time today. Very few shifts after serving his ill advised penalty.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
I didn’t think it was a clean hit. It looked like Halpern took a headshot.
Tu ne cede malis
by _Skullduggery_ on Dec 6, 2011 10:06 AM EST up reply actions
I only caught the tail end of the game, but watching Ovechkin fumble the puck multiple times in the last minute made me sad.
Roman Hamrlik is so bad that I've forgotten how bad Jeff Schultz is.
Watching Ovechkin misplay the puck so much is mind boggling. Doesn’t he practice this? I can’t believe he forgets these basics. I don’t understand why this is such a problem.
Remember, this is in Florida. At the end of the third period, that’s got to be the worst ice you can possibly play an indoor NHL game on. Not that it fully excuses Ovie, but it’s a mitigating factor.
by Flash in the Pan on Dec 5, 2011 11:23 PM EST up reply actions
Yes but I’ve seen him misplay the puck elsewhere. And even if we stay on Florida he seemed to have the most difficulty. I think it’s generally a stick-handline and puck-handling issue for him. Maybe the new Bauer sticks aren’t suited for him? I honestly don’t know the answer.
Yeah, his stick handling has definitely been off. I have no idea what’s going on either.
by Flash in the Pan on Dec 5, 2011 11:34 PM EST up reply actions
Remember when down by 1 with a minute left, Ovie skating the puck in the zone used to be a 50/50 shot of last minute heroics?
Mike Green must be so frustrated right now.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
by EmilyB on Dec 5, 2011 11:16 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Cue Star Wars…
Princess Leia image pleading to Mike Green instead of Luke — “Help me, please, before it’s too late”
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Leia actually is pleading to Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Warning: I started watching hockey in 2007. So, yeah.
by Laich Button on Dec 5, 2011 11:43 PM EST up reply actions
Sorry, my Nerd OCD wouldn’t let me not post…
Warning: I started watching hockey in 2007. So, yeah.
by Laich Button on Dec 5, 2011 11:44 PM EST up reply actions
Ovi-ward-knuble Third line? Move chimichanga to the top line now.
What doesnt kill you makes you stronger.
by BetterOffWith28 on Dec 6, 2011 12:03 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Mike Green would have scored 6 on 5 and then won it in OT, then he would ride his scooter home while eating a sandwich.
Aim for the head baby Jesus
Then he would have crashed his scooter, resulting in a random, seemingly unrelated injury and going back on IR.
by Flash in the Pan on Dec 6, 2011 12:35 AM EST up reply actions
Yea someday Green will be back to play a period or two before sitting another 17 games on IR with a groin/foot/shoulder/back/knee/head or face injury.
Fan of: Dale Fuckin' Hunter
by sickleandhammer on Dec 6, 2011 5:34 AM EST up reply actions
It seems like all the top possession teams get their D involved in the play an awful lot. I was glad to see Carlson play like that in the third, joining the attack whenever possible.
Red Line Station and @RedArmyLine, featuring coverage of the most frustrating team in the NHL
I believe in next year.
I don’t see the optimism. The way they cruised to that 5-1 hole was wretched.
This is shaping up to be a lost season. Yes, it’s only December, but it’s got that kind of feeling.
Hey Ted, how many teams want to trade goaltending situations with us now?
(sorry, that was low)
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
Those same two words were ringing in my head: “lost season”
And totally agreed on the 5-1 hole part. The Panthers were on total cruise control in the third period, with probably their third-best goaltender in net. Playing good enough to lose or earning a “moral victory” is OK when you’re the Islanders. But not this team. I’m not giving them credit for that.
by DonnieKnutts on Dec 5, 2011 11:52 PM EST up reply actions
So if Neuvy gets sent down to Hershey, who becomes his replacement? While Holtby did better this past weekend, he hasn’t had a very good year this year.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
If Neuvy were to be sent down, would he be subject to waivers?
There's no bigger burden than a great potential - Linus Van Pelt
You’re right, come to think of it. You know he’s playing bad when the recap is talking about him playing his way back to Hershey.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
If Neuvirth has to clear waivers, he’s never going to play for Hershey again.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
Hendricks?
Only skated 9 shifts, totaling 4:22 TOI. Any idea what happened?
The keyboard is mightier.
No goals from him this season.
What doesnt kill you makes you stronger.
by BetterOffWith28 on Dec 6, 2011 12:17 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Grandpa Slippers speaks up
From Whyno’s article on the 3rd period comeback surge:
"We haven’t really done that much this year. We came in the third and [Mike Knuble] kind of reminded us that we’re a team that normally we can do that, and we haven’t done it and we’ve got to show some pride here and a little bit of character," Alzner said. "It is something we can draw on."
I love Grandpa Slippers so damn much. :D That was a wonderful signing and I’d do it again and again.
by Vinn on Dec 6, 2011 12:13 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
If we’re out of contention at the deadline, I really hope we trade him to a contender to give him one last shot at a Cup. I think he’s earned it.
by Flash in the Pan on Dec 6, 2011 12:24 AM EST up reply actions
Agreed. He had expressed interest in ending his career with the Red Wings. Except, could the Red Wings use a man with his skill set?
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
I guess Holmstrom and Bertuzzi kind of fill Knuble’s role, but Knuble’s not expensive and the Wings have plenty of room. It really couldn’t hurt for them to add him.
The Blackhawks would be another option; they could use a Knuble-like leader with Brunette not doing so well (11 points but a -10). They don’t have a true power forward in their top 6, so I’m sure they’d be willing to give Knuble a shot if he’s cheap.
by Flash in the Pan on Dec 6, 2011 12:40 AM EST up reply actions
Alzner so rarely makes stupid plays that when he does do something boneheaded, it really sticks out. That boarding call he took… very, very stupid.
by DonnieKnutts on Dec 6, 2011 12:29 AM EST up reply actions
To be fair
The first shift of the game for the top line was awesome. Provides a glimpse into how dominant Ovi/Nicky/Brouwer can be when they want to be. Can’t help but think the tenor of the game completely shifted when they (i.e., Orlov) couldn’t cash in and FLA scored on their first PP
Absolutely. That shift was a thing of beauty. Clearly those two quick goals took them out of the patience to play that game, or something, but I hope they can establish that cycling again and for longer next game and really get used to it.
Right, which is why i specifically called him out
IIRC, we didnt even get an official SOG out of that sequence (and definitely not a quality chance), which is an absolute travesty considering the zone occupation.
Here’s another question: Will the Capitals ever have a decent PP? It’s getting to the point where a decent shot attempt feels like progress.
It hurts to watch
They’re still plagued by the same problems: they can’t enter the zone, and when they do they’re too susceptible to pressure because they hold the puck too long and don’t move their feet.
If I’m Hunter, I institute a “1 second rule” in practice until quick passes become habit. The rest will follow.
The keyboard is mightier.
meanwhile, the Panthers PP looks like ours circa 2008.
Again…tables turned
by DonnieKnutts on Dec 6, 2011 12:36 AM EST up reply actions
In spite of mistakes, it appears that Orlov has moved ahead of several Caps defensemen who started off the season with Washington. In particular, he’s ahead of Schultz and Hamrlik and maybe Oisk as well.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
And Eakin helped get the comeback going as well. I’ve gotta think they see something in practice with that kid. Hopefully his problem is just confidence, which seems to be the problem with just about everyone. This team still has an assload of talent, if they can get their heads right. Could be a sleeping giant; it just might take 30 more games to figure out.
What do you think is happening to the team? ... The ship be sinking.
How far can it sink? ... Sky's the limit.
by Rainbow, Kitty, Beer on Dec 6, 2011 1:04 AM EST up reply actions
Love the optimism, great recap of a game that was two-thirds shit.
May I remind you the Penguins were 13-11 at the end of November and looking like they might even miss the playoffs like this caps team (I remember because I was so happy) …and guess what? I think they did ok at the end of that 2009 season…
…coming off a season where the reached the Cup Finals. Cup hangovers happen. Totally different scenario.
by DonnieKnutts on Dec 6, 2011 12:39 AM EST up reply actions
This team has had hangovers as well. Last year started off as a hangover year. This years is a hangover of a hangover. The only problem is that our hangovers aren’t the “drink champagne and bang a model” hangovers. Ours are the “alone, finished the scotch, guzzling 151 and retching in the kitchen sink in between calls to the ex” hangovers.
What do you think is happening to the team? ... The ship be sinking.
How far can it sink? ... Sky's the limit.
by Rainbow, Kitty, Beer on Dec 6, 2011 1:08 AM EST up reply actions
They looked just literally hung over tonight.
Fan of: Dale Fuckin' Hunter
by sickleandhammer on Dec 6, 2011 5:38 AM EST up reply actions
LET US PAUSE AND APPRECIATE
The return of the Patrick Division. I think OFB just had an internet-gasm.
The keyboard is mightier.
I can’t help but feel like this ends with us watching the Caps get shit on by the Pens and Flyers.
I was in an optimistic mood after the third period, but just reading some of the stats and comments here… I’m really starting to worry that the Caps are just not a good hockey team anymore.
It’s still hard to believe that almost everyone on the team aside from Chimera is having a down year. How is that possible? How do you start 7-0 and quickly lose all of your creativity?
Welcome back to the Patrick Division!
You have been missed.
You are welcomed back with open arms and bloody foil-covered knuckles. I hope the sequel is every bit as fun as the original. (Apologies for doing this in the game recap thread.)
Lighthouse Hockey: A flute with no holes is not a flute. A Dane with no holes is Frans Nielsen.
Let us pause and appreciate that such discussion is separate from the game recap and in the future should be brough up elsewhere.
"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 6, 2011 6:21 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
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