Monday Caps Clips: Down in a Hole
by EmilyB on May 2, 2011 6:34 AM EDT
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PrintYour savory breakfast links:
- Recaps and other assorted musings on last night's loss from us, Caps365 video (Boudreau, Ovechkin, Caps room, Boucher, Bolts room), Vogs, NHL.com (Masisak: gamer, article; Compton: article, article), WashTimes (Whyno: gamer, blog, article; Daly: column; Strarkey: article), WaPo (Carrera: blog, gamer; Wang: article; Schimmel: article), DCEx (McNally: gamer, blog), CSN Washington (O'Halloran, Zuckerman), Puck Daddy (gamer, Three Stars, Jersey Fouls), ESPN (Burnside: article, article), 106.7 The Fan (Kerstein), National Post (Arthur), PHT, Frankovic, Peerless, SB Nation DC, RMNB (gamer, song), KOL, Caps Outsider, CRtC, Puckhead, Capitals News Network, Capital Spirit, Caps Degenerate, StC, and bridgetds (pics), and for the view from the other side, Raw Charge.
- Last night wasn't completely without Caps fans celebrating a (perspective-filled) big win. [clydeorama, OFB, RMNB, WashTimes (Whyno), Examiner (Hoffman), Puck Daddy]
- Hockey's Future provides a rundown on the Caps' prospects and their prospects, but keeps forgetting that Stan Galiev will get Eakin'd and is not eligible to go pro next year. [HF]
- We've seen the many variations on the "Bruce Boudreau changed things around in the middle of the season" story, but here's a new one: the year he did it with the Mississippi Sea Wolves. And went on to win the Kelly Cup. [SunHerald.com]
- Finally, happy 32nd birthday, Jason Chimera (I'm guessin' I know what he's wishing for).
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I’d note that Emily’s editor nearly went with an “Ovechkin been Losin’” title, but feared the P.C. police.
Also, I’m as patriotic as the next guy, but I don’t really buy the “it doesn’t really matter that the Caps lost because we killed ObL” sentiment. I’m not sure what one has to do with the other, and I, personally, enjoy sports in part for the very reason that it’s wholly separate from “reality.” But then again, I’m good at compartmentalizing and bad at jingoism.
[And it’s fair game to talk about this here, but if it starts moving off topic, let’s take it to the OTOT.]
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by J.P. on May 2, 2011 6:39 AM EDT reply actions 9 recs
J.P. – I’m right with you 100%. Sports are an incredible, often very frustrating distraction from the daily trials and tribulations of our lives. They are a very welcome distraction. I, for one, was not supportive of the NFL or MLB ceasing play after 9/11.
Our lives are shaped by seminal events, both personal (marriages, births, celebrations, deaths) and public, such as Bin Laden’s killing last night. Sometimes, those seminal events are sports-related, such as the Miracle on Ice or Jesse Owens at the Olympics or Ali-Frazier or your team winning a championship.
I remember where I was when Reagan got shot (the hallways of Thomas Pyle Junior High School), when Challenger exploded (getting towels for the college hockey practice), and when the events of 9/11 unfolded (just four blocks from the WTC). I also remember where I was when Riggins ran for a TD on fourth and one, when Pat Lafontaine beat Bob Mason, and when Joe Juneau tucked in a sweet rebound in Buffalo.
My guess is that five or ten years from now, we’ll all remember how we heard of Bin Laden’s death and that it came moments after the Caps fell behind in a 2nd round playoff series. We may remember last night as a blip to a Stanley Cup or as another in a series of failures. We may also remember last night as a history-changing event in the war on terrorism. We just don’t know this morning which will take precedence in our minds.
What we do know is that the events are unrelated and impact us separately. The 48-hour news cycle will end just after game 3 starts on Tuesday. The pre-game on Versus won’t mention Bin Laden. The announcers won’t mention Bin Laden. Our focus won’t be Bin Laden, and his death has no impact on the outcome of game 3.
Let’s discuss what the Caps need to do to beat the Bolts. My frustration over last night’s loss is not tempered by the news about Bin Laden. It’s separate and distinct and will remain so.
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Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
by STLSpidey on May 2, 2011 7:59 AM EDT up reply actions 14 recs
Monday Night Football when Lennon was murdered.
Are you not entertained?
"I’d rather not talk about it, because I’d rather win it first and then talk about it." AVS 4-13-11(http://bit.ly/hJZh0o)
by Seminrocks on May 2, 2011 8:16 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I totally agree. I think it’s obvious that the Caps’ loss still matters, but we were reminded that there are things bigger than ourselves in the world..this is especially the case considering our team has players from six countries, and each country has been affected by the events of the past decade.
by redpezrocket on May 2, 2011 8:57 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
As usual Spidey you keep life in perspective. Lovely post.
"Hockey won’t hold still for a portrait. To gain a glimpse inside you join it in progress—just as the players do." Epilogue of 24/7
by capsyoungguns on May 2, 2011 8:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Down in a Hole
Down in a Hole: a la Saddam, and in effect, Osama?
Are you not entertained?
"I’d rather not talk about it, because I’d rather win it first and then talk about it." AVS 4-13-11(http://bit.ly/hJZh0o)
And as a lifelong current events nut and believer in the value of distractions, the Osama news was tempered by the Caps loss, mostly because the world news actually changes little, if anything. Justice has been served, but the threat continues. The Caps loss threatens reasons for daily optimism. Come on boys! You are suppose to break through this year!
Are you not entertained?
"I’d rather not talk about it, because I’d rather win it first and then talk about it." AVS 4-13-11(http://bit.ly/hJZh0o)
___
I was thinking more along the lines of this:
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by J.P. on May 2, 2011 7:27 AM EDT up reply actions 6 recs
Brutal but i must admit it’s a perfect image summing up the Caps’s situation and my feelings about it.
i hate it when I can see the goal coming—what a sloppy line change.
"Hockey won’t hold still for a portrait. To gain a glimpse inside you join it in progress—just as the players do." Epilogue of 24/7
by capsyoungguns on May 2, 2011 7:36 AM EDT up reply actions
Apropo
“Down in a hole and I don’t know if I can be saved..”
I hope the Caps pleasantly surprise me this year, but I’m not sure this team has the heart to come back from a 2 game setback. Go ahead and crucify me for saying so, and I’m not backing this up with any kind of stats or definitive proof…I just feel like they don’t have the heart to do it.
"I couldn't bring myself to cheer for Pittsburgh. But since they won, I may as well use it."
--BB, 2009
Cannot get rec’d enough.
Listened to this all the way home on the metro. Sound system did bring me back up. A bit.
Vendetta Red
That guy who threw the bottle onto the ice was in the section next to us. Pretty shocking. He really could have hurt someone in the 100s if he had thrown it short.
"Hockey won’t hold still for a portrait. To gain a glimpse inside you join it in progress—just as the players do." Epilogue of 24/7
That was awful. They get him?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
They got the two blondes flashing in the 100s (priorities I guess).
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
It was in the 118/119 aisle in the first (around the time of the 2nd PP starting I think).
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
We thought it was someone in the 400s but at the bottom row. We could see a man’s arm throwing something and then there was a green bottle on the ice. Then we saw someone getting hustled out of the arena.
"Hockey won’t hold still for a portrait. To gain a glimpse inside you join it in progress—just as the players do." Epilogue of 24/7
by capsyoungguns on May 2, 2011 7:52 AM EDT up reply actions
No wonder the PP had blowing on its mind.
by DrinkingPartner on May 2, 2011 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions
Whoosh on my part. I completely missed your flashing blondes post. Much more interesting.
"Hockey won’t hold still for a portrait. To gain a glimpse inside you join it in progress—just as the players do." Epilogue of 24/7
by capsyoungguns on May 2, 2011 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions
Yes, we think so. A lot of “what ifs” ran through my mind.
"Hockey won’t hold still for a portrait. To gain a glimpse inside you join it in progress—just as the players do." Epilogue of 24/7
by capsyoungguns on May 2, 2011 7:53 AM EDT up reply actions
From Caps365:
Alex what is the goaltender doing for Tampa Bay that’s befuddling the Capitals and confusing you?really?
befuddling?
Come on, at least give him a chance to understand the question.
by Malin A on May 2, 2011 7:41 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Bet that question befuddled him.
"Hockey won’t hold still for a portrait. To gain a glimpse inside you join it in progress—just as the players do." Epilogue of 24/7
by capsyoungguns on May 2, 2011 7:54 AM EDT up reply actions
Given the events of last night, the hockey community should be remembering Mark Bavis and Ace Bailey today.
Agreed (and if you don’t know the Boudreau-focused part of this story, read up).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 2, 2011 7:44 AM EDT reply actions 7 recs
If you can't score more than...
two goals a game, max, and struggle to get those, you aren’t going far in the playoffs. It’s tight checking and its hockey (meaning it’s hard to score), but we just aren’t all that offensively. We’ve gone from one extreme to the other. Backstrom has lost his game, Green is way overrated, awful power play and lots of missed passes and missed opportunities…= second bad loss in a row and trouble in this series.
Are you saying that Green is overrated because of the way he played in game 2, or do you think that in general, no matter what he’s done in his career, he’s overrated? I like Mike Green but I never defend him absolutely. I know he’s got his faults, just like every player has his weaknesses. But do you think he’s truly overrated or do you just have exceedingly high expectations and he’s fallen short of those?
If anyone thinks the Washington Capitals are just a couple of lucky bounces away from getting back into this Eastern Conference semifinals series against the Tampa Bay Lightning, they are sadly mistaken.
And if the Capitals think that, they are truly cooked.
I was reading Burnside’s article this morning on ESPN and I’m sorry, but it’s hard for me to believe that if this team gets a few more bounces or can get the PP going, they won’t be right back in this series. Last night it’s a bad line change and a goal of our own player’s skate. Friday night it’s a goofy goal off of Hannan’s stick. It’s never good being down 2-0 in a series, but by no means is this team out of it. How many times before have the Caps blown a 2-0 lead? Hell, the last time these two played each other in the playoffs, Tampa rallied back after losing two games at home only to win the series 4-2. Game 3 is must-win, that’s for sure, but if I’ve learned anything from this team, they’ve proven to be very resilient, and one win might just be what they need to get rolling again.
On another note, and I know it might be beating a dead horse, but I don’t see how you can scratch John Erskine over Jeff Schultz at this point when Wideman is ready to go. Coming into this series I would have said Schultz plays over Erskine, no doubt, but these first two games, Schultz has gone from being steady and invisible, to being a liability in his own end. He’s repeatedly getting beat to the outside by better skaters, seems to always lose puck battles around the boards, and I feel like can never clear pucks from his own end when the opposition pressures him. Top all of that off with that awful holding/tackling penalty he took on Bergenheim because he stopped moving his feet, it seems that he’s been hurting the team more than helping these first two games. And speaking of the defense, is Poti even an option at this point?
by JimCareyFanClub on May 2, 2011 8:42 AM EDT reply actions 3 recs
I’d argue that the lucky ones are TB, being outshot in every playoff game this season yet still winning.
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work on WaPo's Capitals Insider, ESPN Insider and Russian Machine Never Breaks (RMNB).
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I also log the Caps scoring chances for 2010-11. The summary spreadsheet is posted on Google Docs.
Goalies drive me crazy. 3rd year of the last 4 we run into a hot goalie (I’d argue Biron was hot, though not Halak-esque).
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by red army line on May 2, 2011 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think any of them were “hot goalies” it’s been good defense against the caps and bad strategizing by the Caps.
Suspend Colin Campbell!
…I thought Halak was the definition of a hot goalie.
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If I reference a lot of stats, just assume I haven't seen anything to contradict or invalidate them.
by red army line on May 2, 2011 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Did you catch Nashville-Vancouver Game 2?
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"Numbers don't lie, they just don't agree with you"--George E. Ays
If I reference a lot of stats, just assume I haven't seen anything to contradict or invalidate them.
by red army line on May 2, 2011 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions
The one where the team with more shots and chances actually won?
Second Round Exit! (Clap Clap ClapClapClap)
But in overtime it was the complete opposite and Rinne absolute stole the game winner multiple times
"Playin hurt, baby that don't faze me. I don't got time for pain. The only pain I've got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is!"
"You can't come in my kitchen, kick my dog, and take a box full of ballpoints! Your ass must be crazy!"
So? It was a close game, both goalies made saves. I don’t see how you can say a hot goalie stole a game when the team with the hot goalie also led shots 46-33. Seems to me like NSH’s skaters did their part as well. Of course Rinne was huge, but it wasn’t a Halak situation.
Second Round Exit! (Clap Clap ClapClapClap)
It’s the most recent example I could think of where a goalie clearly made several absolute robberies. He was on fire, and I think Luongo was hot, too.
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"Numbers don't lie, they just don't agree with you"--George E. Ays
If I reference a lot of stats, just assume I haven't seen anything to contradict or invalidate them.
by red army line on May 2, 2011 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions
Nashville deserved to win that game.
Lemme quote the late, great Colonel Sanders. He said "I'm too drunk to taste this chicken."
by Chris Burton on May 2, 2011 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Been through this before…Not hard to find a groove when 90% of the shots come from non-scoring chances.
Suspend Colin Campbell!
15 scoring chances a game, ~30 shots on goal a game, maybe 40-50 shots + missed shots.
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"Numbers don't lie, they just don't agree with you"--George E. Ays
If I reference a lot of stats, just assume I haven't seen anything to contradict or invalidate them.
by red army line on May 2, 2011 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions
90% is obviously hyperbole, falls into the 63.7% of all statistics are made up on the spot category.
Thanks for the add in that they’re still shooting pucks into bodies rather than to the net, helps my argument that the goalie isn’t the thing that’s hot.
Suspend Colin Campbell!
I really don’t understand what you’re saying.
First, missed shots don’t go into bodies in front, unless it’s one of those arenas that doesn’t know how to count.
Roloson has a 1.80 GAA and .947 save percentage. He’s more of a .915 goalie (career .917 and he’s 41). This series, in 2 games, he’s given up 4 goals on 65 shots against, .938. On the PK this postseason, he’s 98.5%.
Hot, dialed-in, whatever. He’s playing much better than anyone thought he would based on prior numbers.
Could the Caps do a better job making his life harder, by crashing the net and working harder? Absolutely. Doesn’t mean he’s not doing an abnormally good job, though. He’s stopping the first shot much better than I thought he would.
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"Numbers don't lie, they just don't agree with you"--George E. Ays
If I reference a lot of stats, just assume I haven't seen anything to contradict or invalidate them.
by red army line on May 2, 2011 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Except last year they weren’t getting great chances on Halak.
This year, they’ve been all over Roloson in two games. Breakaways, rebounds, hitting posts, a defender’s stick at the goal line.
Caps need to just not give up hope.
"By far the worst performers on the (Redskins) are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
They were absolutely getting great chances on Halak. Maybe not the “hey, I’m alone in front of the net for five seconds with a rebound!” chances, but shots from the slot, deflections, rebounds here and there, the rare odd-man rush…difference is they’re not giving up quantity defensively, I think.
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"Numbers don't lie, they just don't agree with you"--George E. Ays
If I reference a lot of stats, just assume I haven't seen anything to contradict or invalidate them.
by red army line on May 2, 2011 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t remember it that way at all.
"By far the worst performers on the (Redskins) are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
Scoring chances for the Habs that playoffs. Neil posts his total counts on Twitter and in RMNB recaps, and the trend I’ve been seeing is 15 chances or less, often close to 10 against. Maybe he counts differently from the Habs’ counter, though.
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"Numbers don't lie, they just don't agree with you"--George E. Ays
If I reference a lot of stats, just assume I haven't seen anything to contradict or invalidate them.
by red army line on May 2, 2011 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions
I’d be surprised if my count was different had I counted MTL/WSH last year, we [those of us who track] seem to be pretty close game to game.
It is on the PP where Caps have really struggled. They avg prob 1/2 a scoring chance per PP opp (I’m guessing. don’t have real #s in front of me). Last night they had 4 chances — all in the 2nd period — on 6 PP opps.
Caps have done great job of limiting chances-against in postseason. Other teams have just made the most of them.
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work on WaPo's Capitals Insider, ESPN Insider and Russian Machine Never Breaks (RMNB).
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
I also log the Caps scoring chances for 2010-11. The summary spreadsheet is posted on Google Docs.
by NGreenberg on May 2, 2011 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I agree, I cannot classify Roloson as a “hot” goalie. he’s giving up big juicy rebounds and we haven’t been able to finish them off. Game 1 Arnott misses the stuff attempt and Roloson is able to cover up in the crease with his glove. Game 2 MoJo stops skating in OT and misses the puck on a wide open net that Roloson had no shot at.
The Caps woes are self inflicted at this point. To me that’s actually an encouraging thing because it’s shit they can, and should, fix. Caps in 6 is still my prediction.
What’s frustrating for me is seeing shots that go in relatively frequently—wristers from the slot, point shots with screens, shots off the rush—all being stopped. The type that, if they end up in the net, it’s not a weak or soft goal, but if they’re stopped, it’s a good save, not great.
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"Numbers don't lie, they just don't agree with you"--George E. Ays
If I reference a lot of stats, just assume I haven't seen anything to contradict or invalidate them.
by red army line on May 2, 2011 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions
not just getting outshot but being dominated for long stretches at a time. Game 1 they went 10+ without a shot. Game 2 they went 14 minutes where there only shot was a shorthanded shot.
Zero scoring chances in 2nd period of Game 2
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work on WaPo's Capitals Insider, ESPN Insider and Russian Machine Never Breaks (RMNB).
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
I also log the Caps scoring chances for 2010-11. The summary spreadsheet is posted on Google Docs.
and then a harmless pass out from behind the net hits a skate, that Green was RAISING, and goes in. my reaction was “are you fucking kidding me?”
That’s, what, three goals (Green, Hannan, Alzner) that hit a Caps skater before going in of the 14 Neuvy’s allowed this post-season? Am I missing any?
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there was another in the NYR series. centering pass from behind the net that went off a skate and in.
I’m assuming the Alzner self goal is part of the Dubinski debacle?
Right, off Hendricks?
And yeah, Dubi/Alzner.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
That whole sequence was awful. Failed clearing attempts, being outworked in their own zone, and even if that puck doesn’t hit Green’s skate, it was a pass to a Tampa player sitting on the doorstep that Mike clearly didn’t see. Things look lucky on the surface, but the Caps can only blame themselves for that 30 second portion of the game.
by JimCareyFanClub on May 2, 2011 9:07 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m not making excuses based on it I’m just saying it’s been amazingly self inflicted this series. I think it was F&B that said it last night, if we can manage to not hurt ourselves we have a pretty good chance of winning.
Yes, but that would have been a goal anyway, if that doesn’t hit Green, Lecavalier buries it.
by 7-Hole Glove Side on May 2, 2011 9:13 AM EDT up reply actions
Unless he just intercepts that pass like a normal D would. I don’t see why the only two options are “own goal” or “Lecavalier goal.” Green was in position…
Second Round Exit! (Clap Clap ClapClapClap)
True, but in this particular scenario, the puck was either hitting his skate or getting through. I will back track a bit and say that a goal wasn’t a certainty for Tampa, but this play felt much less "unlucky" than the goal in Game 1 or the goals in the Rangers series.
by 7-Hole Glove Side on May 2, 2011 9:26 AM EDT up reply actions
It was less unlucky, but your conclusion that there were only two options is completely inaccurate. If Green has his stick on the ice he has every chance to cleanly intercept.
Second Round Exit! (Clap Clap ClapClapClap)
I see what you’re saying; I was just referring to this specific play. Green didn’t have his stick on the ice so there were actually 3 options- it hits his skate and goes toward the net, it hits his skate and goes away from the net, or it gets through.
by 7-Hole Glove Side on May 2, 2011 9:36 AM EDT up reply actions
It drives me mad how Green, in front of the net, holds his stick parallel to the ice, near waist height. Even Lidstrom holds his stick off the ice, but he’s doubled over and his blade is never far from the ice.
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If I reference a lot of stats, just assume I haven't seen anything to contradict or invalidate them.
by red army line on May 2, 2011 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions
TB should have had a good scoring chance there, I will agree to that but I don’t think it’s a slam dunk they score if Green doesn’t touch that puck at all.
Agreed, anything could have happend if that puck got through.
by 7-Hole Glove Side on May 2, 2011 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t know about that. Neuvy knew where the shooter was, he just wasn’t expecting a redirect from Green.
"I wake up in the middle night frustrated because we lost out in the first round and I want to see our players hoist the Stanley Cup." -Brooks Laich
by CapitalCentre on May 2, 2011 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Well yea, its been very self inflicted. But this new “defensive system” has revealed to me over the past few months that its not capable of overcoming unlucky bounces. This new system seems to be dependent on being “perfect” and if it breaks down, this team has serious trouble scoring. Yes yes, we came back against NYR when down 3-0, this was very encouraging, but meaningless if we can’t do it AGAIN. Cause guess what…. its happening AGAIN. And, btw, its going to happen again!
True, but the bad penalties on the Caps were still there last night, and while the discipline and commitment to their style of game was there most of the time, it wasn’t there enough to be a true Stanley Cup contender. The huge similarity between Tampa and Montreal is their patience. These teams know the Caps will f*ck something up at one point or another (bad line change, dumb penalty, lazy in their own zone), so they wait for this moment, then attack.
by JimCareyFanClub on May 2, 2011 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions
My take on the hot goalie is that there’s always a reason for the hot goalie. If it seems that he has eyes in the side of his head or that he’s making superhuman saves, maybe it’s just that the pucks getting to him aren’t the plays that have a good chance of going in anyway. I mean, Roloson seemed to “see” everything probably because everyone kept throwing pucks right to his chest.
YES!!! Thats my whole point! Its not the goalie, its US! Halak wasn’t superhuman, and neither is Roloson. We didn’t beat him, and we’re not beating Rolo, endo story.
Winning isn’t just about beating the other team, winning is about beating the other team and yourself (read: weaknesses, bad luck, fatigue, fear, etc.)
Green was in perfect position. I’m not buying the slam dunk goal theory. If he has his stick on the ice, he intercepts that pass cleanly and it’s no threat. But he had his stick hanging like a high school lacrosse player. Shameful.
Keeping your stick on the ice is one of the first rules, and yet we see numerous examples of players getting burned for raising their stick off the ice. I just don’t get these guys sometimes.
Second Round Exit! (Clap Clap ClapClapClap)
I wouldn’t say that pass was harmless. In fact, I would say it was quite dangerous considering it was headed straight to Lecavalier, who was standing next to a wide open net.
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by Laich It Or Lump It on May 2, 2011 9:13 AM EDT up reply actions
Agreed. Every game has essentially been a coin flip. The rest likely will be too.
The Caps are in a hole, but not one they can’t climb out of.
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They’re doing almost everything almost right, except for paying attention during line changes.
"I wake up in the middle night frustrated because we lost out in the first round and I want to see our players hoist the Stanley Cup." -Brooks Laich
by CapitalCentre on May 2, 2011 9:03 AM EDT up reply actions
The Caps are literally a couple of bounces from being up 2-0… so why are they not a couple of bounces away from “getting back into” the series?
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by J.P. on May 2, 2011 8:57 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Tampa is playing rather shoddily and still winning — that’s why. They’re outworking the other team at key moments and the Caps are content to play the game like they’re destined to win and not really working at it.
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by sydtron on May 2, 2011 9:36 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Remember that Tampa got thoroughly outclassed at ES by the depleted Pens. Outworking only gets you so far, and while I thought Tampa had a lot more to give, I get the feeling this is the Caps playing to their potential (in terms of territorial dominance) more than Tampa not doing a good job.
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"Numbers don't lie, they just don't agree with you"--George E. Ays
If I reference a lot of stats, just assume I haven't seen anything to contradict or invalidate them.
by red army line on May 2, 2011 9:49 AM EDT up reply actions
How do the Caps’ territorial numbers compare to the Pens?
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The Pens were a ~55% Fenwick team in a tougher division, the Caps were a 50-51% team (but suddenly became a 53% team after the deadline…or at least generated 53% of the shots/misses). The Pens were at 60% in round 1, the Caps 54%.
My blog and Twitter, featuring coverage of the most frustrating team in the NHL
If you don't know how to use Timeonice, read this.
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"Numbers don't lie, they just don't agree with you"--George E. Ays
If I reference a lot of stats, just assume I haven't seen anything to contradict or invalidate them.
by red army line on May 2, 2011 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions
I really, really appreciate your optimism. You are right, of course, but it’s hard to be cheery about it right now. A win tomorrow, no matter how it happens, will change the outlook. It’s not like they can’t come back from 0-2.
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
Cheery? I’m certainly not that…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I’m torn in general on this. On one hand, should I be optimistic because, despite being in the 0-2 hole the Caps have been the better team and dominated play for stretches, had no lucky bounces of their own while having quite a few unlucky bounces? Or, should I be nervous because Tampa is up 2-0 and they haven’t played well yet? I don’t think it’s anything the Caps can’t overcome, but I feel Tampa is going to play much better at home.
It’s been a rather dramatic reversal of fortune for Schultz against TBL.
vs NYR: 116:17 TOI, 0 goals against, 13:42 SHTOI, 0 goals against
vs TBL: 33:54 TOI, 4 goals against, , 5:55 SHTOI, 1 goal against
There was some tough luck in the TBL numbers for Schultz (and surely some good luck in the NYR). He got a minus last night for the GWG, but that wasn’t his fault. He also got a minus for the first goal of game 1, which was utter bullshit and insofar as there’s blame to be laid it’s on Green.
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If Schultz were fast enough he could’ve caught Lecavalier. The Schultz/Boudreau Koolaid is running low.
Guys that come on the ice after a bad change get the minus but it’s almost never their fault. A bad change is on the guys coming off.
Sure, in an alternate universe where Jeff Schultz skates like Jason Chimera maybe there’s an outside chance at catching Vinny, but I doubt it. And in any event, it’s moot. We all know Schultz is slow. He’s normally good at compensating for that through other methods. When you stick Schultz on the ice in a situation where he has to chase down an odd man rush, it’s not going to go well.
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by Rob Parker on May 2, 2011 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Annnnd I should have Z’ed before opening my mouth. Something is definitely not right in the universe…been agreeing with F&B way too much recently.
/four horsemen enroute?
If Schultz were fast enough he could’ve caught Lecavalier.
That’s snark right? It’s a coin-flip that the fastest guy on the team could have caught Vinny there.
by Yoshietree on May 2, 2011 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Does anyone else think the decision to put Knuble in was a little premature? He didn’t really contribute, at least not like he did pre-injury, and I think Hendricks was just kinda warming up on that first game. I would have liked to have seen what Hendy could do on a line with Sturm as well.
"I couldn't bring myself to cheer for Pittsburgh. But since they won, I may as well use it."
--BB, 2009
I didn’t get to see the game, so I don’t know about his performance, but maybe they were hoping for the leadership factor? I can see how going into a game already down one in the series they’d want as many cool heads in the locker room as possible
I mean, that’s definitely the logic. But then he played a whole game and was fairly useless in 60+ minutes of play, and as a consequence, the Caps lost a valid, healthy grinder who may have actually been able to have an impact on the ice as well as off if he put his mind (and body) to the task.
"I couldn't bring myself to cheer for Pittsburgh. But since they won, I may as well use it."
--BB, 2009
Hendricks hasn’t been very productive at all during the playoffs, Rangers series included. My guess is that Knuble told the coaches he was ready to go, and as a veteran and leader of this team, they granted his wish to come back and play Game 2. It was clear he wasn’t 100 percent because if he was, then the top line would have been 8-19-22. Also, I don’t like questioning Bruce too much, but if Arnott and Semin were working well together, then why not reunite them? Arnott seems pretty invisible right now, so put him with some guys that can maintain possession in the offensive zone (Semin, Laich) and give him the chance to be effective.
by JimCareyFanClub on May 2, 2011 9:05 AM EDT up reply actions
as disappointed as I am that we are down 0-2 I realized that we have outscored TB 6-5, unfortunately 2 of our goals went in our own net.
I said it when Ovi scored last night and I’ll stick to it, he needs to be at the dots or lower on the PP to really be effective. Enough of this playing the point. When he’s mucking it up down low the TB players are forced to spend more time and energy tracking him thereby opening up lanes for the rest of the team.
So why is he there? Why is Alex Ovechkin at the point? Why do we think he shouldn’t be at the point and yet BB keeps him there?
"And as it’s my personal opinion, I’d appreciate not being told it’s stupid, thanks." - BeccaH
because it’s a hell of a lot easier to play armchair coach than actually coach?
by Beakers Lab on May 2, 2011 9:34 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
There’s probably something about the Ovechkin one timer that coaches think would work great from the point.
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Personally i think his one timer would work better if he was closer. His wrister is a lot more threatening than his slapshot and he’s evil from the slot.
Add to that he’s horrible at puck possession and his point shots are continually blocked.
He shouldn’t be on the point.
Suspend Colin Campbell!
What’s kind of funny is that the very last thing in pregame warmups is always Green/Carlson passing pucks to Semin at the point who flings them to the net where Ovi tries to redirect them.
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Because the PP was once awesome with AO on the point. But teams have adjusted to that, but BB is too stubborn/stupid to realize he needs to adapt.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on May 2, 2011 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions
And for whatever reason, so are GMGM, Woods, Evason, AO, NB, MG…
by DrinkingPartner on May 2, 2011 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Law of averages, he’s waiting for regression to the mean…
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So does that mean 19, 52, and 28 are too closely following the plan?
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"Numbers don't lie, they just don't agree with you"--George E. Ays
If I reference a lot of stats, just assume I haven't seen anything to contradict or invalidate them.
by red army line on May 2, 2011 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Well when the plan seems to be “move as little as possible and look for pretty passes through the D”, yes, yes they are.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on May 2, 2011 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Is that Boudreau’s plan? Because BB may not need to adjust to team’s taking AO specifically, but the lack of movement from some of the other players.
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If you don't know how to use Timeonice, read this.
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"Numbers don't lie, they just don't agree with you"--George E. Ays
If I reference a lot of stats, just assume I haven't seen anything to contradict or invalidate them.
by red army line on May 3, 2011 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions
To be honest I don’t know what BB is telling them to do. I just know that is what they are doing, so it seems like that is the plan. I think BB likely has to address both issues: the PP setting up AO for the one timer (or Green for the back door cut in) has become way too predictable AND players are not moving enough (possibly because those are the only two plays they seem to look for with any regularity).
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on May 3, 2011 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe this is selective memory on my part, but I get the feeling the Caps’ PP is better when it runs down low from the left side (Semin and Ovechkin’s side, below the goal line, where, sorry, Kozlov used to set up) and when it runs through Backstrom. It seems more and more, though, that the “perfect shot” has to come from Ovechkin now, whereas the primary targets for that shot used to be the guy in the slot, Green, or Backstrom, with Ovechkin shooting when left open.
My blog and Twitter, featuring coverage of the most frustrating team in the NHL
If you don't know how to use Timeonice, read this.
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"Numbers don't lie, they just don't agree with you"--George E. Ays
If I reference a lot of stats, just assume I haven't seen anything to contradict or invalidate them.
by red army line on May 3, 2011 5:28 PM EDT up reply actions
___
Via @7ML:
Unreal – glance past the teleprompter, see Caps jersey.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 2, 2011 9:06 AM EDT reply actions 12 recs
Presumably someone called in from the game.
Wonder why David Gregory didn’t rock his jersey while reporting?!
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Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Someone tweeted back at JP that it was his dad, who was watching at a bar, not at the game.
I was impressed that Gregory had time to grab a suit before going on the air, unless they keep one at the studio for him, for situations like that.
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
Always keeps one at the office…sometimes, just a shirt, tie & jacket. Lots of newsies were called from the game.
This whole Caps/White House synergy would be so much cooler if they’d won last night. Passed along by John Walton:
“I was watching the Washington Capitals and Alex Ovechkin tie the game v TB when I got the call” CNNs Wolf Blitzer on getting the osma news
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
So… elephant in the room time. Who’s your Game 3 starter?
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8-19-22, 74-27
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
I say Neuvy gets game 3 and Varly gets game 4 no matter what.
Absolutely cannot blame Neuvirth. He’s letting in 2 goals a game. That should be enough. Even 3 isn’t terrible, but one of them each game was an own goal. I can’t believe we’re watching a team so thoroughly intent on killing themselves.
Second Round Exit! (Clap Clap ClapClapClap)
by Rob Parker on May 2, 2011 9:25 AM EDT up reply actions 6 recs
yeah, even if Neuvy pitched 2 shutouts Varley has to come in on one of those games.
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So if the Caps lose 2-1 on Wednesday and Neuvirth looks great in the loss, do you really want to go to a guy who hasn’t played in a month?
Yeah. At 3-0 I don’t care what you do. Put Holtby in for all I care. Hell, call up Todd Ford. Whatever gets McPhee to realize that BB has topped out.
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I had a dream that Holtby started game 3 and gave up a goal within the first minute.
F&B is right though – Varly plays game 4 no matter what. Back-to-backs are hard enough without the prospect of this series going 7 games – and we know it’s going at least 6 …
and weknowhope it’s going at least 6 …
by Yoshietree on May 2, 2011 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah, since it’s 3-0. Series is over.
Still, you put Varley in because Neuvy is your top dog and we have the ability to rest a goalie and not put in Hulk Hogan or whoever they have as a backup goalie in Tampa. They have to ride Roloson the entire way, we’re not necessarily obligated to ride Neuvirth the same way.
Second Round Exit! (Clap Clap ClapClapClap)
I suspect you’re right. But what if (heaven forfend) game 3 is a loss and Varly has a spectacular win for game 4? Back at square one. And purely hypothetical, of course, I know I’m borrowing trouble by even asking.
"I wake up in the middle night frustrated because we lost out in the first round and I want to see our players hoist the Stanley Cup." -Brooks Laich
by CapitalCentre on May 2, 2011 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions
If we win game 4, I don’t think it ‘ll be because we made a change in goaltending. Neuvy’s been playing admirably. The problem lies in the other 5 guys on the ice who haven’t been able to convert on their opportunities. So goaltending not being the problem that needs fixing, I don’t see why we need to play Varly if Neuvy is 100% ready to go. If we win game 4 (like in your scenario), it will be because the other 5 guys are finally doing things right.
by redpezrocket on May 2, 2011 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions
Absolutely true — but I feel like that’s a detail that will be missed. Hypothetically.
"I wake up in the middle night frustrated because we lost out in the first round and I want to see our players hoist the Stanley Cup." -Brooks Laich
by CapitalCentre on May 2, 2011 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions
I’d not inconceivable that we win 1-0 or 2-1, in which case it may have been the result of Varly’s play. Neuvy’s been very good, but he could be even better.
Oh Varly could enter game 4 and completely play out of his mind. I’d love that. And certainly, Neuvy could have been better in that he could have played out of his mind as well…
But my point was really that I think our problems go beyond goaltending and that there are significant problems that we have to fix if we’re going to win.
by redpezrocket on May 2, 2011 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions
I have no doubt that Varly would give the Caps a solid performance if he was called into action for Game 3 or 4. The problem is that Neuvy has given the Caps solid performances in games 1 and 2 and it hasn’t resulted in a W.
I am a firm believer that the goalie has no real impact on the performance of the skaters in front of him, with the only exception being his communication with teammates in the defensive end, which only impacts GA not GF.
Part of the reason Tampa was my least favorite of the 4 possible 2nd round opponents is because I felt that the Caps would have to score at least 3 goals a game to beat them, so far that prediction has held true.
by 7-Hole Glove Side on May 2, 2011 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions
I dunno – it also sends the message to the team that goaltending is part of the problem and lets them off the hook a bit, no?
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I agree. I think in-game if you go down 3-0 then a goalie change maybe shakes things up and gives the team some energy, even if everyone knows it’s not the goalie’s fault you are down. But to change goalies after a game? That seems more like blaming the goalie. I don’t see where the shake up factor comes into play.
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Agree with this.
Change a goalie mid game (regardless of fault) and it can be a message to the team to wake the F up. Changing goalies from game to game does not have the same effect.
All that being said, I have no problem rolling with Varly in game 4 because I think he will be every bit as solid as Neuvy and will have the advantage of being fresh.
I also have no problem starting Neuvy in game 4.
by 7-Hole Glove Side on May 2, 2011 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Coaches have pulled the goalie when the defense is clearly at fault for the goals and the team usually responds, though I think that it has more of an in game effect than when it happens between games.
Besides, if Neuvy was really standing on his head he could have stopped more of the goals that tampa bay has scored this series.
Suspend Colin Campbell!
he could have stopped lecavalier’s OT goal (at least done something a little more productive on it, like a pokecheck) and definitely green’s own goal. I think he gave up the post on stamkos’ goal and spralled away from stamkos for some reason.
Of course that’s all in the best of circumstances. Not saying varly saves those or doesn’t allow goals on other plays, I just think those were perfectly stoppable goals.
Suspend Colin Campbell!
Using your rationale for goals Neuvirth should have stopped, he should have had a GAA of under 1 during the regular season.
What would you have had him do on Green’s own goal? And as for the OT winner, sure he could tried a poke check but imagine how furious you would have been had he poked and missed a la Holtby against the Sabres earlier this year.
I’m just saying he “could” have stopped them, under the best of circumstances he might have. I said Varly in my post, but I’ll change that to “I’m not sure any goalie saves those”.
greens own goal wasn’t a speedy one, if he tracked the puck better and was a bit snappier he could have knocked it away. COULD have. Not saying any goalie should be put in that position, but the possibility is there. It’s definitely more on green.
In any case this is more of a tiny point that I was trying to make that there were a couple goals Neuvy would like back even though his defense was letting him down in reference to the potential of a message being sent that these losses are the goalie’s fault if he’s replaced.
Suspend Colin Campbell!
Given that we’ve lost by 1 in each game so far (not counting the empty netter because Neuvy obviously couldn’t stop that one), you’re basically saying that Neuvy should have pitched a shutout.
by redpezrocket on May 2, 2011 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions
The defensive machine has five other components to it. Saying the goalie should have pitched a shutout puts all of the defensive responsibility on one person, and it’s unreasonable. It’s unfortunate he wasn’t able to stop Vinny on the OTGWG, but if the rest of the team had made a better offensive effort, we wouldn’t have needed OT.
by redpezrocket on May 2, 2011 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions
Are you asking?
Lightning doesn't strike, uh, thrice.
by Rainbow, Kitty, Beer on May 2, 2011 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Meaning that I’ve seen various comments (not here, specifically) from people who were pretty dead serious that Neuvy should have stopped everything. Somehow.
by redpezrocket on May 2, 2011 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions
One thing I agree with Kareem about strongly — the Lightning are pulling the rope-a-dope — and they’re the rope! Time for an adjustment. Caps need to use their superior depth more effectively. Play a physical game. Quit trying to fly around the Lightning because that ain’t working.
Discipline. Patience.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on May 2, 2011 9:22 AM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Agreed. On the margin, we’re playing their game more than they are playing ours.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
As a good friend said to me last night (he can out himself if he so chooses), it’s depressing that the best strategy to employ against the Caps is “wait around for them to beat themselves.”
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by J.P. on May 2, 2011 9:26 AM EDT up reply actions 7 recs
Wait, I’ve heard this before. (And it worked.)
"I wake up in the middle night frustrated because we lost out in the first round and I want to see our players hoist the Stanley Cup." -Brooks Laich
by CapitalCentre on May 2, 2011 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions
Kinda pathetic when your most effective line all night is your fourth line, simply because they’re the only ones seemingly willing to follow the game-plan.
Every shift by the fourth line, Gordo wins the draw, the Caps gain the redline, dump the puck with speed, regain it in the zone and start to cycle.
The old cliche of “your best players need to be your best players” is true. The Caps’ best players have generally played like crap. Ovechkin and Semin have a couple goals, but their play overall has been sub-par. Nicklas Backstrom seems completely flummoxed by the “dump” part of the dump and chase. He’s drawing his linemates offside every shift, both 5v4 and 5v4. He’s literally killing the team’s momentum.
When I watch the fourth line and, to a lesser extent, the third line, go out and execute the game plan to a “T,” I wonder whether the Caps’ issue is actually coaching, or whether it’s something much, MUCH worse. Namely, that the Caps’ top players are either too stubborn or just too stupid to execute a basic gameplan.
Vendetta Red
by D'ohboy on May 2, 2011 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
I wonder whether the Caps’ issue is actually coaching, or whether it’s something much, MUCH worse. Namely, that the Caps’ top players are either too stubborn or just too stupid to execute a basic gameplan.
If that’s the case, and I strongly suspect that it may be, does McPhee think about shipping one of the young guns out of town in the off-season? Otherwise we’re just going to follow the same road as the 2000 – 2007 Ottawa Senators.
Or bring in a complete hard ass coach that isn’t going to coddle them because they are so talented and fun loving.
Second Round Exit! (Clap Clap ClapClapClap)
I love Mike Green. He’s clearly one of the best offensive defensemen in the game.
But with Carlson emerging, Orlov on the way and Wideman in the fold, I’d trade him. I think he’s mentally fragile and he’s not going to be worth his next contract.
Vendetta Red
by D'ohboy on May 2, 2011 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Very interesting point. As I have watched the team this playoffs, I have obviously been excited by the wins. At the same time, though, there is part of me saying something isn’t right. Maybe it is the eternal pessimism that comes from being a life long Caps fan; maybe it is unreal expectations that every game be played perfectly; or maybe it is the fact that some of these guys think they can skate through the playoffs on skill alone.
I honestly believe that one of the young guns needs to be moved for this team to advance far in the playoffs. I always assumed it would be Semin, but maybe Green (or both!) is the guy. So many arguments can be made as to why moving one will be addition by subtraction. The most persuassive one to me is the fact that I don’t want their bad habits to be passed on to the younger players. MoJo has been a stud and there is every reason to believe that he will only be better in future playoffs. It would be a shame if he started thinking that he could take off multiple shifts, too.
by Moonage Daydream on May 2, 2011 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Wouldn’t that might be a “next year” type of deal? I mean, trading him this year (based on health and general performance) is getting 80 cents on the dollar (unless the RFA year trumped it), no?
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
by Bald Pollack on May 2, 2011 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree with this. And seeing as he goes RFA at the end of the deal there is no rush. Of course, if right now is 80 cents, maybe he has another bad year and we get 60 cents.
Second Round Exit! (Clap Clap ClapClapClap)
After two bad years are you getting less on the dollar or is the dollar worth less?
Lightning doesn't strike, uh, thrice.
by Rainbow, Kitty, Beer on May 2, 2011 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Isn’t the consensus that he’s worth more to our system than to anyone else’s, as well? Maybe that’s no longer true? Either way, doesn’t seem like we’ll get as much as he was worth last year.
Lightning doesn't strike, uh, thrice.
by Rainbow, Kitty, Beer on May 2, 2011 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Great skating puck-moving PP QB top pairing Ds are always in high demand.
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"Numbers don't lie, they just don't agree with you"--George E. Ays
If I reference a lot of stats, just assume I haven't seen anything to contradict or invalidate them.
by red army line on May 2, 2011 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Hmm, not sure he’s still considered a
PP QB top pairing D
I don’t dispute there will be significant demand. I just doubt he’ll get near what we might’ve expected him to be worth.
Lightning doesn't strike, uh, thrice.
by Rainbow, Kitty, Beer on May 2, 2011 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions
IF you move Green, he’s at least bringing a 1st rounder and some change back.
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Yeah, that’s a lot less than what I would’ve expected for him last year. He’s a RFA in 2012-2013 and he’s already making 5 mil a year; we’d get at least 2 first rounders if another team signed him (assuming status quo with his salary), right?
Lightning doesn't strike, uh, thrice.
by Rainbow, Kitty, Beer on May 2, 2011 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions
He’d be close to the four 1sts, I think, at least on a shorter-term deal.
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"Numbers don't lie, they just don't agree with you"--George E. Ays
If I reference a lot of stats, just assume I haven't seen anything to contradict or invalidate them.
by red army line on May 2, 2011 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, and impossible to see someone signing him for that, if we keep him. I have a hard time thinking anyone would give up 2 firsts for him, even if he puts in a full season next year.
Lightning doesn't strike, uh, thrice.
by Rainbow, Kitty, Beer on May 2, 2011 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions
I have a hard time seeing the perpetual shortage not drive the price up a pretty penny. I don’t doubt there will be callers with big offers. NYR, anyone?
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"Numbers don't lie, they just don't agree with you"--George E. Ays
If I reference a lot of stats, just assume I haven't seen anything to contradict or invalidate them.
by red army line on May 2, 2011 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions
You might be underestimating how much the concussions have hurt his value (or I might be overestimating). I’d definitely get rid of Green for the highest bid in a bidding war like you’re suggesting, but I don’t see it.
Lightning doesn't strike, uh, thrice.
by Rainbow, Kitty, Beer on May 2, 2011 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions
What do you see coming back in return, hypothetically?
by Murshawursha on May 2, 2011 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m not great at playing this game, but a 1st and blue-chip prospect, easily, plus a 2nd and pending-UFA depth defenseman. I don’t really have any comparable situations to go back on. JBouw got a 3rd for a few days, but he was going UFA.
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"Numbers don't lie, they just don't agree with you"--George E. Ays
If I reference a lot of stats, just assume I haven't seen anything to contradict or invalidate them.
by red army line on May 2, 2011 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions
What’s the evidence of Green’s “mental fragility” this offseason? I haven’t had the chance to watch every period, but I think he’s been very solid in the action I’ve seen.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on May 2, 2011 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions
(to spell out more what I’m trying to say here, I think we have a forwards problem, not a defensemen problem)
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on May 2, 2011 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Specifically, I’d say the first goal in game one and two were both his fault to some degree, and they were both mental errors. He took a stupid penalty against Downie. His shooting choices have been atrocious. He’s hesitating with the puck on his stick. He has generally looked like the pressure gets to him.
Vendetta Red
I guess we’ve just got our lyin’ eyes telling us different things. I didn’t see the first goal in game 1, so I can’t talk about that.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on May 2, 2011 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions
As the result of a blatantly missed call. Not sure how you can even begin to blame him for that. Maybe for the puck still being in the zone; if he had done something earlier maybe they aren’t playing D anymore. But to get crosschecked from behind into his own net and have the refs miss the call? How is that on Green?
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Maybe I’m misremembering, but I thought he got a bit out of position, then got beaten to a puck and then got decked in his haste to get back to the net.
Vendetta Red
He got decked from behind. I think he messed something up that could have led to a clear before the goal, but him being in the net was the result of a blatant penalty that the ref didn’t call.
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I think him getting decked was part and parcel of rushing back to the net after being out of position.
Vendetta Red
Not really. It was an illegal play. He had body position on Bergenheim, boxing him out (hence having his back to him), and got fouled. If the ref does his job, that part of the play is a non-issue. I’d have to go back to look and see if he had a clear on his stick, but that’s the only play blame would lie on Green. You’re really stretching if you try to tie some blame to him for ending up in the net. Hard to plan around other people failing spectacularly at their job.
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a NHL official failed to execute his job properly? shocker.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
You’re being too harsh. That’s not a fair characterization. He had one touch on the puck while it was rolling and he was being checked. The puck exploded off his blade to a TBL guy and he still made it back to the net to cover. He’d have been in perfect position if he didn’t get ran into the net. Did he play it the best he possibly could have? No, but I wouldn’t use this as an example of a failure on his part. You cited it as a mental error, and cited him ending up on his face in the net as errors on his part. Well I don’t see a mental error, just a physical one, and there’s zero way I could possibly be convinced that it’s his fault he ended up in the net. That was Bergenheim cheating, and the ref blowing a call.
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any chance we can get a gif or some screen shots? I saw so little of the games that I’m genuinely curious to see this play broken down, from both of you.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
thanks, looking forward to seeing it. I’m feeling a little lost with no having really seen the games.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
I remember that play from the highlights now. Maybe he screwed up, maybe he didn’t, but it’s hard for me to see that as an indication that he’s mentally fragile.
I don’t believe Scott Hannan is mentally fragile, but he sure screwed up badly last night.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on May 2, 2011 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions
To be fair, I’m not basing this assessment on this series alone. It’s an ongoing pattern.
Vendetta Red
I think you are confusing mental fragility with brain farts. Greenis has been mentally fragile in past seasons. It is one of the reason other coaches have their players target him. However, since his work with a shrink last summer, I feel his mental game is one area where Greenie has improved this year. Targeting him hasn’t been as successful this season as it has been in the past.
Is he making some errors, yes, but so are the other solid defensemen. He was also out for a long time after suffering from a concussion. Perhaps he is still getting up to speed and getting hit in the head again probably didn’t help that process.
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