Recap: Lightning 4, Caps 3
by Becca H on May 3, 2011 9:52 PM EDT
in Game Recaps
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[GameCenter - Game Summary - Event Summary - Faceoff Summary - Corsi/Fenwick - Shift Charts - Head-to-Head - Zone Starts]
After dropping two games at home, the Caps headed to Tampa Bay hoping to repay the favor and get themselves back in the series. To do that they knew they'd need to bring more intensity than they had before, that they'd need to tighten up their defense, take an early lead and hold on...with maybe a bit of desperation tossed into the mix for good measure.
It didn't go exactly as planned.
Once again the Caps gave up the first goal, dominated stretches but were dominated in others, failed to get good bounces, and allowed themselves to get turned inside out by the Lightning. As a result, they find themselves down 3-0 in the series. And that bit of desperation is now a whole lot bigger.
Ten more notes on the game:
- During the regular season, the Caps prided themselves on their team defense, squeaking out multiple one-goal games thanks to their ability to take the lead and shut it down. How does the saying go again...regular season means [Franceschetti]? Never was that more true than in the third period, where the Caps let that one-goal lead that was so hard to get slip away in a matter of seconds: 24 to be exact.
- It was the second of those quick goals, off the skate of Ryan Malone, that would be the eventual game-winner; and it was the second of those quick goals that was the perfect example of what the Caps have been lacking. There haven't been any goals off of feet, butts, pinky fingers...none of the "lucky" bounces that seem to follow teams who work for them.
- In Game 2 it was miscommunication and poor line changes that cost the Caps not once, but twice, including on the overtime game-winning goal. Tonight it was a problem once more, as miscommunication at the bench led to a too many men call...negating a goal that not only would have given the Caps an early lead, but given them the rare and elusive power play goal, as well.
- So it was the Lightning who struck first instead, pouncing on a failed clearing attempt and taking advantage of a poor defensive play by both John Erskine and Mike Green to slide it under Michal Neuvirth. Throw in a lift-check from behind that wasn't by Brooks Laich and an open five-hole, and just like that it was 1-0 Lightning.
- At a time when the Caps need their veterans to lead by example, Mike Knuble set an uncharacteristically bad one with his awful elbowing penalty in the first period. Luckily it didn't cost the team, and he redeemed himself somewhat with the go-ahead goal early in the second (from right in the blue paint, surprisingly enough), but he should really know better.
- It took a two-man advantage, a trickling puck, a scrum in front of the net and a Russian captain left all alone, but the Caps finally cashed in on the power play. In fact, for the first time in the series the Caps won the special teams battle with the only power play goal of the contest, and killed off all four Tampa power plays. Hooray for small victories.
- You could argue that either of the first two goals were goals that need to be stopped, but Neuvirth wasn't the reason this game went in the loss column for the Caps. He faced 30 shots, 15 of which came in the third period (you know, when the Caps were tightening up defensively to hold a lead) and made a few saves late that gave his team every chance to win. Still, you have to think that he's on the bench tomorrow night...right?
- There weren't all that many guys who really came to play tonight, but Alex Ovechkin was one of them...and even he had his lazy/ineffective/painfully bad moments (including four giveaways). Still, he picked up an important go-ahead goal and an assist, fired five shots on net and threw four hits.
- Jeff Schultz and Scott Hannan probably had the roughest outing of any of the Caps' defensemen, but no one escaped unscathed in this one and all three pairs were victimized for a Tampa goal.
- Troubling note to end on: Mike Green played 59 seconds in the third period...and then didn't see the ice again for the rest of the night.
It'd be easy to throw in the towel down three games to none in a series; there's no question that many of us fans have already done so. But if the Caps want to make this a series - and it's not wholly impossible for them to do so - it needs to start, continue and finish tomorrow. That desperation we mentioned earlier needs to take over, and it needs to take over now.
Because we get to do it all over again in less than 24 hours...and the Lightning will be looking for blood.
Game highlights:
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Not sure what to say right now. I saw a team turtle and play conservative hockey in the final period, and I saw a team lose partly because of it.
Lost for words, lost for logic, lost for understanding on what to do from here. This is shocking, and I’m still searching for answers.
It wasn’t even conservative hockey that did them in. Conservative hockey won Tampa Game 1 in a huge way. The Caps just played so… fucking… poorly when their season was very much on the line. So poorly. Unfathomably bad.
by cajuncook on May 3, 2011 9:56 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
There was no sense of urgency. I love Carlson’s patience normally but I was getting really frustrated tonight as he time and time again just stood there with the puck for way too many seconds.
Tampa has these guys spinning looking for where their heads are, and I’m not sure the answer is on their shoulders…
Yep.
I wouldn’t blame her if this had only been a few words. Like “well, fuck.”
Say no to Prince Fielder in 2012.
by Knubles and Bits on May 3, 2011 9:57 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Nor me. This is just a horrible night to be a Capitals fan.
by Charlie Foxtrot on May 3, 2011 9:58 PM EDT up reply actions
you’ll be happy to know I’m missing all of tomorrow’s game for night class, so that bodes well for our chances
"I'd rather die than live in a world where I can't kick your ass"
My Twittah!
Keep the faith. There’ll be time to recap the 2011 Capitals season, be it tomorrow or in June.
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That was horseshit the way he pushed Neuvy’s pad backwards so the puck could slide in. In all the commotion about whether or not he kicked it i think the potential review of goalie interference was lost. You can’t move the goalie to make way for a shot. But whatever its in the past
Goaltender interference can’t be reviewed.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on May 4, 2011 12:43 AM EDT up reply actions
Is there a logical reason why not?
"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 4, 2011 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t see one, other than sports league’s general aversion to making ‘judgment calls’ reviewable.
But this seems like a call that would do well to be reviewable as it’s often hard to tell what happened in real time
"By far the worst performers on the (Redskins) are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
There's still hope.
I’m not feeling great right now, I don’t think anybody is, but until we see that clock hit 00:00 in the 3rd period and the scoreboard tells us this is over, we need to stay behind these guys, it’s just what good fans do. You may not think it’s going to happen, I know I don’t, but you’ve gotta believe it can.
21 hours till puck drop, GO CAPS!
Go USA, Braves, BU Terriers, Irish, Caps, Colts, Hoyas, NU Cats, Wizards, DC United, Washington Freedom
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Really, really, really tough night to be a Caps fan.
by Berube Doobie Doo on May 3, 2011 9:57 PM EDT reply actions
May: really really really tough month to be a Caps fan
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
by RedBirdie on May 3, 2011 10:02 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Anyone willing to kick me in the head repeatedly, I’ll pay you $160 to do so. My money will be better spent than on tickets.
by Berube Doobie Doo on May 3, 2011 10:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Let me help everyone:
1. Very disappointing, if not sucky performance.
2. Caps are the better team on paper, not on the ice.
3. Fire Boudreau
4. If GMGM won’t fire Boudreau, then Leonsis should fire GMGM.
5. But – BB probably won’t get fired anyway.
6. Sucks to be a Caps fan year after year.
7. But, if the BoSox can win four in a row against the Yanks, the Caps can do the same to the Bolts.
8. We’ll all be back here tomorrow night.
Such is the life of a Caps’ fan.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
by STLSpidey on May 3, 2011 9:58 PM EDT reply actions 16 recs
“Spidey’s CliffNotes for Caps Hockey”
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
by twistedlogic on May 3, 2011 10:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Nice summary. This should be a regular feature.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
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Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Like having no balls?
Sorry, that was a layup. I hope he gets better.
by Old King Clancy on May 3, 2011 10:02 PM EDT up reply actions
this I don’t get. regardless of where you fall on D’oh’s and F&B’s epic debate on that one goal Green should have had/is absolved of all sins on because Tampa got away with fucking murder, Mike Green has shown up for these playoffs.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
I haven’t been impressed with Green in this series at all. Granted, the rest of the team sucked as well, but he gets no absolution. He bears just as much blame as any of the other young guns for the craptastic showing against TB.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on May 3, 2011 10:13 PM EDT up reply actions
At the same time, I’m not even close to saying he has no balls. That guy has/probably currently is playing through pain that would make the vast majority of people that read/comment here curl up in fetal position and not leave the house.
At least we aren't playing the Pens.
by Rob Parker on May 3, 2011 10:16 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Green was hurt in Game 2, I think. One of the beat reporters said he was seen heavily limping after this game.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
by Aaron Lerner on May 3, 2011 10:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Not in the defensive zone… PPP wouldn’t shut up about it on Twitter, either.
by Berube Doobie Doo on May 3, 2011 10:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Can we quit with the cliched narratives now?
- “Caps new, playoff-ready defensive style.” Yup, and the playoff-ready defensive breakdowns to go along with it.
- “Veteran, playoff-tested leadership.” Thanks for your great leadership, Mr Arnott and Mr Knuble, please continue.
- “This team figured out how to deal with adversity during it’s 8-game losing streak, best thing to happen to them.” Perhaps it taught them how to toss a 4-game losing streak in the playoffs.
What’s not a cliche? This is the Caps, and they do this to us every year, no matter where they finish, what the matchup is, who’s wearing the jersey. Been a fan long enough to understand this. Yeah, I can’t quit them, but at least I know what to expect.
by katzistan on May 3, 2011 9:58 PM EDT reply actions 4 recs
Zombies would be a better option than the Caps right now. At least Zombies would have a chance in hell of beating that miserable, pathetic excuse of a team known as Tampa.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
miserable, pathetic excuse of a team known as Tampa
Come on…you have to admit that no matter what, they’ve played better than the Caps, as maddening as it is.
Meh.
King of Nothingham
by Steck It Out on May 3, 2011 10:54 PM EDT up reply actions
kittens would play better than the Caps right now.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
That’s true. No doubt in my mind that this effort would have caused the same results regardless of the team the Caps played.
Meh.
King of Nothingham
by Steck It Out on May 3, 2011 10:57 PM EDT up reply actions
at this point, I think you could call the Panthers back from the golf course, give them 30 minutes to warm up, and if you told the Caps “Ok, guys, second round opponent!” they’d still shit the bed.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
totally legal. doubly so if you do it in the “hitting zone”
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
And potato latkes
Meh.
King of Nothingham
by Steck It Out on May 3, 2011 10:52 PM EDT up reply actions
I already mentioned this in the other thread but I feel like it's important
We saw something tonight that we have seen all year. A team that is incapable of playing a full 60 minutes. Physical? Mental? Players? Coaches? All of the above?
"The longer I delay myself getting to the real world, the better." - Mike Knuble
by Chaz-Capapalooza on May 3, 2011 9:59 PM EDT reply actions
Ok, there’s another cliche. Have you ever seen a team “play a full 60 minutes”? Did the Bolts play a full 60 minutes in giving up 3 goals? I don’t know what this means, no team ever dominates a game completely tape to tape. It’s a matter of cashing in on the breaks when you get them, and this team could barely muster a shot in the 3rd, while the Bolts somehow figured out how to do it.
That cliche implies consistency. Something we haven’t seen from this team. Sure, you get a couple of long shifts here and there, a couple of dry spells, but it’s happened in every game this series. Inexcusable.
"The longer I delay myself getting to the real world, the better." - Mike Knuble
by Chaz-Capapalooza on May 3, 2011 10:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Right, but it’s not ‘playing a full 60-minutes’ – it’s just having the mental fortitude and decision-making skills to keep playing when things take an unlucky turn. Something any player loses when they put on a Caps jersey.
The phrase isn’t supposed to be literal. No one can play flawless hockey every second they’re on the ice, it’s impossible. But you hit the nail on the head
“it’s just having the mental fortitude and decision-making skills to keep playing when things take an unlucky turn”
Why can’t they bounce back after an unlucky break?
"The longer I delay myself getting to the real world, the better." - Mike Knuble
by Chaz-Capapalooza on May 3, 2011 10:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Sorry, just annoyed with cliches I hear year after year, that lose their meaning. I’m kind of in a bad mood now, my apologies.
It’s good we talked about it though because when we have to keep repeating cliches year after year it says there’s a problem. I don’t know if it’s with the coach or the players, or the management, but there is a problem and our fate can’t always be determined by a couple of bad breaks. Something has to change.
"The longer I delay myself getting to the real world, the better." - Mike Knuble
by Chaz-Capapalooza on May 3, 2011 10:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Why can’t they bounce back after an unlucky break?
We all saw it on 24/7, and this is pretty much the same team we’re seeing right now. They’re so goddamn fragile that unless things on the whole are going smoothly, they completely crack at the slightest misfortune. Some call it gutless.
And so would I.
This I don’t agree with. They were down 3-0 vs. New York against the most hostile crowd they’ve seen in years and bounced back. They have repeatedly come back after giving up the first goal.
They don’t listen to their coach. Period.
Varly, Varly...errrrrr.....NEU-VY, NEU-VY! Pp
Well maybe they need a coach that will make them fucking listen.
"Some days I just sits and thinks. Some days I just sits and watches the Caps-I'm retired."
Well maybe they need a coach that will make them fucking listen.
FTFY
Varly, Varly...errrrrr.....NEU-VY, NEU-VY! Pp
by alisterio on May 4, 2011 8:43 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
When the Caps beat the Rags, I think they turned into the Rags. I knew this series would be 6, 7 games but jeez.
"And as it’s my personal opinion, I’d appreciate not being told it’s stupid, thanks." - BeccaH
Great optimism.
Go USA, Braves, BU Terriers, Irish, Caps, Colts, Hoyas, NU Cats, Wizards, DC United, Washington Freedom
BU Hockey: National Champions 1971, 1972, 1978, 1995, 2009
I think there’s a good possibility, yes.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Don't think so...
Varly hasn’t seen game action in weeks and Neuvirth was HUGE in the third period. I don’t believe in the goalie change affecting the team game to game. In-game is another story.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
by Aaron Lerner on May 3, 2011 10:02 PM EDT up reply actions
because the goalie isn’t the problem, it’s the 18 skaters who seemingly all had lobotomies during their 6 days of rest.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Neuvy is Not the problem…he did his job…the other guys on the ice are supposed to do theirs. That being said…BB has a penchant for taking out his frustrations on the goalie, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see Varly…even though I think it would be a really stupid thing to do.
on the first 2 goals, he did not do his job. for much of the game, he was uneasy, jitterish, and not himself.
A stronger game from neuvy would have made our chance of winning much, much higher
third goal could have been saved. heck, 4th he didn’t have to let the puck cross the crease (but that’s a stretch)
There is no way 3 gets saved. That was an absolute snipe coming back across the grain. 4th he couldn’t save because Malone’s stick had driven his right pad into the net.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
by Aaron Lerner on May 3, 2011 10:38 PM EDT up reply actions
3rd shot gets saved 80+% of the time. It’s an open shot, sure, but unscreened b/t tops of the circles. Stamkos is great and all, but let’s not fucking kid ourselves that that couldn’t have been saved.
A 15% shooting percentage is actually quite good. Off the top of my head, Ovechkin hovers between 10-12%.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
by Aaron Lerner on May 3, 2011 11:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Gawd I hope so. Despite the love he gets around here, neuvy is the inferior goalie leaving ability to stay healthy aside. Neuvy has saved .868 this series. He’s not the primary flaw in this team (that’s BB) but he hasn’t been particularly good.
fat lot of support he’s gotten from his team.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
I don’t think neuvy is the problem, but why not go with a playoff tested guy who is capable of stealing a game, especially on the second night of a back2back. Give Neuvy the night off and see what happens.
I think BB fucked up the goalie situation....
last year. Theodore played great in the 2nd half of the season and got screwed in the playoffs—didn’t start, then got yanked in whatever game he did play in after giving up a goal and didn’t play again. And Varly gave up a couple of soft ones in games 6 and 7 against Montreal. I think BB mishandled the goalie situation last year. And while Neuvy has been OK in the playoffs, i don’t look at him and say: he will help us win the cup. Other teams have goalie issues—philly is a debacle and the Black Hawks won the Cup last year without a great goalies; still, it’s got to help to have a veteran stud back there.
Neuvy isn’t the whole problem, but he’s let in some bad goals. If you follow the goalie guild on twitter, he critiques technique. According to him, those first two goals were on Neuvy and mistakes he made. Yes, Neuvy did step up in the third period, but it’d help the Caps if he didn’t spot them two goals. Why not give Varly a chance. I don’t think it’s going to make a difference either way due to the faults with the rest of the team, but I think Varly deserves the chance and Neuvy could use the rest.
Neuvy isn’t the problem at all. He looked like the only one who cared.
The twitters.
Currently Netflixing: "Sons of Anarchy - Season 2"
You wanna talk some jive? I'll talk some jive. I'll talk some jive like you've never heard!
Nobody’s blameless. Neuvy fought hard but the first and fourth goal were stoppable. I don’t know if I’d sit him tomorrow night, but I’d certainly think about if for no other reason than the change might spark the team.
Third goal was unstoppable. That was an absolute snipe going back to his right with the play flowing to his left.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
by Aaron Lerner on May 3, 2011 10:59 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m not saying it was an easy shot but it’s certainly stoppable. FWIW, the color guy on the Caps radio broadcast, who’s a former NHL defenseman, said the same thing.
Having heard Boudreau complain about the fourth goal I went back and looked a little closer at it, and he’s right. That was clear interference by Malone both in pushing Carlson into Neuvy and then using his stick to push Neuvirth into the goal. He initiated all the contact and the goal came directly because of his actions. Not to say Tampa still wouldn’t have come back and scored the winner, but that goal shouldn’t have been allowed.
I’m suspicious of goals 1 and 2, personally. He wasn’t put in good circumstances to succeed, but they were both stoppable.
by DrinkingPartner on May 3, 2011 10:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Here’s what Goalie Guild had to say about Neuvy tonight:
1st goal:
TheGoalieGuild
Neuvirth wasn’t sharp enough on Bergenheim’s chance. Right knee dropped early, came back up and then he was caught slightly off balance.
2nd goal:
TheGoalieGuild
That goal another sign Neuvy is just off 2nite. When you don’t get into a rhythm early, it’s really tough to fight through games like this.
About Neuvy and Rolo:
TheGoalieGuild
Goaltending has been so janky in this game. Both goalies lacking the precision they had earlier in the series and during the first round.
3rd goal:
TheGoalieGuild
Just like that, Stamkos’ wrister destroys all of those momentum-building saves by Neuvy. Great shot against the grain and over the blocker.
4th goal:
TheGoalieGuild
Malone’s stick actually SHOVES Neuvirth’s right pad into the net and turns his entire body into the net. Tough to stop a puck that way.
TheGoalieGuild
Malone literally used his stick to open up the leather gate of Neuvirth’s right pad. Pretty clear to see with all those replays.
But he’s in favor of Neuvy getting the start tomorrow:
TheGoalieGuild
@trammerhc Boudreau could be desperate enough to think about Varly in Game 4 but it would be a huge mistake. Doubt he’s w/ Caps next year.
He had some good things to say about Neuvy and the saves he made in the 3rd period.
by vtcapsfan99 on May 3, 2011 11:15 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Agreed with all but the last one. Caps would be foolish to let Varly walk as an RFA — he at least has value as a trade chip for something.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
by Aaron Lerner on May 3, 2011 11:16 PM EDT up reply actions
He doubts Varly is with Caps next year, or Bruce? : )
by kingbonehead on May 3, 2011 11:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Sorry, there’s another tweet about Varly that I didn’t paste in. The same guy asked where G.G. thought Varly would be next season, and he said maybe Colorado because they need someone and they have a little trade history with the Caps.
Personally, I don’t agree with trading Varly at all, but if you follow Goalie Guild, he has a huge man crush on Neuvy. Both goalies are both cheap next year (assuming Varly resigns and doesn’t go screaming into the night to the KHL after this flameout), so why not platoon them again. I feel like Varly is more talented but he does not have much luck with injuries.
Varly will get a raise, albeit small. Holtby and Neuvy would be quite the inexpensive goalie tandem. Personally, I think Holtby is the best of the bunch.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
by Aaron Lerner on May 3, 2011 11:29 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think Holtby is quite ready for primetime. Leave him in Hershey for another year to continue to improve, and Varly and Neuvy can hold down the fort for another year. I also agree with you that Varly won’t get a huge raise, not after them using Neuvy as the starting goalie in the playoffs. But he has to make a little more than Neuvy right just by virtue of being drafted higher?
I reserve judgement about Holtby and whether he’s the best of the three until he gets a little more seasoning. To me, he’s not better right now, but he’s a couple years behind in the development cycle.
Not really. When you are looking at a sample size as small as three games you have to look at the context of that .868. And Neuvirth was playing against a high-powered offense that was taking advantage of poor play and numerous defensive breakdowns.
That said, I’d put Varlamov in for Game 4. Neuvirth this series reminds me of Varlamov against MTL. He’s not giving up soft goals, but he’s not coming up with big saves when the team needs him. It’s been a pretty average performance. The way the team is playing they are done anyway, but might as well give Varlamov a game.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on May 3, 2011 11:02 PM EDT up reply actions
He was HUGE after Tampa scored that 4th goal. He made some absolute stand on his head stops.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
by Aaron Lerner on May 3, 2011 11:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Disagree. He made some massive saves tonight before and after they went ahead. He wasn’t spectacular but he’s at fault for Vinny’s goal and none of the others.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
I’m not even sure that you can totally fault him for that either. St. Louis beat a guy out of the corner, got the puck to the middle to a superstar goalscorer who wasn’t tied up in front…
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
by Aaron Lerner on May 3, 2011 11:05 PM EDT up reply actions
That one was just leaky. Vinny didn’t get much wood on it, just kinda poked it at the net and it dribbled through. But agreed, the bigger problems were the 5 guys standing infront of Neuvy on
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
yeah, the sample size is small. That’s why I’ve taken the largest sample size their is: their entire NHL careers, and pointed out that Varly is clearly better. He can’t stay healthy, so he’s not a guy you can build around as a #1, but when he is healthy, he’s better than Neuvy.
Well I wasn’t responding to your claim that Varlamov is the better goalie, I was responding to “.868 is .868”
But even their entire NHL careers is not a big sample size from which to draw any conclusions about their ability to be a #1 goalie. Varlamov has 59 GP in his career, roughly the number of games a starter would get for a season. Through 59 games Raycroft looked like a stud #1. Steve Mason was a franchise goalie to build around. Toskala was a backup destined to be a solid starter somewhere. Kolzig didn’t look like an NHL goalie.
Neither goalie has played close to enough games to make any definitive statements about what they will be in the future. I think both of them will be legit starters in the NHL (if Varlamov can stay healthy), but there are certainly good arguments for both goalies as to which one will be better.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on May 3, 2011 11:58 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
It's just like starting pitchers
They have to go through the league a few times before you can make a judgment
by DonnieKnutts on May 4, 2011 12:01 AM EDT up reply actions
.868 is .868
That ain’t going to win. I don’t think he’s bad. I think he’s average, with a below average rate of shutouts. Let’s give the other guy a shot.
How many of the goals have come off our own players? And how often has the team left him out to dry?
Don’t make fun of my obsession over ketchup dispensers ever again! ;) Ted Leonsis
That’s one of the most frustrating parts. They get the worst bounces.
The twitters.
Currently Netflixing: "Sons of Anarchy - Season 2"
You wanna talk some jive? I'll talk some jive. I'll talk some jive like you've never heard!
BB Said...and a few other thoughts
Green was hurt in third (which is why he only played 59 seconds). He also said that the Tampa 4th goal shouldn’t have counted, which I agree with.
If you watch it again, not only does Malone drive Carlson into the net but he also drive Neuvirth into the net with his stick on Neuvy’s pad. I’d be willing to bet a LARGE amount of money that the league was only looking at kick in and not goalie interference.
That said, you have to wonder what they were thinking on TB third goal. Up 3-2 in the third, two people fly the zone instead of insuring the puck gets chipped out? Thats not how you win.
Arnott was invisible tonight, I don’t remember a single thing he did at either end of the ice. I think that Sturm deserves more time — he gets in on the forecheck, creates turnovers, and makes things happen.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
Hm. I thought that it was.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
by Aaron Lerner on May 3, 2011 10:03 PM EDT up reply actions
I stand corrected.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
by Aaron Lerner on May 3, 2011 10:05 PM EDT up reply actions
It really should be since it has such an impact on the game.
Looking back at the goal it’s pretty clear interference. Carlson gets knocked right into Neuvy by Malone. And all of this happens in the blue paint. Only reason the puck goes in is because Neuvy’s right pad got knocked away
Soon the Championship with be ours, all ours!
Makes you wonder what play the ref who was standing right there was watching.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
by Aaron Lerner on May 3, 2011 10:12 PM EDT up reply actions
I thought it was way closer to interference thnt Mike Knuble’s penalty in Game 7 against Montreal that disallowed the Ovie goal to tie it up.
are you trying to send our collective blood pressure through the roof?
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
God I had blocked that play out. It looked EXACTLY like that play.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
by Aaron Lerner on May 3, 2011 10:48 PM EDT up reply actions
I simply in disbelief that Backstrom quit on this team tonight
"By far the worst performers on the (Redskins) are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
I don't think "quit on this team" is appropriate
I’d say he played like crap, but I wouldn’t go that far
by DonnieKnutts on May 3, 2011 11:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Almost nothing is reviewable in NHL, other than “Did it go in?” and “Did it go in off something illegal?”
by Berube Doobie Doo on May 3, 2011 10:11 PM EDT up reply actions
That giveaway that led to the 3rd Tampa
goal was atrocious: pass the puck to Stamkos and watch him score. That was a gag job by somebody. Good teams don’t do that.
The problem with the third goal was two guys flying the zone before it was out when were trying to protect a 3-2 lead in the 3rd period of a playoff game.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
by Aaron Lerner on May 3, 2011 10:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Was penalty called?
Grim. Not much left to say. Hope they can win one tomorrow, just for pride’s sake. Question for you puckheads: I did not see any ref MAKE the too many men on the ice call DURING the pplay. I just watched the replay again, and don’t see a zebra arm going up anywhere. Maybe I’m just missing it, but…they can’t call a penalty on the replay, can they? We blew, and deserved to lose, but just curious what others saw.
They called it. That’s why there was no goal signal on the ice.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
There are actually a few penalty calls linesmen can make. Among them, Major penalties missed by the Referees, and Too Many Men calls. Linesmen aren’t generally mic’d so the referees report them, but linesmen can make them.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on May 4, 2011 12:58 AM EDT up reply actions
No need for Hollywood to remake Little Shop of Horrors because the Caps just did. For the first time ever I wanted to send Semin to the showers after a few shifts and it was evident he didn’t have it tonight, of all nights, after being good so far. And where oh where has our Backstrom gone?
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’ve started a place to vent all our frustrations, to keep the recap recap-y (because Becca put a lot of hard work into this), and let us vent without having to worry too much about derailing things.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
I know this series isn’t over yet, but…
I was actually buying into the idea that this could be the Caps’ year, that this year would be the year where everything was different.
Me too.
Warning: I started watching hockey in 2007. So, yeah. Heh.
by Laich Button on May 3, 2011 10:37 PM EDT up reply actions
I was trying not to. I was expecting a first round exit all season. I was ready for it, absolutely no expectations for the playoffs, and the Caps reinforced it for most of the regular season.
Then they made some good moves at the deadline, picked up their play down the stretch, dispatched of the Rags in 5 games, and I couldn’t help it. I hate this team sometimes.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on May 3, 2011 11:04 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Me too, and I'm one of the most pessemistic sports fans I know
But I really thought they had put all the pieces together.
I didn’t realize how wrong i was.
"By far the worst performers on the (Redskins) are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
On Another Note
Brooks Laich took a puck to the chin and played the rest of the game all bloodied up. That was badass and deserves a metaphorical fist-bump.
Plus, whatever team he is playing for next year can look forward to some awesome quotes about learning lessons about playing in the playoffs.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on May 3, 2011 11:06 PM EDT up reply actions
They don’t bring Brooks back this team takes a HUGE step backwards. He’s part of the heart and soul of this team.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
by Aaron Lerner on May 3, 2011 11:06 PM EDT up reply actions
I like Brooks, but he’s replaceable if he prices himself too high.
by DrinkingPartner on May 3, 2011 11:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Who else on the team reads above a 5th grade level?! Quick!
by DrinkingPartner on May 3, 2011 11:10 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
surely Mike Knuble’s Michigan education got him to a 6th grade level?
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Heh, college ain’t all it’s cracked up to be, knowhatI’msayin’?
by DrinkingPartner on May 3, 2011 11:12 PM EDT up reply actions
David Steckel would disagree with that statement.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
by Aaron Lerner on May 3, 2011 11:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Apparently they can’t fucking count.
The twitters.
Currently Netflixing: "Sons of Anarchy - Season 2"
You wanna talk some jive? I'll talk some jive. I'll talk some jive like you've never heard!
That’s been a problem all year, too.
by DrinkingPartner on May 3, 2011 11:13 PM EDT up reply actions
“Aw, shit, you mean were were supposed to win 4 games 4 times? Sheeeeeeeeeeit.”
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Oh shit, there is only supposed to be 5 of us on the ice? WOOPS.
The twitters.
Currently Netflixing: "Sons of Anarchy - Season 2"
You wanna talk some jive? I'll talk some jive. I'll talk some jive like you've never heard!
“But the Rangers got to have 6 guys! Why not us?”
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Is that a compliment or not?
At least we aren't playing the Pens.
by Rob Parker on May 3, 2011 11:07 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
He’s part of the heart and soul of this team.
…. They can go backwards in that department?
I have planned my grand attacks; I will stand behind their backs. With my brand new battle-axe, they will taste my wrath. They will hear me say as the pavement whirls, "I hate California girls."
by Steckel Me Elmo on May 3, 2011 11:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh yes. We haven’t hit zero yet. Come on, we’re all Caps fans here, we know that if there is a way for the team to regress, we will.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
by Aaron Lerner on May 3, 2011 11:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Brooks and Brads gone would suck.
The twitters.
Currently Netflixing: "Sons of Anarchy - Season 2"
You wanna talk some jive? I'll talk some jive. I'll talk some jive like you've never heard!
Brads is expendable with Hendricks in the lineup. As much as I like him, he’s been invisible this playoffs, and that cap space would be better spent towards retaining someone like Laich or Hannan and filling those boots with Beagle or something.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
by Aaron Lerner on May 3, 2011 11:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Only playoffs? Brads didn’t score since mid Feb, doesn’t fight, he was collecting only – in +/- column. He’s gone.
I’m not bought on Hannan. He’s a nice guy but he’s just another mediocre defenseman who is scared of touching puck and therefore cannot deliver it properly. He probably has the Caps record on the number of icings. Laich is the guy, of course,
Cup, please.
I think Hannan is a solid, defensive defenseman. Not a bone cruncher but sound positionally until recently. He, like most of the team, has looked off.
Dare I say we finished the Rangers off too quickly? Look at Detroit too — lost their first two games.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
by Aaron Lerner on May 3, 2011 11:24 PM EDT up reply actions
If the Caps are really lamenting losing Bradley, they are in terrible position. He’s a dime a dozen.
I have planned my grand attacks; I will stand behind their backs. With my brand new battle-axe, they will taste my wrath. They will hear me say as the pavement whirls, "I hate California girls."
by Steckel Me Elmo on May 3, 2011 11:23 PM EDT up reply actions
I mean me as a fan.
The twitters.
Currently Netflixing: "Sons of Anarchy - Season 2"
You wanna talk some jive? I'll talk some jive. I'll talk some jive like you've never heard!
The Caps looked dead in the water about 5 minutes into the third.
Also one thing I don’t think is discuss enough is Boudreaus tinkering with the lines. As a hockey player there is nothing more frustrating than stepping on the ice with someone different multiple times in a game and I imagine its the same with these guys. There is just no way they can get good chemistry when every time they have a bad shift it gets switched up, not to mention the game to game alterations. Any thoughts?
BB has been dinking with the lines all season long.
"And as it’s my personal opinion, I’d appreciate not being told it’s stupid, thanks." - BeccaH
More like since he first took a spot behind the bench. I would be stunned to find a SINGLE game that he has coached that he hasn’t line juggled.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
by Aaron Lerner on May 3, 2011 10:18 PM EDT up reply actions
I hear TV guys speak about X is out there now with Y and Z, etc., and all teams do it. It just seems that BB has different pairings all the time.
"And as it’s my personal opinion, I’d appreciate not being told it’s stupid, thanks." - BeccaH
We still giving Neuvirth the start? Not great on the actual goals but kept the Caps in it with a few big saves in the 3rd. Do you risk a rusty Varlamov or even roll the dice with Holtby in the biggest game of the season?
"I don't like hockey. I'm just good at it." - Brett Hull
"They say you're not a coach in the league till you've been fired. I must be getting pretty good." - Terry Simpson
Don’t really know what to say. Things were looking up at the end of the second and then… then… What can you say, really? Just terrible. Terrible.
The only Cap who didn’t really frustrate me to no end was Sturm, who at least played consistently with hustle, but he barely got any ice time.
"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus
I wish BB had not split him, Semin and Arnott up. Whatever weaknesses there were tonight, I think those 3 had been playing well together. It seems Sturm plays well with Semin, he has great passes and awareness. The 2nd line tonight was horrid.
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)
If the Caps go down tomorrow night, I think that this season will have less unanswered questions than the last. I think maybe they failed to fully commit to any kind of style of play and that’s super important in the playoffs. That saw them hit streaks of highs and lows (luckily more highs or they wouldn’t have made it into the playoffs in the first place) in the regular season, but the proof that they DID NOT commit is in their play right now. Seemingly it’s not passion, because they have that, and it’s not fundamentals, because they’re one of the most skilled teams in the league if not THE most skilled (VAN and DET being the challengers). It’s straight up bad hockey. Boudreau changed it up, maybe he should have maybe he shouldn’t, but despite what the media said I think the players never really bought into it. So here we are, staring elimination in the face…again…and looking for someone to blame. I can’t give you a good answer to what went wrong, I’m not saying I can. Is it Boudreau for trying to “fix” what wasn’t broken, crippling his superstars in the process? Is it the players for only half-heartedly buying into his system due to egos, competitive spirit, etc.? Who knows? But in the end, fuck it, they’ll try to figure it out all over again tomorrow night and ultimately next season. If they don’t win 4 straight first.
"I couldn't bring myself to cheer for Pittsburgh. But since they won, I may as well use it."
--BB, 2009
I think maybe they failed to fully commit to any kind of style of play and that’s super important in the playoffs.
I think there’s something to that. They were an absolute mess in the third: a bastardized hybrid of the worst parts of both systems.
You can blame coaching. Or you can blame something that runs to the deep core of these players: their psyches, their guts, their heart. I blame both.
The keyboard is mightier.
Stay thirsty Caps fans….. because you’re gonna be drinking a lot.
"I don't like hockey. I'm just good at it." - Brett Hull
"They say you're not a coach in the league till you've been fired. I must be getting pretty good." - Terry Simpson
Too bad alcohol doesn’t really sate thirst.
"In the depths of winter, I learned there was in me an invincible summer" ~Albert Camus
I don’t always drink rubbing alcohol, but when I do, it’s because the Caps made me.
by katzistan on May 3, 2011 10:08 PM EDT up reply actions 6 recs
In what batshit nuts bizarro world is Nicklas Backstrom worthy of more ice time than anyone else on this team? In what world is he worthy of any ice time right now? I feel like I’m watching Patrick Ewing in fucking Space Jam after those little cartoon fuckers stole his talent. This shit ain’t right, and all it does is make me sad.
coaching
"The longer I delay myself getting to the real world, the better." - Mike Knuble
by Chaz-Capapalooza on May 3, 2011 10:10 PM EDT up reply actions
The green cartoon monster was always my favorite
12 wins.
King of Nothingham
by Steck It Out on May 3, 2011 10:11 PM EDT up reply actions
They were all pretty awesome in their own right. What a great flick.
"The longer I delay myself getting to the real world, the better." - Mike Knuble
by Chaz-Capapalooza on May 3, 2011 10:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Mon-staaaaaaaaaars!
12 wins.
King of Nothingham
by Steck It Out on May 3, 2011 10:12 PM EDT up reply actions
just posted in 3rd period thread.
If the Caps win the Cup I won’t shave/trim until the start of the regular season.
Holy hell, your beardathon picture scared me (no offense)
12 wins.
King of Nothingham
by Steck It Out on May 3, 2011 10:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Ironically, I just shaved myself. My family was ragging on me about my “beard” and I thought the Caps needed some good luck…
Guess how that turned out?
12 wins.
King of Nothingham
by Steck It Out on May 3, 2011 10:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Don’t shoot at me! Pull a Capitals powerplay and take a pass!
12 wins.
King of Nothingham
by Steck It Out on May 3, 2011 10:20 PM EDT up reply actions
oh not me, my beard is patchy and sad for a 34 year old but it’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make for a Cup
I can’t really find a suitable picture.. . but ill post one before I shave OR ILL POST ONE AFTER WE WIN THE CUP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Soon the Championship with be ours, all ours!
the worst part for me is the bald patches because even though you can’t really see it in the camera phone pics the beard that’s in is pretty thick and annoying.
unbelievable
can’t believe they were so flat in the 3d period of the most important game of the year
nothing is unbelievable…did you watch the playoffs last year?
"The longer I delay myself getting to the real world, the better." - Mike Knuble
by Chaz-Capapalooza on May 3, 2011 10:12 PM EDT up reply actions
good point
thought they had learned something after last year’s debacle; I hope they prove me wrong but time’s short and the signs are not encouraging. If it wasn’t for Neuvirth, it might have been 10-3.
Can’t be. Just look at BB’s amazing regular season record!
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on May 3, 2011 11:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Learning what they're made of...
We’re going to find out what the true colors of this team and its players are. I want to see how comes out guns blazing and who rolls over. Ovechkin showed us all in the second period why he’s so great and why he’s a leader on this team. It’s time for everyone else to step up around him.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
We’re going to find out what the true colors of this team and its players are
I think we just did, my friend, I think we just did.
Arnott saying guys on the team let up thinking it was over. Prolly right.
"I don't like hockey. I'm just good at it." - Brett Hull
"They say you're not a coach in the league till you've been fired. I must be getting pretty good." - Terry Simpson
They aren’t better though. They are better finishers. Their system is basically predicated on capitalizing on the few chances that they get, and they do that. They play their system well — take the 1-3-1 out, go run and gun with the Caps, we win every time, but thats not how its done.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
by Aaron Lerner on May 3, 2011 10:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Whatever their system is predicated on, it’s working, and the Caps’ – if they have one – isn’t. Hence, the Lightning are better. Whether it’s players, coaching, GM, whatever, they’re winning and the Caps aren’t. No shame in admitting it, seriously, the Caps just aren’t as good as the Lightning, quite clear now.
Gotta disagree. If the Capitals play well, they are far better than the Lightning, even if they are playing their system to a tee.
"I don't like hockey. I'm just good at it." - Brett Hull
"They say you're not a coach in the league till you've been fired. I must be getting pretty good." - Terry Simpson
Not sure what that means. The Caps aren’t playing well. If they were going to “play well”, now would be the time to do that. Gotta think this is pretty much as objective a look at the two teams levels of playing as you’re going to get.
How did the Caps beat the Lightning 4 times in the regular season? The rosters aren’t really even that comparable in terms of overall talent but if you are including coaching in your analysis, then the comparison is much closer. The Caps have shown previously that they have enough talent to overcome their coaching.
"I don't like hockey. I'm just good at it." - Brett Hull
"They say you're not a coach in the league till you've been fired. I must be getting pretty good." - Terry Simpson
Also because Vinny Lecavalier has remembered how to play hockey again. He’s a completely different player this postseason that I’ve seen him the past few years.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
by Aaron Lerner on May 3, 2011 10:32 PM EDT up reply actions
fuck Vinny and is fucking overpaid, whiny-ass self. Can’t stand that guy.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
and I apologize, that was utterly unproductive.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
I put that (and more!) there now. when I posted the above, I thought I was in Group.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
time for Arnott to kick some ass.
“Fuck this guys, I didn’t wave my NTC for this type of shit effort. Pick it up mother fuckers”
He waived the NTC to the best team in the East so he could get playoff exposure which would lead to a new contract somewhere. He’s no longer producing on the ice, and the team is falling on their face, so he needs to produce in the media to find himself another contract.
All of the above might be false, but I am not thrilled with him any longer.
by cajuncook on May 3, 2011 10:22 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Because their brains are about as useful as Marc Savard’s.
I have planned my grand attacks; I will stand behind their backs. With my brand new battle-axe, they will taste my wrath. They will hear me say as the pavement whirls, "I hate California girls."
by Steckel Me Elmo on May 3, 2011 10:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Good thing the Caps have veteran leadership and their lessons from the MTL series to make sure that they know what it takes to win in the playoffs.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on May 3, 2011 11:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Thunder and Lightning outside...
Screw you, Mother Nature!
Go USA, Braves, BU Terriers, Irish, Caps, Colts, Hoyas, NU Cats, Wizards, DC United, Washington Freedom
BU Hockey: National Champions 1971, 1972, 1978, 1995, 2009
Right when the lightning won there was a wicked storm. I should have known!
The twitters.
Currently Netflixing: "Sons of Anarchy - Season 2"
You wanna talk some jive? I'll talk some jive. I'll talk some jive like you've never heard!
First PP – OV in the center, Laich and Green on the point. Goal. Ya, it was waved off, but that should tell you something. Subsequent PPs had him on the point as well.
Late in the game, with an empty net, who is bringing the puck up the ice trying to skate across and through the entire TB team? OV
I understand that #8 wants to win, but he needs to be coached, and either he doesn’t listen to BB, or BB is too much of a “nice guy” to tell him to get off the f—-king point and do the things he’s good at.
And so much for this team being built for the playoffs.
Varly, Varly...errrrrr.....NEU-VY, NEU-VY! Pp
by alisterio on May 3, 2011 10:14 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
All we can hope for now is for Tampa Bay to literally stop playing in Game 4. If we can take game 4, come home and take game 5. There’s hope. But if they outplay us in a close game tomorrow, even if we come out with a W, this series is over. We basically have to pull a Chicago and destroy them in the next 2 games, even then there are no guarantees.
"The longer I delay myself getting to the real world, the better." - Mike Knuble
by Chaz-Capapalooza on May 3, 2011 10:14 PM EDT reply actions
They’re not going to quit playing. Their best player is their coach and he won’t let them quit playing. We’re not even on the ropes, we’re picking ourselves up off the mat and it shows. You can see who is playing to not lose and who is playing to win.
Boudreau at the post game… “and they got a goal that shouldn’t have counted”. Is he talking about the Malone goal because he thought it was kicked in? It wasn’t. And even if it was, this is not the time for those excuses he gives. They lost, and they need to play better. Simple as that. It almost seems as if he is trying to protect himself.
He’s talking about the Malone goal because he drove Carlson into Neuvy and used his stick to help shove Neuvy into the net.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
by Aaron Lerner on May 3, 2011 10:15 PM EDT up reply actions
I need to look at it again, but to me it seemed that Malone’s momentum forward is what pushed JC, not his stick or his arms
by Mooose knuckle on May 3, 2011 10:16 PM EDT up reply actions
What I was saying is watch Malone’s stick on Neuvy’s pad — it pushes his (right, I believe) straight back into the goal so that he cannot extend it towards the far post.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
by Aaron Lerner on May 3, 2011 10:20 PM EDT up reply actions
@TheGoalieGuild:
Malone literally used his stick to open up the leather gate of Neuvirth’s right pad. Pretty clear to see with all those replays.
@The Goalie Guild:
Malone’s stick actually SHOVES Neuvirth’s right pad into the net and turns his entire body into the net. Tough to stop a puck that way.
"I remembered when he said that and I kind of looked at him during the warm up and told myself that I got to shut these guys out tonight." - Michal Neuvirth, 02.06.11.
There is no question in my mind but that it was a blown call. But such is life as a Caps fan.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
by Aaron Lerner on May 3, 2011 10:56 PM EDT up reply actions
gotta say based on history if that was a Caps goal it would have been overturned.
you can’t make excuses though.
Yeah exactly, the fact is that we reacted badly to it and lost hope. If that was BB’s reaction to the goal when behind the bench, no wonder the players didn’t show up after that foal
by Mooose knuckle on May 3, 2011 10:19 PM EDT up reply actions
wondered why there wasn’t a TO after that goal. They clearly needed to regroup.
by kingbonehead on May 3, 2011 10:36 PM EDT up reply actions
I was only home to see the third, and I know Bruce used his TO in the third. late in the third, I believe.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
you know it, I know it, the hockey gods know it. If that were a Cap, it would have been a no goal.
I hate being a Caps fan some days.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
and by pushed I should have said forced.
by Mooose knuckle on May 3, 2011 10:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Whatever, if the Caps weren’t shitting themselves in their own zone that play wouldn’t have happened, and that play could’ve led to a goal in plenty of cases. Fuck this whiny BS.
Lightning doesn't strike, uh, thrice.
by Rainbow, Kitty, Beer on May 4, 2011 12:43 AM EDT up reply actions
I've said it before and I'll say it again before anyone gets any ideas
Pessimism and defeatism is an appropriate response right now.
But if the only reason you are deciding to grace us on this forum with your presence is to take a dump on this team, kindly pull up your pants and find a toilet. This is the internet. There are plenty of such locations.
For the past season, I’ve found this to be one of the most enjoyable communities of sports fans i’ve ever seen, and while I’m not a moderator, it greatly frustrates me to see it besmirched by the comments of people who make the purpose of their sole appearances on the threads to post insubstantial, premature (when it is indeed premature), and unpleasantly snide defeatism.
by j762 on May 3, 2011 10:15 PM EDT reply actions 7 recs
For those of us who are defeatists, I feel it’s kind of a support group. I’m stuck in Manila now with no one around me to whine to. I get your point, and have no problem with it, but I think the Rink is a big tent for all of us – optimists and defeatists alike.
ExPatCapsFan lives there. Track him down.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
There’s a big difference between insubstantial defeatism and simply talking about what happened in a game.
"By far the worst performers on the (Redskins) are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
Fair enough, but we are a #1 seed and have arguably the most talented roster in the NHL. There’s nothing wrong with people venting frustration and getting angry – it’s healthy and normal. Heaven help us if we turn into a zombie fan base. Often times it’s fan anger that drives an owner of a sports team to make a coaching change, and lord knows this team needs it. Boudreau keeps getting outfoxed in the playoffs every year. I wish it were different, and BB seems like a nice guy and I applaud his hard work in getting the franchise to its current state, but a change is due. And it will come.
oh, I agree. GMGM sculpted a masterpiece of a team to go into the playoffs. This team is disappointing on historical proportions.
But to claim this after the team is down 1-0 going into the first is not appropriate. To just drop by to say “Caps/BB/OV suck(s)” is not appropriate.
okay, all youse guys who think this is the most talented roster in the NHL really need to watch more Western Conf hockey. We’re 26-24-4 vs West over last 3 seasons. 126-38-28 vs. East. I had the benefit (the many benefits!) of living out West during my many years away from DC. The east coast bias in MSM is true.
Vancouver is the most talented roster in the NHL this year.
But most talented roster is different from roster perfectly built to make a run at a Cup. The Caps had the latter.
The Caps had the latter.
?
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
remember: there’s a place for frustration, pessimism, defeatism, drunk posting, and thread-jacking your own thread-jacking prevention thread. There’s a nice group therapy vibe going on.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Thanks Mom!
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
The team just plays stupid. It's one mental mistake or breakdown or poor decision after another.
You’re kind of just waiting for the mistakes to happen, and the best you can do is hope the Caps can get themselves out of it, or score a last-second goal.
If this isn’t an indictment of Boudreau’s ability to instill the discipline & focus needed to win, I don’t know what it is.
"By far the worst performers on the (Redskins) are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
Actually, thanks to 24/7, we know it’s a whole bunch of f-bombs and not much else.
by Murshawursha on May 3, 2011 11:02 PM EDT up reply actions
So, does the team score a ton of goals for Varly?
by Berube Doobie Doo on May 3, 2011 10:16 PM EDT reply actions
I don’t have the goals/game stat for each goalie, but I’m looking at Varly’s lower GAA, and his just-above .500 record and I’m thinking, “no, this team doesn’t give him the goal support he needs, generally.”
"That's hockey. You never know what's going to happen. It's a tough sport. No tooth, a broken nose, but I'm looking good [laughs]." - #8
because statistically, we have so much to go on this year from having varly in the net during playoffs.
/sarcasm/irony
Suspend Colin Campbell!
Have to say
If guys like Green and Backstrom are injured and not contributing, I’d like to see guys like Collins and Pinizotto/Beagle playing so that at least we could get some players working.
Thoughts?
12 wins.
King of Nothingham
How can we disagree?
"The longer I delay myself getting to the real world, the better." - Mike Knuble
by Chaz-Capapalooza on May 3, 2011 10:19 PM EDT up reply actions
No, but you at least lose with all you’ve got, right?
12 wins.
King of Nothingham
by Steck It Out on May 3, 2011 10:20 PM EDT up reply actions
It’s all about the little things though. Backstrom not capitalizing on his chances, not shooting, turning the puck over in the neutral zone. Green not skating full speed, if we had players who were healthy enough to make the right decisions we would have less of these problems.
"The longer I delay myself getting to the real world, the better." - Mike Knuble
by Chaz-Capapalooza on May 3, 2011 10:20 PM EDT up reply actions
if we had players who were healthy enough to makethe rightdecisions we would have less of these problems
"The longer I delay myself getting to the real world, the better." - Mike Knuble
by Chaz-Capapalooza on May 3, 2011 10:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, these guys drove the car to the edge of the cliff. It would be a shame for them to jump out and stick Collins and Beagle in the driver’s seat now.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on May 3, 2011 11:18 PM EDT up reply actions
“Hey, you boys wanted to play, right? Here ya GO!”
by DrinkingPartner on May 3, 2011 11:23 PM EDT up reply actions
This is going to sound really strange but I don’t think the series is over. Here’s my thinking:
1) I expected the Caps to split on the road anyway and come home trailing 3-1. They did the same against the Rangers, and at least they’ll have some momentum that way.
2) OK, so only four teams in sports have come back from 3-0 down. But most of the teams that go down 3-0 are horribly inferior to their opponents. We shouldn’t even be counting the NBA because lower seeds practically have no chance.
3) We saw Philly do it last year. We saw Chicago come back to force OT in game seven this year.
I’m grasping, folks. But I’ll be watching until the end.
by Kolzilla on May 3, 2011 10:19 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
I’ll be watching, as well. I wish I could watch with you so you can pass that good shit.
Aside from the uphill battle, this is a poorly coached and mentally fragile team.
At least we aren't playing the Pens.
What? You have a problem with the coach? Never knew that.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
I’m on the fence, leaning toward giving him the benefit of the doubt. I think I may have identified some troubling trends that I may want to explore.
At least we aren't playing the Pens.
Well, I think Boudreau fucking sucks. Stop waffling.
(couldn’t resist)
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
There are jackets for that club.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
by Bald Pollack on May 3, 2011 10:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe tonight isn’t the time, but what trends? And is there someone else on the market that would be a better fit?
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
He’s snarking back at my snark. F&B will happily drive BB to the airport and escort him to the gate.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
There has to be a better option. A new voice is a better option.
The team is incredibly undisciplined, mentally unfocused, fragile, and frequently improperly utilized.
At least we aren't playing the Pens.
I’m on board. but at the same time DeBoer doesn’t strike me as a step in the right direction.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
`
Just the name I thought of.
Crawford, DeBoer… none of the names out there strike me as a real upgrade. I might be missing someone. Is John Stevens available? He’s an assistant somewhere right?
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
I’d prefer Bob Hartley.
Maybe Dale Hunter for a couple years. No matter how bad he is, you know he will kick some ass, take down egos, and instill discipline. Then you can bring in another coach if he’s no good. He’ll give us at least as good a chance as BB.
At least we aren't playing the Pens.
Hasn’t he said he doesn’t want to leave London?
I have planned my grand attacks; I will stand behind their backs. With my brand new battle-axe, they will taste my wrath. They will hear me say as the pavement whirls, "I hate California girls."
by Steckel Me Elmo on May 3, 2011 10:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe. But for an NHL coaching job where he’s a hero?
He part-owns London, he isn’t leaving for just any gig.
At least we aren't playing the Pens.
Maybe he’d be more likely to come to Washington, but it seems he’s perfectly content where he is. But here’s hoping. He’s definitely a guy that would kick their dicks in, which needs to happen. (To keep it consistent).
I have planned my grand attacks; I will stand behind their backs. With my brand new battle-axe, they will taste my wrath. They will hear me say as the pavement whirls, "I hate California girls."
by Steckel Me Elmo on May 3, 2011 10:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Interesting. In my mind the biggest indictment of BB is not discipline, playoffs failures, or mental fragility… it is that the PP looks exactly the same as it did a year ago and has had no success.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
I’d say that the poor habits regarding discipline (and other things mentioned) are more disheartening as they are far more difficult to change. But the failure to change the PP is a more inexcusable problem as that is probably the easiest adjustment there is to be made.
I have planned my grand attacks; I will stand behind their backs. With my brand new battle-axe, they will taste my wrath. They will hear me say as the pavement whirls, "I hate California girls."
by Steckel Me Elmo on May 3, 2011 10:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Hartly signed a two-year deal to coach a Swiss team in March. Is he even still an option?
I’m sort of thinking Carboneau. No particular logic.
by Murshawursha on May 3, 2011 11:06 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t know the nuances of coaching contracts, but uhm… Doesn’t that kind of obligate him to spend two years in Zurich unless they fire him?
by Murshawursha on May 3, 2011 11:08 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d take a guinea pig at this point.
Vendetta Red
by D'ohboy on May 3, 2011 10:38 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
At least they keep their poop in a cage and not on my TV?
At least we aren't playing the Pens.
by Rob Parker on May 3, 2011 10:40 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
hehe
The twitters.
Currently Netflixing: "Sons of Anarchy - Season 2"
You wanna talk some jive? I'll talk some jive. I'll talk some jive like you've never heard!
I know you hate the idea of MacT, but I’d take him right now.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on May 3, 2011 10:43 PM EDT up reply actions
oh no, not Lemaire. He’s like a bad penny in my life.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
He may wear out his welcome fast but Ted Nolan.
To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research
by Rather Bengt on May 3, 2011 11:12 PM EDT up reply actions
If you are going to make a coaching change, it has to be someone with Cup experience (preferably Cup winning, but even Cup Finals would be fine with me).
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
by Aaron Lerner on May 3, 2011 10:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Mentally fragile? That sounds like DC sports fans. Art imitates life?
by Berube Doobie Doo on May 3, 2011 10:29 PM EDT up reply actions
The Flyers did it last year, the Caps can fucking do it too.
The twitters.
Currently Netflixing: "Sons of Anarchy - Season 2"
You wanna talk some jive? I'll talk some jive. I'll talk some jive like you've never heard!
by Ovechwin on May 3, 2011 10:20 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
If Philly can do it, anybody can.
"I don't like hockey. I'm just good at it." - Brett Hull
"They say you're not a coach in the league till you've been fired. I must be getting pretty good." - Terry Simpson
if Philly can do it with that fucking atrocious goaltending, the Cpas damn well better be able to fucking do it
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Philly have a good coach.
Dingos are involved. Best not to ask.
by alex_k on May 3, 2011 10:30 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
You wonder who Arnott and Knuble are calling out for quitting? I don’t think it’s Ovi tonight.
I think it’s Semin. I think it’s Schultz. I think it might even be Carlson.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Yes. I’m not sure he was all there tonight.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
He’s been bad the last couple of nights honestly. I think that he is definitely dinged and I think that he has hit a wall.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
Semin had one shot on goal. and at least (don’t quote me on this) 5 over the net. Including on with the goalie pulled off the face off. I don’t care if it goes straight to Roli’s chest, he needs to hit the net
by Mooose knuckle on May 3, 2011 10:25 PM EDT up reply actions
seems like he was good at some point, really noticably stinking it up this season
Suspend Colin Campbell!
Remember he had mono in the offseason and lost a ton of weight and wasn’t able to work out. I think he can rebound next season with a better summer this year.
Needs to work on his skating so bad.
by DrinkingPartner on May 3, 2011 11:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, he seems noticeably slower of late, but even more so he doesn’t seem at all confident on the puck.
by Naptown CapsFan on May 3, 2011 11:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Arnott may be dinged but he’s been pretty near invisible, so not sure he’s in a position to call out anyone.
by Naptown CapsFan on May 3, 2011 11:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Knuble sounds defeated.
"I don't like hockey. I'm just good at it." - Brett Hull
"They say you're not a coach in the league till you've been fired. I must be getting pretty good." - Terry Simpson
Knuble’s wondering why he signed on for another year of this circus
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
I look at it this way...
I may only get one more chance to see my favorite team play some hockey. I’m not going to punch walls and scream my way out of the season. I’m gonna have a few beers and enjoy what may be my last time to see some of these guys play and see my team on the ice. So be it. Drunk, but trying to be a little more Lebowski about the whole thing, and it’s working out nicely for me.
"I couldn't bring myself to cheer for Pittsburgh. But since they won, I may as well use it."
--BB, 2009
by nogoodtrying on May 3, 2011 10:23 PM EDT reply actions 3 recs
You’re just on a post-ask-a-girl-out-and-she-said-yes high.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Go back to today’s OT thread. Lot’s of related activity.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
What are we talking about?
"I don't like hockey. I'm just good at it." - Brett Hull
"They say you're not a coach in the league till you've been fired. I must be getting pretty good." - Terry Simpson
Long story. Today’s OT thread.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Trust me…you totally do.
"I couldn't bring myself to cheer for Pittsburgh. But since they won, I may as well use it."
--BB, 2009
by nogoodtrying on May 3, 2011 10:39 PM EDT up reply actions
thank you for this
"The longer I delay myself getting to the real world, the better." - Mike Knuble
by Chaz-Capapalooza on May 3, 2011 10:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Night all
Here’s to a hopefully pissed off Caps team and a sloppy/disinterested Bolts team in Game 4. We need a miracle at this point.
"The longer I delay myself getting to the real world, the better." - Mike Knuble
by Chaz-Capapalooza on May 3, 2011 10:24 PM EDT reply actions
I refuse to believe we get swept, and I refuse to believe that we lose Game 5 in front of our own crowd (now if its Game 7 given recent history all bets are off). So in my mind, we’re headed back to Tampa for Game 6. My foresight goes cloudy there.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
Interesting question to ponder — if you think we are missing a piece and you think that we could move one of the goalies to get it, what do you think we need, who do you move, and what type/caliber of player can we get for it?
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
this is the last thing im pondering at this point
by Mooose knuckle on May 3, 2011 10:28 PM EDT up reply actions
More veteran leadership. But at this point maybe shipping out 28 or 52 will do some good. Obviously you need to get something back but they haven’t been there when we’ve needed them consistently for years now. If you’re going to win in this league, the stars need to show up consistently.
The problem with shipping either of those guys out is that I don’t think you can ever win that deal — I think you get back less than you give away.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
by Aaron Lerner on May 3, 2011 10:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Addition by subtraction. We don’t need the fragility anymore. When was the last time Green had a good playoff?
Was he bad against the Rags? Other than a puck to the head he had a reasonable series no?
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
Last time he was actually healthy too. He’s never been the same player since Pronger fucked his shoulder up. He’s a total non-factor on the power play. Use the money elsewhere I say.
They’re all non-factors on the PP unfortunately.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
I contend that part of the reason the PP is so easy to defend is because Green stopped being a threat from the point and teams didn’t have to account for him anymore.
It’s both. Keeping Ovie on point was beyond stupid and stubborn.
He’s simply not a good puck distributor.
"By far the worst performers on the (Redskins) are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
Yeah, unless you know what you are doing with the cap space and it’s high quality, it’s a tough trade to make.
At least we aren't playing the Pens.
Tough decisions need to be made though, no? Otherwise it’s just the same core of guys and we’re going to get the same results. They already tried changing the supporting cast and it wasn’t enough.
I don’t think the roster is far off. I think the coaching staff needs an overhaul.
At least we aren't playing the Pens.
by Rob Parker on May 3, 2011 10:38 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
And to be honest, we’re going to be younger again next year most likely. Orlov should make the team as will Eakin, and if Kuznetzov is healthy and comes over from Russia, he makes it too.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
by Aaron Lerner on May 3, 2011 10:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Eakin was the last kid cut this year I’m pretty sure.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
by Aaron Lerner on May 3, 2011 10:41 PM EDT up reply actions
because they didn’t want to send him back to juniors,
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Well, because they couldn’t send him to Hershey, right?
by DrinkingPartner on May 3, 2011 10:43 PM EDT up reply actions
right. it was Washington or back to juniors.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
No way. Kuz isn’t coming, Orlov is at least another year away, and Eakin’s going to Hershey.
by DrinkingPartner on May 3, 2011 10:40 PM EDT up reply actions
I hope. And yeah you probably start by changing the coach. But nights like tonight make it seem like there’s something deeper at work than just the head coach being the wrong fit. The hockey IQ on this roster needs to change.
Ovie trying to carry the puck in with 15 seconds left 1 on 5 made me cringe
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
That was unreal. Ovie showed himself there. Just too passionate, can't keep his cool
"By far the worst performers on the (Redskins) are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
Memories:
- Pat Lafontaine
- Petr Nedved
- Joffrey Lupol
We’ve survived before. We’ll survive this time.
Now who can get me tickets to the Caps Convention and when is it anyway?
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
September.
The twitters.
Currently Netflixing: "Sons of Anarchy - Season 2"
You wanna talk some jive? I'll talk some jive. I'll talk some jive like you've never heard!
I may need to fly in.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
If I stop being disgusted by then, I’ll be there.
The twitters.
Currently Netflixing: "Sons of Anarchy - Season 2"
You wanna talk some jive? I'll talk some jive. I'll talk some jive like you've never heard!
btw just told my wife the “I’m not shaving till October if the Caps win the Cup” thing. it could be a long, lonely summer for me as I relish the Cup win in the guest bedroom.
I wanted to do something less disgusting than watch the Caps in the third period, yet I still wanted to know what it’s like to shit the bed like they have in the third periods of this series. So I went to Taco Bell.
They’ve been outshot 30-15 in third periods, much of which has been spent down by one or tied. Shameful.
I have planned my grand attacks; I will stand behind their backs. With my brand new battle-axe, they will taste my wrath. They will hear me say as the pavement whirls, "I hate California girls."
by Steckel Me Elmo on May 3, 2011 10:30 PM EDT reply actions
Meh. That contract is a flipping albatross.
....when the truth is if they knew anything about the game, they'd be in it.
--GMGM
by redlineblue on May 3, 2011 10:32 PM EDT up reply actions 6 recs
I laughed and then kinda cried a bit.
The twitters.
Currently Netflixing: "Sons of Anarchy - Season 2"
You wanna talk some jive? I'll talk some jive. I'll talk some jive like you've never heard!
Was it just me or did Nicklas Backstrom look like he couldn't be bothered to try on some possessions
he’s one of the last guys I would expect that from.
"By far the worst performers on the (Redskins) are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
got to be his worst game as a capital, no?
even worse than when he scored an own goal vs. the penguins?
He’s got to be hurt.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
by Aaron Lerner on May 3, 2011 10:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah but it’s been effort too.
He just looks like he won’t hustle sometimes.
"By far the worst performers on the (Redskins) are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
It looks like he is out of shape, too. Whether it was because of the injury layoff or just poor conditioning…
The keyboard is mightier.
Even at his best, he’s one of those rare athletes who can make the game look so effortless and easy that it almost looks like he’s not trying. But right now, sadly, he often just looks slow and unable to keep or get control of the puck like we’re used to. (Not to mention the lack of confidence to shoot)…so, I’m really hoping, that he really is dealing with a nagging injury. Otherwise, I just don’t know.
by Naptown CapsFan on May 4, 2011 1:10 AM EDT up reply actions
I think that’s enough for me. On to game 4 with fingers crossed.
And here’s hoping tomorrow’s OT thread has as much excitement as today’s did.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
I am an eternal optimist and try to find the good in things. At the same time I am a realist. That said, here is a brief rundown of some thoughts.
1. I do not see us winning tomorrow, and in the event they do many of my friends will get to pay to watch us shake hands with tampa.
2. In the likely event we drop this series, I do see changes coming.
3. It is bad when you lose, but when you get out schemed, out coached, and out played (from my couch at least), it really does stink.
I feel that a shake up is necessary. I am not in the camp of a 100% firing. you cannot fire a whole team, and office. there are pieces here that teams would die for. that said, I do not see a summer where we sit back. A number of faces will be not asked back, or moved.
I’m upset not in the fact that we lost, it’s how we lost. Phrases about ‘not being ready’ or ‘we are being too cute’ are groin-punchingly obvious and should never be a factor in the playoffs.
If we drop this series like I think we will, I would be surprised if he makes it to lunch the following day.
Refs allow play to continue....
wow
I’ve never seen a team lose its momentum so quickly…after taking the lead…wtf??
Why do I do this to myself year after year…for 35 years? Glutton for punishment…
In the movie "That Thing You Do!" ...
The band’s first producer is a guy who works out of the back of his camper. He records their song and gets them some radio airplay.
In order for the Wonders to hit the big time, though — get on the Ed Sullivan Show, appear in a Hollywood movie, go on a big tour with other star acts — they have to switch to a seasoned, professional producer, Mr. White, played in the film by Tom Hanks.
This team needs Tom Hanks.
Whether it’s the playoff offensive scheme that needs work, or the power play that needs to be re-tooled, or whether some guys need a big ol’ kick in the tuchus … somebody who has won something in June needs to be in charge and take care of business.
Honestly GUys
im not gonna be a hater or a Troll .. cause u guys toke out the rangers last round…
But this was expected , because teh rangers have no fire power what so ever. Those 1-2 goals that we got were mostly lucky and flukes !!
TB is way better offensively and is stacked better then you guys , without a doubt.
+ your goal is NOT THat good !!! The rangers made him look amazing with barely any offense. So as a Rangers Fan i am not shocked that you guys are losing this series .. But i am shocked that you are on the verge off getting swept!
" Can You Hear Us" Best Chant in Sports History !!!!
Boooooooooooooo Dreaaauuuuu Boooooo Dreaduuu
Fuck the Capss !!!!
Daniel "Mustache" Carcillo YOU GOT FUCKED UP " Haley vs Carcillo "http://www.hockeyfights.com/fights/104339
Fuck off.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
by Sct112 on May 3, 2011 10:46 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
also your coach has been out coached this series from head to toe !
" Can You Hear Us" Best Chant in Sports History !!!!
Boooooooooooooo Dreaaauuuuu Boooooo Dreaduuu
Fuck the Capss !!!!
Daniel "Mustache" Carcillo YOU GOT FUCKED UP " Haley vs Carcillo "http://www.hockeyfights.com/fights/104339
by Fire Renneyy on May 3, 2011 10:46 PM EDT up reply actions
glad someone brought teh funnie tonight. thanks, man.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Goalie*
" Can You Hear Us" Best Chant in Sports History !!!!
Boooooooooooooo Dreaaauuuuu Boooooo Dreaduuu
Fuck the Capss !!!!
Daniel "Mustache" Carcillo YOU GOT FUCKED UP " Haley vs Carcillo "http://www.hockeyfights.com/fights/104339
by Fire Renneyy on May 3, 2011 10:47 PM EDT up reply actions
No point in correcting your spelling, troll posts don’t have to be well spelled. just because you lead off a troll with the phrase “I’m not trying to be a troll but” doesn’t make it less of a troll. The fact that I responded at all however, does make it a semi-successful troll. Congratulations on all your team’s youthful talent.
Lol
theres no reason to get upset over this .. Plan and simple facts are being stated and people have their own opinions !!
But this is pretty funny !
" Can You Hear Us" Best Chant in Sports History !!!!
Boooooooooooooo Dreaaauuuuu Boooooo Dreaduuu
Fuck the Capss !!!!
Daniel "Mustache" Carcillo YOU GOT FUCKED UP " Haley vs Carcillo "http://www.hockeyfights.com/fights/104339
by Fire Renneyy on May 3, 2011 10:50 PM EDT up reply actions
The Caps are a better team than Tampa, sorry it’s true. Just not working out this series for the boys.
The Caps
aresupposedly a better team than Tampa, sorry it’s true. Just not working out this series for the boys.
Fixes.
"That's hockey. You never know what's going to happen. It's a tough sport. No tooth, a broken nose, but I'm looking good [laughs]." - #8
your command of the English language is pretty funny. a much needed comedic interlude tonight.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
by RedBirdie on May 3, 2011 10:52 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I hope you come back tomorrow night because this is actually kinda fun. Facts. Opinions. Hilarious.
by cajuncook on May 3, 2011 10:52 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Hey, you can fucking leave now.
The twitters.
Currently Netflixing: "Sons of Anarchy - Season 2"
You wanna talk some jive? I'll talk some jive. I'll talk some jive like you've never heard!
Don’t feed the trolls.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
by Aaron Lerner on May 3, 2011 10:49 PM EDT up reply actions
It’s bullshit regardless of my feeding them or not.
The twitters.
Currently Netflixing: "Sons of Anarchy - Season 2"
You wanna talk some jive? I'll talk some jive. I'll talk some jive like you've never heard!
This is performance art, right? For a class?
You fail.
Lightning doesn't strike, uh, thrice.
by Rainbow, Kitty, Beer on May 4, 2011 12:55 AM EDT up reply actions
Per Bruce Arthur
In happier big picture news:
Just got an e-mail from Wayne Fleming’s son; he escaped paralysis, and was able to speak after an 8-hour operation to remove a brain tumor.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Also just remember...
The team that has won the Winter Classic has gone on to the Cup finals (I think).
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
unfortunately almost nobody here would be surprised if the Caps were the ones to break that trend.
I hope that’s not the case…
by Beakers Lab on May 3, 2011 10:52 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
What will be remembered from Game 3, is that after Ovechkin took the first shot of the period, Roloson took an incidental stick to the throat. In response to this the Lightning team rallied behind him and scored 2 goals to take the 4-3 lead. Not only did they put up an offensive effort, they also held the Caps to 1 SOG for over 13 minutes.
The Capitals finished the 3rd period with only 5 SOG.
"A picture is worth a thousand words. For moving pictures we manage to shorten it to one or two."
The last two third periods were brutal. Biggest periods of the year at the time, one tied and one with a lead, and they played like shit.
At least we aren't playing the Pens.
Coaching.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
We know Boudreau does!
I have planned my grand attacks; I will stand behind their backs. With my brand new battle-axe, they will taste my wrath. They will hear me say as the pavement whirls, "I hate California girls."
by Steckel Me Elmo on May 3, 2011 10:57 PM EDT up reply actions
It wasn’t a defensive lapse, it was a bad clear by Eric Fehr
Sure Bruce, sure.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
Yeah, I just watched the BB presser and it wasn’t pretty. His calling out of Fehr was by far his most animated moment and not in a good way. I think there are better ways of handling that for sure.
by Naptown CapsFan on May 4, 2011 1:15 AM EDT up reply actions
No, BB is right. That was a horrible clearing attempt by Fehr, and he absolutely has to get that puck out.
But it is absolutely ridiculous that Fehr is the only player BB singles out for criticism in any of the three games. Several players have had just as obvious and just as egregious (or even worse) fuck ups leading to goals, and BB kept his mouth shut. His franchise player and captain has needed a kick in the ass for a long time, but BB has kept his mouth shut. But a guy who is getting 10 minutes a night makes a mistake and he’s thrown under the bus. Pathetic.
Last year I and others were upset that BB continuously relied on excuses like running into a hot goalie or bad luck or delayed travel plans to justify the loss to MTL. While they did run into a hot goalie and get bad luck, BB never took ownership of the loss or accepted that maybe the team did something wrong. His responses to the TB series are just as frustrating, from throwing Fehr under the bus, to complaining about a goal against, to calling the too many men on the ice penalty ambiguous. I guess with the lack of accountability that has marked his entire tenure with the Caps I shouldn’t be surprised, but just once I’d love to see him actually acknowledge that the Caps aren’t poor victims.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on May 4, 2011 1:26 AM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
It’s a horrible attitude to instill in your team as well. No gravitas, whatsoever.
Lightning doesn't strike, uh... fourice?
by Rainbow, Kitty, Beer on May 4, 2011 1:29 AM EDT up reply actions
He has the attitude of a losing coach. Which I guess is fitting, since he’s now a losing coach.
Lightning doesn't strike, uh... fourice?
by Rainbow, Kitty, Beer on May 4, 2011 1:21 AM EDT up reply actions
I know it’s fun to repeat the mantra, but is that really the case? They have come out NOT FLAT in plenty of third periods, recently, too.
Coaching is responsible for having players ready to play. That they came out flat in the last two thirds is surely on coaching. I won’t say he can’t ever get them ready for the third, but the last two games were close and huge and he failed.
At least we aren't playing the Pens.
at the same time, these are adults (as emotionally stunted as some of them may be). If you can’t get yourself up and get your fucking shit together for these games, then you have no business being out on the ice.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
I’m not sure that coaching is responsible for getting guys fired up to play, butccoaching is responsible for recognizing what is working, what isn’t, anticipating what the other guy will do and adjusting to what is being done. BB hasn’t been able to do any of that. The PP still looks the same, he still has guys leaving the zone early, he doesn’t allow for any chemistry because he switches lines whenever the crowd roars.
These guys are pros, they should know when to go hard, and what it takes to win, but I feel like BB doesn’t give them the tools to actually go forth and slay the dragon.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
Coaching is repsonsible for instilling discipline and focus and not accepting anything less
BB doesn’t do that
"By far the worst performers on the (Redskins) are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
The fact that the only star that’s shown up this series is Ovi. Tampa has gotten good performances from St. Louis, Lecavalier, and Stamkos.
If by “shown up” you mean doing what is the best possible performance from Semin, which is to fire hopeful shots from everywhere even when unhelpful, deflating offensive rush and powerplay when he misses the net half of the time (or more). I’m far from thinking he’s the whole problem, trust me, but if you haven’t watched the other 6 teams still alive in the playoffs, you can’t really appreciate how his style of play as a top-6 (or even top-3) forward really lends itself to selfishness that just doesn’t fly in playoff hockey against quality opponents.
The day I see Semin drop to the ice to block a shot will be the day I see BB call out a player during post-game thats better then he was when he was in NHL
by Mooose knuckle on May 4, 2011 1:47 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, he’s “shown up” but more to the point I think Ovi’s showing that he’s less of an asset than he should be given his physical gifts. In crunch time — year after year — he gets selfish and diminishes the odds of his team’s success. His turnover at the blueline tonight in the final minute typified his limitations as a player: he’s just not smart enough in crunch time.
MSL is showing how it’s done.
by CarlosLA on May 3, 2011 11:05 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Ovi had a goal and an assist tonight and absolutely dominated the second period. Part of the reason he plays that way is because nobody else is doing anything. Semin, Arnott, Backstrom — all invisible tonight.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
by Aaron Lerner on May 3, 2011 11:08 PM EDT up reply actions
I dunno about that diagnosis. I see Ovi go 1 on 3 and either lose it on an attempted curl and drag or shoot massively wide — both plays very frequently resulting in a breakout the other way — that I’d be pretty frustrated if I were skating with him. Why doesn’t he ever mix it up? Get it deep and use his speed + size to win he puck. Or pull up at the blue line and let the team take the zone.
Agreed. As soon as he got the puck in the D zone with ~40 seconds left I absolutely knew he was going to skate straight into the Tampa D and turn it over. It was as predictable as the sun rising in the East tomorrow morning.
But I think some of it is also that he doesn’t have a coach to change the way he plays. BB’s lack of accountability for every player whose name does not rhyme with “bear” goes beyond just the 2 minute shifts. It also applies to never getting AO to change the way he plays when it is clearly hurting the team.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on May 3, 2011 11:41 PM EDT up reply actions
I couldn’t agree more with you, the second I saw Ovi touch that puck i knew he would try to skate thru a wall of 5 lightning and 5 capitals, so upsetting to watch. Someone needs to coach him on how to be a team player in clutch sitautions, not just bullrush the net and hope for the best
As for Semin he played terrible tonight, but he had a great first round and has crashed the net a lot and played hard for pucks along the boards in the first two games… before tonight
This just does it for me
The Capitals will hold an optional morning skate at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 4 at St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa
Biggest game of the year and you hold an optional practice? Okay.
Meh.
King of Nothingham
At this point more practice won’t do anything. Especially not with the same inept coach that is a huge problem.
I have planned my grand attacks; I will stand behind their backs. With my brand new battle-axe, they will taste my wrath. They will hear me say as the pavement whirls, "I hate California girls."
by Steckel Me Elmo on May 3, 2011 10:56 PM EDT up reply actions
But the fact that they’re not showing urgency in the face of elimination is flabbergasting.
…then again, should I really be surprised?
Meh.
King of Nothingham
by Steck It Out on May 3, 2011 10:58 PM EDT up reply actions
You think a mandatory skate between back-to-backs would help the team? They’re saying the skate is optional. Gotta assume there will be a meeting/video review.
"I remembered when he said that and I kind of looked at him during the warm up and told myself that I got to shut these guys out tonight." - Michal Neuvirth, 02.06.11.
That would make me feel better. I would just hope that a mandatory skate and nothing else wouldn’t be the case.
Meh.
King of Nothingham
by Steck It Out on May 3, 2011 11:02 PM EDT up reply actions
___
Lightning doesn't strike, uh... fourice?
by Rainbow, Kitty, Beer on May 4, 2011 1:05 AM EDT up reply actions
Fire BB and bring in a new coach....and trade...
Green for a the best defenseman the GM can find with some winning playoff experience or a centermen.
He’s too busy arguing with a mailbox while limping on a bad wheel. Doubt you’re going to get what you would ideally want.
And should probably be in the venting thread.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
by Bald Pollack on May 3, 2011 10:59 PM EDT up reply actions
OHHHHH Brent Burns. There is somebody I would love to see in a Caps jersey. Big boy, nasty streak, throws the body.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
by Aaron Lerner on May 3, 2011 11:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Even more of a mental question than Greener, too.
by DrinkingPartner on May 3, 2011 11:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Straight up for Mike Komisarek
Take it or leave it!
You can't give up hope just because it's hopeless. You have to hope even harder, cover your ears, and go 'blah blah blah blah blah!'
by nhlcheapshot on May 4, 2011 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions
We caught our break. It was the Knuble goal in the first but the Caps negated it with a dumb mental mistake and instead took a too many men penalty. Please, no more talk of how we keep getting screwed.
Bruce is exempt from considerations. That’s just par for the course. He’d be bitching if they somehow managed a victory tonight.
the goalie guild guys say the caps got screwed on that.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
maybe, but its irrelevant. The bolts were teh better team by far in the third, no reason to think that that wouldn’t have continued in the OT had it gotten there.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
Actually, the second period is just as strong evidence as the third that it wouldn’t have continued.
Maybe, but you’ve watched this team right? A do or die period that they get 5 shots on goal in? They shit the bed in the most important period of the year. Bad call or not, they seem to lack “it.”
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
Yeah, I watch more hockey, especially Washington hockey, than I care to admit. And they came up big at big times a lot. They didn’t tonight. Not only did they not come up big, but they shit the bed. For that, they deserve what they got, but that doesn’t make them a fundamentally flawed team that is incapable of winning when it matters. But that’s just my opinion.
Optimism in the face of this is admirable, naive (ha) but admirable.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
Naive? Fuck off, honestly. If you’re calling me naive, you’re the sports betting market naive, too, and you’re dead wrong about that.
Do or fucking die.
The twitters.
Currently Netflixing: "Sons of Anarchy - Season 2"
You wanna talk some jive? I'll talk some jive. I'll talk some jive like you've never heard!
They might be a frustrating, enigmatic team. But they’re OUR frustrating, enigmatic team. And there’s no other team I’d rather root for or follow. We’re the Washington Capitals of 2011, and we’re going to keep this season going if we want it to.
When we put our minds to it, no one can beat us. Not Pittsburgh, not the Flyers, not Tampa Bay. For the next four games, we will put our minds to it.
Win or lose, they’re our team. We’re their fans. Rather than frustrated criticism, it’s time to take a deep breath and say as one:
ROCK
THE
RED
by 8vechkin on May 3, 2011 11:11 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
And there’s no other team I’d rather root for or follow.
I’ll take this one.
I kind of wish we were all Red Wings fans.
I like everyone too much to be that douchey.
The twitters.
Currently Netflixing: "Sons of Anarchy - Season 2"
You wanna talk some jive? I'll talk some jive. I'll talk some jive like you've never heard!
oh god no. NO. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. because no fan base is more entitled, more obnoxious, more paranoid than fans of the team that won four titles in 11 years. But doncha know the NHL was out to fuck ’em at every opportunity.
I hope the Wings get swept. I hope San Jose fucking embarrasses them from here on out.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Ovie's postgame comments
"It’s kind of situation they have two chances, they score two chances," Ovechkin said. "Again, I think we dominate them all game. Simple as that. And they just score their chances. They play solid game on defense, Roloson played again great, but it’s not over. It is what it is. So we’re gonna fight and we’re gonna win….Again, we make mistakes, and they used two mistakes and they scored."
**
SOUND FAMILIAR!?!
or 2010 Montreal
… or basically after any game we’ve lost in the last three years
by DonnieKnutts on May 3, 2011 11:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Wow. Well if he really thinks the Caps dominated tonight then I think we’ve identified one of the sources of the problem.
I think he’s walking the company line. I wouldn’t read too far.
by DrinkingPartner on May 3, 2011 11:26 PM EDT up reply actions
apparently Ovie and our little visitor from Philly up-thread were sharing the crack pipe.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Also, Ovie's late, late elbow on Bergenheim
I’ve seen suspensions meted out for elbows like that.
On an aside, Arnott got called for an offensive-zone penalty during a PP for slashing a stick out of somebody’s hands… yet Vinny did the same thing in the same situation (offensive zone, on a PP) on Hannan—the whole stick switcheroo incident—and no call.
Not saying refs had any bearing on tonight, but just noting the inconsistency.
Really, Bruce?
Boudreau called the too many men on the ice rule "ambiguous."
from: http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/27694626/29045694
OK... just watched the postgame presser
Not as bad when taken in context, but still…
by DonnieKnutts on May 4, 2011 12:38 AM EDT up reply actions
FYI
Nas-Van to OT.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
Whyno Just Tweeted
That Neuvy was on the verge of tears talking to reporters. Poor guy.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
He doesn’t know what losing a playoff series is like.
I have planned my grand attacks; I will stand behind their backs. With my brand new battle-axe, they will taste my wrath. They will hear me say as the pavement whirls, "I hate California girls."
by Steckel Me Elmo on May 3, 2011 11:46 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
*shrugs*
He was in a position to change tonight’s outcome and like most of his teammates, he wasn’t as good as he needed to be.
That’s life in the playoffs, son.
"By far the worst performers on the (Redskins) are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
Those first two goals were weak. So weak.
If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you.
Right? In a do or die game, you simply can't let those in.
A goalie on a contending team has to be better.
(same can be said for most of his teammates)
"By far the worst performers on the (Redskins) are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
I watched the video. Neuvy was the last to speak, and he did look like he was about to cry. It was a little strange — everyone else seemed like they were repeating a pep talk or looking for answers about the avoiding becoming complacent or continuing to give the LIghtning chances.
Don’t make fun of my obsession over ketchup dispensers ever again! ;) Ted Leonsis
I don’t know what to think. Feels like everything I was saying last round coming to fruition, except I didn’t think it would be a real problem until the 3rd round.
Knuble and Arnott seem completely flabbergasted. Ovi and Knuble came out to win tonight; I hope they come out even harder tomorrow and bring the rest of the team with them.
If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you.
Arnott looks hurt/gassed/disenchanted. He hasn’t been a force in this series.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
Folks are wondering if that groin is still bothering him so that’s why he’s been off.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
I can only hope that Backstrom has to have thumb surgery (or at least some sort of extended healing) in the offseason. The alternatives of lost his game/gave up after contract/etc. are too depressing. Carlson looks like he’s not 100%. Green was seen limping heavily after the game.
I’d also like to be able to say if only we were healthy, but then pessimist in me says it wouldn’t matter
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
Pessimism is the natural state of a Caps fan. I wonder what did I do wrong in my last life to have been saddled with the fate of being a Caps fan. And to like Alex Semin and Alex Ovechkin too well.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
I don’t bemoan my love for Alex Ovechkin. I do bemoan my love-hate relationship with Sasha (as every Caps fan does).
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
As for Sasha, I’m the fan whose first born is a lot like Sasha and is about the same age and who I love 90% of the time but there is that 10%. (I’d bet his mother heard the same comments at Parent-Teacher conferences as I did.)
I also see a lot of myself in Sasha as well.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
For the record, I am a huge supporter of Sasha. His level play when he is on is so high and so elite that it cannot be replaced. I’ll deal with the headaches because anything that we try to get in return for him isn’t going to be good enough. Guys who can score 40+ in a year don’t just waltz up to a franchise everyday.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
And then if we traded Sasha, would it necessarily improve things? I checked out Broad Street Hockey on occasion and they seem to complain about Jeff Carter and his mistakes a lot and talk about the “Carter hat trick” of mistakes. I think they’re too hard on him. But I consider Carter a roughly comparable player to Sasha in productivity. And I once compared Semin’s consistency in productivity to some other players, using % of games with goals/points for last year and the previous year and he actually came out pretty good by my metrics.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
We would never be able to get equal value back for him, especially because this team is moving into “win now” mode.
I’ve looked at points/game too, and his numbers are up there behind only Ovechkin and two/three others.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
Specific comparisons I had used were Semin with Parise and Richards for 2008-2009 and last year. Turns out the % of games where Semin had gotten a goal was worse than Parise in 2008-2009 but better than him last year. Semin had a better percentage of games where he had either a goal or an assist than Parise. A writer at Pension Plan Puppets had done a comparison of a variety of players, including Semin and he was consistent by their metrics.
Yet, so many of our fan base compare him to Zherdev and Wolski and other players who are less productive.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
People don’t realize how good his “good” is. When he is on, he is every bit as dangerous as Ovechkin or anybody else in this league save for maybe 87. His “good” is so far above the Zherdev’s of the NHL.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
I don’t know that Semin is compared to Zherdev or Wolski with any regularity. If anything those two are often referred to as a poor-man’s Semin. Semin is compared to Kovalev in his prime much more frequently.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on May 4, 2011 1:52 AM EDT up reply actions
I never really saw Kovalev in his prime. I was a hockey fan at the time but not to the point where i remember anyone other than bona fide superstars if they didn’t wear our sweater.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
Kovalev in the late 90s and early 00s was a sublimely talented player with a penchant for inconsistent efforts and playing the way he wanted to play. A lot of people considered his talent wasted by his inconsistency.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on May 4, 2011 1:58 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m not sure I would go so far as to say that Sasha’s talent is wasted because he is so inconsistent. He’s a season removed from a 40 goal campaign where I think he was scoring at 1.2 ppg or something close.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
And Kovalev had a 44 goal 95 point season. Both guys have/had the talent to be 50 goal scorers, yet neither have hit that mark (yet, in Semin’s case). Aggregate totals aren’t the best way to judge either of those guys in terms of meeting the potential of their talent.
But I don’t want to turn this post into another debate on Semin. There will be plenty of time for those debates during the Caps’ too long offseason.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on May 4, 2011 2:04 AM EDT up reply actions
It’s sad to say that all the naysayers can say, “I told you so.”
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Well I’m not happy that I was right, but the anger with how the Caps played in Game 1 doesn’t seem so misplaced anymore, does it?
I also think the Caps settled the debate over whether Game 1 was just a momentary lapse from a reformed team or a sign that lessons were never truly learned.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on May 4, 2011 1:04 AM EDT up reply actions
I wouldn’t be so sure. I think that the long layoff really messed with them. Look at the Red Wings too — down 2-0 in the blink of an eye.
Some of that has to be on the guys for not keeping themselves sharp, part of it has to be on the coaches for not keeping them focussed, and part of it is the nature of the beast.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
I think the layoff hurt them in game 1. After that I really don’t think I’ve seen effects from it. They are just losing.
If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you.
I think it was the Red Wings last year against SJ in the second round (or maybe third) but they had a long layoff and never got it going — lost in 5. I agree that it is less of an excuse/explanation after a few games have been played, but it is not unheard of that a team just can’t get it going again.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
I don’t buy the long layoff argument. Never have. In Game 1 they gave up a quick goal, but then rebounded and dominated well into the 2nd period until TB got the lead with a fluke goal and a late PP goal. Then the 3rd period was trash. In Games 2 and 3 they once again were solid in the first two periods, going into the 3rd either tied or with the lead. They once again came up with garbage 3rd periods.
Starting games well before falling apart in the 3rd is not a sign of a team thrown off by a long layoff. It’s the sign of a team that lacks the discipline and composure to stick with their system late in games when they need it most.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on May 4, 2011 1:15 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I don’t know if you’re calling me a naysayer. But if so, I think I was more a realist with the on ice product while others were looking through red colored glasses. I can’t help that people wanted to pile on like I don’t bring respected opinions to the table on a regular basis.
If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you.
by zephyr on May 4, 2011 1:07 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I don’t know enough of the history here but I’m not sure that there was that much of an issue with the on-ice product. We looked downright dominate at points during the end of the season and the Rangers series.
If you are talking about this team’s maddening lack of consistency I can get on board.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
Isn’t a lack of consistency part of the on ice product? I have more problems with the team than that but they have consistently not played 60minutes of hockey.
I don’t think they were that good in the Rangers series. They played game 5 well and other than that they played about 5 good periods up till then.
If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you.
by zephyr on May 4, 2011 1:16 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’m not just picking on you, Zephyr, or necessarily calling you a naysayer. You’re a realist and are a respected poster with reasoned opinions. It’s more of a general comment towards the worst of the negativity of our fan base, as opposed to you,
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
I understand, just wondering since you replied to me. Hopefully no one with negative outcomes envisioned actually wants them to come true =[
If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you.
You just happened to be the “right comment at the right time”, so to speak. Our current problems will now really bring out the critics.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
None of us wanted to be right…but this was something that started happening since way before the MTL series. Although the Caps started strong in the points, the “naysayers” saw that they weren’t really playing how they were capable and that culminated with the losing streak. So BB went to a defense first philosophy and won a lot of 1 goal games to build the team for the playoffs. This team is still built for golf.
Varly, Varly...errrrrr.....NEU-VY, NEU-VY! Pp
So if we are still built for golf, whats the answer? What are we missing?
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
If I knew that, I’d probably not be avoiding sleep to commiserate with the only ones I know who would understand what I’m talking about, even though I have to be in front of the most unruly students I’ve ever had starting at 8:00 a.m.
That said, a new coach. They sure love Bruce, but not enough to listen to him anymore. The examples of how are littered all over this thread.
Varly, Varly...errrrrr.....NEU-VY, NEU-VY! Pp
I’m not sure that I’m in the new coach camp quite yet. I think he does a good job, and he certainly has the respect of the room.
I’m not in the trade Green/Semin/whoever camp. I think the core pieces we have in place can win the Cup.
Patience is what we need. This team is likely to be getting younger overall in the next year or two.
That said, this series isn’t over. We’re going to win the next 4.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
by Aaron Lerner on May 4, 2011 1:29 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Like your optimism, Aaron. Wish I felt thame.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
For me, I see no reason in watching a game that you don’t think that your team can win. I still think we can win any game against any team we play. So why not four against Tampa?
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
Would be nice to pull off the equivalent of what last year’s Flyers did against the Bruins. Or what the Red Sox did vs the Yankees in 2004. Crazy note: my daughter was up in Boston, going to Boston U and had this feeling they would make that comeback. (Yes, that’s the same daughter who’s my Sasha-eque kid.)
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Something in me just tells me that it isn’t the end of the road for us quite yet.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
Patience is what we need
Patience was last year and all throughout this season. If the Caps lose this series and don’t change coaches going into next season I’m getting rid of my season tickets. I won’t pay thousands of dollars, devote 100’s hours of my time to watch the BB show in syndication.
If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you.
by zephyr on May 4, 2011 1:33 AM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
I guess I’m able to say that because I look at what we have in the pipeline, and I look at the age of our core talent and realize we haven’t yet hit our ceiling.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
You see the up and comers but don’t think the Capitals need a coaching change? Last year and this year were years of patience and development without earth shattering changes. I don’t think you go for three years on a row with that.
If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you.
I think we have to consider what is out there; there might not be a coach better suited to the job at the moment. We are not the proving grounds for an up and comer/assistant from another team. The team as we have it now is in the place for a proven playoff winner, and those coaches don’t come along every day.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
‘Tis the rub. That’s probably why I was proposing hiring an assistant coach from a team like Detroit and giving him a chance with the Caps. That’s the best compromise I could think of since proven playoff winners are not generally available.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
There's no way there isn't a more discipline-oriented coach out there.
When it comes to evaluating a coach, one question matters:
Is he getting the most out of his players?
With BB in the playoffs, it’s a resounding NO.
"By far the worst performers on the (Redskins) are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
I’d say it’s time for a new coach at this point. Do you have any good ideas on who we should specifically hire? I can’t think of a name off the top of my head but I would say hire a good assistant from a winning organization like Detroit or even, dare I say it, Pittsburgh. A winning organization to be defined as one who can get to Round 2 and beyond consistently, with plenty of beyond.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
They are out there – specifically, someone with a gigantic scar on the side of his face. I do not know enough about hockey outside of the caps to know which coaches are good. But I am SURE there are good ones to be had.
Varly, Varly...errrrrr.....NEU-VY, NEU-VY! Pp
The scar on the face of Boucher makes me think of Harry Potter.
Caps next coach - Harry Potter!!!
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
What? Mackan was a revelation this playoffs/end of the season. Maybe the MVP of the post season after OV.
Varly, Varly...errrrrr.....NEU-VY, NEU-VY! Pp
Only one team each season has the drive to win the Stanley Cup.
We are just like the 31 other who don’t this year. Nothing is as easy and simple as it looks, if it were, winning the Stanley Cup wouldn’t be a challenge.
I will reserve judgment till after tomorrow, but I look forward to next year.
I think many other teams have the drive they just don’t have the personal. When drive is the problem that’s perhaps more depressing than anything.
/28 other
//30 teams – 1 cup winner – capitals.
If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they'll kill you.
Yeah I wouldn’t say its drive. I think this team is fragile. For the most part, they don’t seem to bounce back from bad goals, bad bounces, etc.
That said, I don’t claim to have any knowledge of what actually goes on inside the locker room/the players heads. I can’t say that they are haunted by playoffs past, and they get the “here we go again” feeling, but I sure see signs of it.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
Yeah I wouldn’t say its drive. I think this team is fragile. For the most part, they don’t seem to bounce back from bad goals, bad bounces, etc.
How do you explain game 4?
Varly, Varly...errrrrr.....NEU-VY, NEU-VY! Pp
sorry, I guess, “for the most part” explains that…But I still know that they failed to score first a lot this year and had the best record in the league when trailing after two. The mental part of their game was actually the thing I was NOT worred about this post season. I think a lot of people were saying things like “they win these types of games this year.”
Varly, Varly...errrrrr.....NEU-VY, NEU-VY! Pp
I don’t think that scoring the first goal really matters — I’m talking about those backbreaking goals at the end of periods, back-to-back goals, and the like. They just seem to panic and play frantically with their backs against the wall. Other teams that I have watched this year don’t do they; they play determined. Other teams seem to know that they are going to score. Until the Montreal series last year, the Caps had that. We don’t anymore.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
Those end of period goals are the ones that are so back breaking. This year has made me wonder if maybe some of our “Young Guns” maybe need a new start somewhere else, not that I particularly want any of them gone but …
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Can’t trade Ovechkin because he’s Ovi. Can’t trade Backstrom because of the contract. We already discussed Sasha above. That leaves Green, and I think it would be a mistake to move him. He is an elite offensive defenseman and those are certainly not a dime a dozen.
Expanding it out, Alzner and Carlson are going to develop into a Keith-Seabrook type pairing. MoJo is going to be a bona-fide 2C with 1C upside.
I just don’t see who you could move.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
In the case of Alzner and Carlson, they haven’t had to live through all the earlier playoff disappointments. I wouldn’t advocate trading either of them. Same with MoJo.
I was only counting the 4 “Young Guns”.
If they traded Backstrom (okay unlikely due to the contract), it would have to be done with another team who’s in the same boat as us, an underachieving team with an equivalent Young Guns, such as the Flyers and only if they were really disgusted. Essentially, trading Backstrom for Jeff Carter, who also has an uber long term contract.
I doubt the Caps would want to make that trade. Or the Flyers either. Unless both teams were mutually upset.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
The problem is, I think both players fit better on their current team. Giroux is their passer, Carter their finisher (although I think Carter skates with Richards and someone else, Giroux with JVR). Backstrom is our passer, Ovi our finisher. That trade would give the Caps a top line center who is a scorer and a top line winger who is a scorer.
Caps fan since I started watching hockey in the USAir Arena days. Follow me on Twitter (most tweets are about the Caps) http://twitter.com/#!/AaronLerner14
I think they moved Richards down to a checking line at one point this year.
I’ll admit it’s a crazy trade suggestion but one of relatively equal value and wouldn’t be made unless both teams felt a shakeup to the core was badly needed.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Watching the Caps’ locker room postgame video is just brutal.
Alzner: “we got outworked.” “we got complacent.” “we didn’t play a full 60 minutes.”
Arnott: “we got complacent.” “we had lapses for minutes at a time.” “we have to learn to play tighter D”
Knuble: [holds back tears]
The keyboard is mightier.
I don’t get it . … I’m a competitor myself and how on earth can you you admit to being outworked, outplayed, complacent … how can you say that you didn’t give 100 percent in the PLAYOFFS… instead of crying … I want to see sticks being broken pads thrown .. SHOW ME that you care… break something get FUCKING MAD
"Can you smell what the Arnott is Cooking?"
by TheFuryUnleashed on May 4, 2011 2:43 AM EDT up reply actions
Punch a teammate!
The twitters.
Currently Netflixing: "Sons of Anarchy - Season 2"
You wanna talk some jive? I'll talk some jive. I'll talk some jive like you've never heard!
if that what it takes .. I’m all for it
"Can you smell what the Arnott is Cooking?"
by TheFuryUnleashed on May 4, 2011 2:45 AM EDT up reply actions
Where is our WARFACE
"Can you smell what the Arnott is Cooking?"
by TheFuryUnleashed on May 4, 2011 2:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Why on earth are these men crying? a) While I may think it’s over, they sure as hell better not. b) Don’t. cry. at. work. c) They didn’t lose game 7 of the SCF – they lost game 3 of the conference semi-finals. I take back everything I say about their not being soft.
Crying. After game 3 of round two.
Varly, Varly...errrrrr.....NEU-VY, NEU-VY! Pp
Boudreau Needs to Go
The Caps are soft, undisciplined, and lack composure – that’s on the coach. To have the talent to be one of the top teams in the league year in and year out and turn in these abysmal performances in the playoffs is inexcusable. They don’t even put up a fight, it’s embarrassing.
by BoilerUp! on May 4, 2011 8:20 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
/endofstory
"By far the worst performers on the (Redskins) are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
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