Recap: Capitals 1, Penguins 0
by Rob Parker on Jan 11, 2012 10:59 PM EST
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Tonight the Washington Capitals mercifully returned home after a brutal trip to California to face a longtime foe: the Pittsburgh Penguins. Unfortunately for both teams, this game was more notable because of who wasn't playing rather than who was. There's a pretty good argument that the best combination of players tonight was the group that was scratched.
Despite that, the game still needed to be played, and even without some of the stars, it still had all the intensity and skill of two powerhouse teams battling for eighth place in the conference. And in the end, the Caps got the 1-0 win with a great game from Tomas Vokoun and a goal from Jason Chimera.
Ten more notes on the game:
- Congratulations to Vokoun for earning his 46th career shutout. He's been playing great lately, hopefully it's not because the Caps have been looking a lot more like the teams he's played with for most of his career than the team everyone thought this was going to be. Of all of his shutouts, this is by far our favorite.
- Over the first two periods the game was pretty close-checking and conservative. Both teams were trying for the perfect road game and the Caps seemed comfortable nursing their 1-0. But the third period opened up and saw great chances for both teams, with even better goaltending, and while the scoreboard may not give it away we were reminded that even with all the injuries there was still a lot of talent on that ice.
- Normally when the Caps and Pens play, and Marc-Andre Fleury goes behind the goal line, the puck ends up in the net. I guess tonight Alexander Semin just felt some sympathy. Catch and release.
- Chimera's goal was a nice defensive play by his entire line, but it was also their only shot on goal of the entire game. Meanwhile, Evgeni Malkin and James Neal combined for 10 shots on goal, a third of the Pens' total. It's hard to say that shutdown line did much "shutting down" tonight.
- Usually when these teams get together the stars come to shine, whether it's dueling hat tricks or Eric Fehr dominating the Winter Classic, the best players bring their A game. And tonight was no different. Alex Ovechkin led the Caps with 4 shots on goal and his line was the only one that created any real offense tonight. It wasn't just Ovechkin for the Caps, either, as Semin had two of the best chances on the game, even if neither of them were even recorded as shots on net. On the other side, Malkin led the Pens with 6 shots on goal, Neal tacked on 4 more. Those two seemed to be involved in every chance the Pens had.
- Since taking over, Dale Hunter has played his top players more heavily than we'd seen under Bruce Boudreau. We expected to see more of the same tonight with two rookies on the blueline, one making his NHL debut, and we did. Tomas Kundratek held his own in 11 minutes of ice, but it was clear Hunter wasn't going to give him a chance to get in over his head, playing him with Roman Hamrlik and in conservative situations.
- So last week we mentioned that Matt Hendricks seems to have slowed his fighting pace. Well he has fights in his last two games and had one of his best games in a Caps jersey tonight. Just check the byline please, Mr. Hendricks, sir.
- It was an uneven night for Dmitri Orlov. He made some nice offensive plays, and seems to be getting more comfortable with the puck every game, but he also had some significant defensive miscues and at one point ended up pinned in his zone by the Pens' fourth line. He'd better be a fast learner, because it looks like he's here to stay - and Mike Green won't be around very much.
- Of the defensemen that weren't making their NHL debut, the distribution of ice time was reasonable. No defenseman got less ice time than 19:04 (Karl Alzner) or more ice than 25:21 (Dennis Wideman). Even in a game where the Caps avoided going shorthanded even once, it's odd to see Orlov skating more minutes than Alzner.
- Neither of these teams needs to see any more injuries, so it was good to see Pascal Dupuis stay in the game after his foot-first collision with the end boards. And it was also nice when he racked up 50% of the game's penalty minutes in the third period with the Pens trying to take momentum.
Tonight the Caps were victorious in the battle for the eighth seed, and beating the Penguins always feels good - but being out-shot every night is no way to go through an NHL season. The team and the fans will always take the two points, but at some point something has to turn and the Caps will need to play better hockey. Next up is a visit from the Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday night.
Game highlights:
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With 19-52 out and 8-90-28 on one line, it’s quite clear how depleted offensively the Caps are. Agree completely that there was no other threat than the first line and this is going to be a problem for a while IF 8-90-28 stay together.
Cup, please.
Yeah but when two of your best players are out, or really, your second best player and one of your best players who’s injured a lot, it’s tough to still put tons of offensive talent out there.
This team is actually ahead of the game in terms of offense from the defense to replace Mike Green.
"By far the worst performers on the (R*dskins) are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
So what did you all think of kundratek? I though he looked pretty good for a more raw ahl call up. Always sweet to see Pittsburgh:0
MOAR SEVERINO!
by jeff550 on Jan 11, 2012 11:07 PM EST via mobile reply actions
After getting 5:25 in the first, he had 5:44 for the rest of the game, with only three shifts in the third and none in the last 7 minutes. I hardly noticed him, but I’m not sure if it’s because he was solid or because he was practically glued to the bench. Probably a combination of both.
I’ll be interested to see how he does if he stays up.
by Flash in the Pan on Jan 11, 2012 11:10 PM EST up reply actions
I think F&B pretty much nailed it. Steady in unchallenging situations. Can’t ask for much more.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 11, 2012 11:10 PM EST up reply actions
only saw one shift, which was in the third. He made a semi-weak clear that got picked off and led to some running around in the zone, but someone, I think it was Brouwer, blocked a shot and the Caps got possession and cleared.
Still astounding to me that they’d give him 9 minutes and sit 55. Based off of seing him play in one AHL game, at that.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Praise baby jeebus for he blessed us with St. Hendy and his fists of unleashed fury, and St. Chimmer, patron saint of talc and Neil Greenberg, and St. Vokeswagon who drove to victory, even if he insisted on taking the scenic route around the net. Baby jeebus, thank you for sending us the zebras who provided support in times if need and did not trampled us at the most inopportune times. Bless them, for they lead us against the forces of Yinzers. In baby jeebus’s name we say, SHOOT THE DAMN PUCK!
On a more serious note, the last ten mnutes totally made up for 50 minutes of zzzzzzzz.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Season Pledge total--$908.82!
by RedBirdie on Jan 11, 2012 11:10 PM EST via mobile reply actions 7 recs
It really was a sleepy game until late. A win is a win, no complaints, and towards the end there, I commented that I’d be perfectly happy to take lucky along with it. Some of those near misses by the Pens were the type that I’d expect to normally end up in out net.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
We were blessed with the Ecstasy of St. Vokeswagon. He was quite the visionary last night. His vertical leap from a scramble in the crease to block Malkin’s shot near the end of the game was a wondrous thing to behold.
Knuble: "I am what I am. I play well with good players."
On his milestone: "It's going to be like unwrapping a birthday present. Then the day after you're kind of like [sighs]....Now you just have to keep going."
by capsyoungguns on Jan 12, 2012 9:08 AM EST up reply actions
Some days, even in the playoffs, your goalie has to steal games for you. The Bruins rode that all the way to a Stanley Cup victory.
But they can’t rely on it.
…unless your goalies are Tim Thomas and Tuukka Rask.
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Jan 11, 2012 11:23 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
And the league is disinclined to actually discipline the dirty fuckers who put on Bruins sweaters.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Season Pledge total--$908.82!
by RedBirdie on Jan 11, 2012 11:25 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 2 recs
You're not Tim Thomas...
This is Tim Thomas:
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 12, 2012 12:11 AM EST up reply actions 5 recs
Marc-Andre Fleury goes behind the goal line, the puck ends up in the night
pretty impressive puck :P
Give him a break, the “e” key is close to the “igh” key.
(Great recap, F&B.)
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Jan 11, 2012 11:26 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
well said
pleased with this victory against a rival, whether it’s in the Southeast Division or the Patrick Division if that ever comes about.
In 7 games over the past 2 seasons against the Pens, the Caps have allowed 8 goals. Not bad.
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Jan 11, 2012 11:39 PM EST via mobile reply actions
#fancystats
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Both Corsi AND Fenwick just retweeted that.
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Jan 11, 2012 11:49 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Shhhh
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Jan 11, 2012 11:52 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Aw come on...
Donald Brashear left after the 2009 season…. let it go!
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 12, 2012 12:12 AM EST up reply actions 6 recs
alzner had even less TOI on monday night (18:16) and less than that last tuesday (17:40). definitely some kind of message being sent assuming he’s not injured.
Karlzner has been struggling lately. No mystery on that.
by DonnieKnutts on Jan 11, 2012 11:55 PM EST up reply actions
Number of times I saw the two of them out there and was legitimately scared – and other times I saw Hamrlik and felt better. Very strange feeling but the way those two are playing lately…blech.
Hopefully it’s just a product of two young guys adjusting to a new system that’s tougher to play. Have to imagine that veterans are more flexible at this point because they’ve seen a number of different systems over the course of their careers, while 27-74 haven’t had as much experience with that. Hopefully.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
Related note, I wish some secondary scoring would come from a defenseman not named Wideman… seems like there are many gilt-edged chances for the D lately, but nothing put away. Carlson hasn’t scored in over a month, Alzner since October…Orlov has had loads of chances but can’t bury one. It would certainly help to have a little more O from the blueline.
Related related note: Wideman had the game’s worst giveaway…third period, deep in the D-zone, a pass straight up the middle of the ice right onto the stick of an oncoming Pens forward. I literally said, WTF are you doing to the TV
by DonnieKnutts on Jan 12, 2012 12:13 AM EST up reply actions
Or, its a crappy system. On the other hand, Hamr likes it. Apparently, the Lord taketh and the Lord…well, you know.
by Wilderthing on Jan 12, 2012 12:14 AM EST up reply actions
How is the “new” defensive system really that much different from before?
"I couldn't bring myself to cheer for Pittsburgh. But since they won, I may as well use it."
--BB, 2009
by nogoodtrying on Jan 12, 2012 9:05 AM EST up reply actions
Well, the change Boudreau made last year was more focused on neutral zone schemes without the puck. Hunter switched the in-zone defense from zone to man on man. It involves lots of movement (believe I have seen Hamrlik chase all the way to the top of the faceoff dots). It may surrender more chances in the slot per possession for the other team, but it should reduce the amount of time the Caps spend in their own zone (they were talking about this on NHL Overtime).
Red Line Station and @RedArmyLine, featuring coverage of the most frustrating team in the NHL
I believe in next year.
by red army line on Jan 12, 2012 9:27 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
I see. Interesting stuff, thanks.
"I couldn't bring myself to cheer for Pittsburgh. But since they won, I may as well use it."
--BB, 2009
by nogoodtrying on Jan 12, 2012 9:31 AM EST up reply actions
Carlson, particularly, looked to be in hurt-Mo-Dee. His passing was weak, takeaways, couldn’t get the puck out, etc. He and Alzner both look pooped out there. Glad to see the minutes going elsewhere to try and ease their burden. I’d love to see how their minutes this season measure up to the last. I bet they’re playing a lot more.
"I couldn't bring myself to cheer for Pittsburgh. But since they won, I may as well use it."
--BB, 2009
by nogoodtrying on Jan 12, 2012 9:04 AM EST up reply actions
Clever, if somewhat depressing acrostic, F&B.
Don't put your beer in the microwave, eh. It'll boil.- Bob McKenzie
Is he referring to Crosby or Backstrom? I shudder to think…
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Jan 12, 2012 12:22 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
I will admit to being somewhat paranoid about Nicky’s possible concussion and the fact he’s on IR. Granted, it’s supposedly a IR on paper and he can be activated at any time but still. After all of Crosby’s concussion issues and the fact he’s been out for an extended period again this year, has me worried about Nick.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Observations from Section 421
That acrostic is hurting my head….
1) First of all, kudos to Tomas Kundratek. Nicely done for a first game. Sure he had his moments, but for the most part he looked pretty steady.
2) Another Defense moment during the game… and this something on Alzner and Carlson. At one point early in the third period, he lost his stick on a Pens rush into the Caps end. It happens, that’s not the issue. What happened then is the puck went slowly into the corner, and Alzner tried to play it, while Carlson looked on. Yes, Alzner is usually on the left and Carlson on the right, that’s fine, but the Caps bench is on the right, and that’s where the sticks are. There was time for the two of them to switch sides, and for some reason, they didn’t do it. It didn’t cost the Caps, obviously, but they need to remember that in the future.
3) Vokoun played great, but some nights it also pays to be a little lucky. Of course that goes both ways. If the nets are a couple of inches wider, the Caps win 3-2 or 4-2…
4) Chimera, despite the low shot total, played what I thought was a good game. Ditto for Halpern. They didn’t hold the top gunners to low shot totals, but they did keep the quality of the chances down some. There were some dangerous chances late in the third for the Pens, but Vokoun wasn’t challenged too hard for the first 45-50 minutes.
5) Fleury had some issues tonight. Yes he made some nice saves, but there was one shot by Ovechkin that missed wide to the left, which if it’s on goal, it goes in because Fleury never saw the puck. There was good traffic in front, esp. in the third for the Caps.
6) Sasha was good Sasha tonight, sick moves, lots of chances, no PIM.
7) MJ90 had a nice effort too, everywhere but on the dot. A 27.3% night is not good.
8) On the flip side, Halpern destroyed Malkin on the dot, going 10-2. Malkin’s face off record on the night: 3-11.
So next up are two division games against teams behind the Caps in the standings. With a little luck and some good effort, the Caps could be in first place in this division by the end of the homestand….
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
Hey, I’ll be in section 421 tues! Hope to see you there, I’ll be in the modified Semin jersey…
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Jan 12, 2012 12:47 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
I actually won’t be there. I’ve got another commitment that evening and I’ve sold my seats through the ticket exchange. Will be there in Row A tomorrow and Sunday.
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 12, 2012 8:55 AM EST up reply actions
Fleury never saw the puck
I saw that.
"By far the worst performers on the (R*dskins) are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
Yeah, me too… but Fleury didn’t. More of that please….
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 12, 2012 10:25 AM EST up reply actions
he didn’t react until it hit the glass. Hard.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Season Pledge total--$908.82!
My observations on the game.
1) When I first heard the news of Kundratek’s callup, my first reaction was what would be the implication for Schultz and Oisk. Figuring they wouldn’t call up a young kid just to sit, I figured he was in. I also found myself feeling even more sorry for Schultz than I already do.
2) The Pens were getting more shots on goal, especially during first period. But glad the Caps were able to get the goal by Chimmer
3) Lots of Caps cycling the puck during 3rd period. It seemed that both the 4th line and the 1st line got a ton of chances but couldn’t bury any of their shots.
4) Malkin — seemed to be everywhere.
5) First star for Vokes — well deserved. The other stars (2nd for Fleury and 3rd for Chimmer were well deserved as well)
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
I feel a little sorry for him, too. But the honest question is, does anybody actually miss seeing #55 on the ice? Is the team missing anything in his absence? Hard for me to think they do.
by DonnieKnutts on Jan 12, 2012 12:44 AM EST up reply actions
I feel like his teammates might miss him. Got to be a little hard for them to see a guy who’s been on the team for 6 seasons suddenly slip below a rookie we traded for a couple months ago on the depth chart. Of course there’s no way to know what’s going on in the locker room, but I’d like to think they’re feeling sorry for him.
by Flash in the Pan on Jan 12, 2012 12:53 AM EST up reply actions
I see your point, but this is a season in which the (mostly) beloved coach was unceremoniously, abruptly sh’t-canned. I’d hope that the guys’ focus has since been on winning games, not sentimentality.
by DonnieKnutts on Jan 12, 2012 1:17 AM EST up reply actions
if they had focused on winning games, maybe their (mostly) beloved coach wouldn’t have been unceremoniously shit canned.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Season Pledge total--$908.82!
I think Carlson and Alzner miss him. They’re getting exhausted on minutes without him.
"I couldn't bring myself to cheer for Pittsburgh. But since they won, I may as well use it."
--BB, 2009
by nogoodtrying on Jan 12, 2012 9:08 AM EST up reply actions
Going by GVT, Schultz at most is worth around a goal every ten games. That being said, any little extra edge you can get helps, and Schultz is better than Erskine and probably better than the rookies.
Red Line Station and @RedArmyLine, featuring coverage of the most frustrating team in the NHL
I believe in next year.
by red army line on Jan 12, 2012 9:31 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
He’s a teenage girl at heart.
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Jan 12, 2012 12:56 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
A sign of insecurity. Poor DH.
"I couldn't bring myself to cheer for Pittsburgh. But since they won, I may as well use it."
--BB, 2009
by nogoodtrying on Jan 12, 2012 9:09 AM EST up reply actions
taking lessons from Nicky.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Season Pledge total--$908.82!
Welcome to the National Hockey League, Tomas Kundratek
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
I remember seeing a #36 out there at the beginning of the game and thinking, “who the hell is that?”
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Jan 12, 2012 1:02 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Damn, I thought Mike Eagles was making a comeback. That’ll teach me.
by Danny Burrito on Jan 12, 2012 9:40 AM EST up reply actions
Howdy friends and neighbors. Please enjoy some photos from the game, admittedly from a Pens fan’s perspective, but not too biased, I think.
http://www.pensburgh.com/2012/1/12/2701703/game-photos-1-11-2012-pens-vs-caps
by PensAreYourDaddy on Jan 12, 2012 3:45 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
Nice job.
Have to admit, the Malkin photo made me laugh.
by Acer Jonesy's Laughker on Jan 12, 2012 6:47 AM EST up reply actions
Loved the photo of Knuble staring down at Fleury during the anthems. A thought balloon with “I own you.” popped to mind immediately. Admittedly the Pens shut him down pretty well.
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 12, 2012 8:59 AM EST up reply actions
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