The Noon Number

by J.P. on Feb 21, 2012 12:01 PM EST in The Noon Number

16 - Number of games the Capitals have played since their last back-to-back wins (the team has gone 5-9-2 during the stretch). The last time the Caps went that long without consecutive victories was October 12 through November 21, 2007, a span of 18 games over which they went 3-14-1, culminating in the firing of Glen Hanlon.

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I knew todays number wouldn’t be too pretty after yesterdays number and whatever that was last night. What happened to the fantasy land?

by RossingtonCollins on Feb 21, 2012 12:04 PM EST reply actions

Is it wrong for me to be hoping for a similar fate for the coach?

I wanted to believe in Hunter but I can’t any more. Now I’m hoping he was just a stop-gap and the team gets a new coach over the summer.

by Turnstyle73 on Feb 21, 2012 12:07 PM EST reply actions

Eh, it’s your call, but I’m personally hoping he rattles off 20-straight wins and we take things from there.

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by J.P. on Feb 21, 2012 12:11 PM EST up reply actions

I hope I win the lottery. I think we have about the same odds.

by Turnstyle73 on Feb 21, 2012 12:19 PM EST up reply actions

Of course. But why would you, today, hope a guy gets fired when there’s plenty of time for him to prove he shouldn’t be fired or provide further evidence that he should be?

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by J.P. on Feb 21, 2012 12:24 PM EST up reply actions

Do I detect a bit of optimism that was missing from last week’s Lunchbox?? Or is this actuary math? Either way, well received!

by capcup12 on Feb 21, 2012 12:32 PM EST up reply actions

I’m not particularly optimistic, but I do think it’s too early to say definitively that Dale Hunter can’t coach at the NHL level. Moreover, what’s to be gained by hoping now (with 20+ games left) that he gets fired after those 20+ games? Why not see how they play out?

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by J.P. on Feb 21, 2012 12:34 PM EST up reply actions

Nothing good happens from a firing whatsoever…it is pretty stupid for people to even think about that…now a good tirade/ass-kicking (bag skate anyone?? like with bags over their heads??)—that’s another point entirely. I am, if nothing else, curious to watch what happens in these next seven weeks (put that way it does seem like we have a lot more time left!)

by capcup12 on Feb 21, 2012 12:45 PM EST up reply actions

OK, OK, OK!

But I’d like to see some fury… something… like “AGAIN!” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9AajQn7b18

by Turnstyle73 on Feb 21, 2012 1:09 PM EST up reply actions

I seem to remember Bruce citing this scene in 24/7 – specifically, laughing off coaching advice from fans.

by MadDog2727 on Feb 21, 2012 3:02 PM EST up reply actions

Im with you.

I have been critical of the Captain, but in reality, I hope they all come together with the “Us against the world” mentality. Maybe then will the team peak just at the right moment.

by brettpedigo on Feb 21, 2012 3:20 PM EST up reply actions

I don’t think he can coach in the NHL now.

The thing is, if he gets let go at the end of the season, I doubt if we’ll see him back coaching professionals for a long, long time (if ever).

by RCheli on Feb 21, 2012 3:24 PM EST up reply actions

This team isn’t as talented as everybody thinks, PERIOD!!

by Caps Fan since 84 on Feb 21, 2012 9:29 PM EST up reply actions

Is it Boudreaw, Hunter, or GMGM

I feel that the recent acquisitions for Caps are not paying dividends. Harmlik is a bust, Ward and Brower are overpaid. I always was a big fan of Brooks Laich, but to give him Datsuk-size contract? Right now the teams playing against Capitals have a simple plan – put triple coverage on Ovechkin, double coverage on Semin and don’t bother with the rest of the team – they can’t put the puck in the back of the net anyway. (NO disrespect to Chimmer, he is trying hard.)

by puckoff on Feb 21, 2012 6:08 PM EST up reply actions

Agree it’s too early to say the Hunter can’t coach at the NHL level. It was an awfully big jump for him to make from coaching juniors to coaching at the NHL. I would have preferred he get other professional experience (either head coaching at the ECHL or AHL level or assistant coaching at the NHL) prior to advancing directly to head coach.

The situation of our team (expected to contend for the Cup but underachieving instead) was a tough situation for him to walk into.

Firing him now would be counterproductive.

Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.

by CapsFan75 on Feb 21, 2012 11:23 PM EST up reply actions

With the talent they have on this team I don’t think any coach would have much success. Green has only played a dozen games and Backstrom has been out since January 3rd. Beagle ,Eakin and Perreault aren’t ready for the NHL.. Perreault has played good at times but is to inconsistent.Halpern,Knuble and Hanrlik seem to be past there prime. Johansson seems to be a third line center at best and with Hendricks,Ward, and Erskine are 4th line duty. It might be Hunters system but I read that Laich said we can win with Hunters system as long as everybody is on the same page. I think Ovie is over rated,he does that stupid move evertime and he gets stuffed,crash the net. You hear the excuse that defenses double up on Ovie but Crosy and the other elite players don’t seem to have a problem. I wouldn’t make any moves except to try and get the dead weight out of here and bring up the so called talent that we have in Hershey.

by Caps Fan since 84 on Feb 22, 2012 12:59 AM EST up reply actions

It seems like a lot of people are going down that path these days.

I just don’t see how you can take a daisy fresh head coach, plug him into an underachieving team without the benefit of training camp and expect results that significantly outperform a coinflip.

Assuming things don’t improve, Hunter should get the offseason and next season.

"You do that, you go to the box, you know. Two minutes, by yourself, and you... feel shame" -Denis Lemieux

by leacha on Feb 21, 2012 12:12 PM EST up reply actions

That assumes Hunter wants the offseason and next season. If I’m in his shoes, returning to London has to feel mighty attractive right about now.

by STLEdge on Feb 21, 2012 12:12 PM EST up reply actions

That’s a long walk with your tail between your legs…

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by J.P. on Feb 21, 2012 12:13 PM EST up reply actions

Maybe, but maybe the narrative that unfolds is “Even Capital Legend Can’t Make Ovechkin Try”

by STLEdge on Feb 21, 2012 12:15 PM EST up reply actions

To be fair, it’s a pretty sweet home to crawl back to.

"You do that, you go to the box, you know. Two minutes, by yourself, and you... feel shame" -Denis Lemieux

by leacha on Feb 21, 2012 12:41 PM EST up reply actions

it’s better than Sarnia, I suppose. Still, ….

by drchew69 on Feb 21, 2012 4:27 PM EST up reply actions

It’s funny, I had written almost that exact first sentence to close my post and deleted it. You’re absolutely right.

"You do that, you go to the box, you know. Two minutes, by yourself, and you... feel shame" -Denis Lemieux

by leacha on Feb 21, 2012 12:40 PM EST up reply actions

Not if he still wants the Cup. Going home won’t bring him that.

by Gin and Tonic on Feb 21, 2012 3:04 PM EST up reply actions

I can’t tell is if the wins we have gotten are from the team following Hunter’s game plan or if it’s the loses.

by Turnstyle73 on Feb 21, 2012 12:16 PM EST up reply actions

wow… that was poorly written

by Turnstyle73 on Feb 21, 2012 12:17 PM EST up reply actions

What did you expect Hunter to do with the talent on the team? Hamrlik,Knuble, and Halpern are past there prime. Ward looks lost out there half the time.Beagle,Eakin and Perreault aren’t ready for the NHL. Johansson is a 3rd line center at best and Hendriks and Erskine are 4th line fill ins. Green has only played 12 games due to injury and Backstrom has been out since January 3rd and your hoping Hunter is gone. How long have you been a Caps fan?? Do you know how the game is played. I’m so sick and tired of everybody blaming Hunter. This team isn’t that talented. Ovie isn’t even a top 20. He is lazy and refuses to work on his game. Smells Caps!

by Caps Fan since 84 on Feb 21, 2012 9:26 PM EST up reply actions

Hamrlik,Knuble, and Halpern are past there prime

Doesn’t mean they can’t be useful. Hamrlik was a top-pair D in MTL last year, and after playing consistently solid hockey for nearly 20 years, I doubt he suddenly forgot how. Halpern still wins draws and moves the puck up the ice. Knuble isn’t that good anymore, I agree.

Ward looks lost out there half the time.

Yeah, but I wish we could at least see him play to his strength—pure defense—before giving up on the guy the team signed to a 4-year deal.

Beagle,Eakin and Perreault aren’t ready for the NHL.

I think they can all play in the NHL. Eakin could use more development so he can step into a more meaningful role and not rot on the fourth line, sure, but Beagle wasn’t going to be anything more than a marginal 3rd line player at best anyway and Perreault unfortunately is right now the best center on the team. Perreault consistently puts up top-six-caliber rate stats (goals per 60 minutes of ice time, etc), even if he is inconsistent.

This team isn’t that talented.

Not directed specifically at you, but to all the people who think this team isn’t that talented, why? Is is because of the system and coaching, not letting them use their talent(s) to the fullest? Is it because Boudreau made everyone seem better than they actually are?

Man for man, aside from 1LW and 2RW and 1D, this team is more talented than the 09-10 version. Has everyone on the team simply forgotten how to play hockey this season? If not, how “talented” actually are they?

Ovie isn’t even a top 20.

That’s probably true, but a 25-35-60 guy is still top line on almost any team.

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 Feb 21, 2012 10:48 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Thanks for the feedback I respect your comments. Just watching this team though is kind of a joke at times. Remember how Boudreau didn’t hold any of his players accountable for there actions on the ice and that transferred into the locker room. When Allison first walked into the locker room he said to himself," are you serious". He could see that there was hardly any chemistry and I think the main problem was Boudreau not putting his foot down and Ovie being Ovie. Olaf was right what he said about Ovie and hopefully Ovie will wake up, When you look at the team we have right now on the ice,how many solid lines do we actually have???? Remember though we tried Boudreau’s way in the playoffs and we got knocked out early. I would like to see Hunter change things up and if he is a good coach he’ll turn things around and maybe play a more offensive game and then when we’re ahead he canplay his defensive style. I would like to see what Hunter can do with a full season under his belt becaue he did walk into a mess. Smells Caps.

by Caps Fan since 84 on Feb 22, 2012 1:13 AM EST up reply actions

Rock Bottom. I would even be lifted—albeit ever-so-slightly— if I found out that someone IN the locker room got pissed enough last night to throw/break stuff.

by capcup12 on Feb 21, 2012 12:10 PM EST reply actions

14 – The number of games Tomas Vokoun has played in since he last allowed more than 3 goals in regulation (including last night’s appearance, where he only allowed 2 Hurricanes goals).

by STLEdge on Feb 21, 2012 12:12 PM EST reply actions

Streaks without consecutive wins for other teams this season

Columbus: 22
Edmonton: 27
Buffalo: 34
Anaheim: 33
Those look to be the only 4 over 20.

OPERATION TANK IS A GO.
In an unprecedented move 9 teams in the Eastern Conference have decided to officially "pass" on the playoffs

by Ubiquitous on Feb 21, 2012 1:20 PM EST reply actions

What is the Caps’ record over those 16 games?
Whatever is I would post it, I’m just on my phone now and caps and nhl sites seem to bog my phone down. Thanks

I used to be a hockey player, but then I took an arrow in the knee

by Icebat on Feb 21, 2012 1:26 PM EST via mobile reply actions