Recap: Bruins 4, Caps 1
by J.P. on Feb 5, 2012 3:10 PM EST
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In their last game before the All-Star break, the Washington Capitals rallied in the absence of their captain, their top center and their best defenseman to defeat the defending Cup Champs and enter the mid-winter hiatus on a positive note. A dozen days later, with their captain back and coming off a shutout victory in Montreal twenty hours earlier, the Caps couldn't generate the same energy, offense or, most importantly, result, as they dropped their Super Bowl Sunday matinee to the visiting Bruins by a 4-1 count.
Ten more notes on the game:
- Given that the Bruins were coming off a tough loss yesterday (one in which they didn't feel particularly good about their own effort), it was unsurprising to see them come out with a strong effort early, the kind that forces the opposition to "weather the storm" for the first ten minutes or so. Given that the Caps were coming off a rare (and not particularly difficult) road win yesterday, perhaps it was unsurprising to see them come out, well, flat (I hear it's sometimes difficult to get up for games in Southeast Division buildings). At the ten-minute mark, the B's were up 6-1 on the shot clock, but there was nothing on the scoreboard for either side. Storm weathered.
- Only a few moments later, however, the Bruins would strike when Rich Peverley and Milan Lucic crossed up Jeff Schultz and Dennis Wideman a stride or two inside the Washington blueline. Schultz stayed with his man (Peverley), and forced him to a backhand posture which was pretty well-contained. But the Boston pivot was able to thread a pass to his teammate, whom Wideman had let get behind him. Looch beat Tomas Vokoun and the B's were up 1-0. Most of the culpability on that one has to go to Wideman... but most of the retribution will probably head Sarge's way.
- Perhaps the biggest disappointment of The Dale Hunter Era so far is the Caps' apparent lack of interest in winning battles along the boards. Or maybe it's just an inability to win those battles on a consistent basis. Either way, the team's offense is predicated upon trying to score off the (somewhat rare) rush and/or capitalizing on opponents' mistakes. That's a tough way to generate consistent, dependable offense in this League.
- And, of course, losing board battles can be an absolute killer. Case-in-point, the Bruins' second goal, on which NBC's Eddie Olczyk rightly crushed Karl Alzner for not having his stick on the ice and losing a battle behind the Caps' net to Patrice Bergeron who got the puck past John Carlson and to Brad Marchand, who squeezed the puck past Vokoun to give Boston a 2-0 lead headed to the first intermission. This team has the size to be good on the boards and an even greater need for it. But, for whatever reason, it hasn't happened.
- Think things couldn't get much worse for the Caps from an injury standpoint? Think again. Brooks Laich left the game in the second-half of the second period after getting hit along the end-boards by Dennis Seidenberg. While we'll resist the urge to speculate (even though the hit looked an awful lot like the one that ended Evgeni Malkin's 2010-11 season), any prolonged absence from the Caps' Mr. Versatile could be a nail in the 2011-12 Caps' coffin.
- Realistically, a two-goal deficit with twenty minutes left shouldn't be nearly by-definition insurmountable. But against the Bruins it essentially is, as Boston is now 62-3-2 when leading after two periods since the start of last season (including 22-0-0 this season). Hopefully you took the time to go prep some snacks for the big game or something.
- In his last 11 games (and thus the team's last 14), Alex Ovechkin now has three goals and three assists, with one of those goals and two of the assists coming in his last pre-suspension game at Pittsburgh. The Captain came out with good energy in this one, but couldn't generate much offense (a couple of nice passes notwithstanding). Needless to say, if this team is going to end up in the post-season, that's going to have to change.
- Of all the problems the Caps have these days, it might be a relatively minor one, but Marcus Johansson has become an adventure in his own zone. And since he has just two goals (including the shutout-breaker today) and three assists in his last 11 games... yeah, he's struggling. (Add him to the list.)
- Tyler Seguin's 20th goal of the season early in the third was another tally on which Wideman let his man get behind him in a dangerous position. After Johansson got beat one-on-one by Marchand, it was essentially a tap-in for TyTy. Three goals-against, and at least one fairly stunning mental lapse on each - obviously not a recipe for success.
- Silver lining? The Caps managed to fire 36 shots on goal, topping 30 for just the fifth time under Hunter and out-shooting an opponent for the first time since Nicklas Backstrom's last game.
On the one hand, with a road game and a tough home game on the schedule, an 0-fer weekend was certainly a strong possibility for the Caps, but they managed a couple of points and continue to tread water in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. On the other hand, losing at home always hurts... and losing a heart-and-soul player hurts even more. Onward.
Game highlights:
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Wow , that was quick
What doesnt kill you makes you stronger.
by BetterOffWith28 on Feb 5, 2012 3:12 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Easy when the game was over after 40 minutes.
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Touché
What doesnt kill you makes you stronger.
by BetterOffWith28 on Feb 5, 2012 3:30 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Flagged for the acrostic.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Which DC sports team has the Most Valuable Players? That would be DC United, a team being pushed out by the city. Help Keep United in DC so they can receive a fair deal on a lease and help develop a path to build a stadium with local investment and incentives.
by Bald Pollack on Feb 5, 2012 3:14 PM EST reply actions 7 recs
More rooting against the Giants. Rooting for the meteor.
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I don’t think there is any other option, but to root against the Giants.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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I’d root for Stalin before I rooted for Tom Brady.
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by fat_daddyo on Feb 5, 2012 3:27 PM EST up reply actions 8 recs
This.
"I'd have to say Russian girls over American girls. They have much better fashion sense, I think." -Semyon Varlamov
by KillerTestudo on Feb 5, 2012 3:31 PM EST up reply actions
If you’re rooting for NYG I think you are kinda rooting for Stalin. But on the bright side, one of these teams is going to lose.
It isn’t even anger-inducing. It does not seem to be worth that kind of emotional investment. It might not even be disappointing any more. It is expected.
-Peerless 5.6.2011
I don’t have a similar feeling about Brady. He doesn’t bother me. Sorry.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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I'm tired of this team
At this point, especially if Brooks is out long term it’s time to call it a season and start selling assets and making changes.
First change, new coach. I loved DH as a player, but try as I might I just can’t find a way to belive he is a NHL quality coach after what he’s shown. When a team can’t get the puck past the mid-line fifty percent of the time theres a problem. And the once around and back pedal is sooo frustrating as a fan to watch. I just don’t get this team at all anymore.
Jettison the deadwood. Semin, Schultz, Halpern, Knuble, Erskine, and more. Get what you can for them, but it’s time to say sayonora to a large chunk of this team. And GMGM if you don’t get this done, pack your own bags.
A danger to myself and others on the ice
by can't skate on Feb 5, 2012 3:22 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
So you're saying it's time blow it up now?
I still think there’s one more year at least with the top guys on this team…
PS – Hunter has a one year deal, quite possible that after this season Hunter looks at this and says no thanks.
It isn’t even anger-inducing. It does not seem to be worth that kind of emotional investment. It might not even be disappointing any more. It is expected.
-Peerless 5.6.2011
certainly possible.
i think whether the Caps make the playoffs will play a large factor into that decision.
So who do you go after if they cut Dale/Dale cuts himself loose?
"I'd have to say Russian girls over American girls. They have much better fashion sense, I think." -Semyon Varlamov
by KillerTestudo on Feb 5, 2012 3:45 PM EST up reply actions
You want to figure out what can be gleaned for 3 of the 5 people you’ve listed that are pending UFAs?
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Which DC sports team has the Most Valuable Players? That would be DC United, a team being pushed out by the city. Help Keep United in DC so they can receive a fair deal on a lease and help develop a path to build a stadium with local investment and incentives.
that’s not fair, asking me to be productive after my rant! Without gettting to deep I’d take picks for Knuble, Halpern, Schultz or Erskine, preferably a player or player and picks for Sasha. Beyond that please take my comment for what it is, the ranting of a fed up fan.
A danger to myself and others on the ice
I agree except for some of the players. Keep Schultz, Halpern, and Erskine – all are far from deadwood.
Failure is always an option.
That’s been the kindest comment on Schultz that anyone’s made for a while. Schultz just had not been fitting in under Hunter and would be trade bait as a result.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Its not time to blow up the team, its time to get rid of the people(or just a person) sucking the energy out of the room. Without being in the room, its hard to say who that is but I’m pretty sure it wouldn’t be: Brouwer, Laich, Knuble, Halpern, Orlov, Hendricks, Wides, Ovi, MP85, or Alzner.
They seem to be the people who are consistently trying, doesn’t mean they’re always having great games, but putting up effort. Kind of sad I’m pretty sure only 10 players out of a 23 man roster aren’t a problem. (not including Green and Backs who are injured atm)
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
Knuble has been a very good player over the years, except he seems to have gotten old. I have no problem with his effort but his age and the fact that his contract ends after this year would put him on the block.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Hunter
With all of those players you just mentioned I don’t think there is any coach that could win with this team.If you wanna point fingers I’d start with McPhee.Also the majority of great players can play both ends of the ice and thats something Ovie can’t do or won’t do. Then you have to look at Bruce Boudreau who didn’t hold anybody accountable for there actions so it became a free for all on the ice and in the locker room.
by Caps Fan since 84 on Feb 6, 2012 7:28 AM EST up reply actions
Again…can someone explain to me why Perreault started today’s game on the 4th line when he TORCHED the B’s the last time on the 1st line? C’mon Dale.
by David C. Rothman on Feb 5, 2012 3:23 PM EST reply actions
My favorite recipe for wing sauce.
I add a few glugs of cider vinegar to the mix, though.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
get 30 shots on goal: lose
get 20 shots on goal: win
next question.
by aaw6848 on Feb 5, 2012 3:30 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
quality vs quantity
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by TheFuryUnleashed on Feb 5, 2012 3:31 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
If Brooks is done for a while, then the Caps have some real problems. That is an understatement. The Stanley Cup will be a significant reach. Somewhat simplistically, the team will be faced with three choices:
1. Trade for another center. If they do this, then it must be a move that balances short and long term. I don’t believe I’d trade for a center that is also a UFA-to-be. Trading for the long term also means not giving up on the future. That much said, the Capitals do have some bargaining chips. We have three young defensemen (27, 74, 81), two strong young forwards (50, 85), and some vet UFAs-to-be (22, 6, 28).
2. Do nothing. Ride it out. Know that 21, 19, and 52 will likely be here next year. Think about moving things on the margin, such as 22, or picking up lower value players.
3. Push more aggressively for change. You know you’ve got 2 #1 picks in a good draft and some younger talent that will be likely to step up even more next year. Trade 22, 6, 28, maybe 25, 42, 15 or 29 for younger players and picks. You’ve made a commitment, presumably, to DH32, so let him bring in a team more in his mold.
If you choose aggressive acquisition (#1) – you need to do it now. We can wait for the other two options.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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If they miss the playoffs and have two #1 picks I think you seriously have to consider using them for someone that can immediately help for the next 4-5 years, i.e. trade.
It isn’t even anger-inducing. It does not seem to be worth that kind of emotional investment. It might not even be disappointing any more. It is expected.
-Peerless 5.6.2011
I think we’ve seen enough youngsters come in the league and make a difference immediately to suggest that the picks might be a better play.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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True enough but outside of the top 8-10 I wouldn’t expect immediate impact and probably even less than that. Youth youth youth isn’t always the answer, esp. for a club that doesn’t seem to know what it means to be professionals.
But youth is generally cheap. That, I think, is more important than the talent level, with the team already near the cap.
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I believe in next year.
by red army line on Feb 5, 2012 4:15 PM EST up reply actions
Youth is indeed cheap but in a normal draft it’s unlikely that you’re getting an 18 year old that can play outside the top 4 or 5 picks.
Not saying it isn’t possible, but I’d rather give Ovechkin and Backstrom the next five years with as much premium talent as possible rather than taking guys who might be top 6 F or top 4 D when the duo is is hovering around 30 years old.
It isn’t even anger-inducing. It does not seem to be worth that kind of emotional investment. It might not even be disappointing any more. It is expected.
-Peerless 5.6.2011
Not saying it isn’t possible, but I’d rather give Ovechkin and Backstrom the next five years with as much premium talent as possible
Then keep some of the expensive, talented guys already on the roster…?
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I believe in next year.
by red army line on Feb 6, 2012 1:01 PM EST up reply actions
Personally I still vote they should unload Green if they can. He’s a great player, but long term reliability doesn’t seem worth banking a lot of money on, and this team has already had to try to learn to play without him, even if they aren’t picking up on it too well.
"I'd have to say Russian girls over American girls. They have much better fashion sense, I think." -Semyon Varlamov
by KillerTestudo on Feb 5, 2012 3:39 PM EST up reply actions
That would be poor asset management at this point. They won’t get a lot for him unless he can prove he’s healthy for a playoff run so what’s the point in moving him? Better to try to let him get healthy and then either sign him to a discounted deal in the summer or trade his RFA rights for something.
Please, call me F&B.
Imma want to see Green back in a game before he’s traded away. He looked pretty happy in his post-surgery-skate interview, and for a moment I felt … hope.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
His absence really makes it look like he’s the most important player on this team. It’s been a completely different team with him. That said, I’m not sure even he is going to make the Dale Hunter system look potent.
Please, call me F&B.
Hmmm. Hadn’t thought about it that way. I’d still prefer seeing him on-ice though.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
:)
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Im not doubting his skill, Im just saying that Im already fully prepared for when he returns in March that he might last a week or two before another untimely injury and then see you next fall.
"I'd have to say Russian girls over American girls. They have much better fashion sense, I think." -Semyon Varlamov
by KillerTestudo on Feb 5, 2012 4:28 PM EST up reply actions
I’m not sure what a team in a Coach Hunter mold is. Have we seen glimpses of what he wants it to be? Is it playing whole game in a shell hoping not to get beat and being overly concerned w/defense to the point that there are no forwards to whom to pass the puck when you finally get it back? Yuck.
If not, what is it, and can it win?
If Laich is gone for a while, I’d say making the playoffs is a significant reach – unless they acquire a top 6 center. If they do that, it needs to be a center who can be here for a while. My vote would be for not even trying to improve the team this season, and to let DH and some of the UFA’s go once the season ends (or trade some of those UFA’s at the deadline), and rebuild from there.
Failure is always an option.
I wouldn’t trade 6. He’s a good player and the way Green has been, and could very well continue to be (altogether different issue yes), the Caps would be a helluva lot worse off.
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
In other news, Mtl has 3 goals and Gomez is still pointless.
"I'd have to say Russian girls over American girls. They have much better fashion sense, I think." -Semyon Varlamov
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by TheFuryUnleashed on Feb 5, 2012 3:45 PM EST up reply actions
I just logged on to the site .. it has been a year and 7 minutes since he’s scored
Be Utterly Facinating @ http://www.thirstdc.com
by TheFuryUnleashed on Feb 5, 2012 3:46 PM EST up reply actions
You spelled Giants wrong in the acrostic.
"I think not sucking is way more of an important thing to pay attention to first." -- Gabe Newell
by Mike Uhrich on Feb 5, 2012 3:40 PM EST reply actions 10 recs
Ha, I love this. I don’t follow football at all (although even I know Tebowing).
I thus was puzzling over the acrostic—“go Pats riots”-and of course thought of Vancouver and it’s riots.
If it’s not hockey….!
Ovechkin on how he can help the team: "Score MOAR goals."
by capsyoungguns on Feb 5, 2012 5:45 PM EST up reply actions
Get well soon, Brooks.
And don’t have a concussion, Dima.
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Now i know how pens fans felt last year. Except for the whole still being able to win part.
"I'd have to say Russian girls over American girls. They have much better fashion sense, I think." -Semyon Varlamov
by KillerTestudo on Feb 5, 2012 3:47 PM EST up reply actions
Backhanded compliment from DH32 on Schultz – as tweeted by Sky Kerstein.
He’s been ok, he’s a defensive defenseman, he’s not going to add no offense or toughness, but as long as he plays sound defensively he has a spot.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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Ouch..
"I'd have to say Russian girls over American girls. They have much better fashion sense, I think." -Semyon Varlamov
by KillerTestudo on Feb 5, 2012 3:50 PM EST up reply actions
Two players finished +1 for the Caps. Joel Ward and Mathieu Perreault.
I would also like to give a shout-out to Matty P. He worked it all game. Every time he was on the ice he was somewhere near the puck trying to make things happen. He was easily the best player in a red sweater tonight, and nearly the only one who looked like the game mattered.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
And yet he started on the 4th line when he torched the B’s last time on the 1st line. ARGH
by David C. Rothman on Feb 5, 2012 4:58 PM EST up reply actions
From Schultz: “He’s been ok, he’s not a real motivational guy or rolling lines guy, but at long as he’s still a Caps legend he’s got himself a spot on the bench.”
"I'd have to say Russian girls over American girls. They have much better fashion sense, I think." -Semyon Varlamov
by KillerTestudo on Feb 5, 2012 3:51 PM EST reply actions 6 recs
Schultz’s quote translated into common English:
I’d like jalapeños with my nachos on Tuesday night, please.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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So, the Caps blocked almost as many shots as the Bruins put on net, per Sky Kerstein (again!). Not sure that’s a good stat. Giving up too many attempts.
#Bruins took 73 shots, 30 on goal, 28 blocked, 15 misses, #Caps took 55 shots, 36 on goal, 11 blocked, 8 misses.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
That’s a lot of ice bags as we head into the last third of the season. All those ice bags add up.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
What was Ovi doing having a laugh with a Bruins player (think it was Seiednberg) in the middle of the third? Shoulda laughed, then punched him in the face.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Someone shoulda punched Seguin in the face after standing in the crease to celebrate his goal at the very least. Or maybe Chimmer coulda flipped the bird at least.
"I'd have to say Russian girls over American girls. They have much better fashion sense, I think." -Semyon Varlamov
by KillerTestudo on Feb 5, 2012 4:10 PM EST up reply actions
The announcers missed it, but I think Ovi was using the “shoe polish” defense on whether he deflected the puck out. Was seen pointing to the pristine white tape on his stick as evidence that he couldn’t have deflected it. As he got away with it, the Bruins player was probably just chirping him.
It's not that I hate people, I just seem to feel better when they're not around - Hank Chinaski
Frankly, I don’t think the Caps were all that bad today. Matty, Ovi, Orlov (in particular), Brouwer and Laich (on occasion) had some spirit and looked pretty good. If one of Ovi’s shots went in, if Matty’s had not it iron, it would have been a tight game. Plus, we outshot them! As it turns out, the ‘breaks’ went the other way. Frankly, I think the real problems today were defensive breakdowns, those damn tap-ins within 5’ of the net. So, in addition to Dale’s “defense-first” style (whatever that is), it is clear that Johnson’s defensive ‘scheme’ (again, whatever that is) really caused the defeat today.
DisLaich
Brutal on the BL21 front—even got gallows humor in the post-game: “yeah, I hurt my elbow”-on crutches, with knee in brace. Review that hit—had Ovie’s knee smacked into (any Penguin)‘s knee like that, it would have been another three games (at least) in the hoosegow. Thought this game could have gone either way—at least we weren’t outchanced in this one—, but if Brooksie is shelved for as long as it appears he could be, this Winter (?) of our Discontent just got a whole lot longer. BTW, Backstrom STILL leads this team in points…
Let’s be very clear.
There is zero way that Seidenberg’s hit can, even in the most tin-foiliest of minds, be interpreted as a dirty or illegal hit. There is no way that Ovechkin would have been suspended for that hit. It was a rather innocuous play. One of many as two people chase a puck against the boards. Just one of those very unluckily things.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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by STLSpidey on Feb 5, 2012 4:31 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Fact.
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by J.P. on Feb 5, 2012 4:43 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Not saying Seidenberg’s hit was dirty. Just saying that it looked worse on replay. ANd ma a tad bit bitter that Laich is on crutches…not to mention Hendy played virtually none after getting pummeled (takedown, notwithstanding). Just sayin.
I know there’s a knee-jerk reaction to hate everything NBC, but I continue to think that Olczyk does a pretty good job. (But I’m not as big an Emerick fan as most, and enjoy Pierre’s genuine enthusiasm, but little else that he brings.)
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by J.P. on Feb 5, 2012 4:29 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions
Eddie O. earned a lot of points with me today by all but saying that Thomas flopped on the Chimera penalty. I wish he had said what he was thinking.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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.......
Hopefully this?
"I'd have to say Russian girls over American girls. They have much better fashion sense, I think." -Semyon Varlamov
by KillerTestudo on Feb 5, 2012 4:34 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Eddie O is fine – my thing about the NBC coverage is the all too many digressions into (seems to me self congratulatory) hockey trivia at the expense of just calling the game. I prefer to focus on the game at hand. The other thing that i find annoying is the propensity to focus on a player as the ’story of the game" – that being Chara this day. Just not good sports on TV for me. And for me, the reaction is not knee-jerk – I have been listening in earnest since 1963 and know Doc from Hewitt and Gallivan. Emerick is great but there is too much commentary and not enough play calling – as if we all need to be entertained by something other than the game itself.
From what I understand, that’s the directive from NBC, not the choice of the people calling the game. Not surprising as the broadcast isn’t for diehard hockey fans and NBC takes that approach, in general, when broadcasting sports. Unfortunate for regular hockey fans, of course.
Of course. That’s why I think Emerick is great 0 he does a great job considering… May be odd but I actually prefer hockey on radio (around the entire league).
@agehring91
Brooks Laich: on crutches but takes the stairs to the parking lot instead of the elevator #likeaboss #getbetternow
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
It’s a guy thing. You wouldn’t understand. :-)
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Laich probably waited for Dima to come in and went “Third time’s the charm!” then headbutted him. That’s how boss Brooks Laich is.
"I'd have to say Russian girls over American girls. They have much better fashion sense, I think." -Semyon Varlamov
by KillerTestudo on Feb 5, 2012 4:42 PM EST up reply actions
Drove himself home too, per cnichols14.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
you can totally drive with a left knee injury :) shredded my knee and drove to the ER.
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Bears/Baby Pens off to the shootout. Again.
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Pens miss the net.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
CBo misses the net.
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Holtby stick save on Lerg!
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Micflickier shoots into the pad.
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Walker scores on Holtby.
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Eakin scores!
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Williams misses the net.
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Potulny scores! Bears 2-1.
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BEARS WIN BEARS WIN BEARS WIN
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
by EmilyB on Feb 5, 2012 4:46 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
If Laich is out for even a game or two, does Potulny get a call?
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
I’m thinking they simply recall Eakin, again, but Potulny, as I have mentioned before, is the other option I think at the moment.
A bit OT, but Garrett Mitchell played very well this weekend; it resulted in some points, but Carroll and Mitchell played very well on the fourth line all weekend; when King was with them Friday and Sunday, especially.
FWIW, Potulny’s December (and late November) was crazy good after returning from injury. Not a pace that was going to be maintained and it hasn’t been. Still, I do think he’s an option for recall.
And as said before, I would rather see Eakin get some experience down in the AHL than limited ice time up here.
Of course, we agree on that topic. Note, Bears don’t play until Friday night. Play 3 in 3 and then 3 in 3 (Fri-Sun next two weekends.)
So if Laich misses significant time, what could be some realistic trade moves? or is this better for tomorrow since no one seems to be left on the boards?
"I'd have to say Russian girls over American girls. They have much better fashion sense, I think." -Semyon Varlamov
I don’t have any realistic ideas. Whatever we do, it would not be worth mortgaging our future to aim for the playoffs or the cup. Probably evaluate our options at the tail end of this week, after we see how the next week goes. If it’s a bad week for the team, I’d say trade our impending free agents for whatever we can get. and get prospects/picks. Granted they probably won’t help even next year but better than losing them for nothing.
While Jeff Carter is a very good player, it’s that 10 year deal that makes me hesitate and he’ll be 37 at the end of it. The sad part is to acquire and/or keep a good player in today’s market, the price is generally a very long deal which can prove to be a albatross in the long run. The trick is to evaluate whether a player can not be good, say in the next two years but for much longer than that.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
I’ve mentioned this before, but the last 3 years on Carters deal are friendly towards a buyout. What you’re really looking at after this year is 7 years and 45 million, which is spendy, but you’re getting it at the reduced cap hit.
It isn’t even anger-inducing. It does not seem to be worth that kind of emotional investment. It might not even be disappointing any more. It is expected.
-Peerless 5.6.2011
If Laich missing significant time, realistic trade moves would leave us as sellers.
Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.
I am thinking that as well. The first guys to trade would be our impending free agents.
But I wouldn’t want to pull the trigger until we see how the Caps do this week and how Laich is — on the health front.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Well then, I’ll just delete this from the DVR w/o watching it.
"And as it’s my personal opinion, I’d appreciate not being told it’s stupid, thanks." - BeccaH
As far as Caps losses go this season, this was one of the more exciting ones. Caps had several good scoring chances but Thomas was excellent today.
I don't want to work, I want to hang on the blog all day.
by cainoo7x on Feb 5, 2012 9:27 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
There’s a reason that Thomas is the Vezina Trophy winner two out of the last three years. And only 2 years ago (the year where he lost his job to Rask), the Bruins couldn’t find anyone to unload him to because of the size of his contract and his age.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
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