The NHL regular season 2013 begins on Tuesday, January 15 and ends on Saturday, April 13

Dates may vary.




Let's go Caps!!!

they should adjust all seasons to be this short. Start in October and end in jan with playoffs through feb maybe march

Capitals win Stanley Cup. Its theirs for the taking NOW.

Predator Obama Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> they should adjust all seasons to be this short.
> Start in October and end in jan with playoffs
> through feb maybe march


Why's that?

 

friskydingo Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Predator Obama Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > they should adjust all seasons to be this short.
>
> > Start in October and end in jan with playoffs
> > through feb maybe march
>
>
> Why's that?


Because 82 games with 60% of the teams making the playoffs makes the regular season practically irrelavant. That's why college football and the NFL are better - every game counts. The NBA, NHL, and MLB should shave their schedules by 60-75% and make it mean something.

__________________________________
That's not a ladybug, that's a cannapiller.

"Our Canadians are so much better than your Canadians." What a dumb sport. Nobody even noticed they ended the strike. Strike? What strike? The NHL is on a par with arena football and women's soccer.

Canucks Wrote:
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> "Our Canadians are so much better than your
> Canadians." What a dumb sport. Nobody even
> noticed they ended the strike. Strike? What
> strike? The NHL is on a par with arena football
> and women's soccer.


+1

Canucks Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Strike? What strike?

Lockout. Fans noticed. You're not a fan.

I think this shortened season will be a good thing for the Caps. Oh sure...they'll take a few games to get going but, they're amongst the league's elite and with fewer games, that's fewer opportunities to be injured. Hunter's gone, Oates is in, Semin's gone and Ovechkin's engaged.

And Mike fucking Green...you've had plenty of time to get healthy and think about your role with this team. You are NOT a stay at home defenseman. You are one of the league's premier puckhandling blueliners who breaks out of the zone, makes crisp setup passes, QB's the powerplay and scores the occasional goal himself. That's who you are...that's who Coach Oates will want you to be in his open, offensively minded system. You can continue to brood about how you were treated and utilised in the past or you can step up and lead this team.

Alex Ovechkin...you're the best hockey player in the world. The expectation is 30 goals, 14 assists and the Stanley Cup. Let's cut the crap and put the puck in the goddamn net.

A few days ago, I was listening to 980AM and they did a segment on "Would you feel the Caps winning the Stanley Cup would need an asterisk due to the shortened season?" The first caller said, "I don't know...ask the 1995 New Jerset Devils..." and hung up. To a man, everyone else that called said in one form or another, "The team's gone nearly 40 years without a Cup...asterisk or not, they'd have a Cup."

I'm not sure I really know what coach Oates will bring to this team. The general consensus is more offense, but I hope they can still keep some of that defensive mindset that Hunter instilled last year. Sure scoring lots of goals is fun to watch, but it hasn’t won the Caps anything in the past. Ovi needs to stop loafing and play like he gives a crap. Hopefully he doesn’t come to Kettler out of shape and overweight. Can’t say I’ll miss Semin but I hope they someone capable of his production.

hey are winning the cup this year. 50-48 games is enough. They will win it all damnit.

It's hockey. WTF cares?

Ovechkin is already heading here from Russia. Hopefully Backstrom's neck injury wont keep him out too long. I expect the guys who played in Europe or Russia are already in game shape and will have a leg up on the guys who just "worked out" at ice rinks or went ice fishing. Cough cough Chimera. Dude my FAVORITE SPORT IS BACK!

How did Ovi do in the KHL? I heard Backstrom’s neck injury is just a bruise but reports are that he could miss two more weeks.

I’m actually looking forward to a shortened season. It will be a sprint, not a marathon, which is the exact opposite of a regular NHL season. I’m guessing they will only play in their own conference also. Can’t wait to see the schedule.

I’m also interested to see what kind of free agent and trade moves will be made. With a few of the right moves last year, the Caps could have had a better playoff run.

from Washpo

Ovechkin, who has lost $4,281,081 during the lockout, spent the work stoppage playing for his hometown Dynamo Moscow of the Kontinental Hockey League. He finished with 19 goals and 21 assists in 31 games and was slated to be a starter in the KHL All Star game had the NHL not resumed.

Meanwhile, Ovechkin’s teammate on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean is already on his way back to Washington. Nicklas Backstrom flew back to North America on Sunday, according to Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet.

Backstrom recorded 10 goals and 15 assists in 19 KHL games but missed Dynamo Moscow’s previous three contests after suffering a neck bruise on Dec. 26. It’s unclear whether the injury would limit Backstrom’s participation in training camp or the start of the season

“It feels so good to finally go back home,” Backstrom told Aftonbladet, according to a translation by Malin Andersson. “That’s what Washington feels like for me now, like it’s my home. But above everything else, I’m just really excited about playing in the NHL again.”

I dont think there will be many or ANY trades and whatnot. The season is too compressed. They are only playing Conference games. So Washington wont have any midwest or Western road trips. Which is cool. Id like to see a ton of Washington vs Pittsburgh games.

More Complete Wrote:
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> Hopefully he (Ovechkin) doesn’t come to Kettler out
> of shape and overweight.

According to the above post from Chubby Rain, Ovechkin played 31 games in the KHL and scored 19 goals and 21 assists. I know...I know...it's the KHL. Is he in NHL shape? No. Are any of the other players in the league in NHL shape? Not many. Is Ovechkin overweight? No.

> Can’t say I’ll miss Semin but I hope they someone capable of his production.

What production was that exactly? You're welcome to your opinion of course...but only because you grew up in Kings Park. The numbers tell his story. 51 NHL playoff games, 15 goals, 19 assist, 33 points and (wait...it gets better...) FORTY-SIX FUCKING PENALTY MINUTES!?!?!?!?! And let's not forget the 2009-2010 NHL playoffs...7 games, NO GOALS. He was a moody motherfucker who consistently blew his wad in the regular season and could NOT FUCKING PRODUCE IN THE PLAYOFFS and then cried about how he was treated here. We loved him and he shat on this town...fucker! (Not you, More Complete...)

Production?!?!?! I'm pretty sure we can find a "replacement" for that kind of production...

Caps Jihadist Wrote:
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> What production was that exactly? You're welcome
> to your opinion of course...but only because you
> grew up in Kings Park. The numbers tell his story.
> 51 NHL playoff games, 15 goals, 19 assist, 33
> points and (wait...it gets better...) FORTY-SIX
> FUCKING PENALTY MINUTES!?!?!?!?! And let's not
> forget the 2009-2010 NHL playoffs...7 games, NO
> GOALS. He was a moody motherfucker who
> consistently blew his wad in the regular season
> and could NOT FUCKING PRODUCE IN THE PLAYOFFS and
> then cried about how he was treated here. We loved
> him and he shat on this town...fucker! (Not you,
> More Complete...)
>
> Production?!?!?! I'm pretty sure we can find a
> "replacement" for that kind of production...

Sure he disappeared in the playoffs (Mike Green anyone?) but also played really well at times during the regular season. His high stick penalties were the worst but somehow Hunter got him to cut down on that stupid stuff.

Like I said, I won’t miss him, but he was at the top of the league in goal scoring (though not when it mattered) and is top 5 all time for the Caps. That’s not easy to replace.

a run and gun offense is perfect for half a season. I like thier odds of a Cup run.

Great another Washington team to choke in the clutch. Although the Wizards never seem to get anyones hopes up

More Complete Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Caps Jihadist Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > What production was that exactly? You're
> welcome
> > to your opinion of course...but only because
> you
> > grew up in Kings Park. The numbers tell his
> story.
> > 51 NHL playoff games, 15 goals, 19 assist, 33
> > points and (wait...it gets better...) FORTY-SIX
> > FUCKING PENALTY MINUTES!?!?!?!?! And let's not
> > forget the 2009-2010 NHL playoffs...7 games, NO
> > GOALS. He was a moody motherfucker who
> > consistently blew his wad in the regular season
> > and could NOT FUCKING PRODUCE IN THE PLAYOFFS
> and
> > then cried about how he was treated here. We
> loved
> > him and he shat on this town...fucker! (Not
> you,
> > More Complete...)
> >
> > Production?!?!?! I'm pretty sure we can find a
> > "replacement" for that kind of production...
>
> Sure he disappeared in the playoffs (Mike Green
> anyone?) but also played really well at times
> during the regular season. His high stick
> penalties were the worst but somehow Hunter got
> him to cut down on that stupid stuff.
>
> Like I said, I won’t miss him, but he was at the
> top of the league in goal scoring (though not when
> it mattered) and is top 5 all time for the Caps.
> That’s not easy to replace.

Yeah...I broasted old Greenie up above. I'm totally with you on that one.

Obviously, you need goals scored in the regular season in order to win regular season games in order to qualify for the playoffs. But, you also need goals scored in the playoffs to win playoff games to win the Stanley Cup. I'm exagerrating here a bit but, I'd rather have a guy who scores 12 goals in the regular season and then blows up with 20 in the playoffs. Remember John Druce? Semin is just not a guy you can depend on in the playoffs. And we have a 6 season sample on that.

I'm interested to see how he does in CAR. We're going to play them a lot this season, maybe see them in the post-season, too. He signed a one year deal with the 'Canes. After all we read and heard about he and Ovechkin, Orlov and when he was here Federov hanging out at Russia House and doing Stoli bombs together...Semin has currently NO OTHER Russian teammates in CAR. I believe they have 5 non-North Americans on their squad. Raleigh's a fine city but it's not a metropolis like DC. He'll have to mix his Stoli bombs himself...at home...alone.

Caps Jihadist Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> I'm interested to see how he does in CAR. We're
> going to play them a lot this season, maybe see
> them in the post-season, too. He signed a one year
> deal with the 'Canes. After all we read and heard
> about he and Ovechkin, Orlov and when he was here
> Federov hanging out at Russia House and doing
> Stoli bombs together...Semin has currently NO
> OTHER Russian teammates in CAR. I believe they
> have 5 non-North Americans on their squad.
> Raleigh's a fine city but it's not a metropolis
> like DC. He'll have to mix his Stoli bombs
> himself...at home...alone.


If the Caps play the 'Canes 6 times than Semin will have 6 good games.

Hay Zeus Wrote:
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> If the Caps play the 'Canes 6 times than Semin
> will have 6 good games.

Exactly. Other than that it could go one of two ways with Semin… He will play hard for a more long term contract, or he will just say forget it, be lazy and go back to Russia.

Semin might have the new team surge and go good with a new coach and a new attitude. Without his fellow russian enablers around he might try to prove himself and not be lazy. I think he was picking up on Ovechkins bad habits and pouting in the Great 8's shadow.

Alexander Semin is what a sociologist would call a salad-bowl immigrant. He needs elements of his native Russia around him to feel secure about who he is, his place in the world and to do his job. And on some level, I can appreciate that. If I chose to go to Russia for work, I would need a lot of American elements around me too or I'd go bat-shit. Semin speaks little English, either because he can't or won't. The implication is...he misses his homeland and although he'll ultimately make more money here in the U.S., his work performance is comprimised. Barring a dramatic shift in his outlook, when his career ends, he'll retire to Russia.

Ovechkin, by comparison, is what a sociologist would call more of a melting pot immigrant. Although he still enjoys his Stoli bombs and a Russian fiancee, he has for the most part assimilated himself (as much as an athlete/celebrity can) into American life.

I've always thought Semin just pretended not to speak English to avoid reporters.

Looks like schedule will be out soon.


http://espn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id/8829233/board-governors-ratifies-tentative-agreement-nhl-nhlpa


NEW YORK -- The board of governors ratified the tentative agreement reached Sunday between the NHL and NHLPA, commissioner Gary Bettman confirmed Wednesday.

The 30 governors on hand for the league's board of governors meeting voted unanimously to pass, completing one half of ratification.

All that is needed for the deal to become official is for the players to vote. The vote, which will be held electronically for the 700-plus membership, is expected to be finished by Friday or Saturday, a source told ESPNNewYork.com. Training camps are tentatively set to open Sunday, the source said, with a 48-game regular season scheduled to start Jan. 19.

More Complete Wrote:
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> I've always thought Semin just pretended not to
> speak English to avoid reporters.

Thereby upping his asshole quotient further...and lowering his q-rating. He could be the game's best scorer for 10 years and have 12 Stanley Cups and save the life of conjoined twins...if he doesn't conduct himself in English, he'll just be second rate.

Look at Japanese baseball players...Now, they claim they have such a healthy respect for other cultures that they don't speak in non-Japanese languages until they are fully fluent because they don't want to mispronounce anything and disrespect the culture/language. That's nice sentiment but, it's just not true. Ichiro still uses a translater after 10 years in this country and Hidecki Matsui conducted his retirement presser in Japanese.

Caps Jihadist Wrote:
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> Thereby upping his asshole quotient further...

Yeah, he is an ass.

Backstrom isn't though. Hear he has a concussion, that's not good. :(

More Complete Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Caps Jihadist Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Thereby upping his asshole quotient further...
>
> Yeah, he is an ass.
>
> Backstrom isn't though. Hear he has a concussion,
> that's not good. :(

Backstrom, I understand from several people who have met him, is by all accounts a classy guy. And yes, he sustained another injury in the KHL and is saw a specialist in Michigan. Link...http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/wp/2013/01/09/nicklas-backstrom-visiting-specialist-in-michigan/?wprss=rss_local

Caps Jihadist Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Backstrom, I understand from several people who
> have met him, is by all accounts a classy guy.

An awesome player too. Caps will definitely need him so I hope he gets better ASAP.

One thing about that article that stood out to me is the following… “If Backstrom does not pass his training camp physical, the Capitals will not have to pay him because he was injured during the lockout.”

Hopefully it’s nothing but that’s pretty scary. Not only for Backstrom but potentially for the Caps as well. He’s the best center they have.

The NHL should start the season around this time every year, with football winding down, i wouldn't have started to really pay attention until now anyways. Which meant, as a caps fan, I missed the best half the season becuase this is when they usually start their decline.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/10/2013 01:31PM by Hay Zeus.

Hay Zeus Wrote:
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> The NHL should start the season around this time
> every year, with football winding down, i wouldn't
> have started to really pay attention until now
> anyways.

I think this is the case for a lot of people. Have to say (because I’ve missed it) I’m way more excited for the regular season than normal.

I have the feeling the shortened season is going to benefit teams with good coaches and GMs who can get their act together quickly. Not sure if that describes the Caps or not. We’ll see.

More Complete Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Caps Jihadist Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Backstrom, I understand from several people who
> > have met him, is by all accounts a classy guy.
>
> An awesome player too. Caps will definitely need
> him so I hope he gets better ASAP.
>
> One thing about that article that stood out to me
> is the following… “If Backstrom does not
> pass his training camp physical, the Capitals will
> not have to pay him because he was injured during
> the lockout.”
>
> Hopefully it’s nothing but that’s pretty
> scary. Not only for Backstrom but potentially for
> the Caps as well. He’s the best center they
> have.

Yeah...there needs to be some clarity there...

If there's a lockout and a player goes and plays in another league (KHL, AHL, Kings Park Street Hockey League, etc...) and IF he gets hurt while playing in another league during a lockout then once the lockout is over yes, the NHL team he's under contract with STILL has to pay him BUT...and this is a huge but...the injured player's salary does not count against the team's salary cap. Meaning, in theory, the team has that money to go out and sign a replacement player. Now, if you get hurt on a treadmill at home...I believe all bets are off. That's on you.

Let's be clear...you don't simply replace a player like Backstrom. Oh sure, they'll get a warm body in the lineup but he's the second best player on the squad and maybe intangibly the best player because if he doesn't do what he does, then Ovechkin doesn't bang home goals. The days of Ovechkin getting the puck from behind his own net, skating out of the arena and around the Washington Monument and then scoring unassisted are pretty much over. Teams have figured out his outside-inside toedrags, loops and hardstop transitions into glove-side wristers. He needs someone to set him up...that's Backstrom.

In closing...no Backstrom, no playoffs.

> the days of
> Ovechkin getting the puck from behind his own net,
> skating out of the arena and around the Washington
> Monument and then scoring unassisted are pretty
> much over. Teams have figured out his
> outside-inside toedrags, loops and hardstop
> transitions into glove-side wristers. He needs
> someone to set him up...that's Backstrom.

Those days were over after Ted signed him to a 10 year deal. I hope Ted learned a lesson from that signing. That is NEVER sign a player for more than 5 years. I'd even question 5 years.

Hay Zeus Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> > the days of
> > Ovechkin getting the puck from behind his own
> net,
> > skating out of the arena and around the
> Washington
> > Monument and then scoring unassisted are pretty
> > much over. Teams have figured out his
> > outside-inside toedrags, loops and hardstop
> > transitions into glove-side wristers. He needs
> > someone to set him up...that's Backstrom.
>
> Those days were over after Ted signed him to a 10
> year deal. I hope Ted learned a lesson from that
> signing. That is NEVER sign a player for more than
> 5 years. I'd even question 5 years.

The more I watch these "once in a lifetime" players come through my teams...Caps, Redskins and Gnats...Ovechkin, Bob3 and Strasberg/Harper the more I see it as a curse than a blessing. You need the best players to win championships unless you are the 2000 Ravens. If you get them and don't sign them to a 5 year+ deal, then they always manage to find a better offer at the end of the 5 year+ deal. But, if you do sign them to a 5 year+ deal, they generally (not always) put their feet up, become hard to coach, don't show up for training camps, and hold out for new contracts before the end of their current deals because someone else in the league is suddenly making more money.

As for Ted, I don't know him personally but, I like him as the owner of my hockey team. And I honestly thought he learned all this bullshit about paying premium players after everything he went though with Jaromir Jagr. I understand Jagr was a veteran free agent and Ovechkin a draft pick but, yeah...anything more than a 5 year deal for nothing less than one of the game's best 2 or 3 players is just not a smart business decision.

Caps Jihadist Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> If there's a lockout and a player goes and plays
> in another league (KHL, AHL, Kings Park Street
> Hockey League, etc...)

Well if you play in the Kings Park Street League, you’re going to get hurt. Thems guys is rough!

> Let's be clear...you don't simply replace a player
> like Backstrom.

Agree 100%. At his age though, you have to wonder how much of an affect multiple concussions are going to have on him.

>Oh sure, they'll get a warm body
> in the lineup but he's the second best player on
> the squad and maybe intangibly the best player
> because if he doesn't do what he does, then
> Ovechkin doesn't bang home goals.

This is why they traded for Mike Ribeiro. They needed to find a second-line center, and not just because of injuries to Backstrom. I was asking for it all last season and thought they’d make a move before the trade deadline. Nothing. They still made the playoffs (playing Hunter hockey) but I felt they should have made a move and they finally did, just not until the draft. It doesn’t help that the gamble for Kuznetsov didn’t pay off since he decided to wait a few years before joining the NHL (if he does at all).

I like Laich and Mojo but just don’t think they are good enough to get it done long term. Also didn’t they drop Knuble? Not sure I’m crazy about that either. Yeah he’s long in the tooth but he’s a solid veteran with good leadership qualities. Maybe I’m just biased and he’s done, but I always liked him.

Heard the Caps will open the season vs Lightning on Jan 19th.

I don't see Mike knuble on the roster, great team guy but he had lost his step. However, Roman Hamerlik is still listed as Defenseman. I dont know what he brings to the table. He might have had a key goal or two but for the most part i remember him being more of a liability than an asset on the ice.

Still see Joel Ward who should be cut him as well. Didn't he get some bonehead penalty during the NYR series that directly lead to a loss???

I'm saying it now, this will be Wojtek Wolski's break out season.

Knuble is gone. His contract was not renewed. And at this point, even if he wanted to be back they'd never re-sign him. He had some harsh (but honest) words about the state of the team after last year's playoff exit. It's unfortunate they couldn't take advantage of his skills more while he was here. He was also one of the few guys on the team with a ring. The Caps need 2 forwards of his type...guys who stand in the slot/crease and get beat on by the opposition but who stuff in rebounds. He was willing to pay the price to play that way and there's no one on the team like that now.

I'm willing to live with Ward. Yes, he took a bad penalty in an important game. But he's a lunchbox kinda' player that the Caps need. It was Game 5, Caps were leading the game 2-1, Ward takes the high-sticking call, Richards scores with less than 10 seconds to go in regulation and then get the game winner in overtime. Rangers went ahead 3-2 in the series.

However, Ward also had two huge goals in that series, too.

I just heard Ward interviewed on AM980. It's so weird to hear coverage of hockey stories...anyway, he sounded excited to get back on the ice and compete yata, yata...

They closed the interview with a reminder that Ward had hernia surgery in the off-season and is fully recovered.

You have a heck of a memory. I thought Ward had a key goal before the bonehead penalty.

Yeah Ward is a nice guy but he just isn't good any one thing in particular Speed? No. Physical? No, Shooter? No? Locker room motivator? No. Also, i've heard his interviews and i don't think he's all that bright. The high sticking penalty proves that.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/10/2013 05:20PM by Hay Zeus.

Hay Zeus Wrote:
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> You have a heck of a memory. I thought Ward had a
> key goal before the bonehead penalty.

Well, it's not that great apparently...I checked...Ward had ONE goal in last season's playoffs. I forget the circumstances but, I'm pretty sure it was game tying or game winning goal. I remember looking at my buddy when it went in and saying, "Joel Ward?".

> Yeah Ward is a nice guy but he just isn't good any
> one thing in particular Speed? No. Physical? No,
> Shooter? No? Locker room motivator? No. Also, i've
> heard his interviews and i don't think he's all
> that bright. The high sticking penalty proves
> that.

And I should clarify...barring any heroics in this upcoming season, if they let him go, trade him, etc...it's no big loss. There's something to be said for continuity and chemistry within any team's lineup but, he's totally replaceable. As you said, there's nothing he does that no one else on the squad can do.

Backstrom is back skating with the team today. Might not mean much but I'll take it as good news.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/wp/2013/01/11/nicklas-backstrom-skating-with-caps/

Mike O'"Meara must be elated. He is a huge Capitals fan. DOT

Few news items of note:

-Backstrom has been cleared to play!

- Laich has a groin injury, cannot skate

-Caps brought back Fehry. Not a bad move IMHO.

- Oates says Neuvy and Holtby will both get a lot of time.


Here were the line combinations and defensive parings in practice today…

Johansson-Backstrom-Ovechkin
Wolski-Ribeiro-Brouwer
Chimera-Beagle-Ward-Wilson
Hendricks-Perreault-Fehr-Crabb
Alzner-Carlson
Hamrlik-Green
Schultz-Schilling
Erskine-Hillen
Goal: Holtby, Neuvirth.

Here is the full schedule...

http://www.nhl.com/ice/schedulebyseason.htm?team=WSH

More Complete Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Few news items of note:
>
> -Backstrom has been cleared to play!
>
> - Laich has a groin injury, cannot skate
>
> -Caps brought back Fehry. Not a bad move IMHO.
>
> - Oates says Neuvy and Holtby will both get a lot
> of time.
>
>
> Here were the line combinations and defensive
> parings in practice today…
>
> Johansson-Backstrom-Ovechkin
> Wolski-Ribeiro-Brouwer
> Chimera-Beagle-Ward-Wilson
> Hendricks-Perreault-Fehr-Crabb
> Alzner-Carlson
> Hamrlik-Green
> Schultz-Schilling
> Erskine-Hillen
> Goal: Holtby, Neuvirth.

Thanks for the updates, MC.

Fehr was on with The Junkies this morning...God I hate that fucking show. And basically, he said he had other offers for more money but when the Caps tabled an offer he said he thinks there's a ring here for him.

He's kinda in that Joel Ward box in my opinion although he gets hurt more than Ward. Fehr isn't bringing anything special to the pond but, he works hard at both ends of it. And, like with Ward, despite a new coach hire...you like to keep the lineup intact when and where you can if he'll play in the new system. The question is...will he stay healthy?

Why is Hamrlik still on the team?

Caps Jihadist Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Fehr was on with The Junkies this morning...God I
> hate that fucking show. And basically, he said he
> had other offers for more money but when the Caps
> tabled an offer he said he thinks there's a ring
> here for him.

Like that kind of attitude and I hope he’s right.

> He's kinda in that Joel Ward box in my opinion
> although he gets hurt more than Ward.
> Fehr isn't bringing anything special to the pond but, he
> works hard at both ends of it. And, like with
> Ward, despite a new coach hire...you like to keep
> the lineup intact when and where you can if he'll
> play in the new system. The question is...will he
> stay healthy?

Agree. Like Ward, he makes a play now and then but is otherwise invisible. He played over in Europe during the lockout so I’ll take that as a good sign.

Hay Zeus Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Why is Hamrlik still on the team?

Good question. Glad they got rid of Wideman though. Dude drove me crazy last season. I was shouting at the TV every other time he stepped on the ice.

More Complete Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> Good question. Glad they got rid of Wideman
> though. Dude drove me crazy last season. I was
> shouting at the TV every other time he stepped on
> the ice.

Wideman was most useful during the power play, he had a good accurate shot when open but is kind of undersized to be a full time defenseman and was getting beat a lot.

Besides Canadians and the Commi-s who really cares about Hockey?
Only fags skate.
Women, not men, wear pads, and then only once a month!

Libbys Gay Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Besides Canadians and the Commi-s who really cares
> about Hockey?
> Only fags skate.
> Women, not men, wear pads, and then only once a
> month!

Soccer fan?

Did the pad comment give it away?

How many games will the longest win streak be this season? 5? 7? 10? I predict 7 straight wins within the first 25 games,

I dunno HZ, that's pretty lofty. I'll go with 5. I do have a feeling there will be lots of 4-3 games and plenty of scoring from the Caps though.

How about 7 straight wins followed with 10 straight losses?

Hockey fans are some dumb pucks.

Hay Zeus Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> How about 7 straight wins followed with 10
> straight losses?

Lol. They always seem to hit a slump at some point. With only 48 games, 10 straight losses could mean trouble.

Another season of George McPhee = another attempt at backing up and running harder into the wall again. If this guy had the intelligence to build a team that could get past the second round of the playoffs it would have happens once during his tenure. He does not get credit for getting to the 1998 Finals with another man's constructed team.

Hay Zeus Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

> Wideman was most useful during the power play, he
> had a good accurate shot when open but is kind of
> undersized to be a full time defenseman and was
> getting beat a lot.

Yup and we've had this player before...the first time his name was Mikael Tatarinov and the second time was Al Iafrate. Redskins place kicker Chip Lohmiller also had a wicked slapper that I once witnessed first hand at the team's skills competition prior to sending players to the All-Star game.

In other news...Coach Oates was just on the radio (AM980). When asked, "So, there's been some great hockey teams here of late. They seem to blaze through the regular season and then come up short in the post-season. So, why haven't the Caps won the Cup?"

He responded..."Breaks. Teams that win the Cup get breaks and the Caps have never gotten a break."

I frankly disagree with this. And I really dislike that he feels this way and that he felt the need to state this publicly.

The Caps haven't won the Cup because they've always been missing 1 or 2 players they need to round out the squad.

I'm generalizing here but...in the 80's and mid 90's the Caps were a defensive team with average goaltending and inconsistant goal scorers. From the mid 90's to present day, they've been an offensive juggernaut...and solid in the pipes and holes on defense.

Right now they have an overall good balance in all 3 areas of the game but they are STILL missing two players. "Phil Esposito/Dino Ciccarelli" to stand in front of the net, cause problems and bang in cheap rebounds and at the other end "Chris Pronger/Joe Reekie" to clear out the guys camped in front of our net.

Caps Jihadist Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> He responded..."Breaks. Teams that win the Cup get
> breaks and the Caps have never gotten a break."
>
> I frankly disagree with this. And I really dislike
> that he feels this way and that he felt the need
> to state this publicly.

Man. Really? That is disappointing. That’s not what you want a head coach to say. Breaks? That's all the Caps need huh? I thought they had a great chance in the 2009-10 season when they lost to Montreal, but I was wrong and no puck bounce or break could have helped them.

I thought they had a great chance last year but for all the heart and defensive grit they showed, they were still a player (2nd line center for one) or two away.

There is always a bounce or a break that will help or hurt a team, that's hockey. This is why the Stanley Cup playoffs are comprised of 7 game series. The better team usually wins. Breaks and bounces have little to do with it.

More Complete Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Caps Jihadist Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > He responded..."Breaks. Teams that win the Cup
> get
> > breaks and the Caps have never gotten a break."
> >
> > I frankly disagree with this. And I really
> dislike
> > that he feels this way and that he felt the
> need
> > to state this publicly.
>
> Man. Really? That is disappointing. That’s not
> what you want a head coach to say. Breaks? That's
> all the Caps need huh? I thought they had a great
> chance in the 2009-10 season when they lost to
> Montreal, but I was wrong and no puck bounce or
> break could have helped them.
>
> I thought they had a great chance last year but
> for all the heart and defensive grit they showed,
> they were still a player (2nd line center for one)
> or two away.
>
> There is always a bounce or a break that will help
> or hurt a team, that's hockey. This is why the
> Stanley Cup playoffs are comprised of 7 game
> series. The better team usually wins. Breaks and
> bounces have little to do with it.

LMFAO! Exactly...exactly! When you get SWEPT by the Lightning in 4 games...you weren't eliminated because you didn't get breaks, you were eliminated because you were outplayed.

In 1998, when you were swept by DET (a team Oates fucking PLAYED on...), in the franchise's FIRST trip to the finals which included Vladimir Konstantinov holding the Cup in his lap...in a wheelchair...on YOUR ice, it wasn't because you didn't get breaks.

When Pat LaFontaine takes 5 years to whirl and bang in a slapper from 5 blocks away...that's not a bad break.

When Petr Nedved, a player no one outside of PIT has heard from since...comes off the bench to beat you at 2:16 in the morning in triple overtime...again, ON YOUR ICE...that's not a bad break.

And Jaroslav Halak and on and on and on...

A "bad break" is the Buffalo Sabres losing the Cup in overtime on a crease violation that was called all year and now suddenly isn't called because that skate is laced onto the foot of Brett Hull.

I'm hoping what Oates was trying to say was, "I don't want the guys thinking that I, as the coach, don't think the team's good enough to win the Cup..." But, I mean...BREAKS?!?!!? We're talking about breaks?!?!!

The correct answer is: To many Russians who don't give a shit about North American hockey and the Stanley Cup.

Hay Zeus Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The correct answer is: To many Russians who don't
> give a shit about North American hockey and the
> Stanley Cup.

Yes and no, there Don Cherry...

I think the aforementioned "Russian Five" from DET softened that view a bit. But yeah...despite the Internet and satellite television bringing the glory of the Stanley Cup playoffs to anyone who wants to watch it now, non-North American players still don't quite view the Stanley Cup the same as their counterparts. If the KHL or another non-NHL league paid its players more than the NHL does, would the best hockey players in the world play there if the league champ wasn't awarded the Stanley Cup?

The Caps for their part have 6 non-North Americans on the active roster...2 Swedes, 2 Czechs, 1 Russia, and 1 Pollack. Maybe it's the winning nationalistic mix, we will of course...see.

Caps Jihadist Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> Yes and no, there Don Cherry...
>
> I think the aforementioned "Russian Five" from DET
> softened that view a bit. But yeah...despite the
> Internet and satellite television bringing the
> glory of the Stanley Cup playoffs to anyone who
> wants to watch it now, non-North American players
> still don't quite view the Stanley Cup the same as
> their counterparts. If the KHL or another non-NHL
> league paid its players more than the NHL does,
> would the best hockey players in the world play
> there if the league champ wasn't awarded the
> Stanley Cup?
>
> The Caps for their part have 6 non-North Americans
> on the active roster...2 Swedes, 2 Czechs, 1
> Russia, and 1 Pollack. Maybe it's the winning
> nationalistic mix, we will of course...see.

Those Russians were also Soviet defectors. They actually appreciated being free and didn't take playing in the NHL for granted. The generation following them have been nothing but prima donnas. Its a shame to because many of those guys have a lot of talent and could be great players.

Thanks for checking roster for nationalities. It always seemed like 50% of roster was Euro. Maybe its because the big names are mostly non-North American.

Man, Holtby didn't look too good tonight. The defense looked even worse and the top players didn't show up.

It's the first game under a new system so I'm not worried, yet, but this season is going to be too short for the kind of outing we saw tonight.

On the bright side, I liked what I saw from Ribeiro, Wolski, and Poti.

Did you see how when Hillen got hammered into the boards the Caps just quietly skated to the bench? They didnt jump to defend thier guy at all, start a fight do SOMETHING!?!?! Its going to be a long season if we dont have the Caps covering each others backs.

So, NONE of the Capitals defensemen played for another league during the lockout...and it showed. I thought Ward had a nice game for himself with 2 goals. You know he's not keeping that pace but, that's a great way to start the season for a guy coming off an unfortunate playoffs.

I liked the highlight reels of Ribiero's play in Dallas and he will be a welcome addition for sure. He's slight of build and slippery but if he gets hit, they'll really need a tough guy on that line. But let's not do anything stupid, eh Chimera?

Holtby can't expect to let in 6 and win. If he loses Tuesday night, they need to get Neuvy in there.

My biggest question from Saturday night was...Where the FUCK was Ovechkin? I like the switch to right wing. As a right hand shot myself who prefers the left-wing, I like my shooting angles but, it's not practical carrying the puck on your backhand all the time in order to provide some bodily puck protection. Now that Ovechkin's on the right wing, we'll hopefully not see anymore cuts across the middle since he would be doing so again...on the backhand.

It was only one game so, there's lots of hockey left but...they've got a lot of work to do.

Yep, defensemen were slow and everyone on the ice seemed to be thinking too much.

Agree it's a little disappointing how soft this team is. Hillen goes down and no one does anything, at all. Reminded me of when Borque hit Backstrom with an elbow taking him out for a good part of the season with a concussion.

Tonight Schultz out. Kundratek in. Crabb to make Caps debut. Sounds good to me. Especially Shultz being out.

Caps need a win tonight if only to shut up idiots who think the season is over after one game lol.

Season over! Just kidding. Defense looks terrible. No one looks like they care aside from Hendricks. Glad Mojo got benched, not sure why he was on the first line to begin with. I'll give them 6-8 games before I hit the panic button but it's not looking good.

they have no defense. They stopped playing at the middle of the first period. the shots were not getting through. The defense was sloppy and left Holtby out to dry. they FINALLY got a Power play goal. That team looks half asleep. Someone remind Ovechkin this is NOT the Friggen KHL.

I don't get it...I really don't. These guys have all been playing hockey for 20+ years of their lives...perhaps not together but this is really piss poor hockey being played. Passes off the mark, no energy, no crashing of the net, defensive lapses and overall breakdowns...

I've seen worse but there's just simply no excuse for how this team...this group of players...is playing. Maybe they just need to sit down and watch every playoff loss from the last 5 years since they clearly weren't motivated by those losses the first time.

It just doesn't matter when the season starts, the Caps don't play their best hockey this time of year.

Hopefully ticket prices in the secondary market go down a bit. It would be great to get a pair at Washington Wizard prices.

Fans should find and lynch McPhee....guy is a total fucking loser.

Hay Zeus Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> It just doesn't matter when the season starts, the
> Caps don't play their best hockey this time of
> year.

Except for when they started 7-0 last year. Of course, we all saw how that turned out. This time, though, it just seems like nobody really cares anymore. Their passes are slow. Their shots are telegraphed. Their hustle is nonexistent.

They really look like they want the team to be blown up. If this continues, they just might get it.

> Hopefully ticket prices in the secondary market go
> down a bit. It would be great to get a pair at
> Washington Wizard prices.

That's about the only silver lining to this giant storm cloud. It would be awesome to get some seats a few rows off the glass for a reasonable price!

4dhxC Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hay Zeus Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > It just doesn't matter when the season starts,
> the
> > Caps don't play their best hockey this time of
> > year.
>
> Except for when they started 7-0 last year. Of
> course, we all saw how that turned out. This
> time, though, it just seems like nobody really
> cares anymore. Their passes are slow. Their
> shots are telegraphed. Their hustle is
> nonexistent.

Season traditionally starts in October, and by the time the all star break (January) comes around they start losing steam.

Defense and PK are terrible. Goals and shots on goal even seem to be a problem as well. That's okay, real hockey starts in January, oh wait...



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/24/2013 11:55PM by More Complete.

Caps get a point! Ovi fell down and gave up the puck to blow the game. Good job captain. Can they take that C off his sweater now?

On the bright side, it was the best game they've played so far, which isn't saying much but they didn't give up an even strength goal until OT.

They obviously still need to improve but a good game from Neuvirth, Carlson, Ward and Erskine.

More Complete Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Can they take that C off his sweater now?


i need a sweater for my polar bear.

I actually started watching that game a few minutes before the Caps scored their first goal. So from now on I think Im going to just tune in when the Third period starts. First check nhl.com for the score before I do so. These Caps needed a friggen 5 on three to score some goals. Man they are lousy. That and I had no idea Ribiero and whatsisname are on the team. Oh and whats with Mike Green? Dude looks like he is FATTY! Did he just put his feet up and enjoy Meat lovers pizza's the whole lockout? GET IN SHAPE AND GET A HAIR CUT YOU SLOTH!

This year's edition continues to find new and interesting to lose hockey and I am running out of ways of describing their ass-hattery losing ways. They got a point finally after 4 hockey games but, they're just not playing 60 minutes of hockey. They're not even playing 20 minutes of hockey yet. I DO think Ovechkin on the LW is where he can contribute best. I respect Oates for trying new things but keep him on LW.

@dWwDD: You're new around here. I was new around here last year so, I'm going to cut you some slack because these other fine posters cut me slack. However...you had no idea that Mike Ribiero and whatsisname are on the team? Well, I mean...if you don't make it your business to keep abreast of roster changes then, that's on you. I'm not sure why you find the news of these players so offensive but, Ribiero will do well here. As for Mike Green...if you go back and read many of my posts, you'll see I'm in total agreement with you. Green used to be my favorite player back when he...you know, skated, moved the puck, executed razor sharp passes that lead to goals and potted the occasional biscuit himself. He needs to get in shape but...he's welcome to wear his hair anyway he likes there, Marge Schott.

I think these guys are burned out on each other, Ovie might be uncoachable, and Oats just doesn't have what it takes be an NHL coach.

Is it possible that Semin was the glue holding this team together?

This is their worst start since the 93-94 season.

Blow the team up now, its only a 50 game season.

I think Oates will be a good coach, HZ, I really do. They just don't have time to learn a new system this season and many are way out of shape, not playing 60 minutes like Jihadist said. Also agree with keeping OV on the left, not much time for that either, not with this start.

It is NOT possible Semin was the glue holding anything together. I think they miss Laich more than anyone. On a side note, Keith Aucoin (remember him) is now with the Islanders and has more goals than anyone on the Capitals roster. Way to go McPhee!

Don't think it should be blown up but you make an interesting point that they may just be burnt out as teammates. Ovi and Backstrom have been invisible except for the random dumb play leading to a penalty or turnover. WTF?

Ovechkin shoots HE SCOOOOOORES! Ovi needs to shoot the puck more. That man has a lack of confidence. He is not shooting the puck nearly as much as he used to. Cant score if you wont shoot man! Joel Ward has 3 goals and you have ONE! Come on now!

Hay Zeus Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I think these guys are burned out on each other,
> Ovie might be uncoachable, and Oats just doesn't
> have what it takes be an NHL coach.
>
> Is it possible that Semin was the glue holding
> this team together?
>
> This is their worst start since the 93-94 season.
>
> Blow the team up now, its only a 50 game season.


I disagree they moved Ovi on the power play from the left to the center circle and he SCORES! He seems pretty coachable to me since he moved from left to right and back again and his trying something new on the power play. With Good results. its a WIN today so be thankful the caps are no longer the only NHL team without a win.

Well, well and fucking well. Finally...jeez pete's! When you've been playing as poorly as these bastards in red have been playing, a win is a win...even an ugly one. Maybe ESPECIALLY an ugly win.

Offhand, I like the powerplay chemistry between Ribiero and Ovechkin. So much so, that I wish Oates would consider skating them together at even strength. I expect he won't because it unbalances the top two lines but, you could always start the game with those two paying together and then once you've built this thing I've heard about called a "lead"...you could always then throttle back and move Ribiero back to the second line. I dunno'...maybe that's too much dickin' around with the lines but hockey is a game of momentum and playing with a lead especially early is a much better place to be then always, always, always coming from behind. Ribiero and Ovechkin together early might build a lead early and put the opposition under pressure.

Nice of Ovechkin to get a goal today finally but, missing an uncontested chance at a 50 foot open netter especially when he could have skated closer is just a rookie mistake and totally inexcusable. Fortunately, it did not affect the outcome.

Kudos to Joel Ward for his 3rd goal. Go to the net and goals get scored. Perhaps Ward might become this year's version of Mike Knuble who...I just read, signed with PHI this week. Great...so glad he landed in the division...

how much longer will Lindy Ruff be coach in Buffalo? Dude has been there since 1997!? Anyone else remember him taunting the Caps by flexing his biceps from the bench? on another note looks like the Caps are finally getting the hang of Oat's system. not sure what took so long But I hope they get it together enough to put a dent in the standings and get back to where they belong. AT THE TOP!

Caps Jihadist Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Well, well and fucking well. Finally...jeez
> pete's! When you've been playing as poorly as
> these bastards in red have been playing, a win is
> a win...even an ugly one. Maybe ESPECIALLY an ugly
> win.


Almost forgot what a win felt like. Last team in the NHL to get one. Hooray!


> Offhand, I like the powerplay chemistry between
> Ribiero and Ovechkin. So much so, that I wish
> Oates would consider skating them together at even
> strength. I expect he won't because it unbalances
> the top two lines but, you could always start the
> game with those two paying together and then once
> you've built this thing I've heard about called a
> "lead"...you could always then throttle back and
> move Ribiero back to the second line. I
> dunno'...maybe that's too much dickin' around with
> the lines but hockey is a game of momentum and
> playing with a lead especially early is a much
> better place to be then always, always, always
> coming from behind. Ribiero and Ovechkin together
> early might build a lead early and put the
> opposition under pressure.


I like this idea. I’m quickly becoming a Ribiero fan. He’s playing better than Backstrom at this point and is leading the team in points. The Ovi-Beagle-Crab lineup seems weird to me but the Ovi-Backstrom-Brouwer worked for the most part yesterday. Though, I do like Ribs with Ward, they seem to have chemistry. I will say this though, the less Marcus Johansson the better. From top line to the bench. From bad losses to looking like a team that can win a few games. I don’t think the two are unrelated.

Hard to tell what Oates will do with such a small sample size but from what we’ve seen so far, he’s not afraid to change things up. That said, imagine he will stick with what got the win. Also think he sticks with Neuvy in net, obviously.


> Nice of Ovechkin to get a goal today finally but,
> missing an uncontested chance at a 50 foot open
> netter especially when he could have skated closer
> is just a rookie mistake and totally inexcusable.
> Fortunately, it did not affect the outcome.


Rookie mistake indeed. However, Ovi played much better after he scored. It looks like his confidence has been at an all time low. Something isn’t right with his head. He has two points through five games, fewest for him in the first five games of any season. Scoring game winning goals should help whatever is ailing him. Winning cures all.


> Kudos to Joel Ward for his 3rd goal. Go to the net
> and goals get scored. Perhaps Ward might become
> this year's version of Mike Knuble who...I just
> read, signed with PHI this week. Great...so glad
> he landed in the division...


Ward is certainly off to a good start. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say he may end up with more goals than Ovi!

Duck Hunt Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> how much longer will Lindy Ruff be coach in
> Buffalo? Dude has been there since 1997!? Anyone
> else remember him taunting the Caps by flexing his
> biceps from the bench? on another note looks like
> the Caps are finally getting the hang of Oat's
> system. not sure what took so long But I hope
> they get it together enough to put a dent in the
> standings and get back to where they belong. AT
> THE TOP!

Don’t remember the taunting, I’ll have to look that up. You’re right though, that’s a heck of a long time for any NHL coach these days.

To quote Mr. Oates, “When you do it right, we look like a real team.”

There's a lot of bad blood between BUF and WSH. I don't know if it's on the level of PIT, PHI, NYR or (when they are good) NYI but with BUF it goes back to the '98 Eastern Conference Playoffs. Specifically game 2, played in WSH.

Caps dumped the puck in behind Hasek and Petr Bondra (of all people) goes roaring in there and whether he meant to or not interfered with Hasek behind the net. This was the pre-trapezoid era. Hasek wasn't knocked down but there should have been a penalty called and for once in Washington's sports history, one wasn't called. Bondra gathered the puck and passed it out front to Todd Krygier (a BUF native) who was steaming down the slot for basically a wide open goal. This was Lindy Ruff's first year in the playoffs with BUF and this game by no means decided the series but, Ruff and the Sabres just couldn't let it go.

Then a few years ago...Daniel Briere go into it with Ovechkin and it just kept coming up over the regular season series. I might have this backwards but, I think Ovechkin took a few cheap shots and then viciously speared Briere in the gut at one point. Some of this was called, a lot of it wasn't.

Unless there's something else that happens between now and Ruff's departure this will all go away once Lindy is no longer coaching in BUF. None of the players from most of this are there...it's really just Ruff trying to settle some seemingly unsettle-able score.

Goalie tonight is something like 4-0 against Sens. Lets make it 5-0 please.

We can always depend on Caps Jihadist to provide a great lesson in Caps hockey history! Have to hand it to the guy, his knowledge is impressive.


What a disappointing game last night, let that one slip away in the last few minutes. Yeah, it was a crap call on Ward but they wasted what had been the best start of the season by getting complacent in the third period. 1-4-1. Record speaks for itself. On the bright side there has been major improvement across the board. However, like many, I’m beginning to question the logic of keeping Ovi with Beagle and Crab on the top line. 42 games left, they’ll go quick. Get it together Caps!

More Complete Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> We can always depend on Caps Jihadist to provide a
> great lesson in Caps hockey history! Have to hand
> it to the guy, his knowledge is impressive.

Thanks, MC. That was a class thing to say. I remember that game 2 against BUF very well as I was in the "Phone Booth" for that one. 400's, in the corner, with a view right down the goal line in question. I can still see Hasak bumbling around trying to get back in front and Krygier snapping a crisp wrister and throwing his hands up before it went in to celebrate.

> What a disappointing game last night, let that one
> slip away in the last few minutes. Yeah, it was a
> crap call on Ward but they wasted what had been
> the best start of the season by getting complacent
> in the third period. 1-4-1. Record speaks for
> itself. On the bright side there has been major
> improvement across the board. However, like many,
> I’m beginning to question the logic of keeping
> Ovi with Beagle and Crab on the top line. 42 games
> left, they’ll go quick. Get it together Caps!

That game against OTA was yet another very difficult game to watch. When it was 2-0, I thought they'd score a third and close it out. Did anyone see the Ward penalty? If so, can you describe it please? I haven't seen the replay but, Joe and Craig said it should not have been called. But, you know...regardless? You don't let Sergei Gonchar have an open look slapper with 2 men screening in front. Dale Hunter's system of shot blocking would have snuffed that shot...oh well. The Caps played well enough to win but, they still don't know how to close out a hockey game. They think you close a hockey game by gliding around and looking at the game clock...

I really, really, REALLY don't like Ovechkin-Beagle-Crabbe. WTF is that, Coach Oates? Maybe he's sending a message to Ovechkin but, if so...he hasn't received it.

Speaking of Gonchar...I will never understand why we let that guy go. And for Shoane Morrisonn who is long gone and 2 draft picks (whom I'll have to research later). Morrisonn's line for the Caps? 5 seasons, 377 games, 9 goals and 43 assists. I get that Gonchar would command a high salary and he'd be worth EVERY penny. He's a defensive liability and we've got Mike Green now but, it was a mistake to let Gonchar go, IMHO. And in a strange bit of irony, Laugher and Benninati were discussing the results of their Twitter survey, "Who was the Caps best offensive defenseman?" and just a few moments before Gonchar rips the game winner, they tell us it was him...

And just so we're clear. Just because Gonchar wore the #55 in PIT following Larry Murphy, should not have meant that we "whoop" him every time he touches the puck now. We whooped Larry Murphy (and we shouldn't have because he is a HOF'er with 4 Cups) after he ended up in PIT following the Patrick Division finals in 1988 against NJD. This was the year Dale Hunter beat PHI in the previous round with the overtime breakaway winner against Hextall. In game 7 in WSH, NJD won on a play in which Murphy uncharacteristically backed up across his own blueline, there was a pass that went right through his legs. The play was clearly offsides but this was back when it was 1 ref and 2 linesman. The linesman who should have made the call was screened and he missed the call. Murphy bore the blame because he admitted later to giving up on the play instead of stepping up into the puck and knocking it away. This was an insanely high-scoring series that featured a NJD laugher to the tune of 10-4...ouch.

This lead to whooping Larry Murphy whenever he visited WSH as a Penguin. And then in a strange twist of fate, Gonchar was the next player to wear that number in PIT and ALSO happened to be a former Cap. A new generation of fans thought, "Oh yeah...you're ALWAYS supposed to whoop the guy who wears #55 for PIT..."

Poor Gonchar...but, he had the last laugh.

Caps Jihadist Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> That game against OTA was yet another very
> difficult game to watch. When it was 2-0, I
> thought they'd score a third and close it out. Did
> anyone see the Ward penalty? If so, can you
> describe it please? I haven't seen the replay but,
> Joe and Craig said it should not have been called.


I shouldn’t have been called, it was a follow through. Here is the rule and an excerpt from a good article on it here…

http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/capitals-watch/2013/jan/30/morning-after-analysis-senators-3-capitals-2/

Rule 60 – High-sticking

60.1 High-sticking – A “high stick” is one which is carried above the height of the opponent's shoulders. Players must be in control and responsible for their stick. However, a player is permitted accidental contact on an opponent if the act is committed as a normal windup or follow through of a shooting motion, or accidental contact on the opposing center who is bent over during the course of a face-off. A wild swing at a bouncing puck would not be considered a normal windup or follow through and any contact to an opponent above the height of the shoulders shall be penalized accordingly

Ward clipped Ottawa defenseman Patrick Wiercioch with a follow through on a cycle of the puck in the offensive zone. It was not a shot, so by the letter of the law it should have been a penalty.

But Ward wasn't taking a “wild swing” at a bouncing puck; he slid the puck along, and his follow through struck Wiercioch up high. Officials are not required to speak to reporters after games, something I was reminded of last season when a goal by Brooks Laich was disallowed and Eric Furlatt declined to talk.
NHL spokesman Gary Meagher, when asked to clarify the interpretation of the rule, said 60.1 was what applied: "The final sentence of the rule is applicable here and it is a judgement call that the referee makes when assessing (or not) a penalty."

So it was referee Wes McCauley's judgement.


> I really, really, REALLY don't like
> Ovechkin-Beagle-Crabbe. WTF is that, Coach Oates?
> Maybe he's sending a message to Ovechkin but, if
> so...he hasn't received it.


A lot of people think he’s sending a message but I’m not sure what that message is. Play better or play with 4th line guys?

> Speaking of Gonchar...I will never understand why
> we let that guy go. And for Shoane Morrisonn who
> is long gone and 2 draft picks (whom I'll have to
> research later). Morrisonn's line for the Caps? 5
> seasons, 377 games, 9 goals and 43 assists. I get
> that Gonchar would command a high salary and he'd
> be worth EVERY penny.


Yeah, that’s all on GMGM. He left with Jagr and Konowalchuk as part of the firesale to free up cap space and start the young guns, build from the draft thing.

Caps aside, I think this is the most professional & civil thread on this board. Keep up the good work fella's!

Hay Zeus Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Caps aside, I think this is the most professional
> & civil thread on this board. Keep up the good
> work fella's!

Just wait until they fail to make the playoffs or bow out in game 7 of round 1. All the negative Nancy “Caps suck” posts will take over complete with pics of people choking! Lol!

In all seriousness HZ, it’s great to have civil conversation with people whose opinion I respect, regardless of the subject matter and especially amongst all the other crap floating around in this cesspool.

Tonight’s lineup (based on morning skate)…

Ovechkin - Beagle - Crabb
Wolski - Backstrom - Brouwer
Chimera - Ribeiro - Ward
Hendricks - Johansson - Fehr

Alzner - Green
Erskine - Carlson
Schultz - Kundratek

Neuvirth


Not sure why Neuvy is playing 5 in a row. Figured Holtby would get the start. Guess Oates is waiting for back to back games or a bad performance to bench him.

Tonight's lineup on my XBOX-360...

Ovechkin-Ribiero-Ward
Wolski-Backstrom-Fehr
Chimera-Beagle-Crabbe
Hendricks-Johannsson-Fehr

Alzner-Carlson
Schultz-Green
Erskine-Kundratek

Neuvirth

Hay Zeus Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> Still see Joel Ward who should be cut him as well.
> Didn't he get some bonehead penalty during the NYR
> series that directly lead to a loss???

Word must have gotten around to Joel that i've been riding him real hard on this board. Glad to see him step his game up. So far, 6 games in, he is leading the team with goal.

Keep it up muchacho!

I still say blow this team up but rebuild it around Ward.

Still so many things wrong. 5 penalties in the 1st, out shot 40-22, and playing flat in 3rd period. What system or style is Oats trying to implement?

FWIW Oats looks like a queen behind the bench and wouldn't motivate me. He looks like a complete 180 from Hunter.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/01/2013 06:47AM by Hay Zeus.

When TOR scored the game winning goal, Mrs. Jihadist stood up in our living room and shouted at the TV, "YOU FUCKERS DON'T WANNA' WORK! YOU DON'T!" and promptly went to bed...

When you have the horses that Oates has, whether they are in shape or not, whether there was a lockout or not...when you have these horses, you need to win hockey games. This situation is completely in Oates' lap. This team is not motivated to play and it's his job to find what makes them tick and get them to play their very best, every night and every shift. That's how he played the game himself. And what's with all the penalties?!?!?! The PK did a great job tonight (only 1 goal on 8 TOR PP's) but, when you're on the PK that much you are effectively turning off the offense during that period. This severely limits your scoring opportunities.

Speaking of Oates, for those that may have missed it, here's his HOF speech: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3V4pmABjU2g

2 things struck me watching this...#1 He named many great players that he played in ALL of the cities during his career EXCEPT...Washington. That was strange. The players he mentioned I believe were all HOF'ers themselves so, perhaps that was why they were mentioned since he didn't play with any HOF'ers here in WSH.

#2 Check out his wife...WTF?!?!?! He makes light of the fact that he wishes he "met her earlier" but...how old is she? She looks 27 to me...

Caps Jihadist Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> When you have the horses that Oates has, whether
> they are in shape or not, whether there was a
> lockout or not...when you have these horses, you
> need to win hockey games. This situation is
> completely in Oates' lap.


+1. He's in a crappy situation as a new coach in a season cut in half with no preseason or camp, but he's got to take the hit for this. Still, I think we've got to give him a few weeks to see if there's a method to this maddness. Unfortunately, tossing 10 - 12 games to iron out the kinks or implement your system dooms the Caps in a 48 game season.