Caps are 3-0 but thier D still sucks. The Penguins had almost twice as many shots on net. If Caps can't correct that they will never win the Cup.

I predict the win streak will go to 6 and end with a loss to the flyers.



Edited 11 time(s). Last edit at 12/08/2011 10:16AM by FurfaxTownie.

You're being quite optimistic with a 6 game streak. I think Ottawa on Saturday will surprise 'em and hand the Caps their first defeat (in regulation, too). I'm not hoping for this, of course, but I am not ruling it out as a possibility.

Off subject - What do you think of Tomas Vokoun? I don't think he's worth a shit compared to Neuvi and Holtby. The guy is flailing when he should be standing and 15 feet off the crease when he should be glued to the post.

Who gives a fuck about a streak in the regular season. The Caps making the playoffs is a foregone conclusion. I don't give a shit what they do until they win in the playoffs.


As for "The D" being a problem, it's been a problem during the entire Boudreau era. Ted Leonsis should have fired this guy after last year's playoff collapse. He's only delaying the inevitable, and it will be another year of prime talent going to waste.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://bible.cc/1_corinthians/13-11.htm

Bruce deserved to stay and the D was good last year. We'll see but if they lose early in the playoffs I expect he will then be gone.

More Complete Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Bruce deserved to stay and the D was good last
> year. We'll see but if they lose early in the
> playoffs I expect he will then be gone.

I'm not a hockey expert, but a lot of people who are say he doesn't change up his strategy between periods. The problem the team has now is this self-fulfilling prophecy thing. They expect to lose in the playoffs, and they will. That won't change until the coach does.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://bible.cc/1_corinthians/13-11.htm

WashingTone-Locian Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Who gives a fuck about a streak in the regular
> season. The Caps making the playoffs is a foregone
> conclusion. I don't give a shit what they do until
> they win in the playoffs.

Honestly, I don't care about the streak. Just trying to get the conversation juices flowing, my man.

> As for "The D" being a problem, it's been a
> problem during the entire Boudreau era. Ted
> Leonsis should have fired this guy after last
> year's playoff collapse. He's only delaying the
> inevitable, and it will be another year of prime
> talent going to waste.

Yup I agree. I like Czabs idea of having Bruce coach the regular season then find a coach for the playoff. Not that it'll ever happen. Ted is a nice enough guy but he i think he's loyal to a fault.

With respect Vokoun: He is a flopper but so was Dominic Hasek. Europeans goaltenders are never as techical as thier North American counterpart. That would be fine if the D was better about clearing out the front of the net and rebounds. With that said, Holtby is Canadian and I would rather see him in the mix.

I am personally waiting for the December 1st home game against the penguins. I hope the Caps put a bounty on Asham's head for that bullshit last night. Beating up a rookie, what a tough guy. Letang is a big boy, let him fight his own fights douche.

There is nothing tough about beating up a guy with the last name "Beagle". Isn't Snoopy a beagle?

FurfaxTownie Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> There is nothing tough about beating up a guy with
> the last name "Beagle". Isn't Snoopy a beagle?

Good grief, taking on that big ass dude?
what a block head.

The way I see it, if Asham wanted to fight for LeTang then Crosby should pay for Asham's bullshit actions. Be that errant clearing attempts in Crosby's head's general direction or just beating the everliving fuck out of him all game long.

Voukun was the only thing keeping the Caps in the game last night. It did not help that they took FIVE Penalty kills during regulation and the Penguins took NONE. Nothing Wrong With V's style of play. he was coming out of the bet and challenging the Pens shooters. Malkin Couldnt score and sthal was held off for the most part. The Caps were sloppy and slow. If there was a loose puck it seemed like the Pens got a stick on it right away and would not let the Caps clear their zone. Whereas the Caps were kept on their heels. But hey Seeing that little kid in the Red Caps jersey jumping up and down as the winner next to his dad in the blue pens jersey was LOL funny.

Just not sure if Voukun can cut mustard in the playoffs though. Being a flopper generates rebounds and winning in the playoffs usually comes down to clearing out the trash and not giving up garbage goals.

Nuevert (sic) was injured last night so thats why V was in net. Holtby was on hand as back up. Also Ollie Kolzig is one of the Goaltending coaches so maybe he will work on them.

I believe Gabby said before the start of the season that Vokun is the starter regardless of Neauvys health. Of course, that is always subject to change.

Challenging opposing shooters is fine if you're going to absorb the shot and not let it rebound in front of the now open net. His style of not dropping until the puck is 3 ft. in front of him is going to cause issues too as it did last night when Shittsburgh was allowed to tie it up in the 3rd.

Glad someone else agrees with me.

Gonads & Strife Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Challenging opposing shooters is fine if you're
> going to absorb the shot and not let it rebound in
> front of the now open net. His style of not
> dropping until the puck is 3 ft. in front of him
> is going to cause issues too as it did last night
> when Shittsburgh was allowed to tie it up in the
> 3rd.


his job is to turn the puck away on the initial shot and let defenders sweep the puck clear. which they did for the most part. Give the man credit where credit is due. He was pelted and only let in 3 goals. He had to fight off 5 power plays. Johnson in comparison looked sloppy. Leaving the net wide open. I give the man credit for keeping the Caps in the game.

It isn't going to take very long for teams to figure out that all they need to do is send a rocket at his chest and have another player nearby to tap in the guaranteed easy rebound.

The first rocket to voukun's chest will hit Mike Green in the head....again.

After that it will be garbage goal feeding frenzy

Hay Zeus Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The first rocket to voukun's chest will hit Mike
> Green in the head....again.
>
> After that it will be garbage goal feeding frenzy


LoL poor Green. He always looks confused as it is..he doesn't need any more pucks to the head.

They needed OT to beat the Pens without Crosby and Malkin???

Craps Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> They needed OT to beat the Pens without Crosby and
> Malkin???
>


Without malkin? If you want to sound like you know what you're talking about it helps if you actually watch the games...

Its good for the league that Crosby is back. However, Him knowing he is one concussion from ending his career will probably impact his game. Not that he was all that exciting to watch in the first place.

Malkin is a 100x's more exciting to watch than Crosby. Crosby is the garbage goal king, all he does is park his ass in front of the net and clean up the trash. Granted he's really good at it but he's not exactly splitting D like Mario, Gretzky or Lindros.

why get your hopes up you know they will choke later on, they always do

How do you know, do you have a time machine? Nothing is set in stone brother.

Aqua Buddha Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Gonads & Strife Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Challenging opposing shooters is fine if you're
> > going to absorb the shot and not let it rebound
> in
> > front of the now open net. His style of not
> > dropping until the puck is 3 ft. in front of
> him
> > is going to cause issues too as it did last
> night
> > when Shittsburgh was allowed to tie it up in
> the
> > 3rd.
>
>
> his job is to turn the puck away on the initial
> shot and let defenders sweep the puck clear.
> which they did for the most part. Give the man
> credit where credit is due. He was pelted and
> only let in 3 goals. He had to fight off 5 power
> plays. Johnson in comparison looked sloppy.
> Leaving the net wide open. I give the man credit
> for keeping the Caps in the game.


You were saying? ...I fucking hate Vokoun. What a bust he already is. I told you he allows too many goddamn rebounds and with less than a minute left in the period he allows a bullshit goal because he was too busy making snow angels in front of the net, flat on his face instead of being glued to the fucking post!

Gonads & Strife Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> You were saying? ...I fucking hate Vokoun. What a
> bust he already is. I told you he allows too many
> goddamn rebounds and with less than a minute left
> in the period he allows a bullshit goal because he
> was too busy making snow angels in front of the
> net, flat on his face instead of being glued to
> the fucking post!

To be fair the whole team stopped playing in the final minute of the 1st period. Good job Bruce. How many lackadaisical attempts were there to clear the zone. I guess Ottawa didn't the memo that you're supposed to stop playing after the 1 minute announcement.

LoL I guess I'm not the only one that wants to put a boot up Vokoun's ass...seems after the 1st he started to ::gasp:: catch pucks and recover rebounds when they occurred. And while I understand that everybody (except Ottawa) stopped playing, Vokoun pulled a Haynesworth on that play and that's what allowed the score.

Yeah i think signing Voukun was a token effort by the Caps front office to make make fans think they were doing something to improve.

I wish they'd have bought themselves another defender and brought Holtby up from Hershey

Voukun gets a shut out against the Panthers. Although i think the Panthers were just flat after their win over TB.

I Philly is a tough place to play and the Flyers will hand the Caps their first loss on Thursday.

I agree with that assessment. As much as I want Philly to fall off the face of the earth and everybody in that city die of explosive diarrhea, they're tough and it is very likely that they'll come out on top. Of course, I'll still be hoping for a win..

Not much else matters until 76 more regular season games are complete...

Ovie need to adjust his game.

Either his shot is blocked the defender

OR

He makes a move and gets held up and runs into the goalie.

Almost all of his shots get blocked by the defenders stick while he is coming down the wing one-on-one.

Should be interesting and rare undefeated match up tonight. Even if the Caps win I'll still be suspect of their hype.

Hay Zeus Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Should be interesting and rare undefeated match up
> tonight. Even if the Caps win I'll still be
> suspect of their hype.


I'm not so sure it's just hype anymore. They're working their asses off (it seems) and finally getting some results. 7-1 isn't anything to sneeze at, but you're right to be skeptical regardless...we all are.

Gonads & Strife Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hay Zeus Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Should be interesting and rare undefeated match
> up
> > tonight. Even if the Caps win I'll still be
> > suspect of their hype.
>
>
> I'm not so sure it's just hype anymore. They're
> working their asses off (it seems) and finally
> getting some results. 7-1 isn't anything to sneeze
> at, but you're right to be skeptical
> regardless...we all are.

When they win the Stanley Cup, I'll stop being skeptical. Hell, if they make it to the Stanley Cup, I'll stop being skeptical.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://bible.cc/1_corinthians/13-11.htm

WashingTone-Locian Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Gonads & Strife Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Hay Zeus Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > Should be interesting and rare undefeated
> match
> > up
> > > tonight. Even if the Caps win I'll still be
> > > suspect of their hype.
> >
> >
> > I'm not so sure it's just hype anymore. They're
> > working their asses off (it seems) and finally
> > getting some results. 7-1 isn't anything to
> sneeze
> > at, but you're right to be skeptical
> > regardless...we all are.
>
> When they win the Stanley Cup, I'll stop being
> skeptical. Hell, if they make it to the Stanley
> Cup, I'll stop being skeptical.






Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/22/2011 10:43PM by Gonads & Strife.

Gonads & Strife Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

> >
> > When they win the Stanley Cup, I'll stop being
> > skeptical. Hell, if they make it to the Stanley
> > Cup, I'll stop being skeptical.
>
>
>


OV holding this would please me...



---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://bible.cc/1_corinthians/13-11.htm

Yeah, me too...so far all we've got is

Gonads & Strife Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> I'm not so sure it's just hype anymore. They're
> working their asses off (it seems) and finally
> getting some results. 7-1 isn't anything to sneeze
> at, but you're right to be skeptical
> regardless...we all are.


I think Detroit just had a bad game with a back up goalie in net. Voukun looked like a babe in the woods the first period of that game.

Season is WAY to long to draw any conclusions just yet. After the all star break when teams have made adjustments and they are still blowing teams out, then I'll get really excited.

However best get to some home games while they're on a hot streak and join the fun.

Caps will finish the regular season 82-0, then get swept in the first round of the playoffs.

I'M A FIVE-STAR MAN!!

FurfaxTownie Wrote:
-
> I think Detroit just had a bad game with a back up
> goalie in net. Voukun looked like a babe in the
> woods the first period of that game.
Detroit had the full might of their offense and couldnt crack Vokoun. He has been standing on his head and stopping shots like the all star he is. What Sunk Detroit was the Penalties they incurred and the Power plays they couldnt capitalize on once the Caps started taking penalties. Special teams and Vokoun are what made that game a 7-1 route. One goal for each game one was a special night. I miss the Capstranaught.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/23/2011 11:52AM by ferfux.

motherfucking vokoun...again...still...

That was an exciting game against the Ducks. I was close to pulling the trigger on buying tix but g/f decided to be a pain in the ass.

Now that I think about it it seems like the Caps have hard time getting things going early on and have to come from behind.

I'm with G&S and not believer in Voukun. Rebound consistantly pop out 5 feet leaving his back door wide open.

The Caps need to hire a comedy coach for the European guys. They dont seem to be grapsing the concept of "Sarcasim" very well.

They're asking who has the worst car on the team. Consensus is its Brooks Laich's Late 90's Cadilac Escalade. Below are some sarcasim fails:

Backstrom": "Brooksy (haha)....its from WWII or something.."
Ovie: "(inaudiable)....'68 Cadilac Escalade....grandfathers age...(inaudiable).."

If the Escalade model had been around 20-40 years ago, it almost might have been funny.

fucking shultz always with the idiot penalties...

fucking Wideman...scared of getting hit so he fucks up a clear and they score. FUCKING VOKOUN standing there like all is well even though the puck is still in his zone. Lazy motherfucker...

Dear Tomas Vokoun,


Please fucking kill yourself.


Sincerely,

Capitals Fans

Hey look, another power play for the Caps. We won't score on it. They should save us all the time and just take 2 min off the clock and keep on going.

and there goes our power play...told ya

Hey Wideman...that stick you're holding can also be used to STOP the little round thing that everybody else seems to be playing with. Just letting you know since every time it comes near you, you seem to not know to do with it.

@G&S

are you really surprised they dropped two in row after struggling to beat the Jets at home?


I never understood why Ovechkin doesn't play center. Typically you put the strongest skaters at center. Ovechkin is supposed to be best player in the league. I seems like keeping him on wing really limits his full potential to make plays.

Regardless, he need to change his game.

I am relieved that Bruce has been let go, nothing personal, he seems like a stand up guy but he has been given plenty of chances, more than any NHL coach is ever given, to right the ship.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/post/capitals-fire-bruce-boudreau-dale-hunter-named-new-head-coach/2011/11/28/gIQARU1d4N_blog.html

Not sure how I feel about Dale Hunter as the replacement as of yet. I bet we see a 2-3 game win streak followed by 6 losses.

Hopefully Dale will put Vokoun on permanent back-up duty and mix up the lines.

The thing i like most about Hunter is that he earned his reputation from scoring garbage goals and being a grinder. Something the Caps have lacked. Their fast paced European style works well in the regular season but got them nowhere in the playoffs when teams tighten up the defenses, which is when grinders payoff.
Attachments:

FurfaxTownie Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hopefully Dale will put Vokoun on permanent
> back-up duty and mix up the lines.

Mix up the lines? Jesus, Boudreau wouldn't keep line combinations in one piece for an entire game, let alone several games. I don't care what the line combos end up becoming so long as they are allowed to stay together for extended stretches.

The reality is that the players are to blame. Bruce changed lines, sat players, even went to a new system last year. He even had a bag skate to get their attention this year. He did everything a coach was supposed to do, but the players didn't respond. Semin should be traded. Maybe that will get their attention.

@ykNLH
Seemed the starting line ups didnt change much. Bruce had different combinations for different situations such as Offensive Zone Face Off on a Powerplay.

I think the players don't respond to Bruce because he's fat and not very firey. No offense, but when was the last time a fatty inspired you?

Sure Trade Semin and get a legitimate #1 goaltender. Vokoun's fundamentals are bad he is rebound machine and is probably one of the oldest goaltenders in the leage @ 35, there is no future with him.

Hopefully Hunter will get on the ice and kick someone's ass.

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

It's kind of hard to argue with a 201-88-40 record but Bruce may have been a victim of his own success. I wish him well, he's done a lot for the Caps. It looks like going from a players coach to a hard ass didn't work for him.

If Hunter doesn't do well, say goodbye to GM-GM.

Hey Dale, if you're an asshole to the players all the time, then they appreciate you more when you're nice. If you're nice all the time, they don't take you seriously when you get shitty with them.

Sorry it didn't work out Bruce, best of luck in your future endeavors.

Hay Zeus Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Sorry it didn't work out Bruce, best of luck in
> your future endeavors.


Thank you, Hay Zeus. I'm actually on this forum frequently and get all kinds of coaching advice from the regulars on this forum. In fact, that's why I don't have a fucking job now. Fuck all of you!

The only thing this forum is good for is legal advice and window tinting recommendations.

Bruce Boudreau Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hay Zeus Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Sorry it didn't work out Bruce, best of luck in
> > your future endeavors.
>
>
> Thank you, Hay Zeus. I'm actually on this forum
> frequently and get all kinds of coaching advice
> from the regulars on this forum. In fact, that's
> why I don't have a fucking job now. Fuck all of
> you!
>
> The only thing this forum is good for is legal
> advice and window tinting recommendations.


Now that you're unemployed might I recommend you search for divorce lawyers on here as well? I doubt Hadeed is going to want the former caps coach doing his carpet spots. Regretting upgrading to that new E class now aren't ya?

I know a dive when i see one

FurfaxTownie Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I know a dive when i see one
>
>

Turgeon was a queef. The only time his name ever comes up is when people say, "Oh yeah...that's the Canadian queef that buckled like a lawn chair when Hunter destroyed him."

At least Hunter was angry enough at having lost taht series to take it out physically on Turgeon. Do you think anyone one the current roster feels this passionately about the game? You know...like it means something? Like it matters? Here's an example of Ovechkin's quote if it were him...

"I don't know wha' 'appened...I skate...lose puck...Turgeon? He score goal. He pretty good player. Was nothing I could do. Semin and I go to Russia House now. We get paycheck either way. So it good. Cup not important. I no grow up here so, Cup is no important."

Is Ovechkins english as bad as it sounds?

Because when foreign people speak in broken english they sound like knuckle dragging neanderthals. So if it is that bad, there is no excuse for him being the captain. How the hell is that caveman supposed to communicate to referees and other players with the mumbling garbage that comes out of his mouth.

If he was serious about being a leader he would work on his english.

Dale Hunter Coaching debut = FAIL

He failed when he decided to start Vokoun

Bruce Boudreau Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> Thank you, Hay Zeus. I'm actually on this forum
> frequently and get all kinds of coaching advice
> from the regulars on this forum. In fact, that's
> why I don't have a fucking job now. Fuck all of
> you!
>
> The only thing this forum is good for is legal
> advice and window tinting recommendations.

Hey Bruce buddy, I hear this guy took some bad acid at one of the OWS events and now thinks he is a glass of orange juice. Anyways, the DNC is currently looking for a replacement....If you stop shaving today, i think you have what it takes to get the job.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/30/2011 08:26AM by Hay Zeus.
Attachments:

Gonads & Strife Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> He failed when he decided to start Vokoun


Yeah Tomas Vacuum certainly does suck. If he hadn't wondered so far out of the crease after recovering from that botched slap shot glove save, St. Louis probably would have scored.

Hell if he had controlled the rebound the play would have been dead.

Vokoun's whole problem (primarily) is he offers up far too many rebounds after falling over leaving a wide open net.

Hay Zeus Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Is Ovechkins english as bad as it sounds?
>
> Because when foreign people speak in broken
> english they sound like knuckle dragging
> neanderthals. So if it is that bad, there is no
> excuse for him being the captain. How the hell is
> that caveman supposed to communicate to referees
> and other players with the mumbling garbage that
> comes out of his mouth.
>
> If he was serious about being a leader he would
> work on his english.

Actually, I believe his English is MUCH better than he lets on. And he speaks that way (broken) on purpose in order to reduce his media access/exposure. If he spoke the King's English, he'd be giving sound bites everyday. And I firmly believe he learned this from Semin. Semin's English...or what he puts out there as his English is horrible. And again, this is deliberate but because Semin's got that "Twilight" vampire moody thing going on his broken English is even more faked.

I don't understand how Hunter is going to motivate these guys. I also don't understand why they NEED to be motivated. Score goals, win games, advance in the playoffs, win the Cup and make lots of money. That's it. That's the list. You are all talented enough to do it, but they have to want it. If Hunter doesn't work out, the only thing that will work is a Russian born coach and that would be REALLY unfair to the non-Russian players.

McPhee and Hunter BOTH need to sit down with Ovie and Semin together and be very clear. Speaking in broken English if necessary. You guys didn't like how Boudreau did things here since the start of the season. You didn't play hard and he benched you. Instead of responding like men and working hard once you were playing again, you got pouty and bitchy until it became easier to fire him than trade either of you. We have a new coach and a new message. Please get on board or you'll be gone.

As a fan since the team started, I don't know what's been more devastating to live through...the "Living on a Prayer" playoff teams of the 80's and 90's in which we knew we didn't have the horses to compete but they'd win enough to make you think a Cup might have been possible or the defeats in '08 to the Flyers in OT of Game 7, the '09 game 7 loss to Pittsburgh (again!), the President's Trophy squad of '10 that lost to 8th seed Montreal and the *mighty* Jaroslav Halak or the sweep by Tampa in '11? 08-11 we had the horses for sure but they didn't show up. Fucking agony...

Caps Jihadist - this is worse to live through than the 80s/90s because we finally have that "franchise player" everyone was clamoring for back then. AND he's got a good bit of talent around him. The Caps should be in contention every year, but instead they still flame out in the 1st or 2nd round.

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

I actually thought i saw a bit of the old Ovechkin come out last night in the final two minutes of the game. He faked a shot to make a inside move between the D and got a nice shot off. He's lost that creativity.

Ovie hates Crosby. With Crybaby playing again Hunter should have a giant poster if Sid, tracking his stats, in an area Ovie has to walk by it every day.

As of today:

Crosby has played in 5 games, has 2 goals and 9 assists for 11 points
Ovie has played in 23 games, has 8 goals and 10 assists for 18 points

Ovie has played in almost 5x's as many games as Crosby but only 7 more points?? For a super start that just doesn't cut it.

Alex probably needs that personal competition to motivate him.

all you need to know about the Caps
Attachments:

Get out of here you chowdah head!

Warhawk Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Caps Jihadist - this is worse to live through than
> the 80s/90s because we finally have that
> "franchise player" everyone was clamoring for back
> then. AND he's got a good bit of talent around
> him. The Caps should be in contention every year,
> but instead they still flame out in the 1st or 2nd
> round.

Yeah, the one game that really stands out to me from the old days is April 24, 1996. It was the 4 OT game against Pittsburgh at home. I was there for that one so, I admit some bias. Everyone remembers Petr Nedved getting the game winner at 79:15 but what they forget was the vicious slash of Calle Johannsen on the backs of his legs by Lemieux. That was a long, quiet ride home. It was only game 4 and the series was 2-2 but Pittsburgh would go on to win the next 2 and end it. That was tough to live through additionally because the Caps came out and won the first 2 games. They were up 2-0 and then lost 4 straight. How many ways can one team break its fans' hearts?

@ CapsJihadist

How do you feel about all the new post stike fans that came around right after ovechkin was drafted?

FurfaxTownie Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> @ CapsJihadist
>
> How do you feel about all the new post stike fans
> that came around right after ovechkin was drafted?

Greetings Townie, you're next on Caps Talk...I know a lot of the longtime fans have been shitty with the Johnny Come Latelys who became Caps fans after Ovechkin was drafted. Honestly, I have no issue here. Yes, there's a group of people who suffered much PRIOR to Ovechkin's arrival but at this point after the four post-Ovechkin playoff eliminations I mentioned the old-time Caps fans need to realize that at this point he's been here long enough that we've ALL suffered much now together. And every Caps fan who shows up at the arena is one less {insert rival team here} fan showing up. Verizon even during the regular season is the best time at any arena in this town and it's all the fans (new and old) that make it that way.

I think the priority is Semin. Once he starts playing well again they need to trade him while they can get value. He's a great player, perhaps Ovechkin's peer but he's woefully inconsistent and takes far too many penalties. How many more playoff eliminations does McPhee need to see this guy is not ready for prime time?

and now the Lavar and Dukes show

{thread empties}

It's not going to happen and it may be a dead horse but Ovi doesn't seem to be a good captain and probably shouldn't be. There have been tons of questions about his work ethic and many people who go to the practices say he does the bare minimum and skates off the ice as soon as the whistle blows.

More Complete Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> It's not going to happen and it may be a dead
> horse but Ovi doesn't seem to be a good captain
> and probably shouldn't be. There have been tons of
> questions about his work ethic and many people who
> go to the practices say he does the bare minimum
> and skates off the ice as soon as the whistle
> blows.

This is priority #2. Young players who don't work hard and don't speak English well simply don't make good captains. The only reason Ovechkin has the "C" is because of his talent and that's the wrong reason.

Mike Knuble should really be the Captain. He won a Cup with the Red Wings, ironically against our beloved red, white and blue in 1998. He was a part of that team that included the "Russian Five" which was captained by a North American, in Yzerman. I'm not saying Knuble's ready to negotiate the destabilization of Soviet missiles in Cuba at the U.N., but he understands the Russian mind and player and would help be an effective go-between and sounding board between Hunter and the players. He also goes to the net and takes his lumps enroute to scoring hard earned goals.

I don't know even know a good answer to that question.

Hendricks seems like he plays with the most passion. The guy actually has some nice moves when it isn't being goon. He could probably really light a fire under someones ass.

They should've kept Arnott. I liked what I saw in the playoffs. Yeah, there was concern about his knee, but this is hockey NOT basketball or football. Its low impact on the knee and its not something that changes a players game.

No disagreement with Knuble either.

FurfaxTownie Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> They should've kept Arnott.

My sources tell me Arnott's departure was helped along through another back channel conversation between Ovechkin and McPhee. Arnott was extremely vocal in the locker room about the lack of effort. His remarks were spot on, but the Russians' frail egos were devastated so, McPhee chose not to bring him back the following season.

I was just wondering if Ovies big 10 yr contract had anything to do with his lackluster play. Thats sort of on the caps to signing him to such a long term deal. People tend to get comfortable when they feel secure. Just look at almost any marriage as an example.

Managing the contracts of elite players in professional sports is the most challenging aspect of ownership.

Ok, we've got a once in a lifetime player in Ovechkin. He's going to win a Cup, maybe more than one, right? We can't let this guy get away in his prime to another team, right? We need to get him under the longest contract he'll agree to.

Wait...what? He's 2 years into the deal now and has never played more poorly? Why did we sign that long contract? He's underperforming and we don't have a Cup yet.

Granted, hindsight is 20-20 but that deal was too long. Even if he HAD won a Cup at this point. Also, there's no chance he plays out the current contract without attempting a "training camp holdout" or "renegotiation", which is laughable because he's under contract but, Leonsis will do anything it takes to keep him happy. Sadly, there's no alternative and Ovechkin knows this.

Caps Jihadist Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> This is priority #2. Young players who don't work
> hard and don't speak English well simply don't
> make good captains. The only reason Ovechkin has
> the "C" is because of his talent and that's the
> wrong reason.
>
> Mike Knuble should really be the Captain. He won a
> Cup with the Red Wings, ironically against our
> beloved red, white and blue in 1998. He was a part
> of that team that included the "Russian Five"
> which was captained by a North American, in
> Yzerman. I'm not saying Knuble's ready to
> negotiate the destabilization of Soviet missiles
> in Cuba at the U.N., but he understands the
> Russian mind and player and would help be an
> effective go-between and sounding board between
> Hunter and the players. He also goes to the net
> and takes his lumps enroute to scoring hard earned
> goals.


Agree. He's an ugly SOB but seems to be the right kind of player to wear the C. I liked Arnott as well. If what you said is true, the Caps have more problems than we know.

@ Caps Jihadist

Dude, where the F did you come from?

Hay Zeus Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> @ Caps Jihadist
>
> Dude, where the F did you come from?

I've just been lurking and enjoying the splendor of FU.

...and Bruce gets hired just like that. Good luck to him. Seems like a good fit for the Ducks. They are young, have two talented (but young) wingers who show lots of promise - sound familiar?

Be nice if the Caps could pull out a win tonight over the Pens but I'm not counting on it.

This games does not end well.

Prediction:

Pens 6 Caps 2

Crosby has 2 goals 1 assist,
Ovie 1 Assists, 4min, and penalty the results in a pens goal.

Vokouns unwieldly rebounds are fodder for Crosby to pad his stats

Shots on Goal
Pens 33 Caps 21



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/01/2011 12:15PM by FurfaxTownie.

Despite the circumstances of his departure from the 202, the NHL will always remember that Boudreau was the quickest coach IN HISTORY to win 200 games. He will always have work and will likely ascend to a GM position between now and retirement.

My heart's rocking red tonight but, my brain has the 'guins by a goal. Vokoun's been so soft lately I heard he stepped in front of a bus yesterday and it went between his legs. Crosby wants this game, Ovechkin and Semin are still discussing vodka and borscht specials being served tonight at Russia House. They'll suffer a close loss, Hunter will tear their heads off and shit down their necks about it and they'll throw the switch and start to climb slowly out of this mess.

I forgot to add...If you're going to the "phone booth" tonight for the game, be advised traffic will be a mess around the Ellipse because they are wasting electricity on a murdered, innocent tree.

Assuming crosby has a 20yr career, he will be one the greatest goal scorers ever and its because he knows how to pick up trash in front of the net.

Vokoun has no rebound control.

I don't think its going to be close if Vokoun is in net.

Caps Jihadist Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I forgot to add...If you're going to the "phone
> booth" tonight for the game, be advised traffic
> will be a mess around the Ellipse because they are
> wasting electricity on a murdered, innocent tree.


yeah and a Muslim illegal alien usurper ordered the execution and public display of its mutilated body. this tree was an American CITIZEN and it was killed by the government by an executive order signed by NOBAMA!

Tree murdering's a bipartisan practice. I actually find President Obama to be too conservative. I hope we can disagree without being disagreeable, G&S. I like your content.

Caps Jihadist Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Tree murdering's a bipartisan practice. I actually
> find President Obama to be too conservative. I
> hope we can disagree without being disagreeable,
> G&S. I like your content.


I was just bullshitting. I don't care for all of Obama's policies, but I generally like him. Besides, I have a slaughtered tree on full display in my place already and I've introduced my children to the practice of buying slain trees for decoration as well.

Gonads & Strife Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Caps Jihadist Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Tree murdering's a bipartisan practice. I
> actually
> > find President Obama to be too conservative. I
> > hope we can disagree without being
> disagreeable,
> > G&S. I like your content.
>
>
> I was just bullshitting. I don't care for all of
> Obama's policies, but I generally like him.
> Besides, I have a slaughtered tree on full display
> in my place already and I've introduced my
> children to the practice of buying slain trees for
> decoration as well.

LMMFGDAO! Well played, sir. Happy Holidays to you and yours! Go Caps! :)

I'm just glad the gov't decided to stop wasting taxpayer money and strung some LED lights on that sucker.

Per Caps jihadist its really a mass grave if you include the other 52 "murdered" trees at represent each state + PR + DC.

Keep it pithy fella's.

Question: will Ovie's new super fucking hot russian tennis player girlfriend have a jessica simpson effect on him like what happened with Romo (or do you think that's what's been going on recently?)