Hay Zeus Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Caps Jihadist Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> >
> > The 'Guins and the 'Yers do NOT like each other
> > and there will be lots of hits, lots of
> punches,
> > lots of random skullduggery, lots of defense
> and
> > goalie-ing and little scoring. I like the
> > 'Burghers in 7.
>
> I respect Crosby as a player and think he is good
> for the league but he's unfortunately he's not
> built like a bull soooo which game ends his
> Career?
>
> Game 1 April 11
> Game 2 April 13
> Game 3 April 15
> Game 4 April 18
> Game 5 April 20
> Game 6 April 22
> Game 7 April 24


Crosby is a cry baby and a diver. he falls down a LOT and gets the call cuz he is mr face of the NHL. Id HOPE he gets knocked out game 1 but more likely game 6

Is it Thursday yet?

ferfux Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hay Zeus Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Caps Jihadist Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > >
> > > The 'Guins and the 'Yers do NOT like each
> other
> > > and there will be lots of hits, lots of
> > punches,
> > > lots of random skullduggery, lots of defense
> > and
> > > goalie-ing and little scoring. I like the
> > > 'Burghers in 7.
> >
> > I respect Crosby as a player and think he is
> good
> > for the league but he's unfortunately he's not
> > built like a bull soooo which game ends his
> > Career?
> >
> > Game 1 April 11
> > Game 2 April 13
> > Game 3 April 15
> > Game 4 April 18
> > Game 5 April 20
> > Game 6 April 22
> > Game 7 April 24
>
>
> Crosby is a cry baby and a diver. he falls down a
> LOT and gets the call cuz he is mr face of the
> NHL. Id HOPE he gets knocked out game 1 but more
> likely game 6

They really don't need Crosby. As was pointed out previously, they're Malkin's Penguins now.

No doubt the Pens are just fine without Crosby, I've always said Malkin is a more exciting player to watch anyways. He's a better skater and takes better shots. Most of Crosby's goals are from picking up trash in front the net.

Maybe its coincidence but the refs for the Pens V Flyers called a really tight game. Wonder if the NHL wanted it that way for the sake of their golden boy?

Must say that was a fun game watch, i remember when the Caps used to be that exciting to watch about 4 years ago.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/12/2012 07:14AM by Hay Zeus.

Hay Zeus Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Most of Crosby's goals are from
> picking up trash in front the net.


Nothing wrong with that. Agree though, Malkin is the better player these days.


> Maybe its coincidence but the refs for the Pens V
> Flyers called a really tight game. Wonder if the
> NHL wanted it that way for the sake of their
> golden boy?


Wouldn't surprise me.


> Must say that was a fun game watch, i remember
> when the Caps used to be that exciting to watch
> about 4 years ago.

Me too. :(

I guess it was just to much to ask that they steal game one on the road.

Hay Zeus Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I guess it was just to much to ask that they steal
> game one on the road.


Good defense, though. But those shots on goal during the 2nd Period was awful. Why can't this team manage to play good offense and good defense at the same time?

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

WashingTone-Locian Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> Good defense, though. But those shots on goal
> during the 2nd Period was awful. Why can't this
> team manage to play good offense and good defense
> at the same time?

This team is known for disappearing during the 2nd period.

The third period was half way over and Joe B say "there Timmy Thomas's 10th save..." and i looked over at friend dumbfounded. I couldnt believe they had only had 10 shots on net because it seemed like there were a dozen scoring opportunities

Based on what Thomas displayed last night, it's clear that the Caps will need to win games with 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 scores in order to win this series. If Boston scores more than 2 goals in a game, the Caps will have difficulty scoring 3+ to win. The result was disappointing last night but, no reason to panic just yet.

Caps Jihadist Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Based on what Thomas displayed last night, it's
> clear that the Caps will need to win games with
> 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 scores in order to win this
> series. If Boston scores more than 2 goals in a
> game, the Caps will have difficulty scoring 3+ to
> win. The result was disappointing last night but,
> no reason to panic just yet.

I think the Caps are making the tactical mistake of trying to just rip one past thomas. They would be wise to set shots up for rebounds.

Semin, Backstrom or Johanson need to step it up to relieve Ovie of some the pressue. Everytime he had the puck i saw three Bruins converging on him.

Hay Zeus Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Caps Jihadist Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Based on what Thomas displayed last night, it's
> > clear that the Caps will need to win games with
> > 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 scores in order to win this
> > series. If Boston scores more than 2 goals in a
> > game, the Caps will have difficulty scoring 3+
> to
> > win. The result was disappointing last night
> but,
> > no reason to panic just yet.
>
> I think the Caps are making the tactical mistake
> of trying to just rip one past thomas. They would
> be wise to set shots up for rebounds.
>
> Semin, Backstrom or Johanson need to step it up to
> relieve Ovie of some the pressue. Everytime he had
> the puck i saw three Bruins converging on him.

Agreed. The Caps need the 2011-2012 version of John Druce to show up. Much has been made about the need for team speed. Mike Knuble can't skate but he excels in front of the net. It might be time to sit Jay Beagle.

Holtby was terrific. If he can keep it up, Caps have a chance but adjustments need to be made.

Boston has a great defense. As Caps Jihadist pointed out, when they go up two goals, they don't lose to anyone. They are like 35-0 or something when they have a two goal lead.

Caps have to keep playing solid defense and get traffic in front of the net. As one of the only guys on the team who is good at that, Knuble should get some time.

Tim Thomas got lucky more than a copule times last night that the puck didn't trickle in on one of our junk shots. Holtby got lucky once in the third but was otherwise brilliant the rest of the game. Piss poor luck that the hard angle shot in OT got past him, but he has nothing to be ashamed of. If he can keep it up the way he has been lately the Caps will just need to readjust their attack strategy and they have a legitimate shot at taking this series.

The Game 1 loss wasn't reason to push the panic button and a game 2 win isn't any reason to start spellchecking the roster before it's engraved on the Cup either. It was a nice win and there may be some psychological fallout in favor of the Caps. If you're the Bruins and you came that close to going up 2-0 and now you're going into the other guys' barn for 2 games...your confidence is indeed a bit shaken, not stirred. The series is now a best of 5.

Troy Brouwer = John Druce 2.0

I don't think T-Brouw will score 19 goals in Drucian fashion but his playing style is similar. Knuble's won a Cup and he's obviously rested now. There are forwards who need to be benched.

Caps Jihadist Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The Game 1 loss wasn't reason to push the panic
> button and a game 2 win isn't any reason to start
> spellchecking the roster before it's engraved on
> the Cup either. It was a nice win and there may be
> some psychological fallout in favor of the Caps.
> If you're the Bruins and you came that close to
> going up 2-0 and now you're going into the other
> guys' barn for 2 games...your confidence is indeed
> a bit shaken, not stirred. The series is now a
> best of 5.


Agreed.

>
> Troy Brouwer = John Druce 2.0
>
> I don't think T-Brouw will score 19 goals in
> Drucian fashion but his playing style is similar.
> Knuble's won a Cup and he's obviously rested now.
> There are forwards who need to be benched.


I remember Druce on the Loose. That is the textbook definition of "on fire".

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

I want to believe the Caps are going to come home and win games 3 & 4 but know thats just not this teams MO. Its just as likely they get blown out today and lose in another nail biter Thursday, ughhh.

Anyone catch the Flyers vs Pens yesterday?

Talk about about a team being and another teams head. So refreshing to see another franchise imploded in the playoffs for a change and an EPIC one at that, loving it!. Its annoying how Crosby instigates fights only to have another Penguin step in and finish what he started.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/16/2012 08:43AM by Hay Zeus.

Caps are playing awesome defense. They've allowed only 2 goals in 7+ periods of hockey against the number 2 team in goals during the regular season. Not bad.

Be nice if they could get some offense going as well but the Bruins are tough.

The Pens Flyers game was fantastic, love to see the Pens implode. Agree with Crosby sarting fights he's not willing to finish.

If anyone is going to the game tonight, please be as loud as possible. If I can hear Joe B and Locker, you are not doing your job. :)

More Complete Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Caps are playing awesome defense. They've allowed
> only 2 goals in 7+ periods of hockey against the
> number 2 team in goals during the regular season.
> Not bad.
>
> Be nice if they could get some offense going as
> well but the Bruins are tough.
>
> The Pens Flyers game was fantastic, love to see
> the Pens implode. Agree with Crosby sarting fights
> he's not willing to finish.
>
> If anyone is going to the game tonight, please be
> as loud as possible. If I can hear Joe B and
> Locker, you are not doing your job. :)

Looks like 'Yers in a sweep probably. Boy did I miss that one. Hopefully, I'll be wrong about no Cup for the 'Tals, too.

I'm not going to the game but my Jihadist ululations will be heard throughout the 703. Enjoy the game tonight, everyone. :)

Caps Jihadist Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> Looks like 'Yers in a sweep probably. Boy did I
> miss that one. Hopefully, I'll be wrong about no
> Cup for the 'Tals, too.
>
> I'm not going to the game but my Jihadist
> ululations will be heard throughout the 703. Enjoy
> the game tonight, everyone. :)

It thinks more of a Marc-Andre Fleury ill timed flameout more so then the Flyers playing exclusively at an ultra hight level of hockey. Dude has to have hockey PTSD by now and I'll be shocked if he starts game 4.

Although in this league a series sweep is not always a good thing. If your next opponets series goes into extra games they may come into the next round in better game shape and with more momentum. When that first game comes around, you've been taking it easy for around 10-14 days allowing the body forget the intensity of the playoff speed. Some teams get it back together after a shift, some a period, others a whole game...

LETS! GO! CAPS!!!

The effort and passion were there tonight. The result wasn't. Holtby didn't have his best game and that's fine, you can only lean on your goalie so much, especially a rookie. Beagle can stay. Bench Ward for Knuble. Oh...and more ice time for Troy Brouwer, please.

I liked the fact they were fighting. It shows that they want to win. Too many times in the past they kind of rolled over at the end of a game like this. They have been playing much better than I though they would.

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

They definitely get an A for effort but it seemed like in the last half of the game they started to get away from just shooting and reverted back the European style of weaving and crossing passes. That works great on Olympic ice where its little wider but not on NHL ice and NOT in the playoffs.

Holtby played well enough for them to win that game and thats all that can be asked of him. The D let on on the Paille goal in the 2nd and the Chara goal in the 3rd.

Talk about knee jerk inconsistant crap officiating AGAIN, either the Bruins were on a Power Play or it was 4 on 4. I'm thinking there might be some leage bias.

Lucic is an instigating punk POS, he was causing trouble all night long the refs were perfectly ok with it. The faceoff in the 3rd where him and Chamira were sent to the box was BS, only Lucic should've gone.

I hate to say it but take away some of those bad calls and we win that game.

I'm glad you guys are positive, I'm feeling pretty let down. I still think they have a chance to win the series but I'm not as optimistic as I was before. Backstrom will get suspended for the match penalty.

I blame Obama. Keep the masks at home for game 4 Caps fans.

More Complete Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I'm glad you guys are positive, I'm feeling pretty
> let down. I still think they have a chance to win
> the series but I'm not as optimistic as I was
> before. Backstrom will get suspended for the match
> penalty.

Suspended for what? A freggin dive!!? That play is made all day every day in the NHL to the Beer leagues.

Hay Zeus Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Suspended for what? A freggin dive!!? That play is
> made all day every day in the NHL to the Beer
> leagues.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/post/nicklas-backstrom-receives-match-penalty-for-cross-check-could-face-suspension/2012/04/17/gIQAh0G0MT_blog.html?tid=pm_sports_pop

Cross check. From what I saw, they lock arms, at the chest, and Backstrom wins, simple as that, Peverly can't take a hit. Atrocious reffing.

More Complete Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hay Zeus Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Suspended for what? A freggin dive!!? That play
> is
> > made all day every day in the NHL to the Beer
> > leagues.
>
> http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insid
> er/post/nicklas-backstrom-receives-match-penalty-f
> or-cross-check-could-face-suspension/2012/04/17/gI
> QAh0G0MT_blog.html?tid=pm_sports_pop
>
> Cross check. From what I saw, they lock arms, at
> the chest, and Backstrom wins, simple as that,
> Peverly can't take a hit. Atrocious reffing.

The NHL and its officials really need to take a look at "the state of the game". There is inherent risk in sports and the players at the highest levels learned that long ago. Of course, that does not give a player the right to do whatever he pleases to another player. (See McSorley comma Marty...)

So, we all agree as a society to try and write rules and officiate games with the safety of the players in mind. And yet, we saw someone use those rules last night to a totally unfair advantage and it wasn't Backstrom.

I was always coached as a youth that you NEVER want to position yourself 5 feet off the boards. You should either be right up on the boards OR be far enough back that if you are knocked down you won't go headfirst violently into the boards.

Peverly was in that danger zone where you don't want to be. But the worst part? He SAW Backstrom closing on him, turned his back deliberately so that Backstrom would make contact from behind. Peverly then dove into the boards with enough force to draw a penalty but not enough to hurt himself.

Backstrom cross checked Peverly and deserved the penalty. He does not deserve a suspension though given Shanny's history as judge advocate general this season I think Nick goes down for a game. I HOPE he doesn't, but I think he will.

In closing, I know the current rules do not include this language but, there needs to be some consideration in handing out suspensions as far as whether the injured player is playing in the next game or not. I dunno'...maybe a role-player like Peverly gets scratched by the Bruins and they say, "Oh yeah...he' hurt. He'll probably miss 3 games..." in order to draw a suspension in my scenario but, in closing the current system stinks. Players are manipulating the game and the rules in order to draw unfair advantages in the form of power plays, ensuing goals and suspensions. The NHL has a dive rule and in the late 90's when they legislated all of the clutching and grabbing out of the game, the refs were under orders to call diving. And for a season or so, they did. I haven't seen it called in a long, long time...

Backstrom suspended one game. What a bunch of bull. He should have just taken two hands and slammed Peverly's head into the boards like Weber did. What a joke. I hope the Caps win even more now.

CAPS WIN! CAPS WIN! THAT WAS A HELLUFIED WAY TO WIN THE GAME! ONE MAN, BRADEN HOLTBY, STANDING TALL! ONE TEAM, THE WASHINGTON CAPITALS GOING TO THE CUP AND WINNING THE CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BOSTON SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ferfux Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> CAPS WIN! CAPS WIN! THAT WAS A HELLUFIED WAY TO
> WIN THE GAME! ONE MAN, BRADEN HOLTBY, STANDING
> TALL! ONE TEAM, THE WASHINGTON CAPITALS GOING TO
> THE CUP AND WINNING THE
> CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BOSTON
> SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


That was one hell of a win tonight!!!! I'm not ready to crown them yet... but 2-2 and Nicklas Backstrom will be back for game 5 on Saturday.

Huge game tonight and a huge win. When you're on a team that puts up 44 shots on a rookie goalie AND you have last year's Conn Smythe winner in your cage who gives up only 21 shots and you lose? That's demoralizing. That's the kind of shit that really fucks with players' heads. None of those guys in white will get any sleep tonight and they will all be wondering what they have to do to win another game. Holtby flat out stole a game for the Caps tonight and is quickly becoming a great story in the league this post season.

I'll also have a side order of Semin crow too, please. I've been hard on the guy all year, he deserved it and tonight he had the game winning goal.

It's a best of three now. The Caps are not generating enough offense. Perhaps they don't need so much offense behind that kind of goaltending. Holtby will have more mediocre games where he gives up 3 or 4, the question will be can the Caps bail him out with scoring?

Holtbeast has shown he deserves to be in DC. It's him and Neuvy in net from here on out, see ya Vokoun!

Both teams were pretty well behaved last night, more so than what the first 3 games were. If the rest of the series is played this way, it favors the Caps.

I expect Boston though to go back to the strategy they employed in the first 3 and try and bring the nasty back, in particular with Holtbeast.

The back to back games Sat and Sun are going to be insane. Hope the Caps can get both of them and close this one out.

Let's go CAPS!

The Bruins seem to have an extra gear that the Caps don't. Every time they fall behind, Boston kicks it up a half knotch and the Caps look like an AHL club out there who can't even clear the damn puck. Without Holtby, the Caps would be swept. No way Vokoun or Neuvy stands up to that assault. The Caps prevent defense is about as good as the Redskins, which is lousy.

Still, I have to say Go Caps! But dammit, clear the puck and stop getting mugged on the boards. Hit someone!

Caps Jihadist Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Huge game tonight and a huge win. When you're on a
> team that puts up 44 shots on a rookie goalie AND
> you have last year's Conn Smythe winner in your
> cage who gives up only 21 shots and you lose?
> That's demoralizing. That's the kind of shit that
> really fucks with players' heads. None of those
> guys in white will get any sleep tonight and they
> will all be wondering what they have to do to win
> another game. Holtby flat out stole a game for the
> Caps tonight and is quickly becoming a great story
> in the league this post season.
>
> I'll also have a side order of Semin crow too,
> please. I've been hard on the guy all year, he
> deserved it and tonight he had the game winning
> goal.
>
> It's a best of three now. The Caps are not
> generating enough offense. Perhaps they don't need
> so much offense behind that kind of goaltending.
> Holtby will have more mediocre games where he
> gives up 3 or 4, the question will be can the Caps
> bail him out with scoring?

Holtby was in the zone the last night but it does makes me nervious to think they have to rely on a performances like that to win the series and go deeper.

I'm sure Boston fans feels they we felt two years ago when Halak and the Canadians shut down the Caps. It is a demoralizing loss when you have twice as many shot as your opponet. Thats when teams start changing they way they play, try new things, do things they normally wouldn't do, take more risks and get away from their bread butter. Sometimes it works and sometimes it goes horribly wrong. Hopefully for the Caps, it goes horribly wrong for Boston.

This morning Czbe was speculating that ice engineer turned off the compressors creating a bad playing surface, causing pucks to bounce. Seems far fetched but apparently neither team had a shot on goal during the final 7 minutes of play.

Hay Zeus Wrote:
Seems
> far fetched but apparently neither team had a shot
> on goal during the final 7 minutes of play.


Did you watch the game? The Bruins were smacking Holtby's glove like a baby's butt the last 2 minutes. The game ended with another save (although the clock didn't start for 2 seconds after the face off). Scary stuff, especially that last one.

Hay Zeus Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Caps Jihadist Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Huge game tonight and a huge win. When you're on
> a
> > team that puts up 44 shots on a rookie goalie
> AND
> > you have last year's Conn Smythe winner in your
> > cage who gives up only 21 shots and you lose?
> > That's demoralizing. That's the kind of shit
> that
> > really fucks with players' heads. None of those
> > guys in white will get any sleep tonight and
> they
> > will all be wondering what they have to do to
> win
> > another game. Holtby flat out stole a game for
> the
> > Caps tonight and is quickly becoming a great
> story
> > in the league this post season.
> >
> > I'll also have a side order of Semin crow too,
> > please. I've been hard on the guy all year, he
> > deserved it and tonight he had the game winning
> > goal.
> >
> > It's a best of three now. The Caps are not
> > generating enough offense. Perhaps they don't
> need
> > so much offense behind that kind of
> goaltending.
> > Holtby will have more mediocre games where he
> > gives up 3 or 4, the question will be can the
> Caps
> > bail him out with scoring?
>
> Holtby was in the zone the last night but it does
> makes me nervious to think they have to rely on a
> performances like that to win the series and go
> deeper.
>
> I'm sure Boston fans feels they we felt two years
> ago when Halak and the Canadians shut down the
> Caps. It is a demoralizing loss when you have
> twice as many shot as your opponet. Thats when
> teams start changing they way they play, try new
> things, do things they normally wouldn't do, take
> more risks and get away from their bread butter.
> Sometimes it works and sometimes it goes horribly
> wrong. Hopefully for the Caps, it goes horribly
> wrong for Boston.
>
> This morning Czbe was speculating that ice
> engineer turned off the compressors creating a bad
> playing surface, causing pucks to bounce. Seems
> far fetched but apparently neither team had a shot
> on goal during the final 7 minutes of play.

Excellent, excellent comparison to Halak. That is EXACTLY what BOS is feeling. Czabe is a douche when he talks about hockey. I agree that the ice surface was lousy last night but, it's Washington we've had the worst ice in the league for years. And while the ice surface was poor, the engineer did not turn the compressors off....

Also, I heard the Bruins' bus got a flat tire on the way to the airport last night. After the tire was changed, the technician went to throw the old tire underneath in the bus' storage compartment and Holtby came out of nowhere to knock it out of the way...

Caps Jihadist Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> Excellent, excellent comparison to Halak. That is
> EXACTLY what BOS is feeling. Czabe is a douche
> when he talks about hockey. I agree that the ice
> surface was lousy last night but, it's Washington
> we've had the worst ice in the league for years.
> And while the ice surface was poor, the engineer
> did not turn the compressors off....
>


Whats wrong the Czabe given the alternives, i.e. the Junkies or Mike & Mike? Czabe doesn't front as expert and for the most part is entertaining.


Olie the Samoli Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
>
> Did you watch the game? The Bruins were smacking
> Holtby's glove like a baby's butt the last 2
> minutes. The game ended with another save
> (although the clock didn't start for 2 seconds
> after the face off). Scary stuff, especially that
> last one.

I watched the game and I did find the stat to be curious especially since there was a face off with 9 seconds left on the clock but 15 seconds of play time (WTF was going on with score keeper)so there must been a stoppage of play from a save.

Hay Zeus Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Caps Jihadist Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> >
> > Excellent, excellent comparison to Halak. That
> is
> > EXACTLY what BOS is feeling. Czabe is a douche
> > when he talks about hockey. I agree that the
> ice
> > surface was lousy last night but, it's
> Washington
> > we've had the worst ice in the league for
> years.
> > And while the ice surface was poor, the
> engineer
> > did not turn the compressors off....
> >
>
>
> Whats wrong the Czabe given the alternives, i.e.
> the Junkies or Mike & Mike? Czabe doesn't front as
> expert and for the most part is entertaining.

I like Czabe. He's great. But when he starts talking hockey? That's when I reach for Led Zeppelin's "Physical Graffiti"...

Caps Jihadist Wrote:

> Also, I heard the Bruins' bus got a flat tire on
> the way to the airport last night. After the tire
> was changed, the technician went to throw the old
> tire underneath in the bus' storage compartment
> and Holtby came out of nowhere to knock it out of
> the way...


LMAO!

Everyone is praising Holtby as Ollie 2. But I seem to recall Varlarmov having a similar playoff debut performance before imploding in a second playoff series. All I am saying is it's too early to crown anyone anything.

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

Another "just good enough effort to win game". But at the same time...this was a demoralizing defeat for BOS. They outplayed the Caps everywhere but the scoreboard. Their frustration was ratcheted up again and now the series moves back to Chinatown tomorrow with the possibility of elimination. The Caps need to close this thing out...history is against them.

They're doing it! THEY'RE DOING IT! UNLEASH THE FURY! ROCK THE RED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Go CAPS!!! And I fucking missed the game too. Damn! And game 7(if necessary) at 1:00PM on Wednesday? Really? Is that some kind of misprint?

https://www.google.com/search?q=caps+bruins+game&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

Again the Caps get the snot beat out of them and sneak a win. Other than game 2, the Caps have been whacked around by the Bruins like little girls. The get slammed on the boards, mugged at center and overall just get pushed around. Thanks gosh the Bruins took that penalty with 2½ to go or we might have had a very different outcome. Karma must be paying the Caps back for losing to inferior teams the past 4 years. It's about time the Caps got some good karma in the playoffs.

I'd also like to add that I don't like the national feed being the only option anymore. It used to be if ESPN, NBC, Versus, the Outdoor Life Network or whomever...if a national network chose the Caps as their game of the week, you could STILL choose to watch Home Team Sports, Comcast Sports Network or whomever carried the game locally.

The Caps have NEVER had any national respect from the national networks and that's too bad because Mike Emrick is a great play-by-play hockey guy but he has zero love for the Caps. And if he's calling a game involving NYR...fuhgetaboudit...you never heard a bigger "homer".

I'd much rather listen to Beninati and Laugh-er than anyone else. And although I still miss Ron Weber, John Walton is much easier on the ears than Steve Colby. Too bad there's too much delay on my dish or I'd turn down the national feed and listen to him...ok, now this has turned into a "Radiophile" post...sigh...

I'm glad to see the Caps playing like a team. I'm glad to see Dale Hunter using some fucking common sense in critical situations instead of sticking with the same strategy regardless of what the other team is doing (eg - Boudreau). I hope the Caps advance into the third round this time, which would be a first since 98. I would really like to see a DC team do something for a change.

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

WashingTone-Locian Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I would really like to
> see a DC team do something for a change.


I thought for certain that statement was innacurate...until I looked into it. The Caps have been a big giant sac of post-season fail during the Ovie era. 2 trips to the semi's including last year's debacle.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Capitals#Recent_seasons

Yeah I agree. I would much rather hear Joe and Craig talk Caps than the national feed. Colby was entertaining too. I could just see his eyes bulging and vein popping calls than that new loser they have in there. "KOLZIG makes a daring save" lol on routine plays...hahahaha. I think the Hockey world is STUNNED at the Caps matching up so well against Boston. they are playing like a team, sticking to a game plan and thriving. yeah the bruins are getting in cheap shots but it is costing them games. Ala this last game with that late penalty. Toughness is the CAPS they are like the Rocky of hockey. Taking a beating and emerging triumphant!

Sad. Goats are Wideman and Carlson. Wideman hasn't played decent defense this entire series and Carlson sucks so bad that Hunter finally must have seen it cause I don't think he was on the ice at all after kicking that perfect pass with his skate and turning it over at center. Backstrom screwed up on the OT goal and allowed the Bruins to get the rebound, but he's a forward so defense isn't his thing. Wideman on the other hand was doing his typical "take out the guy who has no chance of scoring while another Bruin is skating untouched right in front of the crease" to allow yet another score. The Caps should have won.

I put blame on Semin and Hamrlik among others...they're just fresh in my memory at the moment.

Backstrom was dogging it on the OT goal, its playoffs EVERYONE plays defense

Its postseason its the Capitals
Attachments:

That guy looks like he needs the Hamrlik maneuver


wait....


never mind...

Wow...well, I don't know what else can be said about our boys in red that hasn't already been said. I mean, after a stellar regular season and they way they played real hard to qualify for the post-season nice and early it's really no surprise to me how they were able to close out Boston today with a stunning defeat. I mean, if it's an NHL game and you have the chance to close out your opponent there's simply no other team you want on the ice historically than our Washington Capitals.

Every time they're given an opportunity to end a series, they always finish off the other team, you know? Every time...they've always been so reliable that way.

You know what I really enjoyed today? The way our forwards really paid the price in front of the net. You'd think with so many Europeans on this squad, that they'd be all flightly around the perimeter...NOPE! Not our Caps, baby! And Ovechkin...oh my lord...what a GAME he had today, huh? I love that curl and drag move of his, ya' know? I mean, it works EVERY time! You'd think teams would have enough film on him by now to counter that but, apparently it's just so effective. Why bother working on your game to develop new moves, right? Just blaze down the wing...cut inside...and let that wrister fly, baby! He had six goals today...he should've had twelve!

And Wideman...wow, "Olie the Samoli", I don't what game you were watching today but Wideman is a stunning defensive force back there the likes of which we haven't seen since John Slaney! Why do any opposing forwards even try his side of the ice?!?!? He's Mr. Shutdown-D back there! You need the net cleared out? He's the MAN!

And how about that Holtby, today? He's played SO POORLY in the first few games so, it was nice to see him get things turned around really stop pucks today, huh?

Overall, just a superb game and win for our city! I'm so glad we don't have to go up to Boston for game 7. Can you imagine? Now we get some time off before round 2 starts...and man, we are going to be all rested and junk and ready to take on the next opponent who I'm sure we'll sweep. I called to get my round 2 tickets today and the lady on the phone chuckled...I guess she's a Boston fan, I dunno'...

With all of these Cups we've won over the years, it's going to be so hard to really qualify how special this one is going to feel...amazing...

Gonads & Strife Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> That guy looks like he needs the Hamrlik maneuver
>
>
> wait....
>
>
> never mind...


The Hamrlik manuver......you must mean a high stick to the face?


@ Caps Jihadi

The other problem has is broken stickitis. At least once sometimes twice a game his stick snaps in half when winding up for a slap shot. You'd think he'd just grab a new twig after every shift by now.

Hay Zeus Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> @ Caps Jihadi
>
> The other problem has is broken stickitis. At
> least once sometimes twice a game his stick snaps
> in half when winding up for a slap shot. You'd
> think he'd just grab a new twig after every shift
> by now.

All the broken sticks help keep the other team in the game. We wouldn't want to embarress the other team...

Prior to the late 80's, everyone used wood sticks. You saw a stick broken in games every other game and they costed $15 a piece. (Perhaps less since they bought in bulk...) And they probably broke a few more during the week at practice.

Nowadays, the sticks go $200 or more at retail and there's 4 or 5 broken per game...

I remember in the late 90's, the Red Wings broke so many Easton sticks that Scotty Bowman prohibited his players from using them until their quality improved.

Nowadays

When losing game 6 after leading a series 3-2, the Caps have a 0-4 game seven record. Not good odds.

Also interesting that this is the only playoff series in NHL history where every game through 6 has been won by only a goal.

On the other hand, Caps won 2 of the 3 games IN BOSTON.

Also, Wideman should not play another game for the Caps. Boston has got to be thanking us for taking him. Bad turnover by Backstrom, but Wideman again completely loses his man and can't recover.

More Complete Wrote:
>
> On the other hand, Caps won 2 of the 3 games IN
> BOSTON.

I like their odds of winning in Boston. They seem to play their best against good teams when their backs are up against the well. The pressure is on Boston to win at home, not the Caps.

Tim Thomas has let in a lot of weak goals the last two games. Every other goal he let in i never saw coming because the set up looked so routine. Typically goalies don't just turn it around without taking a few games off.

Hay Zeus Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I like their odds of winning in Boston. They seem
> to play their best against good teams when their
> backs are up against the well. The pressure is on
> Boston to win at home, not the Caps.
>
> Tim Thomas has let in a lot of weak goals the last
> two games. Every other goal he let in i never saw
> coming because the set up looked so routine.
> Typically goalies don't just turn it around
> without taking a few games off.

Yeah, the Bruins are the defending champs, the #2 seed, and CJ hasn't lost a series in under 7 games. Everyone knew they weren't going to just roll over and go play golf.

Can you even call it a choke when you're a 7th seed? I guess many will but in general, I'm pretty impressed with the way the Caps have played so far.

More Complete Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

> Can you even call it a choke when you're a 7th
> seed? I guess many will but in general, I'm pretty
> impressed with the way the Caps have played so
> far.

If you're a team that made the playoffs in the final week of the season as a 7 seed and you're swept in 4 games...that's not a choke.

If you're a team that made the playoffs in the final week of the season as a 7 seed and you push it to 7 games and lose...that's not a choke. It's heartbreaking.

Caps Jihadist Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> If you're a team that made the playoffs in the
> final week of the season as a 7 seed and you push
> it to 7 games and lose...that's not a choke. It's
> heartbreaking.

Ugh. You're absolutely, 100% right. Just thinking about it hurts.

I heard Craig Laughlin on the radio the other day saying that the statistics aren't against the Capitals winning game 7 and moving to the next series. He said that in the post-lockout era, the record is 12-12 for away teams winning game 7 in the post-season. Of course, he didn't mention that 4 of those 12 loses belong to the Capitals, who are 0-4 in post-season away game 7s during the Ovechkin era.

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



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 04/24/2012 01:37PM by WashingTone-Locian.

WashingTone-Locian Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I heard Craig Laughlin on the radio the other day
> saying that the statistics aren't against the
> Capitals winning game 7 and moving to the next
> series. He said that in the post-lockout era, the
> record is 12-12 for away teams winning game 7 in
> the post-season. Of course, he didn't mention that
> 4 of those 12 loses belong to the Capitals, who
> are 0-4 in post-season away game 7s during the
> Ovechkin era.

Laugh-ker kills me. One minute, he can give you incredible insights DURING THE GAME in real time and the next minute when he can prepare his remarks for a radio show he squeezes out this loaf. I'm all for flying the "past performance does not indicate future results" flag of optimism. God knows I could stand to be a bit more optimistic myself but the odds AND history are AGAINST the Capitals winning Wednesday night. I don't care what's gone on in game 7's in the post-lockout era...I don't care what OTHER teams have done in game 7's in the post-lockout era...I care about what this team, the Washington Capitals have done in their history in game 7's. What's Ovie and Semin's record in game 7's...I forget...

WashingTone-Locian Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I heard Craig Laughlin on the radio the other day
> saying that the statistics aren't against the
> Capitals winning game 7 and moving to the next
> series. He said that in the post-lockout era, the
> record is 12-12 for away teams winning game 7 in
> the post-season. Of course, he didn't mention that
> 4 of those 12 loses belong to the Capitals, who
> are 0-4 in post-season away game 7s during the
> Ovechkin era.

Gotta love Locker, ever the optimist! I have a weird feeling this game seven isn’t going to be the close one goal type situation we’ve seen the first six. The 6-2 game seven loss to the Pens in 2009 comes to mind. My stomach is churning already.

I'm thinking that they will do what they do most of the time in a Game 7 - lose 5-1 or something similar. Basically not show up.

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

They were playing game 7 sevens the last 4 weeks of the season. Also the pressure is on, Boston being the higher seed and in Bean Town.

Who ever score first wins the game.

Hay Zeus Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> They were playing game 7 sevens the last 4 weeks
> of the season. Also the pressure is on, Boston
> being the higher seed and in Bean Town.
>
> Who ever score first wins the game.

Vegas has Boston as heavy favorites. Makes sense, home game, cup champions, three game 7 wins last year, veteran in goal. Caps have to earn respect, and they have a lot of earning to do.

I have the feeling Boston's going to be a nightmare for the first ten minutes. Caps need to weather the storm and not allow the lopsided 15-1 shots on goal. Really, this game is going to be on Holtby. He stands on his head, the Caps can win. He needs to bring his best tonight.


As the great Jim Zorn once said, “Stay medium” Caps. “Stay medium”.

I think they may surprise us and lose 2-1 in overtime. But I think they will lose.

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

WashingTone-Locian Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I think they may surprise us and lose 2-1 in
> overtime. But I think they will lose.

I've been conditioned to feel this way. Fully expect a loss. Even my reverse psychology ju-ju isn’t going to work. ;-)

More Complete Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hay Zeus Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > They were playing game 7 sevens the last 4
> weeks
> > of the season. Also the pressure is on, Boston
> > being the higher seed and in Bean Town.
> >
> > Who ever score first wins the game.
>
> Vegas has Boston as heavy favorites. Makes sense,
> home game, cup champions, three game 7 wins last
> year, veteran in goal. Caps have to earn respect,
> and they have a lot of earning to do.
>
Vegas also adjusts the Odds depending on how people are betting.

This is like any other normal routine day. Except that the girl you've dating for 9 months and living with for 3 that you think is the "one" calls unexpectedly and says

"what time will you be home tonight"

You think (Funny she doesn't usually call me and ask that because she knows i go to the gym after work) but say "Usual"

She replied "well do you think could come home a little early, we need to talk..."

And the rest of the day is just gut wrenching dread because you're about to get the boot!

Hay Zeus Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Vegas also adjusts the Odds depending on how
> people are betting.
>
> This is like any other normal routine day. Except
> that the girl you've dating for 9 months and
> living with for 3 that you think is the "one"
> calls unexpectedly and says
>
> "what time will you be home tonight"
>
> You think (Funny she doesn't usually call me and
> ask that because she knows i go to the gym after
> work) but say "Usual"
>
> She replied "well do you think could come home a
> little early, we need to talk..."
>
> And the rest of the day is just gut wrenching
> dread because you're about to get the boot!

Exactly! Lol! Think you're right about whoever scores first, it's a pretty good indication. Plus, The team that has scored first has won five of the six in this series. Plus, when the Caps get behind and have to play catch up, it doesn't tend to work out well.

Of course when the Caps are up and look like they're in a good spot they manage to fuck it up and blow the lead...

Gonads & Strife Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Of course when the Caps are up and look like
> they're in a good spot they manage to fuck it up
> and blow the lead...


+1, G&S! He doesn't post often folks but when he does it's always quality laden! This is the real message about tonight's game...no matter what scenario we as fans can dream up (many of which have been already been fully realized...some multiple times), there is no safe win scenario.

A 5 goal lead with one minute to go and the game isn't over. Lucic, Thomas and Krejci could all be arrested and miss the game completely and the Caps would find a way to lose.

Win or lose, enjoy the game tonight. And for God sakes...don't drink any fucking Sam Adams. It's a fine brew but not tonight...

Caps Jihadist Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> Win or lose, enjoy the game tonight. And for God
> sakes...don't drink any fucking Sam Adams. It's a
> fine brew but not tonight...

I disagree as much with everything else about the Boston, Sam Adams is overrated. I have yet to try anything they made and enjoyed. Even though the lite beer is nice, its to overprice to enjoy.

Not to mention, the Sam Adams we drink in the DC market, is brewed in Pittsburgh (Yuck)



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/25/2012 09:23PM by Hay Zeus.

sCORE!!!!!

It's gonna smell like napalm tomorrow.

The fix was in and they still knocked off the champs.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/25/2012 10:33PM by Hay Zeus.

I'm buying a Ward jersey. Can you even get a Ward jersey?

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

WashingTone-Locian Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I'm buying a Ward jersey. Can you even get a Ward
> jersey?


Here:

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

Yup...they won a series. Icebreakers, goal-shakers...the Caps. Well, well, well...even the sun shines on a dead dog's ass once a day.

They played well enough to win the series and nothing more. They did not play well enough to indicate they can win the Cup. It's inexcusable with the offensive talent they have that they failed to generate more shots and more goals. Backstrom, Semin, Green and of course my "favorite" player, Ovechkin...yeah, I'm looking at you. Teams that win the Cup get support from players like Beagle, Ward, Knuble and Laich. If you try and live by those players, you'll die by those players. Also, taking multiple series to 7 games with multiple OT efforts is not a formula for achievement of Lord Stanley's codpiece either.

Hunter needs to open things up more offensively. (Not WIDE OPEN...just open it up a notch or two...) Holtby has been great but you can't lean on one player that much and continue to expect him to carry you.

Is this the scenario we've been waiting for of being a low seed, having a hot young goaltender and playing the roll of the spoiler?

Not even sure who i'd like to see them play next?

I have to admit about being baffled by seeing Ward on the ice so much and then hearing Joe B and Locker comment every 10 minutes how little ice time Ovie was getting.

It seemed like the Ward line was getting good breakouts into Bostons zone but no real quality scoring chances throughout the game. Dale seems to understand game temp a lot better then Bruce. He's not riding Ovie like a work horse and gets everyone involved early.

With Boston out and a new series coming up will we see better officiating?

How long can we ride Holtby's hot streak? There is an unusual paradigm when a goalie is on a hot streak and that is the other goalie gets cold with little action in his zone. What if being out shot by the Bruins was really a disadvantage for Tim Thomas?

Hay Zeus Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Not even sure who i'd like to see them play next?

NOT the Flyers who put up 10 on the Penguins, that's who.

Hay Zeus Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Is this the scenario we've been waiting for of
> being a low seed, having a hot young goaltender
> and playing the roll of the spoiler?

Hey-Zeus, stop! Really, dude? This is bandwagon fan kind of thinking..."Oh gee, we've never had things be this way before so, this must mean we're going to win the Cup!" They've been a low seed before and gotten bounced. They've been a high seed before and gotten bounced. They are equal opportunity bouncees.

> Not even sure who i'd like to see them play next?

+1 on anyone but the Flyers. We need to hope they are eliminated or suffer some severe injuries to their key players. I'd also prefer not to play the New York Lundqvists.

> I have to admit about being baffled by seeing Ward
> on the ice so much and then hearing Joe B and
> Locker comment every 10 minutes how little ice
> time Ovie was getting.

Everyone has an agenda...If they win and Ovie doesn't play his usual 61 minutes per game, it's a story. If they lose and Ovie doesn't play his usual 61 minutes per game, it's a story. I don't think it's so much about limiting Ovechkin's ice time as it is about getting everyone involved and showing the opposition lots of looks and gear changes offensively. In 1990, Petr Klima sat on the Oilers bench through nearly 3 periods of OT before finally getting a shift and scoring the game winner. This is the exception. It's extremely challenging mentally and physically even for an elite athlete to sit through inactivity. Not to mention, you spread out the workload throughout the game on everyone such that you don't have guys getting gassed repeatedly.

> It seemed like the Ward line was getting good
> breakouts into Bostons zone but no real quality
> scoring chances throughout the game. Dale seems to
> understand game temp a lot better then Bruce. He's
> not riding Ovie like a work horse and gets
> everyone involved early.

It was clear before this series started that the Caps weren't going to fly in to the zone, let fly with wrist shots and blow them right by Thomas. Yes, they did score some goals like that but, against Thomas you have to generate shots, get him moving laterally and stuff rebounds. Ovechkin, Semin and Backstrom refuse to do that kind of work so, you roll the fourth line out there to grind it out.

> With Boston out and a new series coming up will we
> see better officiating?

No. The NHL does not want a Cup in Washington.

> How long can we ride Holtby's hot streak? There is
> an unusual paradigm when a goalie is on a hot
> streak and that is the other goalie gets cold with
> little action in his zone. What if being out shot
> by the Bruins was really a disadvantage for Tim
> Thomas?

The Caps are not the kind of team that can continue to eek out one goal games. At some point (and we've seen hints of this already), Holtby is going to let in 4 or 5 possibly get pulled and they're going to have to get on their bikes and light up the opposition for 6 or 7 if they want to win that game. Holtby's played well but you can't win the Cup playing the same style, unless you're the Flyers circa '74-'75.

There are smart coaches and players in this league with lots of time to analyze game film. Holtby's weak high to the glove side especially when moving to his right, Wideman and Hamrlik are proven defensive liabilities, Semin and Erskine can be goaded into poor penalties, Backstrom's coming off a concussion and didn't like to get his hands dirty in the first place, Knuble and Ward can't skate, Alzner and Carlson can't shoot, Mike Green is not at 100%. The opposition will eventually show the Caps a new look and the Caps will have to adjust accordingly or be eliminated. Sports at this level is about finding one weakness in the opposition and exploiting it. The Caps have several.

Hay Zeus Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Is this the scenario we've been waiting for, having a hot young goaltender

How can you be a hockey fan and write something like that?

Happy with the win. Let's go CAPS!!!

@ Caps Jihadi

Its fine to disagree with me, i'm all for discussion which is why I post on here but could do without the pompus arrogance. Sports and seeding isn't simple logic.
For example, Team Caps Jihadi beats team Gonads 6-0, Gonads beats Team HayZeus 6-0, does that mean Caps Jihadi will be HayZeus 12-0?? Of course not Team HayZeuse could win 1-0 and then lose to Gonads 6-0 the following week. Its not that logical but that how many people view sports match ups.

Also you claim to be fan, yet predict every scenario how this team will fail and why, as though its already predetermined. Most of the Caps nation is fully aware this team can fail, however they have the talent to just as easily to succeed if they can get their shit together for 10-14 days at a time.

I get you played hockey as youth and even today as an adult but so what? I grew up in and around the game as well that doesnt make us experts. I enjoy each win when they come but move on to something else when they lose. At the end of the day its entertainment, coming on here bullshitting with people like you is part of it. Eventually a time comes and they will suck again I'll probably lose interest because losing and being pessimistic is NOT entertaining.

Its lame that you and Kardinal and are afraid to play the Flyers or Rangers, where is the fight? The Caps for whatever reason just don't show up to play against percieved "weaker" opponets. It was their MO throughout the whole season, losing to teams people expected them to beat and defeating teams they were expected to lose to. Which team is weaker of those teams right now, Florida.

If you think about it, the Flyers might actually be the most vulnerable team go up against right now. That series against the Pens was very defensively loose game which resembled more an All-Star game then Playoff hockey (fighting and hitting aside). Its very unlikely such bad goaltending performances will be repeated. They probably are over confident as a team and think they repeat those same offensive performances against any team they play next. A tight defensively game would be a punch in the gut to thier offensive game.

Why do you think the NHL doesnt want the Caps in the Finals? Does the NHL think having Ovechkin, one of its Stars (arguably a Superstar a few years ago),in the Final will be bad for ratings and the League?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/26/2012 11:38AM by Hay Zeus.

Kardinal Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hay Zeus Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Not even sure who i'd like to see them play
> next?
>
> NOT the Flyers who put up 10 on the Penguins,
> that's who.


The Flyers goaltending was pretty non existant for most of that series as well.

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

Joel Ward??? Joel frinkin' Ware! Who would have thunk that?

Capt J, the Caps don't have to win the game when Holtby gives up 5 goals. They just have to win 4 one-goal games. We've tried the offensive scorefest strategy for the past three years. Didn't work. Hunter has this team right where they need to be. They just knocked off a superior team by playing a smart hockey and a great gameplan. They should have won this in 6, but the Bruins were that good. I don't see anyone, including the Flyers to be afraid of now. The Caps have the talent and FINALLY the coach to take them all the way. Whether they can continue to play smart enough and stick to the gameplan will be the difference now.

Rangers beat the Senators so its Capitals Vs Rangers in round two....Oh well. I really wanted the Caps to take on the Flyers. Dont worry Caps fans, whatever team it is....WE GOT THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was hoping for Philly also. They have trouble at goaltender and used it all up offensively in round 1.

LET'S GO CAPS!!!

Great. Now Hart Trophy finalist Lundqvist can get his hot streak going.

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

The Caps are 2-2 vs the Rangers this season.

Nov 25 3-6 Loss
Dec 26 4-1 Win
Feb 12 2-3 Loss
Apr 07 4-1 Win

Judging from history, looks like this could really go either way. Hopefully they can keep playing their game.

Not happy about the 3pm game, 7-730 so much better and less disruptive to the day.

The Caps are peaking at the right time. NY is the Caps from two years ago. High power offense with a run-n-gun pace. The Caps are now the patient,take-what-they-get team that's more than happy to win it 1-0 in O/T. The question is whether NY can play the Caps game. Boston was the hardest team matchup wise that the Caps will face. Tough and physical with a great goalie and the players to either grind it out or sprint up and down the rink. The Caps beat 'em. If they stay composed and stick to the gameplan (don't rely on Ovie), the Caps won't face anyone tougher and it should be downhill from here.

The Capitals have had solid success against the Rangers in the playoffs. I realize not every year is the same, but sometimes one team will have the other team's number year in and year out. Hopefully that's the case this year.

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

The Washington Capitals have a good goalie who is playing great. The New York Rangers have a better goalie. Of goalies with more than 30 starts this season, Lundqvist is 4th in GAA with a 1.97 and 3rd in SV% with a .930 and 3rd in SO's with 8.

This series will indeed be about goaltending. Of course barring a sweep of the Rangers and/or a scoring average north of 5.0, Philly is still the toast of the East.

@Hay Zeus: We can disagree without being disagreeable. I'm sorry you don't care for my remarks and I won't apologize for them. Go Caps.

Caps Jihadist Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The Washington Capitals have a good goalie who is
> playing great. The New York Rangers have a better
> goalie. Of goalies with more than 30 starts this
> season, Lundqvist is 4th in GAA with a 1.97 and
> 3rd in SV% with a .930 and 3rd in SO's with 8.

Lundqvist will be another tough nut to crack for sure. Unfortunately i didn't catch a lot of Rangers v Senators. Bryzcwtf from the flyers looked like swiss cheese for that whole series and the back up didnt do much better. Maybe he gets it back together for round 2 but one or two bad goals those demons start creeping in.

Unlike Vokoun-a-matada and Neuvy who are serviceable at best. No one really knows what we have with Holtby, could be a anything from a Jim Cary to a Olie Kolzig.

Juding by all the comments on how weird/eccentric the dude is, he might be the real deal.

Good news is both teams are coming in from hard fought series, most of the Ottowa V NY games were close too. So the Caps shouldn't be caught off guard by another defensively tight game.

More Complete Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> 10 out of 10 "experts" like the Bruins over the
> Caps.
>
> http://espn.go.com/nhl/playoffs/2012/story/_/id/77
> 72345/experts-picks

I'd like to take this opportunity to remind ESPN how much they suck.

@HeyZeus: If you're the Philadelphia Flyers, you don't need goaltending when your goals per game average in the playoffs is 5.00.

I'm not sure where you were going with that "could be Cary or Kolzig" statement. Cary might have been one of the most skilled goalies we ever had before he flamed out and Kolzig was the only goalie that's taken us to the Cup finals in 38 seasons. Unfortunately, they never got a team around him after that...Though they certainly tried...speaking of flameouts, who predicted Jagr shitting the bed here the way he did? Then Kolzig got old.

I like the Caps over NYR, though they'll fiddle-fuck around and take 6 or 7 games to do it with lots of the usual and preventable overtime.

Caps Jihadist Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

> I'm not sure where you were going with that "could
> be Cary or Kolzig" statement. Cary might have been
> one of the most skilled goalies we ever had before
> he flamed out and Kolzig was the only goalie
> that's taken us to the Cup finals in 38 seasons.
> Unfortunately, they never got a team around him
> after that...Though they certainly
> tried...speaking of flameouts, who predicted Jagr
> shitting the bed here the way he did? Then Kolzig
> got old.


I think he was saying that we could either have another flash in the pan (Carey) or a consistently good goalie that's good enough to make a run if he has a team around him (Kolzig).

The Caps always seem to missing one component that does them in. Offense and Defense but no goaltending. Defense and goaltending but no offense. Goaltending and offense, but a defense weaker than the French.

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

Caps Jihadist Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> @HeyZeus: If you're the Philadelphia Flyers, you
> don't need goaltending when your goals per game
> average in the playoffs is 5.00.

While thats usually true in the regular season, history hasn't been kind to high power offenses in the post season. That was the problem with the Caps under Bruce.

>
> I'm not sure where you were going with that "could
> be Cary or Kolzig" statement.

Warhawk nailed it.

>
> I like the Caps over NYR, though they'll
> fiddle-fuck around and take 6 or 7 games to do it
> with lots of the usual and preventable overtime.

True that

Well, the Capitals were just not real good yesterday. We were already aware that Mike Green is also a defensive liability, but that was further reinforced today. 52 was absolutely out-muscled by Anisimov enroute to a soft wrap-around. And again, Wideman was in position to stop Brad Richards but he refused to put the lumber on or otherwise take the body.

Holtby gave up 3 goals on 14 shots. If you're playing Henrik Lundqvist in the playoffs, you aren't going to beat his team when you give up 3 goals.

Ovechkin, Semin, Backstrom and the aforementioned 52 continue to be a problem. These four players combined for 6 shots and no goals. Oh and I can't forget Semin's 4 PIMs either. I can cut some slack to Semin, Backstrom and Green, I guess...but we've been told since his debut that Ovechkin is the player of this generation and would go down in league history as one of the all-time greats.

Gordie Howe, Mark Messier, Bobby Orr, Joe Sakic, Mario Lemieux, Wayne Gretzky and Steve Yzerman were considered great players not only becuase of their stats but because at multiple points in their careers, they put their teams on their backs and laid down a performance that carried the game, the series and eventually the Cup. Ovechkin either needs to step up and start dominating the game with multiple goals and controlling the pace or the hype machine needs to STFU when it comes to trying to convince us how good he is.