The Caps should consider themselves lucky for managing a point in New Jersey last night after earning a 3-1 win Friday night at Verizon Center over the same Devils. The Caps were outshot in both games and Jose Theodore clearly bailed them out both times. But the main difference was that they only allowed one game Friday night but gave up five last night in a 6-5 shootout loss.
Clearly, taking three points in a home-and-home with the Devs is a good thing -- and it gave the Caps a five-point lead in the Southeast Division. But the porous tendancies of the defense continue to provide reason to worry.
Alex Ovechkin seems to have regained his form and Nick Backstrom is probably playing better than he did last season. But the real star is Theodore, who has played superbly since taking over for the injured Brent Johnson Wednesday night in Carolina.
Yes, Theo allowed five goals (plus another in the shootout) yesterday -- but if he had more help in front of him, then it could have been a lot less.
Nevertheless, the Caps head west to face the Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks -- two really awesome teams and one (the Kings) with a lot to prove. The Caps also face Minnesota before returning home on the day before Thanksgiving.
November 16, 2008
November 14, 2008
A Devilish Weekend, With a Plus
The Caps have a golden opportunity this weekend -- to sweep a home-and-home from the Martin Brodeur-less New Jersey Devils. Granted, it's not really the same team without No. 30, but the neutral-zone trap is still alive and well in the Swamp. Jose Theodore gets the start tonight for the Caps, and it seems Brent Johnson will be healthy enough to go tomorrow at the Rock.
Meanwhile, possibly overlooked during Alex Semin's terrific start (13 goals, 14 assists, plus-17) is that the Caps have three of the league's top-four plus/minus men -- with Alex Ovechkin (plus-12) and Mike Green (plus-10) not too far behind No. 28. In fact, the three Caps (along with the Chicago Blackhawks' Aaron Johnson at plus-11) are the only four NHLers with double-digit plus tallies so far. In fact, nearly all of the Caps' regulars are plus-players -- with top-line center Nicklas Backstrom fourth on the team at plus-six.
Other than Semin (minus-18 last season) and Michael Nylander (minus-19 in 40 games), this is a continuation of the plus-play from last season, when Ovechkin and Viktor Kozlov were plus-28. (Nylander is plus-one so far this season.)
Some could argue that this is a byproduct of the team's anemic power play as most of their goals have been scored at even strength, therefore making them eligible for the plus/minus tally. It's a stretch, but worth a mention.
Either way, the Caps have four points for the taking this weekend -- and there's plenty of pluses in their favor.
Meanwhile, possibly overlooked during Alex Semin's terrific start (13 goals, 14 assists, plus-17) is that the Caps have three of the league's top-four plus/minus men -- with Alex Ovechkin (plus-12) and Mike Green (plus-10) not too far behind No. 28. In fact, the three Caps (along with the Chicago Blackhawks' Aaron Johnson at plus-11) are the only four NHLers with double-digit plus tallies so far. In fact, nearly all of the Caps' regulars are plus-players -- with top-line center Nicklas Backstrom fourth on the team at plus-six.
Other than Semin (minus-18 last season) and Michael Nylander (minus-19 in 40 games), this is a continuation of the plus-play from last season, when Ovechkin and Viktor Kozlov were plus-28. (Nylander is plus-one so far this season.)
Some could argue that this is a byproduct of the team's anemic power play as most of their goals have been scored at even strength, therefore making them eligible for the plus/minus tally. It's a stretch, but worth a mention.
Either way, the Caps have four points for the taking this weekend -- and there's plenty of pluses in their favor.
November 12, 2008
Simply Semin-sational
Alex Semin threw a coming-out party tonight and the Carolina Hurricanes could only stand and watch. Semin notched two goals and three assists as the Caps destroyed the homstanding Canes, 5-1, at RBC Center.
Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and Mike Green notched the other goals for the Caps -- who dominated from start to finish. Ovechkin's tally, the first of the game, was a thing of beauty -- taking a cross-ice feed from Semin and deking his way past a helpless Michael Leighton.
Semin's first goal was next, as he unleashed a furious slapper past Leighton after the puck carromed off the boards. Green's was a hard slapper that gave the red, white and blue a 3-1 lead after one.
From there, the Canes had no shot -- with Backstrom's first of the year (on a beautiful tic-tac-toe) the cherry on top. In fact, the Backstrom-Ovechkin-Semin line tallied a whopping 12 points on the night.
Brent Johnson started and was great for 20 minutes but left with an undisclosed injury and was replaced by Jose Theodore, who made some awesome saves during the remainder of the game.
The only negative was that the Caps (9-4-2, 20 points) took too many penalties and sometimes had defensive lapses, especially when shorthanded. But there's no doubt they played all 60 minutes and now reside alone atop the Southeast division.
Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and Mike Green notched the other goals for the Caps -- who dominated from start to finish. Ovechkin's tally, the first of the game, was a thing of beauty -- taking a cross-ice feed from Semin and deking his way past a helpless Michael Leighton.
Semin's first goal was next, as he unleashed a furious slapper past Leighton after the puck carromed off the boards. Green's was a hard slapper that gave the red, white and blue a 3-1 lead after one.
From there, the Canes had no shot -- with Backstrom's first of the year (on a beautiful tic-tac-toe) the cherry on top. In fact, the Backstrom-Ovechkin-Semin line tallied a whopping 12 points on the night.
Brent Johnson started and was great for 20 minutes but left with an undisclosed injury and was replaced by Jose Theodore, who made some awesome saves during the remainder of the game.
The only negative was that the Caps (9-4-2, 20 points) took too many penalties and sometimes had defensive lapses, especially when shorthanded. But there's no doubt they played all 60 minutes and now reside alone atop the Southeast division.
Subjects:
Recaps
Raising Cane(s)
The Caps head to RBC Center tonight to face the ornery Carolina Hurricanes, who undoubtedly are still smarting from last Thursday's 3-2 loss at Verizon Center. Since then, the Caps have won two straight -- including Monday's 4-2 win over the Lightning. In that game, Alex Ovechkin broke his goal drought against old friend Olie Kolzig, the 55th NHL goaltender that No. 8 has scored upon. Although the Caps' offense is getting more consistent, they're still being "too cute" with the puck.
"In the second period, Alexander Semin might be leading the league in scoring, but he's got the puck between the hashmarks and [passes] to [Nicklas] Backstrom," Coach Bruce Boudreau said after the win over Tampa. "He's got as good a shot as there is in hockey. Use it. [Semin] and [Ovechkin] were way too cute tonight."
The game was replayed on Versus yesterday afternoon and there's no doubt about it. Semin was wide open in the slot and had no business passing. Maybe the Caps will get the message tonight, as this is a very disturbing trend.
Additionally, the Caps have not allowed more than one goal in a period in their last 14 periods of play. Overall, the Caps are allowing 2.86 goals per game (15th in the league) and Brent Johnson is sixth in the league with a 2.11 GAA and third with a .931 save percentage.
The red, white and blue has scored five first-period goals in the last two games. The Caps are 5-0-0 when it scores more than one goal in the first period and 2-2-1 when it has been held scoreless in the first period.
It all adds up to a great tilt tonight.
Notes
* Voting for the all-star game begins today. Start hitting the (online) ballot box for Alex Ovechkin, Alex Semin and Mike Green. And keep track of the results (which so far is dominated by the host team).
* Kudos to John at OFB for his great piece on our friend Dmitry Chesnokov. It's a must read!
"In the second period, Alexander Semin might be leading the league in scoring, but he's got the puck between the hashmarks and [passes] to [Nicklas] Backstrom," Coach Bruce Boudreau said after the win over Tampa. "He's got as good a shot as there is in hockey. Use it. [Semin] and [Ovechkin] were way too cute tonight."
The game was replayed on Versus yesterday afternoon and there's no doubt about it. Semin was wide open in the slot and had no business passing. Maybe the Caps will get the message tonight, as this is a very disturbing trend.
Additionally, the Caps have not allowed more than one goal in a period in their last 14 periods of play. Overall, the Caps are allowing 2.86 goals per game (15th in the league) and Brent Johnson is sixth in the league with a 2.11 GAA and third with a .931 save percentage.
The red, white and blue has scored five first-period goals in the last two games. The Caps are 5-0-0 when it scores more than one goal in the first period and 2-2-1 when it has been held scoreless in the first period.
It all adds up to a great tilt tonight.
Notes
* Voting for the all-star game begins today. Start hitting the (online) ballot box for Alex Ovechkin, Alex Semin and Mike Green. And keep track of the results (which so far is dominated by the host team).
* Kudos to John at OFB for his great piece on our friend Dmitry Chesnokov. It's a must read!
November 11, 2008
Caps-Lightning Leftovers
With no practice today, a few more notes from last night's 4-2 Caps win over Tampa:
* NHL Network was in town taping material for a future episode of "Voices" with Caps radio play-by-play voice Steve Kolbe.
* The 18 shots the Caps allowed in the second period were the most they've allowed in one stanza this season.
* Steve Eminger didn't get the fondest welcome, receiving unfriendly sounds every time he touched the puck.
* A few new (at least to me) bloggers attended the game, including "Love the Game," "Musings of a Hockey Mom" and the WNST Caps Blog. Welcome!
* NHL Network was in town taping material for a future episode of "Voices" with Caps radio play-by-play voice Steve Kolbe.
* The 18 shots the Caps allowed in the second period were the most they've allowed in one stanza this season.
* Steve Eminger didn't get the fondest welcome, receiving unfriendly sounds every time he touched the puck.
* A few new (at least to me) bloggers attended the game, including "Love the Game," "Musings of a Hockey Mom" and the WNST Caps Blog. Welcome!
Subjects:
Notes
Fantastic, Fearless Fehr
It's easy to root for Eric Fehr, who's battled injury problems throughout his pro career. But he's back to full strength, armed with a new attitude, jersey number (he switched from No. 14 to No. 16) and is starting to make an impact.
"I feel great right now. It's probably the best I've felt in my pro career. I feel strong. I've had a lot of opportunities to put on some muscle and I feel great when I'm on the ice," he said.
Last night, while wearing the red hard hat issued to the team's player of the game, Fehr reflected on what it was like to get back into the lineup and score his first goal of the season.
"I've been ready to go, I've been working hard trying to get back in the lineup," he mused. "You see the game from up top [as a healthy scratch], they look so easy. I just wanted to go on the ice, look good and hope for some bounces. I've got two great linemates that are working hard."
During the post-game press conference, Coach Bruce Boudreau singled out Fehr and his linemates -- Brooks Laich and David Steckel (both of whom assisted on Fehr's first-period tally, which turned out to be the game winner).
"That was by far our best line," Boudreau said. "When we play with energy and you outwork the other team, you're gonna have success. They scored once, but they easily could have scored two or three."
Although Fehr only boasted four goals and eight assists in 53 NHL games prior to this season, the 23-year-old Manitoba native notched 50 goals and 51 assists in two-plus season with the Hershey Bears. And as a junior with the Brandon Wheat Kings of the WHL, Fehr scored 146 goals in four seasons.
Now he's hoping to turn a new leaf and translate that success to the NHL.
"I hope I keep getting put in a position to go out there and perform," Fehr said. "When I get the call to go and play, I hope I'm ready for it."
As for Hershey (9-5-1), Fehr still follows the team with whom he won a Calder Cup.
"I've been watching them for sure. I keep tabs with a lot of the guys there," he said. "I talk to them all the time. They've been struggling a little bit lately but they've got a lot of skill down there. They're going to be fine and I'm sure they're going to have a good opportunity to make a good [Calder] Cup run."
"I feel great right now. It's probably the best I've felt in my pro career. I feel strong. I've had a lot of opportunities to put on some muscle and I feel great when I'm on the ice," he said.
Last night, while wearing the red hard hat issued to the team's player of the game, Fehr reflected on what it was like to get back into the lineup and score his first goal of the season.
"I've been ready to go, I've been working hard trying to get back in the lineup," he mused. "You see the game from up top [as a healthy scratch], they look so easy. I just wanted to go on the ice, look good and hope for some bounces. I've got two great linemates that are working hard."
During the post-game press conference, Coach Bruce Boudreau singled out Fehr and his linemates -- Brooks Laich and David Steckel (both of whom assisted on Fehr's first-period tally, which turned out to be the game winner).
"That was by far our best line," Boudreau said. "When we play with energy and you outwork the other team, you're gonna have success. They scored once, but they easily could have scored two or three."
Although Fehr only boasted four goals and eight assists in 53 NHL games prior to this season, the 23-year-old Manitoba native notched 50 goals and 51 assists in two-plus season with the Hershey Bears. And as a junior with the Brandon Wheat Kings of the WHL, Fehr scored 146 goals in four seasons.
Now he's hoping to turn a new leaf and translate that success to the NHL.
"I hope I keep getting put in a position to go out there and perform," Fehr said. "When I get the call to go and play, I hope I'm ready for it."
As for Hershey (9-5-1), Fehr still follows the team with whom he won a Calder Cup.
"I've been watching them for sure. I keep tabs with a lot of the guys there," he said. "I talk to them all the time. They've been struggling a little bit lately but they've got a lot of skill down there. They're going to be fine and I'm sure they're going to have a good opportunity to make a good [Calder] Cup run."
Subjects:
Features,
Hershey Bears
November 10, 2008
Caps-Lightning Live
Welcome to Verizon Center and tonight's marquee match-up (really) with Olie Kolzig and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Steve Eminger is back in town too as is Matt Pettinger, who's a healthy scratch.
The Caps are trying to remain nearly-perfect at home (5-0-1), while the Lightning are 3-2-1 on the road. Both teams are 3-1-1 in their last five. The Caps have won the last five in the series and went 6-2-0 against the Lightning last season. The 'Ning have given up the most shots per game this season (36.2) while the Caps average 31.6 per game.
First Period
The game got off to a bit of a sluggish start, especially on the Caps' part. It took them 8:20 to get a shot -- but they made it pay off. Donald Brasher carried the puck along the boards, did a Michael Nylander-esque turnaround and fired it cross ice to Tom Poti, who buried a wrister past Kilzog top shelf.
About a minute later, Nick Backstrom passed it up to Alex Ovechkin -- who then passed it across to a wide-open Mike Green, who fired a wrister top shelf past Kolzig.
As promised, the Caps paid tribute to Kolzig with a video tribute that ended with the message, "A Capital Forever." The eponymous song "Godzilla" played for a few minutes. There's also a "Welcome Back Olie" sign around.
The Caps seized control from there with a dominant shift that didn't result in a goal (because of too much passing) but did include about 2:00 of offensive-zone time.
Not too much later, though, Eric Fehr scored on a hallitzer of a slap shot (from Brooks Laich and Dave Steckel). It was the icing on the cake of a great first period by the Caps. The Lightning called a timeout and Barry Melrose changed his lines.
Shots: Caps 12, Lightning 6.
After one: Caps 3, Tampa 0.
Second Period
The Caps continued their aggressive play to start the period, but continued the pattern of trying to pass instead of shoot. Fortunately, Tampa looks anemic and haven't really mounted anything that threatening. Johnny did have a great save on Martin St. Louis, but that was about it.
The Caps have earned two power plays this period. However, both times they couldn't establish themselves in the offensive zone and really didn't pose a serious threat.
In fact, after Brasher drew a double minor (high sticking and unsportsmanlike contact), the Caps had an amazing penalty kill and got more offensive chances than during the preceding man-advantage. Semin and Steckel both had great chances but didn't convert. The Caps have now killed 42 of their last 48 penalties. The addition of Semin and Ovechkin onto the PK has really helped.
That PK theory was tested again at 15:36 when Steckel went to the box for interference. And the Lightning continued to build on the momentum they started during the extended power play and broke the shutout. The 'Ning crashed the net (seemingly with three people) and Gary Roberts got it past Johnson at 16:30.
Johnson really is playing fantastically this evening and, despite only scoring three goals, the Caps really executing their puck-possession game quite well. However, they weakened over the last 10 minutes and need to re-establish themselves in the final stanza.
Melrose should be fined for his ugly tie, which isn't as bad as the ice though. It's a busy schedule at Verizon Center, which I'm sure has something to do with that.
Second Period Shots: TB 18, Caps 6.
After two: Caps 3, Bolts 1.
Third Period
Even though Alex Semin was robbed by Kolzig in the first two minutes, the 'Ning continued to dominate and earned a two-minute power play at 5:02 when Erskine looked inept (OK, this is old news). However, Tampa couldn't convert but they did have great chance off the stick of Radim Vrbata that was snuffed by Johnson.
The Bolts continued to increase the pressure but, so far, have not been able to convert. Johnson has been bailing out the Caps all night.
The Caps got a power play at 11:10 after a Paul Ranger tripping penalty and, although they didn't score, looked much better than they have all night. Ovechkin unleashed a fantastic slapper but Kolzig spoiled it and Green couldn't poke in the rebound.
Another break in action for a repair of the boards. Both times it's been the seams in between the glass -- maybe they didn't do such a good job of putting things back together after last night's Cheetah concert. The Caps took the opportunity to cue the "Unleash the Fury" video along with the "Welcome to the Jungle" musical accompaniment. (Versus is showing a Hockey Hall of Fame graphic.)
Ovechkin finally got off the schnide at 15:54 when he was parked in front of the net and poked in a feed by Semin. Ovechkin seems to be more alive over the last three games.
Backstrom nearly had another less than a minute later but was robbed point blank by Kolzig. A mixed "Olie" chant erupted.
Roberts scored on the second Erskine-caused power play of the night to provide the final margin.
Tonight's attendance: 17, 932
Final Score: Caps 4, Bolts 2.
The Caps are trying to remain nearly-perfect at home (5-0-1), while the Lightning are 3-2-1 on the road. Both teams are 3-1-1 in their last five. The Caps have won the last five in the series and went 6-2-0 against the Lightning last season. The 'Ning have given up the most shots per game this season (36.2) while the Caps average 31.6 per game.
First Period
The game got off to a bit of a sluggish start, especially on the Caps' part. It took them 8:20 to get a shot -- but they made it pay off. Donald Brasher carried the puck along the boards, did a Michael Nylander-esque turnaround and fired it cross ice to Tom Poti, who buried a wrister past Kilzog top shelf.
About a minute later, Nick Backstrom passed it up to Alex Ovechkin -- who then passed it across to a wide-open Mike Green, who fired a wrister top shelf past Kolzig.
As promised, the Caps paid tribute to Kolzig with a video tribute that ended with the message, "A Capital Forever." The eponymous song "Godzilla" played for a few minutes. There's also a "Welcome Back Olie" sign around.
The Caps seized control from there with a dominant shift that didn't result in a goal (because of too much passing) but did include about 2:00 of offensive-zone time.
Not too much later, though, Eric Fehr scored on a hallitzer of a slap shot (from Brooks Laich and Dave Steckel). It was the icing on the cake of a great first period by the Caps. The Lightning called a timeout and Barry Melrose changed his lines.
Shots: Caps 12, Lightning 6.
After one: Caps 3, Tampa 0.
Second Period
The Caps continued their aggressive play to start the period, but continued the pattern of trying to pass instead of shoot. Fortunately, Tampa looks anemic and haven't really mounted anything that threatening. Johnny did have a great save on Martin St. Louis, but that was about it.
The Caps have earned two power plays this period. However, both times they couldn't establish themselves in the offensive zone and really didn't pose a serious threat.
In fact, after Brasher drew a double minor (high sticking and unsportsmanlike contact), the Caps had an amazing penalty kill and got more offensive chances than during the preceding man-advantage. Semin and Steckel both had great chances but didn't convert. The Caps have now killed 42 of their last 48 penalties. The addition of Semin and Ovechkin onto the PK has really helped.
That PK theory was tested again at 15:36 when Steckel went to the box for interference. And the Lightning continued to build on the momentum they started during the extended power play and broke the shutout. The 'Ning crashed the net (seemingly with three people) and Gary Roberts got it past Johnson at 16:30.
Johnson really is playing fantastically this evening and, despite only scoring three goals, the Caps really executing their puck-possession game quite well. However, they weakened over the last 10 minutes and need to re-establish themselves in the final stanza.
Melrose should be fined for his ugly tie, which isn't as bad as the ice though. It's a busy schedule at Verizon Center, which I'm sure has something to do with that.
Second Period Shots: TB 18, Caps 6.
After two: Caps 3, Bolts 1.
Third Period
Even though Alex Semin was robbed by Kolzig in the first two minutes, the 'Ning continued to dominate and earned a two-minute power play at 5:02 when Erskine looked inept (OK, this is old news). However, Tampa couldn't convert but they did have great chance off the stick of Radim Vrbata that was snuffed by Johnson.
The Bolts continued to increase the pressure but, so far, have not been able to convert. Johnson has been bailing out the Caps all night.
The Caps got a power play at 11:10 after a Paul Ranger tripping penalty and, although they didn't score, looked much better than they have all night. Ovechkin unleashed a fantastic slapper but Kolzig spoiled it and Green couldn't poke in the rebound.
Another break in action for a repair of the boards. Both times it's been the seams in between the glass -- maybe they didn't do such a good job of putting things back together after last night's Cheetah concert. The Caps took the opportunity to cue the "Unleash the Fury" video along with the "Welcome to the Jungle" musical accompaniment. (Versus is showing a Hockey Hall of Fame graphic.)
Ovechkin finally got off the schnide at 15:54 when he was parked in front of the net and poked in a feed by Semin. Ovechkin seems to be more alive over the last three games.
Backstrom nearly had another less than a minute later but was robbed point blank by Kolzig. A mixed "Olie" chant erupted.
Roberts scored on the second Erskine-caused power play of the night to provide the final margin.
Tonight's attendance: 17, 932
Final Score: Caps 4, Bolts 2.
Subjects:
Live Coverage
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