One of the best in the west, the defending champion Detroit Red Wings (31-10-7, 69), hit Verizon Center tomorrow at 12:30 for a big test for the Caps. With all of the attention on the San Jose Sharks, the Wings are somewhat quietly dominating again and have all of their firepower back from last year's champs -- not to mention Marian Hossa, who leads the team with 24 goals (and is seventh in the league).
Detroit has the best offense in the league (3.58 goals per game) and is uncharacteristically middle-of-the-pack on defense (2.90 GA per game, 19th). The Wings also boast the top power play in the league (27.7 percent) and are 25th in the league on the PK (78.4 percent). On the road, the Wings are a league-best 33 percent on the power play but dead last on the PK (73.6).
So the Caps have their work cut out for them, especially with their penalty kill (84.5 at home, 24th). However, their home power play (24.5 percent, fourth) might be able to save them if they stay out of the penalty box.
Notes: Props to Ed Frankovic at WNST for his breakdown of past Caps' playoff teams.
January 30, 2009
Hockey News Thinks Ovechkin is Captain
Apparently, the Hockey News thinks Alex Ovechkin is the captain of the Washington Capitals. At least, that's how it appears on the cover of the Feb. 2 edition, which hit my mailbox yesterday. As we all know, Chris Clark is captain and Ovie is an assistant.
As for the origin of that picture, it could have been from a preseason contest or it could be PhotoShop. You be the judge.
As for the origin of that picture, it could have been from a preseason contest or it could be PhotoShop. You be the judge.
January 29, 2009
Caps at Best When It's Even Strength
The Caps' problems on the penalty kill make an even bigger impact when you compare them to their numbers at even strength. The red, white and blue are ranked in the upper echelon of the NHL when they're playing at even strength: goals for (93, sixth in the league) and goals against (79, eighth).
Shorthanded, however, the Caps plummet to the bottom. They've allowed 42 five-on-four power-play goals (26th) and seven five-on-three tallies (29th), while only notching three shorthanded goals (21st) on their own.
When they're on the power play, they've scored 42 times when they have a five-on-four advantage (third in the league) and two with a two-man advantage (25th). They've allowed just three shorthanded goals.
When it's four-on-four, they've scored four goals (15th) and allowed three (sixth).
This proves that, until the Caps can fix their penalty kill, they need to stay even strength or go on a five-on-four power play. Anything else seems to be a recipe for losing.
Shorthanded, however, the Caps plummet to the bottom. They've allowed 42 five-on-four power-play goals (26th) and seven five-on-three tallies (29th), while only notching three shorthanded goals (21st) on their own.
When they're on the power play, they've scored 42 times when they have a five-on-four advantage (third in the league) and two with a two-man advantage (25th). They've allowed just three shorthanded goals.
When it's four-on-four, they've scored four goals (15th) and allowed three (sixth).
This proves that, until the Caps can fix their penalty kill, they need to stay even strength or go on a five-on-four power play. Anything else seems to be a recipe for losing.
January 28, 2009
Poti Back, Alzner Sent to Hershey
As (somewhat) expected, Tom Poti will return for this weekend's back-to-back afternoon tilts with the Detroit Red Wings (Saturday) and Ottawa Senators (Sunday) at Verizon Center. The bad news is that Karl Alzner is headed back to Hershey, where he might stay for a while -- barring a trade or injury.
Poti's return is huge news for special teams and the club's defensive balance.
Poti's "a big part of our team, he logs 28 minutes a night," Coach Boudreau said today. "There's not a lot of teams that can lose a lot of players, but when you lose a defenseman that logs that kind of ice time, it really effects you. Detroit lost [Nicklas] Lidstrom for 10 games they lost all 10. Boston lost [Zdeno] Chara at the end of the year last year and they weren't anywhere near as good."
Also, the Caps will be holding a scrimmage outside tomorrow (presumably weather-permitting) and held their draft today. According to the Bog, the captains were goalies Jose Theodore and Brent Johnson and the first two picks were (drum roll) John Erskine and Shaone Morrisonn. (Guess that answers the question of their popularity.)
Boudreau will be a ref. As for Alex Ovechkin, he went second-to-last. (Maybe a rest for the Great Eight?)
Poti's return is huge news for special teams and the club's defensive balance.
Poti's "a big part of our team, he logs 28 minutes a night," Coach Boudreau said today. "There's not a lot of teams that can lose a lot of players, but when you lose a defenseman that logs that kind of ice time, it really effects you. Detroit lost [Nicklas] Lidstrom for 10 games they lost all 10. Boston lost [Zdeno] Chara at the end of the year last year and they weren't anywhere near as good."
Also, the Caps will be holding a scrimmage outside tomorrow (presumably weather-permitting) and held their draft today. According to the Bog, the captains were goalies Jose Theodore and Brent Johnson and the first two picks were (drum roll) John Erskine and Shaone Morrisonn. (Guess that answers the question of their popularity.)
Boudreau will be a ref. As for Alex Ovechkin, he went second-to-last. (Maybe a rest for the Great Eight?)
Poor Positioning Leads to Poor Penalty Kill
Although the bounce off Shaone Morrisonn's leg could be called "unlucky" during last night's 3-2 OT loss in Boston, I'd have to agree with Peerless that it's something else: the wrong people in the wrong place at the wrong time. As Peerless amazingly shows, the Caps seem to be running around on the penalty kill instead of remaining aggressive and well-positioned.
On the game-winner, which occurred during a four-on-three for the B's, Morrisonn was alone in front of the net and looking the wrong way when David Krejci banged it off his leg and past an unsuspecting Jose Theodore. But, at that point, why was Mo in front of the net? Yes, he was trying to cover two people at once, but where was his help? It's more important to have people down low and let shots come from far away -- even if Zdeno Chara might be firing them -- than have a two-on-one down low.
Look at the Bruins' penalty kill, which denied the Caps in six chances. The Caps didn't seem comfortable with the extra man the entire night, despite having a great power play.
"We're unaccustomed to that," Coach Bruce Boudreau said. "We'll straighten in out in practice this week. The power play could have won us the game. When we're simple we're pretty good on the power play. But we got too cute there in the second period."
How do you fix that? Well, there are two solutions: one, Boudreau needs to keep hammering his message. But, perhaps more importantly, you need the right people on the roster to execute his vision. One of those, Tom Poti, will be back from an injury hiatus soon. But Morrisonn and Milan Jurcina (as well as John Erskine to a point) seem to remain in the center of these occurrences and that's not a coincidence.
The Caps have taken six hooking penalties in their last two games, both 3-2 OT losses. That means they're either in the wrong position or have been beaten to a spot, which confirms the poor positioning theory.
This is a problem that GM George McPhee must address by acquiring a defenseman at the trading deadline and ridding the Caps of excess baggage. Until then, maybe Boudreau needs to follow his own advice and recall more players from Hershey, because "it seems when you call guys up they do what you ask them to do, verbatim, and they don't get away from it."
On the game-winner, which occurred during a four-on-three for the B's, Morrisonn was alone in front of the net and looking the wrong way when David Krejci banged it off his leg and past an unsuspecting Jose Theodore. But, at that point, why was Mo in front of the net? Yes, he was trying to cover two people at once, but where was his help? It's more important to have people down low and let shots come from far away -- even if Zdeno Chara might be firing them -- than have a two-on-one down low.
Look at the Bruins' penalty kill, which denied the Caps in six chances. The Caps didn't seem comfortable with the extra man the entire night, despite having a great power play.
"We're unaccustomed to that," Coach Bruce Boudreau said. "We'll straighten in out in practice this week. The power play could have won us the game. When we're simple we're pretty good on the power play. But we got too cute there in the second period."
How do you fix that? Well, there are two solutions: one, Boudreau needs to keep hammering his message. But, perhaps more importantly, you need the right people on the roster to execute his vision. One of those, Tom Poti, will be back from an injury hiatus soon. But Morrisonn and Milan Jurcina (as well as John Erskine to a point) seem to remain in the center of these occurrences and that's not a coincidence.
The Caps have taken six hooking penalties in their last two games, both 3-2 OT losses. That means they're either in the wrong position or have been beaten to a spot, which confirms the poor positioning theory.
This is a problem that GM George McPhee must address by acquiring a defenseman at the trading deadline and ridding the Caps of excess baggage. Until then, maybe Boudreau needs to follow his own advice and recall more players from Hershey, because "it seems when you call guys up they do what you ask them to do, verbatim, and they don't get away from it."
January 27, 2009
Cs+Bs=A-Plus Game
The Caps visit Boston tonight (7 p.m., Versus) for a much-anticipated game against the only team ahead of them in the Eastern Conference. It's also the first game for both teams to start the post-all-star portion of the schedule.
The Caps have defeated the Bruins twice already this season (both at Verizon Center) and have not won at TD Banknorth Garden since a 2-1 overtime win April 10, 2006. If the Caps do capture tonight's game, it would be their fourth straight win over the Bs -- something the team has never done in the 125-game series history.
Even though their penalty kill is struggling, the Caps have been extremely stingy in even-strength play as they haven't given up an even-strength goal in more than three games, spanning 198:34.
"Some guys are better puck handlers than other guys," Coach Bruce Boudreau said. "Mike Green and Tom Poti, we certainly miss [Poti] on the penalty kill. He can get the puck, make the move and get it out. John Erskine is a banger. Milan Jurcina ...they are guys who aren't really good with puck handling skills in tight to pull it back and get it out. They have to dump it off the boards, which isn't great. You look at the teams that have the best penalty killing, they have great puck-handlers back there."
Sounds like he's not too high on Jurcina, eh? Karl Alzner will be playing tonight, which means Poti and Shaone Morrisonn remain out with injuries.
The Caps have been held to two goals in three straight games for the first time this season and just the second time in Boudreau's tenure (also three games, Jan. 23-29, last season).
Note: Check out this column by John Feinstein, who basically calls for GM George McPhee to trade for a goalie.
The Caps have defeated the Bruins twice already this season (both at Verizon Center) and have not won at TD Banknorth Garden since a 2-1 overtime win April 10, 2006. If the Caps do capture tonight's game, it would be their fourth straight win over the Bs -- something the team has never done in the 125-game series history.
Even though their penalty kill is struggling, the Caps have been extremely stingy in even-strength play as they haven't given up an even-strength goal in more than three games, spanning 198:34.
"Some guys are better puck handlers than other guys," Coach Bruce Boudreau said. "Mike Green and Tom Poti, we certainly miss [Poti] on the penalty kill. He can get the puck, make the move and get it out. John Erskine is a banger. Milan Jurcina ...they are guys who aren't really good with puck handling skills in tight to pull it back and get it out. They have to dump it off the boards, which isn't great. You look at the teams that have the best penalty killing, they have great puck-handlers back there."
Sounds like he's not too high on Jurcina, eh? Karl Alzner will be playing tonight, which means Poti and Shaone Morrisonn remain out with injuries.
The Caps have been held to two goals in three straight games for the first time this season and just the second time in Boudreau's tenure (also three games, Jan. 23-29, last season).
Note: Check out this column by John Feinstein, who basically calls for GM George McPhee to trade for a goalie.
January 26, 2009
Nylander Saga in Sporting News
In the new power poll, the Sporting News' Craig Custance announces what Caps' fans have been clamoring about for a while:
Hopefully somebody will take Nylander out of town.
By the way, the Caps are holding steady at No. 4 in the poll. Tomorrow night's opponent, the Boston Bruins, are No. 2 and Saturday's opponent, the defending champion Detroit Red Wings, are No. 3. Talk about a high-profile week.
The decline of Michael Nylander is puzzling. With only 22 points in 45 games, the well-paid center is clearly a bad fit in Washington.
Hopefully somebody will take Nylander out of town.
By the way, the Caps are holding steady at No. 4 in the poll. Tomorrow night's opponent, the Boston Bruins, are No. 2 and Saturday's opponent, the defending champion Detroit Red Wings, are No. 3. Talk about a high-profile week.
Trade Deadline Options
Since it's never too early to start thinking about the trade deadline (see countdown clock above), there are a few players that come to mind that might help the Caps and be available since they'll be unrestricted free agents after the season.
The biggest prize is Jay Bouwmeester, 25, who certainly would fit well in the red, white and blue. Bouwmeester makes $4.875 million per year, so his acquisition would have to be preceded by pawning the rapidly-declining Michael Nylander and his $5.5 million on somebody else.
As for more realistic possibilities, what about Sabres right wing Ales Kotalik ($2.5 million)? He's only got 10 goals and 13 assists this season, but netted 23, 16 and 25 the last three seasons and is just 30 years old -- and might fit well on the first or second line (as well as the power play).
Another option is the Maple Leafs' Nik Antropov (13 goals, 22 assists), 28, a 6'6" right wing, who makes $2.15 million. A blueliner who might fit is the Senators' Filip Kuba (one goal, 24 assists), 32, who makes $3 million.
Of course, nothing is happening without freeing salary cap space and Nylander is the key to that. The Caps might also be willing to trade 33-year-old Viktor Kozlov ($2.5 million and UFA after this season), but that seems to be a long shot. It also seems making room for Karl Alzner is vital.
The Caps have 34 games remaining, starting tomorrow night in Boston (7 p.m., Versus). This includes 18 games at Verizon Center, where they're 19-3-1. Additionally, they have the easiest schedule left among Eastern Conference teams (s/t JP), but will have to improve upon their 6-5-1 road record against non-playoff teams.
The biggest prize is Jay Bouwmeester, 25, who certainly would fit well in the red, white and blue. Bouwmeester makes $4.875 million per year, so his acquisition would have to be preceded by pawning the rapidly-declining Michael Nylander and his $5.5 million on somebody else.
As for more realistic possibilities, what about Sabres right wing Ales Kotalik ($2.5 million)? He's only got 10 goals and 13 assists this season, but netted 23, 16 and 25 the last three seasons and is just 30 years old -- and might fit well on the first or second line (as well as the power play).
Another option is the Maple Leafs' Nik Antropov (13 goals, 22 assists), 28, a 6'6" right wing, who makes $2.15 million. A blueliner who might fit is the Senators' Filip Kuba (one goal, 24 assists), 32, who makes $3 million.
Of course, nothing is happening without freeing salary cap space and Nylander is the key to that. The Caps might also be willing to trade 33-year-old Viktor Kozlov ($2.5 million and UFA after this season), but that seems to be a long shot. It also seems making room for Karl Alzner is vital.
The Caps have 34 games remaining, starting tomorrow night in Boston (7 p.m., Versus). This includes 18 games at Verizon Center, where they're 19-3-1. Additionally, they have the easiest schedule left among Eastern Conference teams (s/t JP), but will have to improve upon their 6-5-1 road record against non-playoff teams.
January 25, 2009
Boudreau's Big Day
Bruce Boudreau is on top of the world, eh? In the 109 regular-season games since he became Caps coach, he's captured the Jack Adams Award, the team's won 67 of them, shattered numerous franchise records, and led his team back to the playoffs. Tomorrow night in Worcester, Mass., he will finally be honored for what got him to the NHL: a great AHL career.
Boudreau is one of four inductees to the AHL Hall of Fame that has a distinct Caps flavor. Along with Gabby, another inductee is the Caps' first coach, Jimmy Anderson. The schedulers were even nice, sending the Caps to Boston the night after Gabby will be honored by the AHL.
Boudreau has always been a winner, evidenced by his .566 winning percentage over the course of his AHL coaching career. His only Calder Cup came with the Hershey Bears in 2006 -- and his overall record with the Bears was an astounding 103-56-16. The great thing about the Cup was that it came one season after he was fired by the Manchester Monarchs -- and, of course, several members of that team now wear the Caps' red, white and blue -- especially Mike Green.
It's a well-deserved honor for Boudreau and comes as the Caps continue Boudreau's winning tradition.
Boudreau is one of four inductees to the AHL Hall of Fame that has a distinct Caps flavor. Along with Gabby, another inductee is the Caps' first coach, Jimmy Anderson. The schedulers were even nice, sending the Caps to Boston the night after Gabby will be honored by the AHL.
Boudreau has always been a winner, evidenced by his .566 winning percentage over the course of his AHL coaching career. His only Calder Cup came with the Hershey Bears in 2006 -- and his overall record with the Bears was an astounding 103-56-16. The great thing about the Cup was that it came one season after he was fired by the Manchester Monarchs -- and, of course, several members of that team now wear the Caps' red, white and blue -- especially Mike Green.
It's a well-deserved honor for Boudreau and comes as the Caps continue Boudreau's winning tradition.
January 23, 2009
Inside the Press Box: Stan Fischler
Storming the Crease is conducting a series of interviews with people who cover (or work for) the Caps and the NHL. You can find a link to the series archives on the right sidebar. Today's 17th installment: "The Maven" himself, Stan Fischler.
1. How did you get your nickname, "The Maven?"
My editor at Hockey Illustrated magazine in 1971 liked a radio commercial for Vita Herring with the announcer called the Herring Maven. He figured Hockey Maven would follow well. And it did!
2. How did the "Fischler Report" get started and what are your goals for the publication?
The "Fischler Report" began when a couple of owners, especially Howard Baldwin, then with the Penguins, felt that owners needed to receive a concise look at the NHL for the week. He was one of the first subscribers along with Lou Lamoriello and Gary Bettman. The goals for the publication are to provide info, opinions and to make money.
3. Which of your books is your favorite and why?
My favorite book is "Metro Ice," a detailed history of New York hockey from the 19th century to the present. It has everything from precise details, stories and tremendous photos dating to 1896.
4. What are some of your favorite hockey memories?
Favorite hockey memories include watching the U.S. Coast Guard team play at old MSG during World War II; the Islanders winning four Stanley Cups; being at Cup wins in 1961 in Detroit when Chicago won its last Cup and a year later in Chicago when the Leafs won their first of three straight Cups. Also, the Devils Cup wins and interviewing Alex Ovechkin last week on Long Island.
5. What are some of your interests outside of work?
My interests include bicycle-riding, paddle handball, reading non-fiction; telling jokes, hearing jokes; hiking, speed-walking and yelling at referees.
1. How did you get your nickname, "The Maven?"
My editor at Hockey Illustrated magazine in 1971 liked a radio commercial for Vita Herring with the announcer called the Herring Maven. He figured Hockey Maven would follow well. And it did!
2. How did the "Fischler Report" get started and what are your goals for the publication?
The "Fischler Report" began when a couple of owners, especially Howard Baldwin, then with the Penguins, felt that owners needed to receive a concise look at the NHL for the week. He was one of the first subscribers along with Lou Lamoriello and Gary Bettman. The goals for the publication are to provide info, opinions and to make money.
3. Which of your books is your favorite and why?
My favorite book is "Metro Ice," a detailed history of New York hockey from the 19th century to the present. It has everything from precise details, stories and tremendous photos dating to 1896.
4. What are some of your favorite hockey memories?
Favorite hockey memories include watching the U.S. Coast Guard team play at old MSG during World War II; the Islanders winning four Stanley Cups; being at Cup wins in 1961 in Detroit when Chicago won its last Cup and a year later in Chicago when the Leafs won their first of three straight Cups. Also, the Devils Cup wins and interviewing Alex Ovechkin last week on Long Island.
5. What are some of your interests outside of work?
My interests include bicycle-riding, paddle handball, reading non-fiction; telling jokes, hearing jokes; hiking, speed-walking and yelling at referees.
January 21, 2009
On the Road, Caps Sink Against the Worst
Last night's 3-2 debacle in Ottawa continued a disturbing trend established during the Caps' first 48 games: on the road, the red, white and blue is just 6-5-1 against non-playoff teams.
Overall, the Caps are 11-3-1 against Eastern Conference teams that would miss the postseason (if the season ended today) and 3-4 against their Western equivalents. Conversely, the Caps are 13-4-2 against the top eight teams in the East and 3-4 against the best in the West.
The effort might be different, but the results don't lie -- especially away from Verizon Center.
"We were stupid," Coach Bruce Boudreau said last night. "We deserved to lose. We didn't come to play in the first and third period, and when you don't come to play in two of the three periods, you're not going to win the hockey game."
And then there are the penalty mongers that come out during those games.
"We should know by now about the penalties," Brooks Laich said last night. "They are inexcusable. The hooking and tripping penalties are tough to kill off. It's tough to win every night when you take those penalties. As a guy that plays on the power play, when the other teams gets to five or six [penalties], you're dissecting their penalty kill."
With the all-star break upon us, the Caps have plenty to contemplate before their next game on Tuesday, Jan. 27 at Boston (7 p.m., Versus).
Overall, the Caps are 11-3-1 against Eastern Conference teams that would miss the postseason (if the season ended today) and 3-4 against their Western equivalents. Conversely, the Caps are 13-4-2 against the top eight teams in the East and 3-4 against the best in the West.
The effort might be different, but the results don't lie -- especially away from Verizon Center.
"We were stupid," Coach Bruce Boudreau said last night. "We deserved to lose. We didn't come to play in the first and third period, and when you don't come to play in two of the three periods, you're not going to win the hockey game."
And then there are the penalty mongers that come out during those games.
"We should know by now about the penalties," Brooks Laich said last night. "They are inexcusable. The hooking and tripping penalties are tough to kill off. It's tough to win every night when you take those penalties. As a guy that plays on the power play, when the other teams gets to five or six [penalties], you're dissecting their penalty kill."
With the all-star break upon us, the Caps have plenty to contemplate before their next game on Tuesday, Jan. 27 at Boston (7 p.m., Versus).
Backstrom to Skip YoungStars Game, Alzner Sent to Hershey
In a not-that-surprising move, Nicklas Backstrom has decided to skip the YoungStars game this weekend in favor of rest. His statement via the Caps' PR team:
Also today, the Caps sent Karl Alzner, Bryan Helmer and Daren Machesney to the Hershey Bears. The Alzner decision could be temporary as he's played in 26 NHL games this season, recording one goal, three assists, a plus-three while accruing only two penalty minutes.
Then again, with the team's salary cap quandary, Alzner might be down until the Caps can make space for him with Tom Poti seemingly set to return.
"I am grateful that I had the opportunity to participate in the YoungStars Game last year," Backstrom said. "This year I felt like it made more sense for me to give someone else that opportunity and use this time to rest and prepare for the second half of the season with the Washington Capitals. I can assure Caps fans that I'm not injured and will be ready to go Tuesday in Boston."
Also today, the Caps sent Karl Alzner, Bryan Helmer and Daren Machesney to the Hershey Bears. The Alzner decision could be temporary as he's played in 26 NHL games this season, recording one goal, three assists, a plus-three while accruing only two penalty minutes.
Then again, with the team's salary cap quandary, Alzner might be down until the Caps can make space for him with Tom Poti seemingly set to return.
January 20, 2009
A Capital Inauguration Day
On the day when a senator takes the Capitol steps for inauguration as the U.S.'s 44th president, the Ottawa Senators will host the Washington Capitals. Word play aside, tonight's game at Scotiabank Place is big because it's the last game before the all-star break and a chance to head into it with momentum.
Yesterday's 2-1 win over the New York Islanders was ugly, but two points is two points. Alex Ovechkin once again rescued a middling effort against a bad team -- a trend the Caps need to reverse after the respite. The Caps also need to make sure they put forth their best tonight on national television (Versus), presumably with Jose Theodore between the pipes.
Yesterday's 2-1 win over the New York Islanders was ugly, but two points is two points. Alex Ovechkin once again rescued a middling effort against a bad team -- a trend the Caps need to reverse after the respite. The Caps also need to make sure they put forth their best tonight on national television (Versus), presumably with Jose Theodore between the pipes.
January 15, 2009
Big Trade or Baseless Rumor?
ESPN's Scott Burnside has an interesting observation in a subplot to the Caps-Pens game -- but not one that comes naturally:
It's doubtful that GM George McPhee would send Semin to a division rival, but there certainly are other players on the Caps that are easy to part with, especially if Florida is sending a defenseman north.
The salary cap is a major factor as well. It's unlikely anything this huge would happen so early given the Panthers are just one point out of the playoffs right now, but you never know. And it's all speculation leading to the trade deadline, which is still nearly two months away.
Stay tuned.
Note: The blog will be a bit dormant for a few days. But check back early next week for more good musings.
"The Capitals, already blessed with fleet-footed defenseman Mike Green, would look pretty formidable with [Jay] Bouwmeester along the blue line. It likely would cost them sniper Alexander Semin, but given the Caps' offensive depth, it would be doable. Semin would help bolster a Panthers offense that ranks 14th in goals per game and 25th on the power play."
It's doubtful that GM George McPhee would send Semin to a division rival, but there certainly are other players on the Caps that are easy to part with, especially if Florida is sending a defenseman north.
The salary cap is a major factor as well. It's unlikely anything this huge would happen so early given the Panthers are just one point out of the playoffs right now, but you never know. And it's all speculation leading to the trade deadline, which is still nearly two months away.
Stay tuned.
Note: The blog will be a bit dormant for a few days. But check back early next week for more good musings.
Caps Rebound
The Caps (28-14-3, 59) finally got the memo in beating the Pens, 6-3.
"Today we play hard -- a lot better than [Tuesday] night," Alex Ovechkin said after one of his more dominant performances of late. "We work hard, we crash the net, we hit the guys and we have lots of traffic."
This time, Coach Bruce Boudreau left no doubt about the fact that the team was paying attention during an uber-long pre-game meeting.
"We did what we wanted, we shot the puck and got rebounds," Boudreau said. "We wanted a dirty goal. We didn't get the dirty goal, but we sure did shoot the puck. Look at last night's game -- we had two shots all night on the power play. When we are succeeding, we're shooting the puck."
Even the Pens noticed it.
"They're a team that feeds off emotion," Hal Gill said. "And we're a team that's struggling right now."
The Pens are struggling so mightily that they're now 10th in the Eastern Conference standings. And it's not a stretch that they'll miss the playoffs, but nobody's building any coffin for them yet either.
"Today we play hard -- a lot better than [Tuesday] night," Alex Ovechkin said after one of his more dominant performances of late. "We work hard, we crash the net, we hit the guys and we have lots of traffic."
This time, Coach Bruce Boudreau left no doubt about the fact that the team was paying attention during an uber-long pre-game meeting.
"We did what we wanted, we shot the puck and got rebounds," Boudreau said. "We wanted a dirty goal. We didn't get the dirty goal, but we sure did shoot the puck. Look at last night's game -- we had two shots all night on the power play. When we are succeeding, we're shooting the puck."
Even the Pens noticed it.
"They're a team that feeds off emotion," Hal Gill said. "And we're a team that's struggling right now."
The Pens are struggling so mightily that they're now 10th in the Eastern Conference standings. And it's not a stretch that they'll miss the playoffs, but nobody's building any coffin for them yet either.
January 14, 2009
It's Pens Day, Need I Say More?
The Caps are in Pittsburgh tonight and it would be really easy to stop at that given the history between the teams. But with the Caps laying a big ole egg last night against the Oilers, there's much more to report. The mantra(s): effort and sticking to the game plan -- and the Caps aren't doing either right now.
"A lot of teams in the NHL seem to be winning an awful lot of games with guys being called up [from the minors]," Boudreau said after last night's debacle. "And it seems when you call guys up they do what you ask them to do, verbatim, and they don't get away from it. Sometimes here, players come in and they say, 'Well, I know we're supposed to do it this way, but I like to do it this way.' And consequently you don't have the success you had when you had the guys working hard."
The locker room was barren after the game and it took a while for anybody to emerge. Mike Green was first out, followed by Alex Ovechkin.
"It gets to the point where everybody wants to be the scorer but nobody wants to be the mucker and you're not going to do anything," Boudreau said. "Everybody's waiting for somebody else to do the work. They want to finish."
"When we didn't have the puck instead of being a pressure defense, which we talk about all the time we're waiting," he added. "[People say] 'Aw somebody else will get the puck out to me and I'll go score. But I'm not going to worry about too much checking.' When that happens you're not going to win."
Green and Ovechkin also stressed storming the crease and getting traffic in front of the net.
"Until we can get somebody to the front of the net, really battle and screen the goalie we're not going to get any chances and there's no point in shooting the puck," Green said. "That's why we're passing around the perimeter and hoping somebody else is going to do it."
The interesting part is that Brooks Laich and Chris Clark, the most likely candidates to park themselves in front of the net, only got 1:36 combined (all by Laich) on the extra-man unit and Clark only got 10:29 for the entire game. Although Laich got 18:17, fifth on the team, he was off his game.
As for changes for the Pens game, Brian Helmer is at the Igloo. Corey of the Washington Times writes on his blog that he thinks Helmer will take Karl Alzner's spot but, based on minutes from last night, Milan Jurcina is ensconsed in the dog house and rightfully so after another horrible game. Jurcina only logged 12:31 last night, by far the lowest totals among blueliners. Green was on ice for a whopping 30:06, while Ovie clocked in at 26:05.
One of two things is going to unfold tonight: either the Caps will play the way they need to be successful or they'll keep their tail between their legs and roll over. Here's hoping for the former.
"A lot of teams in the NHL seem to be winning an awful lot of games with guys being called up [from the minors]," Boudreau said after last night's debacle. "And it seems when you call guys up they do what you ask them to do, verbatim, and they don't get away from it. Sometimes here, players come in and they say, 'Well, I know we're supposed to do it this way, but I like to do it this way.' And consequently you don't have the success you had when you had the guys working hard."
The locker room was barren after the game and it took a while for anybody to emerge. Mike Green was first out, followed by Alex Ovechkin.
"It gets to the point where everybody wants to be the scorer but nobody wants to be the mucker and you're not going to do anything," Boudreau said. "Everybody's waiting for somebody else to do the work. They want to finish."
"When we didn't have the puck instead of being a pressure defense, which we talk about all the time we're waiting," he added. "[People say] 'Aw somebody else will get the puck out to me and I'll go score. But I'm not going to worry about too much checking.' When that happens you're not going to win."
Green and Ovechkin also stressed storming the crease and getting traffic in front of the net.
"Until we can get somebody to the front of the net, really battle and screen the goalie we're not going to get any chances and there's no point in shooting the puck," Green said. "That's why we're passing around the perimeter and hoping somebody else is going to do it."
The interesting part is that Brooks Laich and Chris Clark, the most likely candidates to park themselves in front of the net, only got 1:36 combined (all by Laich) on the extra-man unit and Clark only got 10:29 for the entire game. Although Laich got 18:17, fifth on the team, he was off his game.
As for changes for the Pens game, Brian Helmer is at the Igloo. Corey of the Washington Times writes on his blog that he thinks Helmer will take Karl Alzner's spot but, based on minutes from last night, Milan Jurcina is ensconsed in the dog house and rightfully so after another horrible game. Jurcina only logged 12:31 last night, by far the lowest totals among blueliners. Green was on ice for a whopping 30:06, while Ovie clocked in at 26:05.
One of two things is going to unfold tonight: either the Caps will play the way they need to be successful or they'll keep their tail between their legs and roll over. Here's hoping for the former.
Inside the Press Box: Peter Schmuck
Storming the Crease is conducting a series of interviews with people who cover (or work for) the Caps and the NHL. You can find a link to the series archives on the right sidebar. Today's 16th installment: Baltimore Sun columnist Peter Schmuck.
1. How did your blog first get started?
My blog got started because Roch Kubatko, who did the popular "Roch Around the Clock" blog for the Sun for several years, took a new job with MASN and the paper wanted to replace that with another high-traffic baseball-oriented blog. I was asked to do it and it sounded like a great way to really interact with readers and fans, and it has been just that.
2. Please talk about your experience at Caps’ media fantasy camp and your subsequent coverage of the team.
The Caps' media fantasy camp is a bit of a blur, probably because of the concussion, but it was fun to get out there and embarrass myself on skates. Being a guy who grew up in Southern California, I think I've been on skates about four or five times and it really showed. Taking the header while attempting a slap shot wasn't a lot of fun, but at least they got it on video so I everybody could see it on the Caps Web site. I'm not proud to say that I've only been to one game since then, because of the heavy emphasis on the Ravens big season, but as Arnold would say "I'll be back!"
3. What similarities and differences do you see between the development of the Caps and the Orioles?
Don't know if you can compare the Orioles rebuilding with the Caps. The Caps had some great success just before Ovechkin and now are moving forward with some great cornerstones for the future. The Orioles still have not established that kind of talent, though there is real hope with Nick Markakis, Adam Jones and Matt Wieters.
4. What's your favorite hockey-related moment?
Does anybody have any favorite hockey memory other than the 1980 Olympic victory over the Russians?
5. What occupies your time when you're not working?
When I'm not working, I like to play golf and take part in the occasional Texas Hold-Em tournament. I also do a regular radio show, so there isn't that much time right now when I'm not doing something sports-related, but I'm not complaining. I've been living the dream for a long time, getting paid to go to sporting events.
1. How did your blog first get started?
My blog got started because Roch Kubatko, who did the popular "Roch Around the Clock" blog for the Sun for several years, took a new job with MASN and the paper wanted to replace that with another high-traffic baseball-oriented blog. I was asked to do it and it sounded like a great way to really interact with readers and fans, and it has been just that.
2. Please talk about your experience at Caps’ media fantasy camp and your subsequent coverage of the team.
The Caps' media fantasy camp is a bit of a blur, probably because of the concussion, but it was fun to get out there and embarrass myself on skates. Being a guy who grew up in Southern California, I think I've been on skates about four or five times and it really showed. Taking the header while attempting a slap shot wasn't a lot of fun, but at least they got it on video so I everybody could see it on the Caps Web site. I'm not proud to say that I've only been to one game since then, because of the heavy emphasis on the Ravens big season, but as Arnold would say "I'll be back!"
3. What similarities and differences do you see between the development of the Caps and the Orioles?
Don't know if you can compare the Orioles rebuilding with the Caps. The Caps had some great success just before Ovechkin and now are moving forward with some great cornerstones for the future. The Orioles still have not established that kind of talent, though there is real hope with Nick Markakis, Adam Jones and Matt Wieters.
4. What's your favorite hockey-related moment?
Does anybody have any favorite hockey memory other than the 1980 Olympic victory over the Russians?
5. What occupies your time when you're not working?
When I'm not working, I like to play golf and take part in the occasional Texas Hold-Em tournament. I also do a regular radio show, so there isn't that much time right now when I'm not doing something sports-related, but I'm not complaining. I've been living the dream for a long time, getting paid to go to sporting events.
January 13, 2009
Caps-Oilers Live
It's Tuesday night at Verizon Center, regular crowd shufflin' in... Ooops, wrong number. The Billy Joel concert's another day.
Anyway, as expected, Jose Theodore and Dwayne Roloson are in net.
It's time to play the game!
First Period
The Caps came out with a purpose and it showed by the heavy shots on goal tally. However, it didn't translate into any goals. But they did have plenty of chances. The Oilers didn't get their first shot in the first 3:30 minutes or so.
Ovechkin was stoned point blank about four minutes in, which was followed by a delay due to some repairs to the hinges that support the glass near where Theodore was standing.
Despite the shot disadvantage, the Oilers struck at 12:59. Steve MacIntyre netted his first career goal with a slap shot from just inside the blue line with heavy screening in front of Theo. Just 1:11 later, with Edmonton on the power play, Sheldon Souray uncorked one of his trademark slappers, which Theo couldn't stop and Eric Cole was there to knock in the rebound (his ninth of the year) at 14:10. Dustin Penner was standing there too.
The Caps got a two-man advantage at 19:16 but couldn't score. In fact, despite 19 shots, the red, white and blue just doesn't look right. They were aggressive and shot a lot, but they seemed to be out of sync (if that's possible). We'll see what happens as the game unfolds.
After one: Oilers 2, Caps 0.
Second Period
Bad turned to worse when the Oilers scored at , after the Caps had 1:16 of power play time to start the period. During that extra-man advantage, the Caps looked like they were sleep walking with everybody shooting from the outside without anybody parked in front of the net. There didn't even seem to be the proper personnel on the ice to accomplish that feat.
The Oilers took a 3-0 advantage at 2:15 when Jeff Brodniak passed through a massive seam to Gilbert "Creme" Brulet, who put it past a helpless Theodore. The reason Brulet was so open was because Milan Jurcina was out of position (again) and actually collided with Donald Brasher, who was trying to get back on defense. Another gaffe on Jurcina's resume. Alzner had taken Brodziak properly, but got no help.
Not too much later, Tomas Fleischmann shifted the momentum back to the home team. After getting a feed from Mike Green, Flash did his best Alex Semin impression (half the number, not half the skills) with some nifty stick work to pull the Caps within two. The play yielded Green's 100th point.
That energized the Caps, who deftly killed off a four-minute high sticking penalty on Fleischmann (ironically) but couldn't get closer.
At 19:37, Alzner got a delay of game penalty -- his first two PIMs of his career (in his 22nd game). Not too shabby.
After two: Oilers 3, Caps 1.
Third Period
It was more of the same: sluggish play by the Caps, stupid penalties, bad play by Jurcina and the Oilers playing their hearts out. The Caps better get used to receiving their opponents' best effort every night and step up their game accordingly. If they continue to throw out the duds of their last two home games, it's going to get ugly really, really fast.
To reinforce that point, Brodziak scored his eighth of the season at 3:19 when, you guessed it, Theodore was screened and had no shot at stopping the puck. At that point, Boudreau put Ovechkin with Sergei Fedorov and Viktor Kozlov and moved Brooks Laich to play with Nicklas Backstrom and Alex Semin.
The Caps made it interesting off a goal by Green (his 11th) with a great wrister with Nylander parked in front of the net. Semin got the assist.
The Oilers took a timeout with 2:22 left. Semin was trying to be too cute all night, and had a golden opportunity in the final minutes but fell victim to that urge once again. The Oilers got the empty-netter with just under a minute left to ice it.
The Caps pulled Theo late, but it wasn't enough. The Caps lost their second consecutive home game to a Western Conference opponent.
Final: Oilers 5, Caps 2.
Anyway, as expected, Jose Theodore and Dwayne Roloson are in net.
It's time to play the game!
First Period
The Caps came out with a purpose and it showed by the heavy shots on goal tally. However, it didn't translate into any goals. But they did have plenty of chances. The Oilers didn't get their first shot in the first 3:30 minutes or so.
Ovechkin was stoned point blank about four minutes in, which was followed by a delay due to some repairs to the hinges that support the glass near where Theodore was standing.
Despite the shot disadvantage, the Oilers struck at 12:59. Steve MacIntyre netted his first career goal with a slap shot from just inside the blue line with heavy screening in front of Theo. Just 1:11 later, with Edmonton on the power play, Sheldon Souray uncorked one of his trademark slappers, which Theo couldn't stop and Eric Cole was there to knock in the rebound (his ninth of the year) at 14:10. Dustin Penner was standing there too.
The Caps got a two-man advantage at 19:16 but couldn't score. In fact, despite 19 shots, the red, white and blue just doesn't look right. They were aggressive and shot a lot, but they seemed to be out of sync (if that's possible). We'll see what happens as the game unfolds.
After one: Oilers 2, Caps 0.
Second Period
Bad turned to worse when the Oilers scored at , after the Caps had 1:16 of power play time to start the period. During that extra-man advantage, the Caps looked like they were sleep walking with everybody shooting from the outside without anybody parked in front of the net. There didn't even seem to be the proper personnel on the ice to accomplish that feat.
The Oilers took a 3-0 advantage at 2:15 when Jeff Brodniak passed through a massive seam to Gilbert "Creme" Brulet, who put it past a helpless Theodore. The reason Brulet was so open was because Milan Jurcina was out of position (again) and actually collided with Donald Brasher, who was trying to get back on defense. Another gaffe on Jurcina's resume. Alzner had taken Brodziak properly, but got no help.
Not too much later, Tomas Fleischmann shifted the momentum back to the home team. After getting a feed from Mike Green, Flash did his best Alex Semin impression (half the number, not half the skills) with some nifty stick work to pull the Caps within two. The play yielded Green's 100th point.
That energized the Caps, who deftly killed off a four-minute high sticking penalty on Fleischmann (ironically) but couldn't get closer.
At 19:37, Alzner got a delay of game penalty -- his first two PIMs of his career (in his 22nd game). Not too shabby.
After two: Oilers 3, Caps 1.
Third Period
It was more of the same: sluggish play by the Caps, stupid penalties, bad play by Jurcina and the Oilers playing their hearts out. The Caps better get used to receiving their opponents' best effort every night and step up their game accordingly. If they continue to throw out the duds of their last two home games, it's going to get ugly really, really fast.
To reinforce that point, Brodziak scored his eighth of the season at 3:19 when, you guessed it, Theodore was screened and had no shot at stopping the puck. At that point, Boudreau put Ovechkin with Sergei Fedorov and Viktor Kozlov and moved Brooks Laich to play with Nicklas Backstrom and Alex Semin.
The Caps made it interesting off a goal by Green (his 11th) with a great wrister with Nylander parked in front of the net. Semin got the assist.
The Oilers took a timeout with 2:22 left. Semin was trying to be too cute all night, and had a golden opportunity in the final minutes but fell victim to that urge once again. The Oilers got the empty-netter with just under a minute left to ice it.
The Caps pulled Theo late, but it wasn't enough. The Caps lost their second consecutive home game to a Western Conference opponent.
Final: Oilers 5, Caps 2.
Inside the Press Box: Brian McNally
Storming the Crease is conducting a series of interviews with people who cover (or work for) the Caps and the NHL. You can find a link to the series archives on the right sidebar. Today's 15th installment: Examiner Staff Writer Brian McNally.
1. What first brought you to the Examiner and how long have you been with them?
I started working at the Examiner -- then called the Northern Virginia Journal -- in 2001, right after I graduated from the University of Maryland. I covered high school sports in Prince William County for the first year and throughout all of Northern Virginia after that. Our paper had a change of ownership in 2005 and the name switched to the Examiner. Last winter, we morphed into a pro/college sports section, which led me to the Caps beat. I also cover the Nationals for our paper.
2. How does covering the Caps compare to covering other local teams?
Covering the Caps isn't too different from the other local pro teams. I think all reporters recognize on some level that it can be a grind for athletes to talk with the media and answer some version of the same questions day after day. If Alex Ovechkin was told he'd never have to answer another Sidney Crosby/Evgeni Malkin question, he'd probably leap into a wall to celebrate.
But hockey players also seem to realize that there are worse problems. The team's public relations staff does an amazing job and genuinely wants fans to have more access to the players and to better promote the sport. That makes our job a lot easier.
3. Where do you think the Examiner ranks among local publications and do you think the Web impacts your readership?
The newspaper business is in the midst of huge changes, but I think our paper has a business model that works and still allows its reporters to compete. We're getting better and better. Of course, the Web has a huge impact on our readership. This year, we have a revamped Web site -- with more changes coming soon -- and have been able to ramp up our coverage.
I can post longer game stories and any breaking news on our Web site, dcexaminer.com, and should have a Caps' blog up and running later this month. The ultimate goal is to give fans another outlet for hockey coverage, hopefully with our own unique spin on things. The demand is definitely there and that makes it an exciting time to cover the Caps.
4. What are some of your favorite hockey-related memories?
I grew up in Silver Spring and have lived in the D.C. area my entire life. My favorite hockey memory still has to be Dale Hunter's overtime goal against the Flyers in 1988. I was a 10-year-old kid listening to Ron Weber's entire radio broadcast on WTOP in our kitchen -- my family had cable, but my parents wouldn’t pony up the extra cash for Home Team Sports (not that I'm bitter) so I never got to watch the home games. It still ranks among the most thrilling sports moments I've ever seen/heard.
A few months ago, I found a YouTube clip of TSN's Canadian broadcast of that game. It's weird because I had never actually seen video footage of it. My entire memory of that night is from the radio and the scene I created in my mind. That seems impossible now and makes me feel like I'm 100 years old -- today I could watch the whole thing five minutes after it happened even if I missed the game.
The TSN broadcast -- the announcers were the great Jim Hughson and Gary Green, I believe -- also put that game in a context I had almost forgotten. The Caps were one of the NHL's best for three straight years from 1983-84 to 1985-86 -- all three of those teams topped 100 points, something they've done just once since. But they just couldn't make it out of the Patrick Division, twice blowing series leads against the Islanders in 1985 and 1987 (the infamous FIRST four-overtime loss, which I fell asleep listening to and actually had to read the next day's paper to find out what happened).
So when Hunter took that pass up ice from Larry Murphy, deked Ron Hextall on the breakaway and scored the game-winner, the moment has incredible meaning. Sure, it was just a first-round series. In the grand scheme of things, the 1998 Eastern Conference-clincher against Buffalo was far bigger. But that team was a one-hit wonder, a mix of younger stars and aging vets that fell apart the next year.
Those mid-1980s Caps really thought they were championship caliber, yet came up short in the playoffs five years in a row. That's a lot of anguish packed into one celebration and you can see that in the angle TSN used to end its coverage. On the final replay, Hunter skated out of the corner, leapt into the air with his arms raised, and past the ice-level camera, which turned slightly to show the Caps pouring off the bench and the old Capital Centre crowd flipping out behind them.
There just aren't that many moments in D.C.'s sports history that give you chills. But that's definitely one of them.
5. What occupies your time when you're not working?
I seem to spend far too much time shot-gunning DVDs of my favorite TV shows -- although I try to limit that since I end up not sleeping for days at a time. I think I finished all five seasons of "The Wire" in about two months after the Caps were eliminated last spring. I also read a lot -- pretty much any good non-fiction book that comes my way.
I went to El Salvador last Christmas and have a trip planned to Ireland in August. But I'd love to travel more. And I always spend a good chunk of time on the Outer Banks every summer.
1. What first brought you to the Examiner and how long have you been with them?
I started working at the Examiner -- then called the Northern Virginia Journal -- in 2001, right after I graduated from the University of Maryland. I covered high school sports in Prince William County for the first year and throughout all of Northern Virginia after that. Our paper had a change of ownership in 2005 and the name switched to the Examiner. Last winter, we morphed into a pro/college sports section, which led me to the Caps beat. I also cover the Nationals for our paper.
2. How does covering the Caps compare to covering other local teams?
Covering the Caps isn't too different from the other local pro teams. I think all reporters recognize on some level that it can be a grind for athletes to talk with the media and answer some version of the same questions day after day. If Alex Ovechkin was told he'd never have to answer another Sidney Crosby/Evgeni Malkin question, he'd probably leap into a wall to celebrate.
But hockey players also seem to realize that there are worse problems. The team's public relations staff does an amazing job and genuinely wants fans to have more access to the players and to better promote the sport. That makes our job a lot easier.
3. Where do you think the Examiner ranks among local publications and do you think the Web impacts your readership?
The newspaper business is in the midst of huge changes, but I think our paper has a business model that works and still allows its reporters to compete. We're getting better and better. Of course, the Web has a huge impact on our readership. This year, we have a revamped Web site -- with more changes coming soon -- and have been able to ramp up our coverage.
I can post longer game stories and any breaking news on our Web site, dcexaminer.com, and should have a Caps' blog up and running later this month. The ultimate goal is to give fans another outlet for hockey coverage, hopefully with our own unique spin on things. The demand is definitely there and that makes it an exciting time to cover the Caps.
4. What are some of your favorite hockey-related memories?
I grew up in Silver Spring and have lived in the D.C. area my entire life. My favorite hockey memory still has to be Dale Hunter's overtime goal against the Flyers in 1988. I was a 10-year-old kid listening to Ron Weber's entire radio broadcast on WTOP in our kitchen -- my family had cable, but my parents wouldn’t pony up the extra cash for Home Team Sports (not that I'm bitter) so I never got to watch the home games. It still ranks among the most thrilling sports moments I've ever seen/heard.
A few months ago, I found a YouTube clip of TSN's Canadian broadcast of that game. It's weird because I had never actually seen video footage of it. My entire memory of that night is from the radio and the scene I created in my mind. That seems impossible now and makes me feel like I'm 100 years old -- today I could watch the whole thing five minutes after it happened even if I missed the game.
The TSN broadcast -- the announcers were the great Jim Hughson and Gary Green, I believe -- also put that game in a context I had almost forgotten. The Caps were one of the NHL's best for three straight years from 1983-84 to 1985-86 -- all three of those teams topped 100 points, something they've done just once since. But they just couldn't make it out of the Patrick Division, twice blowing series leads against the Islanders in 1985 and 1987 (the infamous FIRST four-overtime loss, which I fell asleep listening to and actually had to read the next day's paper to find out what happened).
So when Hunter took that pass up ice from Larry Murphy, deked Ron Hextall on the breakaway and scored the game-winner, the moment has incredible meaning. Sure, it was just a first-round series. In the grand scheme of things, the 1998 Eastern Conference-clincher against Buffalo was far bigger. But that team was a one-hit wonder, a mix of younger stars and aging vets that fell apart the next year.
Those mid-1980s Caps really thought they were championship caliber, yet came up short in the playoffs five years in a row. That's a lot of anguish packed into one celebration and you can see that in the angle TSN used to end its coverage. On the final replay, Hunter skated out of the corner, leapt into the air with his arms raised, and past the ice-level camera, which turned slightly to show the Caps pouring off the bench and the old Capital Centre crowd flipping out behind them.
There just aren't that many moments in D.C.'s sports history that give you chills. But that's definitely one of them.
5. What occupies your time when you're not working?
I seem to spend far too much time shot-gunning DVDs of my favorite TV shows -- although I try to limit that since I end up not sleeping for days at a time. I think I finished all five seasons of "The Wire" in about two months after the Caps were eliminated last spring. I also read a lot -- pretty much any good non-fiction book that comes my way.
I went to El Salvador last Christmas and have a trip planned to Ireland in August. But I'd love to travel more. And I always spend a good chunk of time on the Outer Banks every summer.
Oilers Raid D.C.
The Edmonton Oilers (20-18-3, 43 points, 6-4 in last 10) make a rare visit to our nation's capital tonight (7 p.m., CSN) and they're certainly not the same team that lost the 2005-06 Stanley Cup finals to the Carolina Hurricanes (who aren't exactly themselves these days either, but that's a topic for another day). Interestingly enough, Oilers forward Eric Cole (eight goals, 19 assists) was a member of that 'Canes squad.
The Caps (27-13-3, 57 points, 7-3 in last 10) have lost two straight and look to get back on track, which history points to happening. Only once since Bruce Boudreau became the Caps' coach (104 games) has the team lost as many as three consecutive games in regulation. Additionally, they've righted the ship after each of their two-game losing streaks this season by scoring five or more goals and winning the next game. The Caps also will get Sergei Fedorov (who will don the "A") and John Erskine back tonight.
The Oilers are averaging 2.71 goals per game (19th in the NHL), while the Caps are averaging 3.19 (sixth). The teams are pretty even in goals allowed (Caps 2.86, Oilers 2.95). However, the Caps have six players in double-figures in goals -- tops in the league. And only Philadelphia's Jeff Carter and Simon Gagne (47 goals) have combined for more goals than the Alexes (43).
Like the Caps, Edmonton gets a lot of scoring from their blueliners. In fact, the Oilers are one of only two teams (with San Jose) to place four blueliners among the league's top 45 scoring defensemen. In Edmonton's case, that's Sheldon Souray, Lubomir Visnovsky, Tom Gilbert and Denis Grebeshkov. Souray is tied for the team's goal-scoring lead with 12, but Ales Hemsky (10 goals, 25 assists) leads the team in points. Hemsky probably won't play tonight, though.
Ovechkin, as usual, leads the NHL in shots on goal (265) by a mile (no other player has 200). Despite the fact that he missed two games earlier this season, Ovie is on pace for 517 shots -- a career high but still not the league record (550, held by the venerable Phil Esposito).
Jose Theodore (14-7-1, 2.89 GAA, .895 sv%) and Dwayne Roloson (12-8-3, 2.64 GAA, .917 sv%) most likely will be in net tonight, but the Oilers' Jeff Drouin-Deslauriers gets major points for his name, of which he only uses a portion of on his jersey.
The Oilers' last win in the District came on Jan. 26, 1997 (the Caps have won six straight since). The Caps lead the all-time series, 29-25-6-0, and stand 19-9-2-0 at home. Last season (Jan. 17), the Caps beat the Oilers, 5-4, in a shootout. There have been three shutouts in the last seven overall meetings and seven of the red, white and blue's 13 losses this season have come against Western Conference teams (6-7-0).
Edmonton's 11 road wins are tied for fourth place in the NHL.
A blast from the past: Pete Peeters is the Oilers' goaltending coach. Peeters played for the Caps from 1985-89 (139 games), going 70-41-15 with a 3.06 GAA and seven shutouts.
Note: WNST's Ed Frankovic spoke to a scout yesterday who said there's been no buzz on the trade front involving the Caps. The scout also said (when asked) that there's zero interest in Shaone Morrisonn. Makes you wonder.
The Caps (27-13-3, 57 points, 7-3 in last 10) have lost two straight and look to get back on track, which history points to happening. Only once since Bruce Boudreau became the Caps' coach (104 games) has the team lost as many as three consecutive games in regulation. Additionally, they've righted the ship after each of their two-game losing streaks this season by scoring five or more goals and winning the next game. The Caps also will get Sergei Fedorov (who will don the "A") and John Erskine back tonight.
The Oilers are averaging 2.71 goals per game (19th in the NHL), while the Caps are averaging 3.19 (sixth). The teams are pretty even in goals allowed (Caps 2.86, Oilers 2.95). However, the Caps have six players in double-figures in goals -- tops in the league. And only Philadelphia's Jeff Carter and Simon Gagne (47 goals) have combined for more goals than the Alexes (43).
Like the Caps, Edmonton gets a lot of scoring from their blueliners. In fact, the Oilers are one of only two teams (with San Jose) to place four blueliners among the league's top 45 scoring defensemen. In Edmonton's case, that's Sheldon Souray, Lubomir Visnovsky, Tom Gilbert and Denis Grebeshkov. Souray is tied for the team's goal-scoring lead with 12, but Ales Hemsky (10 goals, 25 assists) leads the team in points. Hemsky probably won't play tonight, though.
Ovechkin, as usual, leads the NHL in shots on goal (265) by a mile (no other player has 200). Despite the fact that he missed two games earlier this season, Ovie is on pace for 517 shots -- a career high but still not the league record (550, held by the venerable Phil Esposito).
Jose Theodore (14-7-1, 2.89 GAA, .895 sv%) and Dwayne Roloson (12-8-3, 2.64 GAA, .917 sv%) most likely will be in net tonight, but the Oilers' Jeff Drouin-Deslauriers gets major points for his name, of which he only uses a portion of on his jersey.
The Oilers' last win in the District came on Jan. 26, 1997 (the Caps have won six straight since). The Caps lead the all-time series, 29-25-6-0, and stand 19-9-2-0 at home. Last season (Jan. 17), the Caps beat the Oilers, 5-4, in a shootout. There have been three shutouts in the last seven overall meetings and seven of the red, white and blue's 13 losses this season have come against Western Conference teams (6-7-0).
Edmonton's 11 road wins are tied for fourth place in the NHL.
A blast from the past: Pete Peeters is the Oilers' goaltending coach. Peeters played for the Caps from 1985-89 (139 games), going 70-41-15 with a 3.06 GAA and seven shutouts.
Note: WNST's Ed Frankovic spoke to a scout yesterday who said there's been no buzz on the trade front involving the Caps. The scout also said (when asked) that there's zero interest in Shaone Morrisonn. Makes you wonder.
January 12, 2009
Inside the Press Box: Joseph White
Storming the Crease is conducting a series of interviews with people who cover (or work for) the Caps and the NHL. You can find the complete log on the right sidebar. Today's fourteenth installment: Associated Press reporter Joseph White.
1. What first brought you to the AP and how long have you been with them?
Most of my early work was in radio, and I began doing freelance pieces for AP Radio while living in London in 1990. The sports department was across the hall from the radio department, so I was an eager applicant when a sports opening popped up in 1993. I transferred to Washington two years later, when I was ready to move back to the United States after five years abroad.
2. How is writing for a wire service different than working for a newspaper or magazine?
The Internet era has changed the answer to that question. It used to be that we in the wire service business were the only reporters on perpetual deadline, while newspaper reporters only had one or two deadlines to meet at the end of the day. These days, newspaper reporters are asked to file constant updates for their papers' Web sites. When I hear them complain about it, I say: "Hey, we at the AP have been doing it that way for 150 years!"
3. How does covering the Caps compare to covering other local teams?
Lots of ways to answer that one. The Capitals don't attract the same regional interest as the Redskins or the Nationals (I'm sorry, but the Caps aren't the talk of the town in Staunton, Va.), so I try to choose story ideas that will appeal to a national audience. That wasn't easy when the team was losing, so I often pursued unusual or novelty story ideas.
Nowadays, of course, there is much more interest. When in doubt, I just need to get the word "Ovechkin" in the lead -- and I know people will read it! The biggest pain when actually covering a game is the long distance between the press box and locker room, which literally forces us into a mad dash after the game to show up in time for player interviews. Obviously, no one consulted us when the Verizon Center was built.
4. What's your favorite hockey-related memory?
Meeting Vladislav Tretiak in the Verizon Center press box. (Soviet athletes were untouchable icons for those of us who grew up during the Cold War.)
5. What occupies your time when you're not working?
Cycling, camping, hiking, orienteering -- usually with my teenage son. One thing I do NOT usually do is watch sports on television. It's already my job; it doesn't need to be my life.
1. What first brought you to the AP and how long have you been with them?
Most of my early work was in radio, and I began doing freelance pieces for AP Radio while living in London in 1990. The sports department was across the hall from the radio department, so I was an eager applicant when a sports opening popped up in 1993. I transferred to Washington two years later, when I was ready to move back to the United States after five years abroad.
2. How is writing for a wire service different than working for a newspaper or magazine?
The Internet era has changed the answer to that question. It used to be that we in the wire service business were the only reporters on perpetual deadline, while newspaper reporters only had one or two deadlines to meet at the end of the day. These days, newspaper reporters are asked to file constant updates for their papers' Web sites. When I hear them complain about it, I say: "Hey, we at the AP have been doing it that way for 150 years!"
3. How does covering the Caps compare to covering other local teams?
Lots of ways to answer that one. The Capitals don't attract the same regional interest as the Redskins or the Nationals (I'm sorry, but the Caps aren't the talk of the town in Staunton, Va.), so I try to choose story ideas that will appeal to a national audience. That wasn't easy when the team was losing, so I often pursued unusual or novelty story ideas.
Nowadays, of course, there is much more interest. When in doubt, I just need to get the word "Ovechkin" in the lead -- and I know people will read it! The biggest pain when actually covering a game is the long distance between the press box and locker room, which literally forces us into a mad dash after the game to show up in time for player interviews. Obviously, no one consulted us when the Verizon Center was built.
4. What's your favorite hockey-related memory?
Meeting Vladislav Tretiak in the Verizon Center press box. (Soviet athletes were untouchable icons for those of us who grew up during the Cold War.)
5. What occupies your time when you're not working?
Cycling, camping, hiking, orienteering -- usually with my teenage son. One thing I do NOT usually do is watch sports on television. It's already my job; it doesn't need to be my life.
Erskine Set to Return
John Erskine is set to return tomorrow night and, according to Tarik, will be paired with Mike Green. (Jeff Schultz, Green's regular partner, probably won't be back yet.)
"He's a presence out there," Boudreau said after practice today. "Same as Brash. So people a) don't take liberties and b) people think that he's a physical guy [but] he's a pretty good defenseman, too. He played 20 minutes a game in the playoffs last year and was quite accountable on every shift."
"He has some faults like everybody else," Boudreau added. "But he's a good acquisition when he's out there. I like having a big, physical team."
Guess there's no doubt Erskine won't be going anywhere any time soon. Poti still is slated to return on either Wednesday (at Pittsburgh) or, more likely in my opinion, Saturday against the Bruins so the Alzner-salary cap decision will wait until then. (But everything could change, of course.)
Note: Chris Clark is the focus of this week's "The Captains, Driven By Bridgestone" on NHL Network (8 p.m., Thursday). A corresponding story most likely will be published that day on NHL.com.
"He's a presence out there," Boudreau said after practice today. "Same as Brash. So people a) don't take liberties and b) people think that he's a physical guy [but] he's a pretty good defenseman, too. He played 20 minutes a game in the playoffs last year and was quite accountable on every shift."
"He has some faults like everybody else," Boudreau added. "But he's a good acquisition when he's out there. I like having a big, physical team."
Guess there's no doubt Erskine won't be going anywhere any time soon. Poti still is slated to return on either Wednesday (at Pittsburgh) or, more likely in my opinion, Saturday against the Bruins so the Alzner-salary cap decision will wait until then. (But everything could change, of course.)
Note: Chris Clark is the focus of this week's "The Captains, Driven By Bridgestone" on NHL Network (8 p.m., Thursday). A corresponding story most likely will be published that day on NHL.com.
January 11, 2009
Montreal Meeting: Jurcina, the Bus
Milan Jurcina was singled-out by Coach Bruce Boudreau after the Caps' 5-4 loss to Les Habitant Saturday night for obvious reasons. With about 30 seconds left, the puck (and Jurcina) resided right in front of the net and the tall Slovak didn't clear it.
"He couldn't find it, and didn't do anything to find it," Boudreau said after the game. "He could have cross checked [Kostitsyn]. Anything. If you can't find the puck, don't just stand there. Cross-check him so he can't get the puck. Don't look in your feet."
The play was a virtual reprise of R.J. Umberger's goal on Friday night as the Caps' got shut out by Steve Mason and the Columbus Blue Jackets (again), 3-0. And the double-error on Jurcina certainly isn't the first time during his career with the Caps (or this season) that he's made a major gaffe or took an ill-timed penalty. And while there's plenty of blame to go around for the two losses -- most notably the fact that the Caps played way too loose against a hot team with tons of offensive firepower -- the bottom line is that Jurcina has been under performing since he arrived from Boston on Feb. 1, 2007.
In 148 career regular-season games with the red, white and blue, the man who dons No. 23 has five goals, 22 assists, 92 penalty minutes and a plus-four rating. This season, "Juice" has the lowest plus/minus ranking (minus-3) among the Caps' regular defensemen and, along with Shaone Morrisonn (minus-1), are the only two blueliners with a minus-ranking. (Since-demoted Sami Lepisto was minus-three in seven games.)
With Tom Poti eligible to return from the long-term injured-reserve list later this week, and the Caps needing to make room so Karl Alzner can stay with the big club, finding another home for Jurcina might be a good place to start. Jurcina is a restricted free agent after this season and has about the same base salary as Alzner (whose bonus money nearly doubles that figure).
It wouldn't solve all of the Caps' problems, but trading Jurcina is a must.
"He couldn't find it, and didn't do anything to find it," Boudreau said after the game. "He could have cross checked [Kostitsyn]. Anything. If you can't find the puck, don't just stand there. Cross-check him so he can't get the puck. Don't look in your feet."
The play was a virtual reprise of R.J. Umberger's goal on Friday night as the Caps' got shut out by Steve Mason and the Columbus Blue Jackets (again), 3-0. And the double-error on Jurcina certainly isn't the first time during his career with the Caps (or this season) that he's made a major gaffe or took an ill-timed penalty. And while there's plenty of blame to go around for the two losses -- most notably the fact that the Caps played way too loose against a hot team with tons of offensive firepower -- the bottom line is that Jurcina has been under performing since he arrived from Boston on Feb. 1, 2007.
In 148 career regular-season games with the red, white and blue, the man who dons No. 23 has five goals, 22 assists, 92 penalty minutes and a plus-four rating. This season, "Juice" has the lowest plus/minus ranking (minus-3) among the Caps' regular defensemen and, along with Shaone Morrisonn (minus-1), are the only two blueliners with a minus-ranking. (Since-demoted Sami Lepisto was minus-three in seven games.)
With Tom Poti eligible to return from the long-term injured-reserve list later this week, and the Caps needing to make room so Karl Alzner can stay with the big club, finding another home for Jurcina might be a good place to start. Jurcina is a restricted free agent after this season and has about the same base salary as Alzner (whose bonus money nearly doubles that figure).
It wouldn't solve all of the Caps' problems, but trading Jurcina is a must.
January 9, 2009
Back to Back Jack(ets), Habs
After a two-day hiatus, the Caps will be busy this weekend -- hosting the Columbus Blue Jackets tonight and then traveling to the Bell Centre to face the Montreal Canadiens.
The Caps, as we all know, have been red-hot of late and are 18-1-1 at Verizon Center but will be without Jeff Schultz tonight (and have recalled Tyler Sloan to take his place). Michael Nylander (who has been pretty much useless this season) and Eric Fehr will be the healthy scratches. And if the Caps win tonight, birthday boy Bruce Boudreau will be behind the bench at Bell Centre for the all-star game.
The Jackets, meanwhile, are without uber-stud Rick Nash (17 goals, 22 assists) and might be without have Steve Mason (13-9, league-leading 1.82 GAA, .934 save percentage), who shut out the Caps on Nov. 29. Otherwise, there really isn't a lot of offensive firepower there.
Jose Theodore most likely will start tonight. Since the start of the second period of the New York Rangers game Dec. 23, he is 6-0-0 with a 1.40 goals-against average and a .948 save percentage.
Tomorrow night, the Caps will oppose the Blu, Blanc et Rouge at the site of the snub-star game (although Nick Backstrom will be part of the YoungStars contest). The Caps have beaten the Habs twice this season (3-0 Nov. 28 at home and 2-1 Dec. 13 away) and clearly are the better team in this match-up. Assuming Theo starts tonight, Brent Johnson will go tomorrow in a game the Caps will have extra motivation to win.
Finally, kudos to The Peerless for a great primer for new Caps fans.
The Caps, as we all know, have been red-hot of late and are 18-1-1 at Verizon Center but will be without Jeff Schultz tonight (and have recalled Tyler Sloan to take his place). Michael Nylander (who has been pretty much useless this season) and Eric Fehr will be the healthy scratches. And if the Caps win tonight, birthday boy Bruce Boudreau will be behind the bench at Bell Centre for the all-star game.
The Jackets, meanwhile, are without uber-stud Rick Nash (17 goals, 22 assists) and might be without have Steve Mason (13-9, league-leading 1.82 GAA, .934 save percentage), who shut out the Caps on Nov. 29. Otherwise, there really isn't a lot of offensive firepower there.
Jose Theodore most likely will start tonight. Since the start of the second period of the New York Rangers game Dec. 23, he is 6-0-0 with a 1.40 goals-against average and a .948 save percentage.
Tomorrow night, the Caps will oppose the Blu, Blanc et Rouge at the site of the snub-star game (although Nick Backstrom will be part of the YoungStars contest). The Caps have beaten the Habs twice this season (3-0 Nov. 28 at home and 2-1 Dec. 13 away) and clearly are the better team in this match-up. Assuming Theo starts tonight, Brent Johnson will go tomorrow in a game the Caps will have extra motivation to win.
Finally, kudos to The Peerless for a great primer for new Caps fans.
January 8, 2009
Ovechkin Only Cap on All-Star Roster
It's somewhat fitting that Alex Ovechkin will be the only Cap on the all-star roster. That's not because nobody else deserved it -- clearly Mike Green makes the strongest case, but Alex Semin and Nicklas Backstrom have solid arguments as well -- but because he's the face of the league and the franchise, which still doesn't get the respect it deserves. That and the popularity contest known as the voting process.
"That's been going on for a long time. We understand the process," Coach Bruce Boudreau said. "But as a personal opinion, I don't agree with the process. I agree that people would much rather see the best players in the world rather than one representative from every team."
There's a great chance that Boudreau will be behind the bench for the game -- that'll happen if the Caps beat Columbus or, fittingly, Montreal in their next two games -- and Backstrom could still make it (along with Alzner) in the YoungStars game.
And of course, Ovechkin will have the opportunity to get to show off during the trick shot portion of the SuperSkills competition.
"That's been going on for a long time. We understand the process," Coach Bruce Boudreau said. "But as a personal opinion, I don't agree with the process. I agree that people would much rather see the best players in the world rather than one representative from every team."
There's a great chance that Boudreau will be behind the bench for the game -- that'll happen if the Caps beat Columbus or, fittingly, Montreal in their next two games -- and Backstrom could still make it (along with Alzner) in the YoungStars game.
And of course, Ovechkin will have the opportunity to get to show off during the trick shot portion of the SuperSkills competition.
Caps' Confounding Cap Quandary
The Caps' roster situation is switching from "as the injuries turn" to "too many cooks in the kitchen." As has been reported elsewhere, Sergei Fedorov is ready to return to the line-up (as is Tomas Fleischmann, but he's not on IR so that's a moot issue for the purposes of this discussion) and that means it's decision time. Because the Caps are so close to salary cap ceiling, they need to clear room by either trading or releasing somebody or sending a player (or more) to Hershey -- although that gets a bit complicated.
The reason for all this, of course, is that Karl Alzner clearly belongs in the NHL and sending him to the Bears would actually hurt the big club. GM George McPhee has been a bit cryptic (as is his nature), which could be interpreted a thousand different ways. But, reading between the lines, it seems Tom Poti will be put on IR -- and then Alzner might be sent down. Unless the Caps can unload some dead weight, which would be ideal.
And since the trading deadline is only two months away, let's take a broader look at the Caps' roster:
Must Keep: Alex Ovechkin (signed until 2020-21), Alex Semin (RFA after next season), Nicklas Backstrom (RFA after 2009-10), Brooks Laich (UFA after 2010-11), Mike Green (RFA after 2011-12), Alzner (RFA after 2011-12) and Simeon Varlamov (RFA after 2011-12).
Positives Outweigh Negatives: Sergei Fedorov (UFA or retirement after this season), Donald Brashear (UFA or retirement after this season), Eric Fehr (RFA after this season), Fleischmann (RFA after next season), Boyd Gordon (RFA after this season), David Steckel (UFA after this season), Tom Poti (UFA after 2011-12), Jeff Schultz (RFA after this season), Sean Collins (RFA after this season), Tyler Sloan (UFA after this season) and Jose Theodore (UFA after next season).
Expendable: Michael Nylander (UFA after 2010-11), Viktor Kozlov (UFA after this season), Matt Bradley (UFA after 2010-11), Alexandre Giroux (UFA after this season), Graham Mink (UFA after this season), Keith Aucoin (UFA after next season), Shaone Morrisonn (RFA after this season), John Erskine (UFA after 2010-11), Milan Jurcina (RFA after this season), Sami Lepisto (RFA after this season) and Brian Helmer (UFA after this season).
Not Enough Information: Chris Bourque (RFA after this season), Oskar Osala (RFA after 2010-11), Andrew Gordon (RFA after 2009-10), Simeon Varlamov (RFA after 2009-10) and Darren Machesney (RFA after next season).
The Big Question Marks: Chris Clark (UFA after 2010-11), Brian Pothier (UFA after next season) and Brent Johnson (UFA after this season).
Obviously, there are many questions that go along with the roster and there are some players listed above that mostly will play in Hershey. Some things to ponder:
* Will Pothier ever return to the NHL?
* Will Clark be able to stay healthy and, if not, will he cede the captaincy to Ovechkin?
* What will be McPhee's decision about Bourque?
* Will GMGM bite the bullet and realize he made a mistake giving Erskine an extention?
* Will Johnny return next year?
With many youngsters making an impact this season, Osala possibly ready for the NHL next season and 17 players' contracts expiring, there's a lot to contemplate. It all won't be settled before the deadline, but things certainly will be clearer by March 4.
The reason for all this, of course, is that Karl Alzner clearly belongs in the NHL and sending him to the Bears would actually hurt the big club. GM George McPhee has been a bit cryptic (as is his nature), which could be interpreted a thousand different ways. But, reading between the lines, it seems Tom Poti will be put on IR -- and then Alzner might be sent down. Unless the Caps can unload some dead weight, which would be ideal.
And since the trading deadline is only two months away, let's take a broader look at the Caps' roster:
Must Keep: Alex Ovechkin (signed until 2020-21), Alex Semin (RFA after next season), Nicklas Backstrom (RFA after 2009-10), Brooks Laich (UFA after 2010-11), Mike Green (RFA after 2011-12), Alzner (RFA after 2011-12) and Simeon Varlamov (RFA after 2011-12).
Positives Outweigh Negatives: Sergei Fedorov (UFA or retirement after this season), Donald Brashear (UFA or retirement after this season), Eric Fehr (RFA after this season), Fleischmann (RFA after next season), Boyd Gordon (RFA after this season), David Steckel (UFA after this season), Tom Poti (UFA after 2011-12), Jeff Schultz (RFA after this season), Sean Collins (RFA after this season), Tyler Sloan (UFA after this season) and Jose Theodore (UFA after next season).
Expendable: Michael Nylander (UFA after 2010-11), Viktor Kozlov (UFA after this season), Matt Bradley (UFA after 2010-11), Alexandre Giroux (UFA after this season), Graham Mink (UFA after this season), Keith Aucoin (UFA after next season), Shaone Morrisonn (RFA after this season), John Erskine (UFA after 2010-11), Milan Jurcina (RFA after this season), Sami Lepisto (RFA after this season) and Brian Helmer (UFA after this season).
Not Enough Information: Chris Bourque (RFA after this season), Oskar Osala (RFA after 2010-11), Andrew Gordon (RFA after 2009-10), Simeon Varlamov (RFA after 2009-10) and Darren Machesney (RFA after next season).
The Big Question Marks: Chris Clark (UFA after 2010-11), Brian Pothier (UFA after next season) and Brent Johnson (UFA after this season).
Obviously, there are many questions that go along with the roster and there are some players listed above that mostly will play in Hershey. Some things to ponder:
* Will Pothier ever return to the NHL?
* Will Clark be able to stay healthy and, if not, will he cede the captaincy to Ovechkin?
* What will be McPhee's decision about Bourque?
* Will GMGM bite the bullet and realize he made a mistake giving Erskine an extention?
* Will Johnny return next year?
With many youngsters making an impact this season, Osala possibly ready for the NHL next season and 17 players' contracts expiring, there's a lot to contemplate. It all won't be settled before the deadline, but things certainly will be clearer by March 4.
January 7, 2009
NHL Hits Halfway Mark
Although team schedules are staggered at this point in the season, and the all-star sham game isn't until Jan. 25, there certainly is a good notion of the contenders and pretenders around the NHL. After 41 games, the Caps (27-11-3, 57) clearly fall into the former category -- winning 16 of their last 21 contests.
Your second Standings Check of the 2008-09 season:
Eastern Conference
The Caps are running away with the Southeast Division, boasting a 10-point advantage over the Carolina Hurricanes (21-15-5, 47). The other three division teams -- Florida (18-16-6, 42), Tampa (11-18-10, 32) and Atlanta (13-23-5, 31) -- continue to be pretenders, although the Panthers have been hot as of late.
In the Northeast, the Boston Bruins (29-7-4, 62) possess the best record in the conference, holding a commanding 12-point lead over the Montreal Canadiens (22-10-6, 50), who have two games in hand. The Buffalo Sabres (20-15-5, 45) continue to show life, while the Toronto Maple Leafs (16-18-6, 38) and Ottawa Senators (13-19-6, 32) would be better off dead.
The Philadelphia Flyers (21-10-9, 51) and New York Rangers (24-14-3, 51) pace the Atlantic, with the Brodeur-less New Jersey Devils (23-13-3, 49) in great shape for a playoff spot. The Iglooees (20-17-4, 44) certainly are well-ahead of the New York Islanders (13-19-6, 28), who might be the only team in the division not to make the postseason.
Your Eastern playoff teams (in order) should the season end today (which it doesn't by a long-shot): Bruins, Caps, Flyers, Canadiens, Devils, Hurricanes and Sabres.
Western Conference
The defending champion Detroit Red Wings (27-7-5, 59) continue to fight off the rival Chicago Blackhawks (22-8-7, 51) in the Central Division. The Columbus Blue Jackets (18-18-4, 40), Nashville Predators (17-19-3, 37) and St. Louis Blues (15-21-3, 33) are underwhelming.
The San Jose Sharks (29-5-5, 63) are running away and hiding from the rest of the Pacific Division, holding a 15-point lead over the not-too-shabby Anaheim Ducks (21-15-5, 47). The Phoenix Coyotes (19-17-5, 43), Dallas Stars (17-16-5, 39) and L.A. Kings (16-17-6, 38) are 'tweeners.
In the Northwest, the surging Calgary Flames (24-12-4, 52) pace the division, while the pesky Vancouver Canucks (21-15-5, 47) are staying close. The Minnesota Wild (20-16-3, 43), Edmonton Oilers (19-16-3, 41) and Colorado Avalanche (20-19-1, 41) round it out.
Your Western top eight (in order): Sharks, Wings, Flames, Blackhawks, Canucks, Ducks, Wild, and Coyotes.
As a matter of comparison, the Eastern playoff teams boast 412 standings points, while their Western counterparts only have 405. So much for Western domination.
Your second Standings Check of the 2008-09 season:
Eastern Conference
The Caps are running away with the Southeast Division, boasting a 10-point advantage over the Carolina Hurricanes (21-15-5, 47). The other three division teams -- Florida (18-16-6, 42), Tampa (11-18-10, 32) and Atlanta (13-23-5, 31) -- continue to be pretenders, although the Panthers have been hot as of late.
In the Northeast, the Boston Bruins (29-7-4, 62) possess the best record in the conference, holding a commanding 12-point lead over the Montreal Canadiens (22-10-6, 50), who have two games in hand. The Buffalo Sabres (20-15-5, 45) continue to show life, while the Toronto Maple Leafs (16-18-6, 38) and Ottawa Senators (13-19-6, 32) would be better off dead.
The Philadelphia Flyers (21-10-9, 51) and New York Rangers (24-14-3, 51) pace the Atlantic, with the Brodeur-less New Jersey Devils (23-13-3, 49) in great shape for a playoff spot. The Iglooees (20-17-4, 44) certainly are well-ahead of the New York Islanders (13-19-6, 28), who might be the only team in the division not to make the postseason.
Your Eastern playoff teams (in order) should the season end today (which it doesn't by a long-shot): Bruins, Caps, Flyers, Canadiens, Devils, Hurricanes and Sabres.
Western Conference
The defending champion Detroit Red Wings (27-7-5, 59) continue to fight off the rival Chicago Blackhawks (22-8-7, 51) in the Central Division. The Columbus Blue Jackets (18-18-4, 40), Nashville Predators (17-19-3, 37) and St. Louis Blues (15-21-3, 33) are underwhelming.
The San Jose Sharks (29-5-5, 63) are running away and hiding from the rest of the Pacific Division, holding a 15-point lead over the not-too-shabby Anaheim Ducks (21-15-5, 47). The Phoenix Coyotes (19-17-5, 43), Dallas Stars (17-16-5, 39) and L.A. Kings (16-17-6, 38) are 'tweeners.
In the Northwest, the surging Calgary Flames (24-12-4, 52) pace the division, while the pesky Vancouver Canucks (21-15-5, 47) are staying close. The Minnesota Wild (20-16-3, 43), Edmonton Oilers (19-16-3, 41) and Colorado Avalanche (20-19-1, 41) round it out.
Your Western top eight (in order): Sharks, Wings, Flames, Blackhawks, Canucks, Ducks, Wild, and Coyotes.
As a matter of comparison, the Eastern playoff teams boast 412 standings points, while their Western counterparts only have 405. So much for Western domination.
'Defense Is Going to Win You Championships'
Although nobody can pinpoint what has changed with Jose Theodore, he's clearly upped the ante over the last four games. This is part of a renewed defensive effort from the Caps, who have turned a potentially-crippling series of injuries into a footnote during a seven-game winning streak.
"We can play defense when we want and we're getting great goaltending," Coach Bruce Boudreau said. "We've gone through a couple of those stretches, five or six games where we've allowed a goal a game, two at the most. We'd certainly like to continue that because individual, great offensive play is going to win you some great games but defense is going to win you championships. And that's what we're striving for."
During the winning streak, the Caps have allowed a total of 16 goals (2.29 per game), which is slightly-lower than their season average of 2.80 (14th in the league). In five of those games, the red, white and blue have met Gabby's goal of one or two goals allowed. And Theo's been in net for all but one of those victories.
"He's amazing. Over the last three or four games, he's been outstanding," Nick Backstrom said. "It's great to have him back there and we're confident [in him]."
"He's a great goalie and he competes hard," Sean Collins said. "When he's playing well, like the way he has been, it makes the team really confident and I think it shows."
During his last four starts (all Caps victories), Theodore is 4-0 with a 1.22 GAA while saving 108 of 113 shots.
"I don't think I'm overachieving, I'm just getting comfortable and I'm playing the way I should play right now," the goalie said. "The team is playing great."
Boudreau, to his credit, is sticking to his guns and will continue to make sure that back-up Brent Johnson gets plenty of playing time.
"If you look at my history as a coach, you'll see that I'm not a guy that runs with 72 or 73 games with one goalie," he said. "It can go 55-30 [for example]. Both goalies are going to play enough where they stay sharp."
Notes:
* Happy 37th birthday, Donald Brashear!
* The Caps' new TV show premieres Monday, Feb. 9 on Comcast SportsNet.
* Last night marked the first time in Flyers' history that they lost three straight shootouts.
"We can play defense when we want and we're getting great goaltending," Coach Bruce Boudreau said. "We've gone through a couple of those stretches, five or six games where we've allowed a goal a game, two at the most. We'd certainly like to continue that because individual, great offensive play is going to win you some great games but defense is going to win you championships. And that's what we're striving for."
During the winning streak, the Caps have allowed a total of 16 goals (2.29 per game), which is slightly-lower than their season average of 2.80 (14th in the league). In five of those games, the red, white and blue have met Gabby's goal of one or two goals allowed. And Theo's been in net for all but one of those victories.
"He's amazing. Over the last three or four games, he's been outstanding," Nick Backstrom said. "It's great to have him back there and we're confident [in him]."
"He's a great goalie and he competes hard," Sean Collins said. "When he's playing well, like the way he has been, it makes the team really confident and I think it shows."
During his last four starts (all Caps victories), Theodore is 4-0 with a 1.22 GAA while saving 108 of 113 shots.
"I don't think I'm overachieving, I'm just getting comfortable and I'm playing the way I should play right now," the goalie said. "The team is playing great."
Boudreau, to his credit, is sticking to his guns and will continue to make sure that back-up Brent Johnson gets plenty of playing time.
"If you look at my history as a coach, you'll see that I'm not a guy that runs with 72 or 73 games with one goalie," he said. "It can go 55-30 [for example]. Both goalies are going to play enough where they stay sharp."
Notes:
* Happy 37th birthday, Donald Brashear!
* The Caps' new TV show premieres Monday, Feb. 9 on Comcast SportsNet.
* Last night marked the first time in Flyers' history that they lost three straight shootouts.
January 6, 2009
Caps-Flyers Live
Welcome to Verizon Center and tonight's marquee match-up with the hated Philadelphia Flyers. The Caps are 9-1 in their last 10 and have figured out the formula for winning (even when it's not at home, where they're 17-1-1 and winners of eight straight): score first (19-3-1) and take a lead into the third period (19-1-1).
The Caps remarkably have outscored their opponents in every period and overall (132-114). But, on average, their games are pretty even (3.3 GS, 2.9 GA). They're also outshot their opponents, 1268-1164, and rank fifth on the power play (23.2 percent).
The Caps had won four straight regular-season games against the Flyers before losing, 7-1, on Dec. 20. Overall, the Caps have captured six of the last nine non-playoff meetings between the teams.
Your former Caps on the Flyers: Glen Metropolit, Boyd Kane and assistant coach Craig Berube.
Jose Theodore and Martin Biron oppose each other in goal tonight.
First Period
A raucous crowd to start the game and lots of "Flyers suck" chants.
Just as CSN Philly was emphasizing that the Flyers need to stay out the box, Luca Sbisa was called for holding and the Caps made them pay. Viktor Kozlov fought for the puck in the corner and gave it to Alex Semin, who circled behind the net and found a cutting Nicklas Backstrom, who fired it past Biron just 19 seconds into the extra-man advantage.
The Flyers finally got their first shot just past the five-minute mark and turned up the pressure. Boyd Gordon got called for interference at 7:16 and then Alex Ovechkin was sent to the box 1:30 later. Fortunately for the Caps, despite allowing six shots on the power play, they were able to keep the pesky visitors off the scoreboard -- mostly due to great saves by Theodore. In fact, the Caps allowed eight straight shots after registering the game's first four.
Tony Kornheiser has made an appearance at the game tonight, so you know the Caps must have moved up in the world.
After one: Caps 1, Flyers 0.
Second Period
The stanza got off to another hectic start but, despite back-and-forth action, there weren't a plethora of scoring opportunities.
That changed around the midway mark. With 11:50 left in the period, Semin pulled off another round of Harlem Globetrotter-esque stickhandling and then fed it to Michael Nylander, who couldn't fire it over a sliding Ossi Vaananen. If he had, it would have been 2-0 Caps.
From there, Scotty Upshall was sent to the box for hooking and the Caps went on a power-play when they got numerous other opportunities. However, Biron was up to each of the challenges to keep it a one-goal contest.
Just as had happened in the first period, the Flyers got a power-play at one of the TV timeouts -- this time after David Steckel was sent to the box for hooking at 12:33. The Caps killed it off relatively easily.
The Caps got another power play (off another Sbisa penalty) but couldn't convert despite several shots and some bombs from Ovechkin.
Another note: it's double CSN in the press box tonight, which is a bit confusing since the graphics are identical.
(My pre-game stats are proving prophetic.)
After two: Caps 1, Flyers 0.
Third Period
The Flyers struck quickly. After Michael Nylander was called for hooking (a trend this season), Braydon Coburn evened the game just five seconds into the extra-man advantage. Right off the faceoff, Jeff Carter passed it to Kimmo Timonen, who sent it to Coburn at the point. His shot was deflected by two Caps with Scott Hartnell screening (and jumping in front of) Theodore. (I hope I didn't jinx the Caps.)
Randy Jones was called for interference at 8:46, but the Caps couldn't beat Biron despite numerous really good opportunities, especially by Mike Green. Nylander continues to look like he's in slow motion and, even when a pass apparently is an easy one, No. 92 finds a way to miss. (More on this later in the week.)
Semin's been moved to the top line (replacing Kozlov) as the game hits the home stretch. Clearly, this is Bruce Boudreau's attempt at getting more offensive opportunities and a statement about the inconsistencies of Kozlov's game.
And now it's time to unleash the fury!
Green's been on fire tonight, arguably more dangerous offensively than Nylander. But nothing yielded as of yet. He did have a great slapper from the point at the one-minute mark, but Biron gloved it easily. It was his fifth shot of the night, tops on the team.
After three: Caps 1, Flyers 1.
Overtime
The extra session got started with Kozlov and Nylander on the ice. They predictably did nothing, but then they gave way to Backstrom and Ovechkin along with Green and Jeff Schultz.
Semin had a good chance at the halfway mark on a semi-breakaway but couldn't get the puck past the Flyers defensemen, who were sliding to block the shot.
The Caps are trying to be too cute and it's not yielding as many shots as they should have tonight. Ovechkin did have a good rocket at the one-minute mark, but Biron stopped it.
After OT: Caps 1, Flyers 1
Shootout
The Caps will shoot first. Cue motivational video and AC/DC. And theZambonis Columbia Ice Resurfacing Machines are back on the ice because apparently they didn't do it right the first time, at least according to the Flyers -- which illicited a HUGE "Flyers suck" chant from the very emotional gathering. That left time for yet another motivational video. OK, now the shootout is really starting.
Kozlov: goal on a sweet back-and-forth move (triple deke anybody?)
Gagne (to heavy boos): no goal on a great save by Theo
Semin: no goal (weak wrister)
Richards: another awesome sprawling save by Theo
Ovechkin (for the win): hit the post on a wicked wrister
Carter: SAVE by Theo
Final: Caps 2, Flyers 1 (SO)
The Caps remarkably have outscored their opponents in every period and overall (132-114). But, on average, their games are pretty even (3.3 GS, 2.9 GA). They're also outshot their opponents, 1268-1164, and rank fifth on the power play (23.2 percent).
The Caps had won four straight regular-season games against the Flyers before losing, 7-1, on Dec. 20. Overall, the Caps have captured six of the last nine non-playoff meetings between the teams.
Your former Caps on the Flyers: Glen Metropolit, Boyd Kane and assistant coach Craig Berube.
Jose Theodore and Martin Biron oppose each other in goal tonight.
First Period
A raucous crowd to start the game and lots of "Flyers suck" chants.
Just as CSN Philly was emphasizing that the Flyers need to stay out the box, Luca Sbisa was called for holding and the Caps made them pay. Viktor Kozlov fought for the puck in the corner and gave it to Alex Semin, who circled behind the net and found a cutting Nicklas Backstrom, who fired it past Biron just 19 seconds into the extra-man advantage.
The Flyers finally got their first shot just past the five-minute mark and turned up the pressure. Boyd Gordon got called for interference at 7:16 and then Alex Ovechkin was sent to the box 1:30 later. Fortunately for the Caps, despite allowing six shots on the power play, they were able to keep the pesky visitors off the scoreboard -- mostly due to great saves by Theodore. In fact, the Caps allowed eight straight shots after registering the game's first four.
Tony Kornheiser has made an appearance at the game tonight, so you know the Caps must have moved up in the world.
After one: Caps 1, Flyers 0.
Second Period
The stanza got off to another hectic start but, despite back-and-forth action, there weren't a plethora of scoring opportunities.
That changed around the midway mark. With 11:50 left in the period, Semin pulled off another round of Harlem Globetrotter-esque stickhandling and then fed it to Michael Nylander, who couldn't fire it over a sliding Ossi Vaananen. If he had, it would have been 2-0 Caps.
From there, Scotty Upshall was sent to the box for hooking and the Caps went on a power-play when they got numerous other opportunities. However, Biron was up to each of the challenges to keep it a one-goal contest.
Just as had happened in the first period, the Flyers got a power-play at one of the TV timeouts -- this time after David Steckel was sent to the box for hooking at 12:33. The Caps killed it off relatively easily.
The Caps got another power play (off another Sbisa penalty) but couldn't convert despite several shots and some bombs from Ovechkin.
Another note: it's double CSN in the press box tonight, which is a bit confusing since the graphics are identical.
(My pre-game stats are proving prophetic.)
After two: Caps 1, Flyers 0.
Third Period
The Flyers struck quickly. After Michael Nylander was called for hooking (a trend this season), Braydon Coburn evened the game just five seconds into the extra-man advantage. Right off the faceoff, Jeff Carter passed it to Kimmo Timonen, who sent it to Coburn at the point. His shot was deflected by two Caps with Scott Hartnell screening (and jumping in front of) Theodore. (I hope I didn't jinx the Caps.)
Randy Jones was called for interference at 8:46, but the Caps couldn't beat Biron despite numerous really good opportunities, especially by Mike Green. Nylander continues to look like he's in slow motion and, even when a pass apparently is an easy one, No. 92 finds a way to miss. (More on this later in the week.)
Semin's been moved to the top line (replacing Kozlov) as the game hits the home stretch. Clearly, this is Bruce Boudreau's attempt at getting more offensive opportunities and a statement about the inconsistencies of Kozlov's game.
And now it's time to unleash the fury!
Green's been on fire tonight, arguably more dangerous offensively than Nylander. But nothing yielded as of yet. He did have a great slapper from the point at the one-minute mark, but Biron gloved it easily. It was his fifth shot of the night, tops on the team.
After three: Caps 1, Flyers 1.
Overtime
The extra session got started with Kozlov and Nylander on the ice. They predictably did nothing, but then they gave way to Backstrom and Ovechkin along with Green and Jeff Schultz.
Semin had a good chance at the halfway mark on a semi-breakaway but couldn't get the puck past the Flyers defensemen, who were sliding to block the shot.
The Caps are trying to be too cute and it's not yielding as many shots as they should have tonight. Ovechkin did have a good rocket at the one-minute mark, but Biron stopped it.
After OT: Caps 1, Flyers 1
Shootout
The Caps will shoot first. Cue motivational video and AC/DC. And the
Kozlov: goal on a sweet back-and-forth move (triple deke anybody?)
Gagne (to heavy boos): no goal on a great save by Theo
Semin: no goal (weak wrister)
Richards: another awesome sprawling save by Theo
Ovechkin (for the win): hit the post on a wicked wrister
Carter: SAVE by Theo
Final: Caps 2, Flyers 1 (SO)
Caps Try Again for Vengence
Regular-season games are not in the same category as playoff meetings, but don't tell that to the Caps about tonight's tilt with the Philadelphia Flyers at Verizon Center.
"There are a lot of teams we don't like, and the Flyers are one of them," Caps Coach Bruce Boudreau said in today's Washington Post. "It was a pretty interesting playoffs, and they beat us pretty good last month. There's not a lot of like with each other."
"We played them 11 times last year," defenseman Shaone Morrisonn said in the Post. "It just seems the games against Philly are a little rougher. Pittsburgh plays more of a skilled game. Philly has skill, too; they are a great team. But Philly plays physical. It's a different game than against Pittsburgh. Those two teams have both been big rivals, but right now I think Philly is the biggest."
On this point, the Caps and Flyers seem to agree.
"They're a big team, a physical team," Philadelphia Coach John Stevens said of the Caps. "You have to have your work boots on and ready to go against them."
The Flyers are facing their own injury concerns (which of course the Caps know plenty about) and are among the growing crowd that seems to want a pity party.
"I don't remember it ever being like this," Flyers GM Paul Holmgren said. "Last game [Saturday in Los Angeles], you're in a situation where you can only dress less than 18 healthy skaters. That's obviously not a good situation to be in. Other teams are dealing with it, so we'll have to do it, too."
One of those "other teams" is the Caps, who have remained red-hot despite fielding a glorified AHL roster at times. Even though things seemingly are pointing the Caps' way for tonight's tilt, their 41st game of the season, the red, white and blue cannot take the Flyers lightly -- and they won't for sure.
Buckle your straps, it's going to be rough ride.
"There are a lot of teams we don't like, and the Flyers are one of them," Caps Coach Bruce Boudreau said in today's Washington Post. "It was a pretty interesting playoffs, and they beat us pretty good last month. There's not a lot of like with each other."
"We played them 11 times last year," defenseman Shaone Morrisonn said in the Post. "It just seems the games against Philly are a little rougher. Pittsburgh plays more of a skilled game. Philly has skill, too; they are a great team. But Philly plays physical. It's a different game than against Pittsburgh. Those two teams have both been big rivals, but right now I think Philly is the biggest."
On this point, the Caps and Flyers seem to agree.
"They're a big team, a physical team," Philadelphia Coach John Stevens said of the Caps. "You have to have your work boots on and ready to go against them."
The Flyers are facing their own injury concerns (which of course the Caps know plenty about) and are among the growing crowd that seems to want a pity party.
"I don't remember it ever being like this," Flyers GM Paul Holmgren said. "Last game [Saturday in Los Angeles], you're in a situation where you can only dress less than 18 healthy skaters. That's obviously not a good situation to be in. Other teams are dealing with it, so we'll have to do it, too."
One of those "other teams" is the Caps, who have remained red-hot despite fielding a glorified AHL roster at times. Even though things seemingly are pointing the Caps' way for tonight's tilt, their 41st game of the season, the red, white and blue cannot take the Flyers lightly -- and they won't for sure.
Buckle your straps, it's going to be rough ride.
January 5, 2009
Caps' Goaltending, Potential All-Stars Get Attention
The Associated Press has a story today on the Caps' goaltending situation, but doesn't include a certain key stat about Jose Theodore. In his last three games, Theo is 3-0 with a .958 save percentage and 1.33 GAA (s/t to Sean Leahy for the calculations).
The article does mention that Theodore (13-6-1) ranks 41st in the league in save percentage (.892) and 35th in goals against average (2.98). Those numbers have been heading in the right direction since the infamous 5-4 victory at Madison Square Garden and seem to be improving by the day.
Meanwhile, to nobody's surprise, Mike Green and Alex Ovechkin are among those that probably will be included on the NHL all-star reserves (at least according to an article on NHL.com) when the list is released on Thursday (the YoungStars participants are coming Friday).
Green also was a guest on "NHL Live" today, but didn't really say anything new.
The article does mention that Theodore (13-6-1) ranks 41st in the league in save percentage (.892) and 35th in goals against average (2.98). Those numbers have been heading in the right direction since the infamous 5-4 victory at Madison Square Garden and seem to be improving by the day.
Meanwhile, to nobody's surprise, Mike Green and Alex Ovechkin are among those that probably will be included on the NHL all-star reserves (at least according to an article on NHL.com) when the list is released on Thursday (the YoungStars participants are coming Friday).
Green also was a guest on "NHL Live" today, but didn't really say anything new.
Flyers Tilt First of Big Games
The Caps will host the Flyers tomorrow night in a game that got first mention on NHL.com's "The Week Ahead" and is sure to raise a few eyebrows around the league. The two combants, besides the fact that they have been rivals all the way to their Patrick Division days, are the two best teams in the East not named the Boston Bruins and it's sure to stay that way all season (although Les Habitant might have something to say about it).
The Flyers are emerging as the class of the Atlantic, although the New Jersey Devils are hanging in there. But the New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins are falling apart right now and one has to wonder whether that will continue for a while. The Rangers are 5-4-1 in their last 10 but the Pens are 3-7 and are 8-9-2 at the Igloo. The two teams battle on Versus tonight so the nation will get to see them up close.
The Flyers, meanwhile, are 5-3-2 in their last 10 but are 12-4-3 at home and have been able to keep this level most of the season. Jeff Carter is tied with Alex Ovechkin for the league's goal-scoring lead at 27 and has help from five teammates with more than 13 goals. Simon Gagne (18 goals, 22 assists) is back to form after missing much of last season and Mike Richards (15 goals, 27 assists) is having a strong season as captain.
Unlike the Caps, the Flyers don't get much scoring from their blueliners but they do get strong goaltending from Martin Biron (13-7-4-1, 3.03 GAA, .898 save percentage, two assists). The Flyers clearly live up to their reputation as a tough team as they are the third-most penalized team in the league at 18.5 PIMs per game.
While the Caps dominate at home (outscoring their opponents 72-37), the Flyers have notched 54 goals on the road -- and allowed the same amount.
All signs indicate that this will be much different than the Caps' 7-1 loss earlier this season except for one factor: the Caps had 48 shots in that game and might try to beat that total tomorrow night.
The Flyers are emerging as the class of the Atlantic, although the New Jersey Devils are hanging in there. But the New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins are falling apart right now and one has to wonder whether that will continue for a while. The Rangers are 5-4-1 in their last 10 but the Pens are 3-7 and are 8-9-2 at the Igloo. The two teams battle on Versus tonight so the nation will get to see them up close.
The Flyers, meanwhile, are 5-3-2 in their last 10 but are 12-4-3 at home and have been able to keep this level most of the season. Jeff Carter is tied with Alex Ovechkin for the league's goal-scoring lead at 27 and has help from five teammates with more than 13 goals. Simon Gagne (18 goals, 22 assists) is back to form after missing much of last season and Mike Richards (15 goals, 27 assists) is having a strong season as captain.
Unlike the Caps, the Flyers don't get much scoring from their blueliners but they do get strong goaltending from Martin Biron (13-7-4-1, 3.03 GAA, .898 save percentage, two assists). The Flyers clearly live up to their reputation as a tough team as they are the third-most penalized team in the league at 18.5 PIMs per game.
While the Caps dominate at home (outscoring their opponents 72-37), the Flyers have notched 54 goals on the road -- and allowed the same amount.
All signs indicate that this will be much different than the Caps' 7-1 loss earlier this season except for one factor: the Caps had 48 shots in that game and might try to beat that total tomorrow night.
January 4, 2009
Inside the Press Box: Thom Loverro
Storming the Crease is conducting a series of interviews with people who cover (or work for) the Caps and the NHL. You can find the complete log on the right sidebar. Today's thirteenth installment: Washington Times columnist and book author Thom Loverro.
1. Please describe how you come up with column ideas and how many columns you typically write in a week.
I write anywhere from two-to-four columns a week, depending on events. I write more columns during baseball season, because I would say about 65 percent of the columns I write are about baseball, since that is my strength. I figure about 25 percent are Capitals columns and the rest are on a variety of subjects.
Many of my columns are dictated by the events I attend. But when I am coming up with an idea, the key is listening to what people say. It seems simple, but pay close attention to what a coach or player says in an interview. Much of it may seem like standard answers, but usually in there is a column subject -- a pattern within the team, an issue, a reason for success -- that is worth examining.
Also, I like looking around and paying close attention to my surroundings to see if there is any little unique part of those surroundings -- a fan sign, an advertisement, anything -- that might have a connection to a column idea and be a good way to lead it off. It really is simply listening and observing, and being able to recognize ideas from those.
2. Writing a book must be quite the undertaking. Please take the readers through the process from concept to publishing.
It is just like any other craft. That is what writing is -- a craft, not an art. You have different tools to use, one of which is time, and you have to use them the best you can. Sometimes my books are my ideas, sometimes a publisher will come to my agent with a book idea and he will recommend me. Then I have to put together a proposal for the book -- what will be in it, chapter breakdowns, reasons why I can do it -- that is usually about 40-pages long, and sometimes includes a sample chapter.
From there, the agent negotiates a deal with the publisher and then I proceed with the book. I make up a list of people to interview. The key is time and making use of it. You have to force yourself every day, no matter how tired you are, to go into that office and work on the book a certain about of time. I would usually try to put in four hours a day, but even if it is just a half hour, it keeps you in touch with the book and doesn't let it get away from you with a deadline approaching.
3. Which of your 11 books stood out the most and are there others in the works?
"Hail Victory: An Oral History of the Washington Redskins" is probably my favorite, because I got to interview so many great players from the past, and because people seemed to enjoy it so much, from the feedback I received.
My second favorite is "Oriole Magic: The O's of 1983" about the last World Series championship the Orioles won. I have no rooting interest in the Orioles whatsoever, but again, I enjoyed the history of it and the interviews, and really it was the end of what was a great era for baseball -- the player development era, from 1966 to 1983 (though now it is back again; look at the Tampa Bay Rays).
4. What's your favorite hockey-related moment(s)?
When the Capitals won the Eastern Conference championship with the overtime goal by Joe Juneau in game six in 1998 in Buffalo. I was there covering it, and it was an electric moment. It was a colorful, interesting team, and Coach Ron Wilson was also interesting to cover -- the whole wicked witch of the west thing and going to get the broom and all the metaphors he would use.
5. What occupies your time when you're not working?
I know this sounds like a cliche, but this ain't work. I am doing what I wanted to do since I was 10-years-old, growing up in Brooklyn, reading Dick Young in the Daily News. I am very fortunate and appreciative of being a sports columnist.
1. Please describe how you come up with column ideas and how many columns you typically write in a week.
I write anywhere from two-to-four columns a week, depending on events. I write more columns during baseball season, because I would say about 65 percent of the columns I write are about baseball, since that is my strength. I figure about 25 percent are Capitals columns and the rest are on a variety of subjects.
Many of my columns are dictated by the events I attend. But when I am coming up with an idea, the key is listening to what people say. It seems simple, but pay close attention to what a coach or player says in an interview. Much of it may seem like standard answers, but usually in there is a column subject -- a pattern within the team, an issue, a reason for success -- that is worth examining.
Also, I like looking around and paying close attention to my surroundings to see if there is any little unique part of those surroundings -- a fan sign, an advertisement, anything -- that might have a connection to a column idea and be a good way to lead it off. It really is simply listening and observing, and being able to recognize ideas from those.
2. Writing a book must be quite the undertaking. Please take the readers through the process from concept to publishing.
It is just like any other craft. That is what writing is -- a craft, not an art. You have different tools to use, one of which is time, and you have to use them the best you can. Sometimes my books are my ideas, sometimes a publisher will come to my agent with a book idea and he will recommend me. Then I have to put together a proposal for the book -- what will be in it, chapter breakdowns, reasons why I can do it -- that is usually about 40-pages long, and sometimes includes a sample chapter.
From there, the agent negotiates a deal with the publisher and then I proceed with the book. I make up a list of people to interview. The key is time and making use of it. You have to force yourself every day, no matter how tired you are, to go into that office and work on the book a certain about of time. I would usually try to put in four hours a day, but even if it is just a half hour, it keeps you in touch with the book and doesn't let it get away from you with a deadline approaching.
3. Which of your 11 books stood out the most and are there others in the works?
"Hail Victory: An Oral History of the Washington Redskins" is probably my favorite, because I got to interview so many great players from the past, and because people seemed to enjoy it so much, from the feedback I received.
My second favorite is "Oriole Magic: The O's of 1983" about the last World Series championship the Orioles won. I have no rooting interest in the Orioles whatsoever, but again, I enjoyed the history of it and the interviews, and really it was the end of what was a great era for baseball -- the player development era, from 1966 to 1983 (though now it is back again; look at the Tampa Bay Rays).
4. What's your favorite hockey-related moment(s)?
When the Capitals won the Eastern Conference championship with the overtime goal by Joe Juneau in game six in 1998 in Buffalo. I was there covering it, and it was an electric moment. It was a colorful, interesting team, and Coach Ron Wilson was also interesting to cover -- the whole wicked witch of the west thing and going to get the broom and all the metaphors he would use.
5. What occupies your time when you're not working?
I know this sounds like a cliche, but this ain't work. I am doing what I wanted to do since I was 10-years-old, growing up in Brooklyn, reading Dick Young in the Daily News. I am very fortunate and appreciative of being a sports columnist.
Caps' Climb Continues
Exactly four of Alex Ovechkin's 190 career goals have come shorthanded. But his first this season (the aforementioned fourth of his career) was the key in last night's 2-1 win over the N.Y. Rangers. The Caps (26-11-3, 55 points) have the franchise's best record after 40 games and, as they reach the season's halfway mark on Tuesday against the Philadelphia Flyers, have the fourth best record in the league -- behind only the San Jose Sharks (63), Boston Bruins (62) and Detroit Red Wings (57).
Ovechkin is now sixth all-time time in Caps' history as far as goals scored and tied for first in the same category among current players. With 53 points, only Evgeni Malkin (60) is ahead of him in the race to retain the Art Ross Trophy.
Last night's game had a little bit of everything: a playoff atmosphere, the return of Alex Semin, a goal by Mike Green (off a feed from Semin), and a "fight" between Semin and Mark Stahl, which concluded with No. 28 doing something that was a cross between a kid having a tantrum and a poor Max Weinberg impression.
Notes:
* The Sporting News' Craig Custance makes a good argument for a real all-star team. Personally, I'd rather have a champion in town than an all-star -- and I think most people would agree.
* ESPN's E.J. Hradek writes the No. 1 thing to include in next year's Winter Classic is Ovechkin! (I obviously agree.) A tilt between the Caps and Rangers (at Yankee Stadium), Bruins (Fenway Park) or Flyers (locally) sounds good to me.
* Last night's CSN telecast included a good discussion on the elimination of the shootout in favor of a 10-minute overtime with only the winner getting points. Overtime losses continue to be a joke, especially considering two of the leaders in that category, Flyers (eight) and Blackhawks (seven), would get home-ice advantage in the playoffs if the season ended today.
Ovechkin is now sixth all-time time in Caps' history as far as goals scored and tied for first in the same category among current players. With 53 points, only Evgeni Malkin (60) is ahead of him in the race to retain the Art Ross Trophy.
Last night's game had a little bit of everything: a playoff atmosphere, the return of Alex Semin, a goal by Mike Green (off a feed from Semin), and a "fight" between Semin and Mark Stahl, which concluded with No. 28 doing something that was a cross between a kid having a tantrum and a poor Max Weinberg impression.
Notes:
* The Sporting News' Craig Custance makes a good argument for a real all-star team. Personally, I'd rather have a champion in town than an all-star -- and I think most people would agree.
* ESPN's E.J. Hradek writes the No. 1 thing to include in next year's Winter Classic is Ovechkin! (I obviously agree.) A tilt between the Caps and Rangers (at Yankee Stadium), Bruins (Fenway Park) or Flyers (locally) sounds good to me.
* Last night's CSN telecast included a good discussion on the elimination of the shootout in favor of a 10-minute overtime with only the winner getting points. Overtime losses continue to be a joke, especially considering two of the leaders in that category, Flyers (eight) and Blackhawks (seven), would get home-ice advantage in the playoffs if the season ended today.
January 2, 2009
Ovechkin Named December's Third Star
Alex Ovechkin continued the Caps streak of monthly stars when he was named the NHL's third star for December today. Ovie received the first star for November and Alex Semin got the same honor for October.
Also, the Lightning's Jamie Heward has been released from the hospital, a good sign after last night's horrific incident. Heward took a nasty spill in the corner after being checked by A.O., but thankfully it seems he's going to be OK.
Also, the Lightning's Jamie Heward has been released from the hospital, a good sign after last night's horrific incident. Heward took a nasty spill in the corner after being checked by A.O., but thankfully it seems he's going to be OK.
January 1, 2009
New Year, Old Friends
Division foe Tampa Bay Lighning visits Verizon Center tonight for the Caps' traditional New Year's Day game (although an evening tilt is a rarity). The Caps are 13-5-3-1 all-time on Jan. 1, including a 5-5 tie with Tampa in 1994. The Caps have beaten Tampa six straight times overall.
The Lightning have four former Caps on their roster (all of whom played more than 200 games for the red, white and blue): Olie Kolzig (711 games), Jeff Halpern (438), Matt Pettinger (334) and Steve Eminger (212). Additionally, interim coach Rick Toccet played 13 games for the Caps during the 1996-97 season (five goals, five assists, 31 penalty minutes) and was part of the (in)famous trade that eventually led to Kolzig's tenure as starter: Bill Ranford, Adam Oates and Toccet for Jason Allison, Jim Carey, Anson Carter and a pick.
But the 'Ning (10-16-10, 30 points, 21 behind the Caps) have fallen on rough times. In addition to the Barry Melrose debacle to start the season, top scorers Vincent Lecavalier (14 goals, 16 assists) and Martin St. Louis (13 goals, 19 assists) haven't produced to their normal levels and are getting no support. They're the only two players on the team with double-digit goal totals and there is only one other player (Mark Recchi, with 22) with more than 20 points.
The Caps, conversely, have five players with 10 or more goals (the Alexes, Nick Backstrom, Brooks Laich and Tomas Fleischmann) and six players with 20-plus points (the Alexes, Backstrom, Laich, Viktor Kozlov and Mike Green); Flash has 19 and Michael Nylander has 17.
Starting goalie Mike Smith (8-12-9, 2.42 GAA, .923 save percentage) has been decent but with such a weak team ahead of him, it's hard to translate that to consistency. Kolzig (2-4-1, 3.66 GAA, .898 save percentage) has been showing his age.
Caps netminder Jose Theodore has won four straight, and allowed just five goals in his last three games (only three at even strength) while posting .917, .958 and .939 save percentages in wins over Buffalo (home), Toronto (home) and Buffalo (away), respectively. That's a 1.67 GAA in his last three games and, if you factor in the final two periods against the Rangers, it goes down to 1.64 -- a far cry from the 3.08 figure he's posted for the entire season (22 games).
In other words, Theodore (like the rest of the team) has been hot lately.
The Lightning have four former Caps on their roster (all of whom played more than 200 games for the red, white and blue): Olie Kolzig (711 games), Jeff Halpern (438), Matt Pettinger (334) and Steve Eminger (212). Additionally, interim coach Rick Toccet played 13 games for the Caps during the 1996-97 season (five goals, five assists, 31 penalty minutes) and was part of the (in)famous trade that eventually led to Kolzig's tenure as starter: Bill Ranford, Adam Oates and Toccet for Jason Allison, Jim Carey, Anson Carter and a pick.
But the 'Ning (10-16-10, 30 points, 21 behind the Caps) have fallen on rough times. In addition to the Barry Melrose debacle to start the season, top scorers Vincent Lecavalier (14 goals, 16 assists) and Martin St. Louis (13 goals, 19 assists) haven't produced to their normal levels and are getting no support. They're the only two players on the team with double-digit goal totals and there is only one other player (Mark Recchi, with 22) with more than 20 points.
The Caps, conversely, have five players with 10 or more goals (the Alexes, Nick Backstrom, Brooks Laich and Tomas Fleischmann) and six players with 20-plus points (the Alexes, Backstrom, Laich, Viktor Kozlov and Mike Green); Flash has 19 and Michael Nylander has 17.
Starting goalie Mike Smith (8-12-9, 2.42 GAA, .923 save percentage) has been decent but with such a weak team ahead of him, it's hard to translate that to consistency. Kolzig (2-4-1, 3.66 GAA, .898 save percentage) has been showing his age.
Caps netminder Jose Theodore has won four straight, and allowed just five goals in his last three games (only three at even strength) while posting .917, .958 and .939 save percentages in wins over Buffalo (home), Toronto (home) and Buffalo (away), respectively. That's a 1.67 GAA in his last three games and, if you factor in the final two periods against the Rangers, it goes down to 1.64 -- a far cry from the 3.08 figure he's posted for the entire season (22 games).
In other words, Theodore (like the rest of the team) has been hot lately.
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