The Detroit Red Wings, after a close first period, managed to slightly pull away from the Pittsburgh Penguins in game one of the Stanley Cup finals, 3-1. The Pens had their chances, but Chris Osgood was up to the task (as was the great backchecking by the Detroit forwards). No rest for the weary, though, as game two is tonight back in Hockeytown (8 p.m, NBC).
Meanwhile, the Hershey Bears squeezed out a huge 5-4 OT victory in game one of the the Calder Cup finals in Winnepeg, getting a hat trick from scoring machine Alexandre Giroux. Game two is Tuesday night.
Finally, in the ECHL's Kelly Cup finals, the South Carolina Stingrays missed the opportunity to clinch at home in a 3-2 OT loss and now head back to Anchorage for game six Thursday night. One more win and the Caps' affiliate will claim the title.
May 31, 2009
May 28, 2009
Stanley Cup Finals Preview
Your preview for Detroit Red Wings-Pittsburgh Penguins (the sequel):
Offense: The Pens have boasted the most firepower in all of their previous playoff series, with only the Caps coming close to matching them. But that won't be the case against the Wings, who score practically the same amount of goals (3.69) as the Pens (3.82). The Wings are deeper and more experienced and both teams will try to take up residence in front of the net. Pittsburgh might have the edge at center, though. Advantage: Wings.
Defense: Even with perennial Norris Trophy winner Nicklas Lidstrom on the sidelines, the Wings' blueliners are still a scary bunch. But with him, it could be lights-out for the Pens. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, has some skill on the blueline, but cannot match Detroit's steller bunch. Pittsburgh will give Detroit more of a challenge than any of its previous opponents, but the Pens still will have trouble mustering an attack against Detroit. Advantage: Wings.
Special Teams: Detroit's penalty kill (73.7 percent) is its only glaring weakness, while Pittsburgh's average bunch (83.6 percent) will seem stout by comparison. On the power play, though, Detroit (25.7 percent) and Pittsburgh (19.3) excel. This series probably won't include too many penalties, but teams better batten down the hatches when they are shorthanded. Advantage: Push.
Goaltending: Chris Osgood doesn't get enough credit, at least outside of these parts. He's only won 71 career playoff games and three Stanley Cups. That experience has come through this postseason, when he's made some huge saves and come up big time after time. Meanwhile, Marc-Andre Fleury has battled inconsistancy and soft goals while playing just well enough to help the Pens get back to the finals. Advantage: Wings.
Intangibles: The Wings are experienced, hungry and determined. They're guided by the same coach who won the Cup last year and a team that knows what to expect. Although the Pens have excelled under Coach Dan Bylsma, this is his first trip to the finals and he hasn't even coached a full season in the NHL yet. Advantage: Wings.
Overall: This is going to be a close series full of one-goal games. Although the Wings are the better team, the Pens are a game, skilled bunch that will be in every game. But in the end, the defending champs prevail. Prediction: Wings in seven.
Offense: The Pens have boasted the most firepower in all of their previous playoff series, with only the Caps coming close to matching them. But that won't be the case against the Wings, who score practically the same amount of goals (3.69) as the Pens (3.82). The Wings are deeper and more experienced and both teams will try to take up residence in front of the net. Pittsburgh might have the edge at center, though. Advantage: Wings.
Defense: Even with perennial Norris Trophy winner Nicklas Lidstrom on the sidelines, the Wings' blueliners are still a scary bunch. But with him, it could be lights-out for the Pens. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, has some skill on the blueline, but cannot match Detroit's steller bunch. Pittsburgh will give Detroit more of a challenge than any of its previous opponents, but the Pens still will have trouble mustering an attack against Detroit. Advantage: Wings.
Special Teams: Detroit's penalty kill (73.7 percent) is its only glaring weakness, while Pittsburgh's average bunch (83.6 percent) will seem stout by comparison. On the power play, though, Detroit (25.7 percent) and Pittsburgh (19.3) excel. This series probably won't include too many penalties, but teams better batten down the hatches when they are shorthanded. Advantage: Push.
Goaltending: Chris Osgood doesn't get enough credit, at least outside of these parts. He's only won 71 career playoff games and three Stanley Cups. That experience has come through this postseason, when he's made some huge saves and come up big time after time. Meanwhile, Marc-Andre Fleury has battled inconsistancy and soft goals while playing just well enough to help the Pens get back to the finals. Advantage: Wings.
Intangibles: The Wings are experienced, hungry and determined. They're guided by the same coach who won the Cup last year and a team that knows what to expect. Although the Pens have excelled under Coach Dan Bylsma, this is his first trip to the finals and he hasn't even coached a full season in the NHL yet. Advantage: Wings.
Overall: This is going to be a close series full of one-goal games. Although the Wings are the better team, the Pens are a game, skilled bunch that will be in every game. But in the end, the defending champs prevail. Prediction: Wings in seven.
Red Wings Return to Finals
The Detroit Red Wings beat the Chicago Blackhawks, 2-1, in OT last night to set up a rematch with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Stanley Cup finals. The Wings-Hawks series included three OT games (two of which were won by the defending champs) and tons of great action.
Kudos to Peerless for pointing out the erie similarities between the GWG last night and the one Cristobal Huet allowed last year to the Philadelphia Flyers as a member of the Caps.
Your game schedule:
Kudos to Peerless for pointing out the erie similarities between the GWG last night and the one Cristobal Huet allowed last year to the Philadelphia Flyers as a member of the Caps.
Your game schedule:
Saturday, May 30, Pittsburgh at Detroit, 8 p.m., NBC
Sunday, May 31, Pittsburgh at Detroit, TBD, NBC
Tuesday, June 2, Detroit at Pittsburgh, 8 p.m., VERSUS
Tuesday, June 2, Detroit at Pittsburgh, 8 p.m., VERSUS
Thursday, June 4, Detroit at Pittsburgh, 8 p.m., VERSUS
* Saturday, June 6, Pittsburgh at Detroit, 8 p.m., NBC
* Tuesday, June 9, Detroit at Pittsburgh, 8 p.m., NBC
* Friday, June 12, Pittsburgh at Detroit, 8 p.m., NBC
* if necessary
May 27, 2009
Statements on Steroid Allegations
From the Caps' outstanding PR department:
NHL
"The Washington Capitals have no knowledge of any aspect of this allegation. Capitals players were subjected to no-notice testing three times in each of the past two seasons pursuant to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and there was no indication of any improper conduct or wrongdoing.
"Even though there are no specifics provided in the story and we have no reason, at this point, to believe the allegations are true, the National Hockey League takes all matters of this nature very seriously and will conduct a prompt investigation."
-NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly
Caps
"We have no reason to believe there is any merit to this story, but the National Hockey League and the Washington Capitals take all such allegations seriously. Capitals players have fully participated in the NHL's random drug testing program, and at no point has a Capitals player tested positive. In addition our players have been tested at international events, such as World Championships and Olympics. We welcome and will fully cooperate with the NHL's investigation."
-Caps President Dick Patrick
Also, Tarik spoke to Brooks Laich, the team's union representative.
NHL
"The Washington Capitals have no knowledge of any aspect of this allegation. Capitals players were subjected to no-notice testing three times in each of the past two seasons pursuant to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and there was no indication of any improper conduct or wrongdoing.
"Even though there are no specifics provided in the story and we have no reason, at this point, to believe the allegations are true, the National Hockey League takes all matters of this nature very seriously and will conduct a prompt investigation."
-NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly
Caps
"We have no reason to believe there is any merit to this story, but the National Hockey League and the Washington Capitals take all such allegations seriously. Capitals players have fully participated in the NHL's random drug testing program, and at no point has a Capitals player tested positive. In addition our players have been tested at international events, such as World Championships and Olympics. We welcome and will fully cooperate with the NHL's investigation."
-Caps President Dick Patrick
Also, Tarik spoke to Brooks Laich, the team's union representative.
Today's News and Notes
Just when you thought it would be quiet until the awards ceremony and draft, news of an alleged connection between a drug dealer and the Caps has surfaced. The first report came from Tampa and Tarik has more information on his blog. No players were named and the team has not released a statement on the matter.
Meanwhile, Viktor Kozlov has confirmed that he's heading to the KHL next year. No surprise there.
Finally, check out the latest quote in the Alex Ovechkin-Sidney Crosby debate from the Ottawa Sun. Great stuff!
Meanwhile, Viktor Kozlov has confirmed that he's heading to the KHL next year. No surprise there.
Finally, check out the latest quote in the Alex Ovechkin-Sidney Crosby debate from the Ottawa Sun. Great stuff!
May 26, 2009
Pens Win Eastern Conference
The Pittsburgh Penguins have repeated as Eastern Conference champions with a 4-1 dominating win over the Carolina Hurricanes tonight to complete a series sweep. The 'Canes scored the first goal but trailed 2-1 after one period and never really threatened to take control. The Pens were the superior team all series.
Pittsburgh now returns to the Stanley Cup finals, where they could face the Detroit Red Wings for a second consecutive year. The defending champs will have a chance to close out the rival Chicago Blackhawks tomorrow night on home ice.
Pittsburgh now returns to the Stanley Cup finals, where they could face the Detroit Red Wings for a second consecutive year. The defending champs will have a chance to close out the rival Chicago Blackhawks tomorrow night on home ice.
New Coach Coming
The Caps will have a new face behind the bench, GM George McPhee has confirmed. Jay Leach and the team have parted ways in a "mutual decision" after five years. Leach was responsible for the defense, which is sure to experience the most turnover this off-season. GMGM added that Dean Evason and Dave Prior will return.
Meanwhile, the Caps have signed prospect Jake Hauswirth, a center, to a three-year, entry level deal.
Finally, updating an earlier report, Viktor Kozlov apparently has signed with Salavat of the KHL, while Sergei Fedorov's agent still is open to talking to the Caps. I wouldn't expect either to return.
Meanwhile, the Caps have signed prospect Jake Hauswirth, a center, to a three-year, entry level deal.
Finally, updating an earlier report, Viktor Kozlov apparently has signed with Salavat of the KHL, while Sergei Fedorov's agent still is open to talking to the Caps. I wouldn't expect either to return.
UFA Shuffle Begins
Of the Caps' pending unrestricted free agents, Sergei Fedorov and Viktor Kozlov were the most likely to leave. Fedorov, the 39-year-old Russian Wizard, most likely would be welcomed back for a reduced salary from last year's $4 million take. Kozlov, who made $2.5 million the last two seasons, might only be offered half that -- if anything.
But now comes the news that Fedorov has signed with the KHL's Metallurg Magnitogorsk. (s/t Peerless) If this report is true, which appears to be the case, it certainly makes GM George McPhee's balancing act a little easier. GMGM could sleep at night knowing that he can upgrade Kozlov's spot on the roster, even with a recall from Hershey, while he simply was outbid for Feds.
If this marks the end, let STC be the first to thank No. 91 for an inspirational 91 games donning the red, white and blue.
But now comes the news that Fedorov has signed with the KHL's Metallurg Magnitogorsk. (s/t Peerless) If this report is true, which appears to be the case, it certainly makes GM George McPhee's balancing act a little easier. GMGM could sleep at night knowing that he can upgrade Kozlov's spot on the roster, even with a recall from Hershey, while he simply was outbid for Feds.
If this marks the end, let STC be the first to thank No. 91 for an inspirational 91 games donning the red, white and blue.
Sweetness in Hershey
For the third time in four years as the Caps' AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears are headed to the Calder Cup finals. This time, the Bears defeated the Providence Bruins in five games and will visit the Manitoba Moose (the Vancouver Canucks' affiliate) beginning Saturday night. Game two will be Tuesday, June 2, before the series switches back to Chocolatetown for games three, four and five on June 6, 7 and 9, respectively.
Chris Bourque netted the game-winning goal against the minor-league affiliate of the team for which his father played most of his career. Also noteworthy was the fact that the Bears outscored the Bruins, 18-6, in the final two periods and OT throughout the series.
Bears Coach Bob Woods was behind the bench as an assistant to now-Caps Coach Bruce Boudreau when the Bears won the 2006 Calder Cup. He also captured the 1997 Calder Cup with the Bears as a player.
Chris Bourque netted the game-winning goal against the minor-league affiliate of the team for which his father played most of his career. Also noteworthy was the fact that the Bears outscored the Bruins, 18-6, in the final two periods and OT throughout the series.
Bears Coach Bob Woods was behind the bench as an assistant to now-Caps Coach Bruce Boudreau when the Bears won the 2006 Calder Cup. He also captured the 1997 Calder Cup with the Bears as a player.
May 24, 2009
Weekend Update
The only news out of Caps' land is that the NHL apparently is going to be making a decision regarding the 2010 Winter Classic in July (presumably in conjunction with the schedule release). The Boston Bruins are hosting the game at Fenway Park, or so it seems, and their opponent will be the Caps or the Philadelphia Flyers. (s/t Japers' Rink)
As for the games currently going on, the Pittsburgh Penguins are making short work of the Carolina Hurricanes. With a 6-2 win last night, the Pens are now up 3-0 in the Eastern Conference finals and can close out the 'Canes Tuesday in Raleigh. So much for a long series.
Game four of the Detroit Red Wings-Chicago Blackhawks series is today at United Center with the Wings leading 2-1. If the Wings win the next two games, and the Pens sweep the 'Canes, then the Stanley Cup finals will be begin this Thursday, May 28. If not, we're waiting until next Friday, June 5. Darn TV contracts.
In the minors, the Hershey Bears are up, 2-1, on the Providence Bruins in the AHL's Eastern Conference finals. The next two games, both at the Dunkin' Donuts Center, will be tonight and tomorrow. The victor will face the winner of the Western Conference finals champion, where the Manitoba Moose lead the Houston Aeros, 3-1.
Finally, the South Carolina Stingrays are tied, 1-1, in the ECHL's Kelly Cup finals against the Alaska Aces. Games three and four are at home and game five is back in Anchorage. Talk about a tough back-to-back, these players must travel nearly 4,500 miles between games.
As for the games currently going on, the Pittsburgh Penguins are making short work of the Carolina Hurricanes. With a 6-2 win last night, the Pens are now up 3-0 in the Eastern Conference finals and can close out the 'Canes Tuesday in Raleigh. So much for a long series.
Game four of the Detroit Red Wings-Chicago Blackhawks series is today at United Center with the Wings leading 2-1. If the Wings win the next two games, and the Pens sweep the 'Canes, then the Stanley Cup finals will be begin this Thursday, May 28. If not, we're waiting until next Friday, June 5. Darn TV contracts.
In the minors, the Hershey Bears are up, 2-1, on the Providence Bruins in the AHL's Eastern Conference finals. The next two games, both at the Dunkin' Donuts Center, will be tonight and tomorrow. The victor will face the winner of the Western Conference finals champion, where the Manitoba Moose lead the Houston Aeros, 3-1.
Finally, the South Carolina Stingrays are tied, 1-1, in the ECHL's Kelly Cup finals against the Alaska Aces. Games three and four are at home and game five is back in Anchorage. Talk about a tough back-to-back, these players must travel nearly 4,500 miles between games.
May 22, 2009
STC Notes: Bruce Boudreau
Inspired by our friends at Cliff's Notes, Storming the Crease presents an interpretation of excerpts from Caps' Coach Bruce Boudreau during Breakdown Day. The actual quotes are in bold.
Sometimes you put yourselves in a position to make it very difficult when you have to face elimination five times and win all five times. We know how we were in the very first game and the second game of those elimination games. And it was Pittsburgh's first chance at elimination; there's such a different feeling of determination. Maybe we were a little too complacent in game seven, thinking, 'OK, we're going to stave off elimination again.' It didn't have the same feeling as same as game six. It certainly didn't feel that way in and around the dressing room before the game. I don't know. You search for answers and you don't want one game to ruin a heck of a good season.
Clearly, Boudreau wanted the team to play with more determination and grit from the get-go. He wasn't happy that they fell behind, 3-1, to the New York Rangers or spoiled a 2-0 lead over the Pittsburgh Penguins. The team has battled complacency all season -- always feeling they could "flip a switch" to get out of problems. That attitude led to ugly losses during the regular season and clearly hit hard during the Rangers' series.
Gabby also was asked about maturity. And while that clearly is an issue, it goes beyond that. You need the people to understand that every game is important. Look at the Detroit Red Wings: they never take a night off and constantly are at the top of the league. The Caps' current players need to learn that and need players around them to reinforce it.
I'm not in the room a lot. So I don't know what's said and what's not said and everything else. I can't answer the in-room thing. Players are very secretive. They'll tell coaches a lot of stuff and they'll tell coaches they trust even more. But they're not going to tell coaches they trust and like everything... I don't know what has to be done, but I think we're a real good team now with certainly the core coming back.
This is a team that needs some grit and experience. Only two people on the team have played in a Stanley Cup final: Chris Clark and Sergei Fedorov. Clark is the captain, but between injuries and the structure of the team, it's a fact easily forgotten. Feds is beyond respected in the locker room, but he's not vocal (by choice) and, more-or-less, is a player/coach at this point of his career. Alex Ovechkin freely admits he doesn't say much in the locker room and, even with all of his success, is clearly still maturing. Thus the void.
Boudreau had to fight for everything he got and that's the biggest void on this team right now. That's sometimes forgotten and, in today's ultra-competitive NHL, taking a night off is sometimes worse than a hard-fought loss. Not too long ago, when the Caps only racked up 70 points a season, they were considered one of the hardest-working, you-don't-want-to-face-them teams. With all the talent on the current edition, that's sometimes forgotten. And it needs to return pronto.
Sometimes you try and change people and sometimes they don't want to change. I think every team in the National Hockey League would love guys that just drive to the net and it's one of those things that coaches love. But sometimes you got guys that you know are going to play a little bit on the perimeter and you can tell them until the cows come home but it doesn't always work. But they've got such great strengths in other areas.
We've examined this quote before and there's no doubt Boudreau is targeting specific players on the team -- most notably Alex Semin. By many accounts, the enigmatic winger has been the subject of several internal debates. After making $5 million next season, he's due to become a restricted free agent and some (including this blogger) wonder whether he's worth it. Nicklas Backstrom also is due to become an RFA after next season and I'd keep the center over the winger any day. The team's core is clear: Backstrom, Ovechkin, Mike Green and, maybe now, Simeon Varlamov/Michal Neuvirth. Where does Semin fit?
Several times this season, Boudreau has talked about the AHL call-ups playing his system perfectly and fighting for everything (clearly a reminder of his playing days). He's also gone out of his way to praise players like David Steckel and Brooks Laich (who clearly have earned the accolades), another reminder of those roots. Yes, Backstrom, Ovechkin and Green are indespensible. But, going back to the Wings again, the Caps need some gritty guys who can score but also play defense and muck in the corners.
And that's where the decisions for next season's troops will begin.
Sometimes you put yourselves in a position to make it very difficult when you have to face elimination five times and win all five times. We know how we were in the very first game and the second game of those elimination games. And it was Pittsburgh's first chance at elimination; there's such a different feeling of determination. Maybe we were a little too complacent in game seven, thinking, 'OK, we're going to stave off elimination again.' It didn't have the same feeling as same as game six. It certainly didn't feel that way in and around the dressing room before the game. I don't know. You search for answers and you don't want one game to ruin a heck of a good season.
Clearly, Boudreau wanted the team to play with more determination and grit from the get-go. He wasn't happy that they fell behind, 3-1, to the New York Rangers or spoiled a 2-0 lead over the Pittsburgh Penguins. The team has battled complacency all season -- always feeling they could "flip a switch" to get out of problems. That attitude led to ugly losses during the regular season and clearly hit hard during the Rangers' series.
Gabby also was asked about maturity. And while that clearly is an issue, it goes beyond that. You need the people to understand that every game is important. Look at the Detroit Red Wings: they never take a night off and constantly are at the top of the league. The Caps' current players need to learn that and need players around them to reinforce it.
I'm not in the room a lot. So I don't know what's said and what's not said and everything else. I can't answer the in-room thing. Players are very secretive. They'll tell coaches a lot of stuff and they'll tell coaches they trust even more. But they're not going to tell coaches they trust and like everything... I don't know what has to be done, but I think we're a real good team now with certainly the core coming back.
This is a team that needs some grit and experience. Only two people on the team have played in a Stanley Cup final: Chris Clark and Sergei Fedorov. Clark is the captain, but between injuries and the structure of the team, it's a fact easily forgotten. Feds is beyond respected in the locker room, but he's not vocal (by choice) and, more-or-less, is a player/coach at this point of his career. Alex Ovechkin freely admits he doesn't say much in the locker room and, even with all of his success, is clearly still maturing. Thus the void.
Boudreau had to fight for everything he got and that's the biggest void on this team right now. That's sometimes forgotten and, in today's ultra-competitive NHL, taking a night off is sometimes worse than a hard-fought loss. Not too long ago, when the Caps only racked up 70 points a season, they were considered one of the hardest-working, you-don't-want-to-face-them teams. With all the talent on the current edition, that's sometimes forgotten. And it needs to return pronto.
Sometimes you try and change people and sometimes they don't want to change. I think every team in the National Hockey League would love guys that just drive to the net and it's one of those things that coaches love. But sometimes you got guys that you know are going to play a little bit on the perimeter and you can tell them until the cows come home but it doesn't always work. But they've got such great strengths in other areas.
We've examined this quote before and there's no doubt Boudreau is targeting specific players on the team -- most notably Alex Semin. By many accounts, the enigmatic winger has been the subject of several internal debates. After making $5 million next season, he's due to become a restricted free agent and some (including this blogger) wonder whether he's worth it. Nicklas Backstrom also is due to become an RFA after next season and I'd keep the center over the winger any day. The team's core is clear: Backstrom, Ovechkin, Mike Green and, maybe now, Simeon Varlamov/Michal Neuvirth. Where does Semin fit?
Several times this season, Boudreau has talked about the AHL call-ups playing his system perfectly and fighting for everything (clearly a reminder of his playing days). He's also gone out of his way to praise players like David Steckel and Brooks Laich (who clearly have earned the accolades), another reminder of those roots. Yes, Backstrom, Ovechkin and Green are indespensible. But, going back to the Wings again, the Caps need some gritty guys who can score but also play defense and muck in the corners.
And that's where the decisions for next season's troops will begin.
May 20, 2009
Tonight's TV Void
Tonight marks the first of three potential off-days for the NHL's conference finals. (The other two are Memorial Day Monday and next Thursday, May 28) -- a rarity for the NHL, which usually has games nearly every day throughout the playoffs (excluding the finals). The bigger breaks between games is straight out of the NBA's book and reeks TV-determined scheduling.
There's also another factor working here. The Stanley Cup finals don't start until June 5, and the NHL is trying to stretch out the conference finals to lessen the break between rounds. That's created quiet nights like tonight, when the NBA gets center stage while the NHL is dormant.
With all of the troubles the NHL has experienced in competing with the NBA's ratings, it would behoove the NHL to avoid such occurances in future years. Yes, it's important to have games on NBC (that's all of the finals games, not just most of them) -- but taking NBA-like breaks between games ruins any momentum that the NHL has built.
There's also another factor working here. The Stanley Cup finals don't start until June 5, and the NHL is trying to stretch out the conference finals to lessen the break between rounds. That's created quiet nights like tonight, when the NBA gets center stage while the NHL is dormant.
With all of the troubles the NHL has experienced in competing with the NBA's ratings, it would behoove the NHL to avoid such occurances in future years. Yes, it's important to have games on NBC (that's all of the finals games, not just most of them) -- but taking NBA-like breaks between games ruins any momentum that the NHL has built.
May 19, 2009
Inside the Press Box: Mike Wise
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 21st installment: Washington Post columnist Mike Wise.
1. Can you talk about your transition from New York to Washington and going from covering just the NBA to writing about everything?
I felt comfortable covering the NBA for so many years and, during the Pat Riley and Jeff Van Gundy years in New York, there was no more exciting thing. They were always in seven-game series or somebody would get suspended. There was plenty to write about. And I played basketball very poorly at a small college in Hawaii and at a junior college in Sacramento and I just felt comfortable with basketball.
But for me, I was always more interested in writing about people than sports. So to me, even though the things I didn't know, I tried to get to know the people around them. I figured if I write [about] them, then I'll know something about it.
2. How has the current trend of Internet usage by newspapers has changed your approach, if any?
I think it's made me more aware of the fact that there's so many media commodities out there that people have to chose from, so many options, that if you're not making yourself multidimensional; if you're not doing radio, if you're not doing video blogs for your newspaper, if you don't have a personality, that kind of thing, or if you don't like to do that kind of thing, I think you limit your career options.
I think that newspapers in general have to be aware of everything that's out there and make those changes without forgetting what they do best, which is write the definitive story that nobody else can. And I'm very aware of it.
I remember once Harvey Araton of the New York Times, my colleague and friend and columnist, said to me once maybe 10-15 years ago, 'why are you doing interviews on New York One?' or, I went on "The Charlie Rose Show," which was really cool, but he said 'why do you do all this TV?' or 'I heard you on the radio the other day.' And I think I saw Harvey not too long ago and he said to me, ‘keep going and doing that stuff. It's job security.'
For me, you have to be across different platforms to really be beneficial to your newspaper and make people read and watch because they can now.
3. Was your Donald Brashear profile the kind of story you're always looking for?
I wrote a Gilbert Arenas profile about two-and-a-half years ago and talked about the mother that abandoned him, the father that was the hero that drove him to Los Angeles so that he could become who he was, and I found myself, for whatever reason, drawn to these dysfunctional backgrounds. I think it helps me cope with my own, to be honest. (Laughs.)
On one level it's cathartic and it's gratifying especially when you get the response that you do. And on another level, I don't want to get too deep, but for some of the players that I've done these stories on that have really opened up to me and trusted me, and I've trusted them with incredibly sensitive information that a lot of people wouldn't want in front of the public, it's been a little bit of a healing thing for them.
I don't know if some of them may open the doors to their families and try to reconnect. Some of them won't. But the bottom line is that they've about those things for the first time in a long time in their lives and they're willing to share it. And if that helps them at all, then I feel like I've done my job.
The best thing that happened to me about that story was Donald Brashear e-mailing me and saying 'I don't usually talk about these things, and I never wanted to, but now that everybody's come up to me on the street and talked about the story, and people are e-mailing me at the team, I want to give out my personal e-mail and say to people who have children who have been abused or people who have dealt with abuse in their life, they want to e-mail me, here's my personal e-mail [address].'
And I'm thinking wow, this guy is now becoming an advocate for this and better for a guy who rose above this and became an NHL player and made of millions of dollars and found a way to redirect the pent-up aggression and injury he had as a child. To me, that's just amazing.
In that way, those columns are more gratifying than Ovechkin vs. Crosby, where everybody and their mom on one side or the other is going to basically want to end your life or your career after they get upset with you.
4. What are some of your favorite hockey-related moments?
My favorite hockey memory is the moment that the New York Times sports editor called me up and said 'we need somebody to do a Pavel Bure story because the Rangers are about to play the Vancouver Canucks maybe in the Stanley Cup finals. Nobody knows about this guy out here, so could you go do a story about him? And, by the way, I know your paper went out of business and this would be a freelance job. Have you ever covered hockey before?'
And, of course, having grown up in Northern California and Hawaii, I said 'I love hockey. I know hockey.' That was 15 years ago, and 15 years later, I still don't know hockey, unfortunately. But that story ended up catapulting me to the Times and I got Pavel Bure to drive me around in his Mercedes and he talked about living in Vancouver and being a star.
So I remember that Pat LaFontaine goal, I stayed up. I even forgot who they were playing, I hate to say it. But it was such an incredible game and how long it went. When you're on the West Coast, you don't need to stay up as long.
[Editor's Note: He's referring to the Caps-Islanders' four-OT game on April 19, 1987.]
I think even the casual fan [asks] 'Where were you for the Miracle on Ice? Where were you when that happened?' At that moment, if you weren't a hockey fan in America, you weren't a sports fan.
From then, fast forward to the Rangers, having dealt with Messier just a little bit -- I've written a couple columns about him in New York. Just being around that area then was pretty intense and memorable.
And then Ovechkin, he's really the most exciting player in the game, arguably the best player in the game. Whenever I think that I've got a bad job and I have a deadline to meet and I've had to wake up at 5:45 a.m. to catch a flight to Baltimore, so I can drive to the Kettler Capitals IcePlex and do a column on Dave Steckel and then be at a game the next day, I think to myself 'are you kidding me? There are people who would be giving their left arms for that.'
So sometimes, when I see a game like Ovechkin had in game two [against the Pittsburgh Penguins] or just being a part of game six, I literally marvel at the fact that I get paid to do that. It's reinforces the fact of why I went into this business and why I didn't cover school-board meetings for a living.
5. What occupies your time when you're away from work?
I play with my dog -- half lab, half golden retriever. Her name's Tallulah, but I just call her Luly. So we go running a lot. I've done four marathons, but by the time I'm done, I mean I hate to say this, but the Kenyans are on a layover in Zimbabwe. It's five hours or something. So I have some fitness goals, try to stay in shape a little, play basketball really badly.
And this is going to shock people, but I like to make cupcakes. I actually make cupcakes, I can bake a little. If I could get paid what I do now to just make cupcakes, it would be like Bo Jackson: cupcakes or sports writing? What am I going to do? Very tough.
1. Can you talk about your transition from New York to Washington and going from covering just the NBA to writing about everything?
I felt comfortable covering the NBA for so many years and, during the Pat Riley and Jeff Van Gundy years in New York, there was no more exciting thing. They were always in seven-game series or somebody would get suspended. There was plenty to write about. And I played basketball very poorly at a small college in Hawaii and at a junior college in Sacramento and I just felt comfortable with basketball.
But for me, I was always more interested in writing about people than sports. So to me, even though the things I didn't know, I tried to get to know the people around them. I figured if I write [about] them, then I'll know something about it.
2. How has the current trend of Internet usage by newspapers has changed your approach, if any?
I think it's made me more aware of the fact that there's so many media commodities out there that people have to chose from, so many options, that if you're not making yourself multidimensional; if you're not doing radio, if you're not doing video blogs for your newspaper, if you don't have a personality, that kind of thing, or if you don't like to do that kind of thing, I think you limit your career options.
I think that newspapers in general have to be aware of everything that's out there and make those changes without forgetting what they do best, which is write the definitive story that nobody else can. And I'm very aware of it.
I remember once Harvey Araton of the New York Times, my colleague and friend and columnist, said to me once maybe 10-15 years ago, 'why are you doing interviews on New York One?' or, I went on "The Charlie Rose Show," which was really cool, but he said 'why do you do all this TV?' or 'I heard you on the radio the other day.' And I think I saw Harvey not too long ago and he said to me, ‘keep going and doing that stuff. It's job security.'
For me, you have to be across different platforms to really be beneficial to your newspaper and make people read and watch because they can now.
3. Was your Donald Brashear profile the kind of story you're always looking for?
I wrote a Gilbert Arenas profile about two-and-a-half years ago and talked about the mother that abandoned him, the father that was the hero that drove him to Los Angeles so that he could become who he was, and I found myself, for whatever reason, drawn to these dysfunctional backgrounds. I think it helps me cope with my own, to be honest. (Laughs.)
On one level it's cathartic and it's gratifying especially when you get the response that you do. And on another level, I don't want to get too deep, but for some of the players that I've done these stories on that have really opened up to me and trusted me, and I've trusted them with incredibly sensitive information that a lot of people wouldn't want in front of the public, it's been a little bit of a healing thing for them.
I don't know if some of them may open the doors to their families and try to reconnect. Some of them won't. But the bottom line is that they've about those things for the first time in a long time in their lives and they're willing to share it. And if that helps them at all, then I feel like I've done my job.
The best thing that happened to me about that story was Donald Brashear e-mailing me and saying 'I don't usually talk about these things, and I never wanted to, but now that everybody's come up to me on the street and talked about the story, and people are e-mailing me at the team, I want to give out my personal e-mail and say to people who have children who have been abused or people who have dealt with abuse in their life, they want to e-mail me, here's my personal e-mail [address].'
And I'm thinking wow, this guy is now becoming an advocate for this and better for a guy who rose above this and became an NHL player and made of millions of dollars and found a way to redirect the pent-up aggression and injury he had as a child. To me, that's just amazing.
In that way, those columns are more gratifying than Ovechkin vs. Crosby, where everybody and their mom on one side or the other is going to basically want to end your life or your career after they get upset with you.
4. What are some of your favorite hockey-related moments?
My favorite hockey memory is the moment that the New York Times sports editor called me up and said 'we need somebody to do a Pavel Bure story because the Rangers are about to play the Vancouver Canucks maybe in the Stanley Cup finals. Nobody knows about this guy out here, so could you go do a story about him? And, by the way, I know your paper went out of business and this would be a freelance job. Have you ever covered hockey before?'
And, of course, having grown up in Northern California and Hawaii, I said 'I love hockey. I know hockey.' That was 15 years ago, and 15 years later, I still don't know hockey, unfortunately. But that story ended up catapulting me to the Times and I got Pavel Bure to drive me around in his Mercedes and he talked about living in Vancouver and being a star.
So I remember that Pat LaFontaine goal, I stayed up. I even forgot who they were playing, I hate to say it. But it was such an incredible game and how long it went. When you're on the West Coast, you don't need to stay up as long.
[Editor's Note: He's referring to the Caps-Islanders' four-OT game on April 19, 1987.]
I think even the casual fan [asks] 'Where were you for the Miracle on Ice? Where were you when that happened?' At that moment, if you weren't a hockey fan in America, you weren't a sports fan.
From then, fast forward to the Rangers, having dealt with Messier just a little bit -- I've written a couple columns about him in New York. Just being around that area then was pretty intense and memorable.
And then Ovechkin, he's really the most exciting player in the game, arguably the best player in the game. Whenever I think that I've got a bad job and I have a deadline to meet and I've had to wake up at 5:45 a.m. to catch a flight to Baltimore, so I can drive to the Kettler Capitals IcePlex and do a column on Dave Steckel and then be at a game the next day, I think to myself 'are you kidding me? There are people who would be giving their left arms for that.'
So sometimes, when I see a game like Ovechkin had in game two [against the Pittsburgh Penguins] or just being a part of game six, I literally marvel at the fact that I get paid to do that. It's reinforces the fact of why I went into this business and why I didn't cover school-board meetings for a living.
5. What occupies your time when you're away from work?
I play with my dog -- half lab, half golden retriever. Her name's Tallulah, but I just call her Luly. So we go running a lot. I've done four marathons, but by the time I'm done, I mean I hate to say this, but the Kenyans are on a layover in Zimbabwe. It's five hours or something. So I have some fitness goals, try to stay in shape a little, play basketball really badly.
And this is going to shock people, but I like to make cupcakes. I actually make cupcakes, I can bake a little. If I could get paid what I do now to just make cupcakes, it would be like Bo Jackson: cupcakes or sports writing? What am I going to do? Very tough.
May 18, 2009
Eastern Conference Finals Preview
The Pittsburgh Penguins and Carolina Hurricanes begin their series tonight at the Igloo. A preview:
Offense: The Pens, in some ways, are facing a team similar to the Caps but without the big names. But what the Canes lack in star power, they gain in heart and grit. Don't get me wrong, the Caps are much better than the Canes -- but that doesn't mean the Pens aren't in for a dogfight. We've seen the Pens' offense: if Evgeni Malkin is on his game, and Crosby keeps crashing the net, then they're tough to stop. But if the Canes can cycle and have Jussi Joniken continue his reprise of the 2006 Olympics, then Carolina's got a good shot. Advantage: Pittsburgh.
Defense: Against the Caps, the Pens did a great job of limiting shots and keeping the puck for long periods of time -- thus preventing the Caps from mounting a sustained attack. Carolina, meanwhile, was able to quell a very potent Boston Bruins offense and, except for games five and six, dominate play for long periods of time. The Canes will need to improve their defense even more -- but they certainly have the capability of doing so. Advantage: Push.
Special Teams: The Pens' power play isn't great (19.7 percent), but the Canes' man advantage is downright anemic (10.4 percent). Conversely, the Canes boast a great PK (90.7 percent), while the Pens are average (81.6 percent) in that regard. Advantage: Push.
Goaltending: Cam Ward knows how to win. He's already captured a Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy at the tender age of 25 and he's at it again this postseason: 2.22 GAA (third) and .927 save percentage (fourth). Meanwhile, the equally-young Marc-Andre Fleury (2.72 GAA, .901 save percentage) managed to play well enough to beat the Philadelphia Flyers and Caps with some rather pedestrian efforts. Advantage: Carolina.
Intangibles: The Canes may not make the playoffs frequently, but they make it count when they do. This is only their fourth playoff berth this decade, but they used two of their previous opportunities to win the Stanley Cup and lose to the Detroit Red Wings in the finals. (A first-round loss to the New Jersey Devils in 2001 was the lone exception.) The Pens reached the finals last season and are determined to get back there. Home ice won't mean much in this series with two teams that are great on the road. Advantage: Push.
Overall: It only makes sense that a match-up of two lower-seeded, evenly-matched teams would go to the distance. Carolina's the only team other than the Caps to play two game sevens already and it looks like it's headed that way again. Prediction: Carolina in seven.
Offense: The Pens, in some ways, are facing a team similar to the Caps but without the big names. But what the Canes lack in star power, they gain in heart and grit. Don't get me wrong, the Caps are much better than the Canes -- but that doesn't mean the Pens aren't in for a dogfight. We've seen the Pens' offense: if Evgeni Malkin is on his game, and Crosby keeps crashing the net, then they're tough to stop. But if the Canes can cycle and have Jussi Joniken continue his reprise of the 2006 Olympics, then Carolina's got a good shot. Advantage: Pittsburgh.
Defense: Against the Caps, the Pens did a great job of limiting shots and keeping the puck for long periods of time -- thus preventing the Caps from mounting a sustained attack. Carolina, meanwhile, was able to quell a very potent Boston Bruins offense and, except for games five and six, dominate play for long periods of time. The Canes will need to improve their defense even more -- but they certainly have the capability of doing so. Advantage: Push.
Special Teams: The Pens' power play isn't great (19.7 percent), but the Canes' man advantage is downright anemic (10.4 percent). Conversely, the Canes boast a great PK (90.7 percent), while the Pens are average (81.6 percent) in that regard. Advantage: Push.
Goaltending: Cam Ward knows how to win. He's already captured a Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy at the tender age of 25 and he's at it again this postseason: 2.22 GAA (third) and .927 save percentage (fourth). Meanwhile, the equally-young Marc-Andre Fleury (2.72 GAA, .901 save percentage) managed to play well enough to beat the Philadelphia Flyers and Caps with some rather pedestrian efforts. Advantage: Carolina.
Intangibles: The Canes may not make the playoffs frequently, but they make it count when they do. This is only their fourth playoff berth this decade, but they used two of their previous opportunities to win the Stanley Cup and lose to the Detroit Red Wings in the finals. (A first-round loss to the New Jersey Devils in 2001 was the lone exception.) The Pens reached the finals last season and are determined to get back there. Home ice won't mean much in this series with two teams that are great on the road. Advantage: Push.
Overall: It only makes sense that a match-up of two lower-seeded, evenly-matched teams would go to the distance. Carolina's the only team other than the Caps to play two game sevens already and it looks like it's headed that way again. Prediction: Carolina in seven.
May 17, 2009
Western Conference Finals Preview
The Detroit Red Wings are halfway to repeating as Stanley Cup champions. The Chicago Blackhawks are back in the conference finals for the first time since 1995 (when they lost to the Wings in five games). The teams are meeting for the 15th time in postseason play. Detroit has won six of the previous 14 playoff match-ups with the Hawks. A preview:
Offense: Both teams know how to put the puck in the net. In fact, the rivals are the best two playoff teams when it comes to goals per game and are practically deadlocked in that area (Detroit: 3.67; Chicago: 3.64). The Wings are averaging a whopping 40.2 shots per game in 11 playoff games, tops among remaining teams by a mile. The Hawks register 29.2 (10th). The Wings have more experience and more depth. Advantage: Detroit.
Defense: The Wings only give up 2.18 goals per game in the playoffs, while the Hawks are a little further behind at 2.92. Both are facing their toughest opponent thus far and Detroit's experience (led by Nicklas Lidstrom and Chris Chelios) is unmatched. Advantage: Detroit.
Special Teams: While the Wings have a great power play (26.4 percent, second), their penalty kill (72.5) has not corrected the struggles it faced during the regular season. Detroit has allowed at least one PPG against in nine consecutive games. The Hawks, meanwhile, have the best power play (29.4) in the league but also boast a pedestrian PK (79.6). This should be a series full of power play goals for sure. Advantage: Push.
Goaltending: It's the battle of veteran goalies who are trying to redeem themselves -- and Chris Osgood has done a better job at that than Nikolai Khabibulin. Osgood, who is repeating his outstanding play from the Cup run last year, boasts an impressive 2.06 GAA and .921 save percentage. Meanwhile, the Bulin Wall is last in both GAA (2.76) and save percentage (.896) -- not a recipe for success against the Wings' potent offense. Advantage: Detroit.
Intangibles: The Wings are the defending champions. The Hawks are making their first playoff berth in a while. The Wings have home ice, although both teams play well at home. This one comes down to experience and there's no matching what Detroit can put on the ice every game. Advantage: Detroit.
Overall: Every game is bound to be close but the Wings have the advantage in so many areas. If the Hawks can somehow steal game one or two in Detroit, then they've got a shot to win the series. If not, it could be over fairly quickly. Prediction: Detroit in five.
Offense: Both teams know how to put the puck in the net. In fact, the rivals are the best two playoff teams when it comes to goals per game and are practically deadlocked in that area (Detroit: 3.67; Chicago: 3.64). The Wings are averaging a whopping 40.2 shots per game in 11 playoff games, tops among remaining teams by a mile. The Hawks register 29.2 (10th). The Wings have more experience and more depth. Advantage: Detroit.
Defense: The Wings only give up 2.18 goals per game in the playoffs, while the Hawks are a little further behind at 2.92. Both are facing their toughest opponent thus far and Detroit's experience (led by Nicklas Lidstrom and Chris Chelios) is unmatched. Advantage: Detroit.
Special Teams: While the Wings have a great power play (26.4 percent, second), their penalty kill (72.5) has not corrected the struggles it faced during the regular season. Detroit has allowed at least one PPG against in nine consecutive games. The Hawks, meanwhile, have the best power play (29.4) in the league but also boast a pedestrian PK (79.6). This should be a series full of power play goals for sure. Advantage: Push.
Goaltending: It's the battle of veteran goalies who are trying to redeem themselves -- and Chris Osgood has done a better job at that than Nikolai Khabibulin. Osgood, who is repeating his outstanding play from the Cup run last year, boasts an impressive 2.06 GAA and .921 save percentage. Meanwhile, the Bulin Wall is last in both GAA (2.76) and save percentage (.896) -- not a recipe for success against the Wings' potent offense. Advantage: Detroit.
Intangibles: The Wings are the defending champions. The Hawks are making their first playoff berth in a while. The Wings have home ice, although both teams play well at home. This one comes down to experience and there's no matching what Detroit can put on the ice every game. Advantage: Detroit.
Overall: Every game is bound to be close but the Wings have the advantage in so many areas. If the Hawks can somehow steal game one or two in Detroit, then they've got a shot to win the series. If not, it could be over fairly quickly. Prediction: Detroit in five.
May 15, 2009
A Fond Farewell
The Caps gathered for one last time at Kettler Capitals IcePlex today for exit interviews with both Coach Bruce Boudreau and GM George McPhee. It also gave everybody time to talk, reflect and, of course, meet with media. Some quick notes:
* Overall, there was a very funny feeling in the air that was a mix of a really bad hangover and an uncertain future. Everybody said the right things, but there was a feeling that the game seven loss -- and the second straight playoffs featuring a 3-1 series deficit -- will eat at the team for a long time. Boudreau even quipped that he just got over the loss to the Philadelphia Flyers last spring.
* Boudreau's most revealing quote:
"Sometimes you try and change people and sometimes they don't want to change. I think every team in the National Hockey League would love guys that just drive to the net and it's one of those things that coaches love. But sometimes you got guys that you know are going to play a little bit on the perimeter and you can tell them until the cows come home but it doesn't always work. But they've got such great strengths in other areas."
* GMGM detailed the long list of injuries, which affected about 10 players.
* Not suprisingly, Sergei Fedorov and Viktor Kozlov both want to return to the Caps.
* Jose Theodore still sees himself as a No. 1 goalie, but it's all going to come down to a training camp battle between Theo, Simeon Varlamov and Michal Neuvirth.
* GMGM is famous for not giving away anything and he was especially coy today. He even said several times that he doesn't want to relay anything that will be attributed to him over and over during the summer. That being said, if this team is going to improve, there has to be some changes. Yes, the team will learn from this experience, but it's not like Milan Jurcina all of a sudden is going to morph into Ray Bourque. There are simply some players that that must be added in order for the Caps to win the Cup.
Much more about all of this in the coming days.
* Overall, there was a very funny feeling in the air that was a mix of a really bad hangover and an uncertain future. Everybody said the right things, but there was a feeling that the game seven loss -- and the second straight playoffs featuring a 3-1 series deficit -- will eat at the team for a long time. Boudreau even quipped that he just got over the loss to the Philadelphia Flyers last spring.
* Boudreau's most revealing quote:
"Sometimes you try and change people and sometimes they don't want to change. I think every team in the National Hockey League would love guys that just drive to the net and it's one of those things that coaches love. But sometimes you got guys that you know are going to play a little bit on the perimeter and you can tell them until the cows come home but it doesn't always work. But they've got such great strengths in other areas."
* GMGM detailed the long list of injuries, which affected about 10 players.
* Not suprisingly, Sergei Fedorov and Viktor Kozlov both want to return to the Caps.
* Jose Theodore still sees himself as a No. 1 goalie, but it's all going to come down to a training camp battle between Theo, Simeon Varlamov and Michal Neuvirth.
* GMGM is famous for not giving away anything and he was especially coy today. He even said several times that he doesn't want to relay anything that will be attributed to him over and over during the summer. That being said, if this team is going to improve, there has to be some changes. Yes, the team will learn from this experience, but it's not like Milan Jurcina all of a sudden is going to morph into Ray Bourque. There are simply some players that that must be added in order for the Caps to win the Cup.
Much more about all of this in the coming days.
May 14, 2009
Thanksgiving, Hockey-Style
Even though the 2008-09 season ended so bitterly for the Caps, there are many reasons to be thankful around these parts. So thanks to:
* Ted Leonsis for being so open and welcoming bloggers into the local media scene.
* The entire organization for providing such outstanding hockey over the last two seasons and creating an extremely bright future.
* The coaches and players for answering every question and doing so happily and professionally.
* The fans, who have made Verizon Center (according to many national outlets) the loudest building in the league and giving the Caps a true home-ice advantage. And it's going to continue next season: all season tickets are gone for 2009-10, while only 500 group tickets and 500 individual tickets remain for all 41 home games (not including the club level).
* The Caps PR team of Kurt Kehl, Nate Ewell, Paul Rovnak, Kelly Murray and Rachel Buck for staying unbelievably accommodating even at the busiest of times and being some of the best people I've ever met.
* The game-day team for helping out and keeping those in-game stats widely available.
* My fellow bloggers, who not only provide outstanding coverage but have become friends; it certainly makes sitting in the press box that much better.
* All the STC readers, who are visiting in record numbers. Keep coming back and tell your friends!
* Ted Leonsis for being so open and welcoming bloggers into the local media scene.
* The entire organization for providing such outstanding hockey over the last two seasons and creating an extremely bright future.
* The coaches and players for answering every question and doing so happily and professionally.
* The fans, who have made Verizon Center (according to many national outlets) the loudest building in the league and giving the Caps a true home-ice advantage. And it's going to continue next season: all season tickets are gone for 2009-10, while only 500 group tickets and 500 individual tickets remain for all 41 home games (not including the club level).
* The Caps PR team of Kurt Kehl, Nate Ewell, Paul Rovnak, Kelly Murray and Rachel Buck for staying unbelievably accommodating even at the busiest of times and being some of the best people I've ever met.
* The game-day team for helping out and keeping those in-game stats widely available.
* My fellow bloggers, who not only provide outstanding coverage but have become friends; it certainly makes sitting in the press box that much better.
* All the STC readers, who are visiting in record numbers. Keep coming back and tell your friends!
Two Game Sevens Tonight
Just because the NHL rocks, there are two more game sevens tonight for the puck-loving public. The Detroit Red Wings host the Anaheim Ducks (7 p.m., Versus) and the Boston Bruins host the Carolina Hurricanes (8 p.m.).
Mr. Cleo's Bold Prediction: the winner of the Wings-Ducks game will capture the Stanley Cup.
Full conference finals preview will be along later this week, but Mr. Cleo has another tip: he won't be picking the Penguins.
Mr. Cleo's Bold Prediction: the winner of the Wings-Ducks game will capture the Stanley Cup.
Full conference finals preview will be along later this week, but Mr. Cleo has another tip: he won't be picking the Penguins.
Caps Collapse Under Pressure
Perhaps the best moment of game seven for the Caps was the last two minutes, when what was left of the sold out Verizon Center crowd put aside grave disappointment and gave the home team a well-deserved standing ovation for a great season. Following the game, and a longer-than-usual handshake line, the Caps remained on the ice to acknowledge the steadfast support.
By then, though, the Caps had long since napalmed their chances of moving onto the Eastern Conference finals. Other than Marc-Andre Fleury stoning Alex Ovechkin just two minutes into the game, the Caps got nary a quality scoring chance until Ovie netted one when the result had long since been decided. The Pittsburgh Penguins notched two goals in eight seconds (12:36 by Sidney Crosby on the power play followed by Craig Adams' first career playoff goal) and the rout had commenced.
"You gotta be ready every night. In the playoffs, if you put yourself in position like this, eventually you're not going to win games," Coach Bruce Boudreau said. "We weren't able to get up that much emotionally, it looked like anyway."
Boudreau probably should have used his timeout at that point. But he didn't and things only got worse. Just 30 seconds into the second period, Bill Guerin made it 3-0 and Kris Letang added to the damage about two minutes later from virtually the same spot. That was the end of Simeon Varlamov's night and, quite frankly, the Caps' season.
At the midway point of the game, the Caps had eight shots on goal -- four of which came in the game's first 10 minutes. (The Pens had 22 at that moment.)
"It was definitely anti-climatic," Boudreau said. "It certainly wasn't the way I would have envisioned it, scripted it. You know, whether we won or loss, I never would have thought that we would have ended up in a game like it was tonight."
Amidst an ESPN reunion that only was missing Gary Thorne and Bill Clement comes this nugget: Viktor Kozlov and Donald Brashear are probably headed to the KHL next season. (Sergei Fedorov might join them or retire.)
The Caps, as currently constructed, will gather once more on Friday. Who is around for next season is something that will be the subject of a heated debate in the weeks ahead. And who stays in town (and who joins them) will determine if the Caps will be faced with a similar situation at this time next year.
By then, though, the Caps had long since napalmed their chances of moving onto the Eastern Conference finals. Other than Marc-Andre Fleury stoning Alex Ovechkin just two minutes into the game, the Caps got nary a quality scoring chance until Ovie netted one when the result had long since been decided. The Pittsburgh Penguins notched two goals in eight seconds (12:36 by Sidney Crosby on the power play followed by Craig Adams' first career playoff goal) and the rout had commenced.
"You gotta be ready every night. In the playoffs, if you put yourself in position like this, eventually you're not going to win games," Coach Bruce Boudreau said. "We weren't able to get up that much emotionally, it looked like anyway."
Boudreau probably should have used his timeout at that point. But he didn't and things only got worse. Just 30 seconds into the second period, Bill Guerin made it 3-0 and Kris Letang added to the damage about two minutes later from virtually the same spot. That was the end of Simeon Varlamov's night and, quite frankly, the Caps' season.
At the midway point of the game, the Caps had eight shots on goal -- four of which came in the game's first 10 minutes. (The Pens had 22 at that moment.)
"It was definitely anti-climatic," Boudreau said. "It certainly wasn't the way I would have envisioned it, scripted it. You know, whether we won or loss, I never would have thought that we would have ended up in a game like it was tonight."
Amidst an ESPN reunion that only was missing Gary Thorne and Bill Clement comes this nugget: Viktor Kozlov and Donald Brashear are probably headed to the KHL next season. (Sergei Fedorov might join them or retire.)
The Caps, as currently constructed, will gather once more on Friday. Who is around for next season is something that will be the subject of a heated debate in the weeks ahead. And who stays in town (and who joins them) will determine if the Caps will be faced with a similar situation at this time next year.
May 13, 2009
Here We Go Again
Alex Ovechkin just can't escape playing a seven-game series. In his second NHL postseason, the Caps have gone to the max every time with mixed results: a 3-2 OT loss to the Philadelphia Flyers last April and a 2-1 win over the New York Rangers on April 28. Tonight's game seven (7 p.m., CSN) against the Pittsburgh Penguins gives Ovie a chance to bring the Caps to rarefied air: the third conference final berth in franchise history. (The Pens have won both prior game sevens between the two teams.)
Ovie has been on a tear this postseason, racking up seven points against the Rangers and 13 against the Pens to break the Caps' record for most points in a postseason. His 13 against Pittsburgh also is a franchise record in one series and is six short of the NHL record held by Rick Middleton of the Boston Bruins in the 1983 divisional final against the Buffalo Sabres. Wayne Gretzky holds the NHL record for most points in a single playoff year (and boasts four of the top five totals) with an astounding 47 in 1985.
Conversely, Sidney Crosby has never played in a game seven and the Pens have never won a game seven after losing game six -- two more trends the Caps hope continue tonight. In fact, in the previous series against the Flyers, the Pens were trailing 3-0 in game six before rallying to win and eliminate their Keystone State brethren. This was after they laid an egg in game five at home with a chance to advance.
For the Caps to win tonight, they need to shoot more, have grinders like David Steckel shut down Crosby, continue to win face-offs (another of Steckel's many talents), and stay out of the penalty box.
While not scoring a goal in the first five games, Alex Semin took 16 penalty minutes. In game six on Monday, Semin was aggressive while scoring a goal and staying out of the box. That's the Sasha the Caps need to show up tonight (and every game for that matter).
But most importantly, the Caps can't come out tight like they did in game seven against the Rangers. According to Brooks Laich, "For us, for some reason, we play loose and free when we're facing elimination." They need to remember that from the opening face-off tonight.
A good omen? The Hershey Bears eliminated the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins last night at Giant Center. So far, the big club's success has mirrored the farm team's wins. Let's hope that continues tonight.
Ovie has been on a tear this postseason, racking up seven points against the Rangers and 13 against the Pens to break the Caps' record for most points in a postseason. His 13 against Pittsburgh also is a franchise record in one series and is six short of the NHL record held by Rick Middleton of the Boston Bruins in the 1983 divisional final against the Buffalo Sabres. Wayne Gretzky holds the NHL record for most points in a single playoff year (and boasts four of the top five totals) with an astounding 47 in 1985.
Conversely, Sidney Crosby has never played in a game seven and the Pens have never won a game seven after losing game six -- two more trends the Caps hope continue tonight. In fact, in the previous series against the Flyers, the Pens were trailing 3-0 in game six before rallying to win and eliminate their Keystone State brethren. This was after they laid an egg in game five at home with a chance to advance.
For the Caps to win tonight, they need to shoot more, have grinders like David Steckel shut down Crosby, continue to win face-offs (another of Steckel's many talents), and stay out of the penalty box.
While not scoring a goal in the first five games, Alex Semin took 16 penalty minutes. In game six on Monday, Semin was aggressive while scoring a goal and staying out of the box. That's the Sasha the Caps need to show up tonight (and every game for that matter).
But most importantly, the Caps can't come out tight like they did in game seven against the Rangers. According to Brooks Laich, "For us, for some reason, we play loose and free when we're facing elimination." They need to remember that from the opening face-off tonight.
A good omen? The Hershey Bears eliminated the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins last night at Giant Center. So far, the big club's success has mirrored the farm team's wins. Let's hope that continues tonight.
May 12, 2009
First (Conference) Finalist: Chicago Blackhawks
Amidst the hoopla surrounding the Caps-Pittsburgh Penguins series, the Chicago Blackhawks have earned their first berth in the Western Conference finals since 1995 with a crazy 7-5 game six victory over the Vancouver Canucks. The 'Hawks have done it with a nice blend of young stars (Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith, Kris Versteeg, et al) and some veterans (Brian Campbell and Nikolai Khabibulin).
The most interesting part is that Cristobal Huet, who bolted the Caps for the Windy City in July, has played zero minutes in the postseason.
Awaiting the 'Hawks is the winner of the Detroit Red Wings-Anaheim Ducks series, which could wrap up tonight if the defending champs close it out at Honda Center.
The most interesting part is that Cristobal Huet, who bolted the Caps for the Windy City in July, has played zero minutes in the postseason.
Awaiting the 'Hawks is the winner of the Detroit Red Wings-Anaheim Ducks series, which could wrap up tonight if the defending champs close it out at Honda Center.
Preparing for Game Seven
The Caps have an optional practice today to rest up before what's sure to be a Indy 500-like pace for tomorrow night's game seven. Every postseason uncovers young heroes, many of whom go onto bigger things. Last year, it was Johan Franzen's coming out party for the Detroit Red Wings. The Mule, as he's known, has kept it up this time around.
This year's Caps' hero? David Steckel. The 27-year-old forward has three goals; but his heroics have come in the face-off circle, where he leads the best NHL squad in that department. He also logs a ton of ice time and plays in all situations. He's an unrestricted free agent after next season, and he's definitely earned a nice raise and extension.
Not surprisingly, last night's game received a ton of coverage and that's only going to increase for tomorrow's ultimate contest.
This year's Caps' hero? David Steckel. The 27-year-old forward has three goals; but his heroics have come in the face-off circle, where he leads the best NHL squad in that department. He also logs a ton of ice time and plays in all situations. He's an unrestricted free agent after next season, and he's definitely earned a nice raise and extension.
Not surprisingly, last night's game received a ton of coverage and that's only going to increase for tomorrow's ultimate contest.
May 11, 2009
Cardiac Caps Do It Again!
It's unbelievable how many times the Caps under Coach Bruce Boudreau can come back when they're down and out. Tonight, facing elimination at the Igloo against a team that's given them nightmares for many, many years, the Caps pulled out a 5-4 OT win off a Dave Steckel deflection of a Brooks Laich shot.
The odds kept mounting for the Caps as the game progressed: down after one period, down in the second, tie game late, penalty kill in the last two minutes and a hit crossbar away from elimination in OT. But somehow they persevered and somehow they forced game seven.
Only once before had the Caps defeated the Pens in a playoff OT -- and the Steckel-Laich-Matt Bradley line was able to grind out a goal in the extra session. It's now onto another game seven at Verizon Center.
A quick stat pack: the Caps are 2-4 at home in game sevens while the Pens have never won a game seven after losing a game six in a series they led 3-2 (at least that's what Joe B. seemed to say at the end of the game broadcast).
How much more can the hearts of the Caps and their fans take? We'll find out Wednesday night at a loud, red-clad Verizon Center.
The odds kept mounting for the Caps as the game progressed: down after one period, down in the second, tie game late, penalty kill in the last two minutes and a hit crossbar away from elimination in OT. But somehow they persevered and somehow they forced game seven.
Only once before had the Caps defeated the Pens in a playoff OT -- and the Steckel-Laich-Matt Bradley line was able to grind out a goal in the extra session. It's now onto another game seven at Verizon Center.
A quick stat pack: the Caps are 2-4 at home in game sevens while the Pens have never won a game seven after losing a game six in a series they led 3-2 (at least that's what Joe B. seemed to say at the end of the game broadcast).
How much more can the hearts of the Caps and their fans take? We'll find out Wednesday night at a loud, red-clad Verizon Center.
Caps Hope to Avoid Closing Time
In a way, stats have become meaningless and quotes irrelevant heading into tonight's game six against the Pittsburgh Penguins (7 p.m., CSN). The Caps need to win or it'll be the end of a very memorable season. Throughout their 19 postseason games under Coach Bruce Boudreau, the Caps seem to play better when facing these situations or, as Brian Pothier put it yesterday, showing "desperation and urgency."
Those characteristics should be prevalent in every playoff game. The Pens have played their best hockey over the last three games showing just that and, when the New York Rangers were backed to a wall in game seven of the first round, played better than they had in weeks.
Yes, it's hard to play like there's no tomorrow in game one or two of a series, but it's a necessity. The Caps did win the first two games against the Pens but they didn't outplay the visitors. In fact, many say that the Caps' game five effort was the best so far of the postseason.
The biggest disappointment of this series has been Alex Semin. His virtual disappearance in this vital series is not the first time he's gone away for long stretches, but it's certainly the most inopportune. If he doesn't elevate his game tonight, then what does that say about his mettle when nearly every other player on the active roster has stepped it up for this series?
The Caps need to treat every game like it's an elimination contest. Fortunately for the red, white and blue, tonight's visit to the Igloo is just that.
Those characteristics should be prevalent in every playoff game. The Pens have played their best hockey over the last three games showing just that and, when the New York Rangers were backed to a wall in game seven of the first round, played better than they had in weeks.
Yes, it's hard to play like there's no tomorrow in game one or two of a series, but it's a necessity. The Caps did win the first two games against the Pens but they didn't outplay the visitors. In fact, many say that the Caps' game five effort was the best so far of the postseason.
The biggest disappointment of this series has been Alex Semin. His virtual disappearance in this vital series is not the first time he's gone away for long stretches, but it's certainly the most inopportune. If he doesn't elevate his game tonight, then what does that say about his mettle when nearly every other player on the active roster has stepped it up for this series?
The Caps need to treat every game like it's an elimination contest. Fortunately for the red, white and blue, tonight's visit to the Igloo is just that.
May 9, 2009
History Repeating Itself
Say what you will about the fact that the first Alex Ovechkin-Sidney Crosby meeting was supposed to be different, but the current Caps-Pens series reeks of past missed opportunities by the red, white and blue. After the Caps took an early 2-0 series lead (despite being outplayed for long stretches), they've now lost three in a row after tonight's 4-3 OT loss at Verizon Center.
Blame it on fluky bounces or inexperience, the fact of the matter is that the Caps have been dominated for most of the series and have not played up to their potential. They're not showing the character they mustered during three straight wins over the New York Rangers or while gathering 108 points during the regular season.
Now they're in the unenviable position of having to win two straight games while facing elimination against a Penguins team that's always had their number in the postseason. It's a scary deja vu from years gone by and a frightening realization that the Caps as currently assembled are not ready for a deep playoff run.
Yes, the Caps might have faced the one team they wanted to avoid but you can't pick your playoff opponents. The Caps can't go through the next several postseasons hoping they avoid facing a team from Pennsylvania; they need to equip themselves with players who pay the price and win at all costs.
The Caps don't have enough of those right now and, barring a turnaround that could rival some of the biggest in franchise history, the Caps will be playing their final game of the 2008-09 season on Monday night at the Igloo.
Let's hope there's a game seven in store -- but it's hard to be that optimistic right now.
Blame it on fluky bounces or inexperience, the fact of the matter is that the Caps have been dominated for most of the series and have not played up to their potential. They're not showing the character they mustered during three straight wins over the New York Rangers or while gathering 108 points during the regular season.
Now they're in the unenviable position of having to win two straight games while facing elimination against a Penguins team that's always had their number in the postseason. It's a scary deja vu from years gone by and a frightening realization that the Caps as currently assembled are not ready for a deep playoff run.
Yes, the Caps might have faced the one team they wanted to avoid but you can't pick your playoff opponents. The Caps can't go through the next several postseasons hoping they avoid facing a team from Pennsylvania; they need to equip themselves with players who pay the price and win at all costs.
The Caps don't have enough of those right now and, barring a turnaround that could rival some of the biggest in franchise history, the Caps will be playing their final game of the 2008-09 season on Monday night at the Igloo.
Let's hope there's a game seven in store -- but it's hard to be that optimistic right now.
May 8, 2009
Back-to-Back Looms
For the second straight year, the Caps will be engaged in a two-city, back-to-back playoff set against a team from Pennsylvania. Just like last year against the Philadelphia Flyers, two straight wins by the Caps over the Pittsburgh Penguins will earn them a spot in the next round.
The Pens are feeling confident after their game three OT win and for good reason: they were the better team on Wednesday night. But the Caps must take that sickly feeling and turn it into 120 minutes (or more) of retaliation to make their season one of the best success stories in franchise history. (It only would be the third conference finals berth in franchise history.)
Before any eggs are hatched, though, the Caps must work like they've never worked before against a hungry Pens squad. Conventional wisdom suggests that the Pens can't duplicate their game three effort. But let's not forget that Pittsburgh reached the Stanley Cup finals last season with mostly the same squad that they're fielding. And they faced an elimination game in Detroit where they played a perfect game (that they won in OT) similar to Wednesday's effort.
So the Caps must work for everything, storm the crease and, perhaps most importantly, not let the Pens (especially Evgeni Malkin) roam free in their zone. It will take a total team effort, something they are fully capable of producing.
If the Caps try to skate by again (they clearly have not produced a 60-minute effort yet in this series), then their season might take a severe downturn over the next two games. If they put forth their best, then the Caps could be celebrating as early as Saturday night.
The Pens are feeling confident after their game three OT win and for good reason: they were the better team on Wednesday night. But the Caps must take that sickly feeling and turn it into 120 minutes (or more) of retaliation to make their season one of the best success stories in franchise history. (It only would be the third conference finals berth in franchise history.)
Before any eggs are hatched, though, the Caps must work like they've never worked before against a hungry Pens squad. Conventional wisdom suggests that the Pens can't duplicate their game three effort. But let's not forget that Pittsburgh reached the Stanley Cup finals last season with mostly the same squad that they're fielding. And they faced an elimination game in Detroit where they played a perfect game (that they won in OT) similar to Wednesday's effort.
So the Caps must work for everything, storm the crease and, perhaps most importantly, not let the Pens (especially Evgeni Malkin) roam free in their zone. It will take a total team effort, something they are fully capable of producing.
If the Caps try to skate by again (they clearly have not produced a 60-minute effort yet in this series), then their season might take a severe downturn over the next two games. If they put forth their best, then the Caps could be celebrating as early as Saturday night.
May 7, 2009
Caps Regress in Game Three Loss
The fact that the Caps even had a chance to win last night's game three against the Pittsburgh Penguins was a minor miracle. If not for Simeon Varlamov's heroic performance, the Caps would have been blown out of the Igloo with so much to think about. And, on top of that, two of the Pens' three goals were the direct result of fortuitous bounces.
That being said, though, the Caps should be ill this morning, swine flu-like even. After a very strong first 10 minutes, the Caps had nearly nothing in the tank for the final 50 in the 3-2 OT loss. They took bad penalties, were sluggish, didn't play with any heart and, quite frankly, shouldn't have been even in the game. It's not time to panic, but it might be close.
"Well, [the Penguins] played great. They were going on all cylinders and we were watching them skate," Coach Bruce Boudreau said. "As far as penalties go, I hope I never hear them complain about penalties again, picks, and everything else. I think we might have deserved the penalties, but they sure as hell deserved a few more than they got."
The Pens' first goal was a gift off the stick of Milan Jurcina, who needs to learn how to block passes away from the goal instead of right back to the shooter. The third goal was a gift from Shaone Morrisonn, who probably should have slid instead of trying to block Kris Letang's GWG while upright. The second goal, by Evgeni Malkin, was a thing of beauty I admit -- but by then the Caps already had taken way too many penalties.
Malkin was the best non-goalie on the ice by far. This confirmed what has been known for a while: as Malkin goes, so goes Pittsburgh. The Pens also did a better job of neutralizing the Caps' dominant energy line of Dave Steckel, Brooks Laich and Matt Bradley.
The only good news? The Caps still are up 2-1 in the series and, if they can somehow correct their ills, could close it out this weekend with back-to-back wins Friday in Pittsburgh and Saturday at Verizon Center. A game four loss would give the Pens all the momentum going into what would amount to a best two-out-of-three.
The same cannot be said for the Boston Bruins, who lost by a 3-2 OT count last night in Carolina.
The Caps won't practice today but will have a meeting and media availability. The loss should stew with them all day, steam tomorrow and then energize them for game four. If it doesn't, then all the good gained in the first two home wins will be lost faster than Varly can make another breathtaking save.
That being said, though, the Caps should be ill this morning, swine flu-like even. After a very strong first 10 minutes, the Caps had nearly nothing in the tank for the final 50 in the 3-2 OT loss. They took bad penalties, were sluggish, didn't play with any heart and, quite frankly, shouldn't have been even in the game. It's not time to panic, but it might be close.
"Well, [the Penguins] played great. They were going on all cylinders and we were watching them skate," Coach Bruce Boudreau said. "As far as penalties go, I hope I never hear them complain about penalties again, picks, and everything else. I think we might have deserved the penalties, but they sure as hell deserved a few more than they got."
The Pens' first goal was a gift off the stick of Milan Jurcina, who needs to learn how to block passes away from the goal instead of right back to the shooter. The third goal was a gift from Shaone Morrisonn, who probably should have slid instead of trying to block Kris Letang's GWG while upright. The second goal, by Evgeni Malkin, was a thing of beauty I admit -- but by then the Caps already had taken way too many penalties.
Malkin was the best non-goalie on the ice by far. This confirmed what has been known for a while: as Malkin goes, so goes Pittsburgh. The Pens also did a better job of neutralizing the Caps' dominant energy line of Dave Steckel, Brooks Laich and Matt Bradley.
The only good news? The Caps still are up 2-1 in the series and, if they can somehow correct their ills, could close it out this weekend with back-to-back wins Friday in Pittsburgh and Saturday at Verizon Center. A game four loss would give the Pens all the momentum going into what would amount to a best two-out-of-three.
The same cannot be said for the Boston Bruins, who lost by a 3-2 OT count last night in Carolina.
The Caps won't practice today but will have a meeting and media availability. The loss should stew with them all day, steam tomorrow and then energize them for game four. If it doesn't, then all the good gained in the first two home wins will be lost faster than Varly can make another breathtaking save.
May 6, 2009
Caps Better on the Road
As great as the Caps have been playing at home lately, it is on the road that they've made their mark. Not only have they won two of three away from Verizon Center, but it was game three against the New York Rangers (a 4-0 win) that started the turnaround in that series.
Overall, the Caps have allowed just five goals (second fewest in the league) in three postseason games -- two of which were on the power play. Even so, against the Rangers, their power play (28.6 percent, sixth) and penalty kill (88.2, sixth) were pretty decent.
The red, white and blue have won three in a row in the regular season at Mellon Arena and is 3-0-1 in its last four visits. The Caps were 16-6-3 in their last 25 regular-season road games and 10-3-3 on the road after the All-Star break.
Simeon Varlamov leads the NHL in GAA (1.51, tied with Boston's Tim Thomas) and is second to Jonas Hiller in save percentage (.945).
Washington is 11-19 in Game 3, 8-9 when it is played on the road and 3-4 after it won the first two games. The Caps are 2-5 against Pittsburgh in Game 3.
Finally, the Caps are 3-0 when being outshot in these playoffs and 4-0 when their opponent has 25 or more shots on goal. Quite a difference from the regular season, eh?
Overall, the Caps have allowed just five goals (second fewest in the league) in three postseason games -- two of which were on the power play. Even so, against the Rangers, their power play (28.6 percent, sixth) and penalty kill (88.2, sixth) were pretty decent.
The red, white and blue have won three in a row in the regular season at Mellon Arena and is 3-0-1 in its last four visits. The Caps were 16-6-3 in their last 25 regular-season road games and 10-3-3 on the road after the All-Star break.
Simeon Varlamov leads the NHL in GAA (1.51, tied with Boston's Tim Thomas) and is second to Jonas Hiller in save percentage (.945).
Washington is 11-19 in Game 3, 8-9 when it is played on the road and 3-4 after it won the first two games. The Caps are 2-5 against Pittsburgh in Game 3.
Finally, the Caps are 3-0 when being outshot in these playoffs and 4-0 when their opponent has 25 or more shots on goal. Quite a difference from the regular season, eh?
May 5, 2009
Varlamov, Ovechkin Dominate Game Two Win
First, the scariest news for the Pittsburgh Penguins after the Caps' thrilling 4-3 win last night: the red, white and blue has a lot of room for improvement. Playing in front of a raucous crowd, Alex Ovechkin delivered a signature performance and Simeon Varlamov saved the Caps time and time again as the home team went up 2-0 in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby got the headlines for their dueling hat tricks -- and rightfully so. Each superstar carried their respective team on their back in an uber-important game. Both lived up to the hype surrounding the series in completely different ways.
Ovechkin's goals, especially his two in the third period, were products of his never-say-die personality. Ovie willed the Caps to a win in a game that the Pens dominated for long stretches. Ovechkin was his MVP-self again, something that hasn't always been the case in the playoffs.
His first goal was on a beautiful back-door play that was tried several times before success. The later two were on wrist shots that Pens goalie Marc-Andre Fleury had no shot at stopping. It was a performance for the ages for a player that still puts the victory ahead of anything else.
"It doesn't matter if I score or somebody else scores, it's more about winning the games," Ovechkin said.
Not to be outdone, Crosby's three goals all came from in front of the net. The first two were a result of Mike Green's inability to tie him up and the third, in all likelyhood, was a garbage goal in a game that was no longer in doubt: Caps up by two goals, down two men and less than a minute remaining.
"I think if you look at our goals and where we scored them from, that's a pretty good formula for what we need to do," Penguins Coach Dan Bylsma said. "I'm going to talk to a lot of players -- talk about things we did well and didn't do well and situations we're going to see again from the Capitals that we need to expect."
"There's not a lot of difference between the two teams right now. It's one play here and there," Crosby added. "There's not a lot of room for error."
But Varlamov was the reason the Caps had a chance at all. He kept the home team in the game time after time and repeatedly made key save after key save. He had lots of help in front of the net from his teammates, but he also fought off many Pens with the ease of a grizzled veteran. It was almost like he simultaneously was channeling Patrick Roy and Dominik Hasek.
Although he's just 21, Varly is showing the signs of elevating himself to elite status. He's always ready for the puck -- evidenced by his save in the first period at the end of the Pens' second power play. A goal there could have given them a 2-0 lead, but Varly kept it close.
"He competes really hard and he doesn't get down if a goal goes in against him, which is really good. I think he can let it go, so far anyway from what I've seen," Coach Bruce Boudreau said. "So that's a good sign."
"All playoffs, I don't like to talk about him," Ovechkin added, somewhat tongue in cheek. "You can ask him."
Varly is stopping nearly everything he sees; all of Crosby's goals last night were either through heavy screens or via a virtual rugby scrum.
"He's made some timely saves. I still think we can do a better job of burying the puck and capitalizing on our chances. The difference is a few inches," Crosby said. "He battles and he competes and there are times where he's out of position and he finds ways to get a piece of his body on it. So as a shooter, you have to make sure you bear down and we really have to correct that quickly."
The Caps didn't do everything right last night. For one, Green clearly isn't the player he was during most of the regular season. In fact, Green's inability to clear the puck out of the defensive zone led to Crosby's second goal. Green also didn't look comfortable mucking it up in a defensive posture in front of his own net.
"We had a good start to the series. We have to keep going to do the same. It's going to be a battle, the whole series," Nicklas Backstrom said. "It's going to be tough."
"We've always been able to come back, I believe. We've got the guys that never quit," Boudreau said. "They've been down numerous times in championship games and they've come back. I'm pretty sure of their character and I know that they would never quit."
Also, when Alex Semin was caught out of position, he didn't hustle back into the play like Ovie does. Yes, Sasha made some nice plays but he also lallygagged around for long stretches.
"Well, we got a little bit lucky, too, I think. There was a couple times that they had us on our heels. They are a very good hockey team," Brooks Laich said. "Even when we got that fourth goal, they [kept] coming back. The game is played till the final buzzer. It's nice to get wins at home, but now we go into Pittsburgh -- which is a very tough place to play -- and we're going to have to be better."
Despite all the bad, Varly kept the Caps in the game -- and Ovechkin won it for them.
Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby got the headlines for their dueling hat tricks -- and rightfully so. Each superstar carried their respective team on their back in an uber-important game. Both lived up to the hype surrounding the series in completely different ways.
Ovechkin's goals, especially his two in the third period, were products of his never-say-die personality. Ovie willed the Caps to a win in a game that the Pens dominated for long stretches. Ovechkin was his MVP-self again, something that hasn't always been the case in the playoffs.
His first goal was on a beautiful back-door play that was tried several times before success. The later two were on wrist shots that Pens goalie Marc-Andre Fleury had no shot at stopping. It was a performance for the ages for a player that still puts the victory ahead of anything else.
"It doesn't matter if I score or somebody else scores, it's more about winning the games," Ovechkin said.
Not to be outdone, Crosby's three goals all came from in front of the net. The first two were a result of Mike Green's inability to tie him up and the third, in all likelyhood, was a garbage goal in a game that was no longer in doubt: Caps up by two goals, down two men and less than a minute remaining.
"I think if you look at our goals and where we scored them from, that's a pretty good formula for what we need to do," Penguins Coach Dan Bylsma said. "I'm going to talk to a lot of players -- talk about things we did well and didn't do well and situations we're going to see again from the Capitals that we need to expect."
"There's not a lot of difference between the two teams right now. It's one play here and there," Crosby added. "There's not a lot of room for error."
But Varlamov was the reason the Caps had a chance at all. He kept the home team in the game time after time and repeatedly made key save after key save. He had lots of help in front of the net from his teammates, but he also fought off many Pens with the ease of a grizzled veteran. It was almost like he simultaneously was channeling Patrick Roy and Dominik Hasek.
Although he's just 21, Varly is showing the signs of elevating himself to elite status. He's always ready for the puck -- evidenced by his save in the first period at the end of the Pens' second power play. A goal there could have given them a 2-0 lead, but Varly kept it close.
"He competes really hard and he doesn't get down if a goal goes in against him, which is really good. I think he can let it go, so far anyway from what I've seen," Coach Bruce Boudreau said. "So that's a good sign."
"All playoffs, I don't like to talk about him," Ovechkin added, somewhat tongue in cheek. "You can ask him."
Varly is stopping nearly everything he sees; all of Crosby's goals last night were either through heavy screens or via a virtual rugby scrum.
"He's made some timely saves. I still think we can do a better job of burying the puck and capitalizing on our chances. The difference is a few inches," Crosby said. "He battles and he competes and there are times where he's out of position and he finds ways to get a piece of his body on it. So as a shooter, you have to make sure you bear down and we really have to correct that quickly."
The Caps didn't do everything right last night. For one, Green clearly isn't the player he was during most of the regular season. In fact, Green's inability to clear the puck out of the defensive zone led to Crosby's second goal. Green also didn't look comfortable mucking it up in a defensive posture in front of his own net.
"We had a good start to the series. We have to keep going to do the same. It's going to be a battle, the whole series," Nicklas Backstrom said. "It's going to be tough."
"We've always been able to come back, I believe. We've got the guys that never quit," Boudreau said. "They've been down numerous times in championship games and they've come back. I'm pretty sure of their character and I know that they would never quit."
Also, when Alex Semin was caught out of position, he didn't hustle back into the play like Ovie does. Yes, Sasha made some nice plays but he also lallygagged around for long stretches.
"Well, we got a little bit lucky, too, I think. There was a couple times that they had us on our heels. They are a very good hockey team," Brooks Laich said. "Even when we got that fourth goal, they [kept] coming back. The game is played till the final buzzer. It's nice to get wins at home, but now we go into Pittsburgh -- which is a very tough place to play -- and we're going to have to be better."
Despite all the bad, Varly kept the Caps in the game -- and Ovechkin won it for them.
May 4, 2009
Alzner Could Debut Tonight
As you've heard by now, Karl Alzner and Tyler Sloan have been recalled on an emergency basis from Hershey and one (or both) could suit up tonight against the Pittsburgh Penguins. If it's Alzner (which I suspect), then it would give the Caps more defensive prowess and fit perfectly with Coach Bruce Boudreau's strategy against the Cry Baby and his friends.
Meanwhile, on today's edition of NHL Live, hosts Rob Simpson and EJ Hradek speculated that the Caps will win the series if Simeon Varlamov continues to outduel Marc-Andre Fleury.
Meanwhile, on today's edition of NHL Live, hosts Rob Simpson and EJ Hradek speculated that the Caps will win the series if Simeon Varlamov continues to outduel Marc-Andre Fleury.
Pre-Game Two Notes
All three of the higher-seeded, home-standing teams have lost game two after winning game one. Let's hope the Caps change that trend tonight.
The best way to do that is by leading after the first period. Washington has scored 10 of its 22 playoff goals in the first period, the most first-period goals in the NHL. The Caps have a 13.3 shooting percentage in the first period (10-for-75) and just 7.2 percent in the second and third combined (12-for-167). Washington is 4-0 when leading after the first period and 3-1 when scoring first.
The Caps also are 13-17 all-time in Game 2, 8-8 when it is played at home and 7-12 following a win in Game 1. The Capitals are 2-5 against Pittsburgh in Game 2.
For more great stats, check out this compilation by Peerless.
Meanwhile, the Hershey Bears beat the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, 3-1, last night to take a 2-0 series lead. But the best part of the game was the AHL debut of John Carlson, of whom John Walton writes:
"This kid looks NHL ready NOW. His first pro goal in the first period was Mike Green-like, jumping up and scoring on a Mathieu Perreault rebound. He's in the lineup to stay, I think, after his performance tonight. Just incredible."
Even without any free-agent additions, the Caps' blueline would get a huge boost from the addition of Carlson and Karl Alzner next season. Not bad, eh?
Finally, happy belated 56th birthday to Caps legend (and Hall of Famer) Rod Langway.
The best way to do that is by leading after the first period. Washington has scored 10 of its 22 playoff goals in the first period, the most first-period goals in the NHL. The Caps have a 13.3 shooting percentage in the first period (10-for-75) and just 7.2 percent in the second and third combined (12-for-167). Washington is 4-0 when leading after the first period and 3-1 when scoring first.
The Caps also are 13-17 all-time in Game 2, 8-8 when it is played at home and 7-12 following a win in Game 1. The Capitals are 2-5 against Pittsburgh in Game 2.
For more great stats, check out this compilation by Peerless.
Meanwhile, the Hershey Bears beat the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, 3-1, last night to take a 2-0 series lead. But the best part of the game was the AHL debut of John Carlson, of whom John Walton writes:
"This kid looks NHL ready NOW. His first pro goal in the first period was Mike Green-like, jumping up and scoring on a Mathieu Perreault rebound. He's in the lineup to stay, I think, after his performance tonight. Just incredible."
Even without any free-agent additions, the Caps' blueline would get a huge boost from the addition of Carlson and Karl Alzner next season. Not bad, eh?
Finally, happy belated 56th birthday to Caps legend (and Hall of Famer) Rod Langway.
Trade Theodore This Summer
With all of this attention on Simeon Varlamov, it's time to pose an idea for next year: trade Jose Theodore and re-sign Brent Johnson to be the back-up.
Johnson discussed the current roster situation situation yesterday, saying: "It really is getting complicated. In the off-season, we'll see what happens here. I would love to stay here. But it's getting to be a different game right now when you look at next year. I just need to show them that I'm ready and that I'm trying as much as I can to get back."
The logic behind the move is pretty straightforward. Varlamov clearly has earned the right to be a starter in the NHL and, if he can stay healthy, Johnson would help the Russian newcomer ease into a 60-or-so-game workload. Plus, Johnson won't ask for much money (he's making just less than $1 million this year) and, if he gets hurt, Michal Neuvirth is a phone call away in Hershey.
Such a move would not be unprecedented. Patrick Roy, for example, only played one game in the AHL on his way from junior hockey to the Montreal Canadiens. In his first full season in the NHL, at the ripe age of 21, Roy went 23-18-3 with a 3.35 GAA. The rest is history.
More recently, Marc-Andre Fleury spent one full season in the AHL before playing 50 games as the Pittsburgh Penguins' starting goalie at the age of 21. Carey Price only played 12 AHL regular-season games before leading the Hamilton Bulldogs to the Calder Cup (over the Hershey Bears) and then splitting time with Cristobal Huet on the Canadiens' roster before Huet was traded to the Caps last season.
Similarly, Kari Lehtonen, after a decent career in his native Finland, played 96 games in the AHL before joining the Atlanta Thrashers for good just before his 22nd birthday.
Trading Theo would free $4.5 million from the payroll on top of any money freed from other players (such as Michael Nylander's $5.5 million) who won't be back. And there are sure to be takers for Theodore, who only has one year left on his contract.
Besides pursuing free agents (Jay Bouwmeester, anyone?), the Caps could use the extra money for a contract extension for Nicklas Backstrom, padding in case the salary cap decreases and for some roster rearrangement.
Clearly, the Caps face many decisions for next season -- and there will be plenty of time to address that. But there's no doubt that their starting goaltender for next year and beyond has been found.
Johnson discussed the current roster situation situation yesterday, saying: "It really is getting complicated. In the off-season, we'll see what happens here. I would love to stay here. But it's getting to be a different game right now when you look at next year. I just need to show them that I'm ready and that I'm trying as much as I can to get back."
The logic behind the move is pretty straightforward. Varlamov clearly has earned the right to be a starter in the NHL and, if he can stay healthy, Johnson would help the Russian newcomer ease into a 60-or-so-game workload. Plus, Johnson won't ask for much money (he's making just less than $1 million this year) and, if he gets hurt, Michal Neuvirth is a phone call away in Hershey.
Such a move would not be unprecedented. Patrick Roy, for example, only played one game in the AHL on his way from junior hockey to the Montreal Canadiens. In his first full season in the NHL, at the ripe age of 21, Roy went 23-18-3 with a 3.35 GAA. The rest is history.
More recently, Marc-Andre Fleury spent one full season in the AHL before playing 50 games as the Pittsburgh Penguins' starting goalie at the age of 21. Carey Price only played 12 AHL regular-season games before leading the Hamilton Bulldogs to the Calder Cup (over the Hershey Bears) and then splitting time with Cristobal Huet on the Canadiens' roster before Huet was traded to the Caps last season.
Similarly, Kari Lehtonen, after a decent career in his native Finland, played 96 games in the AHL before joining the Atlanta Thrashers for good just before his 22nd birthday.
Trading Theo would free $4.5 million from the payroll on top of any money freed from other players (such as Michael Nylander's $5.5 million) who won't be back. And there are sure to be takers for Theodore, who only has one year left on his contract.
Besides pursuing free agents (Jay Bouwmeester, anyone?), the Caps could use the extra money for a contract extension for Nicklas Backstrom, padding in case the salary cap decreases and for some roster rearrangement.
Clearly, the Caps face many decisions for next season -- and there will be plenty of time to address that. But there's no doubt that their starting goaltender for next year and beyond has been found.
May 3, 2009
Time On Ice Tells Story
Time on ice can be misleading sometimes, but in the yesterday's 3-2 Caps' victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins it was quite the telling stat. The time on ice tallies by some of the Caps' superstars in the third period reveals what could be a trend as the series progresses.
Alex Semin (3:27) and Nicklas Backstrom (3:59) weren't on the ice that much, while David Steckel (9:17) led the team in TOI in the decisive stanza. Other notable numbers: Alex Ovechkin (6:00), Brooks Laich (6:57), Matt Bradley (6:15), Shaone Morrisonn (8:16) and Mike Green (7:43). Compare that to Sidney Crosby's 10:07 and Evgeni Malkin's 8:58.
Coach Bruce Boudreau is going to let the grinders win this series for two reasons: (a) they crash the net, which is even more necessary as the playoffs progress and (b) the trio provides match-up problems for Crosby and Malkin.
This is a direct correlation to the Caps' method of victory. Yesterday, the path towards winning was led by Steckel, Bradley and Laich -- three guys are the type of players you need to, as Boudreau put it, "win the big prize."
"You're going to need secondary scoring anytime you're in the playoffs," Steckel said after the game. "It's our time to step up and help the guys out."
"We didn't want to get behind in another series, nobody likes playing seven games and waiting for a team that's fresh," he added. "They took it to us tonight in the first part of that period and then they came out in the second period and did it again. We were fortunate to come away with a win tonight."
And then there was Simeon Varlamov's save on Crosby. Firstly, if you haven't seen it yet, watch it now. And if you have, view it again. It was that good.
"Yeah, probably [was the save of the series]. I don't know how he can get the puck, it's hard to say," Backstrom said. "It's amazing and that reaction he has all the time, that's pretty amazing of him. Hopefully he can keep doing it and we can win some games."
Alex Semin (3:27) and Nicklas Backstrom (3:59) weren't on the ice that much, while David Steckel (9:17) led the team in TOI in the decisive stanza. Other notable numbers: Alex Ovechkin (6:00), Brooks Laich (6:57), Matt Bradley (6:15), Shaone Morrisonn (8:16) and Mike Green (7:43). Compare that to Sidney Crosby's 10:07 and Evgeni Malkin's 8:58.
Coach Bruce Boudreau is going to let the grinders win this series for two reasons: (a) they crash the net, which is even more necessary as the playoffs progress and (b) the trio provides match-up problems for Crosby and Malkin.
This is a direct correlation to the Caps' method of victory. Yesterday, the path towards winning was led by Steckel, Bradley and Laich -- three guys are the type of players you need to, as Boudreau put it, "win the big prize."
"You're going to need secondary scoring anytime you're in the playoffs," Steckel said after the game. "It's our time to step up and help the guys out."
"We didn't want to get behind in another series, nobody likes playing seven games and waiting for a team that's fresh," he added. "They took it to us tonight in the first part of that period and then they came out in the second period and did it again. We were fortunate to come away with a win tonight."
And then there was Simeon Varlamov's save on Crosby. Firstly, if you haven't seen it yet, watch it now. And if you have, view it again. It was that good.
"Yeah, probably [was the save of the series]. I don't know how he can get the puck, it's hard to say," Backstrom said. "It's amazing and that reaction he has all the time, that's pretty amazing of him. Hopefully he can keep doing it and we can win some games."
May 1, 2009
Caps-Penguins Preview
The Caps and Pittsburgh Penguins start their eighth playoff series tomorrow afternoon (1 p.m., NBC) at Verizon Center. A series preview:
Offense: Unlike the New York Rangers series, there is no mismatch when it comes to firepower. Regular season goal-scoring leader Alex Ovechkin (three goals, four assists) has been relatively quiet, but Alex Semin (five goals, three assists) leads the NHL in playoff tallies. Meanwhile, Sidney Crosby (four goals, four assists) and Evgeni Malkin (four goals, five assists) are in the same ballpark. But it doesn't end there. The Pens averaged three goals per game against the Philadelphia Flyers (fifth in the NHL), while the Caps were close behind (2.71, seventh). Both teams have offensive-minded defensemen (Mike Green, Sergei Gonchar) who can put the puck in the net but had a quiet first round. Advantage: Push.
Defense: The Caps found their defensive legs in the first-round against the Rangers, allowing just 1.57 goals per game (second in the NHL). The Penguins, who allowed 2.67 per game to the Flyers (eighth), will threaten the Caps much more regularly. In the regular season, the Caps outscored the non-flying birds, 18-12, in four games -- but overall the teams were pretty even in terms of goals allowed per game (Caps: 2.93; Pens: 2.87). The Caps need to continue the momentum they established in the first round and remain stout in their own end against a very dangerous team. Brian Pothier and Tom Poti also need to keep the form they displayed in the first round, while Milan Jucina and John Erskine need to keep improving -- something they did significantly against the Rangers. Advantage: Caps (by a nose).
Special Teams: The Caps (25.2, second) had an impressive regular-season power play, but the Pens (17.2, 20th) did not. Despite that difference, neither were dominant in first-round wins. The Caps (18.2, seventh) fared better than the Pens (12.5, 11th) in facing two very good penalty killing teams: the Rangers (best regular season PK) and Flyers (sixth), respectively. On the flip side, the Caps (87.1) and Pens (86.7) were virtually even on the PK. If both power plays fire as they are capable, the series will hinge on who can stay out of the sin bin. Advantage: Caps.
Goaltending: Both Simeon Varlamov (21) and Marc-Andre Fleury (24) are relatively young, but Fleury at least has the experience of a Stanley Cup run last season and 31 playoff games overall. In six playoff games so far, though, Varly has an impressive 1.17 goals against average and .952 save percentage -- first and second in the NHL, respectively. Fleury's numbers aren't too shabby (2.39, .922) and they were achieved against a much more potent opponent. Last spring, Fleury impressed with a 1.97 GAA and .933 save percentage (both second in the NHL) while playing every minute of the Pens' 20 playoff games. Advantage: Pens (by a whisker).
Intangibles: It's impossible to overlook the history. The Pens have won six of the seven previous series between the two teams -- although they haven't met since 2001. In fact, the only player in this series that participated in the teams' last meeting was Gonchar -- and he was on the Caps then. That being said, there are legions of fans (including yours truly) that still have nightmares about the old Caps-Pens series and this one will be full of subplots -- not to mention the budding rivalry between any combination of Semin, Ovechkin, Crosby and Malkin. The Caps are 6-1 in game ones -- but other than game five (5-2), the Pens are ahead for every other game. Caps Coach Bruce Boudreau is 4-1-1 against the Pens and the Caps took the regular-season series, 3-0-1. But it's all different in the playoffs. Advantage: Pens.
Overall: Ovechkin vs. Crosby. Varlamov vs. Fluery. Boudreau vs. Dan Bylsma. History vs. Present. It's all the makings of a great series between two teams that are sure to meet again and again in the postseason. Prediction: Caps in six.
Offense: Unlike the New York Rangers series, there is no mismatch when it comes to firepower. Regular season goal-scoring leader Alex Ovechkin (three goals, four assists) has been relatively quiet, but Alex Semin (five goals, three assists) leads the NHL in playoff tallies. Meanwhile, Sidney Crosby (four goals, four assists) and Evgeni Malkin (four goals, five assists) are in the same ballpark. But it doesn't end there. The Pens averaged three goals per game against the Philadelphia Flyers (fifth in the NHL), while the Caps were close behind (2.71, seventh). Both teams have offensive-minded defensemen (Mike Green, Sergei Gonchar) who can put the puck in the net but had a quiet first round. Advantage: Push.
Defense: The Caps found their defensive legs in the first-round against the Rangers, allowing just 1.57 goals per game (second in the NHL). The Penguins, who allowed 2.67 per game to the Flyers (eighth), will threaten the Caps much more regularly. In the regular season, the Caps outscored the non-flying birds, 18-12, in four games -- but overall the teams were pretty even in terms of goals allowed per game (Caps: 2.93; Pens: 2.87). The Caps need to continue the momentum they established in the first round and remain stout in their own end against a very dangerous team. Brian Pothier and Tom Poti also need to keep the form they displayed in the first round, while Milan Jucina and John Erskine need to keep improving -- something they did significantly against the Rangers. Advantage: Caps (by a nose).
Special Teams: The Caps (25.2, second) had an impressive regular-season power play, but the Pens (17.2, 20th) did not. Despite that difference, neither were dominant in first-round wins. The Caps (18.2, seventh) fared better than the Pens (12.5, 11th) in facing two very good penalty killing teams: the Rangers (best regular season PK) and Flyers (sixth), respectively. On the flip side, the Caps (87.1) and Pens (86.7) were virtually even on the PK. If both power plays fire as they are capable, the series will hinge on who can stay out of the sin bin. Advantage: Caps.
Goaltending: Both Simeon Varlamov (21) and Marc-Andre Fleury (24) are relatively young, but Fleury at least has the experience of a Stanley Cup run last season and 31 playoff games overall. In six playoff games so far, though, Varly has an impressive 1.17 goals against average and .952 save percentage -- first and second in the NHL, respectively. Fleury's numbers aren't too shabby (2.39, .922) and they were achieved against a much more potent opponent. Last spring, Fleury impressed with a 1.97 GAA and .933 save percentage (both second in the NHL) while playing every minute of the Pens' 20 playoff games. Advantage: Pens (by a whisker).
Intangibles: It's impossible to overlook the history. The Pens have won six of the seven previous series between the two teams -- although they haven't met since 2001. In fact, the only player in this series that participated in the teams' last meeting was Gonchar -- and he was on the Caps then. That being said, there are legions of fans (including yours truly) that still have nightmares about the old Caps-Pens series and this one will be full of subplots -- not to mention the budding rivalry between any combination of Semin, Ovechkin, Crosby and Malkin. The Caps are 6-1 in game ones -- but other than game five (5-2), the Pens are ahead for every other game. Caps Coach Bruce Boudreau is 4-1-1 against the Pens and the Caps took the regular-season series, 3-0-1. But it's all different in the playoffs. Advantage: Pens.
Overall: Ovechkin vs. Crosby. Varlamov vs. Fluery. Boudreau vs. Dan Bylsma. History vs. Present. It's all the makings of a great series between two teams that are sure to meet again and again in the postseason. Prediction: Caps in six.
Gear Up for the Pens
Check out STC Wear and get ready for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Not only will you find our collection of $13 shirts but you'll also find reduced prices on great stuff when you-know-who comes to town.
Whether you want to cheer on Varly, Ovie, Semin or Green, we've got your gear.
Don't miss out!
Whether you want to cheer on Varly, Ovie, Semin or Green, we've got your gear.
Don't miss out!
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