Continuing the theme of last week's schedule, the Caps will host the New York Islanders after beating the Atlanta Thrashers last night. But unlike last week, the Caps won't have a day off between facing the two teams.
In last night's win over Atlanta, the Caps stopped playing their best after establishing a 3-0 lead. Bruce Boudreau was beyond miffed -- and rightfully so -- and plans to deliver a lecture today. The fact is that the Caps have been doing this for two years and it's coming to the point where either the players need to get it or the offenders need to be shipped out of town.
"It's ridiculous how we just let up and let the other teams back into the game," Boudreau said. "It's very frustrating."
Alex Ovechkin, who leads the NHL with 13 goals after scoring two last night, has scored two goals in six of his 12 games, matching Mario Lemieux for the most two-goal games in an October in NHL history. He has 50 career multiple-goal games. Ovechkin's 13 goals this month are one shy of the best month of his career (he had 14 in March 2008).
Jose Theodore presumably will get the start in net tonight.
October 30, 2009
October 29, 2009
Caps Escape Atlanta with a Win, Again
The Caps seem to make a habit of playing down to their competition and not competing for a full 60 minutes. Last season, that cost them several games -- and probably the top seed in the Eastern Conference. So far this season, they've managed to win those games (earning points in all but two contests) -- but still haven't learned their lesson.
Tonight in Atlanta, the Caps raced out to a 3-0 lead and were pretty dominant through 40 minutes of play. But instead of finishing a weakened Atlanta Thrashers squad, they eased off the gas and the let the Thrash come within one goal before escaping with a 4-2 win at Philips Arena.
It's the Caps' sixth consecutive win, but it's not exactly time for celebrating. Atlanta had no business being anywhere near the Caps tonight and yet they were. The Caps played too loose in the third period, especially on the Thrashers' second goal when most of the team was caught up ice and Todd White scored on an easy breakaway.
Not coincidentally, the Alex Ovechkin-Nicklas Backstrom-Alex Semin line was on the ice at that time. This is yet further proof that those three cannot play together regularly at even strength because any defensive awareness they boast goes away. When Backstrom and Ovechkin play with Mike Knuble, they're much more responsible in their defensive end and still amazing offensively.
I'm not going to repeat my tirade on Semin, but he was the only member of that line without a point tonight.
The Caps host the Islanders Friday night at Verizon Center.
Tonight in Atlanta, the Caps raced out to a 3-0 lead and were pretty dominant through 40 minutes of play. But instead of finishing a weakened Atlanta Thrashers squad, they eased off the gas and the let the Thrash come within one goal before escaping with a 4-2 win at Philips Arena.
It's the Caps' sixth consecutive win, but it's not exactly time for celebrating. Atlanta had no business being anywhere near the Caps tonight and yet they were. The Caps played too loose in the third period, especially on the Thrashers' second goal when most of the team was caught up ice and Todd White scored on an easy breakaway.
Not coincidentally, the Alex Ovechkin-Nicklas Backstrom-Alex Semin line was on the ice at that time. This is yet further proof that those three cannot play together regularly at even strength because any defensive awareness they boast goes away. When Backstrom and Ovechkin play with Mike Knuble, they're much more responsible in their defensive end and still amazing offensively.
I'm not going to repeat my tirade on Semin, but he was the only member of that line without a point tonight.
The Caps host the Islanders Friday night at Verizon Center.
Caps Return to Atlanta
One week after escaping with a 5-4 win at Philips Arena, the Caps return to take on the Ilya Kovalchuk-less Thrashers tonight in Atlanta. Kovy, who has scored about half of his team's goals so far this season, will be out for a while and certainly won't help the Thrashers maintain their tenuous hold on second-place in the Southeast Divison.
The Thrash also will be wearing their hideous alternate jerseys, which they donned last Thursday as well. The Thrashers have only played one game since that loss to the Caps, a 4-3 defeat at the hands of the San Jose Sharks on Saturday night.
For the Caps, it's all adding to the current five-game winning streak and seven-point lead in the division. Tonight also could mark Tomas Fleischmann's return to the line-up after missing every game this season.
Alex Ovechkin, who leads the NHL with 11 goals, has scored goals in six games. In five of those games, he has scored two goals and the Caps are 4-0-1. The red, white and blue is 26-0-2 the last 28 times Ovechkin has had a multiple-goal game.
Tonight marks the opener of the Caps first back-to-back set of the season.
The Thrash also will be wearing their hideous alternate jerseys, which they donned last Thursday as well. The Thrashers have only played one game since that loss to the Caps, a 4-3 defeat at the hands of the San Jose Sharks on Saturday night.
For the Caps, it's all adding to the current five-game winning streak and seven-point lead in the division. Tonight also could mark Tomas Fleischmann's return to the line-up after missing every game this season.
Alex Ovechkin, who leads the NHL with 11 goals, has scored goals in six games. In five of those games, he has scored two goals and the Caps are 4-0-1. The red, white and blue is 26-0-2 the last 28 times Ovechkin has had a multiple-goal game.
Tonight marks the opener of the Caps first back-to-back set of the season.
October 28, 2009
No Joke: Swine Flu Hits Caps
The Caps, although not at their peak, clearly are doing well in winning five straight and earning points in nine of their 11 games this season. But their first major hurdle might be approaching and it's not of their doing: swine flu.
Quintin Laing has been diagnosed with the disease, joining Colorado's Peter Budaj and Edmonton's Ladislav Smid as the only NHL players (so far) to be diagnosed. The Caps clearly are concerned and rightfully so. Hopefully for the Caps, this won't become a more serious situation.
In other news today:
*Tomas Fleischmann has returned from his conditioning stint in Hershey and has been returned to the active roster, meaning he's eligible for tomorrow's game in Atlanta.
*Boyd Gordon and Eric Fehr are still injured and most likely won't play against the Thrashers.
*Alexandre Giroux has been sent back to Hershey.
Quintin Laing has been diagnosed with the disease, joining Colorado's Peter Budaj and Edmonton's Ladislav Smid as the only NHL players (so far) to be diagnosed. The Caps clearly are concerned and rightfully so. Hopefully for the Caps, this won't become a more serious situation.
In other news today:
*Tomas Fleischmann has returned from his conditioning stint in Hershey and has been returned to the active roster, meaning he's eligible for tomorrow's game in Atlanta.
*Boyd Gordon and Eric Fehr are still injured and most likely won't play against the Thrashers.
*Alexandre Giroux has been sent back to Hershey.
October 27, 2009
Caps-Flyers Live
Welcome to Verizon Center, where the Philadelphia Flyers are in town for what's sure to be an action-packed game. Bruce Boudreau has reunited the Alex Semin-Alex Ovechkin-Nicklas Backstrom line, meaning Brendan Morrison will be centering the second line between Brooks Laich and Mike Knuble.
Jose Theodore and Ray Emery are between the pipes.
First Period
Great up-and-down action during the first seven minutes of the game. Scott Hartnell hit the post and Backstrom got close on a great pass from Ovie, but otherwise there weren't any quality scoring chances before the first TV timeout.
More back-and-forth action but no real offensive threats. The Caps are not driving the net enough and instead trying to make the perfect pass. Matt Bradley, who is fourth on the team with three goals, has had a few good opportunities playing on the fourth line. Keith Aucoin has played with his normal energy and drive. Theo's had some good plays too.
Great save by Theo just past the 15 minute mark, robbing Jeff Carter point blank with the Flyers collapsing in front of the net. Semin a minute later cut the net and was wide open in front but somehow didn't shoot. The puck was bouncing but getting a shot in that situation is paramount.
The first power play of the night commenced when Ole-Kristian Tollefsen was called for cross-checking at 17:51. But nothing changed in that department as the Caps' inept power play made the Redskins' offense look productive. The Caps barely threatened.
After one: Caps 0, Flyers 0
Second Period
After B-Mo was called for hooking, Hartnell finished a pretty two-on-one from Richards at 3:06 to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. Perhaps it will follow the pattern of the first game and the goal-fest now will begin.
At 3:58, Backstrom was called for tripping -- which prompted Boudreau to utter a non-family-friendly phrase on the bench. The Caps managed to kill it off and stay in the game.
The Flyers are dominating play and the Caps aren't doing anything to change it. They're falling into the trap, so to speak, and trying for big hits instead of hitting them where it matters most: on the scoreboard. They tried hitting Emery into the net (with the puck) but it didn't work.
The Caps started to step up the pressure and earned themselves 1:41 of five-on-three after a Flyers' too-man-men on the ice and an interference call on Darroll Powe. The Caps probably had their best five-on-three session of the season but they spent the first 30 seconds passing before starting to unleash the shots. They even had two guys in front. They really need to start playing ugly -- as you don't get style points.
No goals on the power play, they now haven't scored on any power play since the first period of the Oct. 15 win over the San Jose Sharks.
And it cost them because the Flyers got a second power play goal off a slap shot from the point by Braydon Coburn with James van Riemsdyk in front of the net.
Ovie brought the crowd to life at 16:08 with a beautiful shot from the slot off a great pass from Backstrom (natch!). It's Ovie's 10th of the season. Jeff Schultz got the secondary assist, his fourth helper of the season (same as Semin).
The Caps got a late power play and finally connected with the extra man. Backstrom got open in the high slot and took a pass from Semin to tie the game at two. The goals were 2:08 apart.
After two: Caps 2, Flyers 2.
Third Period
Semin started to redeem himself with a trademark wrister just after a Flyers' power play expired to give the Caps their first lead of the game. The Caps are a much different team than they were for all but the last four minutes of the second period. It's Semin's seventh goal of the season.
After some back-and-forth action, the Flyers got a penalty shot after Powe was taken down by the slow-footed Tom Poti. Theo made the save to keep the Caps' lead.
The Flyers had a very strong two-minute power play but Theo and the PKers managed to keep them off the scoreboard. Bradley's really having a great game and certainly cementing his status on the team, especially with Boyd Gordon injured.
The Flyers have missed the net a bunch of times tonight. But the Caps have managed to keep up the pressure and the lead. (Cue "unleash the fury" montage.)
Theo's been able to keep the Caps in the lead, despite 41 (and counting) shots by the Flyers. The Caps haven't been able to sustain too much offensive pressure over the last few minutes but, thanks to the goaltending, are still winning.
Emery has vacated the net and the Flyers have called a timeout with 1:03 left. Game. Set. Match. Empty-netter by Ovechkin, his second goal of the night and 11th of the season. Courtesy of Ted, he's now in the league-lead and will give the Caps points in nine of their 11 games this season.
Final: Caps 4, Flyers 2.
Jose Theodore and Ray Emery are between the pipes.
First Period
Great up-and-down action during the first seven minutes of the game. Scott Hartnell hit the post and Backstrom got close on a great pass from Ovie, but otherwise there weren't any quality scoring chances before the first TV timeout.
More back-and-forth action but no real offensive threats. The Caps are not driving the net enough and instead trying to make the perfect pass. Matt Bradley, who is fourth on the team with three goals, has had a few good opportunities playing on the fourth line. Keith Aucoin has played with his normal energy and drive. Theo's had some good plays too.
Great save by Theo just past the 15 minute mark, robbing Jeff Carter point blank with the Flyers collapsing in front of the net. Semin a minute later cut the net and was wide open in front but somehow didn't shoot. The puck was bouncing but getting a shot in that situation is paramount.
The first power play of the night commenced when Ole-Kristian Tollefsen was called for cross-checking at 17:51. But nothing changed in that department as the Caps' inept power play made the Redskins' offense look productive. The Caps barely threatened.
After one: Caps 0, Flyers 0
Second Period
After B-Mo was called for hooking, Hartnell finished a pretty two-on-one from Richards at 3:06 to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. Perhaps it will follow the pattern of the first game and the goal-fest now will begin.
At 3:58, Backstrom was called for tripping -- which prompted Boudreau to utter a non-family-friendly phrase on the bench. The Caps managed to kill it off and stay in the game.
The Flyers are dominating play and the Caps aren't doing anything to change it. They're falling into the trap, so to speak, and trying for big hits instead of hitting them where it matters most: on the scoreboard. They tried hitting Emery into the net (with the puck) but it didn't work.
The Caps started to step up the pressure and earned themselves 1:41 of five-on-three after a Flyers' too-man-men on the ice and an interference call on Darroll Powe. The Caps probably had their best five-on-three session of the season but they spent the first 30 seconds passing before starting to unleash the shots. They even had two guys in front. They really need to start playing ugly -- as you don't get style points.
No goals on the power play, they now haven't scored on any power play since the first period of the Oct. 15 win over the San Jose Sharks.
And it cost them because the Flyers got a second power play goal off a slap shot from the point by Braydon Coburn with James van Riemsdyk in front of the net.
Ovie brought the crowd to life at 16:08 with a beautiful shot from the slot off a great pass from Backstrom (natch!). It's Ovie's 10th of the season. Jeff Schultz got the secondary assist, his fourth helper of the season (same as Semin).
The Caps got a late power play and finally connected with the extra man. Backstrom got open in the high slot and took a pass from Semin to tie the game at two. The goals were 2:08 apart.
After two: Caps 2, Flyers 2.
Third Period
Semin started to redeem himself with a trademark wrister just after a Flyers' power play expired to give the Caps their first lead of the game. The Caps are a much different team than they were for all but the last four minutes of the second period. It's Semin's seventh goal of the season.
After some back-and-forth action, the Flyers got a penalty shot after Powe was taken down by the slow-footed Tom Poti. Theo made the save to keep the Caps' lead.
The Flyers had a very strong two-minute power play but Theo and the PKers managed to keep them off the scoreboard. Bradley's really having a great game and certainly cementing his status on the team, especially with Boyd Gordon injured.
The Flyers have missed the net a bunch of times tonight. But the Caps have managed to keep up the pressure and the lead. (Cue "unleash the fury" montage.)
Theo's been able to keep the Caps in the lead, despite 41 (and counting) shots by the Flyers. The Caps haven't been able to sustain too much offensive pressure over the last few minutes but, thanks to the goaltending, are still winning.
Emery has vacated the net and the Flyers have called a timeout with 1:03 left. Game. Set. Match. Empty-netter by Ovechkin, his second goal of the night and 11th of the season. Courtesy of Ted, he's now in the league-lead and will give the Caps points in nine of their 11 games this season.
Final: Caps 4, Flyers 2.
Flyers Make First DC Visit of Season
The Philadelphia Flyers are in town tonight and Caps fans are ready for the rivalry's renewal. The teams met earlier this season at Wachovia Center, where the home team took a 6-5 OT thriller.
Washington trails the all-time series, 66-94-19-1, entering the 181st meeting, and trails, 37-18-3-0 at home. Washington is 1-1-2 in the early going against Atlantic Division teams after posting a 14-2-4 record against the division last season.
The Flyers (5-3-1) are off to a decent start, which includes a 2-1 road record. But they've been outscored 10-6 in the third period this season, while the Caps have been outscored 12-10. So it could be a high-scoring finish again.
The Caps' 6-2-2 record through 10 games is the team's best mark at this stage since 1997-98 (7-2-1), when they made the franchise's only Stanley Cup finals appearance, and three more points than it had at this point last year (5-4-1).
Mike Green had a goal and an assist Saturday night in a 3-2 OT win over the New York Islanders, giving him points in five straight games (2 goals, 4 assists). It's the longest point streak by a Cap this season and just one game shy of the longest by a defenseman in the NHL this year.
In the last 20 games, including playoffs, Matt Bradley has posted five goals and six assists (11 points).
The Flyers' Mike Richards (6 goals, 4 assists) and Jeff Carter (4 goals, 6 assists) both lead the team with 10 points through the Flyers' first nine games of the year. Richards leads the squad in penalty minutes as well (21).
Simon Gagne may need hernia surgery, and the Flyers are contemplating putting him on injured reserve.
The Flyers' power play (11 for 44) has been clicking at a 25 percent rate, while the Caps are only 8 for 48 (16.7 percent). Both teams are among the NHL's elite in penalty killing -- the Flyers are at 85.4 percent, the Caps at 83.7 percent.
Jose Theodore is expected to start in goal for the Caps. No word yet whether Ray Emery will be doing the same for the visitors.
Check back for live coverage from Verizon Center tonight.
Washington trails the all-time series, 66-94-19-1, entering the 181st meeting, and trails, 37-18-3-0 at home. Washington is 1-1-2 in the early going against Atlantic Division teams after posting a 14-2-4 record against the division last season.
The Flyers (5-3-1) are off to a decent start, which includes a 2-1 road record. But they've been outscored 10-6 in the third period this season, while the Caps have been outscored 12-10. So it could be a high-scoring finish again.
The Caps' 6-2-2 record through 10 games is the team's best mark at this stage since 1997-98 (7-2-1), when they made the franchise's only Stanley Cup finals appearance, and three more points than it had at this point last year (5-4-1).
Mike Green had a goal and an assist Saturday night in a 3-2 OT win over the New York Islanders, giving him points in five straight games (2 goals, 4 assists). It's the longest point streak by a Cap this season and just one game shy of the longest by a defenseman in the NHL this year.
In the last 20 games, including playoffs, Matt Bradley has posted five goals and six assists (11 points).
The Flyers' Mike Richards (6 goals, 4 assists) and Jeff Carter (4 goals, 6 assists) both lead the team with 10 points through the Flyers' first nine games of the year. Richards leads the squad in penalty minutes as well (21).
Simon Gagne may need hernia surgery, and the Flyers are contemplating putting him on injured reserve.
The Flyers' power play (11 for 44) has been clicking at a 25 percent rate, while the Caps are only 8 for 48 (16.7 percent). Both teams are among the NHL's elite in penalty killing -- the Flyers are at 85.4 percent, the Caps at 83.7 percent.
Jose Theodore is expected to start in goal for the Caps. No word yet whether Ray Emery will be doing the same for the visitors.
Check back for live coverage from Verizon Center tonight.
October 26, 2009
Weekly Snapshot, Oct. 26
Record/Standings Position: 6-2-2 (14 points), 1st Southeast Division/2nd Eastern Conference/7th NHL
Last Week's Games:
* Won, 5-4, at Atlanta
* Won, 3-2 (OT), at N.Y. Islanders
This Week's Games:
* Tuesday vs. Philadelphia (7 p.m., Versus)
* Thursday at Atlanta (7 p.m., CSN/NHL Network)
* Friday vs. N.Y. Islanders (7 p.m., CSN Plus)
* Sunday vs. Columbus (5 p.m., CSN)
Injuries: Tomas Fleischmann (rehabbing in Hershey, may be back this week), Boyd Gordon (day-to-day), Alex Semin (day-to-day), John Erskine (day-to-day).
Recent Transactions: Assigned Tomas Fleischmann to Hershey on a conditioning stint (Oct. 24), recalled Keith Aucoin and Alexandre Giroux from Hershey (Oct. 22), assigned Michael Nylander to Grand Rapids on a conditioning stint (Oct. 21), assigned Aucoin to Hershey (Oct. 19).
Top Storylines:
* Even though the team isn't clicking on all cylinders, they're still on pace for about 48 wins and 112 points.
* Alex Semin is out with an "injury" again.
* Team hoping Nylander's good weekend in Grand Rapids means somebody will finally remove the burden from them.
Top Line (Who's Hot?): Alex Ovechkin (9 goals, 17 points), Backstrom (2, goals, 9 assists), Brooks Laich (game winner vs. Islanders, great overall play).
Scratches (Who's Not?): Semin (5 goals in first 4 games; 1 since), Quintin Laing (only Cap with no points), power play (anemic lately, 16.7 percent, 20th in NHL).
Last Week's Games:
* Won, 5-4, at Atlanta
* Won, 3-2 (OT), at N.Y. Islanders
This Week's Games:
* Tuesday vs. Philadelphia (7 p.m., Versus)
* Thursday at Atlanta (7 p.m., CSN/NHL Network)
* Friday vs. N.Y. Islanders (7 p.m., CSN Plus)
* Sunday vs. Columbus (5 p.m., CSN)
Injuries: Tomas Fleischmann (rehabbing in Hershey, may be back this week), Boyd Gordon (day-to-day), Alex Semin (day-to-day), John Erskine (day-to-day).
Recent Transactions: Assigned Tomas Fleischmann to Hershey on a conditioning stint (Oct. 24), recalled Keith Aucoin and Alexandre Giroux from Hershey (Oct. 22), assigned Michael Nylander to Grand Rapids on a conditioning stint (Oct. 21), assigned Aucoin to Hershey (Oct. 19).
Top Storylines:
* Even though the team isn't clicking on all cylinders, they're still on pace for about 48 wins and 112 points.
* Alex Semin is out with an "injury" again.
* Team hoping Nylander's good weekend in Grand Rapids means somebody will finally remove the burden from them.
Top Line (Who's Hot?): Alex Ovechkin (9 goals, 17 points), Backstrom (2, goals, 9 assists), Brooks Laich (game winner vs. Islanders, great overall play).
Scratches (Who's Not?): Semin (5 goals in first 4 games; 1 since), Quintin Laing (only Cap with no points), power play (anemic lately, 16.7 percent, 20th in NHL).
October 25, 2009
Strong Finish, Two Points
The Caps never seem to make it easy on themselves, especially against the New York Islanders. But a strong third period and overtime salvaged a win after another ugly first 40 minutes. It's good for the team to learn how to win ugly -- especially when the postseason rolls around. But not playing a full 60 minutes isn't exactly a recipe for long-term success.
Mike Green looked a lot stronger as the game progressed, and Brook Laich's OT game-winner was a thing of beauty. It's also not a coincidence that Keith Aucoin's energy helped revive the Caps -- he does that every game and that's the main reason why he should stay with the big club.
Jose Theodore also played solidly in net, something the team needed when they were being shutout over the first 45 minutes or so by a very bad Islanders' squad.
Mike Green looked a lot stronger as the game progressed, and Brook Laich's OT game-winner was a thing of beauty. It's also not a coincidence that Keith Aucoin's energy helped revive the Caps -- he does that every game and that's the main reason why he should stay with the big club.
Jose Theodore also played solidly in net, something the team needed when they were being shutout over the first 45 minutes or so by a very bad Islanders' squad.
October 23, 2009
It's Still Two Points
Yes, the Caps might have gotten lucky last night against the Atlanta Thrashers. And yes their power play was off. And yes they took too many penalties -- especially in the latter stages of the game. But they won, earning two points. And that, ladies and gents, is what matters most.
The Caps aren't going to play a perfect game every night (some would argue it won't happen most nights). But it's still October and racking up the wins sets a good foundation for a successful season.
The good news, other than the 5-4 win, is that Matt Bradley scored again (his third of the season, a mark he didn't reach until Nov. 24 of last season) and even call-up Alexandre Giroux scored his fourth NHL goal. The offensive star, though, was Jeff Schultz (1 goal, 2 assists) -- who has scored all of seven goals in his 179 NHL games.
When your offense is led by third- and fourth-liners, and you still post a division win, something is going your way. That's the best thing to hand your hat on for the Caps right now.
The Caps aren't going to play a perfect game every night (some would argue it won't happen most nights). But it's still October and racking up the wins sets a good foundation for a successful season.
The good news, other than the 5-4 win, is that Matt Bradley scored again (his third of the season, a mark he didn't reach until Nov. 24 of last season) and even call-up Alexandre Giroux scored his fourth NHL goal. The offensive star, though, was Jeff Schultz (1 goal, 2 assists) -- who has scored all of seven goals in his 179 NHL games.
When your offense is led by third- and fourth-liners, and you still post a division win, something is going your way. That's the best thing to hand your hat on for the Caps right now.
October 22, 2009
Old Friends Meeet Tonight
Caps Coach Bruce Boudreau meets his friend and Atlanta Thrashers coach John Anderson tonight as the two teams tussle at Phillips Arena. Alex Ovechkin and his good friend, Ilya Kovalchuk, also tangle tonight in the Caps' first division game of the season. Last season, the Caps were 16-8-0 against divisional opponents.
The Thrashers (4-1-1) have fared well so far this season and are just one point behind the Caps with two games in hand. Atlanta's power play (30 percent, 2nd in NHL) and penalty kill (88 percent, fourth in NHL) has thrived so far in a season that's key because of Kovalchuk's pending unrestricted free agency. Kovy is off to the second-best offensive start of his eight-year NHL career with eight points (7g, 1a) in his first six games. Kovalchuk's best offensive totals after six games came in 2003-04 when he earned nine points (6g, 3a) to start the year.
The Caps took last season's series, 4-2, but both of those losses were in Atlanta. In 56 all-time meetings between the two teams, the Caps are 28-18-5-5.
The key to the game tonight is the Caps' intensity. The two pitfalls the team has faced recently were against teams that they considered lowly and, of course, Western Conference opponents. They've done better against the West this season (2-1) so now it's time to fix the first one with tonight's game and also a date Saturday on Long Island.
The Thrashers (4-1-1) have fared well so far this season and are just one point behind the Caps with two games in hand. Atlanta's power play (30 percent, 2nd in NHL) and penalty kill (88 percent, fourth in NHL) has thrived so far in a season that's key because of Kovalchuk's pending unrestricted free agency. Kovy is off to the second-best offensive start of his eight-year NHL career with eight points (7g, 1a) in his first six games. Kovalchuk's best offensive totals after six games came in 2003-04 when he earned nine points (6g, 3a) to start the year.
The Caps took last season's series, 4-2, but both of those losses were in Atlanta. In 56 all-time meetings between the two teams, the Caps are 28-18-5-5.
The key to the game tonight is the Caps' intensity. The two pitfalls the team has faced recently were against teams that they considered lowly and, of course, Western Conference opponents. They've done better against the West this season (2-1) so now it's time to fix the first one with tonight's game and also a date Saturday on Long Island.
October 21, 2009
News of the (Weird) Nylander
It's funny how somebody who hasn't played a game this season can dominate headlines. Michael Nylander has been assigned to a "conditioning" stint with the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins (farm club of the Detroit Red Wings). It's probably not a coincidence that this comes after KHL teams reportedly were losing interest in him because he hadn't played.
The Caps also reportedly have recalled Keith Aucoin from Hershey for tomorrow's date in Atlanta. (s/t J.P.)
The Caps also reportedly have recalled Keith Aucoin from Hershey for tomorrow's date in Atlanta. (s/t J.P.)
Inside the Press Box: Michelle Scalise
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 28th installment: Caps in-game hostess and CSN New Media Content Producer Michelle Scalise.
1. How did become the Caps' in-game hostess?
Two years ago, I was working for a small sports marketing firm and we met with the new game entertainment director of the Capitals. He wanted to take the in-game experience to the next level and wanted to implement an "ice crew" and an in-arena hostess. My dream in college was to be a sports reporter but got on the production side and never really looked back!
I tried out against eight others and put together a whole package and was fortunate enough to get it! At first, I was murdered on the blogs, but I think over time I've tried to take some of the "cheese" out of it but still keep it entertaining. (At least I hope I have.) It's a great team to work with and the corporate crew is fantastic, as well. I'm very proud to be associated with them.
2. How do you expect your CSN gig to go (since you've only been there for a month) and where were you before this?
It really an exciting position to be in. Our digital media division is brand new. I'm working with three other content producers and each of us are responsible for our separate teams, but we also work hand-in-hand on some projects. It's a clean slate so it's really interesting trying new things out and seeing what attracts people and what they respond to.
I think hockey has previously been a male audience, but as I witness at the games and with the new Scarlet Caps club, there's a whole untapped market. So, I'm hoping to find a formula that works really well. This will always be a "Redskins town" but it is exciting to watch the fan base grow with the Caps. We're trying innovative things like the interactive chats, the athlete blogs, the Caps off-the-ice features, etc. We're really at the tip of the iceberg and plan on expanding our coverage and team.
I've been a freelance producer for CBS News, the IRS and Fox News; trying to find my niche! Before moving to D.C., I lived in NYC for about six years and worked at CBS Sports. I was very lucky to be a part of many Final Fours, Masters and Super Bowls. I've been trying to find my "CBS Sports" experience in DC!
3. What's your relationship with the Red Rockers (both on and off the ice, so to speak)?
They're an amazing group of girls. They're very sweet and supportive and we definitely have fun together. I've worked with a lot of them last year and over the summer at the Washington Kastles, so we've definitely built a relationship. Occasionally, we'll go out for a drink after the games.
4. What are some of your favorite hockey-related memories?
I have to say watching the arena last year for the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. It's truly a sea of red. The crowd was so boisterous and excited and the players have said that helps pump them up, too. Watching Alex Ovechkin is always mind boggling. When I watch him, I feel like I'm watching history being made. It's been great getting to know the guys on the team and watch their development on the ice.
5. What occupies your time when you're not working?
Ha, ha! There isn't much down time. I feel very lucky to finally find something I'm passionate about here in DC, so I tend to throw myself into work. I did get married this past summer and had a blast planning the wedding. My husband and I love taking our dog for hikes in Great Falls Park and watching football.
I'm a big runner so I love finding new trails. We travel a lot, visiting my parents in NJ or friends in NYC. Our latest venture is house hunting so I have no doubt we'll be spending a lot of time running in and out of open houses, searching online; all that fun stuff!
1. How did become the Caps' in-game hostess?
Two years ago, I was working for a small sports marketing firm and we met with the new game entertainment director of the Capitals. He wanted to take the in-game experience to the next level and wanted to implement an "ice crew" and an in-arena hostess. My dream in college was to be a sports reporter but got on the production side and never really looked back!
I tried out against eight others and put together a whole package and was fortunate enough to get it! At first, I was murdered on the blogs, but I think over time I've tried to take some of the "cheese" out of it but still keep it entertaining. (At least I hope I have.) It's a great team to work with and the corporate crew is fantastic, as well. I'm very proud to be associated with them.
2. How do you expect your CSN gig to go (since you've only been there for a month) and where were you before this?
It really an exciting position to be in. Our digital media division is brand new. I'm working with three other content producers and each of us are responsible for our separate teams, but we also work hand-in-hand on some projects. It's a clean slate so it's really interesting trying new things out and seeing what attracts people and what they respond to.
I think hockey has previously been a male audience, but as I witness at the games and with the new Scarlet Caps club, there's a whole untapped market. So, I'm hoping to find a formula that works really well. This will always be a "Redskins town" but it is exciting to watch the fan base grow with the Caps. We're trying innovative things like the interactive chats, the athlete blogs, the Caps off-the-ice features, etc. We're really at the tip of the iceberg and plan on expanding our coverage and team.
I've been a freelance producer for CBS News, the IRS and Fox News; trying to find my niche! Before moving to D.C., I lived in NYC for about six years and worked at CBS Sports. I was very lucky to be a part of many Final Fours, Masters and Super Bowls. I've been trying to find my "CBS Sports" experience in DC!
3. What's your relationship with the Red Rockers (both on and off the ice, so to speak)?
They're an amazing group of girls. They're very sweet and supportive and we definitely have fun together. I've worked with a lot of them last year and over the summer at the Washington Kastles, so we've definitely built a relationship. Occasionally, we'll go out for a drink after the games.
4. What are some of your favorite hockey-related memories?
I have to say watching the arena last year for the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. It's truly a sea of red. The crowd was so boisterous and excited and the players have said that helps pump them up, too. Watching Alex Ovechkin is always mind boggling. When I watch him, I feel like I'm watching history being made. It's been great getting to know the guys on the team and watch their development on the ice.
5. What occupies your time when you're not working?
Ha, ha! There isn't much down time. I feel very lucky to finally find something I'm passionate about here in DC, so I tend to throw myself into work. I did get married this past summer and had a blast planning the wedding. My husband and I love taking our dog for hikes in Great Falls Park and watching football.
I'm a big runner so I love finding new trails. We travel a lot, visiting my parents in NJ or friends in NYC. Our latest venture is house hunting so I have no doubt we'll be spending a lot of time running in and out of open houses, searching online; all that fun stuff!
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October 20, 2009
Defending Nicklas Backstrom
More than anybody not named Alex Ovechkin, the Caps' offense is predicated around Nicklas Backstrom. And his stats prove it. In two seasons, he's racked up 157 points (second to Ovechkin's 222 on the Caps) and 36 points more than Alex Semin. He's also got 121 assists over the last two seasons -- the seventh-highest total in that span, and three more than Sidney Crosby (who did miss part of one season with injury problems).
But he's still not considered a top-50 player in the NHL -- judging by the Sporting News and Fanhouse rankings. (He's not even the top Backstrom on those lists.) Semin, who is on both those lists, routinely receives praises -- while Backstrom is better than Semin and doesn't get the accolades he deserves.
Both are restricted free agents after this season and word has it that Backstrom internally is considered one of the Caps' top three players (along with Ovechkin and Mike Green). Semin's not on that list, but that doesn't mean the Caps won't keep him in town -- especially given his tight relationship with Ovechkin.
Semin has his detractors, while Backstrom seemingly does not. It's a tough choice for the Caps, but if I only could pick one, I'd go with No. 19.
Note: Kudos to Matt Leighton of Simply Sensational for featuring the post from last week on The Hockey Writers.
But he's still not considered a top-50 player in the NHL -- judging by the Sporting News and Fanhouse rankings. (He's not even the top Backstrom on those lists.) Semin, who is on both those lists, routinely receives praises -- while Backstrom is better than Semin and doesn't get the accolades he deserves.
Both are restricted free agents after this season and word has it that Backstrom internally is considered one of the Caps' top three players (along with Ovechkin and Mike Green). Semin's not on that list, but that doesn't mean the Caps won't keep him in town -- especially given his tight relationship with Ovechkin.
Semin has his detractors, while Backstrom seemingly does not. It's a tough choice for the Caps, but if I only could pick one, I'd go with No. 19.
Note: Kudos to Matt Leighton of Simply Sensational for featuring the post from last week on The Hockey Writers.
October 19, 2009
Weekly Snapshot, Oct. 19
Record/Standings Position: 4-2-2 (10 points), 1st Southeast Division/3rd Eastern Conference/9th NHL
Last Week's Games:
* Lost, 3-2 (SO), vs. New Jersey
* Won, 4-1, vs. San Jose
* Won, 3-2 (SO), vs. Nashville
This Week's Games:
* Thursday at Atlanta (7 p.m., CSN)
* Saturday at N.Y. Islanders (7 p.m., CSN)
Injuries: Tomas Fleischmann (still getting close to returning to practice); John Erskine (day-to-day); Boyd Gordon (day-to-day); Jose Theodore (should be back in practice today or tomorrow)
Recent Transactions: Recalled (Oct. 16) and assigned (Oct. 17) Braden Holtby from/to South Carolina of the ECHL; recalled Keith Aucoin from Hershey (AHL) (Oct. 15)
Top Storylines:
* The reassembled top two lines (Alex Ovechkin-Brendan Morrison-Mike Knuble; Alex Semin-Nicklas Backstrom-Brooks Laich) has yielded two wins.
* The team still hasn't developed that killer instinct.
* Theodore is off to a great start.
Top Line (Who's Hot?): Ovechkin (9 goals, 16 points in eight games, both tops in the NHL), Backstrom (9 assists, second in NHL), Morrison (7 points)
Scratches (Who's Not?): Michael Nylander (nobody seems to want him), David Steckel (no points yet), Brian Pothier (numbers might not tell the entire story, but he still only has one point this season)
Last Week's Games:
* Lost, 3-2 (SO), vs. New Jersey
* Won, 4-1, vs. San Jose
* Won, 3-2 (SO), vs. Nashville
This Week's Games:
* Thursday at Atlanta (7 p.m., CSN)
* Saturday at N.Y. Islanders (7 p.m., CSN)
Injuries: Tomas Fleischmann (still getting close to returning to practice); John Erskine (day-to-day); Boyd Gordon (day-to-day); Jose Theodore (should be back in practice today or tomorrow)
Recent Transactions: Recalled (Oct. 16) and assigned (Oct. 17) Braden Holtby from/to South Carolina of the ECHL; recalled Keith Aucoin from Hershey (AHL) (Oct. 15)
Top Storylines:
* The reassembled top two lines (Alex Ovechkin-Brendan Morrison-Mike Knuble; Alex Semin-Nicklas Backstrom-Brooks Laich) has yielded two wins.
* The team still hasn't developed that killer instinct.
* Theodore is off to a great start.
Top Line (Who's Hot?): Ovechkin (9 goals, 16 points in eight games, both tops in the NHL), Backstrom (9 assists, second in NHL), Morrison (7 points)
Scratches (Who's Not?): Michael Nylander (nobody seems to want him), David Steckel (no points yet), Brian Pothier (numbers might not tell the entire story, but he still only has one point this season)
October 18, 2009
Caps Squeeze by Nashville
It wasn't the prettiest game, but the Caps managed a 3-2 shootout win over the pesky Nashville Predators last night at Verizon Center. Alex Ovechkin scored all of the Caps' goals (two in regulation, one in the shootout), while Brendan Morrison continued his hot start with a beautiful assist on the second goal.
The defense even played pretty well, considering both of the Preds' goals were in a short span in the second period.
"I thought Tom Poti played really well. I thought Mike Green skated like he can. I thought Tyler Sloan -- for a guy who has only played one game on defense for us -- he made a couple of mistakes, but boy he did a great job using his speed to his advantage. I thought he did really, really well."
The biggest negative was the Caps' inability to put away the Predators after taking a 2-0 lead. It's certainly not a new issue but one that needs to be fixed.
"When we had them up 2-0 we let them hang around too long and that's when teams are kind of dangerous. You've got to get that third one to finish them," Mike Knuble said. "We had trouble, took some penalties, which takes guys off the ice and gets them out of sync. Next thing you know they score and they're back in the game. It almost came back to bite us."
The Caps are off until a date Thursday in Atlanta, their first Southeast Division game of the year.
The defense even played pretty well, considering both of the Preds' goals were in a short span in the second period.
"I thought Tom Poti played really well. I thought Mike Green skated like he can. I thought Tyler Sloan -- for a guy who has only played one game on defense for us -- he made a couple of mistakes, but boy he did a great job using his speed to his advantage. I thought he did really, really well."
The biggest negative was the Caps' inability to put away the Predators after taking a 2-0 lead. It's certainly not a new issue but one that needs to be fixed.
"When we had them up 2-0 we let them hang around too long and that's when teams are kind of dangerous. You've got to get that third one to finish them," Mike Knuble said. "We had trouble, took some penalties, which takes guys off the ice and gets them out of sync. Next thing you know they score and they're back in the game. It almost came back to bite us."
The Caps are off until a date Thursday in Atlanta, their first Southeast Division game of the year.
October 16, 2009
Confidence Booster
The Caps' 4-1 win over the San Jose Sharks last night was as close to a perfect game as they've played this year; the closest they got to their opening win at Boston by the same score. Not surprisingly, Alex Ovechkin led the way in spectacular fashion -- netting two goals in 28 seconds towards the beginning of the second period. That, combined with a power-play goal from Alex Semin and a late tally by Matt Bradley, gave the Caps a huge win over the defending President's Trophy winners.
Ovechkin really gelled with linemates Brendan Morrison and Mike Knuble in what could be the new top line for a while. Morrison has looked awesome throughout the first portion of the season and could end up being one of the biggest steals of the off-season.
Semin fared decently with Nicklas Backstrom and Brooks Laich. The final two lines (Bradley-Quintin Laing-David Steckel; Keith Aucoin-Chris Clark-Eric Fehr) did a fantastic job of cycling and putting on pressure throughout the game. It truly was a team win for a squad that needed it.
The only bad news was an injury to Jose Theodore, who played very well of late. Semyon Varlamov saved all 15 shots he faced in the final two periods and most likely will start tomorrow night against Nashville. Should Theo not be available for back-up duty, one would think that Michal Neuvirth would be recalled -- but you never know.
Ovechkin really gelled with linemates Brendan Morrison and Mike Knuble in what could be the new top line for a while. Morrison has looked awesome throughout the first portion of the season and could end up being one of the biggest steals of the off-season.
Semin fared decently with Nicklas Backstrom and Brooks Laich. The final two lines (Bradley-Quintin Laing-David Steckel; Keith Aucoin-Chris Clark-Eric Fehr) did a fantastic job of cycling and putting on pressure throughout the game. It truly was a team win for a squad that needed it.
The only bad news was an injury to Jose Theodore, who played very well of late. Semyon Varlamov saved all 15 shots he faced in the final two periods and most likely will start tomorrow night against Nashville. Should Theo not be available for back-up duty, one would think that Michal Neuvirth would be recalled -- but you never know.
October 15, 2009
Caps-Sharks Live
It's an five-star match-up tonight as the San Jose Sharks are in town. Jose Theodore and Evgeni Nabokov are in between the pipes and Keith Aucoin in back in town skating on the third line. Coach Bruce Boudreau's new lines are in place, so let's see if more balance will be present. Let's get to the action.
First Period
Alex Semin seems to be playing a bit more agressively so far, and his work paid off by drawing a penalty about four minutes in the game. The Caps' power play looks much better than it has recently. In fact, they got about 18 seconds of five-on-three, which they didn't convert. But they got some sustained pressure and got another two-man advantage for 50 seconds after a third consecutive Sharks penalty. This is where they need to develop a killer instinct. After too many cute passes, the Caps finally connected on a great cross-crease pass from Nicklas Backstrom to Semin, who scored his sixth goal of the year. The Caps remain on the power play.
That's all the Caps could muster, and they still are trying too hard to make the perfect pass instead of shooting more frequently. However, Rome wasn't build in one day and the Caps definitely look better. Semin and Alex Ovechkin have five shots each in the game's first 11 minutes. Not bad, eh?
The Caps began to sit back and the Sharks made them pay. Benn Ferriero snuck in between Brian Pothier and Jeff Schultz and beat Theo top shelf to tie the game at one. Theo has been very solid tonight, but the Caps can't get complacent and allow the Sharks too many opportunities.
When they have a semi-breakaway, Semin and Ovechkin always seem to move from the left wing to the center before shooting. Don't you think the goalies have figured that out by now?
Harlem Globetrotter Semin unleashed a sick curl and drag to draw another power play for the Caps (their fourth of the period). On the ensuing power play, the Caps got some decent shots -- with Ovechkin being stoned by Nabokov about halfway through. The Caps got a few more chances but couldn't convert. They did, however, draw another penalty -- and yet another extra-man advantage.
The Caps couldn't sustain much pressure during their fifth power play of the period, and seemingly are not much closer to putting anybody away -- despite more than ample opportunities.
After one: Caps 1, Sharks 1.
Second Period
Jose Theodore left the game with an injury (which hasn't been disclosed officially) so Semyon Varlamov is now between the pipes.
After killing off an early Sharks power play, the Caps sprung to life. Ovechkin and Knuble converted a beautiful two-on-one when Knuble threaded a beautiful pass to the Great Eight to give the Caps a 2-1 lead. Less than 30 seconds later, Knuble uncorked a shot that was saved by Nabokov but the rebound went right to a streaking Ovechkin to give the Caps a two-goal bulge. So far, so great for the new Knuble-Morrison-Ovechkin line. The Backstrom-Semin-Laich line hasn't been as impressive, but there's still time to change that.
The rest of the period was full of back-and-forth action but no scoring. The Caps are playing much better, but still are not clamping down defensively as much as they should be doing. But they're definitely playing better than they did against New Jersey on Monday.
After two: Caps 3, Sharks 1.
Third Period
The good pace continued to start the final frame and the Caps padded their advantage when Matt Bradley poked in a juicy rebound from right in front of the goal, his second of the year. That was a just reward for a line (Quintin Laing and David Steckel) that has worked hard all night, cycled well and really put pressure on the Sharks.
The Caps really have done a good job of peppering the net and putting pressure on the net. Almost every line has kept the pressure on the visitors and stayed on the offensive. The lone exception seems to be the Backstrom-Laich-Semin line, who aren't driving to the net as much as the others. Laich is doing a decent job and Backstrom is doing the best he can, but (and I hate to be a broken record) Semin has been mostly invisible tonight after a strong first period.
Aucoin's had a strong game tonight too. He's really gelled with Chris Clark and Eric Fehr and showed the energy that he's been known for so far in his brief Caps' tenure.
Shaone Morrisonn picked up his second penalty of the game with about six minutes left for delay of game. It was only the Caps' third penalty of the night -- with Milan Jurcina getting the other. These really are the two worst penalty mongers on the team and it's fitting that in the home team's best game in a long time, they've stuck out like a sore thumb.
No official word on Theodore, but something might break later tonight. I wouldn't be surprised if Varly starts Saturday against Nashville (which might have been planned anyway) and we might even have a Michal Neuvirth sighting.
They didn't play a perfect game but certainly made a statement against a very good Sharks team. The rematch is in December and it'll be interesting how the teams match up then. But for now, the Caps have a lot to build upon for Saturday's game. Maybe Boudreau won't yell at them tomorrow in practice.
Final: Caps 4, Sharks 1.
First Period
Alex Semin seems to be playing a bit more agressively so far, and his work paid off by drawing a penalty about four minutes in the game. The Caps' power play looks much better than it has recently. In fact, they got about 18 seconds of five-on-three, which they didn't convert. But they got some sustained pressure and got another two-man advantage for 50 seconds after a third consecutive Sharks penalty. This is where they need to develop a killer instinct. After too many cute passes, the Caps finally connected on a great cross-crease pass from Nicklas Backstrom to Semin, who scored his sixth goal of the year. The Caps remain on the power play.
That's all the Caps could muster, and they still are trying too hard to make the perfect pass instead of shooting more frequently. However, Rome wasn't build in one day and the Caps definitely look better. Semin and Alex Ovechkin have five shots each in the game's first 11 minutes. Not bad, eh?
The Caps began to sit back and the Sharks made them pay. Benn Ferriero snuck in between Brian Pothier and Jeff Schultz and beat Theo top shelf to tie the game at one. Theo has been very solid tonight, but the Caps can't get complacent and allow the Sharks too many opportunities.
When they have a semi-breakaway, Semin and Ovechkin always seem to move from the left wing to the center before shooting. Don't you think the goalies have figured that out by now?
Harlem Globetrotter Semin unleashed a sick curl and drag to draw another power play for the Caps (their fourth of the period). On the ensuing power play, the Caps got some decent shots -- with Ovechkin being stoned by Nabokov about halfway through. The Caps got a few more chances but couldn't convert. They did, however, draw another penalty -- and yet another extra-man advantage.
The Caps couldn't sustain much pressure during their fifth power play of the period, and seemingly are not much closer to putting anybody away -- despite more than ample opportunities.
After one: Caps 1, Sharks 1.
Second Period
Jose Theodore left the game with an injury (which hasn't been disclosed officially) so Semyon Varlamov is now between the pipes.
After killing off an early Sharks power play, the Caps sprung to life. Ovechkin and Knuble converted a beautiful two-on-one when Knuble threaded a beautiful pass to the Great Eight to give the Caps a 2-1 lead. Less than 30 seconds later, Knuble uncorked a shot that was saved by Nabokov but the rebound went right to a streaking Ovechkin to give the Caps a two-goal bulge. So far, so great for the new Knuble-Morrison-Ovechkin line. The Backstrom-Semin-Laich line hasn't been as impressive, but there's still time to change that.
The rest of the period was full of back-and-forth action but no scoring. The Caps are playing much better, but still are not clamping down defensively as much as they should be doing. But they're definitely playing better than they did against New Jersey on Monday.
After two: Caps 3, Sharks 1.
Third Period
The good pace continued to start the final frame and the Caps padded their advantage when Matt Bradley poked in a juicy rebound from right in front of the goal, his second of the year. That was a just reward for a line (Quintin Laing and David Steckel) that has worked hard all night, cycled well and really put pressure on the Sharks.
The Caps really have done a good job of peppering the net and putting pressure on the net. Almost every line has kept the pressure on the visitors and stayed on the offensive. The lone exception seems to be the Backstrom-Laich-Semin line, who aren't driving to the net as much as the others. Laich is doing a decent job and Backstrom is doing the best he can, but (and I hate to be a broken record) Semin has been mostly invisible tonight after a strong first period.
Aucoin's had a strong game tonight too. He's really gelled with Chris Clark and Eric Fehr and showed the energy that he's been known for so far in his brief Caps' tenure.
Shaone Morrisonn picked up his second penalty of the game with about six minutes left for delay of game. It was only the Caps' third penalty of the night -- with Milan Jurcina getting the other. These really are the two worst penalty mongers on the team and it's fitting that in the home team's best game in a long time, they've stuck out like a sore thumb.
No official word on Theodore, but something might break later tonight. I wouldn't be surprised if Varly starts Saturday against Nashville (which might have been planned anyway) and we might even have a Michal Neuvirth sighting.
They didn't play a perfect game but certainly made a statement against a very good Sharks team. The rematch is in December and it'll be interesting how the teams match up then. But for now, the Caps have a lot to build upon for Saturday's game. Maybe Boudreau won't yell at them tomorrow in practice.
Final: Caps 4, Sharks 1.
Caps Host Sharks With a Streak to Break
The San Jose Sharks make their first visit to the nation's capital since Feb. 21, 2007 tonight, where two of the higher-scoring teams in the league meet. As we all remember, the Sharks won the President's Trophy last night and then were promptly sent home by the Anaheim Ducks in the first round. The Sharks' biggest off-season addition was Dany Heatley, who has five goals and five assists in six games so far this season. Needless to say, the Caps will need to be on their defensive game tonight.
Both teams lost in a shootout Monday night, and the Caps haven't won since their home opener on Oct. 3 (a 6-4 win over Toronto). This marks the second time in Bruce Boudreau's tenure that the Capitals have gone four games without a win. The Caps were 0-3-1 from March 1-8, 2009, then won three in a row.
San Jose has won 11 in a row against the Caps, dating to a 3-1 Caps win at Verizon Center Feb. 20, 1999. It's the team's longest current losing streak against any team in the league and the second-longest losing streak against a team all-time (the Caps lost their first 23 games against Montreal, Oct. 31, 1974 to March 25, 1978). Last year in San Jose, the Sharks destroyed the Caps, 7-2. San Jose is the only team in the NHL that Alex Ovechkin has never scored a goal against.
Tonight also marks Brendan Morrison's shot on the top line with Ovechkin and Mike Knuble (unless Boudreau has a change of heart from the last two days of practice).
Both teams lost in a shootout Monday night, and the Caps haven't won since their home opener on Oct. 3 (a 6-4 win over Toronto). This marks the second time in Bruce Boudreau's tenure that the Capitals have gone four games without a win. The Caps were 0-3-1 from March 1-8, 2009, then won three in a row.
San Jose has won 11 in a row against the Caps, dating to a 3-1 Caps win at Verizon Center Feb. 20, 1999. It's the team's longest current losing streak against any team in the league and the second-longest losing streak against a team all-time (the Caps lost their first 23 games against Montreal, Oct. 31, 1974 to March 25, 1978). Last year in San Jose, the Sharks destroyed the Caps, 7-2. San Jose is the only team in the NHL that Alex Ovechkin has never scored a goal against.
Tonight also marks Brendan Morrison's shot on the top line with Ovechkin and Mike Knuble (unless Boudreau has a change of heart from the last two days of practice).
October 14, 2009
Coming Soon: Live Chat
On Nov. 4, yours truly will be hosting a live, in-game chat on Comcast SportsNet's Web site while the Caps play the New Jersey Devils at the Rock. This season, CSN has beefed up its on-line team, hiring Michelle Scalise and others. (Michelle will continue to serve as the Caps' in-game host at Verizon Center.)
So far, bloggers, journalists and media personalities have hosted the chat -- including our friends Garrett Burns of Puckhead's Thoughts and Dmitry Chesnokov of Sovetsky Sports, Puck Daddy and the Washington Examiner).
Tomorrow night's game chat will be hosted by none other than John Walton, voice of the Hershey Bears.
So far, bloggers, journalists and media personalities have hosted the chat -- including our friends Garrett Burns of Puckhead's Thoughts and Dmitry Chesnokov of Sovetsky Sports, Puck Daddy and the Washington Examiner).
Tomorrow night's game chat will be hosted by none other than John Walton, voice of the Hershey Bears.
Ever the Chance to Tinker
One of the things that makes Coach Bruce Boudreau great is his realization that something isn't working -- and, more importantly, finding a solution. The latest on Gabby's board: the alignment of the top two lines (at least until Tomas Fleischmann returns).
In practice yesterday, Brendan Morrison and Mike Knuble joined Alex Ovechkin in practice, while Nicklas Backstrom, Alex Semin and Brooks Laich comprised the second line. It's certainly an interesting combination and one that needs game action to see if it pasts muster.
That being said, the Caps are better with Backstrom centering Ovechkin and Knuble. The problem, then, is the second line -- which didn't exactly have a good day at the office on Monday. Morrison seems to be rejuvenated so far, but the season is young. If he can continue to improve and maintain his high level of play, then the Caps will be better for it -- and have two very dangerous lines. Laich will come around and Semin, well, that's been addressed already.
The one thing that Boudreau isn't afraid to do is tinker. He views the regular season as an opportunity to have as many line combinations as needed to get it right. But he also likes to play the hot hand, which is why Jose Theodore probably will be back in net tomorrow night when the San Jose Sharks visit Verizon Center.
Boudreau hasn't touched the defensive pairings much, although he did bench Pothier for the end of Monday's game. The key remains that the Caps need to stick to Boudreau's system -- something that doesn't need much tinkering.
In practice yesterday, Brendan Morrison and Mike Knuble joined Alex Ovechkin in practice, while Nicklas Backstrom, Alex Semin and Brooks Laich comprised the second line. It's certainly an interesting combination and one that needs game action to see if it pasts muster.
That being said, the Caps are better with Backstrom centering Ovechkin and Knuble. The problem, then, is the second line -- which didn't exactly have a good day at the office on Monday. Morrison seems to be rejuvenated so far, but the season is young. If he can continue to improve and maintain his high level of play, then the Caps will be better for it -- and have two very dangerous lines. Laich will come around and Semin, well, that's been addressed already.
The one thing that Boudreau isn't afraid to do is tinker. He views the regular season as an opportunity to have as many line combinations as needed to get it right. But he also likes to play the hot hand, which is why Jose Theodore probably will be back in net tomorrow night when the San Jose Sharks visit Verizon Center.
Boudreau hasn't touched the defensive pairings much, although he did bench Pothier for the end of Monday's game. The key remains that the Caps need to stick to Boudreau's system -- something that doesn't need much tinkering.
October 13, 2009
Alex Semin, the System Smasher
Last night's 3-2 shootout loss to the New Jersey Devils demonstrated more than ever that Alex Semin is incapable of adhering to Bruce Boudreau's system. The coach was diplomatic about it after the game, but it was plainly obvious that he saw more than he let on during his post-game press conference.
"Mike's [Knuble] a professional, a real pro, and he's started out really good. I thought that he played a solid game," Boudreau said. "I thought that the other line struggled a little bit with the switch with Semin, [Brendan] Morrison and [Brooks] Laich, I think they were on for both of their goals, so we’ve got to find a switch that works for everybody."
What Boudreau could have said was that Alex Ovechkin played a better game with Knuble and Backstrom than he did when Semin was on the top line. In fact, the numbers prove it: the Caps gave up more shots with Semin-Backstrom-Ovechkin on the ice.
The reason the second line wasn't working well last night was because Semin played as if he was trying out for the Harlem Globetrotters. Every time he got the puck, he would skate around looking for a shot or fancy play instead of trying to pass and be a good teammate. That doesn't work for any team, let alone for the hardworking Caps.
And it's not like this is a newsflash with Semin, who makes $5 million this season (T-3rd on the team) and is a restricted free agent after the season. There's been talk about an extension for Backstrom, and for good reason: he continues to get it and play better every game.
Semin doesn't change. He feels his skill will overwhelm anybody and everybody who watches. When he and Ovechkin are on the ice, it's "anything you can do, I can do better," but it should be "let's win it for the team." When Ovechkin plays with Knuble and Backstrom, Ovie steps up his game and is a good teammate.
Semin tries to do everything himself if he's playing with anybody except Ovechkin. The reason the second line doesn't work is because of Semin, who might just be a slightly more skilled version of Miroslav Satan or Maxim Afinogenov. Like his fellowRussians Europeans, Semin can disappear for games on end or dominate at the drop of a hat.
Last season, Semin scored four goals in December and January after notching more than that in the season's first five games. His career high for goals in a season is 38, set during the 2006-07 season. He notched 79 points last season, a career high.
If I'm the Caps, though, I'm looking to trade Semin for somebody -- maybe even Ilya Kovalchuk, another friend of Ovechkin's. You say the Caps can't afford it? Take away Semin's $5 million and Michael Nylander's $5.5 million and that's more than enough for a player who has scored 189 goals over the last four seasons (compared to Semin's 108).
If you put Kovy with Morrison and Laich, he'll easily stay up-to-snuff and make the Caps' power play even better than it is now. Yes, it's a high-priced gamble (because no doubt the Thrashers will ask for a stud along with Semin), but it's clearly worth the risk.
There's no doubt about Semin's skill, but the problems reside in his head. The bottom line is that, unless Semin has a huge change of heart over the next couple weeks, this will be a problem until he is sent away -- which, in my opinion, is the best resolution to dealing with the only offensive player on the roster who doesn't understand that being selflessness is just as (and maybe more) important than skill in winning a Stanley Cup.
"Mike's [Knuble] a professional, a real pro, and he's started out really good. I thought that he played a solid game," Boudreau said. "I thought that the other line struggled a little bit with the switch with Semin, [Brendan] Morrison and [Brooks] Laich, I think they were on for both of their goals, so we’ve got to find a switch that works for everybody."
What Boudreau could have said was that Alex Ovechkin played a better game with Knuble and Backstrom than he did when Semin was on the top line. In fact, the numbers prove it: the Caps gave up more shots with Semin-Backstrom-Ovechkin on the ice.
The reason the second line wasn't working well last night was because Semin played as if he was trying out for the Harlem Globetrotters. Every time he got the puck, he would skate around looking for a shot or fancy play instead of trying to pass and be a good teammate. That doesn't work for any team, let alone for the hardworking Caps.
And it's not like this is a newsflash with Semin, who makes $5 million this season (T-3rd on the team) and is a restricted free agent after the season. There's been talk about an extension for Backstrom, and for good reason: he continues to get it and play better every game.
Semin doesn't change. He feels his skill will overwhelm anybody and everybody who watches. When he and Ovechkin are on the ice, it's "anything you can do, I can do better," but it should be "let's win it for the team." When Ovechkin plays with Knuble and Backstrom, Ovie steps up his game and is a good teammate.
Semin tries to do everything himself if he's playing with anybody except Ovechkin. The reason the second line doesn't work is because of Semin, who might just be a slightly more skilled version of Miroslav Satan or Maxim Afinogenov. Like his fellow
Last season, Semin scored four goals in December and January after notching more than that in the season's first five games. His career high for goals in a season is 38, set during the 2006-07 season. He notched 79 points last season, a career high.
If I'm the Caps, though, I'm looking to trade Semin for somebody -- maybe even Ilya Kovalchuk, another friend of Ovechkin's. You say the Caps can't afford it? Take away Semin's $5 million and Michael Nylander's $5.5 million and that's more than enough for a player who has scored 189 goals over the last four seasons (compared to Semin's 108).
If you put Kovy with Morrison and Laich, he'll easily stay up-to-snuff and make the Caps' power play even better than it is now. Yes, it's a high-priced gamble (because no doubt the Thrashers will ask for a stud along with Semin), but it's clearly worth the risk.
There's no doubt about Semin's skill, but the problems reside in his head. The bottom line is that, unless Semin has a huge change of heart over the next couple weeks, this will be a problem until he is sent away -- which, in my opinion, is the best resolution to dealing with the only offensive player on the roster who doesn't understand that being selflessness is just as (and maybe more) important than skill in winning a Stanley Cup.
October 12, 2009
Devils-Caps Live
Welcome to Columbus Day and Canadian Thanksgiving at Verizon Center, where Jose Theodore and the Caps welcome Martin Brodeur and the New Jersey Devils. Let's get it on!
First Period
Mike Knuble has been moved back to his rightful place on the top line with Nicklas Backstrom and Alex Ovechkin, while Alex Semin is playing with Brendan Morrison and Brooks Laich. But the move didn't affect any penalty-monger ways as Knuble was whistled for tripping just 55 seconds into the game.
The Caps killed off the penalty and promptly got a scoring chance when Backstrom was able to keep the puck in the zone, get it to Ovechkin -- who unleashed a wicked shot with Knuble parked right in front. Now that's what I'm talking about.
The Caps' intensity definitely has increased and it seems they're adhering to the system a bit more too. Theo has made some key saves already.
The hard work paid off and it got Mike Green off the proverbial schnide. Ovechkin shot the puck from a sharp angle and Knuble missed the tap-in, but Green was there with a great wrister to give the Caps a 1-0 lead, despite only having two shots on goal. (The Devils have four.)
With the adjusted lines, it's interesting to watch how Semin is playing with his new/old line. So far, he hasn't touched the puck much, though. But he did seem to try to play defense, which is a step in the right direction.
Green almost cost the Caps when he had a rough change, but Theo stoned Brian Rolston to keep the game tied. Ovechkin then grabbed the puck and raced down towards Brodeur. He fired it across to Knuble, who beat Brodeur when the puck trickled across the goal line to give the Caps a 2-0 lead.
Moments later, Chris Clark and David Clarkson fought seemingly out of nowhere -- and it was a good, long tussle too.
This is a Caps team reminiscient of how they played in Boston on opening night and not the last three games. But they have to play for a full 60 minutes, so the verdict is very much still up on the air for the rest of tonight's contest. So far, so good.
After one: Caps 2, Devils 0.
Second Period
The Caps are doing a better job of cycling, except for the Morrison-Laich-Semin line and there's no doubt who to blame for that trio's ineptitude. As if on cue, the Devils were able to edge closer when Semin was caught up ice and couldn't get back to cover Rolston, who easily beat Theodore to cut the Caps' lead to one.
If Green and Semin were in Coach Bruce Boudreau's crosshairs, clearly Green got the message and Semin didn't. But, then again, that's his MO -- do whatever he wants whenever he wants, which is not a healthy way for one of your most skilled players to operate. It's no secret the Caps are building around Backstrom, Ovechkin and Green -- with Semin kept off that list for good reason.
The Devils got a second power play, but the Caps were able to kill it off rather easily. The Caps then got an extra-man advantage due to some hard work by Morrison and Laich.
The Caps weren't able to score, but they did maintain the pressure and got some good shots on net. That was the theme of the period.
Later on, Semin had the puck on the goal line and, instead of passing, decided to try to do his Harlem Globetrotters impression and had the puck stolen. Thankfully for the Caps, Theodore made the save -- but that was Semin in a nutshell: selfish.
After two: Caps 2, Devils 1.
Third Period
The first few minutes of the period was full of up-and-down action, with the Caps getting a power play just past the four-minute mark after some good offensive-zone pressure.
The Caps didn't get much pressure on the first portion of the extra-man advantage, but got a five-on-three after Knuble got high-sticked by Brodeur. Boudreau wisely took a timeout before the two-man advantage began. (Plenty of Green birthday wishers in the crowd.)
It took a while for the Caps to set-up and, even when they did, they didn't shoot enough. But they did force Brodeur to make some tough saves. The second portion of the extra-man advantage was more futile than the first, including an off-sides call -- which is beyond unacceptable. The crowd clearly is growing restless with the Caps' unwillingness to unleash a shooting gallery on Brodeur. With that being said, though, the Caps still got some good shots on net, just not enough of them.
The team's two grinding lines have done a great job all night of cycling the puck and keeping the Devils on their heels. That helped the Caps get another power play, but it didn't last long as Backstrom was called for holding about 45 seconds into the advantage. The Caps were able to kill it off, though.
The Devils started turning up the pressure with a great shift and their hard work paid off. After several minutes of sustained pressure, Clarkson squeezed between Morrisonn and Pothier and got just enough of a pass from Nicklas Bergfors to put it past Theodore. The Caps are not only kicking themselves for not scoring on the five-on-three, but are starting to take too many penalties.
After they scored, the Devils kept on the pressure and drew a power play after a Boyd Gordon slash. The Caps had their best penalty kill of the night, led by some brilliant saves by Theodore. The end of regulation brought more back-and-forth action -- and the Caps' first point since their third game of the season.
After three: Caps 2, Devils 2.
Overtime
The four-on-four session began with Ovechkin, Backstrom, Green and Morrisonn on the ice for the Caps. After a great first shift, though, the play evened out before Morrison (Brendan) was called for tripping. The ensuing power play involved some of the best saves of the night from Theo -- with a little help from the post. The penalty killers got a HUGE ovation from the crowd, and it was well deserved.
Ovechkin and Backstrom unleashed a shooting gallery of their own following the heroic effort by their teammates, but it couldn't stop the inevitable: a shootout.
After OT: Caps 2, Devils 2.
Shootout
The Caps elected to shoot first.
Backstrom: goal, top shelf.
Parise: goal, five-hole.
Semin: no goal on a slapshot.
Langenbrunner: goal, after an initial save.
Ovechkin: no goal.
Final: Devils 3, Caps 2 (SO)
First Period
Mike Knuble has been moved back to his rightful place on the top line with Nicklas Backstrom and Alex Ovechkin, while Alex Semin is playing with Brendan Morrison and Brooks Laich. But the move didn't affect any penalty-monger ways as Knuble was whistled for tripping just 55 seconds into the game.
The Caps killed off the penalty and promptly got a scoring chance when Backstrom was able to keep the puck in the zone, get it to Ovechkin -- who unleashed a wicked shot with Knuble parked right in front. Now that's what I'm talking about.
The Caps' intensity definitely has increased and it seems they're adhering to the system a bit more too. Theo has made some key saves already.
The hard work paid off and it got Mike Green off the proverbial schnide. Ovechkin shot the puck from a sharp angle and Knuble missed the tap-in, but Green was there with a great wrister to give the Caps a 1-0 lead, despite only having two shots on goal. (The Devils have four.)
With the adjusted lines, it's interesting to watch how Semin is playing with his new/old line. So far, he hasn't touched the puck much, though. But he did seem to try to play defense, which is a step in the right direction.
Green almost cost the Caps when he had a rough change, but Theo stoned Brian Rolston to keep the game tied. Ovechkin then grabbed the puck and raced down towards Brodeur. He fired it across to Knuble, who beat Brodeur when the puck trickled across the goal line to give the Caps a 2-0 lead.
Moments later, Chris Clark and David Clarkson fought seemingly out of nowhere -- and it was a good, long tussle too.
This is a Caps team reminiscient of how they played in Boston on opening night and not the last three games. But they have to play for a full 60 minutes, so the verdict is very much still up on the air for the rest of tonight's contest. So far, so good.
After one: Caps 2, Devils 0.
Second Period
The Caps are doing a better job of cycling, except for the Morrison-Laich-Semin line and there's no doubt who to blame for that trio's ineptitude. As if on cue, the Devils were able to edge closer when Semin was caught up ice and couldn't get back to cover Rolston, who easily beat Theodore to cut the Caps' lead to one.
If Green and Semin were in Coach Bruce Boudreau's crosshairs, clearly Green got the message and Semin didn't. But, then again, that's his MO -- do whatever he wants whenever he wants, which is not a healthy way for one of your most skilled players to operate. It's no secret the Caps are building around Backstrom, Ovechkin and Green -- with Semin kept off that list for good reason.
The Devils got a second power play, but the Caps were able to kill it off rather easily. The Caps then got an extra-man advantage due to some hard work by Morrison and Laich.
The Caps weren't able to score, but they did maintain the pressure and got some good shots on net. That was the theme of the period.
Later on, Semin had the puck on the goal line and, instead of passing, decided to try to do his Harlem Globetrotters impression and had the puck stolen. Thankfully for the Caps, Theodore made the save -- but that was Semin in a nutshell: selfish.
After two: Caps 2, Devils 1.
Third Period
The first few minutes of the period was full of up-and-down action, with the Caps getting a power play just past the four-minute mark after some good offensive-zone pressure.
The Caps didn't get much pressure on the first portion of the extra-man advantage, but got a five-on-three after Knuble got high-sticked by Brodeur. Boudreau wisely took a timeout before the two-man advantage began. (Plenty of Green birthday wishers in the crowd.)
It took a while for the Caps to set-up and, even when they did, they didn't shoot enough. But they did force Brodeur to make some tough saves. The second portion of the extra-man advantage was more futile than the first, including an off-sides call -- which is beyond unacceptable. The crowd clearly is growing restless with the Caps' unwillingness to unleash a shooting gallery on Brodeur. With that being said, though, the Caps still got some good shots on net, just not enough of them.
The team's two grinding lines have done a great job all night of cycling the puck and keeping the Devils on their heels. That helped the Caps get another power play, but it didn't last long as Backstrom was called for holding about 45 seconds into the advantage. The Caps were able to kill it off, though.
The Devils started turning up the pressure with a great shift and their hard work paid off. After several minutes of sustained pressure, Clarkson squeezed between Morrisonn and Pothier and got just enough of a pass from Nicklas Bergfors to put it past Theodore. The Caps are not only kicking themselves for not scoring on the five-on-three, but are starting to take too many penalties.
After they scored, the Devils kept on the pressure and drew a power play after a Boyd Gordon slash. The Caps had their best penalty kill of the night, led by some brilliant saves by Theodore. The end of regulation brought more back-and-forth action -- and the Caps' first point since their third game of the season.
After three: Caps 2, Devils 2.
Overtime
The four-on-four session began with Ovechkin, Backstrom, Green and Morrisonn on the ice for the Caps. After a great first shift, though, the play evened out before Morrison (Brendan) was called for tripping. The ensuing power play involved some of the best saves of the night from Theo -- with a little help from the post. The penalty killers got a HUGE ovation from the crowd, and it was well deserved.
Ovechkin and Backstrom unleashed a shooting gallery of their own following the heroic effort by their teammates, but it couldn't stop the inevitable: a shootout.
After OT: Caps 2, Devils 2.
Shootout
The Caps elected to shoot first.
Backstrom: goal, top shelf.
Parise: goal, five-hole.
Semin: no goal on a slapshot.
Langenbrunner: goal, after an initial save.
Ovechkin: no goal.
Final: Devils 3, Caps 2 (SO)
Weekly Snapshot, Oct. 12
Storming the Crease is starting a new weekly Monday feature, which will give Caps fans and others a chance to learn what's new with the team. The second edition:
Record/Standings Position: 2-2-1, 1st Southeast Division/3rd Eastern Conference/14th NHL
Last Week's Games:
* Lost, 6-5 (OT), at Philadelphia
* Lost, 4-3, vs. N.Y. Rangers
* Lost, 3-2, at Detroit
This Week's Games:
* Tonight vs New Jersey (7 p.m., CSN)
* Thursday vs. San Jose (7 p.m., CSN/NHL Network)
* Saturday vs. Nashville (7 p.m., CSN)
Injuries: Tomas Fleischmann (getting close to returning to practice)
Recent Transactions: Assigned Boyd Kane to Hershey (Oct. 7)
Top Storylines:
* Old habits die hard: The Caps' penalty-monger ways are back and it's been a huge detriment, as they've been hurt on the penalty kill.
* The team has forgotten that defense wins championships.
* Ted Leonsis on his blog: "As I have said before, miles to go before we sleep."
Top Line (Who's Hot?): Alex Ovechkin (5 goals, 5 assists), Nicklas Backstrom (2 goals, 8 assists), Alex Semin (5 goals, 4 assists)
Scratches (Who's Not?): Mike Green (getting worse by the game), Alex Semin (his carefree attitude does not bode well for long-term success), Jeff Schultz (only two games played so far)
Record/Standings Position: 2-2-1, 1st Southeast Division/3rd Eastern Conference/14th NHL
Last Week's Games:
* Lost, 6-5 (OT), at Philadelphia
* Lost, 4-3, vs. N.Y. Rangers
* Lost, 3-2, at Detroit
This Week's Games:
* Tonight vs New Jersey (7 p.m., CSN)
* Thursday vs. San Jose (7 p.m., CSN/NHL Network)
* Saturday vs. Nashville (7 p.m., CSN)
Injuries: Tomas Fleischmann (getting close to returning to practice)
Recent Transactions: Assigned Boyd Kane to Hershey (Oct. 7)
Top Storylines:
* Old habits die hard: The Caps' penalty-monger ways are back and it's been a huge detriment, as they've been hurt on the penalty kill.
* The team has forgotten that defense wins championships.
* Ted Leonsis on his blog: "As I have said before, miles to go before we sleep."
Top Line (Who's Hot?): Alex Ovechkin (5 goals, 5 assists), Nicklas Backstrom (2 goals, 8 assists), Alex Semin (5 goals, 4 assists)
Scratches (Who's Not?): Mike Green (getting worse by the game), Alex Semin (his carefree attitude does not bode well for long-term success), Jeff Schultz (only two games played so far)
October 9, 2009
Boudreau Peeved, Now What?
For one of the few times in his tenure, Caps Coach Bruce Boudreau was visibly upset after last night's 4-3 loss to the New York Rangers at Verizon Center. And for good reason.
"Anytime you have the lead in the last 10:00 of the game you have to [protect the lead]," he said after the game. "We've blown two leads like that now and almost a third in four games. It's a really upsetting trend. It better stop in a hurry."
How they stop the trend, though, remains to be seen. But there's no secret that cohesion seems to be a problem.
"We played as individuals instead of a unit and that's what happens. That's we talked about in between periods," he added. "If you're going to play like individuals, you're going to get individual results -- nothing is going to happen."
The Caps were more than just out of sync last night, they were extremely disorganized. Any good karma created by the dominant 4-1 victory over the Boston Bruins last Thursday has disappeared.
The power play was one-for-nine, including more than three minutes of either five-on-three or four-on-three time without a goal.
"We didn't work like usual," Nick Backstrom said of the power play. "We tried to play too cute and too difficult. We need more shots on the net. They wanted to win a little bit more than us, especially in the third period. We had a 3-2 lead."
That was a theme last year that was supposed to stop this time around. At this point, it seems the Caps don't even care about playing defense. They just want to score a pretty goal. It's like the Harlem Globetrotters of the NHL -- and that's not the way you win a Stanley Cup.
It's early and there's plenty of time to correct what's become a glaring problem quickly. They've admitted they have a problem (some of them anyway) and now it's time to work on the cure.
"Anytime you have the lead in the last 10:00 of the game you have to [protect the lead]," he said after the game. "We've blown two leads like that now and almost a third in four games. It's a really upsetting trend. It better stop in a hurry."
How they stop the trend, though, remains to be seen. But there's no secret that cohesion seems to be a problem.
"We played as individuals instead of a unit and that's what happens. That's we talked about in between periods," he added. "If you're going to play like individuals, you're going to get individual results -- nothing is going to happen."
The Caps were more than just out of sync last night, they were extremely disorganized. Any good karma created by the dominant 4-1 victory over the Boston Bruins last Thursday has disappeared.
The power play was one-for-nine, including more than three minutes of either five-on-three or four-on-three time without a goal.
"We didn't work like usual," Nick Backstrom said of the power play. "We tried to play too cute and too difficult. We need more shots on the net. They wanted to win a little bit more than us, especially in the third period. We had a 3-2 lead."
That was a theme last year that was supposed to stop this time around. At this point, it seems the Caps don't even care about playing defense. They just want to score a pretty goal. It's like the Harlem Globetrotters of the NHL -- and that's not the way you win a Stanley Cup.
It's early and there's plenty of time to correct what's become a glaring problem quickly. They've admitted they have a problem (some of them anyway) and now it's time to work on the cure.
October 8, 2009
Caps-Rangers Live
It's time for the second home game of the season, with the New York Rangers visiting Verizon Center. Jose Theodore opposes Henrik Lundqvist in net. The superline of Alex Semin-Alex Ovechkin-Nick Backstrom remains intact. Milan Jurcina is the odd man out on defense tonight.
First Period
The Caps came out with a lot of energy but not a lot of sync. Through the first seven or so minutes, including a power play, they only mustered one shot on goal. And that incompetence continued, despite the fact the Caps scored a goal.
Just after a Rangers' power play, Semin carried the puck into the zone and passed it back to Brian Pothier. With Backstrom and Matt Bradley in front of the net, Pothier unleashed a beautiful pass back to Semin on the back door for a 1-0 lead.
The Caps also benefited from some timely saves from Jose Theodore.
The Caps also managed to earn a five-on-three (for about a minute), but were too cute and didn't shoot enough. You can't blame Mike Knuble, who was parked in front of the net. But there was too much perimeter passing and not enough shooting.
The Caps clearly have more talent than the Rangers (and most other teams), but it's the drive that has gotten them in trouble. Yes, the superline is doing well, but the talent doesn't seem to be even enough throughout the lineup. Also, Mike Green clearly isn't even trying to play defense -- and he certainly isn't lighting up the scoreboard either.
After one: Caps 1, Rangers 0.
Second Period
The Caps aren't playing very cohesively tonight. It's almost as if they retreated too much in an effort to encourage defensive responsibility -- which hasn't exactly happened either. So they're playing in between and that's not benefiting anybody. Thankfully for the Caps, the Rangers' offensive woes combined with some good goaltending by Theodore has helped the Caps maintain their 1-0 lead.
The Caps were playing with fire and they got burned. On another five-on-three, they kept passing around the perimeter and didn't get any good shots on goal. After Green took a dumb penalty, Boudreau put the superline and Brendan Morrison on the ice, who prompted to give up two shorthanded breakaways -- and the Rangers finally tied the score on a Ryan Callahan tally. All the talk of bringing Knuble in to play with Ovechkin and Backstrom along with some time in front of the net has gone for naught because Boudreau hasn't kept the trio together. The first power play unit doesn't even have Knuble on it, as Brooks Laich is in that spot.
The Rangers struck again on a two-on-one down low as Theo didn't have a chance. Ales Kotalik gave the visitors the lead off a nice pass from Artem Anisimov, with the Caps nowhere in position. Boudreau's got to figure out that putting all of his offensive players in one basket -- at the risk of the team's long-term success -- is not a good strategy over the course of an 82-game schedule.
This game also continues to show that the Caps' defense could be a lesser problem than the fact that the offense is getting sloppy. It's just the fourth game of the season, but these trends extend into last season (and beyond).
The period continued as such -- with the Caps looking progessively like the team just learning to play instead of the two-time defending division champs. The Rangers certainly know how to contain the Caps and it's showing tonight. Hopefully Boudreau realizes that changes are needed because the status quo isn't working tonight.
After two: Rangers 2, Caps 1.
Third Period
Theodore should be receiving all three stars with the way he's playing tonight. He's been bailing out the Caps time after time and is much better than he was for most of last season.
But the Caps were able to tie up the game with a bit of luck. Backstrom dumped in the puck from practically center ice past an unsuspcting Lundqvist, which of course prompted cat calls from the crowd and a scower from John Tortorella. Tyler Sloan picked up a cheap assist.
The goal woke up the crowd and the Caps, who seemed to play with more vim and vigor. On their eighth power play of the night, the Caps finally scored with the extra man. Semin started the play from the face-off circle and Laich quickly whipped it to Backstrom, who notched his second of the night to give the Caps their first lead in a while.
But it lasted less than a minute. Marian Gaborik fired a weak slapshot past Theodore (and his five hole) to tie the game at three. It was Theo's first really bad mistake of the night. So much for the renewed momentum.
And then the Caps took another penalty and Theo gave up and another goal to Gaborik, which was practically a clone of his first moments earlier. This game gives new meaning to the word ugly. The Caps defense is virtually non-existent and the offense is one-dimensional (and one-line focused).
The Caps got yet another power play with just over five minutes left that, based on their play, have no business winning. To think that they're one-for-eight nine with the extra man and have looked horrible on the power play -- and, quite frankly, overall -- is unfathomable. There's no balance and, with Green doing his best Scott Norwood impression of putting everything wide right, no scoring threat from the blueline. It's not the kind of team that looks like they're ready to advance deep in the playoffs. In other words, things aren't going to be easy until the Caps learn that you don't win games on style points.
Final: Rangers 4, Caps 3.
First Period
The Caps came out with a lot of energy but not a lot of sync. Through the first seven or so minutes, including a power play, they only mustered one shot on goal. And that incompetence continued, despite the fact the Caps scored a goal.
Just after a Rangers' power play, Semin carried the puck into the zone and passed it back to Brian Pothier. With Backstrom and Matt Bradley in front of the net, Pothier unleashed a beautiful pass back to Semin on the back door for a 1-0 lead.
The Caps also benefited from some timely saves from Jose Theodore.
The Caps also managed to earn a five-on-three (for about a minute), but were too cute and didn't shoot enough. You can't blame Mike Knuble, who was parked in front of the net. But there was too much perimeter passing and not enough shooting.
The Caps clearly have more talent than the Rangers (and most other teams), but it's the drive that has gotten them in trouble. Yes, the superline is doing well, but the talent doesn't seem to be even enough throughout the lineup. Also, Mike Green clearly isn't even trying to play defense -- and he certainly isn't lighting up the scoreboard either.
After one: Caps 1, Rangers 0.
Second Period
The Caps aren't playing very cohesively tonight. It's almost as if they retreated too much in an effort to encourage defensive responsibility -- which hasn't exactly happened either. So they're playing in between and that's not benefiting anybody. Thankfully for the Caps, the Rangers' offensive woes combined with some good goaltending by Theodore has helped the Caps maintain their 1-0 lead.
The Caps were playing with fire and they got burned. On another five-on-three, they kept passing around the perimeter and didn't get any good shots on goal. After Green took a dumb penalty, Boudreau put the superline and Brendan Morrison on the ice, who prompted to give up two shorthanded breakaways -- and the Rangers finally tied the score on a Ryan Callahan tally. All the talk of bringing Knuble in to play with Ovechkin and Backstrom along with some time in front of the net has gone for naught because Boudreau hasn't kept the trio together. The first power play unit doesn't even have Knuble on it, as Brooks Laich is in that spot.
The Rangers struck again on a two-on-one down low as Theo didn't have a chance. Ales Kotalik gave the visitors the lead off a nice pass from Artem Anisimov, with the Caps nowhere in position. Boudreau's got to figure out that putting all of his offensive players in one basket -- at the risk of the team's long-term success -- is not a good strategy over the course of an 82-game schedule.
This game also continues to show that the Caps' defense could be a lesser problem than the fact that the offense is getting sloppy. It's just the fourth game of the season, but these trends extend into last season (and beyond).
The period continued as such -- with the Caps looking progessively like the team just learning to play instead of the two-time defending division champs. The Rangers certainly know how to contain the Caps and it's showing tonight. Hopefully Boudreau realizes that changes are needed because the status quo isn't working tonight.
After two: Rangers 2, Caps 1.
Third Period
Theodore should be receiving all three stars with the way he's playing tonight. He's been bailing out the Caps time after time and is much better than he was for most of last season.
But the Caps were able to tie up the game with a bit of luck. Backstrom dumped in the puck from practically center ice past an unsuspcting Lundqvist, which of course prompted cat calls from the crowd and a scower from John Tortorella. Tyler Sloan picked up a cheap assist.
The goal woke up the crowd and the Caps, who seemed to play with more vim and vigor. On their eighth power play of the night, the Caps finally scored with the extra man. Semin started the play from the face-off circle and Laich quickly whipped it to Backstrom, who notched his second of the night to give the Caps their first lead in a while.
But it lasted less than a minute. Marian Gaborik fired a weak slapshot past Theodore (and his five hole) to tie the game at three. It was Theo's first really bad mistake of the night. So much for the renewed momentum.
And then the Caps took another penalty and Theo gave up and another goal to Gaborik, which was practically a clone of his first moments earlier. This game gives new meaning to the word ugly. The Caps defense is virtually non-existent and the offense is one-dimensional (and one-line focused).
The Caps got yet another power play with just over five minutes left that, based on their play, have no business winning. To think that they're one-for-
Final: Rangers 4, Caps 3.
Rangers, Brashear Return to D.C.
The Caps and New York Rangers are in different stages -- even only a week into the season. The Caps have true Stanley Cup aspirations, and are learning lessons on how to ensure they reach that goal. The Rangers are in their first full season under Coach John Tortorella and are figuring out if they're a true playoff team.
Those paths collide tonight at Verizon Center in a match-up that is a rematch of last spring's first-round series. The teams include many new faces, the keystone of which is Donald Brashear -- then a Cap, now a Ranger. Gone from New York are Scott Gomez and a few others.
Alex Ovechkin has scored nine points in the first three games and looks to become the first player ever to notch three points in the season's first four games. With a point tonight, Ovechkin would become the first player since Martin Havlat in 2006-07 to record 10 points in the first four games.
But the focus for the Caps is on the defensive end after allowing 10 goals in the last two games. They spent time at practice yesterday working on that and the lessons they absorb early in the season will help them come playoff time. Many times, they can simply win an offensive shootout -- but that style will not fly in the postseason. Learning defensive responsibility early is paramount.
The Caps lead the all-time series, 85-74-18-5, entering the 183rd meeting, and are 49-31-9-3 at home against the Blueshirts.
Those paths collide tonight at Verizon Center in a match-up that is a rematch of last spring's first-round series. The teams include many new faces, the keystone of which is Donald Brashear -- then a Cap, now a Ranger. Gone from New York are Scott Gomez and a few others.
Alex Ovechkin has scored nine points in the first three games and looks to become the first player ever to notch three points in the season's first four games. With a point tonight, Ovechkin would become the first player since Martin Havlat in 2006-07 to record 10 points in the first four games.
But the focus for the Caps is on the defensive end after allowing 10 goals in the last two games. They spent time at practice yesterday working on that and the lessons they absorb early in the season will help them come playoff time. Many times, they can simply win an offensive shootout -- but that style will not fly in the postseason. Learning defensive responsibility early is paramount.
The Caps lead the all-time series, 85-74-18-5, entering the 183rd meeting, and are 49-31-9-3 at home against the Blueshirts.
October 7, 2009
Defense, Loose Play Haunts Caps
Stop me if you've heard this one: the Caps lost because of defensive lapses and not sticking to Bruce Boudreau's system. In last night's 6-5 loss at Philadelphia, the Caps repeated their mistakes from previous seasons and escaped from the defensive prowess shown during the season's first five periods. And, oh by the way, the penalty kill stunk up the joint.
The Caps may try to outscore you (after all, you need to do that to win) but, without any defensive responsibility, they will not be able to achieve their lofty goals for the season. The same problems that haunted them last season during multiple losses has reared its ugly head in the third period of Saturday night's 6-4 victory over Toronto and most of last night's contest.
Tom Poti and Milan Jurcina are once again in the crosshairs for their irresponsible play. John Erskine v.1 (the regular-season version) was playing last night instead of v.2 (the playoff one). Clearly, a defensive overhaul can't be achieved, but getting the most out of what you have is essential.
As for goaltending, just remember that Semyon Varlamov is young and still learning.
Finally, it might be time to break up the Alex Ovechkin-Nicklas Backstrom-Alex Semin superline. Yes, the trio has scored most of the Caps' goals this year. But moving Knuble back to that line -- and sending Semin to play with Brooks Laich and Brendan Morrison -- would make the lines more even and add some defensive prowess as well.
The Caps got a point in the standings, despite their poor play. Let's hope they also get the point through their heads.
The Caps may try to outscore you (after all, you need to do that to win) but, without any defensive responsibility, they will not be able to achieve their lofty goals for the season. The same problems that haunted them last season during multiple losses has reared its ugly head in the third period of Saturday night's 6-4 victory over Toronto and most of last night's contest.
Tom Poti and Milan Jurcina are once again in the crosshairs for their irresponsible play. John Erskine v.1 (the regular-season version) was playing last night instead of v.2 (the playoff one). Clearly, a defensive overhaul can't be achieved, but getting the most out of what you have is essential.
As for goaltending, just remember that Semyon Varlamov is young and still learning.
Finally, it might be time to break up the Alex Ovechkin-Nicklas Backstrom-Alex Semin superline. Yes, the trio has scored most of the Caps' goals this year. But moving Knuble back to that line -- and sending Semin to play with Brooks Laich and Brendan Morrison -- would make the lines more even and add some defensive prowess as well.
The Caps got a point in the standings, despite their poor play. Let's hope they also get the point through their heads.
October 6, 2009
Caps Dominate Redskins
In an effort to prove, hopefully once and for all, that the Caps are a better team than the Redskins, The Washington Post's Dan Steinberg has begun a series of comparisons. The latest involves only this year, but a better one goes back 13 years.
So the Redskins might have a bigger stadium, more prominent history, more titles and better newspaper coverage, but the Caps are the better team.
Since 1996, the Caps (440-414-78-59, .513) have a better winning percentage than the Redskins (105-108-1, .493) with more playoff appearances (five for the Caps, three for the 'Skins).
So the Redskins might have a bigger stadium, more prominent history, more titles and better newspaper coverage, but the Caps are the better team.
Early Tests Continue
The Caps head into Wachovia Center tonight (7 p.m., Versus) to oppose the Philadelphia Flyers in their home opener. The game is important because the Flyers (along with the Pittsburgh Penguins) routinely give the Caps their hardest tests of the season. It also is Mike Knuble's first game against his (most immediate) former team.
Like the Caps, the Flyers are off to a 2-0 start (their first such record since the 1998-99 season). The teams split the two games in Philadelphia last season, but the Flyers are 56-28-6-1 all-time at home against the Caps.
New Flyers' goalie Ray Emery has played extremely well so far. Youngster James van Riemsdyk leads the team with three points, while several players -- including captain Mike Richards -- boast two points apiece.
The Caps' face-off team of David Steckel, Boyd Gordon and Brendan Morrison all are winning 60 percent of their draws, while the team ranks third in the league at 58.1 percent.
Tonight's game also brings some irony to the DirecTV-Versus as Comast (Versus' parent company) is based in Philadelphia. Caps' game announcer Joe Beninati reprises his play-by-play role tonight on the national stage.
Finally, from the trivia department, the Caps play 13 games in the month of October. Each of the four previous times that the Caps have had 13 October games they have reached at least the second round of the playoffs in the following spring (1997-98, 1993-94, 1990-91 and
1989-90).
Like the Caps, the Flyers are off to a 2-0 start (their first such record since the 1998-99 season). The teams split the two games in Philadelphia last season, but the Flyers are 56-28-6-1 all-time at home against the Caps.
New Flyers' goalie Ray Emery has played extremely well so far. Youngster James van Riemsdyk leads the team with three points, while several players -- including captain Mike Richards -- boast two points apiece.
The Caps' face-off team of David Steckel, Boyd Gordon and Brendan Morrison all are winning 60 percent of their draws, while the team ranks third in the league at 58.1 percent.
Tonight's game also brings some irony to the DirecTV-Versus as Comast (Versus' parent company) is based in Philadelphia. Caps' game announcer Joe Beninati reprises his play-by-play role tonight on the national stage.
Finally, from the trivia department, the Caps play 13 games in the month of October. Each of the four previous times that the Caps have had 13 October games they have reached at least the second round of the playoffs in the following spring (1997-98, 1993-94, 1990-91 and
1989-90).
October 5, 2009
Weekly Snapshot, Premiere Edition
Storming the Crease is starting a new weekly Monday feature, which will give Caps fans and others a chance to learn what's new with the team. The first edition:
Record/Standings Position: 2-0-0, 1st Southeast Division/T-1st Eastern Conference/T-1st NHL
Last Week's Games:
* Won, 4-1, at Boston Thursday
* Won, 6-4, vs. Toronto Saturday
This Week's Games:
* Tomorrow at Philadelphia (7 p.m., Versus)
* Thursday vs. N.Y. Rangers (7 p.m., CSN)
* Saturday at Detroit (7 p.m., CSN)
Injuries: Eric Fehr (maybe back this week), Tomas Fleischmann (about 10 days from returning to practice)
Recent Transactions: None (since the season started)
Top Storylines:
* Michael Nylander is still a Cap, in name only. He won't be playing for the team this year and his $4.875 million salary cap hit is eating at the team like the swine flu. The faster he goes away, the better things will be for the season.
* The Caps have come out with a new determination, but showed in the third period Saturday night that they still are growing and learning.
* Mike Knuble is the real deal.
Top Line (Who's Hot?): Alex Ovechkin (3 goals, 3 assists), Brooks Laich (3 goals, 2 assists), penalty kill (perfect so far)
Scratches (Who's Not?): Mike Green (1 assist), Michael Nylander (duh!), DirecTV (still no Versus deal, meaning two of the first three Caps game won't be aired to subscribers)
Record/Standings Position: 2-0-0, 1st Southeast Division/T-1st Eastern Conference/T-1st NHL
Last Week's Games:
* Won, 4-1, at Boston Thursday
* Won, 6-4, vs. Toronto Saturday
This Week's Games:
* Tomorrow at Philadelphia (7 p.m., Versus)
* Thursday vs. N.Y. Rangers (7 p.m., CSN)
* Saturday at Detroit (7 p.m., CSN)
Injuries: Eric Fehr (maybe back this week), Tomas Fleischmann (about 10 days from returning to practice)
Recent Transactions: None (since the season started)
Top Storylines:
* Michael Nylander is still a Cap, in name only. He won't be playing for the team this year and his $4.875 million salary cap hit is eating at the team like the swine flu. The faster he goes away, the better things will be for the season.
* The Caps have come out with a new determination, but showed in the third period Saturday night that they still are growing and learning.
* Mike Knuble is the real deal.
Top Line (Who's Hot?): Alex Ovechkin (3 goals, 3 assists), Brooks Laich (3 goals, 2 assists), penalty kill (perfect so far)
Scratches (Who's Not?): Mike Green (1 assist), Michael Nylander (duh!), DirecTV (still no Versus deal, meaning two of the first three Caps game won't be aired to subscribers)
October 2, 2009
Opening Statement
It might only be one game, but as Coach Bruce Boudreau said after last night's 4-1 win in Boston, if the Caps can produce another 81 of these, then the season will be a success. They might not win every night, but maximum effort usually leads to good results.
"If you could bottle that game up, we would take it every time. We weathered the first six minutes because we knew they were going to come out [strong]," Boudreau said. "After that, we played really, really well."
Jose Theodore had a great night between the pipes, even breaking out the red mask he had made last season.
Alex Ovechkin and Brooks Laich had two goals each, while Nicklas Backstrom had three assists and Alex Semin had two.
The Caps host the Toronto Maple Leafs at Verizon Center Saturday night, with Semyon Varlamov scheduled between the pipes.
"If you could bottle that game up, we would take it every time. We weathered the first six minutes because we knew they were going to come out [strong]," Boudreau said. "After that, we played really, really well."
Jose Theodore had a great night between the pipes, even breaking out the red mask he had made last season.
Alex Ovechkin and Brooks Laich had two goals each, while Nicklas Backstrom had three assists and Alex Semin had two.
The Caps host the Toronto Maple Leafs at Verizon Center Saturday night, with Semyon Varlamov scheduled between the pipes.
October 1, 2009
Versus Outage Clouds Opener
For the many Caps fans with DirecTV (including yours truly), the opportunity to watch tonight's opener in Boston might be null and void because of the ongoing feud between Versus and the satellite provider. An update, courtesy of the Examiner:
Needless to say, it's a damper to an otherwise great day.
Versus (the home of the NHL) and DirecTV are locked in a battle over coverage issues. The problem with the battle is that Caps fans who have DirecTV likely will not see the team‚s opener Thursday night against Boston at 7 p.m. DirecTV wants to place Versus in a separate sports package that would cost subscribers extra money. Versus president Jamie Davis said, "That is unacceptable; we are the home of the NHL and deserve the same treatment ESPN, TBS, TNT and all the other cable sports broadcasters receive."
Needless to say, it's a damper to an otherwise great day.
2009-10 Predictions
Regular season division winners: Pittsburgh Penguins (Atlantic), Boston Bruins (Northeast), Washington Capitals (Southeast), Chicago Blackhawks (Central), Calgary Flames (Northwest), and Anaheim Ducks (Pacific).
Eastern Conference playoff teams (in no particular order): Penguins, Bruins, Caps, Flyers, Hurricanes, Devils, Sabres and Canadiens.
Western Conference playoff teams (in no particular order): Blackhawks, Flames, Ducks, Canucks, Red Wings, Sharks, Blue Jackets and Predators.
Playoff conference champions: Caps and Blackhawks.
Your 2009-2010 Stanley Cup champion: Chicago Blackhawks (as I've first predicted in June).
Eastern Conference playoff teams (in no particular order): Penguins, Bruins, Caps, Flyers, Hurricanes, Devils, Sabres and Canadiens.
Western Conference playoff teams (in no particular order): Blackhawks, Flames, Ducks, Canucks, Red Wings, Sharks, Blue Jackets and Predators.
Playoff conference champions: Caps and Blackhawks.
Your 2009-2010 Stanley Cup champion: Chicago Blackhawks (as I've first predicted in June).
Here We Go Again
With the Whitesnake song blaring, it's time to start what could be the most memorable season in the Caps' 35 years of existence. The Caps seem to have filled most of their voids, strengthened one of the best offenses in the league, improved a potent power play -- and maybe even stumbled upon a game-changing goalie in the process.
Their strengths clearly lie in two areas: offense and coaching. Led by two-time MVP Alex Ovechkin, the Caps seemingly can score goals at will and in bunches, but need to keep their foot on the gas more frequently. When they're at the top of their game, the Caps can score four or five goals every night. When they're not, or when somebody like Zdeno Chara is lurking (as he will tonight in Boston), they need new ways to create offense.
Enter Mike Knuble. Not only did he score the same number of goals as the departed Sergei Fedorov and Viktor Kozlov (combined), but he is the epitome of this blog's mantra: he loves to storm the crease. And he's going to help Brooks Laich (who already has a knack for it) and others to emulate his tactics. He might not score 40 goals (although you never know), but he'll certainly help Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Mike Green and even the enigmatic Alex Semin improve their tallies.
As for coaching, Bruce Boudreau continues to know what to say and now he has new troops in the form of assistant Bob Woods and goalie coach Arturs Irbe. The former will help mold the defense, while the latter is in charge of aiding Semyon Varlamov -- and eventually Michal Neuvirth -- learn the language of manning the nets.
The biggest potential problems? Defense and Michael Nylander. A healthy Brian Pothier will strengthen the blueline. If Pothier can play close to all 82 games, many of the lapses of judgement and inexperience will disappear. Yes, Milan Jurcina (and, to an extent, John Erskine and Shaone Morrisonn) will make boneheaded moves. Tom Poti will have his moments too. But, overall, the blueline should be much improved from last season.
All signs point to the fact that Nylander will not play for the Caps this season. He might still be on the roster, but everybody seems committed to scratching him every night (at least in my mind). Nyls might be the biggest thing working against the Caps right now, and hopefully it'll come to a conclusion very, very soon.
Best Case Scenario: The Caps achieve the ultimate goal and win the franchise's first Stanley Cup (in seven games, of course) over the Chicago Blackhawks. Alex Ovechkin finally adds the one trophy that's eluded him.
Worse Case Scenario: All of the positives turn to negatives, injuries hit faster than the swine flu and the team barely makes the postseason before losing in the first round to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The Prediction: The division title is a lock as is a berth in the Eastern Conference finals. If they face the right team (like the Carolina Hurricanes or Philadelphia Flyers) there, the Caps will reach the Stanley Cup finals. If not, it'll be a step in the right direction -- with another off-season of tweaking ahead.
Their strengths clearly lie in two areas: offense and coaching. Led by two-time MVP Alex Ovechkin, the Caps seemingly can score goals at will and in bunches, but need to keep their foot on the gas more frequently. When they're at the top of their game, the Caps can score four or five goals every night. When they're not, or when somebody like Zdeno Chara is lurking (as he will tonight in Boston), they need new ways to create offense.
Enter Mike Knuble. Not only did he score the same number of goals as the departed Sergei Fedorov and Viktor Kozlov (combined), but he is the epitome of this blog's mantra: he loves to storm the crease. And he's going to help Brooks Laich (who already has a knack for it) and others to emulate his tactics. He might not score 40 goals (although you never know), but he'll certainly help Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Mike Green and even the enigmatic Alex Semin improve their tallies.
As for coaching, Bruce Boudreau continues to know what to say and now he has new troops in the form of assistant Bob Woods and goalie coach Arturs Irbe. The former will help mold the defense, while the latter is in charge of aiding Semyon Varlamov -- and eventually Michal Neuvirth -- learn the language of manning the nets.
The biggest potential problems? Defense and Michael Nylander. A healthy Brian Pothier will strengthen the blueline. If Pothier can play close to all 82 games, many of the lapses of judgement and inexperience will disappear. Yes, Milan Jurcina (and, to an extent, John Erskine and Shaone Morrisonn) will make boneheaded moves. Tom Poti will have his moments too. But, overall, the blueline should be much improved from last season.
All signs point to the fact that Nylander will not play for the Caps this season. He might still be on the roster, but everybody seems committed to scratching him every night (at least in my mind). Nyls might be the biggest thing working against the Caps right now, and hopefully it'll come to a conclusion very, very soon.
Best Case Scenario: The Caps achieve the ultimate goal and win the franchise's first Stanley Cup (in seven games, of course) over the Chicago Blackhawks. Alex Ovechkin finally adds the one trophy that's eluded him.
Worse Case Scenario: All of the positives turn to negatives, injuries hit faster than the swine flu and the team barely makes the postseason before losing in the first round to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The Prediction: The division title is a lock as is a berth in the Eastern Conference finals. If they face the right team (like the Carolina Hurricanes or Philadelphia Flyers) there, the Caps will reach the Stanley Cup finals. If not, it'll be a step in the right direction -- with another off-season of tweaking ahead.
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