Amidst all the "woe is me" talk going around Washington in the last 24 hours, there is some happy news: the AHL's Hershey Bears advanced to the Eastern Conference finals with a 5-4 OT victory last night over the Albany River Rats. And, in a weird twist, they'll be waiting for a while because none of the other series are more than two games old.
Fortunately or unfortunately, many of the Bears' players will never see the light of the NHL (at least with the Caps). John Carlson and Karl Alzner will be on the red, white and blue next season and beyond -- with the former being a favorite for the Calder Trophy for rookie of the year.
Keith Aucoin, Jay Beagle and Mathieu Perreault, who have enjoyed small stints with the Caps, might get a shot -- with the latter having the best opportunity. And, of course, Braden Holtby and Michal Neuvirth will have a chance to make some noise at goalie, but still remain behind Semyon Varlamov.
Many probably argue that the Bears have a lot of "four-A" players: those who dominate in the AHL but can't stick in the NHL. And there's probably truth to that. But the best part for Caps fans is that there's a team in the organization -- one not that far away -- that truly is a perennial title contender.
And that's a big reason to smile.
April 30, 2010
April 29, 2010
Karl Alzner, John Carlson Sent to Hershey
After Coach Bruce Boudreau pretty much said Karl Alzner and John Carlson were the two best players on the ice last night, the duo is heading back to Hershey to help win a second straight Calder Cup for the Caps' AHL affiliate. If I'm them, I'm somewhat thrilled to be still playing.
Both are likely to be with the Caps all of next season (and many years after that), so this is their last hurrah in the minors. So it would be nice for them to go out with a bang: Hershey's 11th championship.
Both are likely to be with the Caps all of next season (and many years after that), so this is their last hurrah in the minors. So it would be nice for them to go out with a bang: Hershey's 11th championship.
2010 Second-Round Picks
Quick and dirty (but not sloppy) selections, just like Mr. Cleo likes them.
Eastern Conference
No. 4 Pittsburgh Penguins over No. 8 Montreal Canadiens in five: Unlike the Caps, the Pens know how to adjust their game for the playoffs. (There, I said it.) The defending champs, therefore, will be able to navigate the Habs' neutral-zone trap and return to the Eastern Conference finals for the third straight year. The key to this series will be the Pens' ability to put pressure on Jaroslav Halak and make sure he does not have the opportunity to steal another series. If the Habs can continue their shot-blocking machine (led by Hal Gill, who won a Cup with the Pens last spring), they might be able to extend this series. But their magic carpet ride ends at the Igloo.
No. 6 Boston Bruins over No. 7 Philadelphia Flyers in seven: This is going to be a nasty, tight-checking series that may make the Bruins-Buffalo Sabres series look wide open. Against Buffalo, Boston was able to sustain enough offense and display amazing defense and goaltending to take control (and not blow a 3-1 series lead, despite losing game five). The Flyers, who have been off for a while since dominating the New Jersey Devils in five games, are fighting injury woes. That won't bode well for their chances to advance past the resurgent Bruins.
Western Conference
No. 5 Detroit Red Wings over No. 1 San Jose Sharks in six: The Wings are surging at the right time and put on a clinic against the Phoenix Coyotes (in most of the games) during their first-round series. Meanwhile, the Sharks played well enough to eliminate a game Colorado Avalanche squad. If the Wings continue to play to their potential, there's no way the Sharks will be able to beat them. San Jose was stymied by Craig Anderson's sometimes-spectacular goaltending, but eventually wore him down. They won't be able to do that to Syracuse-born Jimmy Howard, who has a stellar defense in front of him.
No. 2 Chicago Blackhawks over No. 3 Vancouver Canucks in seven: These two teams put on an epic series last season and there's no reason to think that's going to change for the encore. The evenly-matched teams are solid in all facets of the game. The Canucks boast the better goaltending, but the Hawks probably have a deeper defense. This series will come down to which team can control the play. Mr. Cleo's money is on the team from the Second City.
Eastern Conference
No. 4 Pittsburgh Penguins over No. 8 Montreal Canadiens in five: Unlike the Caps, the Pens know how to adjust their game for the playoffs. (There, I said it.) The defending champs, therefore, will be able to navigate the Habs' neutral-zone trap and return to the Eastern Conference finals for the third straight year. The key to this series will be the Pens' ability to put pressure on Jaroslav Halak and make sure he does not have the opportunity to steal another series. If the Habs can continue their shot-blocking machine (led by Hal Gill, who won a Cup with the Pens last spring), they might be able to extend this series. But their magic carpet ride ends at the Igloo.
No. 6 Boston Bruins over No. 7 Philadelphia Flyers in seven: This is going to be a nasty, tight-checking series that may make the Bruins-Buffalo Sabres series look wide open. Against Buffalo, Boston was able to sustain enough offense and display amazing defense and goaltending to take control (and not blow a 3-1 series lead, despite losing game five). The Flyers, who have been off for a while since dominating the New Jersey Devils in five games, are fighting injury woes. That won't bode well for their chances to advance past the resurgent Bruins.
Western Conference
No. 5 Detroit Red Wings over No. 1 San Jose Sharks in six: The Wings are surging at the right time and put on a clinic against the Phoenix Coyotes (in most of the games) during their first-round series. Meanwhile, the Sharks played well enough to eliminate a game Colorado Avalanche squad. If the Wings continue to play to their potential, there's no way the Sharks will be able to beat them. San Jose was stymied by Craig Anderson's sometimes-spectacular goaltending, but eventually wore him down. They won't be able to do that to Syracuse-born Jimmy Howard, who has a stellar defense in front of him.
No. 2 Chicago Blackhawks over No. 3 Vancouver Canucks in seven: These two teams put on an epic series last season and there's no reason to think that's going to change for the encore. The evenly-matched teams are solid in all facets of the game. The Canucks boast the better goaltending, but the Hawks probably have a deeper defense. This series will come down to which team can control the play. Mr. Cleo's money is on the team from the Second City.
As Expected, Ovechkin Named Finalist for Hart Trophy
Alex Ovechkin has been named a finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy, which is presented annually "to the player adjudged to be the most valuable to his team." His competion is none other than his old nemisis, the Pittsburgh Penguins' Sidney Crosby, and the Vancouver Canucks' Henrik Sedin.
Much to Ovie's chagrin, Crosby won his first Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy as the league's goal-scoring leader, splitting the honor with Steven Stamkos of the Tampa Bay Lightning, while Sedin captured the Art Ross Trophy as the league's top point accumulator.
Ovie has won the award the last two seasons. The only other Caps to finish in the top five in Hart Trophy voting are Olie Kolzig (1999-2000) and Rod Langway (1982-83, 1983-84, 1984-85).
Ovechkin finished second overall in points (109, tied with Crosby) and second in goals (50, one behind Crosby and Stamkos). He led the NHL in points per game (1.51), goals per game (0.69), shots on goal (368), even-strength goals (37) and goals on the road (24). He finished behind teammate Jeff Schultz (plus-50) for the NHL lead in plus/minus rating (plus-45) and tied for sixth in assists (59). It was perhaps his most complete season, his fifth in the NHL.
The Caps were 40-8-8 when Ovechkin recorded a point and went 30-4-7 since he was named captain on Jan. 5. Ovie joined Wayne Gretzky and Mike Bossy as the only players with four 50-goal seasons in their first five years in the league, and joined Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Peter Stastny, Dale Hawerchuk and Sidney Crosby as the only players with four 100-point seasons in their first five years.
It's somewhat ironic that this news comes today, less than 24 hours after the Caps were eliminated in the first round by the Montreal Canadiens. It seems that Ovechkin won't three-peat and perhaps Sedin will capture this award because, quite frankly, without him, the Canucks wouldn't have enjoyed the success they did.
Much to Ovie's chagrin, Crosby won his first Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy as the league's goal-scoring leader, splitting the honor with Steven Stamkos of the Tampa Bay Lightning, while Sedin captured the Art Ross Trophy as the league's top point accumulator.
Ovie has won the award the last two seasons. The only other Caps to finish in the top five in Hart Trophy voting are Olie Kolzig (1999-2000) and Rod Langway (1982-83, 1983-84, 1984-85).
Ovechkin finished second overall in points (109, tied with Crosby) and second in goals (50, one behind Crosby and Stamkos). He led the NHL in points per game (1.51), goals per game (0.69), shots on goal (368), even-strength goals (37) and goals on the road (24). He finished behind teammate Jeff Schultz (plus-50) for the NHL lead in plus/minus rating (plus-45) and tied for sixth in assists (59). It was perhaps his most complete season, his fifth in the NHL.
The Caps were 40-8-8 when Ovechkin recorded a point and went 30-4-7 since he was named captain on Jan. 5. Ovie joined Wayne Gretzky and Mike Bossy as the only players with four 50-goal seasons in their first five years in the league, and joined Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Peter Stastny, Dale Hawerchuk and Sidney Crosby as the only players with four 100-point seasons in their first five years.
It's somewhat ironic that this news comes today, less than 24 hours after the Caps were eliminated in the first round by the Montreal Canadiens. It seems that Ovechkin won't three-peat and perhaps Sedin will capture this award because, quite frankly, without him, the Canucks wouldn't have enjoyed the success they did.
Caps Begin Regrouping
There will be plenty of time to dissect what happened last night in game seven, the entire series against Les Habitant, the regular season and, of course, where the Caps can turn next. There will be space devoted to the coach's quotes and who on the Caps (cough, Alex Semin, cough) haven't bought into the system.
But this morning's thought is this: Coach Bruce Boudreau needs to figure out what the Montreal Canadiens realized between their game four loss (that put them down three games to one) and their game five win (which started what was finished last night). And Gabby needs to make sure that it doesn't happen again.
Jacques Martin may have only won his first game seven as a coach last night, but he certainly understands playoff hockey. And he got his players to buy what he was selling. Boudreau's request from GM George McPhee must be to ask for a roster full of players who are on board. (Warning: you will read this again and again.)
That is the only way the Caps will have a chance to win the Stanley Cup. The regular season, as the Caps (and others, such as the San Jose Sharks and Ottawa Senators) have realized, means nothing. Performing in the playoffs is what matters. And, in that area, the Caps seem to be channeling the great Albert Einstein, but not in a good way.
Einstein famously quipped that the definition of insanity was "doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." As a Caps fan, it's hard to argue with that right now.
But this morning's thought is this: Coach Bruce Boudreau needs to figure out what the Montreal Canadiens realized between their game four loss (that put them down three games to one) and their game five win (which started what was finished last night). And Gabby needs to make sure that it doesn't happen again.
Jacques Martin may have only won his first game seven as a coach last night, but he certainly understands playoff hockey. And he got his players to buy what he was selling. Boudreau's request from GM George McPhee must be to ask for a roster full of players who are on board. (Warning: you will read this again and again.)
That is the only way the Caps will have a chance to win the Stanley Cup. The regular season, as the Caps (and others, such as the San Jose Sharks and Ottawa Senators) have realized, means nothing. Performing in the playoffs is what matters. And, in that area, the Caps seem to be channeling the great Albert Einstein, but not in a good way.
Einstein famously quipped that the definition of insanity was "doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." As a Caps fan, it's hard to argue with that right now.
April 28, 2010
Caps-Habs Game Seven Live
To say the tension inside Verizon Center is palpable would be the understatement of the century. Either way, the Caps and Montreal Canadiens are getting ready to face-off and the sell-out crowd is getting to rock the red.
Tomas Fleischmann has been scratched along with the previously-speculated group of Tom Poti, John Erskine, David Steckel, Quintin Laing and Tyler Sloan.
First Period
The Caps came out strong and started peppering Jaroslav Halak with shots from the outset. Although they haven't scored, you get the sense that the desperation is present. Semyon Varlamov also made some key saves. So far, it's pretty much as planned.
The game settled down a bit and the Habs got some more changes, with Varly making some good saves. The Caps are getting good chances but not quite the volume of shots that got in game six, which probably is a better sign.
Just before the TV timeout with 7:45 left, Brendan Morrison, Brooks Laich and Alex Semin had a georgeous three-on-two and, of course, Sasha hit the upper-right corner of the net (where the crossbar meets the post), continuing his streak of either "bad" luck or just being oblivious.
The Caps kept up the pressure, but the feeling seemed to be more upbeat, turning up the pressure. But the Caps couldn't lift the puck and, therefore, couldn't beat Halak. The red, white and blue (American version) definitely is more active tonight and certainly have played with desperation.
The question is whether they'll be able to wear out Halak or if the Canadiens will feed off Halak and take the lead. So far, it's certainly more up-and-down than game six. There was a four-on-four for the last two minutes of the period -- until Mike Green was called for cross-checking with 41 seconds left, which was beyond blatant.
And Green's stupidity cost the Caps as Marc-Andre Bergeron unleashed a slapper that easily beat Varly low during a four-on-three. Scoring the first goal has usually led to success, so this isn't a very good sign for the Caps -- and certainly is their first indication of adversity tonight.
After one: Canadiens 1, Caps 0.
Second Period
It only took the Caps 1:05 to go back to the penalty box after Jeff Schultz was called for tripping. Fortunately, the Caps PKers killed off the extra-man advance, with Varly coming up huge a few times. It's certainly the kind of momentum-getter that could propel the Caps, if they can mount some pressure.
The Caps started to build some pressure, but didn't quite have any quality chances. They'll really need to get way down low as the Habs are going to a quasi-neutral zone trap (and practically putting the entire team) in front of Halak.
The Caps will have to do something more than they're doing right now to beat Halak. They're making it too easy on the Habs' netminder, who clearly is guarding the lower part of the net. They need to selectively shoot high (and not miss the net) and try to keep getting down low. Staying on the perimeter isn't working.
The Caps haven't been able to maintain any presence in the offensive zone. If they get a shot through to Halak, it's a one-and-done. They're not playing the system and it looks like they've actually dropped off a bit from their effort and play in the first period.
Semin's play has been the epitome of the Caps' somewhat-uninspired play this period. They're not getting to the net and all of their shots either are blocked or easy saves for Halak. The Caps need to put pressure on the Habs and start to take control of this game. This isn't a regular-season contest, it's the seventh game of the playoffs. If the Caps don't shape up, tonight will be the last game of the season.
The Habs have 19 blocks with 8:45 left in the second period. The Caps need to find a way to get to the net. And the best way to start that process is a power play, which the Caps get after Green joined the rush and drew a cross-checking call on Tomas Plekanec.
This is the time that Caps need to tie the game. They couldn't really get into the zone for the first minute of the advantage and then had a few quality opportunities on Halak. Unfortunately, the added pressure didn't lead to a goal, so the Habs remain on top by one.
But the Caps went back on the man-advantage after Josh Gorges was called for a blatant hold with the net-crashers starting to mount pressure. The power play started again with Joe Corvo and Green on the points, but the Caps again couldn't get anything sustained for the first minute of the man advantage.
The Caps are standing around too much and seem content to just fire from the perimeter. They continue to not drive to the net and really aren't getting to the net. Laich tried to drive, but it wasn't really an open shot. John Carlson has been getting some good opportunities, but again, without success.
Green just took another stupid penalty, holding Travis Moen to put the Habs back on the power play. This is another opportunity the Caps need to kill off and somehow try to find a way to beat Halak.
Varly came up huge on Plekanec on a two-on-one down low to keep the margin at one. Varly's certainly in a groove now, and that's about the only way the Caps will get an opportunity to win this game. The Caps killed off the power play and now head to what could be the last 20 minutes of their season.
After two: Canadiens 1, Caps 0.
Third Period
It's do-or-die time for the Caps, so there's no excuses for any efforts that are less than 110 percent. It's time to win this game, no matter what. The Caps have outscored the Habs, 10-6, in the third period this series, so now would be a good time to pad that stat.
And just 24 seconds into the period, Ovie scored on a wicked wrister -- but the goal was immediately washed out because the refs ruled that Knuble interfered with Halak. No penalty was called on the play. The Caps need to "crack the spell" of Halak, as Joe B. just pointed out. It certainly was a questionable call, which of course prompted "ref, you suck" from the capacity (and ever-restless) capacity crowd.
The Caps kept up the pressure, and Ovie got another shot on goal but Halak saved it rather easily, even though there was a bit of a deflection by one of the Canadiens' defensemen. Montreal then started to mount some pressure, but Varly came up big again.
This period is more back-and-forth than the second period, but the Caps aren't quite mounting as much pressure -- for now. They need to find a way to elude the Habs' shot blockers or challenge Halak in some way, shape or form.
The Habs started to control the pressure and really took it to the Caps, but fortunately for the home team, Montreal had a goal wiped out after the puck (and Varly) were pushed into the net. The play went to review, which is a bit puzzling considering the Caps' near-goal didn't -- and the Caps certainly remember what happened against the Flyers two seasons ago. No goal or penalty was called on the play, so the score remained the same.
The Caps need to do more with their heavy shots-on-goal advantage. They're just not able to get the puck up on Halak and actually get it on net. But the time to score is dwindling, with just 9:25 between the Caps and the end of the season.
The Ovechkin-Backstrom-Knuble line, despite getting about every-third shift, still hasn't been able to solve Halak. Fortunately, Varly has been making his own 10-bell saves, which is what has kept the Caps in this game so far.
The Caps keep charge the net, but that hasn't led to better shots on Halak. If the Caps want to make it difficult for themselves, they're certainly doing a great job of it. And Montreal nearly iced the series as Mike Cammalleri hit the post with about six minutes left.
The Caps continue to turn up the pressure, but they'll need to do more than what they're already doing. This is more than just a game -- this is a way to prove all the doubters wrong and show they deserved the President's Trophy. But this isn't the regular season, and this isn't just another game. There's 5:54 left and it's not looking any better.
And Dominic Moore most likely just ended the Caps' season after getting a breakaway tally with . The Cardiac Caps seemed to have pushed the envelope a bit too far.
Two goals in three minutes is asking a bit too much. Predictably, Coach Bruce Boudreau has basically went to a power play line-up and Varly probably is going to be pulled. But before that happened, Laich scored with 2:16 left to give the Caps some hope on some massive amounts of pressure on Halak. Ovechkin and Backstrom was there to help.
Jason Chimera nearly had the equalizer with two minutes left, but the puck just bounced off his stick. And, just moments later, the Caps went on the power play after Ryan O'Byrne went to the box. So now it's really do-or-die and certainly redemption time for the Caps' power play. Varly went to the bench to make it a two-man advantage.
But the Caps couldn't convert and thus begins one of the longest summers in recent memory for the Caps.
Final: Canadiens 2, Caps 1.
Tomas Fleischmann has been scratched along with the previously-speculated group of Tom Poti, John Erskine, David Steckel, Quintin Laing and Tyler Sloan.
First Period
The Caps came out strong and started peppering Jaroslav Halak with shots from the outset. Although they haven't scored, you get the sense that the desperation is present. Semyon Varlamov also made some key saves. So far, it's pretty much as planned.
The game settled down a bit and the Habs got some more changes, with Varly making some good saves. The Caps are getting good chances but not quite the volume of shots that got in game six, which probably is a better sign.
Just before the TV timeout with 7:45 left, Brendan Morrison, Brooks Laich and Alex Semin had a georgeous three-on-two and, of course, Sasha hit the upper-right corner of the net (where the crossbar meets the post), continuing his streak of either "bad" luck or just being oblivious.
The Caps kept up the pressure, but the feeling seemed to be more upbeat, turning up the pressure. But the Caps couldn't lift the puck and, therefore, couldn't beat Halak. The red, white and blue (American version) definitely is more active tonight and certainly have played with desperation.
The question is whether they'll be able to wear out Halak or if the Canadiens will feed off Halak and take the lead. So far, it's certainly more up-and-down than game six. There was a four-on-four for the last two minutes of the period -- until Mike Green was called for cross-checking with 41 seconds left, which was beyond blatant.
And Green's stupidity cost the Caps as Marc-Andre Bergeron unleashed a slapper that easily beat Varly low during a four-on-three. Scoring the first goal has usually led to success, so this isn't a very good sign for the Caps -- and certainly is their first indication of adversity tonight.
After one: Canadiens 1, Caps 0.
Second Period
It only took the Caps 1:05 to go back to the penalty box after Jeff Schultz was called for tripping. Fortunately, the Caps PKers killed off the extra-man advance, with Varly coming up huge a few times. It's certainly the kind of momentum-getter that could propel the Caps, if they can mount some pressure.
The Caps started to build some pressure, but didn't quite have any quality chances. They'll really need to get way down low as the Habs are going to a quasi-neutral zone trap (and practically putting the entire team) in front of Halak.
The Caps will have to do something more than they're doing right now to beat Halak. They're making it too easy on the Habs' netminder, who clearly is guarding the lower part of the net. They need to selectively shoot high (and not miss the net) and try to keep getting down low. Staying on the perimeter isn't working.
The Caps haven't been able to maintain any presence in the offensive zone. If they get a shot through to Halak, it's a one-and-done. They're not playing the system and it looks like they've actually dropped off a bit from their effort and play in the first period.
Semin's play has been the epitome of the Caps' somewhat-uninspired play this period. They're not getting to the net and all of their shots either are blocked or easy saves for Halak. The Caps need to put pressure on the Habs and start to take control of this game. This isn't a regular-season contest, it's the seventh game of the playoffs. If the Caps don't shape up, tonight will be the last game of the season.
The Habs have 19 blocks with 8:45 left in the second period. The Caps need to find a way to get to the net. And the best way to start that process is a power play, which the Caps get after Green joined the rush and drew a cross-checking call on Tomas Plekanec.
This is the time that Caps need to tie the game. They couldn't really get into the zone for the first minute of the advantage and then had a few quality opportunities on Halak. Unfortunately, the added pressure didn't lead to a goal, so the Habs remain on top by one.
But the Caps went back on the man-advantage after Josh Gorges was called for a blatant hold with the net-crashers starting to mount pressure. The power play started again with Joe Corvo and Green on the points, but the Caps again couldn't get anything sustained for the first minute of the man advantage.
The Caps are standing around too much and seem content to just fire from the perimeter. They continue to not drive to the net and really aren't getting to the net. Laich tried to drive, but it wasn't really an open shot. John Carlson has been getting some good opportunities, but again, without success.
Green just took another stupid penalty, holding Travis Moen to put the Habs back on the power play. This is another opportunity the Caps need to kill off and somehow try to find a way to beat Halak.
Varly came up huge on Plekanec on a two-on-one down low to keep the margin at one. Varly's certainly in a groove now, and that's about the only way the Caps will get an opportunity to win this game. The Caps killed off the power play and now head to what could be the last 20 minutes of their season.
After two: Canadiens 1, Caps 0.
Third Period
It's do-or-die time for the Caps, so there's no excuses for any efforts that are less than 110 percent. It's time to win this game, no matter what. The Caps have outscored the Habs, 10-6, in the third period this series, so now would be a good time to pad that stat.
And just 24 seconds into the period, Ovie scored on a wicked wrister -- but the goal was immediately washed out because the refs ruled that Knuble interfered with Halak. No penalty was called on the play. The Caps need to "crack the spell" of Halak, as Joe B. just pointed out. It certainly was a questionable call, which of course prompted "ref, you suck" from the capacity (and ever-restless) capacity crowd.
The Caps kept up the pressure, and Ovie got another shot on goal but Halak saved it rather easily, even though there was a bit of a deflection by one of the Canadiens' defensemen. Montreal then started to mount some pressure, but Varly came up big again.
This period is more back-and-forth than the second period, but the Caps aren't quite mounting as much pressure -- for now. They need to find a way to elude the Habs' shot blockers or challenge Halak in some way, shape or form.
The Habs started to control the pressure and really took it to the Caps, but fortunately for the home team, Montreal had a goal wiped out after the puck (and Varly) were pushed into the net. The play went to review, which is a bit puzzling considering the Caps' near-goal didn't -- and the Caps certainly remember what happened against the Flyers two seasons ago. No goal or penalty was called on the play, so the score remained the same.
The Caps need to do more with their heavy shots-on-goal advantage. They're just not able to get the puck up on Halak and actually get it on net. But the time to score is dwindling, with just 9:25 between the Caps and the end of the season.
The Ovechkin-Backstrom-Knuble line, despite getting about every-third shift, still hasn't been able to solve Halak. Fortunately, Varly has been making his own 10-bell saves, which is what has kept the Caps in this game so far.
The Caps keep charge the net, but that hasn't led to better shots on Halak. If the Caps want to make it difficult for themselves, they're certainly doing a great job of it. And Montreal nearly iced the series as Mike Cammalleri hit the post with about six minutes left.
The Caps continue to turn up the pressure, but they'll need to do more than what they're already doing. This is more than just a game -- this is a way to prove all the doubters wrong and show they deserved the President's Trophy. But this isn't the regular season, and this isn't just another game. There's 5:54 left and it's not looking any better.
And Dominic Moore most likely just ended the Caps' season after getting a breakaway tally with . The Cardiac Caps seemed to have pushed the envelope a bit too far.
Two goals in three minutes is asking a bit too much. Predictably, Coach Bruce Boudreau has basically went to a power play line-up and Varly probably is going to be pulled. But before that happened, Laich scored with 2:16 left to give the Caps some hope on some massive amounts of pressure on Halak. Ovechkin and Backstrom was there to help.
Jason Chimera nearly had the equalizer with two minutes left, but the puck just bounced off his stick. And, just moments later, the Caps went on the power play after Ryan O'Byrne went to the box. So now it's really do-or-die and certainly redemption time for the Caps' power play. Varly went to the bench to make it a two-man advantage.
But the Caps couldn't convert and thus begins one of the longest summers in recent memory for the Caps.
Final: Canadiens 2, Caps 1.
It's Time for the Stars to Shine
It's easy to look at the Caps' history in game seven (recent or not-so-current) and prepare for disappointment tonight. But these are different times for the Caps. They've made lots of history during the regular season and now, tonight at 7 p.m. at Verizon Center, they've got another shot at continuing a magical season -- this time against the Montreal Canadiens.
One year ago tonight, the Caps completed a comeback from a 3-1 series deficit to the New York Rangers with a 2-1 win in game seven. The team's record in elimination games under Coach Bruce Boudreau is 6-2 and, in those eight games, Alex Ovechkin has six goals and four assists.
Ovie and the rest of the Caps' stars must shine tonight. For a blueprint, the team should have (and probably did) look at what the Detroit Red Wings did to the Phoenix Coyotes last night in a 6-1 game-seven victory. It was the classic example of the better team withstanding some pressure from the upstart and putting them away as the game progressed.
"That's how it's supposed to be, right?" Wings Coach Mike Babcock told the Detroit Free Press. "Our big guys were fantastic. I'm not taking anything away from anybody else on our team, but the big guys really came to play and to be successful this time of year, that's what you need. They showed why they're real good players."
Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom lead the team with nine points each against the Habs, and Mike Knuble has six. But Alex Semin (40 goals, 44 assists in the regular season) has the same number of points (one) as Jeff Schultz (three goals, 20 assists). Norris Trophy finalist Mike Green (19 goals, 57 assists) has notched just three points (all assists) in the playoffs, the same number of points (and one fewer goal) than uber-grinder Matt Bradley.
Even John Carlson, who has all of 22 games of NHL regular-season experience, has the same number points as Green and Semin combined. (Carlson is a superstar in the making, but you get my point.)
Unsung heroes tend to be born in game-seven situations, but in order for the Caps to dominate tonight -- and have even a prayer of moving onto face the Philadelphia Flyers, the stars must shine. Also, the Caps must score first and find a way to notch at least one power-play goal (the league's best unit in the regular season is a dismal one-for-30 so far). They need to rattle Habs goalie Jaroslav Halak, just like the Wings did to the Coyotes' Ilya Bryzgalov.
Does this description from the Wings' game story in the Free Press sound familiar?
"Game 7 began as so many of them did all series, with the Wings throwing puck after puck at Ilya Bryzgalov and him letting nothing slip by."
The Caps must maintain their pressure from game six, but select smarter shots over boatloads of them -- without being too picky. If they do, they'll live to play another day and, just perhaps, get a chance to achieve greater glory. But none of that will be possible if the Caps' big boys don't steal the game-seven show.
One year ago tonight, the Caps completed a comeback from a 3-1 series deficit to the New York Rangers with a 2-1 win in game seven. The team's record in elimination games under Coach Bruce Boudreau is 6-2 and, in those eight games, Alex Ovechkin has six goals and four assists.
Ovie and the rest of the Caps' stars must shine tonight. For a blueprint, the team should have (and probably did) look at what the Detroit Red Wings did to the Phoenix Coyotes last night in a 6-1 game-seven victory. It was the classic example of the better team withstanding some pressure from the upstart and putting them away as the game progressed.
"That's how it's supposed to be, right?" Wings Coach Mike Babcock told the Detroit Free Press. "Our big guys were fantastic. I'm not taking anything away from anybody else on our team, but the big guys really came to play and to be successful this time of year, that's what you need. They showed why they're real good players."
Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom lead the team with nine points each against the Habs, and Mike Knuble has six. But Alex Semin (40 goals, 44 assists in the regular season) has the same number of points (one) as Jeff Schultz (three goals, 20 assists). Norris Trophy finalist Mike Green (19 goals, 57 assists) has notched just three points (all assists) in the playoffs, the same number of points (and one fewer goal) than uber-grinder Matt Bradley.
Even John Carlson, who has all of 22 games of NHL regular-season experience, has the same number points as Green and Semin combined. (Carlson is a superstar in the making, but you get my point.)
Unsung heroes tend to be born in game-seven situations, but in order for the Caps to dominate tonight -- and have even a prayer of moving onto face the Philadelphia Flyers, the stars must shine. Also, the Caps must score first and find a way to notch at least one power-play goal (the league's best unit in the regular season is a dismal one-for-30 so far). They need to rattle Habs goalie Jaroslav Halak, just like the Wings did to the Coyotes' Ilya Bryzgalov.
Does this description from the Wings' game story in the Free Press sound familiar?
"Game 7 began as so many of them did all series, with the Wings throwing puck after puck at Ilya Bryzgalov and him letting nothing slip by."
The Caps must maintain their pressure from game six, but select smarter shots over boatloads of them -- without being too picky. If they do, they'll live to play another day and, just perhaps, get a chance to achieve greater glory. But none of that will be possible if the Caps' big boys don't steal the game-seven show.
April 27, 2010
Leonsis Finalizes Purchase of Wizards, Verizon Center
The Washington Post and Comcast SportsNet are reporting that Ted Leonsis and the Pollin family have finalized a long-anticipated deal for the Wizards, Verizon Center and Ticketmaster that will cede control to the Caps' owner and his partners. The deal gives Leonsis the remaining shares of the entities, which were made available upon the death of Abe Pollin.
According to the Post, owning Verizon Center will give Leonsis freedom to "start directing arena revenue to his hockey team, which has been losing money for years despite its recent success." The arena's estimated 108 luxury suites and 3,000 club seats previously were controlled by Pollin's Washington Sports and Entertainment group. STC will have more information as it becomes available.
The articles also speculated that Leonsis will mold the Wizards in his image, meaning a Caps-esque rebuilding is coming.
According to the Post, owning Verizon Center will give Leonsis freedom to "start directing arena revenue to his hockey team, which has been losing money for years despite its recent success." The arena's estimated 108 luxury suites and 3,000 club seats previously were controlled by Pollin's Washington Sports and Entertainment group. STC will have more information as it becomes available.
The articles also speculated that Leonsis will mold the Wizards in his image, meaning a Caps-esque rebuilding is coming.
Second Round Taking Shape
With only two game-seven matches (Detroit Red Wings-Phoenix Coyotes tonight and Caps-Montreal Canadiens tomorrow) remaining in the first round, the second round of the 2010 NHL playoffs has mostly been finalized.
In the East, a Caps' win would send them onto a meeting with the Philadelphia Flyers, with the Pittsburgh Penguins hosting the Boston Bruins.
If the Habs win, theentire DC hockey-loving population will riot Penguins will host the Canadiens, while the Flyers and Bruins will revisit their Winter Classic match-up. (It also will be a similar scenario to 1998, when the top three seeds in the East were eliminated in the first round.)
There are fewer variables out West. The top-seeded San Jose Sharks will have home ice against the Wings-Yotes winner, while the Chicago Blackhawks will host the Vancouver Canucks.
Mr. Cleo, by the way, correctly picked the winners of four series so far. He's got the Caps and Wings winning their series (although the prediction of how many games it would take was incorrect). Only the Bruins and Hawks (winning in six) were identical to Mr. Cleo's selection.
In the East, a Caps' win would send them onto a meeting with the Philadelphia Flyers, with the Pittsburgh Penguins hosting the Boston Bruins.
If the Habs win, the
There are fewer variables out West. The top-seeded San Jose Sharks will have home ice against the Wings-Yotes winner, while the Chicago Blackhawks will host the Vancouver Canucks.
Mr. Cleo, by the way, correctly picked the winners of four series so far. He's got the Caps and Wings winning their series (although the prediction of how many games it would take was incorrect). Only the Bruins and Hawks (winning in six) were identical to Mr. Cleo's selection.
Green Named Foundation Finalist
Mike Green will be up for two awards on June 23 after being named a finalist for the 12th annual NHL Foundation Player Award. (Green's also a Norris Trophy finalist.) His fellow Foundation Award finalists are the L.A. Kings' Dustin Brown and Buffalo Sabres' Ryan Miller. Green would become the second Cap to win the award, joining Olie Kolzig (2001).
Green is very active in the community, participating in Miracle on Seventh Street since 2006 and co-founding So Kids Can, among other activities. And, of course, through his Green's Gang initiative, he donates seven tickets to every Capitals home game to soldiers and their families or to children who otherwise would be unable to attend.
Brown and Miller are equally worthy.
Green is very active in the community, participating in Miracle on Seventh Street since 2006 and co-founding So Kids Can, among other activities. And, of course, through his Green's Gang initiative, he donates seven tickets to every Capitals home game to soldiers and their families or to children who otherwise would be unable to attend.
Brown and Miller are equally worthy.
Zero Could Be the Hero
There are conflicting zeroes to ponder. The number is the answer to two key stats that apply to tomorrow night's game seven between the Caps and Montreal Canadiens. Firstly, it's the number of times the Caps have won a seven-game series in which it lost game six and, secondly, it's the number of series (since 1994) that a No. 1 seed has lost a series to a No. 8 seed after leading three-games-to-one. Which stat will change?
The answer to that begins and ends with the Caps' mental state. The team that won everything there is to win in the regular season heads to its fourth game seven in three years after failing on two opportunities to eliminate the supposedly-overmatched Montreal Canadiens.
The reason for this predicament eclipses being "too cute" on the power play, as Coach Bruce Boudreau reiterated last night. It goes beyond, as Mike Wise put it, losing the "confidence of a team apparently ready to make the transition from very good to great." And it surpasses, as GM George McPhee told Wise, "another [expletive] game seven."
The reason is that the Caps have been unwilling to change their game for the playoffs. It's not that they're unable, it's not that they haven't displayed the storming-the-crease mentality, it's not the defense, and it's certainly not for lack of effort.
It's that they're not desperate enough and not committed enough to go all-out for 60 minutes. Every playoff game should be treated as a game seven.
Look at the last few champions: there weren't too many superstars, but plenty of folks to crash the net. And, with somebody like Pavel Datsyuk, the Detroit Red Wings have a perennial two-way forward who can help quell the opponents' attack. The Caps don't fully posses those characteristics.
The Caps might be victims of their own regular-season success and certainly their lofty expectations. When they try too hard, and attempt to make the pretty play, they fail. As has been written around these parts many times: pretty goals make the highlights; ugly goals win the Stanley Cup. The Caps need plenty of the latter tomorrow night.
The answer to that begins and ends with the Caps' mental state. The team that won everything there is to win in the regular season heads to its fourth game seven in three years after failing on two opportunities to eliminate the supposedly-overmatched Montreal Canadiens.
The reason for this predicament eclipses being "too cute" on the power play, as Coach Bruce Boudreau reiterated last night. It goes beyond, as Mike Wise put it, losing the "confidence of a team apparently ready to make the transition from very good to great." And it surpasses, as GM George McPhee told Wise, "another [expletive] game seven."
The reason is that the Caps have been unwilling to change their game for the playoffs. It's not that they're unable, it's not that they haven't displayed the storming-the-crease mentality, it's not the defense, and it's certainly not for lack of effort.
It's that they're not desperate enough and not committed enough to go all-out for 60 minutes. Every playoff game should be treated as a game seven.
Look at the last few champions: there weren't too many superstars, but plenty of folks to crash the net. And, with somebody like Pavel Datsyuk, the Detroit Red Wings have a perennial two-way forward who can help quell the opponents' attack. The Caps don't fully posses those characteristics.
The Caps might be victims of their own regular-season success and certainly their lofty expectations. When they try too hard, and attempt to make the pretty play, they fail. As has been written around these parts many times: pretty goals make the highlights; ugly goals win the Stanley Cup. The Caps need plenty of the latter tomorrow night.
April 26, 2010
Caps Crumble, Fall 4-1 in Montreal
On the "Power Play" earlier today on XM Radio, Bill Clement said there was something "off" about the Caps. After their performance tonight in a game six 4-1 loss in Montreal, it's hard to argue with that. Game seven will be Wednesday night at Verizon Center (7 p.m., CSN-HD).
I'm not taking anything away from Jaroslav Halak, who clearly played unbelievably tonight and deserved the win, but the Caps simply seem unwilling to score ugly goals on a regular basis. If they don't do that, they won't win this series, let alone the Stanley Cup.
Tonight's game was nearly over after Mike Cammalleri scored twice in the first period -- after the Caps outshot the Habs, 18-10. The middle frame was scoreless, even though the Caps again manhandled the shot chart, 14-3. The final period saw two more Canadiens goals, and one by the Caps' Eric Fehr, in addition to a 22-9 shot advantage for the Caps. All in all, it was 54-22 in shots, but the Caps never seemed to have a chance in this one. It's not just about being in front of the net, it's what you do when you get there.
During the regular season, the Caps topped 50 shots once -- and lost. That might have been an anomaly, but this isn't: Halak made 45 shots in a game one win and 37 in Friday night's victory. As Coach Bruce Boudreau likes to say, it's not the number of shots, it's their quality.
In order to beat Halak, who clearly is playing well now and might even have gotten into their heads, the Caps need to scrap, screen, storm and crash the crease to make sure they score any way possible. If they shrug their shoulders and say "Halak's playing great," then they'll be available for golf starting Thursday.
Fehr's goal tonight was a deflection with lots of traffic in front. They need a few of those on Wednesday night -- otherwise the start of another long off-season is about 48 hours away.
I'm not taking anything away from Jaroslav Halak, who clearly played unbelievably tonight and deserved the win, but the Caps simply seem unwilling to score ugly goals on a regular basis. If they don't do that, they won't win this series, let alone the Stanley Cup.
Tonight's game was nearly over after Mike Cammalleri scored twice in the first period -- after the Caps outshot the Habs, 18-10. The middle frame was scoreless, even though the Caps again manhandled the shot chart, 14-3. The final period saw two more Canadiens goals, and one by the Caps' Eric Fehr, in addition to a 22-9 shot advantage for the Caps. All in all, it was 54-22 in shots, but the Caps never seemed to have a chance in this one. It's not just about being in front of the net, it's what you do when you get there.
During the regular season, the Caps topped 50 shots once -- and lost. That might have been an anomaly, but this isn't: Halak made 45 shots in a game one win and 37 in Friday night's victory. As Coach Bruce Boudreau likes to say, it's not the number of shots, it's their quality.
In order to beat Halak, who clearly is playing well now and might even have gotten into their heads, the Caps need to scrap, screen, storm and crash the crease to make sure they score any way possible. If they shrug their shoulders and say "Halak's playing great," then they'll be available for golf starting Thursday.
Fehr's goal tonight was a deflection with lots of traffic in front. They need a few of those on Wednesday night -- otherwise the start of another long off-season is about 48 hours away.
STC Interview Posted on CSN.com
Yours truly was interviewed by Comcast SportsNet's Michelle Scalise at game one of the Caps-Montreal Canadiens game. The piece is now available below and (on the CSN Web site):
Theodore Nominated for Masterton
Jose Theodore is among three finalists for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, which is presented annually to "the National Hockey League player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey." The other two nominees are Kurtis Foster of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Jed Ortmeyer of the San Jose Sharks.
As followers of the Caps know, Theo has overcome off-the-ice odds that no person should ever face. He lost his two-month-old son over the summer due to respiratory complications affiliated with his premature birth. Theo kept this mostly to himself, but when the news was announced, he also took some time away from hockey to deal with the tragedy. Theo subsequently established Saves for Kids, which benefits the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
During the season, Theo donated $2 for every save, $100 for every win and $500 for each shutout to NICU. F.H. Furr Plumbing Heating Air Conditioning matched Theodore's donation dollar for dollar during the regular season. During the playoffs, Theodore upped the ante, donating $5 for every save, $200 for every win, $750 for every shutout and an additional $500 for every playoff round won.
This season also marked an on-ice resurgence for the Caps' netminder. Although he hasn't played much against the Montreal Canadiens, Theo surely will see ice time again in future rounds, assuming the Caps advance. During the regular season, Theo went 30-7-7, which included a 20-0-3 run that began with a 5-4 win over the Florida Panthers on Jan. 13.
As followers of the Caps know, Theo has overcome off-the-ice odds that no person should ever face. He lost his two-month-old son over the summer due to respiratory complications affiliated with his premature birth. Theo kept this mostly to himself, but when the news was announced, he also took some time away from hockey to deal with the tragedy. Theo subsequently established Saves for Kids, which benefits the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
During the season, Theo donated $2 for every save, $100 for every win and $500 for each shutout to NICU. F.H. Furr Plumbing Heating Air Conditioning matched Theodore's donation dollar for dollar during the regular season. During the playoffs, Theodore upped the ante, donating $5 for every save, $200 for every win, $750 for every shutout and an additional $500 for every playoff round won.
This season also marked an on-ice resurgence for the Caps' netminder. Although he hasn't played much against the Montreal Canadiens, Theo surely will see ice time again in future rounds, assuming the Caps advance. During the regular season, Theo went 30-7-7, which included a 20-0-3 run that began with a 5-4 win over the Florida Panthers on Jan. 13.
Caps May Have History on Their Side Tonight
Most likely, stats could be found to support both the Caps and Montreal Canadiens winning tonight. The Caps are 3-0 in game six under Bruce Boudreau and 2-0 in Montreal this postseason. The Habs, meanwhile, have Jaroslav Halak, who has given the Caps both their losses this playoff season and, except for a shaky portion of game three, pretty much stoned most of the shots he's faced.
Overall, the Habs are 29-23 all-time in games six. They have scored 154 goals and allowed 137 in those games. Their record is 13-8 when the sixth game is in Montreal, having tallied 75 goals and allowed 57 in those contests.
In French: Les Canadiens présentent une fiche de 29 victoires, 23 revers lors du sixième match des séries dans l’histoire de l’équipe dans la LNH. Ils ont marqué 154 buts et en ont accordé 137 lors de ces matchs… Leur fiche est de 13-8 lorsque le sixième match est présenté à Montréal, ayant touché la cible 75 fois et alloué 57 filets en de telles circonstances.
As always, the Caps need to start strong and keep up the pressure. In their three wins, they've averaged 5.67 goals per game, but only 1.5 goals per game in the two losses. Ironically, the Caps have allowed fewer goals per game in the losses (2.5) than wins (three). The road team has scored first in every game this series and gone one to win four of those five.
Should the Caps win tonight, they would repeat two bits of history -- both from 1998 (the only time they made the Stanley Cup finals). That year, in the first round, they eliminated Boston in six games -- winning games three, four and six in Beantown (the last was a 3-2 double-OT win on a goal by Brian Bellows). That was the only time they've won three road games in one playoff series.
Additionally, in the conference finals that year against Buffalo, the Caps were up 3-1 (the last time they had done that before this year) -- only to lose game five, 2-1. (Jason Wooley scored in the third period of that game to provide the final margin.) The Caps won game six in Buffalo, 3-2, in OT on the stick of Joe Juneau.
So, if history is any indication, the Caps will win tonight, 3-2, in OT (or double-OT). The winner will come from a less likely source: David Steckel or Scott Walker (if they play) or somebody like Jason Chimera, Matt Bradley or Brooks Laich.
Overall, the Habs are 29-23 all-time in games six. They have scored 154 goals and allowed 137 in those games. Their record is 13-8 when the sixth game is in Montreal, having tallied 75 goals and allowed 57 in those contests.
In French: Les Canadiens présentent une fiche de 29 victoires, 23 revers lors du sixième match des séries dans l’histoire de l’équipe dans la LNH. Ils ont marqué 154 buts et en ont accordé 137 lors de ces matchs… Leur fiche est de 13-8 lorsque le sixième match est présenté à Montréal, ayant touché la cible 75 fois et alloué 57 filets en de telles circonstances.
As always, the Caps need to start strong and keep up the pressure. In their three wins, they've averaged 5.67 goals per game, but only 1.5 goals per game in the two losses. Ironically, the Caps have allowed fewer goals per game in the losses (2.5) than wins (three). The road team has scored first in every game this series and gone one to win four of those five.
Should the Caps win tonight, they would repeat two bits of history -- both from 1998 (the only time they made the Stanley Cup finals). That year, in the first round, they eliminated Boston in six games -- winning games three, four and six in Beantown (the last was a 3-2 double-OT win on a goal by Brian Bellows). That was the only time they've won three road games in one playoff series.
Additionally, in the conference finals that year against Buffalo, the Caps were up 3-1 (the last time they had done that before this year) -- only to lose game five, 2-1. (Jason Wooley scored in the third period of that game to provide the final margin.) The Caps won game six in Buffalo, 3-2, in OT on the stick of Joe Juneau.
So, if history is any indication, the Caps will win tonight, 3-2, in OT (or double-OT). The winner will come from a less likely source: David Steckel or Scott Walker (if they play) or somebody like Jason Chimera, Matt Bradley or Brooks Laich.
April 25, 2010
Caps Try to Find a Way to Clinch
Some could argue that the Caps had a freebie Friday night. Yes, it would have been nice to eliminate the Montreal Canadiens on home ice in game five, but there was room for error. The same cannot be said for tomorrow night's game six. A loss in Montreal would force a game seven back at Verizon Center Wednesday night; something the team desperately needs to avoid.
Somewhat predictably, the team practiced the power play today -- a unit that's mightly struggled (1 for 24 against the Habs). But the thing they can't practice -- but needs to improve exponentially -- is their tendency not to play 100 percent for 60 minutes.
"We're not getting 20 guys playing," Coach Bruce Boudreau said Friday night. "We're getting 13 and 14 guys every night, rather than everybody coming to play. Tonight we had five or six passengers again."
Although the coach has somewhat backed off that statement, certain players (and not just the second line) deserved to be called out like that. The team's biggest weakness is learning how to bury opponents. Sometimes, they can get away with it (in game two and, to some extent, game four) and sometimes they can't (games one and five). But until everybody on the team plays like there's no tomorrow every game, the team won't be 100 percent in playoff mode.
Line-up changes will be made for game six, and hopefully it'll help. It seems Brendan Morrison and Tomas Fleischmann are the most likely candidates to sit. Scott Walker, who hasn't played in the playoffs, would provide a nice crash-the-net mentality and lots of effort. David Steckel also could see ice time, but Boyd Gordon (the man he'd likely replace) hasn't been the problem. It also appears Shoane Morrisonn will be back from a two-game bout with an arm injury, meaning Tyler Sloan will be watching from the press box.
One of Boudreau's trademarks as coach has been pushing the right buttons. He's also a proponent of the theory that the road team has the advantage in a playoff game because of a fewer distractions. With the Caps playing much better in Montreal this series, and Habs playing not as well at home, the red, white and blue (American version) has a great shot to end the series tomorrow night.
Now the Caps need to play like there's no tomorrow, something they've done well in going 3-0 in game six under Boudreau.
Somewhat predictably, the team practiced the power play today -- a unit that's mightly struggled (1 for 24 against the Habs). But the thing they can't practice -- but needs to improve exponentially -- is their tendency not to play 100 percent for 60 minutes.
"We're not getting 20 guys playing," Coach Bruce Boudreau said Friday night. "We're getting 13 and 14 guys every night, rather than everybody coming to play. Tonight we had five or six passengers again."
Although the coach has somewhat backed off that statement, certain players (and not just the second line) deserved to be called out like that. The team's biggest weakness is learning how to bury opponents. Sometimes, they can get away with it (in game two and, to some extent, game four) and sometimes they can't (games one and five). But until everybody on the team plays like there's no tomorrow every game, the team won't be 100 percent in playoff mode.
Line-up changes will be made for game six, and hopefully it'll help. It seems Brendan Morrison and Tomas Fleischmann are the most likely candidates to sit. Scott Walker, who hasn't played in the playoffs, would provide a nice crash-the-net mentality and lots of effort. David Steckel also could see ice time, but Boyd Gordon (the man he'd likely replace) hasn't been the problem. It also appears Shoane Morrisonn will be back from a two-game bout with an arm injury, meaning Tyler Sloan will be watching from the press box.
One of Boudreau's trademarks as coach has been pushing the right buttons. He's also a proponent of the theory that the road team has the advantage in a playoff game because of a fewer distractions. With the Caps playing much better in Montreal this series, and Habs playing not as well at home, the red, white and blue (American version) has a great shot to end the series tomorrow night.
Now the Caps need to play like there's no tomorrow, something they've done well in going 3-0 in game six under Boudreau.
April 23, 2010
Green Named Norris Finalist
Mike Green has been named a finalist for the James Norris Memorial Trophy for the second consecutive season. The honor is presented "to the defense player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position." (Green finished second to Boston's Zdeno Chara last year.) Green's up against two first-time finalists: Duncan Keith of the Chicago Blackhawks and Drew Doughty of the Los Angeles Kings.
Green could become the second Cap to win the Norris Trophy and first since Rod Langway captured the award in back-to-back years (1982-83, 1983-84). The Calgary native led all NHL defensemen in goals (19), assists (57) and points (76) in 75 games this season. His plus-39 rating was second among NHL defenseman -- trailing only teammate Jeff Schultz -- and he had at least a point in 56 games.
One of three active defenseman with a 70-point season, Green is just the seventh defenseman in NHL history to post consecutive 70-point seasons before turning 25. He posted three point streaks of at least eight games during the season -- no other NHL defenseman had one -- and led the league's defensemen with 35 power-play points (10 goals, 25 assists).
Doughty and Keith are better defensively than Green, who has been improving in his own zone throughout the season. Green probably is more accomplished, but there's certainly not guarantee that he'll win. It should be interesting at the June 23 NHL awards.
Green could become the second Cap to win the Norris Trophy and first since Rod Langway captured the award in back-to-back years (1982-83, 1983-84). The Calgary native led all NHL defensemen in goals (19), assists (57) and points (76) in 75 games this season. His plus-39 rating was second among NHL defenseman -- trailing only teammate Jeff Schultz -- and he had at least a point in 56 games.
One of three active defenseman with a 70-point season, Green is just the seventh defenseman in NHL history to post consecutive 70-point seasons before turning 25. He posted three point streaks of at least eight games during the season -- no other NHL defenseman had one -- and led the league's defensemen with 35 power-play points (10 goals, 25 assists).
Doughty and Keith are better defensively than Green, who has been improving in his own zone throughout the season. Green probably is more accomplished, but there's certainly not guarantee that he'll win. It should be interesting at the June 23 NHL awards.
Close-Out Time
The Caps get their first opportunity to eliminate the Montreal Candiens tonight (7 p.m., CSN-HD, Versus) at Verizon Center. It's been a wild series, but their path to the second round (and a meeting with the Philadelphia Flyers) hasn't changed: win a short series, keep up the intensity and stay out of the penalty box.
For the most part, the Caps have done a good job at all three. When their intensity has waned, such as during the second period of game four, they've been lucky enough not to fall too far behind. The one time they did, in game two, they mounted a huge third-period rally to secure their first victory of the series.
Additionally, they've posted one dominant period in nearly every game and that's propelled them to the verge of advancing. Tonight, the Habs are going to bring everything and the Caps must be prepared. If they play like they did in Montreal -- especially during the second period of game three and the final stanza of game four -- there will be a handshake line at Verizon Center around 9:30 p.m. tonight.
The Caps would be only the second team to advance to the second round if they win tonight. (The Boston Bruins also have that chance tonight at Buffalo.) As luck would have it, the next-lowest seeded team (the Flyers) already have advanced, meaning that match-up could be set before other series have ended.
The Caps went 3-0-1 against the Flyers this season, with their only loss (6-5 in OT) coming in the team's first meeting on Oct. 6. Otherwise, the Caps won, 4-2, on Oct. 27, 8-2 on Dec. 5 and 5-3 on Jan. 17. The Flyers eliminated the New Jersey Devils last night, four games to one. The Flyers won nine of 11 regular season and playoff meetings between those two teams this season. That certainly would change should they face the Caps.
The last of the first-round games would take place next Wednesday, April 28. Therefore, the Caps and Flyers potentially could play game one as early as Thursday, April 29. More on that another time.
The Caps still need a win to eliminate the Habs, and the ideal time for that is tonight.
Note: Regardless of what happens in game five, look for coverage over the weekend.
For the most part, the Caps have done a good job at all three. When their intensity has waned, such as during the second period of game four, they've been lucky enough not to fall too far behind. The one time they did, in game two, they mounted a huge third-period rally to secure their first victory of the series.
Additionally, they've posted one dominant period in nearly every game and that's propelled them to the verge of advancing. Tonight, the Habs are going to bring everything and the Caps must be prepared. If they play like they did in Montreal -- especially during the second period of game three and the final stanza of game four -- there will be a handshake line at Verizon Center around 9:30 p.m. tonight.
The Caps would be only the second team to advance to the second round if they win tonight. (The Boston Bruins also have that chance tonight at Buffalo.) As luck would have it, the next-lowest seeded team (the Flyers) already have advanced, meaning that match-up could be set before other series have ended.
The Caps went 3-0-1 against the Flyers this season, with their only loss (6-5 in OT) coming in the team's first meeting on Oct. 6. Otherwise, the Caps won, 4-2, on Oct. 27, 8-2 on Dec. 5 and 5-3 on Jan. 17. The Flyers eliminated the New Jersey Devils last night, four games to one. The Flyers won nine of 11 regular season and playoff meetings between those two teams this season. That certainly would change should they face the Caps.
The last of the first-round games would take place next Wednesday, April 28. Therefore, the Caps and Flyers potentially could play game one as early as Thursday, April 29. More on that another time.
The Caps still need a win to eliminate the Habs, and the ideal time for that is tonight.
Note: Regardless of what happens in game five, look for coverage over the weekend.
April 22, 2010
What's Wrong with the Second Line?
For the most part, the Caps are firing on all cylinders now. Yes, they've had some struggles -- last night's second period dud and their still-quiet power play -- but scoring 19 goals in four games (4.75 per game, nearly a goal more than their season average of 3.82) is hardly an offensive slump.
But the unit that seems to be the weakest right now is the second line of Tomas Fleischmann, Eric Belanger and Alex Semin. Belanger has been the brightest star, winning 70.8 percent of his 72 face-offs (by far the best amongst those with at least 60 opportunities). His face-off prowess is one of the major reasons the Caps have a 3-1 series lead over the Montreal Canadiens.
But Semin and Fleischmann have combined for just two points (both assists). Both have received a decent amount of ice time (in all situations) and just haven't clicked. Flash has tried to reverse things by going to the net, while Semin continues to wonder around aimlessly. Sasha only seems to wake up when playing with Alex Ovechkin (the exact situation that led to his only assist). This is the same knock against Semin that's been discussed before and one that's haunted him throughout his stay with the Caps.
The temptation is to change lines, but how can you break up the other trios? The top line of Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and Mike Knuble has been together most of the season and, as Ovie put it, is "just getting in shape."
The fourth line of Jason Chimera, Boyd Gordon and Matt Bradley has been great (especially Chimera) and, other than subbing David Steckel (a face-off specialist in his own right) for Gordon (who's won 80 percent of his 30 draws), there's really not much you can do there.
Therefore, the Brooks Laich, Brendan Morrison, Eric Fehr trio would be the target, but again, how can you touch it? Although Laich hasn't been super-hot, he's still done great in front of the net. Morrison has won 56.7 of his 30 draws. Fehr has played some of his best hockey of the season, so he clearly has earned a spot.
Would swapping Laich for Fleischmann do the trick? That's certainly an option, considering Laich and Semin played on the same line for much of the season. But, other than making Flash a healthy scratch (or Semin, but Coach Bruce Boudreau would never do that), the options are limited.
The good news is that the Caps are winning, even though they haven't reach their potential yet. And, in the playoffs, that's about all you can ask of a team.
But the unit that seems to be the weakest right now is the second line of Tomas Fleischmann, Eric Belanger and Alex Semin. Belanger has been the brightest star, winning 70.8 percent of his 72 face-offs (by far the best amongst those with at least 60 opportunities). His face-off prowess is one of the major reasons the Caps have a 3-1 series lead over the Montreal Canadiens.
But Semin and Fleischmann have combined for just two points (both assists). Both have received a decent amount of ice time (in all situations) and just haven't clicked. Flash has tried to reverse things by going to the net, while Semin continues to wonder around aimlessly. Sasha only seems to wake up when playing with Alex Ovechkin (the exact situation that led to his only assist). This is the same knock against Semin that's been discussed before and one that's haunted him throughout his stay with the Caps.
The temptation is to change lines, but how can you break up the other trios? The top line of Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and Mike Knuble has been together most of the season and, as Ovie put it, is "just getting in shape."
The fourth line of Jason Chimera, Boyd Gordon and Matt Bradley has been great (especially Chimera) and, other than subbing David Steckel (a face-off specialist in his own right) for Gordon (who's won 80 percent of his 30 draws), there's really not much you can do there.
Therefore, the Brooks Laich, Brendan Morrison, Eric Fehr trio would be the target, but again, how can you touch it? Although Laich hasn't been super-hot, he's still done great in front of the net. Morrison has won 56.7 of his 30 draws. Fehr has played some of his best hockey of the season, so he clearly has earned a spot.
Would swapping Laich for Fleischmann do the trick? That's certainly an option, considering Laich and Semin played on the same line for much of the season. But, other than making Flash a healthy scratch (or Semin, but Coach Bruce Boudreau would never do that), the options are limited.
The good news is that the Caps are winning, even though they haven't reach their potential yet. And, in the playoffs, that's about all you can ask of a team.
April 21, 2010
Caps Pull Away for 6-3 Victory
During the second period of tonight's game four against the Caps, the Montreal Canadiens fired 21 shots on Semyon Varlamov and dominated play from start to finish. They had three power plays, the last of which took place during the stanza's final two minutes, and held a 2-1 lead heading into that man advantage. One more goal would have given them a commanding 3-1 lead heading to the final period, and perhaps tied the series with the top-seeded Caps.
But, just as quickly as Alex Ovechkin took his seat in the box to serve a bench minor for too many men on the ice, Mike Knuble converted a beautiful crossing pass from Boyd Gordon to tie the game with seven seconds left in the middle frame after a shorthanded tally. And, from there, the Caps took control in the third period and cruised to a 6-3 win, giving them a commanding 3-1 lead in the quarterfinal series.
All the Caps' third period scoring occurred in the final nine minutes. Ovechkin found an opening in the slot and beat Price with a wicked wrister (off a nice pass from Alex Semin) to give the Caps their first lead of the game. Just 52 seconds later, Jason Chimera poked in a Matt Bradley stuff attempt to make it 4-2.
With Habs' goalie Carey Price on the bench, Knuble notched his second goal of the game into an empty net. But Dominic Moore beat Gnarly Varly with a nice backhander at 18:42 to make it 5-3, before Nicklas Backstrom scored his fifth goal of the series to provide the final margin.
Let's be clear, though: none of the third-period heroics would have been possible without Varlamov's amazing second-period effort. His 20 saves showed how special he truly is and gave the Caps a chance to win. The second stanza was one of the worst periods for the Caps in a while, and the Habs held every advantage after outskating, outpassing, outshooting and outplaying the Caps. Varlamov showed there's no reason to worry about the Caps' goaltending this postseason.
The first period was pretty even. Ovechkin got the scoring started with a power-play goal (the Caps' first of the postseason) at 8:10 after some nice puck movement. The Habs struck back just 1:02 later off the stick of Michael Cammalleri, who put the puck over Varly's shoulder. Montreal's lone second period tally belonged to Scott Gomez, who poked a funny-bouncing puck into the Caps' net.
From there, Varly held the fort until the offense dominated in the final frame. It was the exact opposite of game one, when the Caps fired 19 shots at Jaroslav Halak and only converted once. (Montreal went on to win their only game of the series in overtime.)
The last Caps' outfit to hold a 3-1 series lead did it during the 1998 Eastern Conference finals against the Buffalo Sabres. That team lost game five, 2-1, at home before capturing game six in overtime at HSBC Arena. This year's version of the red, white and blue certainly hopes it can win the series at Verizon Center on Friday night (7 p.m., CSN-HD).
But, just as quickly as Alex Ovechkin took his seat in the box to serve a bench minor for too many men on the ice, Mike Knuble converted a beautiful crossing pass from Boyd Gordon to tie the game with seven seconds left in the middle frame after a shorthanded tally. And, from there, the Caps took control in the third period and cruised to a 6-3 win, giving them a commanding 3-1 lead in the quarterfinal series.
All the Caps' third period scoring occurred in the final nine minutes. Ovechkin found an opening in the slot and beat Price with a wicked wrister (off a nice pass from Alex Semin) to give the Caps their first lead of the game. Just 52 seconds later, Jason Chimera poked in a Matt Bradley stuff attempt to make it 4-2.
With Habs' goalie Carey Price on the bench, Knuble notched his second goal of the game into an empty net. But Dominic Moore beat Gnarly Varly with a nice backhander at 18:42 to make it 5-3, before Nicklas Backstrom scored his fifth goal of the series to provide the final margin.
Let's be clear, though: none of the third-period heroics would have been possible without Varlamov's amazing second-period effort. His 20 saves showed how special he truly is and gave the Caps a chance to win. The second stanza was one of the worst periods for the Caps in a while, and the Habs held every advantage after outskating, outpassing, outshooting and outplaying the Caps. Varlamov showed there's no reason to worry about the Caps' goaltending this postseason.
The first period was pretty even. Ovechkin got the scoring started with a power-play goal (the Caps' first of the postseason) at 8:10 after some nice puck movement. The Habs struck back just 1:02 later off the stick of Michael Cammalleri, who put the puck over Varly's shoulder. Montreal's lone second period tally belonged to Scott Gomez, who poked a funny-bouncing puck into the Caps' net.
From there, Varly held the fort until the offense dominated in the final frame. It was the exact opposite of game one, when the Caps fired 19 shots at Jaroslav Halak and only converted once. (Montreal went on to win their only game of the series in overtime.)
The last Caps' outfit to hold a 3-1 series lead did it during the 1998 Eastern Conference finals against the Buffalo Sabres. That team lost game five, 2-1, at home before capturing game six in overtime at HSBC Arena. This year's version of the red, white and blue certainly hopes it can win the series at Verizon Center on Friday night (7 p.m., CSN-HD).
Senators, Devils on the Brink
The Ottawa Senators and New Jersey Devils both lost last night and face imposing 3-1 deficits. The Sens, loser of a wide 7-4 affair to the Pittsburgh Penguins, head to the Igloo Thursday night to try to save their season. The East's No. 5 seed, they've been outclassed in every way by the defending Stanley Cup champions.
The Devils are a bit more surprising. As the East's No. 2 seed, they were expected to advance under most circumstances. However, they're facing a seventh-seeded Flyers team they only defeated once during the regular season and those troubles have carried over to the playoffs, including last night's 4-1 defeat. The Devils get game five at home Thursday night. Should the Flyers advance, they would play the Caps in the second round -- if Washington holds on to eliminate Montreal.
Out West, the No. 7 Nashville Predators took a 2-1 series lead over the No. 2 Chicago Blackhawks after a 4-1 victory at home. (Game four is tomorrow night back in Nashville.)
The No. 5 Detroit Red Wings (with a 3-0 victory) and No. 1 San Jose Sharks (a 2-1 OT victor) tied up their series at 2-2 against the No. 4 Phoenix Coyotes and No. 8 Colorado Avalanche, respectively. These series appear headed for seven games.
In addition to the Caps-Canadiens (7 p.m., CSN-HD) tonight, the No. 6 Boston Bruins host the No. 3 Buffalo Sabres (7 p.m., Versus-HD) and the No. 6 Los Angeles Kings host the No. 3 Vancouver Canucks (10 p.m., Versus-HD). The Caps, Bruins and Kings are going for 3-1 leads of their own.
The Devils are a bit more surprising. As the East's No. 2 seed, they were expected to advance under most circumstances. However, they're facing a seventh-seeded Flyers team they only defeated once during the regular season and those troubles have carried over to the playoffs, including last night's 4-1 defeat. The Devils get game five at home Thursday night. Should the Flyers advance, they would play the Caps in the second round -- if Washington holds on to eliminate Montreal.
Out West, the No. 7 Nashville Predators took a 2-1 series lead over the No. 2 Chicago Blackhawks after a 4-1 victory at home. (Game four is tomorrow night back in Nashville.)
The No. 5 Detroit Red Wings (with a 3-0 victory) and No. 1 San Jose Sharks (a 2-1 OT victor) tied up their series at 2-2 against the No. 4 Phoenix Coyotes and No. 8 Colorado Avalanche, respectively. These series appear headed for seven games.
In addition to the Caps-Canadiens (7 p.m., CSN-HD) tonight, the No. 6 Boston Bruins host the No. 3 Buffalo Sabres (7 p.m., Versus-HD) and the No. 6 Los Angeles Kings host the No. 3 Vancouver Canucks (10 p.m., Versus-HD). The Caps, Bruins and Kings are going for 3-1 leads of their own.
Could Carlson Top Green?
Almost-rookie John Carlson has earned accolades for his play lately, and for good reason. He's been the best Caps blueliner in all three playoff games ("He's playing great, he's playing like a veteran out there," Tom Poti said.). And the best nugget is that Carlson won't even be eligible for the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year until next season.
But has Carlson passed Mike Green as the Caps' blueline stud of the future? That's not to say that it's not great for the Caps to have both -- and, along with Karl Alzner, an amazing trio of defensemen for many years -- but, so far in the playoffs, it seems like the young pup has passed the Norris Trophy candidate.
Green is an amazing player. He's altered his game during this past season to pass more and shoot less. His 57 assists ranked 10th overall in the league (and the most among defensemen) and his plus-39 was quite an impressive feat.
But, in the playoffs, he's only got one point (an assist) in three games and hasn't exactly been solid in his own zone. He was a minus-five in the postseason a year ago and made poor decisions throughout. So far, that trend is continuing. Whether it's the added pressure, tighter playing style or other factors (it's not health this time around, or so we think), Green just isn't the same player as he was during the regular season -- again.
Carlson, meanwhile, has been great on both ends of the ice and is already a plus-five (tied with Poti for the third-highest total in the NHL). He scored one of the biggest goals of the series in game two and, has averaged about 18 minutes a night -- not as much as Green's nearly 26. But Carlson certainly seems to have the advantage in the defensive zone and his offensive skills definitely are there.
Although the sample size is small, Carlson might have a slight edge on Green. But, then again, the teammates both give the Caps a huge advantage on the blueline over the next 10 years -- a "problem" many other teams around the league most assuredly would love to have.
But has Carlson passed Mike Green as the Caps' blueline stud of the future? That's not to say that it's not great for the Caps to have both -- and, along with Karl Alzner, an amazing trio of defensemen for many years -- but, so far in the playoffs, it seems like the young pup has passed the Norris Trophy candidate.
Green is an amazing player. He's altered his game during this past season to pass more and shoot less. His 57 assists ranked 10th overall in the league (and the most among defensemen) and his plus-39 was quite an impressive feat.
But, in the playoffs, he's only got one point (an assist) in three games and hasn't exactly been solid in his own zone. He was a minus-five in the postseason a year ago and made poor decisions throughout. So far, that trend is continuing. Whether it's the added pressure, tighter playing style or other factors (it's not health this time around, or so we think), Green just isn't the same player as he was during the regular season -- again.
Carlson, meanwhile, has been great on both ends of the ice and is already a plus-five (tied with Poti for the third-highest total in the NHL). He scored one of the biggest goals of the series in game two and, has averaged about 18 minutes a night -- not as much as Green's nearly 26. But Carlson certainly seems to have the advantage in the defensive zone and his offensive skills definitely are there.
Although the sample size is small, Carlson might have a slight edge on Green. But, then again, the teammates both give the Caps a huge advantage on the blueline over the next 10 years -- a "problem" many other teams around the league most assuredly would love to have.
April 20, 2010
Playoff Tidbits from Each Series
With three games played in all but one series, things are starting to take form in the first round of the playoffs. For example, last night's 5-1 win by the Caps shows that they seemingly have regained their form and, if they can keep it up, should advance past the Montreal Canadiens. As for the others...
Pittsburgh Penguins lead Ottawa Senators, 2-1: As vulnerable as the Pens looked throughout the year, the Sens simply don't have the weapons to advance past the Stanley Cup champions. It would take a major turn of events for Ottawa to pull the upset.
Philadelphia Flyers lead New Jersey Devils, 2-1: The Broad Street Bullies have continued their regular-season dominance of the Devils and now are two games away from eliminating the Eastern Conference's No. 2 seed -- despite some good play from Martin Brodeur. But when a team gets an OT-winning goal by uber-goon Daniel Carcillo, who had all of 12 goals and 207 penalty minutes in the regular season, that might be a sign of doom for the Devs. This one's still up in the air, but leaning Philly's way.
Boston Bruins lead Buffalo Sabres, 2-1: After capturing game one at home, the Sabres have lost two straight and, now that Thomas Vanek's status is questionable due to a game two injury, it might be the beginning of the end. It's certainly not the fault of Ryan Miller, who should capture the Vezina Trophy this season, but Buffalo's offense is fading fast. Boston should advance.
Colorado Avalanche leads San Jose Sharks, 2-1: Haven't we seen this one before? Seemingly every year, the Sharks dominate the regular season and then flop in the first round of the playoffs. The latest gaffe belongs to Dan Boyle, who scored the only goal in game three. The problem for the Sharks, though, was that it was an own goal in a game three, 1-0 OT loss, in a game the Sharks unleashed 51 shots and couldn't beat Craig Anderson. The Sharks might be headed for an early exit -- again!
Chicago Blackhawks, Nashville Predators tied at 1: This series started later than the others and the teams will play game three tonight. Both teams have earned dominating victories in a series that is more evenly matched than many people thought. It could be headed for seven.
L.A. Kings lead Vancouver Canucks, 2-1: I'm not surprised the Kings are leading; after all, Mr. Cleo picked them to advance. The surprising part is that the Kings made Roberto Luongo look mortal in game three and seem to be handcuffing the Canucks more than anticipated. They have an aura to them, reminiscient of the Hawks from last season, who advanced to the Western Conference finals. That prediction is premature; but staying with the Kings to eliminate the Canucks is not.
Phoenix Coyotes lead Detroit Red Wings, 2-1: This is the only series where the lower-seeded team was treated as a favorite, and for good reason. The Wings are the two-time defending conference champs and won the Stanley Cup in 2008. But this is a different squad and they haven't quite captured the magic that made them the hottest team after the Olympic break. This one's going seven for sure.
Pittsburgh Penguins lead Ottawa Senators, 2-1: As vulnerable as the Pens looked throughout the year, the Sens simply don't have the weapons to advance past the Stanley Cup champions. It would take a major turn of events for Ottawa to pull the upset.
Philadelphia Flyers lead New Jersey Devils, 2-1: The Broad Street Bullies have continued their regular-season dominance of the Devils and now are two games away from eliminating the Eastern Conference's No. 2 seed -- despite some good play from Martin Brodeur. But when a team gets an OT-winning goal by uber-goon Daniel Carcillo, who had all of 12 goals and 207 penalty minutes in the regular season, that might be a sign of doom for the Devs. This one's still up in the air, but leaning Philly's way.
Boston Bruins lead Buffalo Sabres, 2-1: After capturing game one at home, the Sabres have lost two straight and, now that Thomas Vanek's status is questionable due to a game two injury, it might be the beginning of the end. It's certainly not the fault of Ryan Miller, who should capture the Vezina Trophy this season, but Buffalo's offense is fading fast. Boston should advance.
Colorado Avalanche leads San Jose Sharks, 2-1: Haven't we seen this one before? Seemingly every year, the Sharks dominate the regular season and then flop in the first round of the playoffs. The latest gaffe belongs to Dan Boyle, who scored the only goal in game three. The problem for the Sharks, though, was that it was an own goal in a game three, 1-0 OT loss, in a game the Sharks unleashed 51 shots and couldn't beat Craig Anderson. The Sharks might be headed for an early exit -- again!
Chicago Blackhawks, Nashville Predators tied at 1: This series started later than the others and the teams will play game three tonight. Both teams have earned dominating victories in a series that is more evenly matched than many people thought. It could be headed for seven.
L.A. Kings lead Vancouver Canucks, 2-1: I'm not surprised the Kings are leading; after all, Mr. Cleo picked them to advance. The surprising part is that the Kings made Roberto Luongo look mortal in game three and seem to be handcuffing the Canucks more than anticipated. They have an aura to them, reminiscient of the Hawks from last season, who advanced to the Western Conference finals. That prediction is premature; but staying with the Kings to eliminate the Canucks is not.
Phoenix Coyotes lead Detroit Red Wings, 2-1: This is the only series where the lower-seeded team was treated as a favorite, and for good reason. The Wings are the two-time defending conference champs and won the Stanley Cup in 2008. But this is a different squad and they haven't quite captured the magic that made them the hottest team after the Olympic break. This one's going seven for sure.
April 19, 2010
Caps Dominate Canadiens, 5-1
No overtime was needed in game three, and neither was a furious comeback. For the first time this postseason, the Caps showed why they were the best NHL team in the regular season in a dominating 5-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre tonight.
After a scoreless first, the Caps ripped off four goals in the second period -- three in the stanza's first 8:33 -- to pull away from the hometown Habs. Boyd Gordon started the scoring with a shorthanded goal at 1:06. Brooks Laich (sans facial ware) registered a long-distance wrister at 4:42, and Eric Fehr (who provided a great screen for Laich's goal) scored on a wrister of his own to put the Caps up, 3-0, and chase Habs' goalie Jaroslav Halak. Alex Ovechin scored from his knees to give the visitors a comfortable 4-0 lead after two periods.
In the final stanza, Tomas Plekanec scored his third goal of the series -- one in each game -- to give the Habs some hope, but it went for naught. Matt Bradley added one just for kicks in the game's final minute to provide the final margin.
This game, from start to finish, was the prototype for a perfect playoff win for the Caps. After withstanding a furious beginning by the Habs, the Caps held their own before seizing control in the second. Nearly all of their goals tonight were from a close distance, and all involved some traffic in front of either Halak or Carey Price. The red, white and blue (American version) didn't need their stars tonight because the rest of the team came to play -- and how.
Coach Bruce Boudreau changed the lines to provide more defense and balance, and it paid off in a big way. Other than the first 10 minutes, and stretches of the third period, the Habs offense looked dormant and a shell of the outfit that stymied the Caps in game one and two-thirds of game two.
And then there was Semyon Varlamov, who played brilliantly all night and proved that Boudreau continues to be wise beyond his years -- and that's saying a lot. Varly made some brilliant saves in the first and then shut the door in the third to prevent the Habs from getting any closer than three goals.
The only bad news from tonight was that Alex Semin continues to look lost and Joe Corvo wasn't overly impressive. But the rest of the squad was nearly perfect, which probably means there won't be any changes for game four on Wednesday night -- when the Caps seek to take their first 3-1 series lead under Boudreau.
After a scoreless first, the Caps ripped off four goals in the second period -- three in the stanza's first 8:33 -- to pull away from the hometown Habs. Boyd Gordon started the scoring with a shorthanded goal at 1:06. Brooks Laich (sans facial ware) registered a long-distance wrister at 4:42, and Eric Fehr (who provided a great screen for Laich's goal) scored on a wrister of his own to put the Caps up, 3-0, and chase Habs' goalie Jaroslav Halak. Alex Ovechin scored from his knees to give the visitors a comfortable 4-0 lead after two periods.
In the final stanza, Tomas Plekanec scored his third goal of the series -- one in each game -- to give the Habs some hope, but it went for naught. Matt Bradley added one just for kicks in the game's final minute to provide the final margin.
This game, from start to finish, was the prototype for a perfect playoff win for the Caps. After withstanding a furious beginning by the Habs, the Caps held their own before seizing control in the second. Nearly all of their goals tonight were from a close distance, and all involved some traffic in front of either Halak or Carey Price. The red, white and blue (American version) didn't need their stars tonight because the rest of the team came to play -- and how.
Coach Bruce Boudreau changed the lines to provide more defense and balance, and it paid off in a big way. Other than the first 10 minutes, and stretches of the third period, the Habs offense looked dormant and a shell of the outfit that stymied the Caps in game one and two-thirds of game two.
And then there was Semyon Varlamov, who played brilliantly all night and proved that Boudreau continues to be wise beyond his years -- and that's saying a lot. Varly made some brilliant saves in the first and then shut the door in the third to prevent the Habs from getting any closer than three goals.
The only bad news from tonight was that Alex Semin continues to look lost and Joe Corvo wasn't overly impressive. But the rest of the squad was nearly perfect, which probably means there won't be any changes for game four on Wednesday night -- when the Caps seek to take their first 3-1 series lead under Boudreau.
Award Finalists Announcements Begin Today
According to the NHL, the three finalists for each of the NHL's most prestigious regular-season awards will be announced over the next two weeks, beginning today. The 2010 NHL Awards will be broadcast live from the Pearl Concert Theater inside the Palms Hotel Las Vegas on June 23 on Versus.
Announcements will be made each day at noon on nhl.com and "NHL Live" (on Sirius XM). Here's the schedule:
Announcements will be made each day at noon on nhl.com and "NHL Live" (on Sirius XM). Here's the schedule:
- Today: Vezina Trophy (top goaltender)
- Tomorrow: Frank J. Selke Trophy (top defensive forward)
- Wednesday: Lady Byng Memorial Trophy (skill/sportsmanship)
- Thursday: Calder Memorial Trophy (top rookie)
- Friday: James Norris Memorial Trophy (top defenseman)
- April 26: Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy (perseverance and dedication to hockey)
- April 27: NHL Foundation Player Award (contributions to charitable causes)
- April 28: Jack Adams Award (top head coach)
- April 29: Hart Memorial Trophy (MVP)
Crash the Net, Win Face-Offs Lead to Playoff Success
As hard as it is for any Caps' fan to say anything nice about Sidney Crosby (and any member of the Pittsburgh Penguins), they are the reigning Stanley Cup champions and the two-time defending Eastern Conference kings. Two of the main reasons for their postseason success, especially last spring, were faceoff dominance and net presence.
Sidney Crosby, the man Caps fans love to hate, embodied that mantra. During last spring's epic series between the Pens and Caps, he constantly went to the net and worked extra time to improve his face-off prowess. Others, like Evgeni Malkin, Bill Guerin and Chris Kunitz, joined him in crashing the net -- leading to capturing the big silver chalice.
Fast forward to Saturday's game two between the Caps and Montreal Canadiens and there was Alex Ovechkin -- he of the booming slap shot and rip-roaring wrister -- standing in front of the net poking the puck past Jaroslav Halak. Mike Knuble and Brooks Laich excel at such a craft, but when the best player in the NHL -- and soon to be three-time MVP -- is parked in front of the net, you know things are changing for the better.
As for face-offs, David Steckel has excelled at this for the last two seasons, but trade deadline acquisition Eric Belanger has been downright dominant in this area and Brendan Morrison won 78 percent of his face-offs in game two. In fact, the offensively sublime Nicklas Backstrom (who has started to embody the go-to-the-net mentality) is arguably only third- or fourth-best on the team in face-offs.
Around these parts, storming the crease isn't just a blog name; it's the way to win a Cup. Now the Caps are starting to embody that -- just in time for tonight's game three against the Habs (7 p.m., CSN-HD) and, many hope, a long, successful playoff run.
Sidney Crosby, the man Caps fans love to hate, embodied that mantra. During last spring's epic series between the Pens and Caps, he constantly went to the net and worked extra time to improve his face-off prowess. Others, like Evgeni Malkin, Bill Guerin and Chris Kunitz, joined him in crashing the net -- leading to capturing the big silver chalice.
Fast forward to Saturday's game two between the Caps and Montreal Canadiens and there was Alex Ovechkin -- he of the booming slap shot and rip-roaring wrister -- standing in front of the net poking the puck past Jaroslav Halak. Mike Knuble and Brooks Laich excel at such a craft, but when the best player in the NHL -- and soon to be three-time MVP -- is parked in front of the net, you know things are changing for the better.
As for face-offs, David Steckel has excelled at this for the last two seasons, but trade deadline acquisition Eric Belanger has been downright dominant in this area and Brendan Morrison won 78 percent of his face-offs in game two. In fact, the offensively sublime Nicklas Backstrom (who has started to embody the go-to-the-net mentality) is arguably only third- or fourth-best on the team in face-offs.
Around these parts, storming the crease isn't just a blog name; it's the way to win a Cup. Now the Caps are starting to embody that -- just in time for tonight's game three against the Habs (7 p.m., CSN-HD) and, many hope, a long, successful playoff run.
April 17, 2010
Caps Prevail in 6-5 OT Thriller
Whether you want to classify the Caps' performance in game two against the Montreal Canadiens as the Great Escape or Got Backy? -- the only thing that matters for the home team is that the series is tied at one after a 6-5 overtime win.
But it wasn't looking good for the first two periods. The Caps were down 2-0 before they knew it in the first period after goals by Brian Gionta (just a minute into the contest) and Andrei Kostitsyn (at 7:58). That prompted Bruce Boudreau to bring Semyon Varlamov off the bench in relief of Jose Theodore. Eric Fehr promptly got a breakaway tally to bring the Caps within 2-1.
Montreal started the second period strongly and promptly built a 4-1 lead on two more goals by Andrei Kostitsyn -- the eighth hat trick scored against the Caps in the playoffs. (The last was Sidney Crosby's in game two of last spring's series.) Nicklas Backstrom provided some hope at 18:23 on a wicked slapper to bring the home team within two.
The Caps were able tie it up on a tip-in by Alex Ovechkin (his first goal of the playoffs) and another goal by Backstrom. Tomas Plekanec, however, gave the visitors a 5-4 lead at 14:54 to put more doubt in the Caps' minds.
John Carlson, though, saved the day after scoring on an Ovechkin-esque shot at 18:39 (his first career playoff goal) to tie the game and send it to overtime.
And Backstrom ensured the Caps escaped quickly, ripping a slap shot just 31 seconds into overtime to give the Caps a 6-5 win and a 1-1 series tie. It was the seventh-ever playoff hat trick by a Cap (Ovechkin had one last season in the same game as Crosby) and the first three-goal game of Backstrom's three-year career.
It also gave the Caps a rare overtime win, as they're just 16-22 all-time in the extra session during the playoffs.
Obviously, a lot of good came out of this game. Ovechkin and Backstrom each had four points and Carlson had two. But they're defense was still sloppy and they gave way too much room to the Canadiens.
Despite dominating at home ice during the regular season, the Caps are just 7-7 under Boudreau at home in the playoffs. They're also 4-5 on the road, a place they'll head Monday night, when they resume the series in Montreal (7 p.m., CSN-HD). They'll need to tighten up their game and play better from start to finish in order to keep the momentum and take their first lead of the series.
But it wasn't looking good for the first two periods. The Caps were down 2-0 before they knew it in the first period after goals by Brian Gionta (just a minute into the contest) and Andrei Kostitsyn (at 7:58). That prompted Bruce Boudreau to bring Semyon Varlamov off the bench in relief of Jose Theodore. Eric Fehr promptly got a breakaway tally to bring the Caps within 2-1.
Montreal started the second period strongly and promptly built a 4-1 lead on two more goals by Andrei Kostitsyn -- the eighth hat trick scored against the Caps in the playoffs. (The last was Sidney Crosby's in game two of last spring's series.) Nicklas Backstrom provided some hope at 18:23 on a wicked slapper to bring the home team within two.
The Caps were able tie it up on a tip-in by Alex Ovechkin (his first goal of the playoffs) and another goal by Backstrom. Tomas Plekanec, however, gave the visitors a 5-4 lead at 14:54 to put more doubt in the Caps' minds.
John Carlson, though, saved the day after scoring on an Ovechkin-esque shot at 18:39 (his first career playoff goal) to tie the game and send it to overtime.
And Backstrom ensured the Caps escaped quickly, ripping a slap shot just 31 seconds into overtime to give the Caps a 6-5 win and a 1-1 series tie. It was the seventh-ever playoff hat trick by a Cap (Ovechkin had one last season in the same game as Crosby) and the first three-goal game of Backstrom's three-year career.
It also gave the Caps a rare overtime win, as they're just 16-22 all-time in the extra session during the playoffs.
Obviously, a lot of good came out of this game. Ovechkin and Backstrom each had four points and Carlson had two. But they're defense was still sloppy and they gave way too much room to the Canadiens.
Despite dominating at home ice during the regular season, the Caps are just 7-7 under Boudreau at home in the playoffs. They're also 4-5 on the road, a place they'll head Monday night, when they resume the series in Montreal (7 p.m., CSN-HD). They'll need to tighten up their game and play better from start to finish in order to keep the momentum and take their first lead of the series.
April 16, 2010
Standing-Room-Only Hits the Press Box
Eighty-seven is a number that haunts Caps' fans (and sometimes players) due to you-know-who. But 87 also disrupted the game-day routine for the media (bloggers and mainstream members alike), as that is the number of credentials requested by the visitors for last night's game (and presumably tomorrow's contest as well).
The extra-large group (which eclipsed the press-box crowd for last year's game seven between the Caps and Pittsburgh Penguins) forced many folks that normally have seats to either stand in the press box or enjoy the game on a television screen in the press room.
The game was broadcast on four television and four radio stations, which forced part of the French-language RDS TV crew (including coach-turned-analyst Jacques Demers) to station themselves in the press box seats (instead of getting a TV booth) and a radio play-by-play team to broadcast from the seats, as all the booths were occupied. To say it was hectic in the press box would be an understatement.
So on a night when the team premiered its standing-room-only tickets, the press corps experienced a similar experience. Another sign this postseason is different.
The extra-large group (which eclipsed the press-box crowd for last year's game seven between the Caps and Pittsburgh Penguins) forced many folks that normally have seats to either stand in the press box or enjoy the game on a television screen in the press room.
The game was broadcast on four television and four radio stations, which forced part of the French-language RDS TV crew (including coach-turned-analyst Jacques Demers) to station themselves in the press box seats (instead of getting a TV booth) and a radio play-by-play team to broadcast from the seats, as all the booths were occupied. To say it was hectic in the press box would be an understatement.
So on a night when the team premiered its standing-room-only tickets, the press corps experienced a similar experience. Another sign this postseason is different.
Could the Game One Loss Actually Be a Good Omen?
The irony of the Caps' 3-2 OT loss to the Montreal Canadiens in game one of their playoff series is that they've lost the last four series when they've captured the initial contest. Taking it a step further, the Caps have won five of nine all-time playoff series in which they have lost game one.
Not so ironic is the team's 1-8 record in playoff overtimes (and 0-6 at home). The Caps have played 37 overtime games in their playoff history, and fell to 15-22 all-time.
"Our best players weren't our best players tonight and their best players were," Coach Bruce Boudreau said during the postgame press conference. "Our role players were really good."
The best blueliner for the Caps last night, in many people's eyes, was rookie John Carlson -- who registered five shots in 21:56 of ice time, more than Joe Corvo (who might have been injured during the game). More importantly, Carlson was great in his own end and played like he's a veteran, not somebody suiting up for his first NHL playoff game.
During the first period, the Caps outshot the Habs, 19-7, but trailed 1-0 (Mike Cammalleri tallied for the Habs on the power play with a near-perfect shot) before Corvo tallied on a long-distance wrister. Jason Chimera, another unsung hero for the Caps, provided great traffic in front.
"We had a lot of shots, but I don't think we had a lot of quality chances after the first period," Boudreau said.
During the second period, though, the visitors started to seize control as the Caps couldn't build on their momentum. All season, the middle frame has been the Caps' weakest.
"I thought we had to adjust as far as moving the puck a lot more quicker and spending some time in their own zone," Montreal Head Coach Jacques Martin said after the game. "We were able to apply some pressure with our forechecking and better puck movement, which created some opportunities for us."
The final 20 minutes, in which the Caps have dominated this season, started off well with a goal by Nicklas Backstrom at 0:47. But the Caps didn't keep their foot on the gas after that and, in fact, allowed Scott Gomez to split their red sea of defense to even the game at 7:34.
The Caps never really recovered and, despite some decent chances (and odd-man breaks) in the latter stages of the third period and throughout the extra session, Tomas Plekanec ended the game at 13:19 of overtime.
"We made a mistake in overtime and it cost us," Boudreau said.
The Caps must win game two and avoid going down 0-2 (like they did in the first round last season against the New York Rangers) heading back to Montreal. Yes, losing game one might be a good omen, but losing the first couple matches on home ice would be a cause for panic.
"We only won one game," Martin said. "We need to play better in game two."
The latter part of that statement most definitely applies to the red, white and blue (American version).
Not so ironic is the team's 1-8 record in playoff overtimes (and 0-6 at home). The Caps have played 37 overtime games in their playoff history, and fell to 15-22 all-time.
"Our best players weren't our best players tonight and their best players were," Coach Bruce Boudreau said during the postgame press conference. "Our role players were really good."
The best blueliner for the Caps last night, in many people's eyes, was rookie John Carlson -- who registered five shots in 21:56 of ice time, more than Joe Corvo (who might have been injured during the game). More importantly, Carlson was great in his own end and played like he's a veteran, not somebody suiting up for his first NHL playoff game.
During the first period, the Caps outshot the Habs, 19-7, but trailed 1-0 (Mike Cammalleri tallied for the Habs on the power play with a near-perfect shot) before Corvo tallied on a long-distance wrister. Jason Chimera, another unsung hero for the Caps, provided great traffic in front.
"We had a lot of shots, but I don't think we had a lot of quality chances after the first period," Boudreau said.
During the second period, though, the visitors started to seize control as the Caps couldn't build on their momentum. All season, the middle frame has been the Caps' weakest.
"I thought we had to adjust as far as moving the puck a lot more quicker and spending some time in their own zone," Montreal Head Coach Jacques Martin said after the game. "We were able to apply some pressure with our forechecking and better puck movement, which created some opportunities for us."
The final 20 minutes, in which the Caps have dominated this season, started off well with a goal by Nicklas Backstrom at 0:47. But the Caps didn't keep their foot on the gas after that and, in fact, allowed Scott Gomez to split their red sea of defense to even the game at 7:34.
The Caps never really recovered and, despite some decent chances (and odd-man breaks) in the latter stages of the third period and throughout the extra session, Tomas Plekanec ended the game at 13:19 of overtime.
"We made a mistake in overtime and it cost us," Boudreau said.
The Caps must win game two and avoid going down 0-2 (like they did in the first round last season against the New York Rangers) heading back to Montreal. Yes, losing game one might be a good omen, but losing the first couple matches on home ice would be a cause for panic.
"We only won one game," Martin said. "We need to play better in game two."
The latter part of that statement most definitely applies to the red, white and blue (American version).
April 15, 2010
Caps Begin Cup Quest
Throw the records, cliches and analysis out the window; it's time for playoff hockey. For the Caps, that starts tonight against the Montreal Canadiens (7 p.m., CSN-HD, Versus-HD).
The Caps won everything there is to win during the regular season but now there's only one prize: the Stanley Cup. To capture the 16 wins that lead to hoisting the best prize in professional sports, there are three things the Caps must do:
* Short Series: Playing four seven-game series is impractical and nearly impossible. As Bruce Boudreau said recently, "Of the last eight Stanley Cup champions, all of them had at least one five-game series." That means the Caps need to put the Canadiens away early by taking both games at Verizon Center and then one at Bell Centre.
* Finishing Mentality: There's no place for a lack of intensity at any point during a playoff game. If the Caps learned anything from the series against the Pittsburgh Penguins last spring it's this: they had a chance to go up 3-0 and didn't and then posted a dud in game seven. There's no place for either of those against the Habs.
* Stay out of the Box: The Habs have a dangerous power play, which might be the only place (save for goaltending) where they can match the Caps. The Caps must avoid taking penalties (especially boneheaded ones) and play a sound game.
There's a long road ahead, but sticking to this mantra will ensure the Caps enjoy an extended ride.
The Caps won everything there is to win during the regular season but now there's only one prize: the Stanley Cup. To capture the 16 wins that lead to hoisting the best prize in professional sports, there are three things the Caps must do:
* Short Series: Playing four seven-game series is impractical and nearly impossible. As Bruce Boudreau said recently, "Of the last eight Stanley Cup champions, all of them had at least one five-game series." That means the Caps need to put the Canadiens away early by taking both games at Verizon Center and then one at Bell Centre.
* Finishing Mentality: There's no place for a lack of intensity at any point during a playoff game. If the Caps learned anything from the series against the Pittsburgh Penguins last spring it's this: they had a chance to go up 3-0 and didn't and then posted a dud in game seven. There's no place for either of those against the Habs.
* Stay out of the Box: The Habs have a dangerous power play, which might be the only place (save for goaltending) where they can match the Caps. The Caps must avoid taking penalties (especially boneheaded ones) and play a sound game.
There's a long road ahead, but sticking to this mantra will ensure the Caps enjoy an extended ride.
April 14, 2010
Caps-Canadiens First-Round Preview
The Caps and Montreal Canadiens begin their first-ever playoff meeting tomorrow night (7 p.m., CSN-HD, Versus-HD) at Verizon Center. A series preview:
Offense: The starring show of the series. Both teams have strong power plays (more on that below), but the same isn't true at full strength. The Caps led the league with 3.82 goals per game, but the Canadiens only averaged 2.56 (26th) per game and were last in five-on-five goals scored (the Caps were first). The Caps boast seven 20-goal scorers -- and had four players score more than the Habs' leading scorer (Brian Gionta, who notched 28). While the Habs do have nine players with 10 or more goals (and three with 20-plus), the Caps have 12 in double figures. Need I go on? Advantage: Caps
Defense: The much-maligned Washington defense was middle-of-the-pack in the league in goals allowed per game (2.77), and Montreal wasn't too far ahead (2.66). The Caps also are in the middle of the pack in shots allowed per game (30.9), but the Habs are worse (32.1). The biggest difference, though, is that the Caps boasted the top-four in plus/minus in the entire league (and six of the top 11), while the Habs' top player in the category, Andrei Markov (plus-11), rates behind 11 Caps players and is tied with rookie John Carlson, who played all of 22 games this season. Advantage: Caps
Special Teams: The Caps' (25.2 percent) and Habs' (21.8) power plays ranked first and second in the league, respectively. The Habs registered five PPGs on 14 attempts (35.7 percent) against the Caps during the regular season, a big reason they were able to win two games of the four games. Montreal's penalty kill was average (83 percent, tied for 11th in the league), while the Caps' much-maligned unit was 25th (78.8 percent). The kicker? The Canadiens and Caps were among the least penalized teams in the league during the regular season, averaging just over 11 minutes per-game. So if either team's powerful extra-man advantage is going to seize control, they better do it with only a few chances. Advantage: Push.
Goaltending: Bruce Boudreau finally named Jose Theodore (30-7-7, 2.81 goals-against average, .911 save percentage) as the team's starting goalie and for good reason: he's 20-0-3 with a 2.58 GAA and a .922 save percentage since Jan. 13. The Habs probably will go with Jaroslav Halak, who did not face the Caps this season, but ranked fourth in the league with a .924 save percentage and ninth with a 2.40 GAA. There are questions around both players, but Theodore has playoff experience and momentum on his side. Advantage: Push.
Intangibles: The teams haven't met since the Habs ended the Caps' 14-game winning streak with a wild 6-5 OT win on Feb. 10. But, that was an anomaly. In the second half of the season, no team earned more standings points than the Caps (30-4-7, 67, 13 more than Detroit over that span, and five more than the Edmonton Oilers earned all season), while only the Red Wings had more points than the Caps (13-2-5, 31) after the Olympic break. Montreal, meanwhile, was a pedestrian 20-14-7 (47) in the second half (middle of the pack) and 10-5-4, 24 points (sixth) after the Olympics. Advantage: Caps.
Overall: Both teams embody their coaches. Habs bench boss Jacques Martin hardly scared anybody as the Florida Panthers' coach and that has translated (no pun intended) to his current stint in Montreal. The Canadiens underachieved all season and now face the best team in the league. Meanwhile, Coach Bruce Boudreau continues to take the Caps on a magic carpet ride, helping the franchise set new highs and build a winning tradition. The team hasn't reached its pinnacle yet (a Stanley Cup). That journey starts here with Gabby's second playoff series victory in as many postseasons. Prediction: Caps in six.
Offense: The starring show of the series. Both teams have strong power plays (more on that below), but the same isn't true at full strength. The Caps led the league with 3.82 goals per game, but the Canadiens only averaged 2.56 (26th) per game and were last in five-on-five goals scored (the Caps were first). The Caps boast seven 20-goal scorers -- and had four players score more than the Habs' leading scorer (Brian Gionta, who notched 28). While the Habs do have nine players with 10 or more goals (and three with 20-plus), the Caps have 12 in double figures. Need I go on? Advantage: Caps
Defense: The much-maligned Washington defense was middle-of-the-pack in the league in goals allowed per game (2.77), and Montreal wasn't too far ahead (2.66). The Caps also are in the middle of the pack in shots allowed per game (30.9), but the Habs are worse (32.1). The biggest difference, though, is that the Caps boasted the top-four in plus/minus in the entire league (and six of the top 11), while the Habs' top player in the category, Andrei Markov (plus-11), rates behind 11 Caps players and is tied with rookie John Carlson, who played all of 22 games this season. Advantage: Caps
Special Teams: The Caps' (25.2 percent) and Habs' (21.8) power plays ranked first and second in the league, respectively. The Habs registered five PPGs on 14 attempts (35.7 percent) against the Caps during the regular season, a big reason they were able to win two games of the four games. Montreal's penalty kill was average (83 percent, tied for 11th in the league), while the Caps' much-maligned unit was 25th (78.8 percent). The kicker? The Canadiens and Caps were among the least penalized teams in the league during the regular season, averaging just over 11 minutes per-game. So if either team's powerful extra-man advantage is going to seize control, they better do it with only a few chances. Advantage: Push.
Goaltending: Bruce Boudreau finally named Jose Theodore (30-7-7, 2.81 goals-against average, .911 save percentage) as the team's starting goalie and for good reason: he's 20-0-3 with a 2.58 GAA and a .922 save percentage since Jan. 13. The Habs probably will go with Jaroslav Halak, who did not face the Caps this season, but ranked fourth in the league with a .924 save percentage and ninth with a 2.40 GAA. There are questions around both players, but Theodore has playoff experience and momentum on his side. Advantage: Push.
Intangibles: The teams haven't met since the Habs ended the Caps' 14-game winning streak with a wild 6-5 OT win on Feb. 10. But, that was an anomaly. In the second half of the season, no team earned more standings points than the Caps (30-4-7, 67, 13 more than Detroit over that span, and five more than the Edmonton Oilers earned all season), while only the Red Wings had more points than the Caps (13-2-5, 31) after the Olympic break. Montreal, meanwhile, was a pedestrian 20-14-7 (47) in the second half (middle of the pack) and 10-5-4, 24 points (sixth) after the Olympics. Advantage: Caps.
Overall: Both teams embody their coaches. Habs bench boss Jacques Martin hardly scared anybody as the Florida Panthers' coach and that has translated (no pun intended) to his current stint in Montreal. The Canadiens underachieved all season and now face the best team in the league. Meanwhile, Coach Bruce Boudreau continues to take the Caps on a magic carpet ride, helping the franchise set new highs and build a winning tradition. The team hasn't reached its pinnacle yet (a Stanley Cup). That journey starts here with Gabby's second playoff series victory in as many postseasons. Prediction: Caps in six.
April 13, 2010
2010 First-Round Picks
The playoffs are about to begin, which means it's time for Mr. Cleo to rear his ugly head. A look at the upcoming first-round series:
Eastern Conference
No. 1 Caps over No. 8 Montreal Canadiens in six: A full preview of this series will appear tomorrow.
No. 2 New Jersey Devils over No. 7 Philadelphia Flyers in six: The Flyers went 5-1 against the Devils this season and, although Ilya Kovalchuk and Zach Parise are legit snipers (combining for 79 goals), these two teams will play tight, rough hockey for the most part. Conventional wisdom says the Devils have the goaltending edge, but you never know if Martin Brodeur finally has weakened. In the end, though, the Devils will have too much for the Flyers and do something they couldn't do last spring: advance to the second round.
No. 6 Boston Bruins over No. 3 Buffalo Sabres in six: The Bruins won four of the six games against the Sabres, despite the fact that Buffalo was the division champ. The Sabres have the edge in goaltending, but neither team will be confused for an offensive juggernaut any time soon. Former Sabre Miro Satan fared well in the late part of the season for the Bruins; ditto former Canadien Michael Ryder. That should be just enough to pull the upset.
No. 4 Pittsburgh Penguins over No. 5 Ottawa Senators in seven: The teams split the season series and should stay close this time around. Ottawa, sans Alex Kovalev for the playoffs, won't be as potent, but still boast a rejuvenated Jason Spezza and Daniel Alfredsson. The Pens might not (and hopefully won't, if you ask Caps fans) reach the Stanley Cup finals for the third straight year, but it's hard to believe they'll be bounced in the first round either.
Western Conference
No. 1 San Jose Sharks over No. 8 Colorado Avalanche in five: It's so easy to pick against the Sharks, who choke so frequently they might need hockey's equivalent of the Heimlich maneuver. But they've got to win a first-round series eventually, right? The Avs are a game bunch, who rode Craig Anderson and some gamely defense to an unlikely playoff spot. Colorado's mile-high magic ends and the Sharks advance, at least this time. (The teams split the season series.)
No. 2 Chicago Blackhawks over No. 7 Nashville Predators in six: Chicago had a great season and was just one point behind the Sharks for the top seed in the West. They've got one more year under their belt after a great run last postseason (which ended in a five-game conference final loss to the Detroit Red Wings) and their goaltending held up behind some brilliant defense. The Hawks took four of six from the Preds, who got back to the postseason very quietly. But Nashville's feel-good story comes to an end here.
No. 6 Los Angeles Kings over No. 3 over Vancouver Canucks in seven: Roberto Luongo might have led Canada to a gold medal, but he's not taking the Canucks to a Stanley Cup crown. The Kings, who may even have a brighter future ahead than Vancouver, have a goalie stud of their own (Jonathan Quick, No. 3 on the U.S.A. Olympic team) in their first playoff berth since 2002. Both teams can score, although Vancouver averaged about a half-goal more per game, and both are pretty solid on defense. The Canucks took three of the four regular-season games, but that gets reversed in the playoffs.
No. 5 Detroit Red Wings over No. 4 Phoenix Coyotes in six: The two-time defending Western Conference champions may have started slow, but boy did they finish strongly (including a 8-1-1 record in their last 10 games). They're facing a Coyotes squad that they split with in the regular season. The two teams only have met once in the postseason, a six-game victory by the Wings in 1998 on the way to a Stanley Cup victory (over the Caps). History will repeat itself, at least in terms of this series.
Note: Before the season started, Mr. Cleo predicted that the Chicago Blackhawks would win the Stanley Cup over the Caps. He's headed in the right direction. Overall, Mr. Cleo picked seven of the eight Eastern Conference playoff teams (Carolina Hurricanes out; Ottawa Senators in) and five of the Western Conference entrants.
Eastern Conference
No. 1 Caps over No. 8 Montreal Canadiens in six: A full preview of this series will appear tomorrow.
No. 2 New Jersey Devils over No. 7 Philadelphia Flyers in six: The Flyers went 5-1 against the Devils this season and, although Ilya Kovalchuk and Zach Parise are legit snipers (combining for 79 goals), these two teams will play tight, rough hockey for the most part. Conventional wisdom says the Devils have the goaltending edge, but you never know if Martin Brodeur finally has weakened. In the end, though, the Devils will have too much for the Flyers and do something they couldn't do last spring: advance to the second round.
No. 6 Boston Bruins over No. 3 Buffalo Sabres in six: The Bruins won four of the six games against the Sabres, despite the fact that Buffalo was the division champ. The Sabres have the edge in goaltending, but neither team will be confused for an offensive juggernaut any time soon. Former Sabre Miro Satan fared well in the late part of the season for the Bruins; ditto former Canadien Michael Ryder. That should be just enough to pull the upset.
No. 4 Pittsburgh Penguins over No. 5 Ottawa Senators in seven: The teams split the season series and should stay close this time around. Ottawa, sans Alex Kovalev for the playoffs, won't be as potent, but still boast a rejuvenated Jason Spezza and Daniel Alfredsson. The Pens might not (and hopefully won't, if you ask Caps fans) reach the Stanley Cup finals for the third straight year, but it's hard to believe they'll be bounced in the first round either.
Western Conference
No. 1 San Jose Sharks over No. 8 Colorado Avalanche in five: It's so easy to pick against the Sharks, who choke so frequently they might need hockey's equivalent of the Heimlich maneuver. But they've got to win a first-round series eventually, right? The Avs are a game bunch, who rode Craig Anderson and some gamely defense to an unlikely playoff spot. Colorado's mile-high magic ends and the Sharks advance, at least this time. (The teams split the season series.)
No. 2 Chicago Blackhawks over No. 7 Nashville Predators in six: Chicago had a great season and was just one point behind the Sharks for the top seed in the West. They've got one more year under their belt after a great run last postseason (which ended in a five-game conference final loss to the Detroit Red Wings) and their goaltending held up behind some brilliant defense. The Hawks took four of six from the Preds, who got back to the postseason very quietly. But Nashville's feel-good story comes to an end here.
No. 6 Los Angeles Kings over No. 3 over Vancouver Canucks in seven: Roberto Luongo might have led Canada to a gold medal, but he's not taking the Canucks to a Stanley Cup crown. The Kings, who may even have a brighter future ahead than Vancouver, have a goalie stud of their own (Jonathan Quick, No. 3 on the U.S.A. Olympic team) in their first playoff berth since 2002. Both teams can score, although Vancouver averaged about a half-goal more per game, and both are pretty solid on defense. The Canucks took three of the four regular-season games, but that gets reversed in the playoffs.
No. 5 Detroit Red Wings over No. 4 Phoenix Coyotes in six: The two-time defending Western Conference champions may have started slow, but boy did they finish strongly (including a 8-1-1 record in their last 10 games). They're facing a Coyotes squad that they split with in the regular season. The two teams only have met once in the postseason, a six-game victory by the Wings in 1998 on the way to a Stanley Cup victory (over the Caps). History will repeat itself, at least in terms of this series.
Note: Before the season started, Mr. Cleo predicted that the Chicago Blackhawks would win the Stanley Cup over the Caps. He's headed in the right direction. Overall, Mr. Cleo picked seven of the eight Eastern Conference playoff teams (Carolina Hurricanes out; Ottawa Senators in) and five of the Western Conference entrants.
April 12, 2010
Weekly Snapshot, April 12
The final edition of the season (and a special one at that).
Final Record/Standings Position: 54-15-13 (121 points), 1st Southeast Division (by 38 points)/1st Eastern Conference (by 18 points)/1st NHL (by eight points)
Last Week's Games:
* Won, 3-2 (OT), vs Boston Bruins
* Won, 6-3, at Pittsburgh Penguins
* Won, 5-2, vs. Atlanta Thrashers
* Lost, 4-3 (SO), vs. Bruins
This Week's Games: Playoffs vs. Montreal (full schedule)
Injuries: Milan Jurcina (might be ready for the playoffs). Total Man-Games Lost: 220.
Recent Transactions: None.
Top Storylines:
* The Caps captured everything there was to earn in the regular season. Now comes the true test of whether this season is really special.
* Coach Bruce Boudreau won't reveal who the starting goaltender will be, but it's got to be Jose Theodore (who hasn't lost a game in regulation since January).
* Everybody is going to focus on the Caps' defense and goaltending, but their biggest weakness: penalty kill.
Final Top Five Team Point Leaders: Alex Ovechkin (50 goals, 59 assists, 109 points; career high in assists); Nicklas Backstrom (33 goals, 68 assists, 101 points; all career highs); Alex Semin (40 goals, 44 assists, 84 points; career highs in goals and points); Mike Green (19 goals, 57 assists, 76 points; career highs in assists and points); and Brooks Laich (25 goals, 34 assists, 59 points; all career highs).
Final Record/Standings Position: 54-15-13 (121 points), 1st Southeast Division (by 38 points)/1st Eastern Conference (by 18 points)/1st NHL (by eight points)
Last Week's Games:
* Won, 3-2 (OT), vs Boston Bruins
* Won, 6-3, at Pittsburgh Penguins
* Won, 5-2, vs. Atlanta Thrashers
* Lost, 4-3 (SO), vs. Bruins
This Week's Games: Playoffs vs. Montreal (full schedule)
Injuries: Milan Jurcina (might be ready for the playoffs). Total Man-Games Lost: 220.
Recent Transactions: None.
Top Storylines:
* The Caps captured everything there was to earn in the regular season. Now comes the true test of whether this season is really special.
* Coach Bruce Boudreau won't reveal who the starting goaltender will be, but it's got to be Jose Theodore (who hasn't lost a game in regulation since January).
* Everybody is going to focus on the Caps' defense and goaltending, but their biggest weakness: penalty kill.
Final Top Five Team Point Leaders: Alex Ovechkin (50 goals, 59 assists, 109 points; career high in assists); Nicklas Backstrom (33 goals, 68 assists, 101 points; all career highs); Alex Semin (40 goals, 44 assists, 84 points; career highs in goals and points); Mike Green (19 goals, 57 assists, 76 points; career highs in assists and points); and Brooks Laich (25 goals, 34 assists, 59 points; all career highs).
April 11, 2010
Looking Back on a Record-Setting Regular Season
The 2009-2010 regular season is over and it was a historic one for the red, white and blue. During the campaign, the Caps:
* Became the eighth team ever (and the first non-Original Six team) to earn 120 points. Their 121 points tied for the sixth-most ever with the 1970-71 Boston Bruins. They're just the fourth franchise to hit the pleateu (Montreal had four, Detroit two and Boston one). It's the most points by any team since Detroit had 124 in 2005-06. (The Wings got bounced in the first round that season.)
* Won the franchise's first President's Trophy.
* Finished as the top team in the Eastern Conference for the first time ever.
* Captured a third-straight Southeast Division title, the first time in franchise history they had accomplished that feat.
* Closed out the year with the NHL's best home record at 30-5-6.
* Set the team record for points at home (65) and tied the team mark for home wins (set in 1985-86).
* Hosted sellouts for all 41 home games and a club-record 48 games in a row dating back to last season (56 in a row including playoffs).
* Broke the club total attendance record (749,357).
* Finished the season with an NHL-leading 313 goals and are the highest scoring team since the 1995-96 Pittsburgh Penguins (362). (The team had never before led the NHL in scoring.)
* Led the league in goals per game (3.82), even-strength goals (233), power-play goals (79), home goals (156), road goals (157), first-period goals (92), second period goals (103) and third-period goals (112).
* Finished with the best power play in the league, the first time in franchise history they had done that.
* Set a club record for fewest penalty minutes in a season (940). The previous record was 951 in 1975-76.
* Became the eighth team ever (and the first non-Original Six team) to earn 120 points. Their 121 points tied for the sixth-most ever with the 1970-71 Boston Bruins. They're just the fourth franchise to hit the pleateu (Montreal had four, Detroit two and Boston one). It's the most points by any team since Detroit had 124 in 2005-06. (The Wings got bounced in the first round that season.)
* Won the franchise's first President's Trophy.
* Finished as the top team in the Eastern Conference for the first time ever.
* Captured a third-straight Southeast Division title, the first time in franchise history they had accomplished that feat.
* Closed out the year with the NHL's best home record at 30-5-6.
* Set the team record for points at home (65) and tied the team mark for home wins (set in 1985-86).
* Hosted sellouts for all 41 home games and a club-record 48 games in a row dating back to last season (56 in a row including playoffs).
* Broke the club total attendance record (749,357).
* Finished the season with an NHL-leading 313 goals and are the highest scoring team since the 1995-96 Pittsburgh Penguins (362). (The team had never before led the NHL in scoring.)
* Led the league in goals per game (3.82), even-strength goals (233), power-play goals (79), home goals (156), road goals (157), first-period goals (92), second period goals (103) and third-period goals (112).
* Finished with the best power play in the league, the first time in franchise history they had done that.
* Set a club record for fewest penalty minutes in a season (940). The previous record was 951 in 1975-76.
Caps Get Set for Canadiens
Time to brush up on your french because the Caps will be facing the Montreal Canadiens in the first round of the playoffs. The teams have never met in the postseason. The Caps took the regular-season series, 2-1-1, in a predictably high-scoring set of games. Don't expect this to be a defensive battle, at least that's not the history of the teams' meetings over the years.
(By the way, condolences to the New York Rangers, who lost a shot at the postseason today in a shootout to the Philadelphia Flyers. Not the way I'd want my team's chances to end, but that's another story.)
Other match-ups are coming together too. Chicago lost, 3-2, in OT to Detroit today, meaning they will be the No. 2 seed in the West and face the Nashville Predators in the first round. The West-winning San Jose Sharks will square off against the Colorado Avalanche. The Los Angeles Kings, who beat the Avs today, will play the Vancouver Canucks, while the Red Wings and Phoenix Coyotes will battle.
The only questions now are in the East. Buffalo and New Jersey are tied in the battle for the No. 2 seed. If the Devils get a point, they get the Flyers and the Sabres face the Boston Bruins. If Buffalo wins in regulation, they'll take on the Flyers.
Stay tuned for the playoff schedule that will be released later tonight.
UPDATE: The Devils beat the Sabres, meaning New Jersey will be the No. 2 seed and face the Flyers; the Sabres will square off against the Bruins.
(By the way, condolences to the New York Rangers, who lost a shot at the postseason today in a shootout to the Philadelphia Flyers. Not the way I'd want my team's chances to end, but that's another story.)
Other match-ups are coming together too. Chicago lost, 3-2, in OT to Detroit today, meaning they will be the No. 2 seed in the West and face the Nashville Predators in the first round. The West-winning San Jose Sharks will square off against the Colorado Avalanche. The Los Angeles Kings, who beat the Avs today, will play the Vancouver Canucks, while the Red Wings and Phoenix Coyotes will battle.
The only questions now are in the East. Buffalo and New Jersey are tied in the battle for the No. 2 seed. If the Devils get a point, they get the Flyers and the Sabres face the Boston Bruins. If Buffalo wins in regulation, they'll take on the Flyers.
Stay tuned for the playoff schedule that will be released later tonight.
UPDATE: The Devils beat the Sabres, meaning New Jersey will be the No. 2 seed and face the Flyers; the Sabres will square off against the Bruins.
Ovechkin Pointless in Caps' 4-3 Shootout Loss
Alex Ovechkin won't win the Art Ross Trophy and might not capture the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy this season. But I'm sure he'll trade that all for hoisting the Stanley Cup in about two months.
Ovie didn't register a point in the Caps' final regular-season game, a 4-3 shootout loss to the Boston Bruins at Verizon Center. Coach Bruce Boudreau played the team captain less as the game progressed, while giving unsung heroes Boyd Gordon and Matt Bradley a chance in the shootout.
Before the game got to the extra session, the teams played a fairly tight contest -- including double- and triple-teaming on the two-time MVP. Alex Semin scored his 40th goal at 2:23 of the first period, while Michael Ryder notched his 17th and 18th before Eric Belanger registered his 15th before the first period expired. After a scoreless second period, Mike Knuble (29) and Marco Sturm (22) traded goals in the final stanza.
In terms of playing style, the game certainly was a playoff preview -- although the teams will be facing different opponents. The Bruins called up a few players from Providence for the game, while Boudreau rested Tomas Fleischmann and Eric Fehr.
All that's left now is when the Caps will begin the playoff and who they will be playing. The latter question will be answered after the New York Rangers-Philadelphia Flyers game, which begins at 3.
Ovie didn't register a point in the Caps' final regular-season game, a 4-3 shootout loss to the Boston Bruins at Verizon Center. Coach Bruce Boudreau played the team captain less as the game progressed, while giving unsung heroes Boyd Gordon and Matt Bradley a chance in the shootout.
Before the game got to the extra session, the teams played a fairly tight contest -- including double- and triple-teaming on the two-time MVP. Alex Semin scored his 40th goal at 2:23 of the first period, while Michael Ryder notched his 17th and 18th before Eric Belanger registered his 15th before the first period expired. After a scoreless second period, Mike Knuble (29) and Marco Sturm (22) traded goals in the final stanza.
In terms of playing style, the game certainly was a playoff preview -- although the teams will be facing different opponents. The Bruins called up a few players from Providence for the game, while Boudreau rested Tomas Fleischmann and Eric Fehr.
All that's left now is when the Caps will begin the playoff and who they will be playing. The latter question will be answered after the New York Rangers-Philadelphia Flyers game, which begins at 3.
The Meaning of Today's Games
While the Caps and Boston are locked into the top and sixth seed in the East, respectively, there's still a lot on the line for the red, white and blue, specifically Alex Ovechkin.
Ovie is tied with Steven Stamkos with 50 goals in the race for the Rocket Richard Trophy. Both are one ahead of Sidney Crosby. All play today. (Caps vs. Bruins at noon; Pittsburgh at New York Islanders, Tampa Bay Lightning at Florida Panthers, both at 5.)
For the Art Ross, Ovechkin is three behind Henrik Sedin, who notched four points last night. (Crosby is five back of Ovie.) In all likelihood, Ovie can win the trophy with a four-point game of his own. (A tie also would go to Ovechkin as goals-scored is the determining factor.)
As for the team as a whole, the Caps either will face the Montreal Canadiens or the New York Rangers, and there's only one game to watch for that. The Blueshirts travel to Philly to face the Flyers (3 p.m., NHL Network); winner makes the playoffs, loser goes home.
If the Rangers win, they return to Washington for a rematch of last spring's series. If Philly wins, they'd be the No. 7 seed and the Habs would head to D.C. Either way, it'll be a large traveling media contingent to Verizon Center.
The Caps were 2-1-1 against the Canadiens this season and 3-1 against the Rangers. The Caps will know their opponent around 5:30 and the first-round playoff schedule will be released later tonight, hopefully as early as 7:30 or 8 p.m.
Another 5 p.m. game is the Buffalo Sabres at the New Jersey Devils. If the Sabres win in regulation, they would earn the No. 2 seed and face either the Flyers or Canadiens. If the Devils win, they earn the No. 2 seed.
One first-round match-up in the East has been finalized: No. 4 Penguins vs. No. 5 Ottawa Senators.
(The participants in the season's final regular-season game, Edmonton at Anaheim, which begins at 8 p.m., both are eliminated.)
Look for more during the day.
Ovie is tied with Steven Stamkos with 50 goals in the race for the Rocket Richard Trophy. Both are one ahead of Sidney Crosby. All play today. (Caps vs. Bruins at noon; Pittsburgh at New York Islanders, Tampa Bay Lightning at Florida Panthers, both at 5.)
For the Art Ross, Ovechkin is three behind Henrik Sedin, who notched four points last night. (Crosby is five back of Ovie.) In all likelihood, Ovie can win the trophy with a four-point game of his own. (A tie also would go to Ovechkin as goals-scored is the determining factor.)
As for the team as a whole, the Caps either will face the Montreal Canadiens or the New York Rangers, and there's only one game to watch for that. The Blueshirts travel to Philly to face the Flyers (3 p.m., NHL Network); winner makes the playoffs, loser goes home.
If the Rangers win, they return to Washington for a rematch of last spring's series. If Philly wins, they'd be the No. 7 seed and the Habs would head to D.C. Either way, it'll be a large traveling media contingent to Verizon Center.
The Caps were 2-1-1 against the Canadiens this season and 3-1 against the Rangers. The Caps will know their opponent around 5:30 and the first-round playoff schedule will be released later tonight, hopefully as early as 7:30 or 8 p.m.
Another 5 p.m. game is the Buffalo Sabres at the New Jersey Devils. If the Sabres win in regulation, they would earn the No. 2 seed and face either the Flyers or Canadiens. If the Devils win, they earn the No. 2 seed.
One first-round match-up in the East has been finalized: No. 4 Penguins vs. No. 5 Ottawa Senators.
(The participants in the season's final regular-season game, Edmonton at Anaheim, which begins at 8 p.m., both are eliminated.)
Look for more during the day.
April 9, 2010
Celebrations for Some, Nailbiting for Others
The Caps have two games left in the regular season (against Atlanta tonight and Boston on Sunday, both at Verizon Center) before the playoffs begin Thursday night (barring a major change). The Caps will unfurl the President's Trophy all weekend and also conduct their annual jerseys-off-our-back ceremony after the Bruins game. Jose Theodore will start tonight and, presumably, Semyon Varlamov will get the nod on Sunday. (Who starts game one of the playoffs is still up in the air.) A win would give the Caps 120 points, making them just the eighth team in NHL history to hit that plateau.
However, who the Caps play next week -- and what 15 teams join them in the postseason -- is very much unsettled. It's still likely the Caps will face either the Bruins (87 points) or Philadelphia Flyers (86) in the first round. But there still is the possibility that either the New York Rangers (for the second straight year), who boast 84 points, or Montreal Canadiens (87) will provide the competition. And one of those teams (Bruins, Flyers, Rangers, Habs) will not be playing after Sunday.
The other intriguing battle is for the Atlantic Division title. The New Jersey Devils and Pittsburgh Penguins are tied with 99 points and both have two games left. The winner gets the No. 2 or 3 seed (Buffalo has 98 points with two games left and already has secured the Northeast Division crown) and the loser probably the No. 4. The Caps would face the No. 4 seed in the second round, if there are no upsets -- which, given the state of sports, seems unlikely. The Ottawa Senators (94) are locked into the No. 5 seed.
Out West, the battle for the seeding is all that's left as every playoff spot has been occupied. At the top is an ongoing competition between the Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks. The Sharks have a two-point lead, but the teams would be tied if both win out. Vancouver (101) will be the No. 3 seed and the Phoenix Coyotes (106) will occupy the fourth slot.
But there's a three-way tie with 98 points between the surging (and two-time defending Western Conference champion) Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings and Nashville Predators. (Colorado almost assuredly will finish eighth.) Whoever the Wings play probably will have nightmares and the top three seeds are (not-so-secretly) hoping Detroit finishes fifth.
A summary of who can finish where, according to the NHL:
Eastern Conference
1. Caps (locked)
2. New Jersey, Buffalo or Pittsburgh
3. New Jersey, Buffalo or Pittsburgh
4. New Jersey or Pittsburgh
5. Ottawa (locked)
6. Montreal, Philadelphia, Boston or NY Rangers
7. Montreal, Philadelphia, Boston or NY Rangers
8. Montreal, Philadelphia, Boston or NY Rangers
Western Conference
1. San Jose or Chicago
2. San Jose or Chicago
3. Vancouver (locked)
4. Phoenix (locked)
5. Nashville, Los Angeles or Detroit
6. Nashville, Los Angeles, Detroit or Colorado
7. Nashville, Los Angeles, Detroit or Colorado
8. Los Angeles, Detroit or Colorado
So while you're enjoying the Caps' celebrations, take a moment to keep an eye on some exciting hockey around the league.
However, who the Caps play next week -- and what 15 teams join them in the postseason -- is very much unsettled. It's still likely the Caps will face either the Bruins (87 points) or Philadelphia Flyers (86) in the first round. But there still is the possibility that either the New York Rangers (for the second straight year), who boast 84 points, or Montreal Canadiens (87) will provide the competition. And one of those teams (Bruins, Flyers, Rangers, Habs) will not be playing after Sunday.
The other intriguing battle is for the Atlantic Division title. The New Jersey Devils and Pittsburgh Penguins are tied with 99 points and both have two games left. The winner gets the No. 2 or 3 seed (Buffalo has 98 points with two games left and already has secured the Northeast Division crown) and the loser probably the No. 4. The Caps would face the No. 4 seed in the second round, if there are no upsets -- which, given the state of sports, seems unlikely. The Ottawa Senators (94) are locked into the No. 5 seed.
Out West, the battle for the seeding is all that's left as every playoff spot has been occupied. At the top is an ongoing competition between the Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks. The Sharks have a two-point lead, but the teams would be tied if both win out. Vancouver (101) will be the No. 3 seed and the Phoenix Coyotes (106) will occupy the fourth slot.
But there's a three-way tie with 98 points between the surging (and two-time defending Western Conference champion) Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings and Nashville Predators. (Colorado almost assuredly will finish eighth.) Whoever the Wings play probably will have nightmares and the top three seeds are (not-so-secretly) hoping Detroit finishes fifth.
A summary of who can finish where, according to the NHL:
Eastern Conference
1. Caps (locked)
2. New Jersey, Buffalo or Pittsburgh
3. New Jersey, Buffalo or Pittsburgh
4. New Jersey or Pittsburgh
5. Ottawa (locked)
6. Montreal, Philadelphia, Boston or NY Rangers
7. Montreal, Philadelphia, Boston or NY Rangers
8. Montreal, Philadelphia, Boston or NY Rangers
Western Conference
1. San Jose or Chicago
2. San Jose or Chicago
3. Vancouver (locked)
4. Phoenix (locked)
5. Nashville, Los Angeles or Detroit
6. Nashville, Los Angeles, Detroit or Colorado
7. Nashville, Los Angeles, Detroit or Colorado
8. Los Angeles, Detroit or Colorado
So while you're enjoying the Caps' celebrations, take a moment to keep an eye on some exciting hockey around the league.
April 8, 2010
Award Season Arrives
With the Caps playing out the string (in a good way) between now and the end of the regular season (on Sunday), attention has shifted to the Caps' best award chances: Alex Ovechin's third straight Hart Trophy and Mike Green's second-straight shot at the Norris. (This has nothing to do with Ovechkin's attempt to win his third Rocket Richard or second Art Ross Trophy.)
Some statistical support courtesy of the Caps' outstanding PR department:
Green...
Some statistical support courtesy of the Caps' outstanding PR department:
Green...
- * Has career highs in points (74), assists (55) and plus/minus (plus-35)
- * Leads all defensemen in goals (19), assists, points, power-play goals (10), power-play points (35), home points (40), road points (34) and points outside the division (54)
- * Second only to defense partner Jeff Schultz in plus/minus among NHL defensemen
- * Has four more goals and eight more points than any other defenseman; the only defenseman averaging more than a point per game
- * His plus-33 rating outside the Southeast Division is the best of any defenseman outside his division
- * Has his fewest penalty minutes (54) since his rookie year
- * Only the third active defenseman with a 70-point season (Lidstrom, Chelios)
- * Ranks third in Caps history in points in a season by a defenseman, trailing only Larry Murphy and Kevin Hatcher, and the best since 1992-93
- * Has 24 more goals and 26 more points than any other defenseman in the last three seasons
- * The seventh player with back-to-back 70-point seasons before he turned 25 (the other six are in the Hall of Fame)
- * Leads the league in points per game (1.51) and goals per game (0.69)
- * Points-per-game average is the best of his career (improved from 1.39 last year)
- * Tied for first in the NHL in goals and trails in the scoring race by one point despite missing 10 games
- * Leads all forwards with a career-best plus-43 and leads the league with 360 shots on goal
- * The Caps are 29-4-6 since he was named captain Jan. 5, which would project to a 135-point pace in a season
- * His plus-43 is plus-9 better than any other forward and includes a league-best plus-36 rating outside of his division
- * Has only been on the ice for 42 even-strength goals against -- 10 fewer than any of the other top 10 scorers in the league and 43 percent fewer than he was on ice for last season.
April 7, 2010
Bruins, Flyers Most Likely First-Round Opponents
With the elimination of the Atlanta Thrashers from the playoffs, and the unlikelihood that the New York Rangers will squeeze into the eighth spot, it seems the Caps will face either the Boston Bruins or Philadelphia Flyers next Thursday in game one of the Eastern Conference playoffs at Verizon Center.
(That date is predicated by the Wizards' game on April 14 against the Indiana Pacers, which has been reported in numerous places. After that, there isn't an event on the Verizon Center calendar until later in May, when the Mystics season begins.)
The Caps have faced both the Bruins and Flyers before, most recently in 2008 -- when Philly won in seven games. But many things have changed since. Then-Flyer Mike Knuble (who won game four of that series in OT) is now a Cap (and a top-liner at that), Martin Biron is on the New York Islanders, R.J. Umberger is on the Columbus Blue Jackets (but still is hatin' on the Caps) and then-Cap Cristobal Huet is a Chicago Blackhawk. The Caps are 3-0-1 against the Flyers this season.
The Caps won the Southeast Division going away this year, whereas they had to clinch on the last day of the 2008 regular season. The Flyers might be forced to clinch a spot in similar fashion later this week.
The Caps and Bruins haven't met in the playoffs since 1998, when the Caps beat Boston on their way to the Stanley Cup finals. (I'm sure the current crop would welcome that outcome; at least, until they get a chance to reverse what occurred that year.) The Caps are 3-0 against the Bruins this season (the final meeting takes place on Sunday in the regular-season finale) and has gone well for the red, white and blue. The Bruins aren't the same squad that secured the top seed in the East last season and have struggled for much of the season, especially offensively.
Neither team is a cupcake, but with the current make-up of the Caps, you'd have to like the chances of them not only advancing, but doing so in less than seven games.
(That date is predicated by the Wizards' game on April 14 against the Indiana Pacers, which has been reported in numerous places. After that, there isn't an event on the Verizon Center calendar until later in May, when the Mystics season begins.)
The Caps have faced both the Bruins and Flyers before, most recently in 2008 -- when Philly won in seven games. But many things have changed since. Then-Flyer Mike Knuble (who won game four of that series in OT) is now a Cap (and a top-liner at that), Martin Biron is on the New York Islanders, R.J. Umberger is on the Columbus Blue Jackets (but still is hatin' on the Caps) and then-Cap Cristobal Huet is a Chicago Blackhawk. The Caps are 3-0-1 against the Flyers this season.
The Caps won the Southeast Division going away this year, whereas they had to clinch on the last day of the 2008 regular season. The Flyers might be forced to clinch a spot in similar fashion later this week.
The Caps and Bruins haven't met in the playoffs since 1998, when the Caps beat Boston on their way to the Stanley Cup finals. (I'm sure the current crop would welcome that outcome; at least, until they get a chance to reverse what occurred that year.) The Caps are 3-0 against the Bruins this season (the final meeting takes place on Sunday in the regular-season finale) and has gone well for the red, white and blue. The Bruins aren't the same squad that secured the top seed in the East last season and have struggled for much of the season, especially offensively.
Neither team is a cupcake, but with the current make-up of the Caps, you'd have to like the chances of them not only advancing, but doing so in less than seven games.
April 6, 2010
Caps Sweep Huge Back-to-Back
The Caps set out to make a statement going during the last week before the playoffs and, after two games, it's mission accomplished! The President's Trophy-winning Washingtonians beat the Pittsburgh Penguins, 6-3, tonight to sweep the season series one night after edging the Boston Bruins, 3-2 (OT). They face the B's on Sunday with a chance to register another season sweep.
Alex Ovechkin scored twice against the Pens to get closer to the 50-goal mark and, quite possibly, sneak away with another Rocket Richard Trophy. He's now tied with Sidney Crosby for that honor and also with Henrik Sedin for the Art Ross Trophy, pending Vancouver's late game.
As a team, the Caps have looked strong both nights -- more against the Pens than the Bruins -- and might reach 120 points before anybody else in the Eastern Conference hits the century mark. As for a potential first-round opponent, it's looking like it'll be either the Bruins or the Philadelphia Flyers.
Alex Ovechkin scored twice against the Pens to get closer to the 50-goal mark and, quite possibly, sneak away with another Rocket Richard Trophy. He's now tied with Sidney Crosby for that honor and also with Henrik Sedin for the Art Ross Trophy, pending Vancouver's late game.
As a team, the Caps have looked strong both nights -- more against the Pens than the Bruins -- and might reach 120 points before anybody else in the Eastern Conference hits the century mark. As for a potential first-round opponent, it's looking like it'll be either the Bruins or the Philadelphia Flyers.
April 4, 2010
Some (Good) Housekeeping
Here at Storming the Crease, we're always looking out for our readers and Caps fans everywhere. Therefore, we've made some tweaks to make your reading experience better.
The GWGs (on the right sidebar) have been updated with an "About STC" page along with an index of media appearances. There, you'll also find a link to a page containing the Inside the Press Box archives and the State of Local Sports, our ongoing standings comparing teams in Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. Finally, there's a box to follow me on Twitter.
The condensed sidebar also has moved up the list of links to the best blogs around, making them easier to find and read.
Thanks as always for reading STC and enjoy the new features!
Note: Look for a combined recap of the games against the Boston Bruins and Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday night -- including the expected clinching of the President's Trophy.
The GWGs (on the right sidebar) have been updated with an "About STC" page along with an index of media appearances. There, you'll also find a link to a page containing the Inside the Press Box archives and the State of Local Sports, our ongoing standings comparing teams in Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. Finally, there's a box to follow me on Twitter.
The condensed sidebar also has moved up the list of links to the best blogs around, making them easier to find and read.
Thanks as always for reading STC and enjoy the new features!
Note: Look for a combined recap of the games against the Boston Bruins and Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday night -- including the expected clinching of the President's Trophy.
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