Sean's Ramblings was kind enough to include me on a preview panel for the Winter Classic between the Washington Capitals and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Here are the questions and my answers.
1. Please predict Alexander Ovechkin's stats for the Winter Classic (ex. goals, hits, penalty minutes).
Ovechkin will register a hat trick, have 5 hits and 4 penalty minutes on Saturday. Or he could just skate around, hit people, and maybe register an assist. The Caps hope for the former, the Pens the latter. The truth probably lies somewhere in between.
2. Will Penguins' center Jordan Staal play and if so, how will he do?
If Staal can brainwash the Pens' doctors, he'll be back. If not, then he will begrudgingly watch from somewhere inside Heinz Field. If he plays, it'll be mostly ceremonial.
3. How many times will Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau swear during the game?
The better question is "how many times will a microphone pick up Bruce Boudreau swearing during the game?" Seriously, he'll probably be on his best behavior because of the national prominence of the event.
4. Any predictions and/or funny comments for Friday's Capitals-Penguins alumni game?
Like everything from the past era of the Caps-Pens series, this one heavily tilts towards Pittsburgh. The roster imbalance is a joke, which either speaks volumes about the inequality of the two franchises' alumni base or, more probably, the willingness of the Caps' alumni to put themselves through the experience of playing in bad weather when they're out of shape. Let's hope the NHL doesn't find a way to use this as a tiebreaker for the real players.
5. Who will win the Winter Classic (please include the final score and the player who will score the game-winning goal)?
Caps 3, Penguins 1. GWG by Mathieu Perreault.
Be sure to check out everybody's views on the game.
December 30, 2010
December 29, 2010
Wouldn't It Be Nice? (2010 Edition)
Some wishes for the new year for the Washington Capitals, inspired by Leonard Shapiro's old Washington Post column and the venerable Beach Boys.
Wouldn't it be nice if:
* The Caps finally captured the franchise's first Stanley Cup this spring?
* Brooks Laich got a long contract extension?
* Mathieu Perreault finally cemented a spot with the team?
* John Carlson or Michal Neuvirth won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL rookie of the year?
* Nationals Park hosted the first outdoor NHL all-star game?
* This is Alex Semin's last year with the Caps?
Wouldn't it be nice if:
* The Caps finally captured the franchise's first Stanley Cup this spring?
* Brooks Laich got a long contract extension?
* Mathieu Perreault finally cemented a spot with the team?
* John Carlson or Michal Neuvirth won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL rookie of the year?
* Nationals Park hosted the first outdoor NHL all-star game?
* This is Alex Semin's last year with the Caps?
December 28, 2010
Varlamov, Beagle Lead Caps to Shutout of Habs
If the Washington Capitals play this well every game, then they could finally achieve their goal of capturing the franchise's first Stanley Cup. Tonight, against a Montreal Canadiens team that eliminated (and embarrassed) them last spring, the red, white and blue (American version) scored enough, played decent defense and had a stellar penalty kill for a 3-0 victory behind 25 saves from Semyon Varlamov.
One of the stars of the night was Jay Beagle, who scored the team's first goal on a beautiful no-look shot and was buzzing all night. He was rewarded for his efforts with the game's second star. On his goal, Beagle gathered the puck from Eric Fehr behind the net and, just as goalie Carey Price thought it was going to pass, deposited the puck top shelf via a backhand at 16:20 of the first.
Then, about three minutes later, Mike Green (while falling down) whipped a back-door pass from Nicklas Backstrom behind Price to give the Caps a 2-0 lead. The Caps' final goal came on an Alex Ovechkin empty netter with 32 seconds left.
The Caps' defense was solid tonight in a game with 14 penalties. They were sound in their own zone and kept their assignments well. They also killed off five Montreal power plays to improve on their 84.8 percent (7th in the league coming into the game) success rate.
If there are any nits to pick, it would be that the Caps' power play looked disorganized and couldn't convert any of its eight opportunities, despite 15 shots (half of their total output). Their power play (18.5 percent, well down from their record 25.2 percent last season) appears lost.
And, in a game where Backstrom, Ovechkin and many other Caps looked like they were back in prime form, Alex Semin was invisible. He had two shots and one of his all-too-frequent lazy, hooking calls. He didn't pose any threats and too frequently looked out of place on a team that is trending up and rounding into a squad that looks (nearly) like one that would fit well into the rigors of a long postseason run.
Note: Reports surfaced today that the team might be headed to Sweden to begin next season. No official word from the Caps as of yet.
One of the stars of the night was Jay Beagle, who scored the team's first goal on a beautiful no-look shot and was buzzing all night. He was rewarded for his efforts with the game's second star. On his goal, Beagle gathered the puck from Eric Fehr behind the net and, just as goalie Carey Price thought it was going to pass, deposited the puck top shelf via a backhand at 16:20 of the first.
Then, about three minutes later, Mike Green (while falling down) whipped a back-door pass from Nicklas Backstrom behind Price to give the Caps a 2-0 lead. The Caps' final goal came on an Alex Ovechkin empty netter with 32 seconds left.
The Caps' defense was solid tonight in a game with 14 penalties. They were sound in their own zone and kept their assignments well. They also killed off five Montreal power plays to improve on their 84.8 percent (7th in the league coming into the game) success rate.
If there are any nits to pick, it would be that the Caps' power play looked disorganized and couldn't convert any of its eight opportunities, despite 15 shots (half of their total output). Their power play (18.5 percent, well down from their record 25.2 percent last season) appears lost.
And, in a game where Backstrom, Ovechkin and many other Caps looked like they were back in prime form, Alex Semin was invisible. He had two shots and one of his all-too-frequent lazy, hooking calls. He didn't pose any threats and too frequently looked out of place on a team that is trending up and rounding into a squad that looks (nearly) like one that would fit well into the rigors of a long postseason run.
Note: Reports surfaced today that the team might be headed to Sweden to begin next season. No official word from the Caps as of yet.
December 26, 2010
Weekly Snapshot, Dec. 26
A weekly peek at the state of the Washington Capitals.
Record/Standings Position: 21-12-5 (47 points), T-1st Southeast Division/5th Eastern Conference/6th NHL
Last Week's Games:
* Won, 5-1, vs. New Jersey Devils
* Lost, 3-2 (SO), vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
* Won, 3-2, at Carolina Hurricanes
This Week's Games:
* Tuesday vs. New Jersey Devils (7 p.m., CSN-HD)
* Saturday at Pittsburgh Penguins in Winter Classic (1 p.m., NBC-HD)
Injuries: Jeff Schultz (2-3 weeks), Boyd Gordon (1-2 weeks), Matt Bradley (2-4 weeks), Tom Poti (day-to-day). Total Man Games Lost: 87.
Recent Transactions: None.
Top Storylines:
* The Caps had a much better week, going 2-0-1.
* The showcase is here, as the Winter Classic will be played on Saturday.
* It seems Michal Neuvirth is officially the No. 1 goalie.
Top Line (Who's Hot?): Mike Green (skated 34:03 Thursday against Pittsburgh, two seconds shy of his career high, and had a goal, six shots, eight hits, and five blocked shots); Brooks Laich (points in four straight and five of the last six); Caps' penalty kill (tied for ninth in the league coming into tonight's game and four-for-four against the Canes).
Scratches (Who's Not?): Ovechkin (despite an admirable number of assists, he doesn't look right); Semin (old Sasha has returned); Nicklas Backstrom (three points on Dec. 1, only five points since).
Record/Standings Position: 21-12-5 (47 points), T-1st Southeast Division/5th Eastern Conference/6th NHL
Last Week's Games:
* Won, 5-1, vs. New Jersey Devils
* Lost, 3-2 (SO), vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
* Won, 3-2, at Carolina Hurricanes
This Week's Games:
* Tuesday vs. New Jersey Devils (7 p.m., CSN-HD)
* Saturday at Pittsburgh Penguins in Winter Classic (1 p.m., NBC-HD)
Injuries: Jeff Schultz (2-3 weeks), Boyd Gordon (1-2 weeks), Matt Bradley (2-4 weeks), Tom Poti (day-to-day). Total Man Games Lost: 87.
Recent Transactions: None.
Top Storylines:
* The Caps had a much better week, going 2-0-1.
* The showcase is here, as the Winter Classic will be played on Saturday.
* It seems Michal Neuvirth is officially the No. 1 goalie.
Top Line (Who's Hot?): Mike Green (skated 34:03 Thursday against Pittsburgh, two seconds shy of his career high, and had a goal, six shots, eight hits, and five blocked shots); Brooks Laich (points in four straight and five of the last six); Caps' penalty kill (tied for ninth in the league coming into tonight's game and four-for-four against the Canes).
Scratches (Who's Not?): Ovechkin (despite an admirable number of assists, he doesn't look right); Semin (old Sasha has returned); Nicklas Backstrom (three points on Dec. 1, only five points since).
December 23, 2010
Pens Capture Dramatic Shootout 3-2 Victory over Caps
It's apropos that two teams that are fit to be tied end up going to an extended shootout. And that's exactly what happened tonight with the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins. The entire game was filled with drama, penalties, icing calls and lots of very interested parties. And in a seven-round shootout, Pascal Dupuis beat Michal Neuvirth to give the visitors the two points. The only other scorers in the so-called "skills competition" were the first shooters for each team: Alex Ovechkin and Kris Letang.
In the closest either team came to ending the game in overtime, Mike Green had a golden opportunity when he streaked in on the Pens' Marc-Andre Fleury and nearly put the puck into the net, but replays proved inconclusive despite the fact that the puck might have crossed the line. However, Fleury had already covered it by that point and it was hard to see whether the entire puck crossed the goal line. Therefore, the game continued.
The drama wasn't limited to only the extra session. It started from the outset, when the Caps came out with abandon, but it was the Penguins who struck first. Sidney Crosby parked himself next to the Neuvirth and somehow managed to stay long unmarked. Kris Letang fired a shot from the point and Crosby deflected it past Neuvy to give the Pens a 1-0 lead at 3:21.
Crosby was booed every time he touched the puck and it was clear throughout the game that this rivalry had evolved and the Pens somehow became more hated.
It took until13:43 of the second -- and a missed penalty shot by Evgeni Malkin -- for the Caps to even the score. On their second five-on-three power play of the game, Green unleashed a wicked wrister from the slot, with much of the team collapsing on net, to provide relief for both player and observers. Had Green not cracked the twine on that play, the Caps would have blown six power plays and looked back on too many missed opportunities.
But then it was the Pens turn. Just 17 seconds into the final stanza, Chris Kunitz backhanded a pass from Crosby to give the visitors an advantage yet again.
However, just when it might appear that the Penguins were taking control, the Caps scored to tie the game and enliven the sellout crowd. While shorthanded, the puck took a funny bounce as the Caps were clearing their zone and suddenly Brooks Laich and Mike Knuble had a two-on-one. Laich carried it down the wing and crossed it to Knuble, who fought off Alex Goligoski and beat Marc-Andre Fleury to even the game at two at 14:31.
The game then headed to the aforementioned overtime and shootout, where the team with the better record captured the two points. Much more drama most likely will ensue a week from Saturday at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, where an international audience will witness the spectacle known as the Winter Classic.
In the closest either team came to ending the game in overtime, Mike Green had a golden opportunity when he streaked in on the Pens' Marc-Andre Fleury and nearly put the puck into the net, but replays proved inconclusive despite the fact that the puck might have crossed the line. However, Fleury had already covered it by that point and it was hard to see whether the entire puck crossed the goal line. Therefore, the game continued.
The drama wasn't limited to only the extra session. It started from the outset, when the Caps came out with abandon, but it was the Penguins who struck first. Sidney Crosby parked himself next to the Neuvirth and somehow managed to stay long unmarked. Kris Letang fired a shot from the point and Crosby deflected it past Neuvy to give the Pens a 1-0 lead at 3:21.
Crosby was booed every time he touched the puck and it was clear throughout the game that this rivalry had evolved and the Pens somehow became more hated.
It took until13:43 of the second -- and a missed penalty shot by Evgeni Malkin -- for the Caps to even the score. On their second five-on-three power play of the game, Green unleashed a wicked wrister from the slot, with much of the team collapsing on net, to provide relief for both player and observers. Had Green not cracked the twine on that play, the Caps would have blown six power plays and looked back on too many missed opportunities.
But then it was the Pens turn. Just 17 seconds into the final stanza, Chris Kunitz backhanded a pass from Crosby to give the visitors an advantage yet again.
However, just when it might appear that the Penguins were taking control, the Caps scored to tie the game and enliven the sellout crowd. While shorthanded, the puck took a funny bounce as the Caps were clearing their zone and suddenly Brooks Laich and Mike Knuble had a two-on-one. Laich carried it down the wing and crossed it to Knuble, who fought off Alex Goligoski and beat Marc-Andre Fleury to even the game at two at 14:31.
The game then headed to the aforementioned overtime and shootout, where the team with the better record captured the two points. Much more drama most likely will ensue a week from Saturday at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, where an international audience will witness the spectacle known as the Winter Classic.
December 21, 2010
Caps Show No Sympathy for the Devils, 5-1
The Washington Capitals seem to have their mojo back and the New Jersey Devils could be step No. 2 in what might turn out to be a quick ascent back to the top of the league for the red, white and blue. Tonight, the Caps took control of what had been a back-and-forth contest to win their second consecutive game, 5-1, before the 80th consecutive sellout crowd at Verizon Center.
The Caps' final goal came off the stick of Mike Knuble, who was one of three or four Caps parked in front of Martin Brodeur, on a series at 12:01 of the third period. Brodeur looked like a shell of former self. It was the icing on the cake on a night that was dominated by the home team.
Once again, the second period -- specifically a six-minute, 31-second stretch -- was the turning point. John Carlson capped a strong game by unleashing a lethal slapshot on which Brodeur had no chance to give the Caps a 4-1 lead. Alex Ovechkin whiffed on a shot milliseconds earlier, but ended up leaving the puck for Carlson, who scored his fourth goal of his rookie campaign. It was an odd play but the latest in a string of events that went the home team's way.
About four minutes earlier, Jason Chimera got off the schnide with a beautiful breakaway goal that was started with a nice chip pass from Andrew Gordon. "Chimmer" fended off a Devils' defensemen Mark Fayne on the play as the crowd started to chant "Marty, Marty." It was a refrain that went on all night.
At exactly the midway point of the game, Jay Beagle poked in a rebound from a David Steckel shot to give the Caps a 2-1 lead. It was another grinding goal and the latest example of the Caps' continuing evolution.
The Devils' only strong play occurred at the beginning of the second stanza, when they were able to draw two power plays, both on hooking calls (on Alex Semin and Matt Bradley). On the latter, the Devils stormed the crease and Patrik Elias was able beat Michal Neuvirth to tie the game.
The Caps' first goal gave Andrew Gordon his first NHL goal. The play started when John Erskine chipped it ahead to Marcus Johansson, who skated hard into the Devils' offensive zone and whipped the puck into the crease for Gordon. Johansson had a strong game all night, excelling on the penalty kill and flying around the ice throughout the evening.
The goal was part of a first period showed the Caps might have turned a corner. They took smart shifts, played responsible hockey and, for the most part, looked like an energetic, dedicated bunch. It certainly set the tone for the night.
Another vital cog in tonight's win was Neuvirth, who made a string of strong saves and kept his poise. He very much looked like the goalie that not too long ago led the NHL in wins and was amongst the leaders in goals-against average and save percentage. He's going to be a big part of the team has they transition into a more playoff-ready bunch.
As the game concluded, and the result no longer in doubt, the crowd started to chant "we want Pittsburgh" in anticipation of Thursday's visit by the Penguins and ultimately the Winter Classic a week from Saturday. It was the latest -- and perhaps greatest sign -- that winning hockey has return to the nation's capital. The game ended with a standing ovation for a team that is in a much better mood than they were at this time last week.
The Caps' final goal came off the stick of Mike Knuble, who was one of three or four Caps parked in front of Martin Brodeur, on a series at 12:01 of the third period. Brodeur looked like a shell of former self. It was the icing on the cake on a night that was dominated by the home team.
Once again, the second period -- specifically a six-minute, 31-second stretch -- was the turning point. John Carlson capped a strong game by unleashing a lethal slapshot on which Brodeur had no chance to give the Caps a 4-1 lead. Alex Ovechkin whiffed on a shot milliseconds earlier, but ended up leaving the puck for Carlson, who scored his fourth goal of his rookie campaign. It was an odd play but the latest in a string of events that went the home team's way.
About four minutes earlier, Jason Chimera got off the schnide with a beautiful breakaway goal that was started with a nice chip pass from Andrew Gordon. "Chimmer" fended off a Devils' defensemen Mark Fayne on the play as the crowd started to chant "Marty, Marty." It was a refrain that went on all night.
At exactly the midway point of the game, Jay Beagle poked in a rebound from a David Steckel shot to give the Caps a 2-1 lead. It was another grinding goal and the latest example of the Caps' continuing evolution.
The Devils' only strong play occurred at the beginning of the second stanza, when they were able to draw two power plays, both on hooking calls (on Alex Semin and Matt Bradley). On the latter, the Devils stormed the crease and Patrik Elias was able beat Michal Neuvirth to tie the game.
The Caps' first goal gave Andrew Gordon his first NHL goal. The play started when John Erskine chipped it ahead to Marcus Johansson, who skated hard into the Devils' offensive zone and whipped the puck into the crease for Gordon. Johansson had a strong game all night, excelling on the penalty kill and flying around the ice throughout the evening.
The goal was part of a first period showed the Caps might have turned a corner. They took smart shifts, played responsible hockey and, for the most part, looked like an energetic, dedicated bunch. It certainly set the tone for the night.
Another vital cog in tonight's win was Neuvirth, who made a string of strong saves and kept his poise. He very much looked like the goalie that not too long ago led the NHL in wins and was amongst the leaders in goals-against average and save percentage. He's going to be a big part of the team has they transition into a more playoff-ready bunch.
As the game concluded, and the result no longer in doubt, the crowd started to chant "we want Pittsburgh" in anticipation of Thursday's visit by the Penguins and ultimately the Winter Classic a week from Saturday. It was the latest -- and perhaps greatest sign -- that winning hockey has return to the nation's capital. The game ended with a standing ovation for a team that is in a much better mood than they were at this time last week.
December 19, 2010
Weekly Snapshot, Dec. 19
A weekly peek at the state of the Washington Capitals.
Record/Standings Position: 19-12-4 (42 points), 1st Southeast Division/2nd Eastern Conference/6th NHL
Last Week's Games:
* Lost, 2-1 (OT), vs. Anaheim Ducks
* Lost, 3-2, at Boston Bruins
* Won, 3-2, at Ottawa Senators
This Week's Games:
* Tuesday vs. New Jersey Devils (7:30 p.m., Versus-HD)
* Thursday vs. Pittsburgh Peguins (7 p.m., CSN-HD)
* Sunday at Carolina Hurricanes (7 p.m., CSN-Plus-HD)
Injuries: Boyd Gordon (day-to-day), Alexander Semin (day-to-day), and Jeff Schultz (out 4-6 weeks). Total Man Games Lost: 77.
Recent Transactions: Recalled Jay Beagle and Andrew Gordon from Hershey (AHL) and assigned Brian Fahey to Hershey (Dec. 15); assigned Andrew Gordon to Hershey (Dec. 13).
Top Storylines:
* The Caps finally broke their eight-game losing streak.
* Even though they had a rough start against Ottawa, they carried some great momentum from the third period against Boston, when they fired a whopping 26 shots in the third period against Boston -- despite the implementation of a more defensive-minded mentality.
* John Erksine signed a two-year contract extension earlier this week, continuing the head-scratching nature of a stay in the red, white and blue.
Top Line (Who's Hot?): Mathieu Perreault (looked great again tonight, and seems like, when healthy, he's cemented a spot in the NHL); Eric Fehr (played his best game in a while on the top line with Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom); Michal Neuvirth (maintained his solid play despite the losing streak).
Scratches (Who's Not?): Ovechkin (goal-scoring still way down); Semin (here we go with another injury); Marcus Johansson (his play hasn't exactly instilled confidence that the team has found a second-line center).
Record/Standings Position: 19-12-4 (42 points), 1st Southeast Division/2nd Eastern Conference/6th NHL
Last Week's Games:
* Lost, 2-1 (OT), vs. Anaheim Ducks
* Lost, 3-2, at Boston Bruins
* Won, 3-2, at Ottawa Senators
This Week's Games:
* Tuesday vs. New Jersey Devils (7:30 p.m., Versus-HD)
* Thursday vs. Pittsburgh Peguins (7 p.m., CSN-HD)
* Sunday at Carolina Hurricanes (7 p.m., CSN-Plus-HD)
Injuries: Boyd Gordon (day-to-day), Alexander Semin (day-to-day), and Jeff Schultz (out 4-6 weeks). Total Man Games Lost: 77.
Recent Transactions: Recalled Jay Beagle and Andrew Gordon from Hershey (AHL) and assigned Brian Fahey to Hershey (Dec. 15); assigned Andrew Gordon to Hershey (Dec. 13).
Top Storylines:
* The Caps finally broke their eight-game losing streak.
* Even though they had a rough start against Ottawa, they carried some great momentum from the third period against Boston, when they fired a whopping 26 shots in the third period against Boston -- despite the implementation of a more defensive-minded mentality.
* John Erksine signed a two-year contract extension earlier this week, continuing the head-scratching nature of a stay in the red, white and blue.
Top Line (Who's Hot?): Mathieu Perreault (looked great again tonight, and seems like, when healthy, he's cemented a spot in the NHL); Eric Fehr (played his best game in a while on the top line with Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom); Michal Neuvirth (maintained his solid play despite the losing streak).
Scratches (Who's Not?): Ovechkin (goal-scoring still way down); Semin (here we go with another injury); Marcus Johansson (his play hasn't exactly instilled confidence that the team has found a second-line center).
December 15, 2010
Caps-Ducks Live
Welcome to Verizon Center, where the Caps will try to snap out of their six-game losing streak against the visiting Anaheim Ducks.
First Period
After some holiday-themed pomp and circumstance, the Caps tried to get their mojo back. The arena is emptier than normal tonight, at least midway through the first period. So far, the Caps have been doing a decent job of sticking to the game plan but it certainly doesn't look like they're skating with desperation. The other notable thing is that it seems the Caps are passing when they should be shooting (and vice versa). Not a good sign.
The funk is continuing, at least from early appearances. They're not skating in sync, although the grinders seem to be doing a decent job and Alex Ovechkin has had one or two good chances. So far, it's pretty much a quiet crowd watching a quiet team.
But the momentum swung in the Caps' favor when the ever-energetic Brooks Laich scored at 14:22. Laich was parked in the crease and backhanded it past Jonas Hiller (top shelf) off a great bang-bang feed from Nicklas Backstrom and John Carlson.
Laich nearly had another a couple minutes later when the puck trickled through Hiller's legs, but an Anaheim defensemen grabbed it just in the nick of time. Laich was wide-open in the slot and couldn't bury it entirely, but the it seems the team is started to play with a little more energy.
That energy led to the Caps' first power play with 2:29 left after Saku Koivu was called for hooking. They didn't score on the man advantage but they did play much better in the latter half of the first period.
After one: Caps 1, Ducks 0.
Second Period
The Caps had a few near misses at the beginning of the period. Ovechkin hit the post on a breakaway and then Backstrom and Knuble had a two-on-one, but they inexplicably waited for a trailer and ended up with nothing because they tried to be too cute and not just attack the net. There's no reason with a two-on-one to not try to convert instead of waiting somebody to join the rush and also give the Ducks an opportunity to recover.
(We have an Alex Semin sighting in the press box.)
At the midway mark of the game, the Caps are outshooting the Ducks, 22-9, but only are up 1-0. It's the kind of effort that makes you wonder if there is such a thing as too many shots. My independent sources say that, once the Caps hit 35 shots, their success rate goes down. Quality over quantity is paramount when it comes to shot selection.
The Caps went to the penalty kill on a blatant trip by Mike Knuble at 12:08. And it didn't take long for the Ducks to tie it up on a tap in by old Flyers foe Joffrey Lupul after some sustained pressure by the visitors in the Caps' zone.
This isn't the best development for a Caps' team that hasn't been playing that well lately. They need some better bounces for the luck to go their way. But they did manage to return to the power play when Ovechkin was tripped while charging towards the net.
The power play looked inept and, despite outshooting the Ducks, 26-14, it's a tie game heading to the final 20 minutes.
After two: Caps 1, Ducks 1.
Third Period
The Ducks got an early power play but the Caps were able to kill it off quickly. Then again, they haven't really mounted any kind of threatening effort either. This is really the saddest performance I've seen from the Caps in a long time. They need to find some inspiration to make a major turnaround -- and I'm not just talking about in this game -- to meet their lofty preseason expectations.
It's hard not to get the feeling that, in their 33rd game of the year, either things are going to majorly turn around or doom will be coming. There's certainly precedent from much of NHL history of teams waking up in the second half of the season but it's quite difficult watching the Caps these days. Yes, they have one of the best records in the NHL, but they're not playing like it -- and haven't been for several weeks. Maybe teams have adjusted and they can't counter, or maybe the injuries and other factors really have hampered them. But, either way, the Caps are not playing like Stanley Cup contenders. Even the crowd isn't as raucus as usual.
The Caps took a timeout with 3:31 left in the final period. Not sure what Coach Bruce Boudreau can say in 30 seconds that he hasn't already uttered already tonight -- or over the last couple weeks.
After regulation: Caps 1, Ducks 1.
Overtime
After some back-and-forth action, the Ducks took advantage. Ryan Getzlaf dug for the puck in the corner, made his way to the slot and fired it back Semyon Varlamov to pad the Caps' losing streak to seven.
Final: Ducks 2, Caps 1.
First Period
After some holiday-themed pomp and circumstance, the Caps tried to get their mojo back. The arena is emptier than normal tonight, at least midway through the first period. So far, the Caps have been doing a decent job of sticking to the game plan but it certainly doesn't look like they're skating with desperation. The other notable thing is that it seems the Caps are passing when they should be shooting (and vice versa). Not a good sign.
The funk is continuing, at least from early appearances. They're not skating in sync, although the grinders seem to be doing a decent job and Alex Ovechkin has had one or two good chances. So far, it's pretty much a quiet crowd watching a quiet team.
But the momentum swung in the Caps' favor when the ever-energetic Brooks Laich scored at 14:22. Laich was parked in the crease and backhanded it past Jonas Hiller (top shelf) off a great bang-bang feed from Nicklas Backstrom and John Carlson.
Laich nearly had another a couple minutes later when the puck trickled through Hiller's legs, but an Anaheim defensemen grabbed it just in the nick of time. Laich was wide-open in the slot and couldn't bury it entirely, but the it seems the team is started to play with a little more energy.
That energy led to the Caps' first power play with 2:29 left after Saku Koivu was called for hooking. They didn't score on the man advantage but they did play much better in the latter half of the first period.
After one: Caps 1, Ducks 0.
Second Period
The Caps had a few near misses at the beginning of the period. Ovechkin hit the post on a breakaway and then Backstrom and Knuble had a two-on-one, but they inexplicably waited for a trailer and ended up with nothing because they tried to be too cute and not just attack the net. There's no reason with a two-on-one to not try to convert instead of waiting somebody to join the rush and also give the Ducks an opportunity to recover.
(We have an Alex Semin sighting in the press box.)
At the midway mark of the game, the Caps are outshooting the Ducks, 22-9, but only are up 1-0. It's the kind of effort that makes you wonder if there is such a thing as too many shots. My independent sources say that, once the Caps hit 35 shots, their success rate goes down. Quality over quantity is paramount when it comes to shot selection.
The Caps went to the penalty kill on a blatant trip by Mike Knuble at 12:08. And it didn't take long for the Ducks to tie it up on a tap in by old Flyers foe Joffrey Lupul after some sustained pressure by the visitors in the Caps' zone.
This isn't the best development for a Caps' team that hasn't been playing that well lately. They need some better bounces for the luck to go their way. But they did manage to return to the power play when Ovechkin was tripped while charging towards the net.
The power play looked inept and, despite outshooting the Ducks, 26-14, it's a tie game heading to the final 20 minutes.
After two: Caps 1, Ducks 1.
Third Period
The Ducks got an early power play but the Caps were able to kill it off quickly. Then again, they haven't really mounted any kind of threatening effort either. This is really the saddest performance I've seen from the Caps in a long time. They need to find some inspiration to make a major turnaround -- and I'm not just talking about in this game -- to meet their lofty preseason expectations.
It's hard not to get the feeling that, in their 33rd game of the year, either things are going to majorly turn around or doom will be coming. There's certainly precedent from much of NHL history of teams waking up in the second half of the season but it's quite difficult watching the Caps these days. Yes, they have one of the best records in the NHL, but they're not playing like it -- and haven't been for several weeks. Maybe teams have adjusted and they can't counter, or maybe the injuries and other factors really have hampered them. But, either way, the Caps are not playing like Stanley Cup contenders. Even the crowd isn't as raucus as usual.
The Caps took a timeout with 3:31 left in the final period. Not sure what Coach Bruce Boudreau can say in 30 seconds that he hasn't already uttered already tonight -- or over the last couple weeks.
After regulation: Caps 1, Ducks 1.
Overtime
After some back-and-forth action, the Ducks took advantage. Ryan Getzlaf dug for the puck in the corner, made his way to the slot and fired it back Semyon Varlamov to pad the Caps' losing streak to seven.
Final: Ducks 2, Caps 1.
December 13, 2010
Caps are at a Fork in the Road, and They Need to Take It
Although I've never been the coach or general manager of a professional sports franchise, and the closest I've come to being part of a locker room meeting was simply stepping foot in one, it seems to me the Washington Capitals could use some tough love right about now.
Beyond stating the obvious -- that teams are playing the Caps differently now and the red, white and blue haven't adjusted -- what's hurting the Caps right now is the same thing that used to help them soar by opponents: offense.
Too many times, the Caps could hide a sub-par effort by simply using their skill to outscore opponents. They didn't play too well or too consistently, but a late two- or three-goal bulge would give them two more points towards the best record in the Eastern Conference or the entire NHL.
But this year has been different. It's not just the fact that a second-line center seems to sorely missing. Or that the team has been riddled with the flu bug. It just seems that there's always an excuse for why they can't accomplish their goal.
To quote the eloquent Elliotte Friedman from today's edition of his excellent 30 Thoughts: -- "The concern I have for the Capitals is this: Of all the really good teams in the NHL, they are the most fragile. Bruce Boudreau is tough on his goalies, but everyone else gets a lot of freedom and encouragement. Despite that, there's a kind of 'Woe is me attitude' when things go bad."
Has there not been a more spot-on assessment of the Nation's Capitals under Boudreau? Stop me if you've heard this one: "their goalie played out of their mind" or "we just didn't have it tonight" or even "I don't have an answer right now," as the coach mused after last night's 7-0 embarrassment at Madison Square Garden.
I'm not saying they're not responsible, but there does always seem to be another factor that had a greater contribution to their failure. And, I might seem like a broken record here, but the embodiment of this attitude is Alex Semin.
He's been great for October and November, but has been nearly invisible this month. And as I've said over and over again, I'm not surprised. If GM George McPhee really wants to send a message that the status quo -- even if it's good for the fourth-best record in the league -- isn't suitable for the long haul, it's time to trade the enigmatic No. 28.
In case you haven't noticed, the Pittsburgh Penguins have won 12 straight games -- and that's without Evgeni Malkin. The Caps, as currently constructed, don't seem like a team that could reel off such as streak. It's time to change that, and find a way to put forth a team that's consistent, responsible and, most importantly, eager to change the course of history.
Beyond stating the obvious -- that teams are playing the Caps differently now and the red, white and blue haven't adjusted -- what's hurting the Caps right now is the same thing that used to help them soar by opponents: offense.
Too many times, the Caps could hide a sub-par effort by simply using their skill to outscore opponents. They didn't play too well or too consistently, but a late two- or three-goal bulge would give them two more points towards the best record in the Eastern Conference or the entire NHL.
But this year has been different. It's not just the fact that a second-line center seems to sorely missing. Or that the team has been riddled with the flu bug. It just seems that there's always an excuse for why they can't accomplish their goal.
To quote the eloquent Elliotte Friedman from today's edition of his excellent 30 Thoughts: -- "The concern I have for the Capitals is this: Of all the really good teams in the NHL, they are the most fragile. Bruce Boudreau is tough on his goalies, but everyone else gets a lot of freedom and encouragement. Despite that, there's a kind of 'Woe is me attitude' when things go bad."
Has there not been a more spot-on assessment of the Nation's Capitals under Boudreau? Stop me if you've heard this one: "their goalie played out of their mind" or "we just didn't have it tonight" or even "I don't have an answer right now," as the coach mused after last night's 7-0 embarrassment at Madison Square Garden.
I'm not saying they're not responsible, but there does always seem to be another factor that had a greater contribution to their failure. And, I might seem like a broken record here, but the embodiment of this attitude is Alex Semin.
He's been great for October and November, but has been nearly invisible this month. And as I've said over and over again, I'm not surprised. If GM George McPhee really wants to send a message that the status quo -- even if it's good for the fourth-best record in the league -- isn't suitable for the long haul, it's time to trade the enigmatic No. 28.
In case you haven't noticed, the Pittsburgh Penguins have won 12 straight games -- and that's without Evgeni Malkin. The Caps, as currently constructed, don't seem like a team that could reel off such as streak. It's time to change that, and find a way to put forth a team that's consistent, responsible and, most importantly, eager to change the course of history.
December 12, 2010
Weekly Snapshot, Dec. 12
A weekly peek at the state of the Washington Capitals.
Record/Standings Position: 18-11-3 (39 points), 1st Southeast Division/2nd Eastern Conference/4th NHL
Last Week's Games:
* Lost, 5-4 (SO), vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
* Lost, 3-0, vs. Florida Panthers
* Lost, 3-2, vs. Colorado Avalanche
* Lost, 7-0, at New York Rangers
This Week's Games:
* Wednesday vs. Anaheim Ducks (7 p.m., CSN-HD)
* Saturday at Boston Bruins (7 p.m., CSN Plus-HD)
* Sunday at Ottawa Senators (7:30 p.m., CSN-HD)
Injuries: Tyler Sloan (day-to-day), Jeff Schultz (out 4-6 weeks), and Mike Green (day-to-day). Total Man Games Lost: 66.
Recent Transactions: Recalled Andrew Gordon from Hershey (today), recalled Brian Fahey from Hershey (Dec. 10), recalled Mathieu Perreault from Hershey (Dec. 6).
Top Storylines:
* The Caps have lost six straight games.
* This is the longest losing streak under Coach Bruce Boudreau and the first time they've looked this lost for an extended period of time.
* The only silver lining is that it's December and there's still plenty of time to right the ship before it gets way out of hand.
Top Line (Who's Hot?): Alex Ovechkin (broke a long goal-less drought by scoring twice already this month); Nicklas Backstrom (11 points in his last 10 games); Mike Knuble (scored the 250th goal of his career last night vs. the Avs).
Scratches (Who's Not?): Alex Semin (only three points in December; he had four in the last two games of November alone); Scott Hannan (minus-four since joining the Caps); Marcus Johansson (really hasn't found that spark).
Record/Standings Position: 18-11-3 (39 points), 1st Southeast Division/2nd Eastern Conference/4th NHL
Last Week's Games:
* Lost, 5-4 (SO), vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
* Lost, 3-0, vs. Florida Panthers
* Lost, 3-2, vs. Colorado Avalanche
* Lost, 7-0, at New York Rangers
This Week's Games:
* Wednesday vs. Anaheim Ducks (7 p.m., CSN-HD)
* Saturday at Boston Bruins (7 p.m., CSN Plus-HD)
* Sunday at Ottawa Senators (7:30 p.m., CSN-HD)
Injuries: Tyler Sloan (day-to-day), Jeff Schultz (out 4-6 weeks), and Mike Green (day-to-day). Total Man Games Lost: 66.
Recent Transactions: Recalled Andrew Gordon from Hershey (today), recalled Brian Fahey from Hershey (Dec. 10), recalled Mathieu Perreault from Hershey (Dec. 6).
Top Storylines:
* The Caps have lost six straight games.
* This is the longest losing streak under Coach Bruce Boudreau and the first time they've looked this lost for an extended period of time.
* The only silver lining is that it's December and there's still plenty of time to right the ship before it gets way out of hand.
Top Line (Who's Hot?): Alex Ovechkin (broke a long goal-less drought by scoring twice already this month); Nicklas Backstrom (11 points in his last 10 games); Mike Knuble (scored the 250th goal of his career last night vs. the Avs).
Scratches (Who's Not?): Alex Semin (only three points in December; he had four in the last two games of November alone); Scott Hannan (minus-four since joining the Caps); Marcus Johansson (really hasn't found that spark).
December 6, 2010
Caps Repeat Wrong Movie Script
The Washington Capitals had the game well under control tonight for most of the contest, but unraveled in the last few minutes -- ultimately dropping a 5-4 shootout to the Toronto Maple Leafs at Verizon Center. After racing to a 4-1 lead and playing fairly well throughout, especially the recently recalled Mathieu Perreault, the Caps simply let up and gift wrapped the game for the visitors.
"We quit playing in our zone. We just wanted to play safe. You can't just allow a team to come into our zone all night long," Coach Bruce Boudreau said. "When they were in our zone, our positioning, by both defensemen and forwards, was really bad."
"It's frustrating anytime you give up a 4-1 lead in the third period, you're gonna be angry," he added. "It's not supposed to happen."
Adding to the misery is the fact that defenseman Jeff Schultz has a fractured thumb and will be out 4-6 weeks. This might mean that the newly acquired Scott Hannan will get time with Mike Green in Sarge's place.
Perreault, meanwhile, continued his spirited play, registering his first two-goal game in the NHL and showing that he belongs in the big leagues.
"He brought great energy tonight, like we thought," Boudreau said. "He made plays, like we thought. If some of the other forwards had played with as much energy as him, we wouldn't have been in the situation we were in."
Truer words have never been spoken.
"We quit playing in our zone. We just wanted to play safe. You can't just allow a team to come into our zone all night long," Coach Bruce Boudreau said. "When they were in our zone, our positioning, by both defensemen and forwards, was really bad."
"It's frustrating anytime you give up a 4-1 lead in the third period, you're gonna be angry," he added. "It's not supposed to happen."
Adding to the misery is the fact that defenseman Jeff Schultz has a fractured thumb and will be out 4-6 weeks. This might mean that the newly acquired Scott Hannan will get time with Mike Green in Sarge's place.
Perreault, meanwhile, continued his spirited play, registering his first two-goal game in the NHL and showing that he belongs in the big leagues.
"He brought great energy tonight, like we thought," Boudreau said. "He made plays, like we thought. If some of the other forwards had played with as much energy as him, we wouldn't have been in the situation we were in."
Truer words have never been spoken.
December 5, 2010
Weekly Snapshot, Dec. 5
A weekly peek at the state of the Washington Capitals.
Record/Standings Position: 18-8-2 (38 points), 1st Southeast Division/T-1st Eastern Conference/T-1st NHL
Last Week's Games:
* Won, 4-1, at St. Louis Blues
* Lost, 2-1, at Dallas Stars
* Lost, 3-1, vs. Atlanta Thrashers
This Week's Games:
* Monday vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (7 p.m., CSN-HD)
* Thursday vs. Florida Panthers (7 p.m., CSN-HD, Versus-HD)
* Saturday vs. Colorado Avalanche (7 p.m., CSN-HD)
* Sunday at New York Rangers (7 p.m., CSN-HD, NHL Network-HD)
Injuries: Tom Poti (day-to-day). Total Man Games Lost: 56.
Recent Transactions: Acquired Scott Hannan from Colorado for Tomas Fleischmann (Nov. 30).
Top Storylines:
* The Caps, as sometimes is the case right after a trade, are still getting used to having Hannan on the team and haven't won in his two games on the ice.
* The Caps have been shorthanded 19 more times than it has been on the power play. (Only Ottawa has a greater disparity.)
* The Capitals have the eighth-ranked penalty kill in the league (84.6 percent), despite being shorthanded 117 times, more than any team except Philadelphia (130) -- who, by the way, also has the best record in the league.
Top Line (Who's Hot?): Alex Semin (18 goals, third in the league); Alex Ovechkin (23 assists, tied for second in the league); Nicklas Backstrom (30 points, tied for sixth in the league).
Scratches (Who's Not?): Fleischmann (his trade was the ultimate decision on whether he was good enough to don the red, white and blue); Tyler Sloan (won't be playing much for the forseeable future, barring injuries); Poti (injuries continue to plague his season).
Record/Standings Position: 18-8-2 (38 points), 1st Southeast Division/T-1st Eastern Conference/T-1st NHL
Last Week's Games:
* Won, 4-1, at St. Louis Blues
* Lost, 2-1, at Dallas Stars
* Lost, 3-1, vs. Atlanta Thrashers
This Week's Games:
* Monday vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (7 p.m., CSN-HD)
* Thursday vs. Florida Panthers (7 p.m., CSN-HD, Versus-HD)
* Saturday vs. Colorado Avalanche (7 p.m., CSN-HD)
* Sunday at New York Rangers (7 p.m., CSN-HD, NHL Network-HD)
Injuries: Tom Poti (day-to-day). Total Man Games Lost: 56.
Recent Transactions: Acquired Scott Hannan from Colorado for Tomas Fleischmann (Nov. 30).
Top Storylines:
* The Caps, as sometimes is the case right after a trade, are still getting used to having Hannan on the team and haven't won in his two games on the ice.
* The Caps have been shorthanded 19 more times than it has been on the power play. (Only Ottawa has a greater disparity.)
* The Capitals have the eighth-ranked penalty kill in the league (84.6 percent), despite being shorthanded 117 times, more than any team except Philadelphia (130) -- who, by the way, also has the best record in the league.
Top Line (Who's Hot?): Alex Semin (18 goals, third in the league); Alex Ovechkin (23 assists, tied for second in the league); Nicklas Backstrom (30 points, tied for sixth in the league).
Scratches (Who's Not?): Fleischmann (his trade was the ultimate decision on whether he was good enough to don the red, white and blue); Tyler Sloan (won't be playing much for the forseeable future, barring injuries); Poti (injuries continue to plague his season).
December 1, 2010
Caps Give St. Louis the Blues
The Washington Capitals have begun to get the memo. Tonight, against the St. Louis Blues and playoff tormentor Jaroslav Halak, the visitors grinded, worked hard and battled for a 4-1 victory in a city where they hadn't won since 1996.
Semyon Varlamov provided another stellar performance and Brooks Laich, Boyd Gordon and Nick Backstrom (twice) provided plenty of offense in one of the Caps' better performances of late. It was a true team effort over a team that had tormented them in recent memory.
All of the goals resulted from hard work, especially Gordon's -- his first of the year that went past Halak after a weird bounce. The play also gave D.J. King his first point as a Cap.
Still, there were two elements to the game that were troublesome. One, giving up nearly 40 shots to a team playing on the second leg of a back-to-back shows the Caps still have a long way to go to learning how to put teams away earlier in games. Secondly, it's plainly obvious that teams have figured out Alex Ovechkin's move in the offensive zone and are now double- or triple-teaming him when he cuts into the slot. He's still racking up assists (23, good for second in the league), but he's only got 10 goals in 26 games -- far behind his normal output.
But it's a nice luxury to nitpick a team that has the best record in the league and just made a trade that will make it even better.
Semyon Varlamov provided another stellar performance and Brooks Laich, Boyd Gordon and Nick Backstrom (twice) provided plenty of offense in one of the Caps' better performances of late. It was a true team effort over a team that had tormented them in recent memory.
All of the goals resulted from hard work, especially Gordon's -- his first of the year that went past Halak after a weird bounce. The play also gave D.J. King his first point as a Cap.
Still, there were two elements to the game that were troublesome. One, giving up nearly 40 shots to a team playing on the second leg of a back-to-back shows the Caps still have a long way to go to learning how to put teams away earlier in games. Secondly, it's plainly obvious that teams have figured out Alex Ovechkin's move in the offensive zone and are now double- or triple-teaming him when he cuts into the slot. He's still racking up assists (23, good for second in the league), but he's only got 10 goals in 26 games -- far behind his normal output.
But it's a nice luxury to nitpick a team that has the best record in the league and just made a trade that will make it even better.
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