Combo Recap and Road Ahead
It previous posts, it was stated that the Capitals needed to follow the Panthers win with strong showings at home against the Jets and on Broadway Sunday afternoon. No use dwelling on the sudden loss to the Jets, but the Capitals did have a decent showing against the Rangers on Sunday. The game for the most part was fairly evenly matched when one considers it was the #1 team in hockey playing at home against a team incapable of playing on the road. There were some definite bright spots despite the loss. The 1st two periods featured “Sasha Care” prominently, as the enigmatic sniper scored the 1st goal of the game and blocked a shot during an odd man rush for the Rangers. Neuvirth looked sharp at times and the Capitals showed a strong grasp of the Hunter offense as there were many extended offensive possessions based off cycling in the corners.
Unfortunately, the bright spots were not enough to help the team escape their road woes. Semin disappeared in the 3rd and Ovechkin again was neutralized by a defender (Dan Girardi) for most of the contest. The power play looked pathetic all game and ultimately cost them as the eventual game winner was scored shorthanded by Brandon Prust. In addition, two key defenders really showed their age in this one, both on the old and young side. Roman Hamrlik continues to be beat to pucks in the corner, often extended defensive zone time. Meanwhile, Orlov looked like a rookie as he was out of position on multiple occasions.
So what does this all really mean moving forward? Points are at a premium right now so these games cannot be washed away anymore. We are really reaching the point where the playoffs are coming into question. The facts do not lie and are startling:
- Road Win Percentage: 33% (9-15-3)
- Road Point Percentage: 39% (21 points out of 54 possible)
- Power Play: 18% effective (12th in NHL)
- PK: 81% effective (22nd in the NHL)
- Shots on Goal per Game: 27.4 (27th in the NHL- and keep in mind, inflated because of the coaching and philosophy change)
These numbers are not the numbers of a playoff team. Playoff teams win at home, but also take care of the road at a much better clip than 33%. The shots on goal might be the most disturbing of the statistics and is the one that might alter the others the most.
The schedule is also not favorable
Remaining Schedule:
- 14 Road Games
- 12 Home Games
- 11 Games against Playoff Teams (6 on the Road, including a 100% L to the Red Wings at the Joe)
If the current pace continues (and the Capitals win 81% of their home games) the Capitals will add 28 points to their current total, giving them a total of 89 points, which would have finished 10th in the conference last season. That’s the bad news. The good news is that the Capitals hold a great deal of their fate in their own hands. There are currently 9 teams that are “in the hunt” with DC (Devils, Senators, Panthers, Maple Leafs, Jets, Habs, and Tampa Bay) and 13 of their remaining 26 games are against those teams, meaning wins can help the Caps while crippling their opposition. Back to bad though, seven of those 13 games are on the road. And 4 of the next 6 are both on the road and against some of the teams in the hunt, making the next 6 games, highlighted by a Friday night clash with the Panthers, the key stretch of the season.
So how do the Capitals ensure that they get the job done? A key on the road has been scoring first in their few victories, which would mean a more aggressive approach from the drop of the puck. I personally would like to see a lot of Perreault/Semin/Chimera early as they seem to come out flying the most. They also MUST generate shots, and the ability to cycle the puck at MSG Sunday showed that they are capable of producing effective offensive possessions.
There is one last thing that needs to happen, but it is completely out of the team’s control. The Washington Capitals desperately need the services of Nick Backstrom, who as of now has still not begun skating. Pierre McGuire mentioned it yesterday, but Backstroms absences has affected many areas of the team. Not only is he maybe the best player on the team, but his absence has a huge impact on Ovechkin. Not only does he lose his setup man, but he also becomes the central focus on the top line and must deal with defenders like Chara, Girardi, and Hedman alone. His absence is also felt on the Power Play where the playmaking duties have fell to the very young Perreault and Johansson. The Capitals with a healthy Nick Backstrom (and Green would help as well) are probably comfortably in the playoffs and jockeying for position now. Without him, they might miss the playoffs.
Time to right the ship v San Jose tonight.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Sunday, February 12, 2012
After Collaspe, Caps Take on Rangers at MSG
After failing to get both points in a heartbreaker at Verizon Thursday night, the Caps head to Broadway for a battle with the first place Rangers. The Rangers are fresh on a Saturday matinee win over their rival Flyers so the Caps might see a tired team coming down from an emotional high. Expecting an easy Caps win this afternoon against the playoff ready Rangers is doomed to failure, but a good showing in necessary given the inexcusable loss to The Jets at home. The first 10 minutes will go a long way in showing whether the Caps are a resilient enough bunch to bounce back in e heat of a playoff race. I still hold that a win on Broadway is not completely necessary, but a strong showing is.
Notes for today's tilt
- Rangers Captain Ryan Callahan is coming off his second career hattrick vs the Flyers. The Rangers Captain is equivalent to Brooks Laich on the Caps, so look for him to make an impact today.
- Save the last 3 minutes of regulation Thursday, Vokoun has been stellar and streaking, which is good news for DC. Vokoun gets the nod today against the always spectacular Lundqvist.
- No Backstrom or Green again. Look for the suddenly clicking trio of Perreault, Semin, and Chimera to continue to pick up the offensive slack.
- One can assume Knuble will get a jersey today after sitting in the press box Thursday. If he does, look for him to respond to his healthy scratch. If he does not, Knuble might be a regular in the press box as Hunter likes to play the hot hands.
- In the Southeast Division race, the Pamthers take on the Islanders at 3. Nabokov has been awesome of late, so hopefully that trend continues.
- Rangers are 7-2-1 in their last 10 and have won 3 straight. Capitals are 4-3-3 in their sat 10.
- Capitals power play clicked on Thursday and will need to continue to have a shot today. Hopefully Ovechkin will be on the boards and not the point.
Notes for today's tilt
- Rangers Captain Ryan Callahan is coming off his second career hattrick vs the Flyers. The Rangers Captain is equivalent to Brooks Laich on the Caps, so look for him to make an impact today.
- Save the last 3 minutes of regulation Thursday, Vokoun has been stellar and streaking, which is good news for DC. Vokoun gets the nod today against the always spectacular Lundqvist.
- No Backstrom or Green again. Look for the suddenly clicking trio of Perreault, Semin, and Chimera to continue to pick up the offensive slack.
- One can assume Knuble will get a jersey today after sitting in the press box Thursday. If he does, look for him to respond to his healthy scratch. If he does not, Knuble might be a regular in the press box as Hunter likes to play the hot hands.
- In the Southeast Division race, the Pamthers take on the Islanders at 3. Nabokov has been awesome of late, so hopefully that trend continues.
- Rangers are 7-2-1 in their last 10 and have won 3 straight. Capitals are 4-3-3 in their sat 10.
- Capitals power play clicked on Thursday and will need to continue to have a shot today. Hopefully Ovechkin will be on the boards and not the point.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Back on Top
FINAL SCORE: CAPITALS 4- PANTHERS 0
GOALS: WAS (PERREAULT, OVECHKIN, CHIMERA, OVECHKIN)/ FLA (NONE)
GOALIES: VOKOUN-W/ CLEMMENSON-L
In a game Coach Hunter called a playoff game, the Capitals produced a game that shows that the new system and personnel is capable of performing when it counts. Led by a stellar game from Vokoun and an energized Ovechkin, the Caps retook the top seed in the Southeast at least for the day with a convincing 4-0 shutout of the Florida Panthers. It was a game reminiscent of the rock star Caps of 2008 and served some notice that the Panthers have some work to do before they unseed DC. Will the play continue or will the inconsistent Caps return? Only time will tell, but it's nice to know the Capitals that to many offer the only hope for DC sports still can be found at 7th and F.
Recap
1st: It was clear the Caps showed up for this one, as the crowd was on their feet quickly. The Caps controlled the opening draw and a Chimera feed from behind found its way to a sudden red hot Matheiu Perreault alone in front just 13 seconds into the clash of Southeast Titans. The power play even clicked in this one, with an Alex Ovechkin strike making the score 2-0 at around the 10 minute mark. The Panthers started to make noise late in the period, but Vokoun shut down his old mates repeatedly and kept the score 2-0 at the end of the 1st.
2nd: The Capitals again stuck early in the 2nd, this time thanks to a pretty passing display that ended with a Chimera chip in. The Panthers continued to push, but Ovechkin ended all doubt of the outcome with an incredible individual effort after a physical Troy Brouwer caused a turnover. Ovechkin almost completed the trick on a 2 on 1 with MoJo, but Clemmenson made an impressive pad save to deny the Great 8.
3rd: Not much to say about the 3rd as Vokoun continued his stellar play and Ovechkin hunted for the hat trick. The defense held strong all period and the Caps skated off the ice to the roar of the red clad Verizon faithful as the video board updated the Southeast standings.
HERO OF THE NIGHT: Vokoun, Ward, and Laich
Vokoun Is a given. The Capitals won this game not because of the offense (which was timely and opprotunisitc for once) but because of the stellar 42 save performance by Vokoun. He got lucky a few times, but was spectacular at other times. Hop on the Vokswagon.
The telecast gave Player of the Game to Chimera, and rightly so, but DC Hockey Spot is going with the maligned Joel Ward. Ward signed a big deal this offseason and has not been as advertised thus far. But, he was signed for the playoffs and if his performance in the February playoffs was any indication, the deal MIT not be that insane.
Laich gets a shout out for playing on one leg. Heart and soul guy.
GOAT OF THE NIGHT: Shots on goal
The Caps only fired 24 shots on Clemmenson. That is not enough,particularly when the opposition fires 42. Without even a good Vokoun, the Caps lose that game.
Final Thoughts
This game can either be the beginning of a run or another blip on the radar of a disappointing season. There were many positive signs, such as an energized and high flying Ovechkin and a stellar Vokoun who normally streaks. Caps also got superb performances from the likes of Brouwer, Ward, and Chimera, who are the guys you need playing well to be a complete team. The Caps outhit the Panthers and won many puck battles. But, this game does nothing to prove the Caps have solved their 3 major problems: shots on goal, consistency, and the road. It was a big win, but it only means something if the Caps follow up with a similar effort against the Jets tomorrow and maybe more importantly the Rangers at MSG on NBC on Sunday. They do not need to win both (although it would help), but they need to prove they can string games together both at home and on the road. Only time will tell whether their February playoff win is a statement or a lie.
GOALS: WAS (PERREAULT, OVECHKIN, CHIMERA, OVECHKIN)/ FLA (NONE)
GOALIES: VOKOUN-W/ CLEMMENSON-L
In a game Coach Hunter called a playoff game, the Capitals produced a game that shows that the new system and personnel is capable of performing when it counts. Led by a stellar game from Vokoun and an energized Ovechkin, the Caps retook the top seed in the Southeast at least for the day with a convincing 4-0 shutout of the Florida Panthers. It was a game reminiscent of the rock star Caps of 2008 and served some notice that the Panthers have some work to do before they unseed DC. Will the play continue or will the inconsistent Caps return? Only time will tell, but it's nice to know the Capitals that to many offer the only hope for DC sports still can be found at 7th and F.
Recap
1st: It was clear the Caps showed up for this one, as the crowd was on their feet quickly. The Caps controlled the opening draw and a Chimera feed from behind found its way to a sudden red hot Matheiu Perreault alone in front just 13 seconds into the clash of Southeast Titans. The power play even clicked in this one, with an Alex Ovechkin strike making the score 2-0 at around the 10 minute mark. The Panthers started to make noise late in the period, but Vokoun shut down his old mates repeatedly and kept the score 2-0 at the end of the 1st.
2nd: The Capitals again stuck early in the 2nd, this time thanks to a pretty passing display that ended with a Chimera chip in. The Panthers continued to push, but Ovechkin ended all doubt of the outcome with an incredible individual effort after a physical Troy Brouwer caused a turnover. Ovechkin almost completed the trick on a 2 on 1 with MoJo, but Clemmenson made an impressive pad save to deny the Great 8.
3rd: Not much to say about the 3rd as Vokoun continued his stellar play and Ovechkin hunted for the hat trick. The defense held strong all period and the Caps skated off the ice to the roar of the red clad Verizon faithful as the video board updated the Southeast standings.
HERO OF THE NIGHT: Vokoun, Ward, and Laich
Vokoun Is a given. The Capitals won this game not because of the offense (which was timely and opprotunisitc for once) but because of the stellar 42 save performance by Vokoun. He got lucky a few times, but was spectacular at other times. Hop on the Vokswagon.
The telecast gave Player of the Game to Chimera, and rightly so, but DC Hockey Spot is going with the maligned Joel Ward. Ward signed a big deal this offseason and has not been as advertised thus far. But, he was signed for the playoffs and if his performance in the February playoffs was any indication, the deal MIT not be that insane.
Laich gets a shout out for playing on one leg. Heart and soul guy.
GOAT OF THE NIGHT: Shots on goal
The Caps only fired 24 shots on Clemmenson. That is not enough,particularly when the opposition fires 42. Without even a good Vokoun, the Caps lose that game.
Final Thoughts
This game can either be the beginning of a run or another blip on the radar of a disappointing season. There were many positive signs, such as an energized and high flying Ovechkin and a stellar Vokoun who normally streaks. Caps also got superb performances from the likes of Brouwer, Ward, and Chimera, who are the guys you need playing well to be a complete team. The Caps outhit the Panthers and won many puck battles. But, this game does nothing to prove the Caps have solved their 3 major problems: shots on goal, consistency, and the road. It was a big win, but it only means something if the Caps follow up with a similar effort against the Jets tomorrow and maybe more importantly the Rangers at MSG on NBC on Sunday. They do not need to win both (although it would help), but they need to prove they can string games together both at home and on the road. Only time will tell whether their February playoff win is a statement or a lie.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Let's Fill the Rafters
Between Stanley Cup Banners and Retired Jerseys, the Montreal Canadiens have the most impressive rafters in hockey. As the Capitals visit Montreal tomorrow and the hopes of adding a CUp banner in DC fades, let's try and add some more jerseys to the rafters of Verizon.
All Time Greatest Caps by Numbers
What gets you on the list: Numbers, Years, and Moments
1: Ron Low- 1st goalie to ever suit up for DC. Had little no no success, but there is something to being 1st.
2: Ken Klee
3: Scott Stevens: Was very successful in DC before winning the Cup with the Devils. Trails only Calle Johansson in points by Cap defenseman.
4: Kevin Hatcher
5: Rod Langway- Secretary of Defense and 2 time Norris winner. Still an active Alum.
6: Calle Johansson- All time games played leader and 1st in points by a defenseman. Except him to really be in the rafters someday.
7: Ivan Labre: Solid defender who scored 1st ever goal for DC
8; Alexander Ovechkin: Will likely be best ever when he hangs them up.
9: Danius Zubrus: Played a solid role in the lean years before Bruce.
10: Kelly Miller
11: Mike Gartner
12: Peter Bondra: Maybe the most popular Cap ever who arguably was one of the top goal scores of is era,
13: None worthy
14: Pat Peake: For what could have been....
15: Jeff Halpern: True hometown kid
16: Bengt Gustaffson
17: Chris Clark
18: Craig Laughlin: Voice of the Caps actually had a scoring touch
19: John Druce: Druce is Loose in the playoffs gives him the nod over Backstrom for now.
20: Michal Pivonka: All time assist leader. Backstrom before there was Backstrom
21: Dennis Maruk: Original Ovechkin
22: Steven Konowalchuk: Dino has better numbers......but it's Kono
23: Brian Bellows: Leadership during the Finals run
24: Mark Tinordi
25: Lots of choices......but no good ones
26: Would pick Keith Jones but he is a Flyer commentator now.
27: Craig Berube
28: Alex Semin
29: Joe Reekie
30: None worthy
31: None worthy
32: Dale Hunter: Greatest Captain in history
33: Don Beaupre
34: Al Ifrate: Hardest shot extraordinaire
35: None worthy
36: None worthy
37: Olaf Kolzig: Best goalie in franchise history
38: Cristobal Huet: Huge in the Capitals worst to first season under Boudreau
39: None worthy
40: None worhthy
41: Jason Allison
42: Not Joel Ward
43: None worthy
44: Richard Zednik
45- 51: None worthy
52: Mike Green: Pretty good and is the only choice.
53: None worthy
54: None worthy
55: Sergei Gonchar: Offensive star on the blue line for many years.
56-76: None worthy
77: Adam Oates: Key part of Fianls run
78-86: None worthy
87: Donald Brashear
88-89: None worthy
90: Joe Juneau: Star of the run to Finals with his OT heroics
91: Sergei Federov: Short lived, but score big goals (clinched SE and beat the Rangers)
So which of these deserve to be retired? I will guarantee 8, 12, and 37. Would like to see 6 and 20 as well.
All Time Greatest Caps by Numbers
What gets you on the list: Numbers, Years, and Moments
1: Ron Low- 1st goalie to ever suit up for DC. Had little no no success, but there is something to being 1st.
2: Ken Klee
3: Scott Stevens: Was very successful in DC before winning the Cup with the Devils. Trails only Calle Johansson in points by Cap defenseman.
4: Kevin Hatcher
5: Rod Langway- Secretary of Defense and 2 time Norris winner. Still an active Alum.
6: Calle Johansson- All time games played leader and 1st in points by a defenseman. Except him to really be in the rafters someday.
7: Ivan Labre: Solid defender who scored 1st ever goal for DC
8; Alexander Ovechkin: Will likely be best ever when he hangs them up.
9: Danius Zubrus: Played a solid role in the lean years before Bruce.
10: Kelly Miller
11: Mike Gartner
12: Peter Bondra: Maybe the most popular Cap ever who arguably was one of the top goal scores of is era,
13: None worthy
14: Pat Peake: For what could have been....
15: Jeff Halpern: True hometown kid
16: Bengt Gustaffson
17: Chris Clark
18: Craig Laughlin: Voice of the Caps actually had a scoring touch
19: John Druce: Druce is Loose in the playoffs gives him the nod over Backstrom for now.
20: Michal Pivonka: All time assist leader. Backstrom before there was Backstrom
21: Dennis Maruk: Original Ovechkin
22: Steven Konowalchuk: Dino has better numbers......but it's Kono
23: Brian Bellows: Leadership during the Finals run
24: Mark Tinordi
25: Lots of choices......but no good ones
26: Would pick Keith Jones but he is a Flyer commentator now.
27: Craig Berube
28: Alex Semin
29: Joe Reekie
30: None worthy
31: None worthy
32: Dale Hunter: Greatest Captain in history
33: Don Beaupre
34: Al Ifrate: Hardest shot extraordinaire
35: None worthy
36: None worthy
37: Olaf Kolzig: Best goalie in franchise history
38: Cristobal Huet: Huge in the Capitals worst to first season under Boudreau
39: None worthy
40: None worhthy
41: Jason Allison
42: Not Joel Ward
43: None worthy
44: Richard Zednik
45- 51: None worthy
52: Mike Green: Pretty good and is the only choice.
53: None worthy
54: None worthy
55: Sergei Gonchar: Offensive star on the blue line for many years.
56-76: None worthy
77: Adam Oates: Key part of Fianls run
78-86: None worthy
87: Donald Brashear
88-89: None worthy
90: Joe Juneau: Star of the run to Finals with his OT heroics
91: Sergei Federov: Short lived, but score big goals (clinched SE and beat the Rangers)
So which of these deserve to be retired? I will guarantee 8, 12, and 37. Would like to see 6 and 20 as well.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Road Weary Caps Drop Out of the Playoff Picture
Final Score: Florida 4-Washington 2
Goals: FLA:Samuelsson (2), Weiss, Mathias: WSH: Laich, Carlson
Goalies: W- Clemmenson: L- Neuvirth
Summary
It is slowly reaching the point where the Capitals horrendous play on the road might end up costing them. The Capitals continue to not put enough shots on net and showed a complete lack of urgency until they were down 2 late. While there were some positives to takes from the loss in Tampa on Wednesday, it was hard to find too much positive in this one.
Recap
1st: The Caps came up unusually hot to start the game, hiring 9 shots in the first 10 minutes of play, yet we're unable to dent the twine. The offenseive attack slowed considerably in the second half of the period and the Caps entered the locker room tied at zero, thanks in large part to a very sharp period by Neuvirth.
2nd: Unfortuantley, the sharp start from Neuvirth came to an abrupt start early in the frame. Samuelsson caught Neuvirth leaning on an assumed dump into the zone and fired a shot on net that beat a surprised and embarrassed Neuvirth. The Caps answered back later in the period on a great individual effort by Brooks Laich and the Caps and Cats entered the 3rd knotted at 1.
3rd: The tired legs and aversion to the road caught up with DC in the 3rd. The Panthers took the lead for what turned put to be for good 4 minutes into the 3rd on the power play with Hendricks off for goalie interference. About 5 minutes later Weiss scored on an initially disallowed goal to put the game essentially out of reach. The referees intitially washed the goal out thinking Weiss had hit the puck in with his hand, but video review clearly showed it was a good goal. The Capitals tried to wake up and play after that and Carlson scored with 2 mins to go, only to promptly turn it over with the goalie pulled to put the game out of reach.
Star of the Night: Orlov and Laich
Orlov played over 22 minutes and looked sharp all game. Looks like he has all the makings on a mainstay on the backline that will allow Schultz to be moved and lessen the impact of a missing Mike Green. Laich brought his normal strong game.
Goats of the Night: Neuvirth and Semin
The goal from the redline changed the game. That has to be a save. Semin had only 3 shots on goal and none after the 14 minute mark of the 3rd. Unacceptable when you are the offense gun in the line up.
Final Thoughts
It was said about, but the Capitals simply must figure out the road. They cannot play like this and expect any success in the playoffs, let alone make the dance. The Capitals also sorely miss Backstrom. When Perreault plays 15 minutes and centers your top line, you have a major problem.
It would be nice to write these last 2 games off since 3 of the top 5 players were out. But the Caps cannot afford to ever have off games at this point and let's be honest, this is not new. Outside of Wideman and Brouwer the entire team is slumping and if it does not get fixed quick, things might get really ugly.
Capitals visit Montreal Saturday afternoon. Ovechkin returns and loves playing in Canada, so maybe that combined with Hendricks (or Rechlicz even) v Bourque round 2 will be the start of a run.
Goals: FLA:Samuelsson (2), Weiss, Mathias: WSH: Laich, Carlson
Goalies: W- Clemmenson: L- Neuvirth
Summary
It is slowly reaching the point where the Capitals horrendous play on the road might end up costing them. The Capitals continue to not put enough shots on net and showed a complete lack of urgency until they were down 2 late. While there were some positives to takes from the loss in Tampa on Wednesday, it was hard to find too much positive in this one.
Recap
1st: The Caps came up unusually hot to start the game, hiring 9 shots in the first 10 minutes of play, yet we're unable to dent the twine. The offenseive attack slowed considerably in the second half of the period and the Caps entered the locker room tied at zero, thanks in large part to a very sharp period by Neuvirth.
2nd: Unfortuantley, the sharp start from Neuvirth came to an abrupt start early in the frame. Samuelsson caught Neuvirth leaning on an assumed dump into the zone and fired a shot on net that beat a surprised and embarrassed Neuvirth. The Caps answered back later in the period on a great individual effort by Brooks Laich and the Caps and Cats entered the 3rd knotted at 1.
3rd: The tired legs and aversion to the road caught up with DC in the 3rd. The Panthers took the lead for what turned put to be for good 4 minutes into the 3rd on the power play with Hendricks off for goalie interference. About 5 minutes later Weiss scored on an initially disallowed goal to put the game essentially out of reach. The referees intitially washed the goal out thinking Weiss had hit the puck in with his hand, but video review clearly showed it was a good goal. The Capitals tried to wake up and play after that and Carlson scored with 2 mins to go, only to promptly turn it over with the goalie pulled to put the game out of reach.
Star of the Night: Orlov and Laich
Orlov played over 22 minutes and looked sharp all game. Looks like he has all the makings on a mainstay on the backline that will allow Schultz to be moved and lessen the impact of a missing Mike Green. Laich brought his normal strong game.
Goats of the Night: Neuvirth and Semin
The goal from the redline changed the game. That has to be a save. Semin had only 3 shots on goal and none after the 14 minute mark of the 3rd. Unacceptable when you are the offense gun in the line up.
Final Thoughts
It was said about, but the Capitals simply must figure out the road. They cannot play like this and expect any success in the playoffs, let alone make the dance. The Capitals also sorely miss Backstrom. When Perreault plays 15 minutes and centers your top line, you have a major problem.
It would be nice to write these last 2 games off since 3 of the top 5 players were out. But the Caps cannot afford to ever have off games at this point and let's be honest, this is not new. Outside of Wideman and Brouwer the entire team is slumping and if it does not get fixed quick, things might get really ugly.
Capitals visit Montreal Saturday afternoon. Ovechkin returns and loves playing in Canada, so maybe that combined with Hendricks (or Rechlicz even) v Bourque round 2 will be the start of a run.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Caps Fall in OT
FINAL SCORE: Tampa Bay 4- Washington 3 (OT)
GOAL SCOERES: WAS (Hendricks, Perreault, Brouwer); TB (Purcell, St Louis, Thompson, Stamkos-GWG)
GOALIES: W- Garon; L- Vokoun
Summary
The Capitals drop a close division game 4-3 in OT and gained a valuable point in the standings entering a pivotal Southeast match up against the Florida Panthers. The game as a whole was very sloppy on both sides. That can be attributed to the All Star Break, but in the case of the Capitals there is a good chance it had to do with who was missing. The Capitals look lost and times and passes were off all night, particularly on the anemic power play. With all those factors, it is somewhat impressive the Capitals were able to get a point, which was the general feeling in the locker room postgame.
Recap
1st: The start of this Southeast tilt was very sloppy and it took both teams awhile to start clicking. The Capitals drew blood first though and Brooks Laich made an impressive falling sweep pass to Matt Hendricks driving the net. Hendricks whiffed on the shot, but recovered with an impressive top shelf backhand. The positive energy was zapped away later in the period though as a defensive breakdown by Hamrlik led to an easy backdoor goal from Teddy Purcell in the close minutes (which has plagued DC this year).
2nd: The second period was all about momentum. Tampa Bay came out flying in the 2nd and threatened to score on multiple occasions. But, the Capitals took to momentum about a quarter of the way in thanks to one of many sparkling saves by Vokoun as he robbed Stamkos on a breakaway. Moments later, Mathieu Perraeult took a high stick from Steve Downie that gave the Capitals a 4 minute power play. Unfortunately, the power play struggles continued and a fruitless power play shifted the momentum right back to Tampa Bay, resulting in two goals against (the first of which should not have counted). The Capitals made it a game with a lucky bounce off Nate Thompson on a Perreault centering feed to make it 3-2 heading into the break.
3rd: The Capitals used their momentum from the 2nd to play a pretty good all around 3rd period that resulted in the game tying goal by Brouwer (thanks in part to a questionable hold by Brooks Laich). After failing to break the tie, the Capitals went into a very conservative mode for the last five minutes, clearly playing for the 1 OT point.
OT: Tampa Bay had most of the chances and would have ended the game much sooner if not for the heroics of Vokoun, whose save on Lecavilier might have been the save of the year. Laich had a chance to end the game, but failed to make the next pass and despite another spectacular save on St Louis, Stamkos put home his league leading 33rd goal to clinch the game for Tampa.
Star of the Game: Laich/Hendricks/Brouwer Line
The trio was by far the best line for the Capitals all night. Lots of energy and threw a ton of pucks on net to create scoring. This is a line I would consider keeping together even when the big guns come back. More to come on lines later.
Goat of the Game: Hamrlik
The 37 year old continues to look very slow and out of position at a lot. He was terrible on the 1st goal and even though he was interfered with, looked bad on the 2nd. Carlson gets 2nd place honors here as he was Hamrlik's partner most of the night.
Final Thoughts
Considering the struggles the Capitals have had on the road this year, any sort of points have to be a small victory. And fighting back from down 2 without Ovechkin and Backstrom is also impressive. But it is hard to overlook how sloppy they looked for most of the game. It is also reaching the point where you get the sinking feeling that if the road doesn’t get fixed soon, it could cost the Capitals the Southeast if not the playoffs all together.
As for the lines, with so many people out, Hunter has had to juggle and I think he has found something that could work. Semin-Perreault-MoJo looks like a line that could work as the Boston game showed. Last night, Laich-Hendricks-Brouwer showed a lot of promise as an energy line with some punch to it. I would keep those intact even when healthy and put Chimera on the wing with Backstorm and OV. They did that some last year and I really liked the straight line no nonsense speed Chimera brought to the table. The other option is to put Knuble there, who is bound to breakout at some point. That would leave Halpern-Knuble-Ward as a very experienced 4th line.
Big tilt tonight in FLA that could go a long way in determining the Southeast Crown.
GOAL SCOERES: WAS (Hendricks, Perreault, Brouwer); TB (Purcell, St Louis, Thompson, Stamkos-GWG)
GOALIES: W- Garon; L- Vokoun
Summary
The Capitals drop a close division game 4-3 in OT and gained a valuable point in the standings entering a pivotal Southeast match up against the Florida Panthers. The game as a whole was very sloppy on both sides. That can be attributed to the All Star Break, but in the case of the Capitals there is a good chance it had to do with who was missing. The Capitals look lost and times and passes were off all night, particularly on the anemic power play. With all those factors, it is somewhat impressive the Capitals were able to get a point, which was the general feeling in the locker room postgame.
Recap
1st: The start of this Southeast tilt was very sloppy and it took both teams awhile to start clicking. The Capitals drew blood first though and Brooks Laich made an impressive falling sweep pass to Matt Hendricks driving the net. Hendricks whiffed on the shot, but recovered with an impressive top shelf backhand. The positive energy was zapped away later in the period though as a defensive breakdown by Hamrlik led to an easy backdoor goal from Teddy Purcell in the close minutes (which has plagued DC this year).
2nd: The second period was all about momentum. Tampa Bay came out flying in the 2nd and threatened to score on multiple occasions. But, the Capitals took to momentum about a quarter of the way in thanks to one of many sparkling saves by Vokoun as he robbed Stamkos on a breakaway. Moments later, Mathieu Perraeult took a high stick from Steve Downie that gave the Capitals a 4 minute power play. Unfortunately, the power play struggles continued and a fruitless power play shifted the momentum right back to Tampa Bay, resulting in two goals against (the first of which should not have counted). The Capitals made it a game with a lucky bounce off Nate Thompson on a Perreault centering feed to make it 3-2 heading into the break.
3rd: The Capitals used their momentum from the 2nd to play a pretty good all around 3rd period that resulted in the game tying goal by Brouwer (thanks in part to a questionable hold by Brooks Laich). After failing to break the tie, the Capitals went into a very conservative mode for the last five minutes, clearly playing for the 1 OT point.
OT: Tampa Bay had most of the chances and would have ended the game much sooner if not for the heroics of Vokoun, whose save on Lecavilier might have been the save of the year. Laich had a chance to end the game, but failed to make the next pass and despite another spectacular save on St Louis, Stamkos put home his league leading 33rd goal to clinch the game for Tampa.
Star of the Game: Laich/Hendricks/Brouwer Line
The trio was by far the best line for the Capitals all night. Lots of energy and threw a ton of pucks on net to create scoring. This is a line I would consider keeping together even when the big guns come back. More to come on lines later.
Goat of the Game: Hamrlik
The 37 year old continues to look very slow and out of position at a lot. He was terrible on the 1st goal and even though he was interfered with, looked bad on the 2nd. Carlson gets 2nd place honors here as he was Hamrlik's partner most of the night.
Final Thoughts
Considering the struggles the Capitals have had on the road this year, any sort of points have to be a small victory. And fighting back from down 2 without Ovechkin and Backstrom is also impressive. But it is hard to overlook how sloppy they looked for most of the game. It is also reaching the point where you get the sinking feeling that if the road doesn’t get fixed soon, it could cost the Capitals the Southeast if not the playoffs all together.
As for the lines, with so many people out, Hunter has had to juggle and I think he has found something that could work. Semin-Perreault-MoJo looks like a line that could work as the Boston game showed. Last night, Laich-Hendricks-Brouwer showed a lot of promise as an energy line with some punch to it. I would keep those intact even when healthy and put Chimera on the wing with Backstorm and OV. They did that some last year and I really liked the straight line no nonsense speed Chimera brought to the table. The other option is to put Knuble there, who is bound to breakout at some point. That would leave Halpern-Knuble-Ward as a very experienced 4th line.
Big tilt tonight in FLA that could go a long way in determining the Southeast Crown.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Caps v Bolts Game Preview
The Caps head to St Pete on the eve of the Flordia Republican Primary to take of the underachieving Tamp Bay Lightening on NBC Sports. This is an important two points for the Caps, as they all are these days, as they hope to build on their strong end to the unofficial 1st half. The Caps will again be without 3 of the 4 "Young Guns" and will again rely on strong defense and the likes of Brouwer, Laich, Semin, and the suddenly hot Perrault to provide the offense, Win or lose, Caps need to move on quick from this game as a match up with th co- Southeast leader Flordia Panthers looks large tomorrow night.
Some notes on the game tonight:
- Vokoun set to start in goal tonight. Not surprising. Matheiu Garon goes for Tampa.
- Call up Joel Rechlicz gets a jersey tonight. From the sounds of it, Hunter called himself up from Hershey. Self labeled enforcer. Will be interesting to see how that works, since the Capitals have not had a pure enforcer since Donald Brashear.
- Schultz and Beagle watch from the press box. Again, not surprising and provides another reminder of Jeff Schultz unceremonious fall from grace.
- Reports from Kettler yesterday had Joel Ward playing on the 4th line. McPhee better hope the Capitals make the playoffs and Ward performs like he did last year, or his contract is looking more and more crippling moving forward.
Some notes on the game tonight:
- Vokoun set to start in goal tonight. Not surprising. Matheiu Garon goes for Tampa.
- Call up Joel Rechlicz gets a jersey tonight. From the sounds of it, Hunter called himself up from Hershey. Self labeled enforcer. Will be interesting to see how that works, since the Capitals have not had a pure enforcer since Donald Brashear.
- Schultz and Beagle watch from the press box. Again, not surprising and provides another reminder of Jeff Schultz unceremonious fall from grace.
- Reports from Kettler yesterday had Joel Ward playing on the 4th line. McPhee better hope the Capitals make the playoffs and Ward performs like he did last year, or his contract is looking more and more crippling moving forward.
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