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LET'S GO CAPS!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
We MOVED On Up
To a deluxe blog hosted by Bloguin.That's right. Capitals Kremlin is now a member of the Bloguin.
So what are you doing here anyway! Get over to the NEW Capitals Kremlin!
Just click on the jalopy to your left, or any of the links we scattered about.
- Reed "CK"
How Thin is the Ice For Theo?
Today's big topic of discussion? Varlamov (or if you're Lisa Hillary, Var-MA-lov) or Theodore in Game 2?
There's no beating around the bush here. Theodore was awful in his Capitals postseason debut. Just about as awful as he was in his Capitals regular season debut, but to his credit, the defense didn't exactly show up to play either -- on both occasions.
In the last two games, Florida and New York, Theodore has more than lived up to his nickname, "Three Or More," with a 5.00 GAA. The save percentage isn't much better, it's an embarrassing .838.
Looking at Theodore's recent postseason past, last night's game isn't exactly a far cry from what he's used to.
He opened last year's playoffs with a 3-2 win over the Wild, and then dropped two straight one goal games, 3-2. After that, he won three straight with 5-1, 3-2 and 2-1 margins of victory. He then dropped all four to the Red Wings, allowing more four or more goals in all of those games.
No word on how soft those goals were, but considering how many one goal games he had, and he was on a defensive minded team in Colorado, there's room for optimism.
Considering that in spite of a Theodorian effort in net, and a non-existent defense at times, the Capitals only lost by one goal. Theodore doesn't need to play like Vezina for the Capitals to win this series, he just needs to be decent. The Capitals offense is more than capable of carrying Theodore on their backs, but the jury is still out on if Theo can carry the Capitals.
So given last night's performance, and Theodore's past, is it really plausible that the Capitals should take the risk of running with Varlamov in the aftermath of a one goal game?
There's no beating around the bush here. Theodore was awful in his Capitals postseason debut. Just about as awful as he was in his Capitals regular season debut, but to his credit, the defense didn't exactly show up to play either -- on both occasions.
In the last two games, Florida and New York, Theodore has more than lived up to his nickname, "Three Or More," with a 5.00 GAA. The save percentage isn't much better, it's an embarrassing .838.
Looking at Theodore's recent postseason past, last night's game isn't exactly a far cry from what he's used to.
He opened last year's playoffs with a 3-2 win over the Wild, and then dropped two straight one goal games, 3-2. After that, he won three straight with 5-1, 3-2 and 2-1 margins of victory. He then dropped all four to the Red Wings, allowing more four or more goals in all of those games.
No word on how soft those goals were, but considering how many one goal games he had, and he was on a defensive minded team in Colorado, there's room for optimism.
Considering that in spite of a Theodorian effort in net, and a non-existent defense at times, the Capitals only lost by one goal. Theodore doesn't need to play like Vezina for the Capitals to win this series, he just needs to be decent. The Capitals offense is more than capable of carrying Theodore on their backs, but the jury is still out on if Theo can carry the Capitals.
So given last night's performance, and Theodore's past, is it really plausible that the Capitals should take the risk of running with Varlamov in the aftermath of a one goal game?
The Aftermath: Game One
Clunk...rump....clunk...squishHear that? That's the sound of Theodore being thrown under the bus. It's okay, he already threw himself under there, so go ahead and stare as the Caps Fan Express repeatedly rolls back and forth over him.
While many fans, bloggers and analysts will continue to bang on the "Theo sucks!" drum, allow me to deviate for a few moments before I grab my mallet and start hitting with you.
The Good
Caps outshot the Rangers 14-4 in the first period. Not scoring with that sort of offensive production is rare. If the Caps did that every game, good lord.
Alex Ovechkin showed up to play: He had two assists and 13 shots on goal. Henrik isn't going to stop 13 shots from Ovie every single night, and it's amazing he was able to stop many of them tonight.
Alex Ovechkin also led the team in hits given, 6. Yeah, he's in playoff form.
The next man behind him? John Erskine, with 5. Erskine needs to bring his physical game every night if the Caps want to win; this is a great start.
Viktor Kozlov got his first NHL playoff goal. Good on him. He also got the goal at a key time, when the Caps were down 3-1 going out in the second. His goal created an enormous amount of momentum, and the Caps need guys like Kozlov to contribute.
The Caps destroyed in the faceoff circle. Boyd Gordon was 80% on the night, and the Caps as a team won 70% of their faceoffs.
Speaking of faceoffs, the Capitals won 80% of their shorthanded faceoffs. Glad to have you back, Boyd. Seriously.
Caps power play went two for seven, which is good and bad. Good because the Rangers were called for lots of penalties, bad because, well, you can see below.
The Bad
Jose Theodore's first goal: Seriously?In his defense, the officiating was horrible on that first goal. The refs missed two calls, a trip and an interference (correct me if I'm wrong), which enabled Gomez to have that breakaway.
Still, that wasn't the hardest shot in the world, and you need to save those in the playoffs.
Jeff Schultz's jock is still somewhere in the Verizon Center. If you find it, burn it, he doesn't deserve it after that play. He got schooled by Brandon Dubinsky with a through-the-legs pass, and then fell to the ice and watched.
But enough joking around on Schultz. To be honest, Sarge didn't have such a bad game until that moment, but sadly, you're remembered for what you didn't do when you lose. I expect Schultz to bounce back, but let's be honest, that was a nightmare of a play for Schultz.
Live, learn, move on.
What good is it to have Brooks Laich screening Lundqvist on the power play if you're not going to shoot at him. Memo to Green and Ovechkin, don't pass back-and-forth nonstop when you have a guy screening, unleash that dragon and let Laich collect the rebound/deflect it!
Okay that's not really bad, just an observation, Caps could stand to shoot more on the PP when Laich is up front.
Tonight's Avery Effect Scale: Category 2 Avery.
Avery went after Mike Green (called it) and was the perfect pest. His late game spat with Theo looks like trouble, and Ovechkin is actively trying to clock Avery with a big-rig check. Yup, we're playing into his hands, boys.
Also, the DC Sports Bog, almost on cue, has a story about Avery and his agitation. Category 2 Avery confirmed.
In conclusion
Tough loss in a game that started as pure domination, turned into dominated, and then went into a hair-raising third period.If the goaltending was just a little bit better, and the defense was a little bit sharper, this would have been a win -- an ugly win, but a win.
Theo needs to get focused, the defense needs to tighten up, and the Capitals need to keep pounding away at Lundqvist with shots.
Hey, at least we weren't as bad as Philly. ::shutter::
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Why We'll Lose -- Five Playoff Pitfalls
We're just about an hour away from the puck drop, and judging from some of the fans' attitudes toward the New York Rangers you'd think that rose-colored glasses were the fan giveaway.I'm a fan myself. I want to win as much as you do, but for a moment let's be realistic. Fans are at their best when they are being critical of their own team, and it's for that reason I've decided to list the five reasons the Capitals will exit the playoffs.
#5: Discipline
If you're like me, then you're getting sick of offensive zone stick penalties. The Capitals have earned the second highest amount of PIMs this year, and they're not doing it through fighting majors. Skill players can often get caught being desperate when they blow an assignment or get caught off-guard. Considering the Capitals' penalty kill is not in the top half of the league, if the Caps are on the penalty kill consistently, the Caps will lose consistently.
#4: Falling off the system
The Capitals don't necessarily lose to bad teams -- it's more or less that they beat themselves in those games. The Capitals' offensive system is a flashy, exciting brand of hockey, but when the Caps find the offensive wheels spinning in mud, they resort to selfish plays and high-risk passes. If the Capitals fall out of their system, their offense falls apart, and then it's up to Jose Theodore to save the day. Whoopie.
#3: Run Run Theo
The Philadelphia Flyers absolutely had their way with Cristobal Huet. They ran him left and right, they got in his face, they never gave him a chance to settle down and play. Did Erskine dish out any punishment? Did Brashear get in the Flyers' faces? No. When the Caps finally began to stick up for Huet, it was Game Seven. So does it surprise you that if Theodore gets the Huet treatment, they'll have one shaky goalie between their pipes who's not focused on stopping the puck?
#2: One Liners
Not only can the Capitals not fall into a one-track-mind offensive system, but they also need to rely on secondary scorers if they want to advance. Let's face it, when Mike Green, Alex Semin, Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom are on the same line, it's usually because a) it's a power play or b) we are desperately looking for a goal. If Eric Fehr, Brooks Laich, Sergei Fedorov and Tomas Fleischmann don't step up and put goals in the net, it's going to be tough to advance. It's possible, the Ottawa Senators advanced years ago with one line, but they didn't win a Cup. Just marinate on that.
#1: Don't put it all on Theo
Here's my favorite prognostication that EVERYONE is making. "Theodore has to be great if the Caps wan't to win." Um, no, how about the defense needs to give Theodore a chance? I'm not saying Theodore is the greatest goalie ever, and I'm not excusing soft goals and poor play, but I will say this: Theodore's play is almost always connected to the defense's play. If the defense is poor, how can you expect Theodore to be great? Great goaltenders usually have great defenses in front of them; do you think Marty Brodeur wins every game by himself? Theodore needs to be good, he could be average and the Caps could still win, but if the Caps defense doesn't give Theo the support he needs, we're not going anywhere this postseason.
If we can avoid those pitfalls, who knows what we can achieve? This team has the talent to do great things, that is, if they can focus and play smart hockey.
T-minus one hour til puck drop.
LET'S GO CAPS
Hard Rocking the Red
h/t to Eric McErlainIt seems that the rock band persona that the Capitals embody for their pre-game videos has inspired actual rock bands to don the team colors on stage.
Meet Misery Index, a group of scruffy hard-rockers who love the Caps as much as we do.
Check out the article here.
"But the metal band doing the most day-to-day grunt work to support the Caps is the Baltimore-Silver Spring four-piece Misery Index. Guitarist Sparky Voyles can usually be found sporting one of his many Caps or Hershey Bears jerseys on stage — often tailoring what he wears to provoke the crowd if he's in a rival town, or to pay compliments to a current Caps player who made time in other cities (i.e., he dons Donald Brasher gear in Philly, Montreal and Vancouver).
Like Misery Index bassist-vocalist Jason Netherton, Voyle has been going to games since the early 1980s, living and dying with every Capitals playoff heartbreaker."
"Ovie and the Caps" might be able to get a party started, but these guys look like they'll kick your teeth in and then wail out a slick guitar solo if you so much as look cock-eyed at their Caps jerseys.
For some reason I keep getting the image of the Guitar Hero commercial where Coach K and their others slide out in the underwear, only to be told by Metallica that in order to rock out pants must be worn (The Red Hot Chili Peppers disagree).
I just imagine the Caps sliding out holding their little guitars and then Misery Index looking at them and face palming. Yeah the boys could use some serious help in the "rocking out" department.
Perhaps Misery Index could provide some tips.
Blogger Superstitions
Do you wear a specific jersey to a game? Do you have a special chair that only you may sit in? Have you ever thrown a hissy fit because something wasn't exactly as it was supposed to be before a game?Just like the NHL players we adore, fans adhere to their own strange and odd superstitions. Others take pleasure in seeing others torture themselves with stupid beliefs that are usually futile.
As someone who follows a few quirky pre-game rituals myself, I decided that I would go in search of other hockey bloggers who may be a little loony before the puck drops.
We asked some of the blogosphere's best to contribute, but just a few schmoes responded...
Greg Wyshynski - Editor of Puck Daddy
"I will reveal two superstitions from when I was a wee lad in Matawan, NJ that I'm not sure I ever revealed before on the Web.
I used to believe that the New Jersey Devils' play could be affected by my drinking pink lemonade from a specific plastic cup in the house, with ice cubes. If I failed to properly execute this voodoo ... well, how do you think Matteau scored in Game 7 of the Rangers series in 1994, huh?
It was my fault.
It was my fault.
DC Sports Chick - On Frozen Blog
My husband is significantly superstitious when it concerns the Capitals. He frequently only wears certain jerseys, T-shirts, or hats (or combination thereof) if it "works" when the Caps win. If they lose, I'll never see him wear that combination or even various articles of clothing again, even when the Caps aren't playing or if hockey is out of season. In fact, we just had a long conversation yesterday where he was debating the merits of wearing his red Clark jersey or his Ovechkin "Rock the Red" shirt to tomorrow night's game. Normally I just laugh at him when he has these discussions, but I know the playoffs are serious business.
Vance and Denson - BanginPanger.com
It's funny. There's two of us that write over at BanginPanger, and we couldn't be more polar opposites when it comes to superstitions. Myself? I don't buy into it, as a matter of fact, I will literally antagonize anyone into doing their little sideshow good luck dance a) because it's funny as hell and b) they actually believe knocking on wood will alter the course of the contest. The closest thing a superstition I've got? Well, I do go by hunches as to what jersey to wear, does that count? No? Oh well, still don't care.
So if you couldn't figure it out, Denson goes all out, constantly knocking on wood, wearing the same clothes - down to the socks (unwashed), sitting in the same seat for each game, drinking the same drinks, it goes on and on. One time, one of his buddies wasn't there, but I wasn't allowed to sit in his seat, I sat in it anyway. They still won. I must've upheld the spirit of the Pittsburgh fan, or something. Oh well, still don't care.
Kevin Schultz - Barry Melrose Rocks
Playoff superstitions? You kidding me? PLAYOFF superstitions? I just hope we can win another game!
It's kind of hard to have any playoff superstitions when you're an Islanders fan. I've been to exactly one Islander playoff game in my life. That was Game Three against Toronto back in 2003. That was a special season and it was the first playoff game at the Coliseum since 1994 when we got embarrassed by the Rangers. It was EPIC. It's the only game I've been to (the following postseasons blew and did not necessarily warrant shelling out money to see) but it was awesome. I've got no superstitions. One game in addition to a crappy team to root for, no traditions or superstitions can really get started.
But one game is enough to realize what makes the playoffs, and the Cup, so awesome. Any taste of the playoffs means your team has a chance. And any taste of the playoffs is probably going to have it's fair share of epic moments. Even if your team loses in the first round, it can make all the suffering, all the horrendous seasons, all the bad, worth it.
Notice how I said "it can." That doesn't necessarily mean that it does.
In fact, if your team has been good for almost as long as you can remember, screw you. Success probably doesn't taste that good to you. It's the norm. You haven't suffered. You haven't lived.
And I'm jealous as hell.
Reed "CK" - Capitals Kremlin
Back during the Jagr days, my Dad and I would watch games together on two easy chairs in our basement. These chairs were a link to the Caps, and when the Capitals (i.e. Jagr) were playing particularly poor, we'd switch chairs in hopes that our good vibes would be broadcast to the team. When our switch-a-roo worked, we'd be filled with pride, as if we had assisted that game-tying-goal.
In fact, the scoresheet for many games in the early 2000's should read, (Bondra 12, Oates 9, Easy Chair 10, 18:36 Third Period).
These days I'm a bit nutty about which Capitals attire I don for a game. I have an Ovechkin and Laich t-shirt, and it's my personal belief that jerseys should only be worn when at a game. Only on special occasions may a jersey breach the living room.
So when it comes time to choosing a shirt to wear I weigh in various factors such as point streaks, recent playing trends, and if I think the player needs that extra "supernatural" boost from me. Most of the time I just go with the shirt that was involved in a recent win, although my Laich and Ovechkin are both tainted with losses.
This can't be good...
Got a superstition of your own? We'd love to hear it! Have at it in the comments!
Reed "CK" - Capitals Kremlin
Back during the Jagr days, my Dad and I would watch games together on two easy chairs in our basement. These chairs were a link to the Caps, and when the Capitals (i.e. Jagr) were playing particularly poor, we'd switch chairs in hopes that our good vibes would be broadcast to the team. When our switch-a-roo worked, we'd be filled with pride, as if we had assisted that game-tying-goal.
In fact, the scoresheet for many games in the early 2000's should read, (Bondra 12, Oates 9, Easy Chair 10, 18:36 Third Period).
These days I'm a bit nutty about which Capitals attire I don for a game. I have an Ovechkin and Laich t-shirt, and it's my personal belief that jerseys should only be worn when at a game. Only on special occasions may a jersey breach the living room.
So when it comes time to choosing a shirt to wear I weigh in various factors such as point streaks, recent playing trends, and if I think the player needs that extra "supernatural" boost from me. Most of the time I just go with the shirt that was involved in a recent win, although my Laich and Ovechkin are both tainted with losses.
This can't be good...
Got a superstition of your own? We'd love to hear it! Have at it in the comments!
(Thanks to our guest blogger panel, they're not really schmoes, except for that Caps Kremlin guy...be sure to check out their sites for daily content during the playoffs!)
Pre-Cap: Capitals vs. Rangers - Game One
And so it begins.Just about everything there is to be said about this matchup has been said over the past five days. The Caps need strong goaltending, the Rangers need to keep pace with the caps' offense, the Caps need to punish on the power play, the Rangers need to keep the puck out of the Caps' stars' hands.
The laundry list of "do's" and "don'ts" is pages long, but at the end of it all, the team that simply comes out the hardest will take home a Game One victory. Setting the tone of the game in each period is just as important as the goals that are scored in that period.
The team that sets the tone each period and forces the opposition to play their game is likely going to win this game and series.
The Capitals need to come out and make the Rangers play the Caps' game, a fast, skill-based offensive system that exposes defenders who can't cover the Caps' stars. The Rangers offense is balanced, but it's not nearly as explosive as the Capitals.
If the Capitals can make the Rangers spend most of the game playing from behind, then the Rangers will never have a chance to contain the Capitals stars because they'll be too busy trying to even up the score.
With regards to Jose Theodore, when the Capitals offense is clicking, Theodore is clicking. When the Capitals offense is stymied, then Theodore often falls victim to lazy defensive plays, leaving him wide open. The stronger the Caps play, the stronger Theodore plays.
Given the potency of the Capitals offense, the Rangers can't afford to get into a shootout with Alex Ovechkin and Alex Semin. So they'll likely come out looking to frustrate the Capitals stars and throw them off of the Caps offensive system.
Think back to the Colorado Avalanche loss in February. The Avalanche stuffed the neutral zone with defenders, making it hard for the Caps to move in to the offensive zone. Eventually the Capitals got so frustrated they resorted to end-to-end passes that were often intercepted and turned into odd-man rushes.
If the Rangers can slow down the pace of play, then goalie Henrik Lundqvist is going to have a much easier time dealing with the Capitals offense as he'll likely see less quality shots on goal against him.
Of course another intangible factor is the stress level for each team. The Rangers come into this series having almost missed the playoffs. Analysts are already writing them off as first-round exits and I doubt Ranger fans will be crying many tears if that does happen.
But for the Capitals, they are opening the playoffs in front of a sellout crowd that won't settle for a first-round exit. They won't even settle for the fact that they have back-to-back division titles. This Caps team is expected to do great things, and analysts are calling for them to go as far as the Stanley Cup.
For the Caps, this opening night is a statement about whether or not the fans' and analysts' good faith is warranted. For the Rangers, hey, they're just happy to be here, and they'll happily send the Caps out if given the chance.
The playoffs are a marathon and a sprint all at the same time. And what's true in racing, is also true in hockey. How you start each race, is just as important as how you finish it.
It's imperative that the Caps hit their stride early and not stumble off the blocks.
LET'S GO CAPS
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Dog vs. ESPN Analysts -- The Picks Are In!
Is this the year that a dog outsmarts the ESPN analysts?Alright, you've seen the dog video; now see the analysts' picks!
Here's an easy-to-read chart to help you keep track of Rodney's progress against the analysts.
Rodney is going against the grain, choosing the Blues when everyone chose the Canucks. Blues fans should be so honored. Barry Melrose and Rodney could be big winners if the Ducks pull through with a first-round upset, and Buccigross and Rodney are both feeling kinda Devil-ish.Rodney took the company line with the Capitals, Bruins, Red Wings and Blackhawks, but if you want to win these bracket things, you've gotta choose the upsets.
Pretty strong bracket for a dog, if I may say so myself.
Here's the video for those who are just joining us for this feature.
It's the Freakin' Playoffs...Update the Logo!
Barry Melrose and E.J. Hradek break down the Caps and Rangers series, but it's hard to take them seriously when they still think our team wears black and gold.
Gee, I think I remember seeing this somewhere...
Don't let the still image behind the play button fool you either.
Big posts for tomorrow, make sure to check out CapsFans and, for the record, 24 hours until the drop of the puck!
LET'S GO CAPS!
Gee, I think I remember seeing this somewhere...
Don't let the still image behind the play button fool you either.
Big posts for tomorrow, make sure to check out CapsFans and, for the record, 24 hours until the drop of the puck!
LET'S GO CAPS!
Introducing @CapsFans -- A Caps Twitter Community
If you haven't heard, Twitter is kinda a big deal, like Ron Burgundy big deal. So if you're one of those people who love their Twitter accounts and love the social community that Twitter provides, then you'll love this new feature we've cooked up.
Introducing CapsFans. CapsFans is a Twitter bot that re-tweets messages sent to it and broadcasts them to every follower of CapsFans. CapsFans makes it possible to connect to other fans, without having to find and follow them through your own Twitter account.
Here's how it works.
Instead of scouring the Twitter "phonebook" to find red-rockers, simply send Capsfans a message and the bot will broadcast it for you to followers of the bot. No need to go looking for other fans when Capsfans can find them for you!
Use it to talk about the game. Post a news or blog item that you enjoyed for everyone to see. Coordinate a fan movement or lead a cheer, and have fun enjoying your favorite team in 140 characters or less.
Here's our tutorial:
Step One: Join Twitter and create an account.
Step Two: Follow CapsFans.
Step Three: Tweet CapsFans by typing @CapsFans in the message field.
Step Four: Watch as your message is broadcast and see people respond!
CapsFans can be tweeted from any device you want. Use it on your laptop or desktop. Are you at the game and want everyone to watch you dance? Post a photo from your computer, or the view from your sweet seats from your camera phone on CapsFans for all to see! Tweet CapsFans from your Blackberry or mobile phone!
We'll stop acting like Billy Mays, but the point is, CapsFans is a great way to use Twitter to chat about your favorite team on the Internet's latest darling.
Introducing CapsFans. CapsFans is a Twitter bot that re-tweets messages sent to it and broadcasts them to every follower of CapsFans. CapsFans makes it possible to connect to other fans, without having to find and follow them through your own Twitter account.
Here's how it works.
Instead of scouring the Twitter "phonebook" to find red-rockers, simply send Capsfans a message and the bot will broadcast it for you to followers of the bot. No need to go looking for other fans when Capsfans can find them for you!
Use it to talk about the game. Post a news or blog item that you enjoyed for everyone to see. Coordinate a fan movement or lead a cheer, and have fun enjoying your favorite team in 140 characters or less.
Here's our tutorial:
Step One: Join Twitter and create an account.
Step Two: Follow CapsFans.
Step Three: Tweet CapsFans by typing @CapsFans in the message field.
Step Four: Watch as your message is broadcast and see people respond!
CapsFans can be tweeted from any device you want. Use it on your laptop or desktop. Are you at the game and want everyone to watch you dance? Post a photo from your computer, or the view from your sweet seats from your camera phone on CapsFans for all to see! Tweet CapsFans from your Blackberry or mobile phone!
We'll stop acting like Billy Mays, but the point is, CapsFans is a great way to use Twitter to chat about your favorite team on the Internet's latest darling.
Hart Watch: Campbellnomics
Evgeni Malkin may have won the Art Ross Trophy, but the Hart Trophy is still up for grabs and, depending on which stats are most important to voters, Alex Ovechkin might be the front-runner for the league's MVP honor.
So if we were to use Campbellnomics, a stat system that judges players based on the importance of goals and points scored, who would be the front-runner?
Well two Russians lead the NHL in key goals scored. Their names? Alex Ovechkin and Alex Semin.
Here's what the leaderboard looks like at the conclusion of the NHL season.
So the question is: Is quality of points more important than quantity? I think yes.
Oh and before you ask, Mike Green is the Campbellnomics leader for defenders.
So if we were to use Campbellnomics, a stat system that judges players based on the importance of goals and points scored, who would be the front-runner?
Well two Russians lead the NHL in key goals scored. Their names? Alex Ovechkin and Alex Semin.
Here's what the leaderboard looks like at the conclusion of the NHL season.
So the question is: Is quality of points more important than quantity? I think yes.Oh and before you ask, Mike Green is the Campbellnomics leader for defenders.
Welcome to the Jungle
Most analysts' prognostications are out today and, for the most part, it's nothing we haven't heard before. But The Hockey News caught my attention with one particular item about the Caps.They call it the x-factor.
"Washington has the league's third-best home record, while the Rangers stumbled on the road, posting a 4-12-3 mark in their final 19 contests away from Madison Square Garden. Winning even one game in the jungle that promises to be Verizon Center will be a tall order for New York."
Welcome to the red jungle.
Possible Ice Sheet Disaster of Mystics Proportions?
We all know how great the Verizon Center ice is, right? You know, the ice that Chris Clark dubbed the worst he'd ever played on, the ice that may or may not have contributed to at least one Olie Kolzig injury, and the ice that sparked an opposing player to ask, "How do you play on this?"Well, the slop and slush that the Capitals have played on for far too long is about to get some time to sit dormant, chill and set.
Monday night, the Washington Wizards concluded their abysmal season with their final home game against the Toronto Raptors. With no postseason for the Wizards this year, the Capitals will have exclusive use of Verizon Center through April.
That means no changing a b-ball court to an ice rink in one day. If anything, the Verizon Center should be at peak ice conditions by next week for a possible game five, seven, and future playoff bouts if the Caps can stay alive.
Imagine that, an entire month devoted just to hockey and to cultivating a perfect pond for Ovechkin to blaze across. The only hiccup in this dream is when "The Boss" comes to D.C. in May.
On May 18, Bruce Springsteen comes to town. After the 18th, if anyone is going to blame anyone for the ice quality, it's only fitting that someone from New Jersey, a possible late playoff opponent, could be the culprit.
After the Springsteen show, there's a short layoff in Verizon Center usage, and if the Capitals are playing hockey in late May, they may grow accustomed to the better-than-usual ice -- that is until the Washington Mystics start the WNBA season.
The Mystics are scheduled for a preseason game May 28, and a regular season game June 7. Both dates could fall during the Eastern Conference Finals and Stanley Cup Finals and at critical times in those series.Great, the Mystics, the team that embarrasses our fair city with "Attendance Championship" banners that were earned by giving out free tickets, could indirectly cause the puck to bounce and bobble in Game Seven and prevent a worthy banner from hanging from the rafters.
We all know how great the Verizon Center's ice is when the Capitals are sharing with Georgetown and the Wizards. Granted it's not basketball's complete fault, but given the fact that the Verizon Center ice still has not improved despite frequent outcries from fans and players, I'm not optimistic.
To be fair, this could all be sour grapes grown from numerous stories of bad ice. In the end, the Mystics may not influence anything at all. But to go from having the Verizon Center exclusively to sharing it with a WNBA team during the most important time of the NHL playoffs is hard to swallow.
We're not trying to start a controversy. We're just stating the obvious. Basketball + Verizon Center + ice hockey = crappy ice.
So does it worry you that if the Capitals were to go deep in the playoffs, ice issues could arise at a critical time in the playoffs because of the Mystics?
Monday, April 13, 2009
Cold Pizza: Onus, ABCs and Snuggies
I don't know what's worse: the Nationals' 100-loss season or Nationals "snuggies." Life foul. [DC Sports Bog]Coach Boudreau has opened the floor for the Sean Avery debate. We here at the Capitals Kremlin Avery Awareness Center (CKAAC) are calling for a category two Avery appearance on Wednesday. Please take proper precautions. [Capitals Insider]
Jimmy Jazz has a rundown on some of the best Capitals goals of 2008-2009. [Tic Tac Toe Hockey]
Fanhouse has simulated an entire season of NHL 09 to see who will win the Stanley Cup! The Eastern Conference Finals was a Boston vs. Washington series that went to seven games and saw the Caps falter in the seventh. [NHL Fanhouse]
BMR and Greg Wyshynski have a preview of the upcoming
Learn your ABCs Captals style. [The Hockey Writers]
Check out who's the "Onus" at Bangin Panger! (And yes, we almost typed anus) We guest blogged our choice and join other greats like Cycle Like the Sedin's there. [Bangin' Panger]
Hey, how'd that awesome video that is single-handedly taking down Maggie the Monkey and the TSN analysts get there?
Dog vs. Analysts: Rodney Picks First Round of NHL Playoffs
We've all said it or heard it:
"A dog is smarter than that guy! His picks are stupid!"
With the Stanley Cup playoffs come analysts whose picks don't always go over well with the fans. Be it Mike Milbury, Scott Burnside, Pierre LeBrun or homer newspaper sports columnists, analysts make picks that sometimes make us scratch our heads and let out a collective "Huh?"
Let's face it, being a hockey commentator is like being a weatherman, but with even less accountability. No offense, but it's time to put the age-old phrase to the test.
That's where my dog comes in. Rodney is a 2-year-old, 20-pound Pomeranian. He's a great dog (he watches televised games with me), so when it came time to make first-round picks for the NHL playoffs I could think of no better candidate to put the "pros" in their place.
Here's how it worked: I took a Milkbone, split it in half and placed the halves on pieces of paper labeled with the teams in question. Rodney was removed from the room while I set up the matchup. When all was ready, he was brought in. The first treat he put in his mouth is "the winner."
Without further delay, Rodney the Pomeranian vs. the Hockey Analysts. (Run time 2:14)
We'll be keeping track of how Rodney does in the first round, and when the second round is set we'll have his picks up as well.
Want to challenge Rodney?
Check out our friends at The Pensblog! They've set up an incredible "Rinkotology" application to benefit the Mario Lemieux Foundation. It's free to play, and they're raised over $7,000 for cancer research.
Also, you can play round-by-round at NHL.com.
Got an animal that you think can best Rodney? Send us the video/photos and we'll post it up here on CK. Email us at capitalskremlin@gmail.com
Here's one challenger, Daisy the Pug.
"A dog is smarter than that guy! His picks are stupid!"
With the Stanley Cup playoffs come analysts whose picks don't always go over well with the fans. Be it Mike Milbury, Scott Burnside, Pierre LeBrun or homer newspaper sports columnists, analysts make picks that sometimes make us scratch our heads and let out a collective "Huh?"
Let's face it, being a hockey commentator is like being a weatherman, but with even less accountability. No offense, but it's time to put the age-old phrase to the test.
That's where my dog comes in. Rodney is a 2-year-old, 20-pound Pomeranian. He's a great dog (he watches televised games with me), so when it came time to make first-round picks for the NHL playoffs I could think of no better candidate to put the "pros" in their place.
Here's how it worked: I took a Milkbone, split it in half and placed the halves on pieces of paper labeled with the teams in question. Rodney was removed from the room while I set up the matchup. When all was ready, he was brought in. The first treat he put in his mouth is "the winner."
Without further delay, Rodney the Pomeranian vs. the Hockey Analysts. (Run time 2:14)
We'll be keeping track of how Rodney does in the first round, and when the second round is set we'll have his picks up as well.
Want to challenge Rodney?
Check out our friends at The Pensblog! They've set up an incredible "Rinkotology" application to benefit the Mario Lemieux Foundation. It's free to play, and they're raised over $7,000 for cancer research.
Also, you can play round-by-round at NHL.com.
Got an animal that you think can best Rodney? Send us the video/photos and we'll post it up here on CK. Email us at capitalskremlin@gmail.com
Here's one challenger, Daisy the Pug.
Eric Fehr: Grimace of a Champion
("...of a Champion" is a feature focusing on Capitals who are key cogs to a playoff run, but not point leaders)
He may not be the Caps' most prolific scorer, he may not have the playmaking abilities of those above him on the depth chart, but Eric Fehr is the type of player who can decide a series on one hard-hustling shift.
When the Caps win, Fehr is usually in a victory photo, grimacing. It's just photographic evidence of how hard he battles. Consider this: The Caps are 39-16-6 when Eric Fehr is in the lineup, the Caps are 11-8-2 when Fehr is absent from the lineup.
Here's another photo of Eric Fehr grimacing.
This time, he's grimacing as he drives the net. Most photos of Alex Ovechkin and Alex Semin driving the net feature them with their tongues out, eyes wide open and a dead-eyed stare at the corner they're about to pick. Eric Fehr's grimace is that of someone who literally has to work to get a goal, and when Fehr scores the Caps win. The Caps are 10-1-1 this season when Eric Fehr scores, and 16-3-1 when he records a point.
Here's a rare picture of Jeff Schultz clearing someone while Eric Fehr grimaces and chases the puck. Fehr is tied with Alex Ovechkin at plus 8 on the season, although he only averages 11 minutes of ice team a game. But keep this in mind: His season-high ice time (15:51) was recorded in the Dec. 23 comeback victory over the Rangers, a game that Fehr scored a goal in.
Here's to you, Eric Fehr; may your grimace lead us to victory in the first round and beyond.
He may not be the Caps' most prolific scorer, he may not have the playmaking abilities of those above him on the depth chart, but Eric Fehr is the type of player who can decide a series on one hard-hustling shift.
When the Caps win, Fehr is usually in a victory photo, grimacing. It's just photographic evidence of how hard he battles. Consider this: The Caps are 39-16-6 when Eric Fehr is in the lineup, the Caps are 11-8-2 when Fehr is absent from the lineup.
Here's another photo of Eric Fehr grimacing.This time, he's grimacing as he drives the net. Most photos of Alex Ovechkin and Alex Semin driving the net feature them with their tongues out, eyes wide open and a dead-eyed stare at the corner they're about to pick. Eric Fehr's grimace is that of someone who literally has to work to get a goal, and when Fehr scores the Caps win. The Caps are 10-1-1 this season when Eric Fehr scores, and 16-3-1 when he records a point.
Here's a rare picture of Jeff Schultz clearing someone while Eric Fehr grimaces and chases the puck. Fehr is tied with Alex Ovechkin at plus 8 on the season, although he only averages 11 minutes of ice team a game. But keep this in mind: His season-high ice time (15:51) was recorded in the Dec. 23 comeback victory over the Rangers, a game that Fehr scored a goal in.
Here's to you, Eric Fehr; may your grimace lead us to victory in the first round and beyond.NHL Playoff Commercials: Bruins
When the playoffs approach, each NHL team must prepare commercials and marketing plans for their playoff runs.
Some teams, such as the Panthers, will never have those ads see the light of day. But for teams like the Bruins and Capitals, it's time to enjoy the hard work that was put into these ads months ago.
As they come out, we'll post them here for your enjoyment. Our first entry into the playoff commercial world:
The Boston Bruins
Hilarious.
Some teams, such as the Panthers, will never have those ads see the light of day. But for teams like the Bruins and Capitals, it's time to enjoy the hard work that was put into these ads months ago.
As they come out, we'll post them here for your enjoyment. Our first entry into the playoff commercial world:
The Boston Bruins
Hilarious.
"Scientifically" Measuring the Avery Effect
Sean Avery. The very mention of his name makes Marty Brodeur annoyed, Dion Phanuef jealous and every Dallas Stars fan convulse in fits of rage until a nurse can properly administer a dose of morphine.The chance for Sean Avery to do something outrageous this postseason is high, but just how much damage will Avery cause to any one team?
To better help fans gauge and understand Sean Avery's antics, we developed a damage measurement system that clearly outlines when a player or team has been “Avery’d.”
Never before has Sean Avery been put under a microscope for the benefit of sports science, but thanks to the
The Avery Effect Scale (AES) will accurately gauge the damage caused by an Avery attack in your city on a scale of one to five. The AES number is compiled by determining the severity of numerous events that occur before, during and after a game.
There are many factors that we could list, but instead, we have this handy outline of what each Avery category usually consists of.
Category One Avery: Team is unfettered by Avery’s antics. Avery is ineffective on the scoresheet and in the minds of opposing players. Fans are mocking his lame attempts to goad players into fights and minors, and his own teammates are embarrassed to be near him. Avery is not talking trash.
Category Two Avery: Minor role players are targeted and annoyed. Avery is backing down from confrontations with bigger players. Analysts are commenting on Avery’s amount of “energy,” and Avery is on the scoresheet. Fans are annoyed, but they are far from ready to cry foul. Avery is making snide remarks that are dismissed as “nothing.” Fans are doubting that Avery is going to be a factor in the series.
Category Three Avery: Star players are somewhat annoyed. Role players are frequently goaded into bad penalties. Avery has scored a key goal. Avery is hanging around the crease far too often. Avery is barking at your players from the bench and his post game comments boarder on “jerk” to “douche bag.” Analysts won’t shut up about how great a pest he is. Fans are complaining but believe their enforcers will "handle the situation."
Category Four Avery: Star players are visibly annoyed with Avery. Avery is on the scoresheet more than once and may or may not have been the key player in the game. Enforcer players are useless as Avery is turtling and finding ways out of physical altercations. The goalie is now annoyed, and Avery is in his crease 24/7. Before the game, Avery has made a cryptic attack at a player on your team. Don Cherry has mentioned he is “unhappy” with Avery. After the game, Avery is swarmed by media and in the lead of any game story. Gary Bettman is worried. There is a possible new rule in the making. Fans are on message boards and blogs crying foul and booing Avery every time he touches the puck.
Category Five Avery: Hell on ice. Avery is the game's first star. Star players are useless as Avery’s douche-baggery has stunted their production completely. Goalie is being screened, hit, and constantly throwing fits to referees. Analysts are disgusted over Avery. Avery is the lead story on "Hockey Night in Canada,” and Don Cherry’s suit reflects the seriousness of the rant. Gary Bettman is scrambling to create a new rule. Fans are slitting wrists in stands while bringing signs depicting Avery as Meryl Streep from "The Devil Wears Prada." Women’s rights groups are picketing Rangers games. Sean Avery's name is one step closer to being on the Stanley Cup.
As you can see, the Avery effect is no laughing matter. Just ask the denizens of Dallas, whose team was left in a smoking, smoldering heap of failure and disappointment.
We’ll keep you updated here at CK after each game to determine the severity of each Avery attack. Remember to board up your windows, lock up your daughters and if your pet senses danger, believe it. Pets have a natural ability to detect Avery attacks long before the local douche bag weather machine detects them.
Goodnight and good luck.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Caps' Top 10 Games of 2008-2009, Part II
Continuing from where we left off...welcome to our countdown of the Capitals' best regular season games of 2008-2009. Clicking here will take you to the first part of this feature.
And now we continue...
#5. Oct. 13, 2008 - Capitals vs. Canucks - 5-1
The Capitals fan base was in panic mode after a humbling 7-4 loss in Atlanta and a hair-raising win at home against the Blackhawks. The jury was still out on Jose Theodore, and on Oct. 13 the Capitals turned to Brent Johnson to guard the pipes.
Alexander Semin opened the scoring in the first, but the Canucks came roaring back and tied the game on a power play goal from Alex Edler. The Canucks goal came on the very first Vancouver shot of the game, the third time in a row that it had happened this season.
The fans were restless.
Ultimately, Edlers' goal was the only shot that truly tested Brent Johnson. For the rest of the game, Johnson just watched his teammates skate circles around a highly touted Vancouver team.
The Capitals only allowed a team record setting 10 shots on goal that night, breaking the previous mark of 11 set in 1995 against the Florida Panthers. Alex Semin finished the night with two goals, and Alex Ovechkin's historic slump began.
#4. Jan. 14, 2009 - Capitals vs. Penguins - 6-3
There was enough hype going into this game that it could have been a Pay-Per-View.
It was a revenge game. It was Ovechkin vs. Malkin and Crosby vs. Semin. It was supposed to be the Penguins bashing the Capitals into the boards as payback for an earlier loss at home. It was the most hyped game of the month as virtually every Caps and Pens blog went into overdrive covering this game.
Too bad it was a blowout, and a significant one. The Capitals were in the midst of a minor losing streak and, after a particullary bad loss to the Oilers, many wondered if the Capitals would be able to right the ship for the Pens the following day.
For a moment it looked like the Caps were still slumping. Evgeni Malkin sent a shot past Jose Theodore in the first and it was 1-0 Malkin. In the second, Viktor Kozlov and Alex Semin tallied for the Caps, but Miroslav Satan's goal in the middle of the period kept the game at a draw.
Then Alexander Ovechkin struck. In the third period, Ovie scored just two minutes into the game and hushed the rowdy Mellon Arena crowd. Ryan Whitney matched Ovie's marker, but Ovechkin and the Caps roared back, scoring three unanswered goals in the third -- stunning the mob at Mellon Arena yet again.
Ovechkin finished the night with two goals and one assist and Alex Semin tallied just one goal. The Capitals took both games against the Pens on the road, but it wasn't their only masterpiece in Penguin slaying.
#3. Feb. 22, 2009 - Capitals vs. Penguins - 5-2
Another Pens game? Why not? This game gave the Capitals a 3-0 lead in the season series and on national television displayed Alexander Ovechkin as the best player in the NHL. It also showed how much of a force the entire Capitals team was and was a declaration to the rest of the Eastern Conference that a powerhouse was born.
While Evgeni Malkin and Alex Ovechkin had made peace after the All-Star Game, there was no love lost between Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby, as their rivalry burst into outright hatred of each other in this game.
The game got off to a fast-paced start. Alex Ovechkin struck first on the power play, and the Penguins answered back. Then Alex Semin struck on the power play and the first period closed out 2-1. A minute into the second, Sergei Fedorov unleashed a beautiful slap shot and set the game a 3-1, but the Pens answered back from Sergei Gonchar. After that, it was all Capitals.
The secondary scorers got the job done as Brooks Laich and Shoane Morrisson recorded goals. In the last half of the second period, Crosby and Ovechkin met at the half-boards and a small altercation ended with Crosby skating to his bench dejected and Ovechkin waving "goodbye" with a wide grin.
The Caps closed out the second with a 5-2 lead and the frenzied crowd of red was pleased with the effort. In the third, the Capitals continued their domination and walked off the ice the winners of the game and of the season series.
It was a total team win from the Caps against their most hated rival on the national stage. What can't you love about that?
#2. Jan. 31, 2009 - Capitals vs. Red Wings -4-2
In the previous year, the Capitals met the Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena and played them to a shootout. It was an improbable point earned, but it served as a signal that the Capitals could hang with the best of the best.
When the Red Wings came to Washington this year, the ante was upped due to the fact the Red Wings are the reigning Stanley Cup Champs. The Capitals were sitting atop their division, near the top of the league in points, but if they wanted to make a "statement" about their worth beating the Red Wings would be loud enough to garner some attention.
The Caps came roaring out in the first, but goalie Ty Conklin was sharp and robbed Semin, Ovechkin and Flash. Then the Red Wings took to the attack and Red Wings forward Ville Leino got his first NHL goal with a sick move that is usually only seen in video games. Viktor Kozlog answered with a tip-in goal, and the period ended 1-1.
The second period wasn't quite as fast paced as the first, but then Mike Green opened the scoring late in the second. A power play goal from John Franzen tied the game at two, and then the third period was all Caps.
Ovechkin recorded two goals in the third period, and the Capitals beat the Red Wings with an inspired and convincing third period effort. The win sent droves of Red Wing fans who had made the trip to Washington home disappointed, and it made analysts in the NHL turn their eyes to the Caps as legitamate contenders in the East.
#1. Dec. 23, 2008 - Capitals vs. Rangers - 5-4 OT Win
The MSG Miracle. Miracle on 34th Street. Ovie-time.
It was the worst and best Capitals effort all in the same night. It was Jose Theodore's rock-bottom and shining star. And to cap it all off, Shoane Morrisson scores the OT winner on his 26th birthday.
The first period was an absolute mess. Theodore got off to a rough start and let in a goal from Naslun in the first five minutes. The Capitals tried to answer back but Henrik Lundqvist stoned the Caps shooters and then the Rangers were back on the offensive. Michal Rozsival and Ryan Callahan scored within 14 seconds of each other late in the first and Jose Theodore was pulled.
3-0 after the first.
Johnson was called upon to relieve Theodore late in the first, but Brent Johnson aggravated an injury, and Theodore had to relieve the Caps backup.
Five minutes into the second period, Ryan Callahan recorded his second goal of the night and the game was looking like it was more than over. A goal from Alex Ovechkin in the middle of the second gave the Capitals some momentum to build on, but it was the Caps' stunning third period turnaround that made this game truly classic.
Two minutes into the third period, Tomas Fleischmann scored on a power play, putting the game at 4-2 and well within reach. Five minutes later, Viktor Kozlov scored on a power play and put the Caps just one goal away from the comeback, and then five minutes later Alex Ovechkin completed the surge with an unassisted wrist shot to make it 4-4.
One minute into overtime, Shoane Morrisonn sent a slap shot past Henrik Lundqvist and was mobbed by his teammates. Happy birthday.
This is easily the most important Capitals game of the season because afterward Theodore's play changed drastically and he gained some much needed confidence. The No. 1 goalie slot was never in contention again after this game.
The game was also important because it proved just how valuable Ovechkin is as a leader on the Capitals team. Fans began to rumble about Ovechkin wearing a C instead of an A. This game also followed a humiliating 7-1 loss at the hands of the Flyers, a game that had some wondering if the Capitals were headed in the "crash and burn" direction.
The Miracle at MSG. Has a nice ring to it. If the Caps ever do a "best Capitals games ever" DVD, this should be on it.
And now we continue...
#5. Oct. 13, 2008 - Capitals vs. Canucks - 5-1
The Capitals fan base was in panic mode after a humbling 7-4 loss in Atlanta and a hair-raising win at home against the Blackhawks. The jury was still out on Jose Theodore, and on Oct. 13 the Capitals turned to Brent Johnson to guard the pipes.
Alexander Semin opened the scoring in the first, but the Canucks came roaring back and tied the game on a power play goal from Alex Edler. The Canucks goal came on the very first Vancouver shot of the game, the third time in a row that it had happened this season.
The fans were restless.
Ultimately, Edlers' goal was the only shot that truly tested Brent Johnson. For the rest of the game, Johnson just watched his teammates skate circles around a highly touted Vancouver team.
The Capitals only allowed a team record setting 10 shots on goal that night, breaking the previous mark of 11 set in 1995 against the Florida Panthers. Alex Semin finished the night with two goals, and Alex Ovechkin's historic slump began.
#4. Jan. 14, 2009 - Capitals vs. Penguins - 6-3
There was enough hype going into this game that it could have been a Pay-Per-View.
It was a revenge game. It was Ovechkin vs. Malkin and Crosby vs. Semin. It was supposed to be the Penguins bashing the Capitals into the boards as payback for an earlier loss at home. It was the most hyped game of the month as virtually every Caps and Pens blog went into overdrive covering this game.
Too bad it was a blowout, and a significant one. The Capitals were in the midst of a minor losing streak and, after a particullary bad loss to the Oilers, many wondered if the Capitals would be able to right the ship for the Pens the following day.
For a moment it looked like the Caps were still slumping. Evgeni Malkin sent a shot past Jose Theodore in the first and it was 1-0 Malkin. In the second, Viktor Kozlov and Alex Semin tallied for the Caps, but Miroslav Satan's goal in the middle of the period kept the game at a draw.
Then Alexander Ovechkin struck. In the third period, Ovie scored just two minutes into the game and hushed the rowdy Mellon Arena crowd. Ryan Whitney matched Ovie's marker, but Ovechkin and the Caps roared back, scoring three unanswered goals in the third -- stunning the mob at Mellon Arena yet again.
Ovechkin finished the night with two goals and one assist and Alex Semin tallied just one goal. The Capitals took both games against the Pens on the road, but it wasn't their only masterpiece in Penguin slaying.
#3. Feb. 22, 2009 - Capitals vs. Penguins - 5-2
Another Pens game? Why not? This game gave the Capitals a 3-0 lead in the season series and on national television displayed Alexander Ovechkin as the best player in the NHL. It also showed how much of a force the entire Capitals team was and was a declaration to the rest of the Eastern Conference that a powerhouse was born.
While Evgeni Malkin and Alex Ovechkin had made peace after the All-Star Game, there was no love lost between Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby, as their rivalry burst into outright hatred of each other in this game.
The game got off to a fast-paced start. Alex Ovechkin struck first on the power play, and the Penguins answered back. Then Alex Semin struck on the power play and the first period closed out 2-1. A minute into the second, Sergei Fedorov unleashed a beautiful slap shot and set the game a 3-1, but the Pens answered back from Sergei Gonchar. After that, it was all Capitals.
The secondary scorers got the job done as Brooks Laich and Shoane Morrisson recorded goals. In the last half of the second period, Crosby and Ovechkin met at the half-boards and a small altercation ended with Crosby skating to his bench dejected and Ovechkin waving "goodbye" with a wide grin.
The Caps closed out the second with a 5-2 lead and the frenzied crowd of red was pleased with the effort. In the third, the Capitals continued their domination and walked off the ice the winners of the game and of the season series.
It was a total team win from the Caps against their most hated rival on the national stage. What can't you love about that?
#2. Jan. 31, 2009 - Capitals vs. Red Wings -4-2
In the previous year, the Capitals met the Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena and played them to a shootout. It was an improbable point earned, but it served as a signal that the Capitals could hang with the best of the best.
When the Red Wings came to Washington this year, the ante was upped due to the fact the Red Wings are the reigning Stanley Cup Champs. The Capitals were sitting atop their division, near the top of the league in points, but if they wanted to make a "statement" about their worth beating the Red Wings would be loud enough to garner some attention.
The Caps came roaring out in the first, but goalie Ty Conklin was sharp and robbed Semin, Ovechkin and Flash. Then the Red Wings took to the attack and Red Wings forward Ville Leino got his first NHL goal with a sick move that is usually only seen in video games. Viktor Kozlog answered with a tip-in goal, and the period ended 1-1.
The second period wasn't quite as fast paced as the first, but then Mike Green opened the scoring late in the second. A power play goal from John Franzen tied the game at two, and then the third period was all Caps.
Ovechkin recorded two goals in the third period, and the Capitals beat the Red Wings with an inspired and convincing third period effort. The win sent droves of Red Wing fans who had made the trip to Washington home disappointed, and it made analysts in the NHL turn their eyes to the Caps as legitamate contenders in the East.
#1. Dec. 23, 2008 - Capitals vs. Rangers - 5-4 OT Win
The MSG Miracle. Miracle on 34th Street. Ovie-time.
It was the worst and best Capitals effort all in the same night. It was Jose Theodore's rock-bottom and shining star. And to cap it all off, Shoane Morrisson scores the OT winner on his 26th birthday.
The first period was an absolute mess. Theodore got off to a rough start and let in a goal from Naslun in the first five minutes. The Capitals tried to answer back but Henrik Lundqvist stoned the Caps shooters and then the Rangers were back on the offensive. Michal Rozsival and Ryan Callahan scored within 14 seconds of each other late in the first and Jose Theodore was pulled.
3-0 after the first.
Johnson was called upon to relieve Theodore late in the first, but Brent Johnson aggravated an injury, and Theodore had to relieve the Caps backup.
Five minutes into the second period, Ryan Callahan recorded his second goal of the night and the game was looking like it was more than over. A goal from Alex Ovechkin in the middle of the second gave the Capitals some momentum to build on, but it was the Caps' stunning third period turnaround that made this game truly classic.
Two minutes into the third period, Tomas Fleischmann scored on a power play, putting the game at 4-2 and well within reach. Five minutes later, Viktor Kozlov scored on a power play and put the Caps just one goal away from the comeback, and then five minutes later Alex Ovechkin completed the surge with an unassisted wrist shot to make it 4-4.
One minute into overtime, Shoane Morrisonn sent a slap shot past Henrik Lundqvist and was mobbed by his teammates. Happy birthday.
This is easily the most important Capitals game of the season because afterward Theodore's play changed drastically and he gained some much needed confidence. The No. 1 goalie slot was never in contention again after this game.
The game was also important because it proved just how valuable Ovechkin is as a leader on the Capitals team. Fans began to rumble about Ovechkin wearing a C instead of an A. This game also followed a humiliating 7-1 loss at the hands of the Flyers, a game that had some wondering if the Capitals were headed in the "crash and burn" direction.
The Miracle at MSG. Has a nice ring to it. If the Caps ever do a "best Capitals games ever" DVD, this should be on it.
Caps and Rangers Schedule Released
The schedule for the Capitals and Rangers series has been released. From Blue Notes. Sounds official to me, but it's currently "Game 1 - Wed. 4/15 at WSH
Game 2 - Sat. 4/18 at WSH (NBC)
Game 3 - Mon. 4/20 at NYR
Game 4 - Wed. 4/22 at NYR
Game 5 - Fri. 4/24 at WSH
Game 6 - Sun. 4/26 at NYR (NBC)
Game 7 - Tue. 4/28 at WSH"
Caps record while on NBC this year? 1-0, a win over the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Saturday's game is rumored to be a 1 P.M. matinee game. I hate matinees.
UPDATE:
Schedule Confirmed!
UPDATE:
Double confirmed. Just got my press release from the Caps. Times and broadcast locations follow dates.
Game 1 Wednesday, April 15 7 p.m. at Washington Comcast SportsNet, TSN WJFK, WCBM
Game 2 Saturday, April 18 1 p.m. at Washington NBC, TSN WJFK, WCBM
Game 3 Monday, April 20 7 p.m. at New York Comcast SportsNet, VERSUS, TSN WJFK, WCBM
Game 4 Wednesday, April 22 7 p.m. at New York Comcast SportsNet, VERSUS, TSN WJFK, WCBM
Game 5* Friday, April 24 7 p.m. at Washington Comcast SportsNet, VERSUS, TSN, RDS WJFK, WCBM
Game 6* Sunday, April 26 2 p.m. at New York NBC, TSN, RDS WJFK, WCBM
Game 7* Tuesday, April 28 TBD at Washington Comcast SportsNet, VERSUS, TSN, RDS WJFK, WCBMCaps Top 10 Games of 2008-2009, Part I
(Due to the heavy use of YouTube, we've split this feature in two; the second half will run Monday night.)
The regular season is over, and now the Caps have a few days to recover and refocus as the chase for Lord Stanley's Cup begins. It's time for us as fans to reflect on our favorite games, favorite moments and heroic efforts that made this 82-game campaign feel like it only started yesterday.
Join us as we count down the top 10 Caps games of the season, and feel free to comment on your favorites below.
10. Nov. 10, 2008 - Capitals vs. Lightning - 4-2
The Washington Capitals met up with former goalie Olie Kolzig for the first and possibly last time as opponents. Donning black and blue instead of red and white, Olie admitted to being nervous before his first game against his former team.
In the first period, Tom Poti and Mike Green blistered shots past their former teammate. Eric Fehr added another goal in the first, and Alex Ovechkin scored his first goal since the Caps home opener.
During the first period, a tribute to Olie ran and proclaimed him "always a Capital." Even though Olie was a Bolt, the fans and players treated him like a Cap.
While it wasn't Olie's best game, the Tampa Bay Lightning did little to help their goalie, who was barraged by the Caps in this emotional game.
9. Nov. 12, 2008 - Capitals vs. Hurricanes - 5-1
After the shellacking of Olie Kolzig and the Bolts, much of the media's focus was on the Capitals star Russian winger, Alexander Semin.
While Alex Ovechkin was slumping, Alex Semin carried the Capitals offense on his back, and on Nov. 12 both Russians turned in one of their best performances of the year with Nicklas Backstrom centering the duo.
The S.O.B. line was born, and Caps fans were treated to some of the cutest and most beautiful looking hockey they'd ever seen. It was like when your three favorite superheroes team up to kick ass. It was that awesome.
This statement game saw Alex Ovechkin strike first, officially breaking his slump (one game is not a trend), and the S.O.B's combined for 12 total points. The three stars of the game? 1: Alex Semin, 2. Alex Ovechkin, 3. Nicklas Backstrom.
The Capitals marched all over the Canes, and the Southeast Division could only look up in awe of their ruthless rulers.
8. Feb. 14, 2009 - Capitals vs. Lightning - 5-1
In front of his father, Mike Green etched his name into the history books with his eighth consecutive goal, a league high for defensemen. Green's goal was assisted by Alex Semin in the second period, but it wasn't the only milestone the team earned that night.
Michal Neuvirth earned his nickname, the Czech Cobra, as he robbed Vincent Lecavalier on a breakaway and earned his first win in his first career start. Neuvirth was the second rookie goaltender on the Capitals to earn a win this season and became an instant Facebook celebrity after the game.
The Capitals continued their dominance over the Bolts, but it was Green's milestone that will make this game stand out as one of the best.
#7. Jan 6, 2009 - Capitals vs. Flyers - 2-1 SO Win
The previous meeting between the Capitals and Flyers saw the boys in red get bombarded in a 7-1 loss. It was a humiliating loss, and it only opened the playoff wounds from last April wider.
So when their second meeting of the season rolled around, many thought it would be a wild, high-scoring affair with enough rough stuff to spark the "I went to a boxing match and a hockey game broke out" joke. Only that's not what happened.
Nicklas Backstrom opened the scoring in the first period, and then the Capitals never struck again. The team played solid defense, holding the Flyers onslaught back, which eventually lead to a wild overtime. That overtime turned to a shootout, and then something strange happened.
After the zambonis left the ice, Philadelphia Flyers goalie Martin Biron threw a fit over the quality of the ice in front of his net. The zamboni was dragged back onto the ice to a hail of boos, and the drama meter was kicked up a notch.
The re-resurfacing of the ice didn't help the Flyers, though, a Viktor Kozlov beat Biron and Theodore shut the door on the Flyers. Epic.
#6. Oct. 16, 2008 - Capitals vs. Penguins - 4-3
It started like a typical Caps and Penguins game. The Capitals went down by three, Alex Ovechkin was frustrated, and then Penguins were getting any and every break that was available.
When Tomas Fleischmann put a goal past Marc-Andre Fleury in the second, it just seemed like one goal to make the game look like less of a blowout. In the third period, the Capitals rallied back with three goals courtesy of Alex Semin, Michael Nylander and Boyd Gordon.
The Gordon goal dejected the Penguins faithful. As Gordon entered the offensive zone, he fired a wrist shot past Fleury that left the net as quick as it came in. The goal-scoring judges didn't even see it in the net. The Capitals began to celebrate, while the Penguins held their breath in hopes that it wouldn't be reviewed.
The goal was reviewed, and the Capitals completed an unlikely comeback without the help of Alex Ovechkin on the score sheet.
The Capitals marched out of Pittsburgh with an improbable win, but the game also started the Ovechkin vs. Malkin feud as Ovie spent most of the game squashing his fellow Russian into the glass boards.
Malkin's reply? "Ovechkin is a great player, but every time he hits me - I don't know why."
Maybe it's because you had the puck.
The regular season is over, and now the Caps have a few days to recover and refocus as the chase for Lord Stanley's Cup begins. It's time for us as fans to reflect on our favorite games, favorite moments and heroic efforts that made this 82-game campaign feel like it only started yesterday.
Join us as we count down the top 10 Caps games of the season, and feel free to comment on your favorites below.
10. Nov. 10, 2008 - Capitals vs. Lightning - 4-2
The Washington Capitals met up with former goalie Olie Kolzig for the first and possibly last time as opponents. Donning black and blue instead of red and white, Olie admitted to being nervous before his first game against his former team.
In the first period, Tom Poti and Mike Green blistered shots past their former teammate. Eric Fehr added another goal in the first, and Alex Ovechkin scored his first goal since the Caps home opener.
During the first period, a tribute to Olie ran and proclaimed him "always a Capital." Even though Olie was a Bolt, the fans and players treated him like a Cap.
While it wasn't Olie's best game, the Tampa Bay Lightning did little to help their goalie, who was barraged by the Caps in this emotional game.
9. Nov. 12, 2008 - Capitals vs. Hurricanes - 5-1
After the shellacking of Olie Kolzig and the Bolts, much of the media's focus was on the Capitals star Russian winger, Alexander Semin.
While Alex Ovechkin was slumping, Alex Semin carried the Capitals offense on his back, and on Nov. 12 both Russians turned in one of their best performances of the year with Nicklas Backstrom centering the duo.
The S.O.B. line was born, and Caps fans were treated to some of the cutest and most beautiful looking hockey they'd ever seen. It was like when your three favorite superheroes team up to kick ass. It was that awesome.
This statement game saw Alex Ovechkin strike first, officially breaking his slump (one game is not a trend), and the S.O.B's combined for 12 total points. The three stars of the game? 1: Alex Semin, 2. Alex Ovechkin, 3. Nicklas Backstrom.
The Capitals marched all over the Canes, and the Southeast Division could only look up in awe of their ruthless rulers.
8. Feb. 14, 2009 - Capitals vs. Lightning - 5-1
In front of his father, Mike Green etched his name into the history books with his eighth consecutive goal, a league high for defensemen. Green's goal was assisted by Alex Semin in the second period, but it wasn't the only milestone the team earned that night.
Michal Neuvirth earned his nickname, the Czech Cobra, as he robbed Vincent Lecavalier on a breakaway and earned his first win in his first career start. Neuvirth was the second rookie goaltender on the Capitals to earn a win this season and became an instant Facebook celebrity after the game.
The Capitals continued their dominance over the Bolts, but it was Green's milestone that will make this game stand out as one of the best.
#7. Jan 6, 2009 - Capitals vs. Flyers - 2-1 SO Win
The previous meeting between the Capitals and Flyers saw the boys in red get bombarded in a 7-1 loss. It was a humiliating loss, and it only opened the playoff wounds from last April wider.
So when their second meeting of the season rolled around, many thought it would be a wild, high-scoring affair with enough rough stuff to spark the "I went to a boxing match and a hockey game broke out" joke. Only that's not what happened.
Nicklas Backstrom opened the scoring in the first period, and then the Capitals never struck again. The team played solid defense, holding the Flyers onslaught back, which eventually lead to a wild overtime. That overtime turned to a shootout, and then something strange happened.
After the zambonis left the ice, Philadelphia Flyers goalie Martin Biron threw a fit over the quality of the ice in front of his net. The zamboni was dragged back onto the ice to a hail of boos, and the drama meter was kicked up a notch.
The re-resurfacing of the ice didn't help the Flyers, though, a Viktor Kozlov beat Biron and Theodore shut the door on the Flyers. Epic.
#6. Oct. 16, 2008 - Capitals vs. Penguins - 4-3
It started like a typical Caps and Penguins game. The Capitals went down by three, Alex Ovechkin was frustrated, and then Penguins were getting any and every break that was available.
When Tomas Fleischmann put a goal past Marc-Andre Fleury in the second, it just seemed like one goal to make the game look like less of a blowout. In the third period, the Capitals rallied back with three goals courtesy of Alex Semin, Michael Nylander and Boyd Gordon.
The Gordon goal dejected the Penguins faithful. As Gordon entered the offensive zone, he fired a wrist shot past Fleury that left the net as quick as it came in. The goal-scoring judges didn't even see it in the net. The Capitals began to celebrate, while the Penguins held their breath in hopes that it wouldn't be reviewed.
The goal was reviewed, and the Capitals completed an unlikely comeback without the help of Alex Ovechkin on the score sheet.
The Capitals marched out of Pittsburgh with an improbable win, but the game also started the Ovechkin vs. Malkin feud as Ovie spent most of the game squashing his fellow Russian into the glass boards.
Malkin's reply? "Ovechkin is a great player, but every time he hits me - I don't know why."
Maybe it's because you had the puck.
Breaking Ground for Hockey Town
Verizon Center on a weekend is a sight anyone who thinks the NHL can’t thrive in Washington should see:a red crowd moving up and down Seventh Street, restaurants filled to standing room only, and fans talking puck outside the arena’s entrance.
Four years ago, the fans wore bleak black and gold jerseys and were uncertain of where the franchise was truly headed. They knew they had Ovechkin, but they could only go on faith alone that the rest of the prospects were as good as advertised.
The words “hockey town” and “Washington” were a pipe-dream that many from Washington and abroad thought would never be uttered in the same sentence.
Home-ice advantage in a first-round matchup with the Rangers is a chance for Capitals fans to show the world just how far we’ve come. This playoff series is more or less a coming-out party for Washington hockey fans. It’s our chance to declare our stake as a “hockey town,” or at least our version of it.
A few months back, I argued that if Washington is to be a hockey town it needs to be of its own design, not a carbon copy of an existing one. I’d like to think we’ve created a unique atmosphere that is truly Washington.
I’ve seen various fans around the NHL ridicule our fans for thinking they can be a hockey town, but they should be reminded: a city is born from a colony, and that’s what we had four years ago -- a die-hard hockey colony just waiting to thrive.
To a member of a “true hockey town,” something as simple as ringing a cowbell, blowing a horn, red-outs and drum-lines might seem like minor gimmicks, but to a fan of the Caps, they are rallying cries. We have a fan who dons a cape, fans who wear fur hats, fans that sport Mohawks and fans who paint themselves red, all in the name of hockey.
What started as an advertising slogan is now a phrase to identify with. Ask someone in Washington if they “rock the red,” and they will probably ask if you’re a Caps fan. Or just honk your car horn three times while driving down Constitution Avenue, or I-66, or F Street and see what happens.
Actor and gross-out artist Tom Green probably has no clue that his line “unleash the fury” has been immortalized on t-shirts, signs and in-game videos. It’s probably the highest celebrity he’s achieved in years.
Just because our traditions and trademarks are not born from decades of hockey history doesn’t mean they aren’t special. Just because we don't throw an octopus on the ice doesn't mean we can't be just a fierce as any group of fans in the NHL.
Last year’s playoff series was a signal, a light in the sky to say “we’re here, and we’re for real.” This is the postseason that we collectively break ground as a hockey town and begin to establish the new traditions and values that will stick with us for decades.
This playoff series is more than just four wins to move on.
It’s our chance to stand in line with the best of the best and to make Washington, not New York, Montreal or Detroit, the grandest stage in hockey.
Let’s Go Caps
(photo by OFB)
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Pre-Cap: Capitals vs. Panthers
Second Seed (EC) in NHL Playoffsvs.
NHL Dead Zone: Just outside playoffs, too far from a top pickIt's got to be tough for both teams to get up for this game, especially for the Caps since it's on the road. The playoffs are just days away and the best you can hope for is that everyone makes it off the ice alive and in good health.
The Caps will probably use this game to experiment with some line combos, see who's gelling with who, and get a feel for where they are as they enter the postseason. Alex Ovechkin may try to make a run at Evgeni Malkin for the Art Ross trophy, but don't hold your breath. The best the Capitals can hope for is a win and more secondary scoring that will keep guys like Flash and Laich hot for the postseason.
For the Panthers, it's the finale of a season that woulda, coulda and shoulda been. After making the "Panther Promise," the Florida fans can at least be happy to know they get to attend four games for free next year. What a crappy consolation prize.
Panthers fans may also be seeing the last day of Jacques Martin's (former coach and current GM) career with the Cats. It was rumored that if the Panthers did not make the postseason this year, he'd be cut loose.
Another farewell Panthers fans will likely be bidding is to Jay Bouwmeester. The highly touted defender will be a free agent at the end of this season and is not likely to resign with the Panthers. Many wonder if the Panthers' plan to hold on to him in hopes of making the playoffs was a mistake as they will likely dish him in a trade at the NHL draft.
This game could have been so much more than a farewell for the fans. The Panthers were eliminated when the Canadiens earned one point in an OTL, nullifying any chance for the postseason. What could have been a game that might have started the first true Southeast Division rivalry is now just another boring tilt between un-evenly matched teams.
Let's just get the two points, get everyone off the ice in good health, and get focused on the goal: The Stanley Cup.
Panthers blog
Litter Box Cats
To everyone out there who has been reading CK since our very first pre-Cap, thank you for your time this season. 82 pre-Caps, wow.
It's been an absolute blast to blog for you and I am looking forward to blogging the playoffs, summer and the following seasons. Thank you so much for your support, comments, e-mails, links (you guys know who you are) and subscriptions.
Once again, thanks for everything, and for the last time of the regular season . . .
LET'S GO CAPS!
The Caps will probably use this game to experiment with some line combos, see who's gelling with who, and get a feel for where they are as they enter the postseason. Alex Ovechkin may try to make a run at Evgeni Malkin for the Art Ross trophy, but don't hold your breath. The best the Capitals can hope for is a win and more secondary scoring that will keep guys like Flash and Laich hot for the postseason.
For the Panthers, it's the finale of a season that woulda, coulda and shoulda been. After making the "Panther Promise," the Florida fans can at least be happy to know they get to attend four games for free next year. What a crappy consolation prize.
Panthers fans may also be seeing the last day of Jacques Martin's (former coach and current GM) career with the Cats. It was rumored that if the Panthers did not make the postseason this year, he'd be cut loose.
Another farewell Panthers fans will likely be bidding is to Jay Bouwmeester. The highly touted defender will be a free agent at the end of this season and is not likely to resign with the Panthers. Many wonder if the Panthers' plan to hold on to him in hopes of making the playoffs was a mistake as they will likely dish him in a trade at the NHL draft.
This game could have been so much more than a farewell for the fans. The Panthers were eliminated when the Canadiens earned one point in an OTL, nullifying any chance for the postseason. What could have been a game that might have started the first true Southeast Division rivalry is now just another boring tilt between un-evenly matched teams.
Let's just get the two points, get everyone off the ice in good health, and get focused on the goal: The Stanley Cup.
Panthers blog
Litter Box Cats
To everyone out there who has been reading CK since our very first pre-Cap, thank you for your time this season. 82 pre-Caps, wow.
It's been an absolute blast to blog for you and I am looking forward to blogging the playoffs, summer and the following seasons. Thank you so much for your support, comments, e-mails, links (you guys know who you are) and subscriptions.
Once again, thanks for everything, and for the last time of the regular season . . .
LET'S GO CAPS!
Cold Pizza: Predators Caught, Take Seat Outside Playoffs
The Nashville Predators will miss the postseason for the first time since 2003. As you would expect, the fans range from disappointed to frothing at the mouth. These guys give a great perspective on the season though. [Preds on the Glass]| Whitecaps fans take on the Fifth Third Burger |
Good Lord. The Fifth Third Burger was unveiled at a minor league baseball game. As if being seen with the burger wasn't embarrassing enough, finishing it gets you a t-shirt to wear. God Bless America.[Deadspin]
Ted Leonsis is famous for trying to prevent rival fans from buying tickets. Nationals owner Stan Kasten is now famous for opening the door for drugish fans from Philly to invade Nationals Park. Ted, have I ever mentioned how much I appreciate you? [DC Sports Bog]
Ovechkin has already won the Hart of Eric Duhatschek. Hurr Hurr, that was awful. [Globe and Mail]
Ilya Kovalchuk might be able to give Ovie commercial AND fighting lessons. [NHL Fanhouse]
Barry Melrose Rocks has the screen-cap of the day concerning Don Koharski. [BMR]
We've been invited to guest blog over at Bangin' Panger, so expect some content to go up there. Myself and many other bloggers are contributing so it's going to be like "Around the Horn," but more informative and with less Jay Mariotti. [Bangin' Panger]
Friday, April 10, 2009
Sergei's Penalty Problems?
Last year, Alex Semin was a liability for lazy hooking, tripping or holding calls. It seemed hopeless -- a player with immense talent was frequently spending time in the box, not on the ice.
So when George McPhee traded for Sergei Fedorov at the deadline, the Caps thought they were getting an old dog with one trick left. Instead they got a mentor who turned the young Russian into a mature NHL-er.
But as of late, the former MVP has been falling into the lazy habits that plagued his younger half last year. Sergei Fedorov has been a frequent staple in the penalty box for the Caps this April. In the abbreviated month, Fedorov has 16 penalty minutes in four of his five games.
A stark difference from previous months in the season where the most penalty minutes served were eight in February across four games. In March, Fedorov only had four PIM's across 10 games. Yikes.
Yeah, it's been bad as of late.
The problem is Fedorov is taking numerous hooking, holding and tripping penalties, (HHT's) which are usually committed when a player is either lazy or mis-matched. Considering that Fedorov is considered one of the best defensive players on the Capitals, it's a bit alarming that one of our defensive forward cornerstones is struggling so much as the playoffs approach.
But as Japers' Rink has documented before, the entire team has a discipline problem, not just Fedorov.
Ice hockey is a team game, and as a team the Capitals are averaging 12.8 PIM's a game, and are sixth for most minor penalties in the NHL. The entire team as a whole needs to rectify their penalty problems, not just for the sake of the team as a whole, but also for their penalty killers.
The Caps penalty killing is 17th in the NHL with an 80.8 kill percentage, and they've allowed 74 PPG's this season. The teams in front of them for PPG's allowed? Anaheim, Edmonton, Toronto, Atlanta and Tampa Bay. Yes it's alarming that only one team from that list is a playoff-caliber team, but also keep in mind, right behind Washington is Detroit.
But getting back to Fedorov, all of the worries that Fedorov will be a liability this postseason might be shed based on his past playoff performances. In 169 playoff games, Fedorov has only 121 PIM's. Of course before you release that sigh of relief, keep in mind, before last year, Fedorov hadn't seen the post season since 2003.
After Saturday's game against the Panthers, the Caps will have a few days to re-focus and re-tool their game as they enter the playoffs. For Fedorov, it's a chance to catch his breath and get started on the right track in the second season.
If the Capitals want to go deep, they'll want Fedorov on the ice using his veteran leadership to keep his teammates cool, not in the box serving time for a desperate hook.
So when George McPhee traded for Sergei Fedorov at the deadline, the Caps thought they were getting an old dog with one trick left. Instead they got a mentor who turned the young Russian into a mature NHL-er.
But as of late, the former MVP has been falling into the lazy habits that plagued his younger half last year. Sergei Fedorov has been a frequent staple in the penalty box for the Caps this April. In the abbreviated month, Fedorov has 16 penalty minutes in four of his five games.
A stark difference from previous months in the season where the most penalty minutes served were eight in February across four games. In March, Fedorov only had four PIM's across 10 games. Yikes.
Yeah, it's been bad as of late.The problem is Fedorov is taking numerous hooking, holding and tripping penalties, (HHT's) which are usually committed when a player is either lazy or mis-matched. Considering that Fedorov is considered one of the best defensive players on the Capitals, it's a bit alarming that one of our defensive forward cornerstones is struggling so much as the playoffs approach.
But as Japers' Rink has documented before, the entire team has a discipline problem, not just Fedorov.
Ice hockey is a team game, and as a team the Capitals are averaging 12.8 PIM's a game, and are sixth for most minor penalties in the NHL. The entire team as a whole needs to rectify their penalty problems, not just for the sake of the team as a whole, but also for their penalty killers.
The Caps penalty killing is 17th in the NHL with an 80.8 kill percentage, and they've allowed 74 PPG's this season. The teams in front of them for PPG's allowed? Anaheim, Edmonton, Toronto, Atlanta and Tampa Bay. Yes it's alarming that only one team from that list is a playoff-caliber team, but also keep in mind, right behind Washington is Detroit.
But getting back to Fedorov, all of the worries that Fedorov will be a liability this postseason might be shed based on his past playoff performances. In 169 playoff games, Fedorov has only 121 PIM's. Of course before you release that sigh of relief, keep in mind, before last year, Fedorov hadn't seen the post season since 2003.
After Saturday's game against the Panthers, the Caps will have a few days to re-focus and re-tool their game as they enter the playoffs. For Fedorov, it's a chance to catch his breath and get started on the right track in the second season.
If the Capitals want to go deep, they'll want Fedorov on the ice using his veteran leadership to keep his teammates cool, not in the box serving time for a desperate hook.
Revenge Is a Dish Best Served Cold
From Kukla's Korner.Theo's stats vs. Montreal this year:"While the players will insist during the next few days it doesn’t matter which team they’ll be facing, I suspect they would prefer taking on Washington in the first round, and to do that they must finish as the No. 7 seed.
Why the Capitals? Why a team that has the NHL’s best player in Alex Ovechkin? A team that almost surely has this season’s Norris Trophy winner in Mike Green?
It starts with Jose Theodore."
11-28-2008: 60 Minutes, 0 goals allowed, 28 saves, 1.000 save percentage
02-18-2009: 64:50, three goals allowed, 33 saves, .909 save percentage
Bring it.
Cold Pizza: Panther Tears Not Endangered
Our pal Whale4Ever is mourning the death of the Panthers' 08-09 season. [Litter Box Cats]The Old NHL's weather forecast of Bemidji State sucking came through. Let's hope they put some money on it and will spend the weekend enjoying the spoils. [Puck Daddy]
Tic Tac Toe hockey has some great photos you should check out. [Tic Tac Toe Hockey]
Rut roh! Hit the panic button, the seventh seed in a playoff series usually wins 50% of the time! [Illegal Curve]
Matt opens the Jeff Schultz can of worms. Godspeed brave soul. [The Hockey Writers]
Leave it to On Frozen Blog to find a story that exposes ESPN for the hockey haters they are. Good work. [OFB]
Celine Dion is among potential bidders to buy the Montreal Canadiens franchise. I smell comedy gold! [Yahoo!]
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Pick Your Poison: Rangers or Habs
The Eastern Conference playoff field is locked in, full, "seat taken," or whatever phrase you want to use to describe it.
The only question remaining: Who is going to dance with whom? Or, more importantly, are the Canadiens going to get their dream matchup against the Capitals or will they play the Bruins, who they are 0-5-1 against this season?
If the standings hold, the Capitals will face the New York Rangers, although we won't know for sure until Sunday night because the Rangers play the Flyers Sunday at 5 p.m.
Here are the scenarios:
If the Rangers win and the Canadiens win, the Capitals play the Rangers as the result of a tie-breaker. In order for the Canadiens to leap-frog the Rangers, they need any one of these scenarios to play out: a win and a Rangers loss, an OTL and a Rangers loss, or a win and Rangers OTL.
Alright, let's break down each team and then put it to a vote.
Montreal Canadiens
Last Year's Playoffs: Eliminated the Boston Bruins in ECQF, Eliminated by Philadelphia Flyers in ECSF.
Previous Playoff Meetings with Capitals: None
Key Players: Alex Kovalev, Carey Price, Saku Koivu, Alex Tanguay
Key Injuries: Andrei Markov (knee, DTD), Robert Lang (torn achilles tendon, IR), Francis Bouillion (groin, IR), Matheui Schnieder (Shoulder, DTD)
Season Series: Caps win 3-1-0
New York Rangers
Last Year's Playoffs: Eliminated New Jersey Devils in ECQF, Eliminated by Pittsburgh Penguins in ECSF.
Previous Playoff Meetings with Capitals: 2-2, (won in 86, lost in 90, lost in 91, won in 94)
Key Players: Henrik Lundqvist, Nik Antropov, Scott Gomez, Sean Avery
Key Injuries: No reported injuries
Season Series: Caps win 3-0-1
Alright, have at it.
The only question remaining: Who is going to dance with whom? Or, more importantly, are the Canadiens going to get their dream matchup against the Capitals or will they play the Bruins, who they are 0-5-1 against this season?
If the standings hold, the Capitals will face the New York Rangers, although we won't know for sure until Sunday night because the Rangers play the Flyers Sunday at 5 p.m.
Here are the scenarios:
If the Rangers win and the Canadiens win, the Capitals play the Rangers as the result of a tie-breaker. In order for the Canadiens to leap-frog the Rangers, they need any one of these scenarios to play out: a win and a Rangers loss, an OTL and a Rangers loss, or a win and Rangers OTL.
Alright, let's break down each team and then put it to a vote.
Montreal Canadiens
Last Year's Playoffs: Eliminated the Boston Bruins in ECQF, Eliminated by Philadelphia Flyers in ECSF.
Previous Playoff Meetings with Capitals: None
Key Players: Alex Kovalev, Carey Price, Saku Koivu, Alex Tanguay
Key Injuries: Andrei Markov (knee, DTD), Robert Lang (torn achilles tendon, IR), Francis Bouillion (groin, IR), Matheui Schnieder (Shoulder, DTD)
Season Series: Caps win 3-1-0
New York Rangers
Last Year's Playoffs: Eliminated New Jersey Devils in ECQF, Eliminated by Pittsburgh Penguins in ECSF.
Previous Playoff Meetings with Capitals: 2-2, (won in 86, lost in 90, lost in 91, won in 94)
Key Players: Henrik Lundqvist, Nik Antropov, Scott Gomez, Sean Avery
Key Injuries: No reported injuries
Season Series: Caps win 3-0-1
Alright, have at it.
Hershey Bears Charity Jerseys
Thought we'd give a little link love to Bangin' Panger for this great feature they put up.
If you've been following the Hershey Bears at all this season, you know they were forced to wear some horrendous looking jerseys in the name of charity.
It seems all of the online ridicule the boys endured was worth it though. Here's the official press release.
"This season, the Hershey Bears hockey club has raised more than $120,000 for local charities and organizations. This result could not have been reached without the support of our fans. The Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company (HE&R) and the Hershey Bears Hockey Club would like to thank our fans for the caring and generosity they exhibit every year during our jersey auctions," said Ted J. Kleisner, President and CEO of HE&R. "Together, the BEARS and their fans are making a difference in the lives of many in our community."
$120,000 to the good. Kinda makes wearing pink not that emasculating.
Check out Bangin' Panger for a complete recap of every Hershey Bears novelty jersey. Also, we'll be doing a few guest postings there as well with the playoffs coming up and all.
Canadien Rap
If it's Caps vs. Habs in the first round, then it might as well be Rock 'N' Roll vs. White Boy Rap.
Nice
Despite the "whiteness" of the song, gotta give "homeboy" some credit; that's a lot of history crammed into a three-minute video sampled over a Journey track. I wouldn't be surprised if that video was required listening for all French-Canadian kids grades K-6.
Playoffs, please start soon.
Cold Pizza: Frozen Four Edition
It's the Frozen Four! And believe it or not, it's already inspired a jersey foul! [On Frozen Blog]Our friends at the Old NHL blog, and many others, have been swept up in the Bemidji State hype. [The Old NHL]
Some D.C. United player got all excited about "Unleash the Fury" and ripped it off. I heard that when Ovechkin confronted him about the incident, the player fell down, grabbed his knee and waited for someone to pull out a yellow card. [D.C. Sports Bog]
The 2010 Winter Classic will be played at Fenway Park in Boston and feature the Bruins vs. and a team to be named. That's a much better choice than the new Mets ballpark, which would have raised some alarms over choking hazards. [Kukla's Korner]
Mirtle's got the projected first-round matchups and their probabilities. [From the Rink]
KHL Finals update: Lokomotiv leads series 3-2. [The Program]
Florida Panthers President Michael Yormark has a blog now! Which begs the question, if you can't fill your stands to watch the team, why the hell would anyone read your blog? [Litter Box Cats]
And now your non-hockey moment of the day. At the age of 10, some kid has already used up his 15 minutes of YouTube fame. Also, whoever thought that two teams should wear the same color isn't very smart.
Pre-Cap: Capitals vs. Bolts
49-23-8SE Champs, Second Playoff Slot
vs.
24-38-18Last in SE, lotteryville
At this point in the season, the only team preventing the Capitals from locking up the second seed in the playoffs is the Capitals.
One point earned by the Caps, or one point lost by the Devils secures the second seed. One point earned also ties the team record for most points in a season.
One point secures so much more than just home-field advantage in two rounds. Consider this: If Pittsburgh takes the sixth seed, as they are expected to, it means the only way the Capitals will meet their bitter playoff rival is in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Good deal, considering the Penguins play the Islanders tonight and after their 10-0 loss to the Canes, I'd bet the farm on the Pens. It's not that the Caps couldn't beat the Pens in the first round, but more or less that it's best to avoid trouble spots and let someone else do your dirty work.
I'm sure the Pens feel the same way about the Flyers and Bruins.
So focusing on tonight's game, what can you really say about this game other than that if the Capitals want to win, they just need to show up with a strong effort and focus on the task at hand?
Washington has blown numerous leads to the Bolts. The last time these two teams met, the Caps blew a 3-1 lead. Back on New Year's day, the Capitals had a three-goal lead on the Bolts, but ended up surrendering four goals in the end.
We're beginning to sound like a broken record but, once again, if the Capitals can just focus on the Bolts and not who they'll play next week then we should be celebrating a second seed by Friday morning.
Tampa doesnt' have much to play for tonight. They won't even have Vincent Lecavalier or Ryan Malone in the lineup. Those injuries just pour salt on the wound that is the 08-09 Tampa season. One more game and they're headed on vacations before hitting the ice again to train. You can bet they'll want to beat the Caps at least once, because nobody likes being swept.
And for those Ross Trophy watchers, Ovechkin has obliterated the Bolts this year (13 points in five games.) Malkin has also been a pest to the Islanders (nine points in five games). If Ovechkin wants a chance at stealing that trophy, tonight's the night to do it.
LET'S GO CAPS
Tampa Blogs
Raw Charge
One point earned by the Caps, or one point lost by the Devils secures the second seed. One point earned also ties the team record for most points in a season.
One point secures so much more than just home-field advantage in two rounds. Consider this: If Pittsburgh takes the sixth seed, as they are expected to, it means the only way the Capitals will meet their bitter playoff rival is in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Good deal, considering the Penguins play the Islanders tonight and after their 10-0 loss to the Canes, I'd bet the farm on the Pens. It's not that the Caps couldn't beat the Pens in the first round, but more or less that it's best to avoid trouble spots and let someone else do your dirty work.
I'm sure the Pens feel the same way about the Flyers and Bruins.
So focusing on tonight's game, what can you really say about this game other than that if the Capitals want to win, they just need to show up with a strong effort and focus on the task at hand?
Washington has blown numerous leads to the Bolts. The last time these two teams met, the Caps blew a 3-1 lead. Back on New Year's day, the Capitals had a three-goal lead on the Bolts, but ended up surrendering four goals in the end.
We're beginning to sound like a broken record but, once again, if the Capitals can just focus on the Bolts and not who they'll play next week then we should be celebrating a second seed by Friday morning.
Tampa doesnt' have much to play for tonight. They won't even have Vincent Lecavalier or Ryan Malone in the lineup. Those injuries just pour salt on the wound that is the 08-09 Tampa season. One more game and they're headed on vacations before hitting the ice again to train. You can bet they'll want to beat the Caps at least once, because nobody likes being swept.
And for those Ross Trophy watchers, Ovechkin has obliterated the Bolts this year (13 points in five games.) Malkin has also been a pest to the Islanders (nine points in five games). If Ovechkin wants a chance at stealing that trophy, tonight's the night to do it.
LET'S GO CAPS
Tampa Blogs
Raw Charge
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
NHL 2010 Q&A
If you haven't been playing the greatest hockey video game to grace the earth since NHL '94 (or Mutant League Hockey, if you're into that), then you should probably head out to your local game store and check out NHL 09 immediately.It's that good. It's so good that if the year was 2018, we'd be inducting it into our Video Game Hockey Hall of Fame and raising its box art to the rafters (okay, not really).
So naturally we're going to be excited over NHL 2010. We found this Q&A about the game on Game-and-Player.com. You can check it out here, or read our selected excerpts below.
With the release of NHL 09, as with anything, there were successes and failures. What do you think were some of the strengths of that release, as well as some possible misses?
I think the biggest success was probably EASHL (EA Sports Hockey League). We thought it was going to be popular, but I think it turned out to be even more successful than any of us imagined. That popularity also made it a miss in some ways, since it ended up having some flaws that turned out to be very exploitable and put the competitive integrity of the league in question.
I'm also happy with a lot of the improvements in the game that have made the gameplay experience richer and more interesting. I'm thinking of things like the new defensive controls (stick-lift and improved poke-checking), offensive weapons like push-puck, protect-puck, and a lot of other refinements to the game. I've got a very gameplay-centric bias, so I realize that I'm completely neglecting all of the improvements that went into other areas of the game — I only tend to notice those when I see NHL 08 and then those improvements jump out at me.
We were introduced to the offensive skill stick not long ago, and the defensive skill stick with NHL 09. Any chance the aspiring virtual goaltenders will get some love in the future?I can't really get into specific feature plans for NHL 10, so I'll just have to go with the stock answer here: We are always looking to make the improvements to the game that will have the biggest impact on its overall quality. The goalies are a central part of the game, so you can be sure they will be getting some attention.
Finally, where do you see the NHL series five years from now?The easy thing to predict is that we will keep increasing the authenticity of the game. If you compare the game to a real hockey game, there are still quite a few things that are missing. My own approach is to prioritize them in the order of their importance to the hockey experience, as always applying a "gameplay first" bias. In five years I think what you'll see and control when you are playing will be much more like real hockey. That's the easy prediction...
We have a few ideas that might be the next big change, and no doubt more thoughts will come up as we go; it is impossible to predict which of these will pan out. Looking at broad areas where improvements might come, I think the computer AI took a fairly sizable leap forward in NHL 08, and there is still a lot more mileage for us to gain from that system. Another safe bet is that online will continue to be a catalyst for big changes. The EASHL broke open a whole new way to play the game that opens up a lot of possibilities, NHL 09 only scratched the surface here.
We'll keep you updated on anything NHL 2010 as we find it, and we're also looking into talking with the EA Vancouver crew ourselves so we can ask the million dollar question. Sean Avery on the cover?Subway Sponsors Rangers' Glass Boards
Bad idea or bad idea?One step closer to ads on jerseys, or "the Rangers presented by Geico!"
ESPN Goofs: Ovie Invades Pens Page
From the Pittsburgh Penguins Web page on ESPN.com.
I'm in yurr web page, stealin da spotlight!
I'm in yurr web page, stealin da spotlight!Don't they have editors who catch this sort of thing?
Screencapped at 1:00 a.m.
Screencapped at 1:00 a.m.
Ovie Hits 200/200 Mark in Four Years
With Ovechkin's 200th assist last night, he became the third player in NHL history to have 200 goals and 200 assists in their first four seasons in the league.
Ovechkin joins Wayne Gretzky, and Mario Lemieux in this feat.
Looking at the other phenoms in the league, Crosby and Malkin, here's how they stack up.
Malkin will need 15 assists and 86 goals in his next season to achieve the milestone.
Crosby has hit the 200-assist mark, but will need 71 goals by the end of the season to reach the mark. (keep in mind, Crosby was injured last season)
Alex Ovechkin: 218 goals, 200 assists, 416 career points, first four years.
I considered writing a post recollecting memories of Alex's first four years, but frankly, I think this accomplishment speaks for itself. What can you really say about Alex that hasn't already been said? The stats, YouTube videos and love of the game emanating from his style of play say more about this accomplishment than I possibly could.
M.V.P.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Rule of Eights, Part 10
Keeping things in perspective: Divide the season into 10 8-game blocks (plus two "bonus" games); score 10 points per block for 100 points and a trip to the playoffs.
Final 8: 5-1-2, 12 pts. Despite all the fan hand-wringing, one of the best octets of the season. 100+ points achieved, without using the two "bonus" games.
9th 8: 4-3-1, 9 pts. Playing good Cap, bad Cap: three losses followed by three wins, followed by a bad loss, followed by a good win.
8th 8: 5-3-0, 10 pts. Three home-game losses (Avalanche, Flyers, Panthers) as trade deadline looms.
7th 8: 5-1-2, 12 pts. Mike Green sets NHL consecutive-games goal record for defensemen.
6th 8: 4-4-0, 8 pts. Three-game losing streak broken by big wins over Pittsburgh, Boston.
5th 8: 7-1-0, 14 pts. Six-game win streak, seven of last eight, 13 of last 15 -- fastest start in team history. Fifty-five points total at the halfway point of the blocks.
4th 8: 6-2-0, 12 pts. Injured stars return, sparking a four-game winning streak.
3rd 8: 3-4-1, 7 pts. Grueling road trip produces enough injured Caps players to form an All-Star team.
2nd 8: 6-1-1, 13 pts. Semin sizzling, Ovechkin-Backstrom getting hotter, and two, count 'em, two No. 1 goalies ... got our 10, plus 3 for the "bank."
1st 8: 4-3-1, 9 pts. Injury-scrambled lines and a Backstrom-Ovechkin "dead zone" ... coming up 1 point short isn't too bad an effort.
Final 8: 5-1-2, 12 pts. Despite all the fan hand-wringing, one of the best octets of the season. 100+ points achieved, without using the two "bonus" games.
9th 8: 4-3-1, 9 pts. Playing good Cap, bad Cap: three losses followed by three wins, followed by a bad loss, followed by a good win.
8th 8: 5-3-0, 10 pts. Three home-game losses (Avalanche, Flyers, Panthers) as trade deadline looms.
7th 8: 5-1-2, 12 pts. Mike Green sets NHL consecutive-games goal record for defensemen.
6th 8: 4-4-0, 8 pts. Three-game losing streak broken by big wins over Pittsburgh, Boston.
5th 8: 7-1-0, 14 pts. Six-game win streak, seven of last eight, 13 of last 15 -- fastest start in team history. Fifty-five points total at the halfway point of the blocks.
4th 8: 6-2-0, 12 pts. Injured stars return, sparking a four-game winning streak.
3rd 8: 3-4-1, 7 pts. Grueling road trip produces enough injured Caps players to form an All-Star team.
2nd 8: 6-1-1, 13 pts. Semin sizzling, Ovechkin-Backstrom getting hotter, and two, count 'em, two No. 1 goalies ... got our 10, plus 3 for the "bank."
1st 8: 4-3-1, 9 pts. Injury-scrambled lines and a Backstrom-Ovechkin "dead zone" ... coming up 1 point short isn't too bad an effort.
Cold Pizza: Caps Win But Thrashers Get Last Laugh
The Atlanta Thrashers lost to the Caps 4-2, but ran this video during the game sending the crowd of empty seats into raucous laughter. Hilarious. [Capitals Insider]
OFB actually beat me to this style of story, and their version is probably better than what I had in mind. It's the five story lines heading into the postseason, and it's worth checking out. [On Frozen Blog]
Just thought you should know, Ovie hit 200 career assists against the Thrashers. [Alex Ovetjkin]
CapsChick is driving the bandwagon for the "Green for Norris" movement, and she's inviting everyone to hop in! Just don't eat in the backseat. [A View From the Cheap Seats]
The Hurricanes trounced the Islanders 9-0. Psh, not impressed. Call me when you win 82-0. [NHL Fanhouse]
E.J. Hradek has this great new gimmick going on. It's like "Where in the world is Matt Lauer" but instead of being at cool international venues, he's doing it from different locations in his house! Awesome! [Barry Melrose Rocks]
Ryan Miller has a new Japanese-inspired mask. It's "Puff the Magic Dragon" meets "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon." [In Goal Magazine]
Brawling with the crowd, you won't see it in today's game unless you're watching "Slap Shot"...or in Eastern Europe. [Bangin Panger]
Finding Semin Linemates of His Own
There's always an air of excitement when Ovechkin, Backstrom and Semin take to the ice on the same line. The "S.O.B." line they've been dubbed, for their ability to make coaches and goalies utter "son of a..." after they score.
With beautiful passing plays, laser beam shots and moments that make you rise out of your chair screaming "Did you see that!", the S.O.B. line is easily one of the most exciting lines in hockey to watch -- if they're on their game.
While their drop-pass at the blue line, behind the back look, spin-a-rama deke to pass to the slot plays are exciting, they are often excessive and lead to more turnovers than they do goals.
While the line may be one of the most productive lines the Capitals have at even strength, it turns the Capitals into a one-line team. Going into the playoffs, you can't rely on one line to take you to the Stanley Cup and win.
Consider this: At even strength the S.O.B. line has scored 47 points this season. The next best even-strength line the Capitals have to offer is the Ovechkin, Backstrom, Kozlov line, which has earned 41 even strength points.
For all the passing and talented playmaking the S.O.B. line sports, it only has six points over Ovechkin's staple linemates of Kozlov and Backstrom. The good is you have a plug-and-play winger for Ovechkin. The bad is you'd rather those two numbers feature two totally different casts.
Now factor in Alexander Semin's personal point totals on lines without Alexander Ovechkin. Semin has 23 points on 14 different lines at even strength that don't feature Ovechkin. Seventeen of his 75 points have come on the S.O.B line at even strength.
If the Capitals want to be contenders, they've got to find linemates for Semin who can be just as effective as the Backstrom and Kozlov tandem for Ovie. Common players on Semin's even-strength scoring lines are Fedorov and Laich, but all three rarely are constant staples on a single line, moving between third and second frequently.
And before you ask, the "Washington Line" that the Russian national team uses has only garnered eight even-strength points before Tuesday's bout with the Thrashers. Semin only has one point on that line at even strength.
The S.O.B. line doesn't need to exist for the Capitals to win games, but it's not going to hurt them either. If the Caps need a late goal in the third, or want to pad a lead then the S.O.B line is perfect; but if the Capitals want to be at their most dangerous, they need Semin on a scoring line of his own.
If the Capitals have two prominent scoring lines, then defenses will be stretched thin to defend both a Semin-led line, and an Ovechkin-led line. Finding Semin a center of his own, just like the Capitals did for Ovie with Backstrom, would add a whole new dimension of scoring to the Capitals offense.
With 75 points this season, it's only a matter of time until Boudreau finds that perfect even-strength line for Semin. But, hey, 75 points without one staple line should speak volumes about Semin's playmaking ability.
Of course, if you don't believe me, just ask Dany Heatley, Daniel Alfredsson and Jason Spezza of the Ottawa Senators how many Cups they've one with a one-line offense.
(Editor's Note: We used lines of three for the numbers, points totaled from lines of more than three forwards were not used.)
With beautiful passing plays, laser beam shots and moments that make you rise out of your chair screaming "Did you see that!", the S.O.B. line is easily one of the most exciting lines in hockey to watch -- if they're on their game.
While their drop-pass at the blue line, behind the back look, spin-a-rama deke to pass to the slot plays are exciting, they are often excessive and lead to more turnovers than they do goals.
While the line may be one of the most productive lines the Capitals have at even strength, it turns the Capitals into a one-line team. Going into the playoffs, you can't rely on one line to take you to the Stanley Cup and win.
Consider this: At even strength the S.O.B. line has scored 47 points this season. The next best even-strength line the Capitals have to offer is the Ovechkin, Backstrom, Kozlov line, which has earned 41 even strength points.
For all the passing and talented playmaking the S.O.B. line sports, it only has six points over Ovechkin's staple linemates of Kozlov and Backstrom. The good is you have a plug-and-play winger for Ovechkin. The bad is you'd rather those two numbers feature two totally different casts.
Now factor in Alexander Semin's personal point totals on lines without Alexander Ovechkin. Semin has 23 points on 14 different lines at even strength that don't feature Ovechkin. Seventeen of his 75 points have come on the S.O.B line at even strength.
If the Capitals want to be contenders, they've got to find linemates for Semin who can be just as effective as the Backstrom and Kozlov tandem for Ovie. Common players on Semin's even-strength scoring lines are Fedorov and Laich, but all three rarely are constant staples on a single line, moving between third and second frequently.
And before you ask, the "Washington Line" that the Russian national team uses has only garnered eight even-strength points before Tuesday's bout with the Thrashers. Semin only has one point on that line at even strength.
The S.O.B. line doesn't need to exist for the Capitals to win games, but it's not going to hurt them either. If the Caps need a late goal in the third, or want to pad a lead then the S.O.B line is perfect; but if the Capitals want to be at their most dangerous, they need Semin on a scoring line of his own.
If the Capitals have two prominent scoring lines, then defenses will be stretched thin to defend both a Semin-led line, and an Ovechkin-led line. Finding Semin a center of his own, just like the Capitals did for Ovie with Backstrom, would add a whole new dimension of scoring to the Capitals offense.
With 75 points this season, it's only a matter of time until Boudreau finds that perfect even-strength line for Semin. But, hey, 75 points without one staple line should speak volumes about Semin's playmaking ability.
Of course, if you don't believe me, just ask Dany Heatley, Daniel Alfredsson and Jason Spezza of the Ottawa Senators how many Cups they've one with a one-line offense.
(Editor's Note: We used lines of three for the numbers, points totaled from lines of more than three forwards were not used.)
The NHL's Most Terrifying Mascots
The Mascot.
A professional sports team's way of marketing to children, creating a family-friendly environment, and brainwashing the youth of a city into loving the local team. What would the world be without Mr. Met, The Chicken, The Baltimore Oriole or even Dancin' Homer?
But what happens when the marketing gurus behind these costumed comedians think they've struck gold, but have actually brought to life nightmare-inducing creatures?
The NHL is home to a few costumed monstrosities, and we're here to expose them.
Thrash of the Atlanta Thrashers
If rap songs are to be believed, Atlanta is a rough place. So when the NHL placed a franchise in the city of "crunk," they could have just gotten Lil' John to be the team's mascot and everyone would have been screamin' "Yeahhh!"
Meet Thrash. Thrash looks like the type of person who would break into your car, jack the radio and squat in the backseat for a few days before firebombing the evidence. Not only does Thrash have an aggressive look, but he also manhandles children.
"Somebody help me...Get him off me. Get him off me."
Fin the Whale of the Vancouver Canucks
Free Willy was dynamite at the box office. Kids loved whales, kids loved Michael Jackson's theme song for the film, and well, you can make your own MJ joke. So when the Canucks decided to go with a whale mascot, it seemed like a great idea at the time.
You're probably thinking "Gee, CK, he doesn't look so bad," but you're wrong. From Fin's personal bio: "favorite book is Moby Dick." If I recall correctly, Moby Dick killed the entire crew of Captain Ahab's ship and walked away scot free.
Fin's game-time gimmick? Eating children.
He may look civil, but at the end of the day, he's just a killer whale in a suit. And worst of all, he's a pirate.
and a wedding crasher.
Now, the most terrifying mascot in the NHL...
Iceburgh of the Pittsburgh Penguins
Iceburgh looks like a lovable, huggable and punchable penguin, but just watch this video and tell me if you'd ever trust your children around this beast ever again.
A professional sports team's way of marketing to children, creating a family-friendly environment, and brainwashing the youth of a city into loving the local team. What would the world be without Mr. Met, The Chicken, The Baltimore Oriole or even Dancin' Homer?
But what happens when the marketing gurus behind these costumed comedians think they've struck gold, but have actually brought to life nightmare-inducing creatures?
The NHL is home to a few costumed monstrosities, and we're here to expose them.
Thrash of the Atlanta Thrashers
If rap songs are to be believed, Atlanta is a rough place. So when the NHL placed a franchise in the city of "crunk," they could have just gotten Lil' John to be the team's mascot and everyone would have been screamin' "Yeahhh!"
Meet Thrash. Thrash looks like the type of person who would break into your car, jack the radio and squat in the backseat for a few days before firebombing the evidence. Not only does Thrash have an aggressive look, but he also manhandles children."Somebody help me...Get him off me. Get him off me."
Fin the Whale of the Vancouver Canucks
Free Willy was dynamite at the box office. Kids loved whales, kids loved Michael Jackson's theme song for the film, and well, you can make your own MJ joke. So when the Canucks decided to go with a whale mascot, it seemed like a great idea at the time.
You're probably thinking "Gee, CK, he doesn't look so bad," but you're wrong. From Fin's personal bio: "favorite book is Moby Dick." If I recall correctly, Moby Dick killed the entire crew of Captain Ahab's ship and walked away scot free.Fin's game-time gimmick? Eating children.
He may look civil, but at the end of the day, he's just a killer whale in a suit. And worst of all, he's a pirate.and a wedding crasher.
Now, the most terrifying mascot in the NHL...
Iceburgh of the Pittsburgh Penguins
Iceburgh looks like a lovable, huggable and punchable penguin, but just watch this video and tell me if you'd ever trust your children around this beast ever again.Analysts Continue to Dump on Caps
The pundits' assault on the Capitals continues with Scott Burnside's live Q&A session held at ESPN.com.Here's the Capitals-related questions.
Dustin (Ft. Lauderdale, FL): Malkin or Ovechkin? Who is your Hart Trophy Winner?
Scott Burnside: Great question, great race. Two points separating the two of them with a week to go. I was all Malkin when he was 11 points up on Ovechkin; now it's a little tougher. Still, I like Malkin's all-around game and I think he has become a better two-way player and may edge out Ovechkin in the final voting. Malkin it is.
Both are deserving, but I think we've gone over why this "Ovechkin doesn't backcheck" nonsense is void.
Greg (Herndon, VA): Environmentalists have made their choice for the Norris, "We think the Norris should Go Green this year"...Mike Green that is. How bout you?
Scott Burnside: Hard to vote against Mother Earth, but I think the vote will ultimately come down to Green's offensive acumen against Zdeno Chara's all-round game and leadership for a Boston team that just clinched the conference title. I think Green will win it. Just not sure yet he should.
Green is a +24, and Chara is a +24. Green has 48 takeaways, Chara has 27. Anyone else tired of this "Mike Green is good at offense so he can't possibly be good at defense!" meme?
Marc (Malden, MA): If the playoffs started today, Pittsburgh is the 6th seed. So for it to be PIT/BOS in the East Finals, Montreal has to beat Washington, any chance that happens?
Scott Burnside: That is the problem with trying to guess now who will end up where. But I do think the Caps are vulnerable against a team that can score and who has the potential to throw out a hot goaltender (Carey Price anyone?) Plus I wonder about the mental part for Jose Theodore having to face the Habs and the fans in his hometown. Hmmmm. That would be some great drama.
Not buying this one bit. Don't make me link to the Japers' post that proves Theo has been a top 10 goalie since turn of the New Year...
Neal (San Carlos, CA): Scott, which of the top teams (DET, SJ, BOS, WASH) do you see as most vulnerable to a 1st round upset?
Scott Burnside: Neal, good question. I would say the Caps given their propensity for giving up lots of goals. See my earlier response to a possible Theodore homecoming in Montreal. That said, if he can get on a roll the Caps could be in for the long haul. That's a pretty big if though.
Theodore shutout the Canadiens in November and won his second start against them. Also, using GA to choose your "loser" isn't too informed. He should look at Detroit's GA and think it over. Next please.
Craig (D.C): Any reason for the dislike of everything Caps? No Ovie for MVP? Don't think Green deserves Norris? and ready for them to be bumped in the first round?
Scott Burnside: Hey, they were my Team Can Dream a year ago and they got all kinds of love from us.
Sounds like someone lost a bet...
Funny how a few bad games in March have turned the Capitals into the whipping boy for hockey analysts.
The world is not sunshine and lollipops. We accept that the Capitals are not going to waltz to the finals or through any round of the playoffs, but none of these projections make much sense.
The Caps may fall in the first round, but so could the Sharks, Red Wings, Bruins and Devils. Burnside is usually a decent commentator on the game, but he's not really using any thought here that suggests his points have merit. Most of what he's spewing out, has been disproved on many a Capitals blog.
Jose Theodore isn't mentally prepared for the playoffs? Mike Green can't play defense? A Montreal team that is barely hanging on is going to trounce a Capitals team who has one more goal allowed than the Stanley Cup champions?
Chip officially on shoulders.
Let's Go Caps
Pre-Cap: Capitals vs. Thrashers
48-23-8SE Division Champs, Second in EC
vs.
34-39-6Fourth in SE, 13th in EC
The wounds that were inflicted Sunday have had less than 48 hours to fester and sting a Thrashers team that outplayed the Caps for two periods. It was the classic case of giant-killer vs. giant, but ultimately the Thrashers were squashed by a third period explosion of offense from unlikely heroes in Michael Nylander and Eric Fehr.
If the Caps haven't learned their lesson about falling asleep on falling sub-.500 opponents yet, Tuesday night's game could be another startling wakeup call.
We mentioned in the last pre-cap that Bruce Boudreau would be the key to the game, and sure enough, it was his second-intermission adjustments that propelled the Caps to victory. Now it's time to see if the verbal lashing or guilt trip that likely occurred in the locker room has sunk in.
Consider this a must-win game yet again, not because it keeps distance on the Devils, but rather that it keeps pressure on the Devils -- pressure that could likely cause them to succumb to a team like Carolina on Saturday. A Devils loss and a Capitals win would mean the Caps would need one more regulation win to secure the second slot.
This game also features an interesting storyline in rookie goalie prospect Simeon Varlamov. Varlamov, who has impressed in his starts, could very well be playing for the role of backup goalie this postseason. Brent Johnson may be returning, but the Capitals are using this game as a final litmus test for the Russian goalie.
Varlamov isn't the only prospect who's trying to make the postseason roster. Keith Aucoin has five points in his past five games and has been a "sparkplug" of energy on the Caps' fourth line. Aucoin currently has Donald Brashear's line slot, and the decision will ultimately be made, scoring or brawn?
One final storyline to watch is the possible re-emergence of Michael Nylander. One game and one goal is not a trend, but Nylander's work with Laich and Fehr was exceptional. The game-tying goal and game-winner came from the Fehr-Nylander-Laich line. Nylander played one of his best games of the season and earned the hard hat for his efforts.
We touched on Nylander possibly being a factor in the postseason, and these final games could be a step forward in getting him in full stride (or pirouette) for postseason.
If it started now...
The Capitals would be facing the Montreal Canadiens. A Penguins and Flyers win clinches their playoff spots. Carolina has the tie breaker over Philly and could claim the fourth seed by the season's end.
Special Powers
The Capitals were the best power play in the league for a few days, but have fallen .2% below the Red Wings with a 25.3% conversion rate. The PK sits at 80.3%, 19th in the league, but better than the Devils, Hurricanes, and Red Wings.
Kaptain Kovalchuk
Ilya Kovalchuk remains the shining star on an Atlanta team that has struggled but proven itself against tough opponents. Kovalchuk had a goal in Sunday's game and has 90 points on the season. He's been a historic pain in the Caps rear with 50 points in 41 career games against the Caps (22-28).
For the 60 goal watchers out there...
Our prediction is moving on plan. Ovie did not score a goal in Sunday's contest, but mathematically he's due for one tonight, one against the Bolts and none against the Cats. If Ovie is to reach 60 this season, he must record two goals in two separate games and have one lone goal. You can dream up any other combination, but the likely way to reach 60 is via hat trick against either the Bolts or Thrashers.
The Best. Team. Ever. (Regular Season-wise)
The Capitals are four points away from becoming the best Capitals team in franchise history in terms of points.
Thrashers Blogs
Bird Watchers Anon.
LET'S GO CAPS!
If the Caps haven't learned their lesson about falling asleep on falling sub-.500 opponents yet, Tuesday night's game could be another startling wakeup call.
We mentioned in the last pre-cap that Bruce Boudreau would be the key to the game, and sure enough, it was his second-intermission adjustments that propelled the Caps to victory. Now it's time to see if the verbal lashing or guilt trip that likely occurred in the locker room has sunk in.
Consider this a must-win game yet again, not because it keeps distance on the Devils, but rather that it keeps pressure on the Devils -- pressure that could likely cause them to succumb to a team like Carolina on Saturday. A Devils loss and a Capitals win would mean the Caps would need one more regulation win to secure the second slot.
This game also features an interesting storyline in rookie goalie prospect Simeon Varlamov. Varlamov, who has impressed in his starts, could very well be playing for the role of backup goalie this postseason. Brent Johnson may be returning, but the Capitals are using this game as a final litmus test for the Russian goalie.
Varlamov isn't the only prospect who's trying to make the postseason roster. Keith Aucoin has five points in his past five games and has been a "sparkplug" of energy on the Caps' fourth line. Aucoin currently has Donald Brashear's line slot, and the decision will ultimately be made, scoring or brawn?
One final storyline to watch is the possible re-emergence of Michael Nylander. One game and one goal is not a trend, but Nylander's work with Laich and Fehr was exceptional. The game-tying goal and game-winner came from the Fehr-Nylander-Laich line. Nylander played one of his best games of the season and earned the hard hat for his efforts.
We touched on Nylander possibly being a factor in the postseason, and these final games could be a step forward in getting him in full stride (or pirouette) for postseason.
If it started now...
The Capitals would be facing the Montreal Canadiens. A Penguins and Flyers win clinches their playoff spots. Carolina has the tie breaker over Philly and could claim the fourth seed by the season's end.
Special Powers
The Capitals were the best power play in the league for a few days, but have fallen .2% below the Red Wings with a 25.3% conversion rate. The PK sits at 80.3%, 19th in the league, but better than the Devils, Hurricanes, and Red Wings.
Kaptain Kovalchuk
Ilya Kovalchuk remains the shining star on an Atlanta team that has struggled but proven itself against tough opponents. Kovalchuk had a goal in Sunday's game and has 90 points on the season. He's been a historic pain in the Caps rear with 50 points in 41 career games against the Caps (22-28).
For the 60 goal watchers out there...
Our prediction is moving on plan. Ovie did not score a goal in Sunday's contest, but mathematically he's due for one tonight, one against the Bolts and none against the Cats. If Ovie is to reach 60 this season, he must record two goals in two separate games and have one lone goal. You can dream up any other combination, but the likely way to reach 60 is via hat trick against either the Bolts or Thrashers.
The Best. Team. Ever. (Regular Season-wise)
The Capitals are four points away from becoming the best Capitals team in franchise history in terms of points.
Thrashers Blogs
Bird Watchers Anon.
LET'S GO CAPS!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Cold Pizza: The Boudreau Story and Betting Odds
Magazine style article about Bruce Boudreau "The Patron Saint of Second Chances." [Toronto Star]If you're a betting man, the Flyer Frequent has got the odds for you. Commence betting life savings, cars, women and pets. [Flyers Frequent]
Police Officers killed in a shooting earlier this week in Pittsburgh will be honored by the Penguins on Thursday. [Kuklas Korner]
Consider BMR the Rage Against the Machine of blogging. They've successfully fought Kate Murray and pwned her. [Barry Melrose Rocks]
Ilya Kovalchuk weighs in on the Art Ross race and basically says that Ovechkin is going to trash the Thrashers. "Washington plays next game again against Atlanta. So Alex has a chance to overtake Malkin." Oh Honest Ilya. [Alex Ovetjkin]
(non-hockey link of the day) Hey, remember when some guys wrote a song about a certain hockey player and the opposing fan base sent 3,000-word letters to Puck Daddy in outrage? Well, Baltimore Orioles fans have picked up on this new trend with a song for Mark Teixeira. I wonder if Yankee fans are frothing from the mouth now? [Deadspin]
The Habs lost to the Senators last night, so that makes this article especially entertaining. Check this out: "The only defenceman for the Washington Capitals is Green and and he should win the Norris because he has no help on the blueline...Green is +24 on a team without a goaltender." [TSN + Japers' + Peerless]
The Ak Bars have brought the KHL Finals to a 2-2 tie. For a playoff that's going on in another country, I'm intrigued. [The Program]
Bangin' Panger ranks the three toughest arenas to play in this post-season. Washington doesn't make the list, but that's probably because we were way to nice to them when they went to the Sabres game. [Bangin' Panger]
Can't get enough Aucoin? Neither can we! Tarik El-Bashir fills our fix. [Capitals Insider]
Be sure to check out the Simeon Varlamov and Viktor Kozlov pages on Hockey-Reference.com. We've officially sponsored them!
And now your video of the day
Will Johnson Be Sidelined in the Postseason Again?
If anyone on the Capitals roster last year deserved a pat on the back, I.O.U. and promise of better times to come, it was Brent Johnson.
This time last season, the Caps veteran backup goalie watched from his couch as the Caps went on their improbable run to the playoffs. Johnson practiced with Caps goalie coach Dave Pryor after Cristobal Huet and Olie Kolzig had finished their daily workouts -- he didn't even practice with the team. Johnson watched his close friend Kolzig get played out of his job and was separated from his teammates for over a month.
Johnson, a 10-year-veteran of the NHL, hasn't seen postseason action since he started in 10 playoff games for the Blues in 2002. The last time he backed up a playoff team was the Blues in 2003, the season after he went 5-5 with a 1.83 GAA in the playoffs.
So naturally, Johnson must have been thrilled to be the undisputed backup goalie for the Caps in 2008-2009. At one point Johnson had the starting job with solid play in the first two months of the season. This season, Johnson has played 21 games with a 12-6 record and a 2.81 GAA and .908 save percentage.
Everything was looking up for Johnson; he was seeing the puck well, he was confident in net and the team in front of him was talented enough to beat anyone. But then disaster struck. Johnson had been battling a nagging hip injury throughout the season, but soon it became too much and Johnson elected to have surgery to solve the problem on Feb. 5, 2009.
So in relief of Johnson came a duo of rookie goaltending prospects, Simeon (Semyon) Varlamov and Michal Neuvirth. Varlamov, the most promising of the two, had already played for the Capitals once before, beating the Montreal Canadiens in a 2-1 game on the road. Varlamov continued his strong play and started four games amassing a 3-0-1 record and 2.45 GAA. Tomorrow night, Varlamov will get another start against the Atlanta Thrashers in an effort to find out if the rookie goalie is up to snuff for postseason play.
All this is happening just as Brent Johnson is returning to the ice, taking shots with the team and hoping to come back and resume the duties of the Caps backup goalie. The goalie who sat out the postseason last year could very well find himself in the same position. On the couch, once again, the odd-man out.
The situation could be a potential player relations disaster with Johnson, who might be indifferent about spending another postseason off the ice. But if Johnson is not ready to go, or the team is not confident in his ability to play, then you can't fault the Capitals for going with Varlamov.
Another factor to consider is that Johnson is a UFA after this season, while Varlamov remains under contract until 2011-2012. The Capitals might see this as an early opportunity to give Varlamov time with the main club during the most important time of the season, the playoffs.
Depending on how Varlamov figures into the Capitals' plans for 09-10, Johnson will likely be released to free agency, allowing Varlamov to take over the backup duties and prepare to become the starter when Jose Theodore's contract ends.
Varlamov might not be best suited to sit on the bench in April when he could be playing in the AHL playoffs with the Hershey Bears. The Capitals roster is chock full of players who have matured in the minors with the Bears in postseason play. For Varlamov, actually playing games with Hershey could be better than riding the pine with Washington.
So what's your take? Do you give Varlamov the backup job and some early experience, or do you make good with Brent Johnson who has "taken one for the team" one too many times?
This time last season, the Caps veteran backup goalie watched from his couch as the Caps went on their improbable run to the playoffs. Johnson practiced with Caps goalie coach Dave Pryor after Cristobal Huet and Olie Kolzig had finished their daily workouts -- he didn't even practice with the team. Johnson watched his close friend Kolzig get played out of his job and was separated from his teammates for over a month.
Johnson, a 10-year-veteran of the NHL, hasn't seen postseason action since he started in 10 playoff games for the Blues in 2002. The last time he backed up a playoff team was the Blues in 2003, the season after he went 5-5 with a 1.83 GAA in the playoffs.
So naturally, Johnson must have been thrilled to be the undisputed backup goalie for the Caps in 2008-2009. At one point Johnson had the starting job with solid play in the first two months of the season. This season, Johnson has played 21 games with a 12-6 record and a 2.81 GAA and .908 save percentage.
Everything was looking up for Johnson; he was seeing the puck well, he was confident in net and the team in front of him was talented enough to beat anyone. But then disaster struck. Johnson had been battling a nagging hip injury throughout the season, but soon it became too much and Johnson elected to have surgery to solve the problem on Feb. 5, 2009.
So in relief of Johnson came a duo of rookie goaltending prospects, Simeon (Semyon) Varlamov and Michal Neuvirth. Varlamov, the most promising of the two, had already played for the Capitals once before, beating the Montreal Canadiens in a 2-1 game on the road. Varlamov continued his strong play and started four games amassing a 3-0-1 record and 2.45 GAA. Tomorrow night, Varlamov will get another start against the Atlanta Thrashers in an effort to find out if the rookie goalie is up to snuff for postseason play.
All this is happening just as Brent Johnson is returning to the ice, taking shots with the team and hoping to come back and resume the duties of the Caps backup goalie. The goalie who sat out the postseason last year could very well find himself in the same position. On the couch, once again, the odd-man out.
The situation could be a potential player relations disaster with Johnson, who might be indifferent about spending another postseason off the ice. But if Johnson is not ready to go, or the team is not confident in his ability to play, then you can't fault the Capitals for going with Varlamov.
Another factor to consider is that Johnson is a UFA after this season, while Varlamov remains under contract until 2011-2012. The Capitals might see this as an early opportunity to give Varlamov time with the main club during the most important time of the season, the playoffs.
Depending on how Varlamov figures into the Capitals' plans for 09-10, Johnson will likely be released to free agency, allowing Varlamov to take over the backup duties and prepare to become the starter when Jose Theodore's contract ends.
Varlamov might not be best suited to sit on the bench in April when he could be playing in the AHL playoffs with the Hershey Bears. The Capitals roster is chock full of players who have matured in the minors with the Bears in postseason play. For Varlamov, actually playing games with Hershey could be better than riding the pine with Washington.
So what's your take? Do you give Varlamov the backup job and some early experience, or do you make good with Brent Johnson who has "taken one for the team" one too many times?
"Next year, we hope he sticks." - GMGM on Keith Aucoin
Everyone's favorite sparkplug is making quite an impression on Capitals General Manager George McPhee.Here's what he had to say about Aucoin per TEB.
"You don't commit to a one way unless you think the guy can play in the league and can give you a number of games," General Manager George McPhee said. "We still see upside there, and we think he can play. He's been terrific in Hershey and he's been a good callup for us. Next year, we hope he sticks."
Aucoin has five points in his last five NHL games (2-3-5) and of all the Hershey callups this season, he is currently tied for first with Karl Alzner and Tyler Sloan (five points). Aucoin is tied with fellow Hershey Bear Alexandre Giroux for the AHL points lead (94).
With Donald Brashear likely to return from injury soon, and Boyd Gordon to follow afterward, Aucoin's future in Washington is a bit hazy at the moment. Although if Aucoin continues to provide the Capitals with his energetic style of play, and get his name on the scoresheet, he might be trading in an AHL points-scoring title for a chance to make a run at Lord Stanley's Cup.
Best "Jersey Foul" Ever? And Sgt. Pepper Rocks the Red
There are days you tell yourself, "I'm not going to take my camera with me to the game" and days you're so happy you decided not to follow through on the previous statement.
Sunday was one of those days. Not only did I get a photo op with "Ted Leonsis," but I also witnessed the coolest "jersey foul" I've seen at the Verizon Center.
Alex Ovechkin, Alex Semin, Nicklas Backstrom, Mike Green, Brooks Laich and Eric Fehr? With those players on your team, it's hard to choose just any one to wear on your jersey, so why not wear them all? Laich's and Fehr's numbers were on the shoulders.
This one caught me by surprise. An homage to the Beatles or perhaps a nickname? Either way, I'm sure the goons in the PuckDaddy comments will have a field day with it if it ends up there.
Not a "jersey foul," but a funny fan in the crowd sporting the Ovie hat, Dolce Gabbana shades and a Canadian flag.
Sunday was one of those days. Not only did I get a photo op with "Ted Leonsis," but I also witnessed the coolest "jersey foul" I've seen at the Verizon Center.
Alex Ovechkin, Alex Semin, Nicklas Backstrom, Mike Green, Brooks Laich and Eric Fehr? With those players on your team, it's hard to choose just any one to wear on your jersey, so why not wear them all? Laich's and Fehr's numbers were on the shoulders.
This one caught me by surprise. An homage to the Beatles or perhaps a nickname? Either way, I'm sure the goons in the PuckDaddy comments will have a field day with it if it ends up there.
Not a "jersey foul," but a funny fan in the crowd sporting the Ovie hat, Dolce Gabbana shades and a Canadian flag.
Cold Pizza - More Ovie and LeBron, Crosby Fights Again...
Crosby fights Keith Ballard after Ballard absolutely destroys Malkin with a clean hit. Anyone else getting sick of this trend, fights after clean hits? [Puck Daddy]
Deadspin offers the best analysis of the Ovie/LeBron meeting of all the blogs. Sounds a bit like what I said if you don't mind me tooting my own horn (toot, toot). [Deadspin]
Ovechkin is pulling a Keith Ballard on Malkin's run for the Art Ross, and he's winning over Malkin fans for the Hart. [Kukla's Korner]
For your information, the Southeast Division has two confirmed teams in the playoffs. The Canes clinched after beating the Penguins 3-2... Southbeast. [NHL Standings]
A Sabres fan chronicles his night at Verizon Center. Turns out we're classy fans. [The Hockey Writers]
KHL Finals update: Lokomotiv blanks Ak Bars in Game Three. [The Program]
Pucks and Books has a great piece about the rebuild and its mastermind, George McPhee. [On Frozen Blog]
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Beards. Charity. Playoffs.
Wearing red alone won't cut it this postseason when it comes to showing your support for the Caps. It's our pleasure to inform you that the Capitals are calling upon YOU to grow playoff beards for fun and for some good causes.Check it out here: www.beardathon.com/capitals
Read about it here :Per the press release from the Caps...
The Washington Capitals are encouraging fans to participate in one of hockey’s most visible traditions -- the playoff beard. Fans may elect to grow a beard themselves or make a financial donation in support of a Capitals player or a fan who has elected to grow a playoff beard. The Capitals’ Beard-a-thon is an opportunity for fans to grow their own beard and raise money for charity, as all proceeds will benefit Washington Capitals Charities.
The fan who raises the most money will win an authentic lettered jersey signed by the player of their choice and will be recognized at a Washington Capitals home game during the 2009-10 season; second place will win a team-signed stick, while third place will win an Alex-Ovechkin-signed puck. All donations for the Capitals’ Beard-a-thon are tax deductible.
Count us in, but do you get bonus points for sporting a mohawk AND a beard?Also, if you are going to go the beard route, we'd love to hear about it in the comments and we'd love to see some photos of the before and after! You can send those along to capitalskremlin@gmail.com
Let's Go Caps!
Ted's Doppelganger
Ted Leonsis was scheduled to meet fans in the lower concourse of Verizon Center during Sunday's final home game. Only there were two Teds; one was in his red Caps jersey, shaking hands and thanking people for their support; the other was in the lower bowl watching warmups and taking photographs.
Meet bizarro Ted Leonsis.
As I was waiting in line to enter Verizon Center with my brother, cousin and girlfriend, my girlfriend tugged at my jersey and said, "Reed, look it's a guy dressed like TED!"
My journalistic instincts and nosy-blogger skills jumped into action as I yelled across three lines of ticket traffic for a brief photo op with Mr. Leonsis.
I imagine this is what Ted looked like in his wild, youthful, party days at Georgetown when he attended Caps games as a fan.
Capitals Outsider has more on this fan.
The man, whom Capitals Outsider identifies as "Matt Gorsuch," was named the Clyde's Fan of the Game just a minute into the game.
As the audience laughed and cheered, the camera panned to the REAL Ted Leonsis, laughing and blushing as he tried to comprehend why anyone would dress as him.
Welcome to OUR hockey town, where the fans love the owner enough to dress as him.
I give this fan a resounding pass, and wonder: when will someone dress up as Boudreau?
Meet bizarro Ted Leonsis.
As I was waiting in line to enter Verizon Center with my brother, cousin and girlfriend, my girlfriend tugged at my jersey and said, "Reed, look it's a guy dressed like TED!"
My journalistic instincts and nosy-blogger skills jumped into action as I yelled across three lines of ticket traffic for a brief photo op with Mr. Leonsis.
I imagine this is what Ted looked like in his wild, youthful, party days at Georgetown when he attended Caps games as a fan.Capitals Outsider has more on this fan.
The man, whom Capitals Outsider identifies as "Matt Gorsuch," was named the Clyde's Fan of the Game just a minute into the game.
As the audience laughed and cheered, the camera panned to the REAL Ted Leonsis, laughing and blushing as he tried to comprehend why anyone would dress as him.
Welcome to OUR hockey town, where the fans love the owner enough to dress as him.
I give this fan a resounding pass, and wonder: when will someone dress up as Boudreau?
Cold Pizza: Last Home Game of the Season Edition
Some links for your morning, evening, and everywhere in between.
One last time to salute the Caps at home before they head off to the postseason, Caps Chick brings it home [A View from the Cheap Seats]
Did the refs blow a vital call in the Caps-Sabres game Friday? [On Frozen Blog]
Alex Ovechkin playing basketball. Enough said. [Alex Ovetjkin]
The new Sean Avery is dead. He's no longer agitating by being a good Samaritan; now he's back to his usual antics, this time hitting Tim Thomas with his stick. Long live old Sean Avery! [Puck Daddy]
The NHL has extended its deal with Versus until the 2011 season. Great, can't wait to see more games blacked out or sandwiched between WEC Wreckage repeats and Sports Soup....[Illegal Curve]
This season's NHL is higher scoring than last season's. Happy Bettman? Can we please stop adding new rules now? [From the Rink]
One last time to salute the Caps at home before they head off to the postseason, Caps Chick brings it home [A View from the Cheap Seats]
Did the refs blow a vital call in the Caps-Sabres game Friday? [On Frozen Blog]
Alex Ovechkin playing basketball. Enough said. [Alex Ovetjkin]
The new Sean Avery is dead. He's no longer agitating by being a good Samaritan; now he's back to his usual antics, this time hitting Tim Thomas with his stick. Long live old Sean Avery! [Puck Daddy]
The NHL has extended its deal with Versus until the 2011 season. Great, can't wait to see more games blacked out or sandwiched between WEC Wreckage repeats and Sports Soup....[Illegal Curve]
This season's NHL is higher scoring than last season's. Happy Bettman? Can we please stop adding new rules now? [From the Rink]
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Pre-Cap: Capitals vs. Thrashers
47-23-8SE Champs, Second in EC
vs.
34-38-6Fourth in SE, 13th in EC
How important could a game against the THRASHERS really be? Well considering New Jersey beat Buffalo, let's just say it's of the must-win variety. The Caps are currently tied with the Devils with 102 points, but they have the all-important game in hand.
Okay, but the Thrashers are a bottom-dwelling team currently scouting out the top five picks of this year's draft, they can't be that good right? Uh no. Don't let the Thrashers' sub .500 record fool you; they recently embarrassed the Caps in a 5-1 blowout and have held Ovie to only three goals this season, and they're entering this afternoon's game with a four-game win streak.
The teams they've beaten? Oh just the Buffalo Sabres, New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators and Florida Panthers -- basically, middle-of-the-pack teams and playoff bubble teams. Think the next two games are going to come easy for the Capitals? Uh, think again.
But the Thrashers are a team that the Capitals should have no problem with. It's just that for some reason or another the Capitals can solve the Thrashers one day, and show up looking like a D student the next. We've been harping on the Caps' focus for a few posts now, but the key to the game remains the same: focus, focus, and focus.
While the fans' eyes may be on Ovechkin as he continues his quest for 60 on Sunday, keep a close eye on Bruce Boudreau and the changes he makes between periods. Boudreau needs to convince the Capitals that this is a playoff game, and his team needs to play like it's June.
The motivation should be in place as the Capitals must battle the Devils for second place, but we don't need to remind you of how lackluster the Caps have been against weak foes.
LET'S GO CAPS!
Thrashers blog
Birdwatchers Anonymous
Okay, but the Thrashers are a bottom-dwelling team currently scouting out the top five picks of this year's draft, they can't be that good right? Uh no. Don't let the Thrashers' sub .500 record fool you; they recently embarrassed the Caps in a 5-1 blowout and have held Ovie to only three goals this season, and they're entering this afternoon's game with a four-game win streak.
The teams they've beaten? Oh just the Buffalo Sabres, New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators and Florida Panthers -- basically, middle-of-the-pack teams and playoff bubble teams. Think the next two games are going to come easy for the Capitals? Uh, think again.
But the Thrashers are a team that the Capitals should have no problem with. It's just that for some reason or another the Capitals can solve the Thrashers one day, and show up looking like a D student the next. We've been harping on the Caps' focus for a few posts now, but the key to the game remains the same: focus, focus, and focus.
While the fans' eyes may be on Ovechkin as he continues his quest for 60 on Sunday, keep a close eye on Bruce Boudreau and the changes he makes between periods. Boudreau needs to convince the Capitals that this is a playoff game, and his team needs to play like it's June.
The motivation should be in place as the Capitals must battle the Devils for second place, but we don't need to remind you of how lackluster the Caps have been against weak foes.
LET'S GO CAPS!
Thrashers blog
Birdwatchers Anonymous
Cold Pizza - KHL, Tanking and Clutterbuck
Cold Pizza: Your morning, evening and everywhere in between links that are just as good cold as they are hot.The KHL Playoffs are in full swing, and Simeon Varlamov's former club Lokomotiv is tied 1-1 with the Ak Bars. [The Program]
The Coyotes think the Avalanche are tanking. A few snow blower incidents in April and they'd have a case. [NHL Fanhouse]
Our buddy Matt of Simply Sensational is writing for a new blog "The Hockey Writers." Check out his piece on Keith Aucoin. [The Hockey Writers]
Cal Clutterbuck. Funny name. Not so funny when he's on the scoresheet. Caps learned this the hard way. Here's a great interview with the 'Buck from PD. [Puck Daddy]
Best and Worst Boston Bruin names ever. [Here Come the Bruins]
And finally, your non-hockey-related link, but totally worth seeing. The Pittsburgh Pirates lost to a community college whose mascot is a Manatee. FAIL. [Deadspin]
Remember bloggers/readers, if you have a story that you think we should be posting, hit us up at capitalskremlin@gmail.com.
Ovie hits 55: Can He Hit 60?
When Alex Ovechkin sent his 55th goal of the season past Ryan Miller in the first period of Friday night's game, one single thought went through my mind as my fists flew into the air in celebration.
Can he hit 60 again?
Standing just five goals shy of another 60 goal season, Ovechkin has only four games to reach the 60 goal milestone for the second time in his career.
The four teams standing in his way are all divisional opponents, a group that he has scored only 15 goals of his 55 against. So breaking it down team-by-team, here's how Ovechkin has fared against his upcoming opponents in terms of scoring goals.
Mathematically speaking: We can expect one goal from Ovechkin in two games against the Thrashers, one goal in his one game against the Lightning, and nothing against the Panthers.
This gives Ovechkin a grand total of 57 on the season, just three shy of the 60 mark. Not too shabby.
Okay, statistics are great and all, but game logs can tell a different story. So let's break down Ovechkin's game-by game performances against each team.
That paints a completely different picture than the simple averages do. Ovechkin has had six goalless games against upcoming Southeast Division opponents of the 14 games played this season against them. Unfortunately for Alex, he only gets to play the Lightning once.
Ovechkin is currently on a four-game goal scoring streak. His longest goal scoring streak of the season was five games in which he scored six goals. Ovechkin must have at least one multi-goal game down the stretch for 60 to become a reality.
It's improbable, but that's what they said about the Caps run to the playoffs last year, and that alone should make you a believer.
But even if Ovechkin falls short by two or three goals, there's a major accomplishment that Hart Trophy voters should be aware of.
Just to give you some perspective about how good Ovechkin has been this season, no player in Capitals history has achieved 60 goals in back-to-back seasons, or let alone, come within five goals of another 60 goal season until Ovechkin did it last night.
The only other 60 goal scorer in Caps history, Dennis Maruk, never came close to repeating 60 in his career. Maruk hit 50 the year before his 60 goal campaign and that's the closest the team has had to a 60 repeater in his NHL career.
M-V-P indeed.
Can he hit 60 again?
Standing just five goals shy of another 60 goal season, Ovechkin has only four games to reach the 60 goal milestone for the second time in his career.
The four teams standing in his way are all divisional opponents, a group that he has scored only 15 goals of his 55 against. So breaking it down team-by-team, here's how Ovechkin has fared against his upcoming opponents in terms of scoring goals.
| Teams | Games Played | Goals | Goals per game |
| | 4 | 3 | .75 |
| | 5 | 6 | 1.2 |
| | 5 | 4 | .8 |
Mathematically speaking: We can expect one goal from Ovechkin in two games against the Thrashers, one goal in his one game against the Lightning, and nothing against the Panthers.
This gives Ovechkin a grand total of 57 on the season, just three shy of the 60 mark. Not too shabby.
Okay, statistics are great and all, but game logs can tell a different story. So let's break down Ovechkin's game-by game performances against each team.
| Team | Date | Goals | W/L |
| | 10-10-2008 | 0 | L |
| | 11-26-2008 | 3 | W |
| | 02-26-2009 | 0 | W |
| | 03-16-2009 | 0 | L |
| | 11-10-2008 | 1 | W |
| | 01-01-2009 | 1 | W |
| | 02-14-2009 | 1 | W |
| | 03-19-2009 | 1 | W |
| | 03-27-2009 | 2 | W |
| | 12-02-2008 | 0 | L |
| | 02-07-2009 | 0 | W |
| | 02-15-2009 | 3 | W |
| | 03-01-2009 | 1 | L |
| | 03-19-2009 | 0 | W |
That paints a completely different picture than the simple averages do. Ovechkin has had six goalless games against upcoming Southeast Division opponents of the 14 games played this season against them. Unfortunately for Alex, he only gets to play the Lightning once.
Ovechkin is currently on a four-game goal scoring streak. His longest goal scoring streak of the season was five games in which he scored six goals. Ovechkin must have at least one multi-goal game down the stretch for 60 to become a reality.
It's improbable, but that's what they said about the Caps run to the playoffs last year, and that alone should make you a believer.
But even if Ovechkin falls short by two or three goals, there's a major accomplishment that Hart Trophy voters should be aware of.
Just to give you some perspective about how good Ovechkin has been this season, no player in Capitals history has achieved 60 goals in back-to-back seasons, or let alone, come within five goals of another 60 goal season until Ovechkin did it last night.
The only other 60 goal scorer in Caps history, Dennis Maruk, never came close to repeating 60 in his career. Maruk hit 50 the year before his 60 goal campaign and that's the closest the team has had to a 60 repeater in his NHL career.
M-V-P indeed.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Cold Pizza - Links for your morning, evening, and everywhere in between
Like Cold Pizza these links are great for your evening, morning and just about anytime you're craving.DMG gets all dramatic on us with a great piece about the importance of one second. [Japers' Rink]
Former Capitals coach Ron Wilson will likely be leading the USA men's ice hockey team in Vancouver [Kukla's Korner]
Who the hell is Pikka Rinne? You'll want to know. [Barry Melrose Rocks]
Canes fourth jersey? Uh no. [Litter Box Cats]
The Program has its power rankings out. Caps at fifth. [The Program]
A Sabres fan gears up to watch the Caps in D.C. tonight. Sucks for him that his fans won't be invading anymore, or at least for a reasonable price. [Bangin Panger]
The Caps may be cool but Carolina is red hot. [From the Rink]
And we end the day with a four-pound burger. God bless America. [Deadspin]
Ovie and LeBron: Not as Cooley as We Thought
Dan Steinberg of the DC Sports Bog was there to witness the meeting of Alex Ovechkin and LeBron James, and when he Twittered about the meeting, my instincts to be a nosy blogger took over.
"@dcsportsbog The world hasn't exploded yet, so I take it the meeting wasn't as awesome as I thought it would be..."
his reply.
It was pretty close RT@ Capitalskremlin
Not only did the world not explode, but the DC sports stars failed to even align. Pretty close is overselling it.
I was imagining some rowdy photos, some joking around, maybe LeBron would teach Ovie a new dance or vice-versa. Then Ovie would try to enlist LeBron to join Eastern Motors and everything would come full circle.
Hell, I'm more disappointed that LeBron didn't try to teach Ovie how totravel crab dribble...
So what did we learn? Ovie meeting LeBron is not nearly as funny as Ovie hanging out with Chris Cooley.
Now if Arenas, Cooley and Ovechkin were all in the same room, then perhaps we'd have our world-shattering event. Maybe Ryan Zimmerman could join that group, maybe...if they don't lose 100 games this year.
"@dcsportsbog The world hasn't exploded yet, so I take it the meeting wasn't as awesome as I thought it would be..."
his reply.
It was pretty close RT@ Capitalskremlin
Not only did the world not explode, but the DC sports stars failed to even align. Pretty close is overselling it.
I was imagining some rowdy photos, some joking around, maybe LeBron would teach Ovie a new dance or vice-versa. Then Ovie would try to enlist LeBron to join Eastern Motors and everything would come full circle.
Hell, I'm more disappointed that LeBron didn't try to teach Ovie how to
So what did we learn? Ovie meeting LeBron is not nearly as funny as Ovie hanging out with Chris Cooley.
Now if Arenas, Cooley and Ovechkin were all in the same room, then perhaps we'd have our world-shattering event. Maybe Ryan Zimmerman could join that group, maybe...if they don't lose 100 games this year.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Pre-Cap: Capitals vs. Sabres
47-23-7 - First in SE - Second in ECvs.
37-30-9 - Third in NE - 10th in ECHere's the deal: If the Capitals win, they're Southeast Division Champs for back-to-back years. If they lose, it's a disappointing loss that will hopefully be amended with a win and SE Division clinch on Sunday.
Tuesday night's game against the Islanders started with a gigantic stumble. We mentioned that focus would be key, and for 35 minutes the Capitals lacked any sort of focus. At the end of the first period, if you had taken the names away from the stats, you might have mistaken the Islanders for a playoff team.
But focusing on tonight's game, Buffalo is still, technically, a playoff team -- barely.
The Buffalo Sabres are on death-watch, and a loss to the Capitals would put them out of reach barring that Florida, New York and Montreal don't break down in the last week. But just because they are close to making tee times doesn't necessarily mean they won't show up. As far as the Sabres players are concerned, there's a slim chance they could see the postseason, and they'll want to try to take it.
Mike Green is coming off his record-setting night and, believe it or not, he can set yet another record if he scores in tonight's game. A power-play goal by Green ties him for the most power play goals scored by a defender in a single season. NOR-RIS, NOR-RIS should be echoing through the ceiling of the Verizon Center should Green put a PPG in. Consider him our "one to watch."
The Capitals also need to come out strong against the Sabres, a team that they've had one of their worst and best performances against. The first meeting between the two clubs? A 5-0 shutout for the Sabres. After that? Two wins, 3-2 and 4-2 respectively.
If the Capitals can keep the focus that they left Tuesday's game with and continue to punish opponents with their second ranked power play, which sits just .3% below Detroit's, we can all look forward raising one (of many, we hope) banner for the 2008-2009 season.
Buffalo Blogs
Die by the Blade
LET'S GO CAPS
Tuesday night's game against the Islanders started with a gigantic stumble. We mentioned that focus would be key, and for 35 minutes the Capitals lacked any sort of focus. At the end of the first period, if you had taken the names away from the stats, you might have mistaken the Islanders for a playoff team.
But focusing on tonight's game, Buffalo is still, technically, a playoff team -- barely.
The Buffalo Sabres are on death-watch, and a loss to the Capitals would put them out of reach barring that Florida, New York and Montreal don't break down in the last week. But just because they are close to making tee times doesn't necessarily mean they won't show up. As far as the Sabres players are concerned, there's a slim chance they could see the postseason, and they'll want to try to take it.
Mike Green is coming off his record-setting night and, believe it or not, he can set yet another record if he scores in tonight's game. A power-play goal by Green ties him for the most power play goals scored by a defender in a single season. NOR-RIS, NOR-RIS should be echoing through the ceiling of the Verizon Center should Green put a PPG in. Consider him our "one to watch."
The Capitals also need to come out strong against the Sabres, a team that they've had one of their worst and best performances against. The first meeting between the two clubs? A 5-0 shutout for the Sabres. After that? Two wins, 3-2 and 4-2 respectively.
If the Capitals can keep the focus that they left Tuesday's game with and continue to punish opponents with their second ranked power play, which sits just .3% below Detroit's, we can all look forward raising one (of many, we hope) banner for the 2008-2009 season.
Buffalo Blogs
Die by the Blade
LET'S GO CAPS
Cold Pizza - Links for your morning, evening and everywhere in between
Completely ripping off just about every blog in the world, here's a collection of stories worth checking out.
It ain't over till it's over for Mike Green and, with five games left, we can't wait to see how he'll be in the playoffs. [Alex Ovetjkin]
Everyone loves a feel-good story, so did Mike Milbury just damn the Bruins by calling them it? [The Instigators]
Hockey fans in Phoenix are devastated that their team maybe leaving. Oh we're not talking about the Coyotes...yet. [From the Rink]
First a 5-1 loss, now being named one of The Program's three turkeys, Marty Brodeur just can't catch a break. [The Program]
The 700 level offers us a look at the newest Flyer you'll want to start hating on. [The 700 Level]
The AHL All-Star teams have been announced, and Alzner gets snubbed. [Bangin Panger]
The Leafs lose their fourth-round pick after a transaction with the Tampa Bay Lightning for Jonas Forgen was deemed questionable. [Pension Plan Puppets]
Ovie, Ovie and Ovie. Oh just more analysts predicting the Hart Trophy [SportsNet]
When Ovie met LeBron. [DC Sports Bog]
Got a link you think we should see? Are you a blogger and want your stories to appear here? Send us your stories and RSS feed links at capitalskremlin@gmail.com.
It ain't over till it's over for Mike Green and, with five games left, we can't wait to see how he'll be in the playoffs. [Alex Ovetjkin]
Everyone loves a feel-good story, so did Mike Milbury just damn the Bruins by calling them it? [The Instigators]
Hockey fans in Phoenix are devastated that their team maybe leaving. Oh we're not talking about the Coyotes...yet. [From the Rink]
First a 5-1 loss, now being named one of The Program's three turkeys, Marty Brodeur just can't catch a break. [The Program]
The 700 level offers us a look at the newest Flyer you'll want to start hating on. [The 700 Level]
The AHL All-Star teams have been announced, and Alzner gets snubbed. [Bangin Panger]
The Leafs lose their fourth-round pick after a transaction with the Tampa Bay Lightning for Jonas Forgen was deemed questionable. [Pension Plan Puppets]
Ovie, Ovie and Ovie. Oh just more analysts predicting the Hart Trophy [SportsNet]
When Ovie met LeBron. [DC Sports Bog]
Got a link you think we should see? Are you a blogger and want your stories to appear here? Send us your stories and RSS feed links at capitalskremlin@gmail.com.
Caps Sign Big Joe Finley of North Dakota
Per Washington Capitals.com.
"The Washington Capitals have signed defenseman Joe Finley to a two-year entry-level contract beginning next season, vice president and general manager George McPhee announced today. In keeping with club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. Finley, 21, will join the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League (AHL) on Monday."
Finley is most known for his towering size and booming slap shot. He stands at 6'7 and weighs 240 pounds.
Here's his Hockey's Future bio.
Kid is freakin' huge. Here's a goal...and a crunch..
and that slap shot.
"Alex Semin" and "Jeff Schultz" want to be your Twitter Buds
Twitter is kind of a big deal. Millions log on each day to update what they are doing, as if anyone really cared -- hell, we even do it.
It's frequently crashing because it's "receiving too many tweets," which translates to "we're jury-rigging our servers with duct tape, a pipe cleaner and a Band-Aid," and it is quickly becoming the new Facebook for online stalkers.
It's also been a good place to find some great humor in under 140 characters.
A few days ago, the infamous Brian Burke, GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs, was displeased about a fake Twitter account in his name. The account "Brian Burke" frequently posted funny one-liners about his team's success and struggles. It was a huge hit, with 1,526 followers still hanging on despite the joke's death.
So without the king of NHL Twitter jokes around anymore, where can you find your daily joke-Twitter fix?
Look no farther than the Washington Capitals Twitter stars, Alexander Semin, Jose Theodore, Karl Alzner, and Jeff Schultz.
Some classic Tweets from these accounts?
From "Jose Theodore"
What will they call the St. Pete Times forum when the newspapers go under? Twitter should start sponsoring!Varlamov is back? Don't we have enough Russians?
already looking past carolina hurri-lames. back2back games vs ATL & FLA, which team should i play against
From "Alex Semin"
@kingkarl27 Aucoin put one in tonight. That can only lead to one thing — a demotion to Hershey, right?
@josetheodore I'm just saying it was selfish for you to stay in net when we had only a 5-on-1 chance. Pitch in every once in a while, Theo!
Playing bongos for Washington symphony's Nutcracker performance. Sid's also in it -- he's learning his role with Boris Valabik.
From "Karl Alzner"
@jeffschultz55 I wasn't hoping you'd hurt yourself in that.... uh... at all. Really
Aw, man. I have to work on this costing too much thing or I'll never get back to DC
Bruce, I say you give Erskine that chance at forward and bring me back. I could use a new suit.
and finally from "Jeff Schultz"
For the record, I was not being a punching bag. Just didn't want to reinjure my hand (sorry @kingkarl27, being selfish)
Only one game in ten days for me. Skating lots. Working on my scratch spin and double Salchow, Nylander is gonna be so impressed.
Caps signed a new defenseman. Uh oh for stupid penalty takers.
It's frequently crashing because it's "receiving too many tweets," which translates to "we're jury-rigging our servers with duct tape, a pipe cleaner and a Band-Aid," and it is quickly becoming the new Facebook for online stalkers.
It's also been a good place to find some great humor in under 140 characters.
A few days ago, the infamous Brian Burke, GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs, was displeased about a fake Twitter account in his name. The account "Brian Burke" frequently posted funny one-liners about his team's success and struggles. It was a huge hit, with 1,526 followers still hanging on despite the joke's death.
So without the king of NHL Twitter jokes around anymore, where can you find your daily joke-Twitter fix?
Look no farther than the Washington Capitals Twitter stars, Alexander Semin, Jose Theodore, Karl Alzner, and Jeff Schultz.
Some classic Tweets from these accounts?
From "Jose Theodore"
What will they call the St. Pete Times forum when the newspapers go under? Twitter should start sponsoring!Varlamov is back? Don't we have enough Russians?
already looking past carolina hurri-lames. back2back games vs ATL & FLA, which team should i play against
From "Alex Semin"
@kingkarl27 Aucoin put one in tonight. That can only lead to one thing — a demotion to Hershey, right?
@josetheodore I'm just saying it was selfish for you to stay in net when we had only a 5-on-1 chance. Pitch in every once in a while, Theo!
Playing bongos for Washington symphony's Nutcracker performance. Sid's also in it -- he's learning his role with Boris Valabik.
From "Karl Alzner"
@jeffschultz55 I wasn't hoping you'd hurt yourself in that.... uh... at all. Really
Aw, man. I have to work on this costing too much thing or I'll never get back to DC
Bruce, I say you give Erskine that chance at forward and bring me back. I could use a new suit.
and finally from "Jeff Schultz"
For the record, I was not being a punching bag. Just didn't want to reinjure my hand (sorry @kingkarl27, being selfish)
Only one game in ten days for me. Skating lots. Working on my scratch spin and double Salchow, Nylander is gonna be so impressed.
Caps signed a new defenseman. Uh oh for stupid penalty takers.
Capitals Milestones: 101 Points, Seven Points to History
and Greenie's 30
It was the turn of the century the last time the Capitals broke the 100-point marker. It was the year 2000, the Capitals earned 102 points, won the Southeast Division and then exited the playoffs in the conference quarterfinals.
Breaking 100 points isn't the only major accomplishment the Capitals have achieved this year. It's been a season full of story lines, milestones and heroic moments, but if 2007-2008 was the year of Ovechkin, then 2008-2009 is the year of Mike Green.
Green, who set a new NHL consecutive goals record this year, now is the first Caps defender to score 30 goals in a season since Kevin Hatcher did it in 1992-1993. His 18 power play goals also set a new franchise record for power play goals, breaking Hall-of-Famer Scott Stevens' record of 16.
Perhaps this weekend we should chant "NOR-RIS, NOR-RIS" instead of our usual "M-V-P" fanfare. Trust me, Greenie is deserving of it, the award and the chant.
But Green's accomplishments aren't the only milestones to be broken this season, and perhaps an even larger one is waiting to be bested. We're talking, of course, about the best Capitals single-season record.
The current mark is 107 points in 1985-1986. With five games left, and three wins needed to tie, the Capitals could not only tie the record, but put the mark as high as 111 points. With a schedule that includes two visits to Atlanta, one to Tampa and another to Florida, the record is likely to fall.
It's moments like these that make me think back to the fire-sale, watching beloved players leave for prospects and picks and wondering, "Is this going to work?"
For those of us who have been through the thick of it and stood by the team despite the horrid pre- and post-lockout years, take a moment to enjoy these last few games.
The team has earned the milestones and, by sticking by the team, the fans have earned the right to enjoy them.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Ovechkin and Malkin not as Clutch as Crosby?
USA Today's March NHL Clutch Rankings came out today, and guess who leads the league in overall "clutch-ness"?
You guessed it! Steve Sullivan of the Nashville Predators. Sullivan leads the league in clutch points with 1,244. Second place? None other than...Sidney Crosby, who has 1,101.
As for Ovechkin, he's ninth with 905 clutch points. Evgeni Malkin, the NHL's point leader, isn't even on the list.
Here's how the clutch ratings are compiled:
You guessed it! Steve Sullivan of the Nashville Predators. Sullivan leads the league in clutch points with 1,244. Second place? None other than...Sidney Crosby, who has 1,101.
As for Ovechkin, he's ninth with 905 clutch points. Evgeni Malkin, the NHL's point leader, isn't even on the list.
Here's how the clutch ratings are compiled:
So what do you make of USA Today's Clutch Ratings?• First goal of the game: 75. Assist: 40. If first goal occurs after first period, then 100 and 60.
• Tying goal: 75: Assist: 40
• Two goals ahead (excluding empty netters): 50. Assist: 30
• Pull team within one: 25. Assist: 15
• Shootout goal: 50 points
Time bonuses
• For go-ahead or first goal: Sliding scale from 25 to 100 for a third-period goal. Assist: Sliding scale from 10 to 50.
• Overtime: 100. Assist: 60
• For two goals ahead or tying goal: Sliding scale from 20 to 60 for a third-period goal. Assist: Sliding scale from 10 to 30.
Maximum points for a goal is 200 for an overtime goal.
ESPN Rick Rolls Nation
Click to expand.ESPN starts with the April Fooling. The first match of the day for their pick 'em?
The Vorkuta Rick Diggers
vs.
Norilsk Gold Rolls
It'll be "televised" on ESPN 8 at 11:59 a.m.
Check it out here. Clicking on either team sends you to the famous Rick Roll video.
Seriously ESPN, why couldn't you do something original rather than stealing 4chan's most famous meme? You could have "announced" NHL coverage for the 09-10 season, man, that would have sent the NHL blogosphere into a frenzy.
Anyway, for those new to this meme or who want to know its backstory, here is it.
The Rick Roll is a link to the music video "Never Gonna Give You Up" by Rick Astley. It was made popular two years ago when the video game Grand Theft Auto 4 was announced. The company that makes the game, Rockstar, was going to release a video of the game but due to a server overload, many could not view the video.
As a joke, a few Internet pranksters from 4chan began spamming video game message boards with a "link" to the supposed GTA 4 video. Instead they were greeted by the opening synth beat of "Never Gonna Give You Up." The Rick Roll was born and now it is used as a misdirection joke and is easily the Internet's most famous meme.
Moment of Randomness
The Windsor Spitfires work out to the beat.
It looks like an outtake from the latest High School Musical. High School Musical 4: Junior Years!
Thanks to Teka from Talk Hockey To Me for the heads up.
It looks like an outtake from the latest High School Musical. High School Musical 4: Junior Years!
Thanks to Teka from Talk Hockey To Me for the heads up.
Pre-Cap: Capitals vs. Islanders
46-23-7 first in SE, second in EC
vs.
25-41-9
last in ATL, last in EC
25-41-9 last in ATL, last in EC
At least we know that the Capitals have their eyes on the prize and aren't going to lackadaisically drag themselves through this game. We hope.
Boudreau's comments about watching the Devils game with interest shows that the team values the second slot, values home advantage, and values finishing strong. Given the Capitals' remaining schedule against the NHL's meek, there's no reason the Caps shouldn't put together a lengthy win streak to close out the 08-09 season.
For the Islanders, a win would hurt them more than a loss. Now before you say "Gee CK, that's a really stupid thing to say," remember that it's lottery time and each Islanders win brings them closer to playing themselves out of the first overall pick. With a talent such as John Tavares likely to go first, Islanders fans are likely to be happier with the first overall than a late season win over the Capitals.
But let's not fool ourselves (resisting urge for lame joke) on this day of fooling (sorry). Bottom-feeding teams live for one thing at the end of the season and that's being the party crasher. When the fans have little to cheer for, they often opt to cheer for being the demise of another team.
While the Islanders won't be putting the Caps playoff hopes in any doubt, they can put a stick in the spokes of the Caps' Southeast Division Championship run, at least for a game. As we reported earlier, the magic number is three, and with a Caps win tonight and a Canes loss Thursday, Friday night the Caps will be celebrating another division conquest.
The key to tonight's game will be focus, not just because the Capitals should easily walk over this Islanders club, but because a momentry lapse of focus could turn an easy win into a disappointing loss.
I think we've seen enough of that this season.
Isles' links
The Drive for Five
Lighthouse Hockey
Fun Links
The Isles want to get a piece of that sweet, sweet, stimulus money. [Newsday]
Speaking of Nassau Coliseum (Isle's home), playoff games will be played there -- AHL playoff games that is. [NHL Fanhouse]
Boudreau's comments about watching the Devils game with interest shows that the team values the second slot, values home advantage, and values finishing strong. Given the Capitals' remaining schedule against the NHL's meek, there's no reason the Caps shouldn't put together a lengthy win streak to close out the 08-09 season.
For the Islanders, a win would hurt them more than a loss. Now before you say "Gee CK, that's a really stupid thing to say," remember that it's lottery time and each Islanders win brings them closer to playing themselves out of the first overall pick. With a talent such as John Tavares likely to go first, Islanders fans are likely to be happier with the first overall than a late season win over the Capitals.
But let's not fool ourselves (resisting urge for lame joke) on this day of fooling (sorry). Bottom-feeding teams live for one thing at the end of the season and that's being the party crasher. When the fans have little to cheer for, they often opt to cheer for being the demise of another team.
While the Islanders won't be putting the Caps playoff hopes in any doubt, they can put a stick in the spokes of the Caps' Southeast Division Championship run, at least for a game. As we reported earlier, the magic number is three, and with a Caps win tonight and a Canes loss Thursday, Friday night the Caps will be celebrating another division conquest.
The key to tonight's game will be focus, not just because the Capitals should easily walk over this Islanders club, but because a momentry lapse of focus could turn an easy win into a disappointing loss.
I think we've seen enough of that this season.
Isles' links
The Drive for Five
Lighthouse Hockey
Fun Links
The Isles want to get a piece of that sweet, sweet, stimulus money. [Newsday]
Speaking of Nassau Coliseum (Isle's home), playoff games will be played there -- AHL playoff games that is. [NHL Fanhouse]
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