Round 1: Washington Capitals vs. Philadelphia Flyers [Archive]

Danielos38

04-08-2008, 01:05 PM

The Caps are back and better than ever! (hopefully)

I thought that I'd make a new thread for each round because I doubt that we'll have enough interest for a thread per game. Hopefully I'll be able to make a few different Caps playoff threads!

My series prediction: 4-2 C-A-P-S CAPS CAPS CAPS!

I think that a Caps Pens 2nd round would be INTENSE!

Mashed Potatoes

04-08-2008, 01:08 PM

I think that a Caps Pens 2nd round would be INTENSE!

I would love to see Ovechkin just crush Crosby into the boards. Has anyone else developed a hate for Sidney because he takes away some of the spotlight from Alexander the Great?

Dracula

04-08-2008, 01:39 PM

Sidney is too much of a pretty boy for me and he's in too many commercials now for being hurt all year. Ovechkin is a freaking mad man out on the ice.

Tank

04-08-2008, 01:43 PM

I also think the Caps take this series in 6 games.

EddieO's21

04-08-2008, 01:50 PM

I'll be there section 121 Row R and I am absolutely pumped...i'm thinking Caps in 7...philly is a physical team

Danielos38

04-08-2008, 04:29 PM

I would love to see Ovechkin just crush Crosby into the boards. Has anyone else developed a hate for Sidney because he takes away some of the spotlight from Alexander the Great?

Absolutely! I can't stand him. He is barely half of the impact player that Ovechkin is yet he is considered the heir to Gretsky. I'd love nothing more to see them match up in the playoffs just so Ovy can clothesline him in open ice.

GeorgiaBird

04-08-2008, 04:37 PM

Hard to say which way this goes. Caps are red hot and have raw talent that matches up with anyone in the East. But Philadelphia in my mind is a bad matchup. They are going to target and perhaps even attempt to injury Ovechkin and be real physical throughout. And hockey playoffs, more than any other sport, seems to be tough on first timers. (Remember how dead Pitt looked last year? I sure do, and enjoyed every bit of it.) My heart says Caps 4-2 or so but really I would not be surprised at any outcome.

This to me is gravy. The last few weeks have been so much fun I almost don't care what happens in the playoffs. Though I am sure I will be bitter if they don't end up winning. :)

Danielos38

04-08-2008, 04:47 PM

GeorgiaBird

04-08-2008, 05:11 PM

Hopefully I am worrying too much, but I keep thinking back to all of the cheapshots the Flyers committed earlier in the year.

The good news is in Brash and Cooke we have two guys who know how to retaliate, and can play some hockey as well. And the league will be watching, especially with a star like Ovechkin at risk. So again hopefully they will not try anything.

Flip217

04-08-2008, 05:19 PM

It'll be the best first round series, imho. It'll be a blast to watch Ovechkin do his thing, but my heart and my head say the Flyers with their more balanced offense will prevail.

orioles119

04-08-2008, 05:44 PM

Sidney is too much of a pretty boy for me and he's in too many commercials now for being hurt all year. Ovechkin is a freaking mad man out on the ice.
Crosby is made of glass and dives enough to make most Olympians embarrassed.

DuffMan

04-09-2008, 09:37 AM

I would love to see Ovechkin just crush Crosby into the boards. Has anyone else developed a hate for Sidney because he takes away some of the spotlight from Alexander the Great?

I never really cared for Crosby much, but I would disagree with the fact that he's taken away the spotlight from Ovechkin, at least as far as this year goes. Crosby's been a bit banged up and Ovechkin has just been a monster! Ovechkin seems to have this fire about him that's just contagious. Don't get me wrong, Crosby is an amazing player as well, but he's afraid to mix it up and throw his body around like Ovechkin does.

I'm hoping the top 3 seeds advance to the 2nd round because I would love to see a Pens-Caps matchup.

It could be like Larry Bird and Magic Johnson! And the great thing is Ovechkin and Crosby are still going to get better!!:eek: So this is just the tip of the iceberg!

capsfan8

04-09-2008, 11:42 PM

I'm hoping the top 3 seeds advance to the 2nd round because I would love to see a Pens-Caps matchup.

OK obviously, you don't know much about the caps. ANYONE who has payed any attention in the last 3 weeks would no that that is the last team you want the caps to match up against. Anyone that says they're a caps fan should be hoping like none other that the pens loses, considering they are playing like they were sent from god. Other then that, i hate cindy just as much as the next caps fan, but you cannot call him half of ovechkin. he is clearly a great player and will be for many years, someone the caps Do Not want to have to face, exciting or not.

Either way, w/ Huet on his game and a solid home crowd, Phli should be no problem

charliec107

04-09-2008, 11:50 PM

capsfan8

04-09-2008, 11:56 PM

Just because someone wants to play the Pens doesn't mean they don't know about the Caps. They've bounced us out of the playoffs before and it would be nice to repay the favor. Honestly, I want the Pens too. I want Pittsburgh as much as the fans at RFK wanted Dallas. How great would it be to send a huge rival like that to the golf course.

Yes while it would be nice to knock them out, that is still not a team they want to be playing. Unfortunately, the hot streak of the caps which got them into the playoffs, consisted of games against decent mainly southeast div. teams. as awesome and impressive as it was that we won 7 out, beating tampa is nothing like playing a 100+ pt team. For the Caps to really advance, the only place i'd like to see them is in the eastern conf. finals. Or hopefully they will choke against ottowa, although considering tonight was 4-0, this is very unlikely.

DuffMan

04-10-2008, 07:37 AM

OK obviously, you don't know much about the caps. ANYONE who has payed any attention in the last 3 weeks would no that that is the last team you want the caps to match up against. Anyone that says they're a caps fan should be hoping like none other that the pens loses, considering they are playing like they were sent from god. Other then that, i hate cindy just as much as the next caps fan, but you cannot call him half of ovechkin. he is clearly a great player and will be for many years, someone the caps Do Not want to have to face, exciting or not.

Either way, w/ Huet on his game and a solid home crowd, Phli should be no problem

Ok next time try reading the entire post. Or all my other posts for that matter. If you had looked at the Hockey forums at all you would realize I'm one of the regulars when discussing the Caps. I've been following this team all season and have been watching a majority of their games on TV so I have a pretty good feel for how things are going.

I never said Playing the Penguins would be an easy matchup, I just said it would be great hockey and I would love to watch those two great players go at it!! I never said Crosby was half the player Ovechkin. I said they are both talented players, but I give the nod to Ovechkin because he is willing to play physical as well. I also compared the two to a possible Larry Bird-Magic Johnson rivalry. So I think I'm giving him his credit.

Read things through before you decide to attack my posts.

And as far as not wanting to face the Pens I'll close with this quote.......

"To be the man, you gotta beat the man!"

capsfan8

04-10-2008, 08:34 AM

Ok next time try reading the entire post. Or all my other posts for that matter. If you had looked at the Hockey forums at all you would realize I'm one of the regulars when discussing the Caps. I've been following this team all season and have been watching a majority of their games on TV so I have a pretty good feel for how things are going.

I never said Playing the Penguins would be an easy matchup, I just said it would be great hockey and I would love to watch those two great players go at it!! I never said Crosby was half the player Ovechkin. I said they are both talented players, but I give the nod to Ovechkin because he is willing to play physical as well. I also compared the two to a possible Larry Bird-Magic Johnson rivalry. So I think I'm giving him his credit.

Read things through before you decide to attack my posts.

And as far as not wanting to face the Pens I'll close with this quote.......

"To be the man, you gotta beat the man!"

ok it was actually danielo's or sum1 hu said the thing about crosby being half the player o-v is and that who i was really talking about. and just so you all know, i'm as credible as you- i have season tix to the caps and between verizona and tv, ive only missed 3 games.

tywright

04-10-2008, 09:19 AM

Yes while it would be nice to knock them out, that is still not a team they want to be playing. Unfortunately, the hot streak of the caps which got them into the playoffs, consisted of games against decent mainly southeast div. teams. as awesome and impressive as it was that we won 7 out, beating tampa is nothing like playing a 100+ pt team. For the Caps to really advance, the only place i'd like to see them is in the eastern conf. finals. Or hopefully they will choke against ottowa, although considering tonight was 4-0, this is very unlikely.

Did you know the Caps have the 2nd best record against Playoff teams. Most pundits still see the Caps as the token SE team that gets lucky enough to get the 3 seed. In reality, the Caps are the 3rd/4th best team in the NHL since Boudreau took over.

And the only way we can play the Pens in the Conf Finals is if Boston takes out Montreal. I just don't see that happening.

DuffMan

04-10-2008, 09:48 AM

Did you know the Caps have the 2nd best record against Playoff teams. Most pundits still see the Caps as the token SE team that gets lucky enough to get the 3 seed. In reality, the Caps are the 3rd/4th best team in the NHL since Boudreau took over.

And the only way we can play the Pens in the Conf Finals is if Boston takes out Montreal. I just don't see that happening.

If you really want to talk disrespect check this out.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/playoffs2008/columns/story?columnist=frei_terry&id=3334169

Out of all 16 teams, they are giving the Caps the 15th best odds. At 100-1 Gimme a break!! Now don't get me wrong they shouldn't be the favorites, but I mean seriously they have teams like Ottawa with better odds. To quote Mr. McEnroe "YOU CAN NOT BE SERIOUS!!"

YardBirds13

04-10-2008, 10:52 AM

I am by no means a hockey fan.

I have always loved watching playoff hockey, but don't claim to follow it at all.

Last weekend I watched the Caps game against Florida, and how cool was that??!!?? The Verizon Center was packed and seemed as loud as ever, and I really enjoyed watching Ovechkin.

I'm jumping on the bandwagon for the playoffs. I won't gloat and celebrate like a true Caps fan if they go the distance, because I hate when bandwagon fans claim to be true fans.

But, I will fully admit that I am a bandwagon Caps fan for the playoffs, and I will be rooting hard for them.

GO CAPS!!!

capsfan8

04-10-2008, 02:34 PM

Did you know the Caps have the 2nd best record against Playoff teams. Most pundits still see the Caps as the token SE team that gets lucky enough to get the 3 seed. In reality, the Caps are the 3rd/4th best team in the NHL since Boudreau took over.

And the only way we can play the Pens in the Conf Finals is if Boston takes out Montreal. I just don't see that happening.

Oh i absolutely agree that the caps are great contenders, and may very well go to the 3rd round or more. I just think that hoping to play the pens is a bad call and are best hope is that ottowa steps it up and takes them out first round. After all, the caps have no problem against the sens.

tywright

04-10-2008, 04:53 PM

Oh i absolutely agree that the caps are great contenders, and may very well go to the 3rd round or more. I just think that hoping to play the pens is a bad call and are best hope is that ottowa steps it up and takes them out first round. After all, the caps have no problem against the sens.

I'd be the 1st one to say I don't want to play the Pens next round. But to be the best you have to beat the best, which means we're going to have to go through the Flyers, Pens, and whoever after that. However, first things first, let's win Game 1 Friday night and stay healthy in the process. And if things get nasty, we signed Brashear for that purpose.

Danielos38

04-10-2008, 05:00 PM

ok it was actually danielo's or sum1 hu said the thing about crosby being half the player o-v is and that who i was really talking about. and just so you all know, i'm as credible as you- i have season tix to the caps and between verizona and tv, ive only missed 3 games.

First of all, I said that Crosby isn't half the impact player that Ovy is. What I mean by that is that though he is almost as good of an all around player as Ovy, he doesn't have half the impact on his team that Ovy does. Without Ovechkin, the Caps would be nothing. Without Crosby the Pens would probably still be a playoff team.

By the way, there was no reason to attack Duff's posts before. Just because you think you're more knowledgeable about the Caps (you might be, I don't know you) doesn't mean that you should attack his post like that. Plus, we have spelling and grammar rules around here. It would benefit you to use them.

Birds90

04-10-2008, 10:13 PM

ok. guys, it's going to be just like the 80s. Intense hockey, players going flying, amazing goals, etc.

Caps in 6 and we get the Pens second round.

GO CAPS!!! :)

capsfan8

04-10-2008, 10:33 PM

I'd be the 1st one to say I don't want to play the Pens next round. But to be the best you have to beat the best, which means we're going to have to go through the Flyers, Pens, and whoever after that. However, first things first, let's win Game 1 Friday night and stay healthy in the process. And if things get nasty, we signed Brashear for that purpose.

Haha first off, nice quote from, i want to say never back down. Second, i agree with that but i just mean i'm sure as heck rooting for the sens in the next week. and don't worry, I;ve concluded in the last 3 years of games at the booth, Ovechkin cannot actually get injured.

capsfan8

04-10-2008, 10:38 PM

First of all, I said that Crosby isn't half the impact player that Ovy is. What I mean by that is that though he is almost as good of an all around player as Ovy, he doesn't have half the impact on his team that Ovy does. Without Ovechkin, the Caps would be nothing. Without Crosby the Pens would probably still be a playoff team.

By the way, there was no reason to attack Duff's posts before. Just because you think you're more knowledgeable about the Caps (you might be, I don't know you) doesn't mean that you should attack his post like that. Plus, we have spelling and grammar rules around here. It would benefit you to use them.

Well sir, i appreciate you explaining that to me, although i still disagree. Cindy has done a very large amount for the pens, and while the caps would not fair well with out him they are quickly turning into a bunch of guys who may do alright in the future should his leadership cease. Oh one last thing. I know for a fact one of your ideas stated in your post was entirely wrong. I will give you some time to try and discover which one it is. Later Bozy :). Uh Oh....

DuffMan

04-11-2008, 07:46 AM

Well sir, i appreciate you explaining that to me, although i still disagree. Cindy has done a very large amount for the pens, and while the caps would not fair well with out him they are quickly turning into a bunch of guys who may do alright in the future should his leadership cease. Oh one last thing. I know for a fact one of your ideas stated in your post was entirely wrong. I will give you some time to try and discover which one it is. Later Bozy :). Uh Oh....

Who's this Cindy you keep talking about????

Bosibus

04-11-2008, 09:13 AM

Who's this Cindy you keep talking about????

I think he means Crosby...just giving him a girl name...

Flip217

04-11-2008, 11:31 AM

Either way, w/ Huet on his game and a solid home crowd, Phli should be no problem

I don't know -- it seems to me that so much of the Caps offense comes from just one player, it might hurt them in the long run. The Flyers have six 20-goal scorers, and Upshall and Umberger are dangerous, too. On the other hand, Ovechkin is the most dynamic, exciting and dangerous guy on the ice, and how do you stop him?

I'm a Philly fan, so I hope they pull it off. I think they'll have to continue playing their game and not try to shadow Ovechkin or anything, but they can't over-committ on the forecheck either and let him have a breakaway.

Anyway, I think it'll be the best series of the first round, I'm looking forward to the return of playoff hockey in both Washington and Philly, and I'll be happy no matter which team advances (but I'll be happier if it's Philly!)

tywright

04-11-2008, 11:42 AM

I don't know -- it seems to me that so much of the Caps offense comes from just one player, it might hurt them in the long run. The Flyers have six 20-goal scorers, and Upshall and Umberger are dangerous, too. On the other hand, Ovechkin is the most dynamic, exciting and dangerous guy on the ice, and how do you stop him?

I'm a Philly fan, so I hope they pull it off. I think they'll have to continue playing their game and not try to shadow Ovechkin or anything, but they can't over-committ on the forecheck either and let him have a breakaway.

Anyway, I think it'll be the best series of the first round, I'm looking forward to the return of playoff hockey in both Washington and Philly, and I'll be happy no matter which team advances (but I'll be happier if it's Philly!)

You do realize that the Flyers only scored 9 more goals than the Caps during the season, right? Plus the Caps generate a ton of shots and the Flyers usually give up more than 30 a game. Basically the Flyers are going to be in their defensive zone more often than not.

And don't underestimate Semin, Kozlov, Backstrom, and Green. And we have been getting goals from a lot of our role players (Laich, Feds, Cooke, Bradley, etc.). With our defense getting back to full strength, don't be surprised to see a couple OT games and 3-2 wins for the Caps.

Where's Dale Hunter when we need him? Someone post the 1988 GWG in OT of Game 7 against the Flyers.

DuffMan

04-11-2008, 11:57 AM

You do realize that the Flyers only scored 9 more goals than the Caps during the season, right? Plus the Caps generate a ton of shots and the Flyers usually give up more than 30 a game. Basically the Flyers are going to be in their defensive zone more often than not.

And don't underestimate Semin, Kozlov, Backstrom, and Green. And we have been getting goals from a lot of our role players (Laich, Feds, Cooke, Bradley, etc.). With our defense getting back to full strength, don't be surprised to see a couple OT games and 3-2 wins for the Caps.

Where's Dale Hunter when we need him? Someone post the 1988 GWG in OT of Game 7 against the Flyers.

Semin's play has been much better since they brought in Federov to play along side him. I agree that the roll players have been stepping up as well. You don't dominate down the stretch b/c of one play, it takes a team effort. Getting our D health is a bonus. What I'm really hoping for is that Clark gets back on the ace at some point. Getting the "C" back on the ice for the playoffs would be a huge plus!

I'm glad they finally play. The past few days have been tough watching every other series get underway. Finally it's our turn. LET'S GO CAPS!

Danielos38

04-11-2008, 12:26 PM

Flip217

04-11-2008, 03:11 PM

You do realize that the Flyers only scored 9 more goals than the Caps during the season, right?

No, I didn't realize that. But more is still more! ;)

I know the Atlantic Division came away with 472 points to the Southeast's 418 points.

Plus the Caps generate a ton of shots and the Flyers usually give up more than 30 a game. Basically the Flyers are going to be in their defensive zone more often than not.

And don't underestimate Semin, Kozlov, Backstrom, and Green. And we have been getting goals from a lot of our role players (Laich, Feds, Cooke, Bradley, etc.). With our defense getting back to full strength, don't be surprised to see a couple OT games and 3-2 wins for the Caps.

Sure, I can see that happening. Like I said originally, I think it's a great match-up and will be one of the better series to watch. Both teams skate really well and like to play up-tempo, both teams don't mind scrapping a little bit, and both teams have goalies essentially unproven in the playoffs.

Where's Dale Hunter when we need him? Someone post the 1988 GWG in OT of Game 7 against the Flyers.

Is this (http://www.wikio.com/video/174529) the one you speak of? :) Seriously, Dale's still the man.

Just as long as we don't see a repeat of this pregame brawl (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNIdtnUQ3qI). Well, at least after we get game one out of the way!

tywright

04-11-2008, 03:38 PM

Is this (http://www.wikio.com/video/174529) the one you speak of? :) Seriously, Dale's still the man.

Just as long as we don't see a repeat of this pregame brawl (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNIdtnUQ3qI). Well, at least after we get game one out of the way!

The goal horn alone and the white pom-poms at the Cap Center always bring a smile to my face. That place was a madhouse when he won it. Hopefully we see some of that this series.

AgentOrange

04-11-2008, 07:04 PM

Here we go...

Birds90

04-11-2008, 07:06 PM

I've only heard stories of this, but; my dad cried after that because Hunter is his favorite player and it was nice to see him do it.

LET'S GO CAPS!

Flip217

04-11-2008, 07:44 PM

Good first period! But as a Flyers fan, can't say I'm happy about Ovechkin getting those chances at the top of the circle -- he'll connect sooner or later.

DuffMan

04-11-2008, 08:50 PM

Good first period! But as a Flyers fan, can't say I'm happy about Ovechkin getting those chances at the top of the circle -- he'll connect sooner or later.

Terrible 2nd Period. The D isn't helping Huet out at all. They need to turn it up a notch in the 3rd if they want to make a game of this other wise they're going to be down 1-0

Flip217

04-11-2008, 09:20 PM

Terrible 2nd Period. The D isn't helping Huet out at all. They need to turn it up a notch in the 3rd if they want to make a game of this other wise they're going to be down 1-0

DuffMan speaks, God listens...

DuffMan

04-11-2008, 09:46 PM

DuffMan speaks, God listens...

Wow! Now that's what I'm talking about. They played in that 3rd period like they were playing down the stretch. Obviously the goal by Ovechkin was clutch, but Green comes up huge with 2 goals to tie it up. Getting that goal early in the 3rd period was huge for setting the table for the rest of the period.
This really has to sting for the Flyers, they really had the Caps off their game after the 2nd, but the dreaded 2 goal lead did them. Don't expect them to roll over though. I'm sure the high intensity and the hitting will pick up right where it left off at the end of this game!

Birds90

04-11-2008, 10:02 PM

I'm still speechless about this game..

Flip217

04-11-2008, 11:08 PM

Thoresen may lose a nut after blocking that shot...talk about giving 110%....http://www.sportsline.com/nhl/story/10773983

Flip217

04-12-2008, 08:47 AM

***edited for vulgar/inappropriate language***

peace all

Wow! Great post! I can't wait to read more of your valuable insights, only they probably won't be here, they'll be at the '14-to-18 Year Old Home Alone On a Friday Night' message board.

Danielos38

04-12-2008, 09:52 AM

Wow! Great post! I can't wait to read more of your valuable insights, only they probably won't be here, they'll be at the '14-to-18 Year Old Home Alone On a Friday Night' message board.

I would like to personally apologize for that. Capsfan is one of my friends. I talk about the Hangoutwith Bryan and I guess he's there sometimes so he overhears. He is one of those people who thinks baseball isn't a sport and only watches hockey. He thought coming on here just to piss me off would be funny, because evidently he thinks that posting on a message board is lame. So again, I'm sorry.

About the actual game... it was friggen' awesome! I could have sworn that being down 2 goals with a period to go that we had no chance of coming back. The wind was really out of our sails as that point. But of course, Mike Green with his unbelievable slapper and Ovy pounces on an opportunity after being suppressed and the Caps put on in the win column. Amazing!

Flip217

04-12-2008, 10:27 AM

Very gracious of you, no need for you to apologize though.

Anyway, yeah, fun game to watch, though I was disappointed with the way it ended. I might argue that play should have been stopped when Thoresen went down -- usually they only let play continue if a guy gets hit in the leg, I thought, but the refs might have not seen where he got hit -- and so that goal wouldn't have happened, but who knows?
The Caps played well, got some goals from players they probably didn't expect to get much production from, and seem to have Biron figured out (hint: aim high!).

Here's to six more good games - cheers!

BaltiJo

04-12-2008, 12:40 PM

All in all I really hope that Thoresen is OK.

Beyond that this was one of the greatest hockey games that I can remember. I've been a Caps fan for a long time and this has been one of the most exciting seasons to watch.

I still think the series could go either way, but the Caps showed a lot of maturity in their comeback. It was pretty clear in the first period that the Caps had a solid gameplan, passed the puck VERY well, and were constantly in the right position. In the 2nd period, I don't know if they just got jittery again or if the Flyers changed up enough to counteract what the Caps were doing, but it wasn't good for DC.

In the 3rd period, however, it was clear that they were re-directed in the locker room and I really did not expect that to happen. The Caps have a history of heartbreak in the big games (aside from a select few).

Fans haven't been this excited about the team since the last time we were in the finals. Even the last playoff run didn't generate such excitement (trust me, I was there on a playoff game in 2003 or 04 [during the Jagr era] on and half the stadium was empty).

Now it seems the fans have a lot more faith in the team's direction (as they should).

EddieO's21

04-12-2008, 01:06 PM

Can I just say I was there last night and it was the most electric sporting event I have been to in my life. Seriously, it was utterly amazing. The verizon center was just rocking. When Greene scored that goal to tie it up and Ovie took the lead, I thought I was going to have an anyeurism, everyone was hugging, high fivin, it was just rediculous.

And for those of you, some of you I have seen on this board, who think the caps are a one man show...their 3rd line won them that game last night, Ovie was checked for 55 minutes of that game. Can't wait for the rest of this series

Flip217

04-12-2008, 03:41 PM

And for those of you, some of you I have seen on this board, who think the caps are a one man show...their 3rd line won them that game last night, Ovie was checked for 55 minutes of that game. Can't wait for the rest of this series

I can conceive that you are referring to me here! ;)

I didn't mean that, for certain -- you don't get as far as the Caps have if you're a one man show. I just think the Flyers offense is more balanced, but of course they lack the explosiveness / elite player that is Ovechkin.

If the Caps keep getting production from guys like Brashear and Steckel, then my Flyers are in real trouble....