Game 7: Flyers at Capitals (Series Tied at 3)

[erb8472]

Go Caps!

Paint the Verizon Center Red!

I've got a feeling the place will be rocking.

[Danielos38]

Go Caps!

Paint the Verizon Center Red!

I've got a feeling the place will be rocking.

I seem to have that same feeling :D

Horn guy needs to come out and blowing tomorrow night. "Honk Honk Honk" "Leeeeeet's Goooo Caaaaps!"

[Spirit of '83]

I seem to have that same feeling :D

Horn guy needs to come out and blowing tomorrow night. "Honk Honk Honk" "Leeeeeet's Goooo Caaaaps!"

I was at Game 1 and it was the loudest non-concert I've ever experienced at the Phone Booth. My guess is tomorrow night will be incredible. What a game tonight. No matter what happens this team has gained invaluable postseason experience.

[erb8472]

I wish I was home right now, because I would be going to this game.

I was suppoused to go to game 7 last time the Caps were in the playoffs. They ended up losing game 6 never making it back home for 7, after the puck was misplayed by Gonchar and lead to a goal to end the season in overtime. Since then I've been dying to go to a game 7.

[EddieO's21]

C-a-p-s Caps Caps Caps!!!!!!

[backwardsk]

I don't know anything about hockey. But I say the Caps fans are some of the best fans in sports around here. I was out tonight on a Monday night trying to watch some playoff basketball and the place was filled with number 8 jerseys. It was a really fun atmosphere.

[GeorgiaBird]

Hockey fans are low in numbers but are passionate, perhaps because of the low numbers. And while Washington will never replace Toronto or Detroit as a hockey town there is a real strong core that has been dying for something to get excited about, so we are seeing a lot of pent-up excitement. (Sort of like what WILL happen in Baltimore WHEN the Os get on track.)

[tywright]

The thing about the Caps is they do have a pretty big base of fans from the late 70s/80s. When the Caps played in Landover, they weren't that far of drive from Howard County and Baltimore so a lot of fans are from the Baltimore area.

Now with Ovechkin, the Caps are generating a whole new fan base. It's like the whole franchise has been reborn....sort of like the O's are in the process of doing.

[DuffMan]

This should be a great game!! I don't expect Philly to just roll over and give the game to us. I expect the Caps to have the momentum and the want to win, but they are going to have to work for it. I have a feeling the Flyers are going to come out even more physical in an attempt to disrupt the Capitals.

Ovechkin should be the clincher. The Flyers knew that he would blow up at some point they were just hoping the series was over before this happened. Well he blew it up in game 6 and I expect to see him find the back of the net a few more times tonight.

Final score: Caps 3 - Flyers 1

I'm so glad this game is tonight and we don't have to wait another day for it!!!:D

[GeorgiaBird]

The thing that impresses me is that the younger Caps seem to be wearing down the Flyers, something I didn't think possible going in. You have to hand it to GMGM. It is obvious how speedy this young team is, but we also have big guys who can grind some. I agree Duff that the Flyers are not going to roll over and they will try to be physical, but watching last night it didn't look like they had another gear in them at home and with a day's rest. I am not sure how much they will have in the tank on the road without the rest.
Or at least I hope not. I will be the first to say I have been wrong about how this would play out, especially the physical side of it. Hopefully I am not wrong now. :)

[DrLev]

Should be a blast. My best friend growing up lives in Northern VA now and will be at the game. Unfortunately, he's only got one ticket, and that in itself was a lucky find. I wish I could be there! (Anyone got an extra ticket?) :D

[Danielos38]

Wow. I just found out that my uncle bought 12 tickets. I am now going to this game. Is there a smiley for euphoria?

[DrLev]

Wow. I just found out that my uncle bought 12 tickets. I am now going to this game. Is there a smiley for euphoria?

Is your uncle looking for another long-lost "nephew"? :p

[DuffMan]

Is your uncle looking for another long-lost "nephew"? :p

Hey cousin grab a ticket for me too!:D

[Flip217]

Well, all I can say is you have to be careful what you wish for -- I've been enjoying this series so much I kept saying "I hope it goes to game 7!" and now here we are and I'm a nervous wreck!

Honestly, this has been an all-time series in my book. Both teams have played hard and both teams have shown loads of skill. Both goalies have made ridiculous saves at times, and it seems like all the players are giving it 110%.

My only real regret is that it will end tonight, and no matter who wins, I'm not sure if they'll have much left for the next series against Pitt or Montreal.

Baseball and the O's are the best, but I love me some playoff hockey! :)

[Danielos38]

Hey cousin grab a ticket for me too!:D

If you guys have like $5000 available you can both become my favorite cousins. ;)

[Birds90]

It's going to be insane tonight. My friend from Mont. county is going with a friend of his. I'll be back in NW Virginia watching it.

GO CAPS!

[erb8472]

My only real regret is that it will end tonight, and no matter who wins, I'm not sure if they'll have much left for the next series against Pitt or Montreal.

How will this work? If The Caps win they play Pittsburgh, if the Flyers win they play MontreaL? Is that correct?

[DuffMan]

How will this work? If The Caps win they play Pittsburgh, if the Flyers win they play MontreaL? Is that correct?

Yes, but first things first lets win Game 7!!

[The Rick]

My goodness, Verizon Center is rocking tonight!

Great job by the Caps there killing a 2-man advantage and then an extended power play to end the 1st at a 1-1 tie.

[DuffMan]

Huet is playing lights out right now!!! Thanks to his efforts there on the PK were a big reason why this game is still tied. Also a big shout out to the whole PK unit. I really hope the refs don't get too whistle happy tonight. I don't want to see this game decided because of a questionable call.

[allstar1579]

I can't believe we just survived that. I stood the entire 4 min cause I just couldn't sit still I was so nervous.

[DuffMan]

Don't know what to say about that goal. Do you call that goaltenders interference??? I kinda think you have to

[TGO]

It's a close call because he kept his stick engaged, but I kind of think you have to let 'em play.

GOoooooooooooAAALLLLL!!

[MikeAD]

Ovie!!!

Look at that he came to play tonight too.

Hes so dreamy :D

[DuffMan]

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They needed that big time, especially after not converting on the PP. That shot was a canon!! That's what this team needed right there!!

[MikeAD]

We need a goal early...we need one really bad.

I've had to watch all of the games on Philly's CSN...wow are they biased. They just said, "at 5'8'' the Capitals are a big team...giants...but not a one of them has a heart as big as # 24 Sami Kapanen"

.....

[The Rick]

This is probably the most intense hockey game i've seen in a loooooong time.

The Caps have really put the metal to the pedal here in the 3rd. Hopefully we can knock one in and end this one in regulation. Alexander the Great is well rested for a nice run down the stretch!

[MikeAD]

I can't watch!!!!

[TGO]

Overtime! letters

[The Rick]

I can't watch!!!!

Tell me about it, this is ridiculously intense.

It's great watching a game like this when your team isn't in it. My mood tomorrow and for probably the rest of the week is entirely dependent upon the outcome of this game.

[SurhoffRules]

This is absolutely insane.

[Birds90]

ugh. LET'S GO CAPS!

[The Rick]

Let's Go Caps! Let's Go Caps!

Anybody down for an Ovie goal to end this baby and send Philadelphians jumping off a bridge tonight?

[EddieO's21]

wow...OT...I can hardly breathe

[SurhoffRules]

Come on Caps.

[SurhoffRules]

Jeez huet. Givin' me a heart attack.

[The Rick]

Man, Ovechkin is looking sharp this OT.

I can hardly stand to watch this.

[SurhoffRules]

Man, Ovechkin is looking sharp this OT.

I can hardly stand to watch this.

I think I just developed an ulcer. There have been too many people falling down in the game. Come on, fellas.

[SurhoffRules]

GAAAAAHHH< NO!!!! I think I'm gonna vomit....

[The Rick]

Heartbreaker!

[DuffMan]

I just vomited:mad::eek:

[SurhoffRules]

GAGAGAGAGAGAGAASJHGSAFHJBACKJABCkAJCNJABCkASBA SKJCASCACA......well, that sucked.

[DuffMan]

The refs put their whistles away for the entire 3rd period and then they decide to use them again in OT!?! That's not the way I wanted it to end. Let it happen 5 on 5

[The Rick]

What a remarkable season for the Caps. The ride they took us on in the second half was unbelievable and won't be soon forgotten. Definitely something to build upon for this young team. We're a Hockey Town again!!!

[erb8472]

Well that sucked.

Bad break on the rebound.

Hopefully no one says that was a bad call to force the powerplay, because the Refs made the right call and should have made the same call earlier in the game.

[tywright]

What a game...total domination by the Caps, but they don't get rewarded. Even with a loss, the Caps have so much to be proud of and to look forward to next year.

As for the Flyers 2nd goal...it was total BS. It should have never been allowed and the game would have ended in regulation on Ovie's GWG.

With that said, what a game...what a series...and I can't wait until next year.

[Birds90]

great season everyone. My thoughts are this;

1st half was krappy as we were 6-14-1 as we got rid of the "Glen" and bring in "Gabby".

Once that took place, we took off. Peeling games one at a time and before you know it, we are in the playoffs.

GREAT SEASON GUYS! *honk honk honk* LETS GO CAPS!!

[DrLev]

Tough break tonight.

We can all agree on this: the Caps will be a force next season!

[Birds90]

I'm ready to see what this team can do in 08-09. :)

[NewOwnerNeeded]

I'm ready to see what this team can do in 08-09. :)

Me too. First order of business, re-sign Huet.

[Dracula]

No problem with the tripping call in OT, but that non call on goalie interference was TOTAL HORSE****!!!! YOU CANNOT LET THAT GOAL COUNT IN A GAME 7!

The Caps had the same thing happen for them in the regular season and their goal was overturned. He freaking checked him into the goalie!! If it was incidental contact, thats one thing, but he checked him, I mean c'mon. If thats not interference why don't players go around checking defenseman into the goalie every freaking time down the ice.

Should have been 2-1 Caps. The better team lost tonight, you can't convince me otherwise.

[Danielos38]

Just got back from the game... a few observations...

*Energy was the best of any sporting event I've ever been to.
*Flyers 2nd goal was a joke. There was no way in hell that there wasn't interference on that play
*That goal in overtime was heartbreaking. Just devistating.
*After the game, Ovie soluted the crowd and got a standing ovation.
*The crowd started throwing beer bottles onto the ice because of the refs terrible calls until there were about 200.
*Some of the Flyers players are the biggest jerks I have ever seen in my life and I would love to punch them in the face so that they never look the same. Nartnell or whatever the hell that jerks name is, has the balls to wave bye to the Caps crowd after the game and take a victory lap around the ice doing just that. As you can imagine, there were quite a few beer bottles thrown at him.

All in all, great game, great season. Should be an awesome time next year. Let's go Caps!!!

[Dr. FLK]

Uggh. That game made me sick. The Flyers get a gift goal due to their cheap, chippy play. I can't believe that they let that goal stand. Maybe now, the sorry Philly fans can stop crying about their conspiracy theories for a day. The Caps had a great season, no doubt. They certainly exceeded expectations. But any season that ends with a loss to a team from New Jersey-West is sickening.

[GeorgiaBird]

Shame. Caps had all of the energy in the 3rd but could not get it in despite a lot of chances especially towards the end. Flyers to their credit came out with a lot of fire in the OT. Still a great year for the team.

The only downside is Olie's tantrum after the game. I understand it is tough, but no way the Caps would have even been in the playoffs had they not acquired Huet and rode him. Sentiment aside they have to resign Huet or find another option. Goalie is the biggest need for the offseason, followed by figuring out the defense corps and perhaps finding a bruising blue liner.

[Flip217]

Well, as the lone Flyers fan here, I'm definitely not going to pour salt in anybody's wounds. I'll just say I thought that was the best series I've seen in a long time, with great play on both sides. The refs made some terrible calls (and non-calls) on both sides, and it sucks when it goes against you, but I thought on the whole it was fairly even.

The Caps impressed me with their skill and spirit. They'll be in the playoffs for quite some time given their core of talented young players. I guess Huet needs to be re-signed, and that ought to be a priority.

Darn good series, I enjoyed every minute. Sorry it couldn't last longer!

[fdmstng99]

I must say that I really enjoyed watching the Caps this year, haven't had this much fun watching hockey in a long time. With the young guys on the team they can use this year as experience and hopefully will do better next year. Thanks for a great season Caps.

[DuffMan]

Was anyone else surprised that Ovechkin didn't shoot the puck in the last few minutes of the 3rd when he intercepted that pass and tried to dish it to Federov. When the play was unfolding I was saying here it is here's the winner and then I couldn't believe he didn't shoot it in that situation.

[tywright]

Was anyone else surprised that Ovechkin didn't shoot the puck in the last few minutes of the 3rd when he intercepted that pass and tried to dish it to Federov. When the play was unfolding I was saying here it is here's the winner and then I couldn't believe he didn't shoot it in that situation.

Yeah it caught everybody off guard, but with Biron out far on him to take the angle, Ovie made the right decision because he saw Feds crashing the net. Feds being caught off guard couldn't make the play. It sucks, but that's how things go. The game could have also ended if Semin hit the puck out of the air behind Biron.

I just can't believe the OT powerplay. We almost had it killed too. We had a chance to win the face off and clear the puck, but it didn't happen.

I still believe that even though we made this run, this wasn't supposed to be our year. This year was all about experience for our young players. So next year should be even better.

[Dr. FLK]

Was anyone else surprised that Ovechkin didn't shoot the puck in the last few minutes of the 3rd when he intercepted that pass and tried to dish it to Federov. When the play was unfolding I was saying here it is here's the winner and then I couldn't believe he didn't shoot it in that situation.

I was surprised. But, when I saw the replay...Fedorov was soooo wide open. He just wasn't paying attention.

[DuffMan]

I was surprised. But, when I saw the replay...Fedorov was soooo wide open. He just wasn't paying attention.

True he was open, but if Ovechkin shoots there is a strong chance of there being a big juicy rebound for Federov to put away. I can't fault the guy for passing there I just rather have seen him shoot the puck in that situation.

[GeorgiaBird]

Interesting notes coming out today. A reminder of how tough hockey players are, courtesy of the Wash. Post. Shaone Morrisonn played the past two weeks with broken jaw, Mike Green suffered a hip pointer in Game 6 and a foot injury in game 7, Boyd Gordon had a torn hamstring in the playoffs and Ovechkin had a nagging injury the team would not describe.

Also Boudreau recently signed a multi-year extension, apparently. No details. And Kolzig came and went ahead of other players and skipped a mandatory team meeting, while Backstrom as expected was nominated for the Calder.

[DuffMan]

Interesting notes coming out today. A reminder of how tough hockey players are, courtesy of the Wash. Post. Shaone Morrisonn played the past two weeks with broken jaw, Mike Green suffered a hip pointer in Game 6 and a foot injury in game 7, Boyd Gordon had a torn hamstring in the playoffs and Ovechkin had a nagging injury the team would not describe.

Also Boudreau recently signed a multi-year extension, apparently. No details. And Kolzig came and went ahead of other players and skipped a mandatory team meeting, while Backstrom as expected was nominated for the Calder.

Kolzig is as good as gone. While I can understand his frustration over being replaced he could have shown a little more class about storming off like he did.

[GeorgiaBird]

Exactly. I think taking down his nameplate at MCI last night after the game is sad. Not sad for fans (and I am a Kolzig fan), but a sad move by him. The hardest thing in the world for an ultra-competitive athlete like Olie is to realize age has caught up with him. Anyone who watched the Caps this year could tell that Huet had to be in there. My hope is that a few days away will be good for Kolzig. The initial reaction is usually best not caught on tape.

For example you may recall Brent Johnson was sort of steamed when he was told he would be a scratch for the rest of the season. And you can understand why. But today in the Times...

Brent Johnson said he defnitely wants to come back next year, and there are no lingering hard feelings about the way things shook out at the end of the year.

[tywright]

Interesting notes coming out today. A reminder of how tough hockey players are, courtesy of the Wash. Post. Shaone Morrisonn played the past two weeks with broken jaw, Mike Green suffered a hip pointer in Game 6 and a foot injury in game 7, Boyd Gordon had a torn hamstring in the playoffs and Ovechkin had a nagging injury the team would not describe.

Also Boudreau recently signed a multi-year extension, apparently. No details. And Kolzig came and went ahead of other players and skipped a mandatory team meeting, while Backstrom as expected was nominated for the Calder.

Very interesting...

I though Gordon has lost a step. He never really had the burst that he had earlier in the year. I knew about Green's injury. And I figured Ovie was dinged up...I wouldn't be surprised if it were a broke bone or something.

Kolzig felt like he has been screwed. And he had seen this happen to his teammates of his in the past.

They really need to lock up Green before the RFA hits. Same with Laich and Morrisonn.

[Pedro Cerrano]

Are we gonna be able to resign Huet?

[GeorgiaBird]

Very interesting...

I though Gordon has lost a step. He never really had the burst that he had earlier in the year. I knew about Green's injury. And I figured Ovie was dinged up...I wouldn't be surprised if it were a broke bone or something.

Kolzig felt like he has been screwed. And he had seen this happen to his teammates of his in the past.

They really need to lock up Green before the RFA hits. Same with Laich and Morrisonn.

Ovie intends to play in the Worlds. Hopefully that is an indication it is nothing serious.

I am curious which teammate you mean who was screwed? I think GMGM has handled personnel pretty well over the years. Kolzig can think whatever he wants, but again I don't see how any impartial observer can think the Caps would have been in the playoffs, let alone in game 7, if not for the pickup of Huet.

[GeorgiaBird]

Are we gonna be able to resign Huet?

Hopefully. The good news is most of the money teams are not looking for goalies. But there has been talk that Mrs. Huet wants to be in Canada, so who knows. If I was GMGM this would be the focus of all of my attention in the coming weeks.

[DuffMan]

Huet needs to be priority #1. Bring back Johnson as the backup. He was playing better than Kolzig was for much of the season before Huet came in.

[tywright]

Ovie intends to play in the Worlds. Hopefully that is an indication it is nothing serious.

I am curious which teammate you mean who was screwed? I think GMGM has handled personnel pretty well over the years. Kolzig can think whatever he wants, but again I don't see how any impartial observer can think the Caps would have been in the playoffs, let alone in game 7, if not for the pickup of Huet.

Halpern was never offered a contract. Bondra wanted to come back, but GMGM took Zednik instead. Calle Johansson was pretty much sent to pasture during the 2003 playoffs.

[GeorgiaBird]

all IMHO, of course...
- Calle Jo was sent to pasture because that is where be belonged, much the same as Kolzig did not deserve playing time in this playoff run. He was a great Cap but he was really dragging by the time they cut his minutes, and needed a year’s rest before trying to come back again.

- On Bondra one of us is suffering from memory loss. I recall Caps in talks with Bondra for the 05-06 season, when he ended up signing with Atlanta. Zed did not return until 06-07. So I don't think it was a Zed vs. Bondra thing. As for the player Bondra is my all time favorite Cap, but it was the right decision. For one, has he showed with Atlanta and Chicago the next year he didn't have any gas left in his tank. And his attitude when he left was terrible, and was not something I would have wanted around a rebuilding team. Other than sentimentality there was no reason to bring Bondra back, and I for one am glad the organization did not make the decision based on sentimental reasons.

- Halpern I do think they treated harshly, but given (1.) his talent, (2.) the young potential replacements we had for a grinding center (3.) what he would have cost vs. those younger options, I very much understand the decision. And I think time has proven it to be the right move. We had 3rd line centers up the waa-zoo this year.

I will concede that GMGM has made moves with only hockey and finance, and not feel good stories, in mind over the years. And I agree that Kolzig mindful of that likely realizes the Caps are not likely to keep him around for a gold watch season. But I do object to the term "screwed," as I don’t think making the right personnel move is screwing the player.

It is sort of a pet peeve about pro sports I have. When a player leaves for greener pastures or a bigger payday, the line you hear is "it is nothing personal, just business." Yet organizations are expected to show loyalty to players and keep them on the payroll or in the lineup past when it is prudent to do so. The age of gold watch seasons are over, and I think it is for the better.

[millartime15]

What a great series it was. The games were so intense and a joy to watch.

I do have to say that we got cheated a bit in game 7. That has to be goalie interference against the Flyers. They called it on Kozlov in the beginning of the series and it happened to Fleischmann in a game agains Tampa where they wiped the goal out. We would have gotten the PP and could have gone up 2-1. That cost us moving on, what a joke that was.

We must sign Huet and Green. I dont know who else is a FA but we must sign those two. If we do we have to be considered a top team going into next year. Now that the young guns have playoff experience, Im feeling a cup in about 2 years.

Go Caps

[GeorgiaBird]

Olie explains the nameplate thing on Tarik El-Bashir's voicemail.

Who knows how upset he was, but nice to see if nothing else a few days have cooled things. The Caps made the right move, but it would be a shame if Olie was bitter...


First, Kolzig said he doesn't want to give any interviews for a few days as he collects his thoughts. He said he obviously has some decisions to make and will talk soon.

Second, he also said he didn't remove his nameplate from his locker stall at Verizon Center out of anger. He acknowledged that the Caps' Game 7 loss to Philly could "possibly" have been his last game in Washington, so he wanted to take the nameplate as a memento. He plans to frame it with a jersey.

"It had nothing to do with not playing or pouting," Kolzig said in the message. "I was real proud of the way the guys played. I thought there was going to be destiny with the way the last two weeks went. So I was probably as disappointed as anybody."

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/capitalsinsider/2008/04/kolzig_explains_nameplate_remo.html