NHL Playoffs!

[Flip217]

All right hockey fans, post your playoff predictions here! Can't wait for the games to begin!! :clap3:

Boston vs. Montreal: Gotta go with the Bruins. It'd be nice for the Habs to taste playoff victory in their 100th year, but I just don't see it. A couple injuries to watch here, notably Bergeron for Boston and Markov for Montreal. I say Boston in five.

Washington vs. NY Rangers: All I want from this series is Ovechkin to go crazy and somebody to knock Avery out cold. I think the Rangers may actually give the Caps a scare, but in the end it's Washington in six.

New Jersey vs. Carolina: Can they both lose please? I really don't care for either of these teams, though Zach Parise is fun to watch. The Devils still have Brodeur, but I don't think they can do it. Hurricanes in five.

Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia: As a Flyers fan I'm really looking forward to this series, first because I think the Flyers can win it, and second because I'd love to see my team send Sid the Kid home early. Philly is much healthier going into these playoffs than they were last year and I expect big things from them, but Pittsburgh has a lot of scary offensive weapons. I'll say Philadelphia in seven.

San Jose vs. Anaheim: Hmmm...and all-Cali hockey playoff match-up? Two good teams but it just doesn't sound right to me -- guess I'm an old-head. San Jose won the President's Trophy as the league's best team, but I'll take the Ducks in five.

Detroit vs. Columbus: A team making their playoff debut against the defending champs who hail from "Hockey Town U.S.A.". Smart money is on the Red Wings, but they have some goaltending questions (again). Still, I think the Blue Jackets may have that "We're happy to be here" thing going on, and Detroit knows how to win. Detroit in a sweep.

Vancouver vs. St. Louis: I thought Vancouver was going to be better this year, and they ended very strong after a sort of up-and-down start. This series might come down to two very good goalies, and if that's the case I'll take Roberto Luongo and the Canucks in six.

Chicago vs. Calgary: I really enjoyed the Blackhawks games I saw this year, especially the outdoor game. I think they're finally back to where they should be as a real contender -- the NHL just isn't the same when Chicago is a doormat. I like their goaltending and they finished the season strong while the Flames looked a bit lost. Also I think Jonathan Toews is a special payer and will shine in the playoffs. I say Chicago in five.


What say you, Hangouters?

[tywright]

Boston in 6 - Price will steal at least one game.
Carolina in 6 - Canes on fire
Pens in 7 - Could go either way, but I hate the Flyers more
Caps in 7 - I really didn't want to play the Rags

Boston over Carolina. Caps over Pens. Caps over Boston!

I could care less about the West...ha

[Flip217]

I could care less about the West...ha

I hear ya -- the only Western Conference games I saw this year were ones I stumbled across on rainy afternoons when there was nothing else to do.

I did catch a few Chicago games and they look pretty good to me. Real uptempo, quick players, but a little gritty, too. And as I mentioned, it's just better when they're good.

The Flyers are my team but the NHL just seems so much more fun when the Caps, Isles, Bruins, Red Wings, Chicago, Toronto and Montreal are good. (And I'm not holding my breath for two of those teams ;))

If Pittsburgh, New Jersey and the Rangers never sniffed the playoffs again, I'd wouldn't care in the least.

[NewMarketSean]

What's a "NHL Playoff"? :D

[OsStormers]

LETS GO FLYERS!!!!!


I HATE Cindy Crosby and the Penguins.

Hockey is my first love and I just can't wait for the playoffs this year. So many great match ups in round 1!

For the Flyers Biron is the X factor. If he plays like he did last year in the playoffs there is no reason why the Flyers shouldn't be able to make a run to the finals. They have the deepest team in the East but need the Goal tending.

[DuffMan]

Boston in 5
Caps in 5
Penguins in 7
Devils in 6

San Jose in 6
Detroit in 6
Vancouver in 6
Chicago in 7

[Bosibus]

Boston vs. Montreal: Boston in 5

Washington vs. NY Rangers: Washington in 6

New Jersey vs. Carolina: New Jersey in 6

Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia: Pittsburgh in 7

San Jose vs. Anaheim: San Jose in 5

Detroit vs. Columbus: Detroit in 5

Vancouver vs. St. Louis: Vancouver in 7

Chicago vs. Calgary: Blackhawks in 6

[Dr. FLK]

I'll be at the Caps Game 1 tonight...

C-A-P-S CAPS CAPS CAPS!!

[napbow]

I'll be at the Caps Game 1 tonight...

C-A-P-S CAPS CAPS CAPS!!

What is going on with Jose? He is killing me.

[BaltiJo]

What is going on with Jose? He is killing me.

Well, the Rangers definitely capitalized on defensive mistakes by the Caps. That doesn't excuse a few of the goals allowed by Theodore.

I was concerned that NYR's goaltending was leagues above that of the Caps. While they allowed 3 tonight, Lundqvist stopped some great ones.

[millartime15]

Ugh.

What an ugly night for JT60.

I really hate to put the blame on Theo, but boy did he blow this game.

They clawed back in and he gives it away just like that.

I'm hoping he was just nervous and will do better next game. We can not afford this again, he needs to step up BIG time.

BTW, King Henrik was awesome tonight for the Rangers. If only the Caps has a goalie, man....

Also, we won the first game last year and lost the series, so here is hoping we win the series since we lost the first game!

[DuffMan]

While there is plenty of blame to be heaped onto Theodore after that performance (ESPN already has an article pondering if Boudreau will do something extreme and go with Varlamov), I would also like submit Schultz play last night that lead to the game winner. Memo to Jeff: PLAY THE MAN NOT THE PUCK!!!:cussing:

Definitely not the way i wanted the series to start out that's for sure.

[tywright]

I'm not going to talk about the goalie situation.

Schultz needs to sit. Alzner needs to be called up and needs to play. Or you have to put Pothier in.

Nylander has to sit since he doesn't do a damn thing anymore. Clark or Brashear need to be on the ice in Game 2.

Remember Philly and SJ came back from Game 1 losses to win in Game 7 in the 1st Rd last year. If we get our act together, I don't see why we can't win 4 straight because we clearly dominated the game last night...just not the scoreboard...THEO!:angryfire:

[DuffMan]

I'm not going to talk about the goalie situation.

Schultz needs to sit. Alzner needs to be called up and needs to play. Or you have to put Pothier in.

Nylander has to sit since he doesn't do a damn thing anymore. Clark or Brashear need to be on the ice in Game 2.

Remember Philly and SJ came back from Game 1 losses to win in Game 7 in the 1st Rd last year. If we get our act together, I don't see why we can't win 4 straight because we clearly dominated the game last night...just not the scoreboard...THEO!:angryfire:

Yeah I was surprised to hear that Pothier was a healthy scratch. The whole point was to get him ready for the playoffs and then you scratch him??? Definitely agree that him and/or Alzner needs to be in there immediately.

I think I would go with Brashear, get a bruiser in there to deal with Avery and his antics.

It was nice to see Kozlov get a goal, hopefully that gives him some more confidence going forward. I'll take all the secondary scoring we can get.

There were some good hits doled out in this game, the best of which had to be Greenies towards the end of the 2nd. He destroyed that guy!

[Dr. FLK]

How come the Caps get a delay for sending the puck over the glass...but the Rags do it twice with no penalty? And how come Avery can hit whomever he wants - regardless of how far out of the play they are - and gets no penalty?

I'm not saying the refs blew the game - since the Caps goal tending and defense stunk - but they certainly didn't help.

[tywright]

How come the Caps get a delay for sending the puck over the glass...but the Rags do it twice with no penalty? And how come Avery can hit whomever he wants - regardless of how far out of the play they are - and gets no penalty?

I'm not saying the refs blew the game - since the Caps goal tending and defense stunk - but they certainly didn't help.

You can't send the puck over the glass if your in your own defensive zone. If there is a deflection then there is no penalty. The Rags sent a puck into their bench, which is not a penalty.

And Avery should have received an interference call when he kept on pushing Green into the bench. The refs missed a few calls last night that went the Rags way.

[Dr. FLK]

You can't send the puck over the glass if your in your own defensive zone. If there is a deflection then there is no penalty. The Rags sent a puck into their bench, which is not a penalty.

And Avery should have received an interference call when he kept on pushing Green into the bench. The refs missed a few calls last night that went the Rags way.

That wasn't the one I was talking about. Didn't they send it over the glass later in the game?

Again, I'm not saying they lost because of bad officiating. It was a case of they played poorly AND the game was officiated poorly.

[DuffMan]

Alright, no screwing around today. Come out guns a blazing and get an early lead and just put them away early.

[DuffMan]

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=4077266&name=09cupplayoffsblog

This is good to hear.

[allstar1579]

They FINALLY get some goaltending and then can't figure out how to score.

UGH!!!!

Now watch BB put Jose back in for game 3 and he gets shelled again.

[Dr. FLK]

Bye bye Caps...have fun in the offseason.:angryfire:

[allstar1579]

Bye bye Caps...have fun in the offseason.:angryfire:

I think they can win both in NY. They need to keep Varly in net and stop trying to be so cute with their plays. Sitting Nylander for Brash might not be such a bad idea either, but that is going to break up Gordon/Stecks/Bradley, and then where do you play the odd man out?

[DuffMan]

I think they can win both in NY. They need to keep Varly in net and stop trying to be so cute with their plays. Sitting Nylander for Brash might not be such a bad idea either, but that is going to break up Gordon/Stecks/Bradley, and then where do you play the odd man out?

Definitely agree that they can take both of these NY games, but they gotta score some goals! The longer this goal drought goes, the more imposing Lundquist seems. Don't let that guy get to ya. Keep shooting, they'll go in.

I also agree that they should keep Varlamov in the net.

Monday is huge. Gotta have this game.

[TyCobb]

So happy the Devil's didn't have to play the Rangers in the 1st round. Caps can definitely win at MSG. Home Ice advantage doesn't really matter much in Hockey.

[Spoonless]

Well, the Bruins are whooping Montreal as they should be. Zdeno Chara is a bad, bad man. Other than that, I've been catching some highlights, and maybe 15 minutes of play here and there. I've been watching hockey all season, and baseball is starting up so I find myself choosing random baseball games over playoff hockey.

I don't really have any interest in New Jersey/Carolina or Detroit/Columbus. Those two series are just boring to me.

[DuffMan]

I've been watching hockey all season, and baseball is starting up so I find myself choosing random baseball games over playoff hockey.


:eektf:You can not be serious!?! Sure if it's the O's that's totally understandable, but some random game over playoff hockey??

In other news I'd like to thank the San Jose Sharks for choking as well. Nice to see the team that won the Presidents trophy isn't immune to dropping games to a lower seeded team.

[tywright]

:eektf:You can not be serious!?! Sure if it's the O's that's totally understandable, but some random game over playoff hockey??

In other news I'd like to thank the San Jose Sharks for choking as well. Nice to see the team that won the Presidents trophy isn't immune to dropping games to a lower seeded team.

I stayed up to watch the Ducks/Sharks game last night because I wanted to see how real playoff hockey was supposed to be played. I hope the Caps watched as well.

Ovie pissed off the Rags this morning when he sat on the bench to watch the Rags' morning skate. Ovie was asked to leave immediately after. Haha

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2009/04/ovie_watches_the_rangers.html

[DuffMan]

Ovie pissed off the Rags this morning when he sat on the bench to watch the Rags' morning skate. Ovie was asked to leave immediately after. Haha

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2009/04/ovie_watches_the_rangers.html

Good. They need to be loose and having fun. If their relaxed hopefully that will translate to some goals tonight.

[tywright]

Good. They need to be loose and having fun. If their relaxed hopefully that will translate to some goals tonight.

What we need is Chris Clark and Brashear in the lineup so they can crash the net and sacrifice the body for goals. Nylander just doesn't cut it anymore.

[Spoonless]

:eektf:You can not be serious!?! Sure if it's the O's that's totally understandable, but some random game over playoff hockey??

In other news I'd like to thank the San Jose Sharks for choking as well. Nice to see the team that won the Presidents trophy isn't immune to dropping games to a lower seeded team.

During baseball season, if there's a game on (any teams) and I don't have anything to do, I watch it. What happens now is that I'll be watching hockey, and flip to baseball during a commercial, and just not switch back. I've watched the Bruins' playoff games, since I've watched them all season, but the other games I just end up not seeing most of. I start to watch them... :\

[DuffMan]

What we need is Chris Clark and Brashear in the lineup so they can crash the net and sacrifice the body for goals. Nylander just doesn't cut it anymore.

Well they only put Brashear in for 2 or 3 minutes, but it was nice to see Nylander benched.

Great effort last night all around. Last night showed you how good this team can be when it plays a full 60 minutes of hockey. While their not out of the woods yet, yesterday's game should definitely give them the confidence they need for the rest of the series.

Varlamov was solid in net, at this point I would be surprised if we see Theodore again in this round. On EITM this morning they were talking about how it was great that he can't speak any English so he doesn't even know what that clown Avery had to say. Nice discipline by the Caps for not falling for any of his antics and let Avery hurt his team last night.

[Mashed Potatoes]

When we play up to our capability we are really, really good.

Avery is such a vagina.

Varlamov has to start for the rest of the playoffs, right?

[Bosibus]

Varlamov was solid in net, at this point I would be surprised if we see Theodore again in this round. On EITM this morning they were talking about how it was great that he can't speak any English so he doesn't even know what that clown Avery had to say. Nice discipline by the Caps for not falling for any of his antics and let Avery hurt his team last night.

Do you think there will be a retaliation play? Revenge fights/hits that are meaningful are so much more exciting than the "staged" fights.

[DuffMan]

Do you think there will be a retaliation play? Revenge fights/hits that are meaningful are so much more exciting than the "staged" fights.

If this were still the regular season, I would expect it more, but not in the playoffs. O sure they might try a little harder to get a nice clean hit on the guy, but they aren't going to do anything that could result in a penalty. A great example of this happened in the 2nd period last night when Avery just punched Erskine in the face. Erskine could have easily and would have been justified in retaliating, but he kept his cool skated away and Avery was the only one going to the box. While I'd love to see Avery get his butt kicked the bust way to beat him is on the scoreboard.

[Dr. FLK]

A few things from last night's game...

1. Varlamov has to be the #1 goaltender going forward and into next season. That guy is pretty nice between the pipes.

2. When the Caps take their offense towards the net, they are incredibly dangerous. In games 1 and 2, they settled for "long range" shots, and it showed. They got huge shot totals but very few scoring opps. Last night, they got great chances and capitalized.

3. I don't know of any athlete I hate more than Avery. All he does is whine and pout. His act is tired, and it was nice to see it backfire on the Rags last night. The Caps were disciplined, didn't retaliate, and watched him skate to the penalty box all night.

4. How refreshing is it to see Pothier out there instead of Shultz?

5. I think Ovie is under the skins of the Rags. Their defense is so worried about trying to kill him, that they forget about the rest of the offense.

[tywright]

Well they only put Brashear in for 2 or 3 minutes, but it was nice to see Nylander benched.

Great effort last night all around. Last night showed you how good this team can be when it plays a full 60 minutes of hockey. While their not out of the woods yet, yesterday's game should definitely give them the confidence they need for the rest of the series.

Varlamov was solid in net, at this point I would be surprised if we see Theodore again in this round. On EITM this morning they were talking about how it was great that he can't speak any English so he doesn't even know what that clown Avery had to say. Nice discipline by the Caps for not falling for any of his antics and let Avery hurt his team last night.

Erskine was solid last night and showed a lot of restraint with Avery.

A game like last night can really create some momentum for the rest of the playoffs. We just can't let the Rags keep the crowd in the game on Wednesday.

I think Fehr needs to sit so Clark can play and provide energy.

[tywright]

A few things from last night's game...

1. Varlamov has to be the #1 goaltender going forward and into next season. That guy is pretty nice between the pipes.

2. When the Caps take their offense towards the net, they are incredibly dangerous. In games 1 and 2, they settled for "long range" shots, and it showed. They got huge shot totals but very few scoring opps. Last night, they got great chances and capitalized.

3. I don't know of any athlete I hate more than Avery. All he does is whine and pout. His act is tired, and it was nice to see it backfire on the Rags last night. The Caps were disciplined, didn't retaliate, and watched him skate to the penalty box all night.

4. How refreshing is it to see Pothier out there instead of Shultz?

5. I think Ovie is under the skins of the Rags. Their defense is so worried about trying to kill him, that they forget about the rest of the offense.

Good list...I'll add that Backstrom is quickly becoming a top 10 player in this league. He was absolutely dominant last night.

And one negative...Green is still sleep walking and making dumb mistakes in our half of the ice. I hope he wakes up in Game 4 because he's very important in continuing the playoff run.

[tylerfrombelair]

Good list...I'll add that Backstrom is quickly becoming a top 10 player in this league. He was absolutely dominant last night.

And one negative...Green is still sleep walking and making dumb mistakes in our half of the ice. I hope he wakes up in Game 4 because he's very important in continuing the playoff run.


I think Backstrom has improved the most this season. He's starting to play both sides the game and is dishing out the hits rather than taking them.

Green probably developed bad habits during his run with 8 straight games with a goal as did the whole team. Im pleased with his effort on the defensive side, but his offense is starting to slip. He seems uptight at times and needs to relax. I agree that when he gets going will we be a tough out in the playoffs.

[allstar1579]

Erskine was solid last night and showed a lot of restraint with Avery.

A game like last night can really create some momentum for the rest of the playoffs. We just can't let the Rags keep the crowd in the game on Wednesday.

I think Fehr needs to sit so Clark can play and provide energy.

Clark really doesn't provide energy though. It's easy to say because he's missed so many games the last 2 years, but he's definitely lost a step. Put him on the same level as Nylander, just a different style of player. That and he's still not healthy yet, maybe end of the 2nd round, but he's still a good 2 weeks off. Fehr plays a little too passive sometimes, but I think it's because he's afraid of doing something to give up more goals than he can score, Ovechkin was doing it in game 2, turning the puck over left and right trying to make a play.

I like Erskine, but he can be inconsistent. He'll play like he did last night, and then the next game take a couple stupid penalties and get beat too close to the goalie. I'd still rather have him in there than Schultz right now though. We are just fine with Brash in there and Nylander out, kind of addition by subtraction, but the big thing is they need to just play hockey and stop trying to be so cute. Too often they want to play tic tac toe and get the perfect goal, when they need to just crash the net and get some rebounds.

Overall, the one thing they can not afford to do in this (or an other series) is play Theodore.

[DuffMan]

Clark really doesn't provide energy though. It's easy to say because he's missed so many games the last 2 years, but he's definitely lost a step. Put him on the same level as Nylander, just a different style of player. That and he's still not healthy yet, maybe end of the 2nd round, but he's still a good 2 weeks off. Fehr plays a little too passive sometimes, but I think it's because he's afraid of doing something to give up more goals than he can score, Ovechkin was doing it in game 2, turning the puck over left and right trying to make a play.
.

I agree with you on this one. Clark wasn't doing much of anything this season when healthy and then he got hurt and has missed an expended period of time. I'm not sure I would want to throw him in the fire in crucial playoff game without seeing any live action in some time.

[Dr. FLK]

Good list...I'll add that Backstrom is quickly becoming a top 10 player in this league. He was absolutely dominant last night.

And one negative...Green is still sleep walking and making dumb mistakes in our half of the ice. I hope he wakes up in Game 4 because he's very important in continuing the playoff run.

Green seems to be very, very lackadaisical with the puck in his own zone. It's scary when he has the puck. He needs a wake up call for sure.

[allstar1579]

Green seems to be very, very lackadaisical with the puck in his own zone. It's scary when he has the puck. He needs a wake up call for sure.

His problem is that he is at his best when he is taking the puck end to end (I don't think there is a better skating D-man in the league). I think he scores more goals getting mid range rebounds and putting them back than he does from the point. The NYR just had the right idea with him, don't let him get up to speed and make him beat you from the point. He gets frustrated after a while and stops trying to skate the puck in.

[tywright]

Clark really doesn't provide energy though. It's easy to say because he's missed so many games the last 2 years, but he's definitely lost a step. Put him on the same level as Nylander, just a different style of player. That and he's still not healthy yet, maybe end of the 2nd round, but he's still a good 2 weeks off. Fehr plays a little too passive sometimes, but I think it's because he's afraid of doing something to give up more goals than he can score, Ovechkin was doing it in game 2, turning the puck over left and right trying to make a play.



Clark was playing really well in the preseason but then hurt his wrist. What we saw in the regular season was Clark playing hurt.

[allstar1579]

Clark was playing really well in the preseason but then hurt his wrist. What we saw in the regular season was Clark playing hurt.

A friend of mine plays in the minors and skates with a bunch of the Caps in the offseason, trust me, he's not the player you saw a couple years ago. Age and injuries will do that to a guy.

[Dr. FLK]

His problem is that he is at his best when he is taking the puck end to end (I don't think there is a better skating D-man in the league). I think he scores more goals getting mid range rebounds and putting them back than he does from the point. The NYR just had the right idea with him, don't let him get up to speed and make him beat you from the point. He gets frustrated after a while and stops trying to skate the puck in.

He just "dances" around too much with the puck in his own end. He needs to stop trying to be cute and get the puck into the offensive zone. He might be a dandy skater, but I'd rather him skate towards the other end of the ice while keeping the puck safe.

[Flip217]

I hate, hate, hate Sidney Crosby.

[allstar1579]

I hate, hate, hate Sidney Crosby.

Yeah. He sucks. Someone will punch him in the mouth soon enough.

[DuffMan]

Interesting action last night. The Pens pushed the Flyers to the Brink. The Red Wings continute to dominate Columbus, I'm surprised Mason hasn't been able to steal one for the Blue Jackets. Hurricanes had a wild win over the Devils to tie that series at two. If the Canes were ton win this series we could be looking at Pens-Caps in the 2nd round:scratchchinhmm:. Canucks eliminated the Blues and the Sharks were able to get a win against the Ducks and get back in the series.

Big game tonight for the Caps (I've got tickets to the O's game so I won't get to see any of the game), gotta keep the momentum going so they can come home with this series tied at 2-2. If they can get a couple of early goals again to take the crowd out of it that would be a big help.

In other news I got a call from my dad last night saying a guy at his work gave him 2 tickets for the game on Friday and he asked me if I wanted them!!!! Hmmm now that was a tough decision to make!!! Can't wait for that game, but gotta take of business tonight first!

[Dr. FLK]

I hate, hate, hate Sidney Crosby.

Did he do something new to hate him for?

[tywright]

Well tonight is a crucial game. Go home tied or down 3-1. The Rags will bounce back, but hopefully the Caps can replicate the Game 3 effort and hold them off.

[allstar1579]

Well tonight is a crucial game. Go home tied or down 3-1. The Rags will bounce back, but hopefully the Caps can replicate the Game 3 effort and hold them off.

I think they will build off the momentum from the other night, and feed off of Varly. As he goes, so do our playoff hopes, then again I've been saying that since October.

Just imagine how much of a better team we would be if we could spend that $13mil we have tied up in Kozlov, Theodore and Nylander on a legit power forward (RW), and a big stay at home d-man. Although we will need a good chunk of it to sign the young guys to better deals. Semin will be due some money next year and guys like Flash and Fehr will need slight upgrades soon.

[tywright]

I think they will build off the momentum from the other night, and feed off of Varly. As he goes, so do our playoff hopes, then again I've been saying that since October.

Just imagine how much of a better team we would be if we could spend that $13mil we have tied up in Kozlov, Theodore and Nylander on a legit power forward (RW), and a big stay at home d-man. Although we will need a good chunk of it to sign the young guys to better deals. Semin will be due some money next year and guys like Flash and Fehr will need slight upgrades soon.

Backstrom, Semin, Flash are all RFA after next season...so they need to be locked up. Boyd Gordon, Fehr, Morrisonn, Jurcina and Schultz are RFA after this season. I think you may see Gordon, Schultz and/or Jurcina let go if signed by another club. Bourque, Perreault, Osala, Bouchard, Alzner, Lepisto and Carlson are on the horizon.

Flash and Fehr really need to step up...especially Flash. He's been inconsistent the whole 2nd half and he's missed some big scoring chances so far in the series.

[Dr. FLK]

I am pretty darn psyched for the game tonight. The Caps need to get out of the gates quick. Here are my keys...


I think they showed in Game 3 that they can rattle the Rags and force them into stupid mistakes. They need to get in Avery's head early and get him making his typical childish mistakes from the onset. I think it's fairly obvious that he's incapable of playing the game like an adult, and they need to take advantage of it.

Paging #52...

Keep guys like Laich active around the net, and keep the puck moving towards the pipes. I want to see a lot of activity in close to keep Lundqvist uncomfortable. He's too good to try and beat with outside shots (as we saw in G1 and 2).

[allstar1579]

I am pretty darn psyched for the game tonight. The Caps need to get out of the gates quick. Here are my keys...


I think they showed in Game 3 that they can rattle the Rags and force them into stupid mistakes. They need to get in Avery's head early and get him making his typical childish mistakes from the onset. I think it's fairly obvious that he's incapable of playing the game like an adult, and they need to take advantage of it.

Paging #52...

Keep guys like Laich active around the net, and keep the puck moving towards the pipes. I want to see a lot of activity in close to keep Lundqvist uncomfortable. He's too good to try and beat with outside shots (as we saw in G1 and 2).


They've looked just like games 1 and 2, but at least they are getting some life since that last power play in the 2nd. Crossing fingers and toes at this point!

[The Rick]

Well it's 2-1 Rangers with 3:06 left in the 3rd period. The caps are heading to a power play which is likely their last opportunity to tie this game. Saying a few prayers!

[The Rick]

This is a pretty epic choke job by the Caps so far in the playoffs. Pretty f'ing sad.

[ccbird]

Caps are done. I can't see anyway they win 3 in a row with a rookie keeper and the way Lundgvist is playing.

[tywright]

Well we blew our chance to take hold of this series...a series we should have never let the Rags have any hope of winning. We are losing this series because of the crappy Games 1 and 2. The Rags were supposed to only win one close game this series, but instead they've won 3! Unbelievable.

Our PP didn't do the job tonight. Sometimes you have to get dirty to get a goal and we clearly don't have that mentality on the PP against this tough Rags PK unit.

Hopefully GMGM realizes what we need (top 6 power fwd, tough stay at home Dman) for a playoff run. This should be a huge wakeup call.

[allstar1579]

Well we blew our chance to take hold of this series...a series we should have never let the Rags have any hope of winning. We are losing this series because of the crappy Games 1 and 2. The Rags were supposed to only win one close game this series, but instead they've won 3! Unbelievable.

Our PP didn't do the job tonight. Sometimes you have to get dirty to get a goal and we clearly don't have that mentality on the PP against this tough Rags PK unit.

Hopefully GMGM realizes what we need (top 6 power fwd, tough stay at home Dman) for a playoff run. This should be a huge wakeup call.

It's awful that we are getting all-star caliber goaltending right now and can't win. We have one of the top 5 offenses in hockey, where'd all the juice go?

I won't count them out yet, after the run last year, anything can happen, but I don't feel so confident about it. I was just sure they were going to dominate tonight. That's what good goaltending will do for you though.

[Dr. FLK]

I guess the Caps saw everything that worked in game 2, and then they decided to revert back to the game 1 and 2 style of play. I guess they're eager to get out on the golf course.

[DuffMan]

Well I didn't get to watch as I was at the O's game, so I'm not sure which would have been worse. Obviously the series is not over yet, but they are in a major hole. I'll still be at the game Friday, but losing tonight definitely took some of the excitement away from that matchup.

[Pedro Cerrano]

NHL playoffs are such a friggin crap shoot. Honestly, you see 8s beat 1s and 7s beat 2s all the time -- never happens in the NBA (or much less frequently).

Just sucks that the Caps, after such a good regular season, could come out and lay an egg like this.

[allstar1579]

NHL playoffs are such a friggin crap shoot. Honestly, you see 8s beat 1s and 7s beat 2s all the time -- never happens in the NBA (or much less frequently).

Just sucks that the Caps, after such a good regular season, could come out and lay an egg like this.

Come playoff time it's all about how good your goaltender is. You get a really good goaltender and let him look at the same team for 4-7 games, he will win more than half. Really makes you wish Theodore hadn't started that first game huh?

If you think about it though, we really just need to go 2-1 in our next 3 games with 2 of them at home. It's possible. (being optimistic)

[Pedro Cerrano]

Come playoff time it's all about how good your goaltender is. You get a really good goaltender and let him look at the same team for 4-7 games, he will win more than half. Really makes you wish Theodore hadn't started that first game huh?

If you think about it though, we really just need to go 2-1 in our next 3 games with 2 of them at home. It's possible. (being optimistic)

Actually we need to win 3 in a row with two at home.

Assuming we can actually win at home on Friday, you have to think the Rags will be the ones with their backs against the wall (although home ice isn't as big in the NHL).

[DuffMan]

Come playoff time it's all about how good your goaltender is. You get a really good goaltender and let him look at the same team for 4-7 games, he will win more than half. Really makes you wish Theodore hadn't started that first game huh?


Yes, just like the College Lacrosse Tournament you get a hot goalie and it changes the matchup entirely. Very interesting and entertaining yet very frustrating when it's your team that's getting stone walled.

[allstar1579]

Actually we need to win 3 in a row with two at home.

Assuming we can actually win at home on Friday, you have to think the Rags will be the ones with their backs against the wall (although home ice isn't as big in the NHL).

Sorry, meant we need to win 2 at home and one on the road, with 3 game winning streaks not being too much of a problem for us this season.

[DuffMan]

Win or Go Home!!!

It's game day, I've gotten over the disappointment of Wednesday's loss and am totally looking forward to going to this game. I've never been to a playoff game before (Baseball, Football, Hockey) and the fact that I'm going to one for Hockey has me quite stoked!!! Apparently Green has been sick for most of the series and is just now feeling better which is a good thing because we need all the offense we can get!

In other news the Sharks are down 3-1 in their series out west.

[tywright]

Win or Go Home!!!

It's game day, I've gotten over the disappointment of Wednesday's loss and am totally looking forward to going to this game. I've never been to a playoff game before (Baseball, Football, Hockey) and the fact that I'm going to one for Hockey has me quite stoked!!! Apparently Green has been sick for most of the series and is just now feeling better which is a good thing because we need all the offense we can get!

In other news the Sharks are down 3-1 in their series out west.

Where did you hear Green was sick?

I really hope we don't come into this game with a deflated mentality. If we come with the same mentality we did against the Flyers last year, I think we can win 3 straight.

We really need a goal(s) from our 3rd/4th lines tonight and from a Dman. They've been non-existent all series.

It's looking like Avery might not be playing much tonight.

[allstar1579]

Where did you hear Green was sick?

I really hope we don't come into this game with a deflated mentality. If we come with the same mentality we did against the Flyers last year, I think we can win 3 straight.

We really need a goal(s) from our 3rd/4th lines tonight and from a Dman. They've been non-existent all series.

It's looking like Avery might not be playing much tonight.

I say we get a first period goal from Brash, the rest of the team will go crazy and feed off of it :)

[DuffMan]

Where did you hear Green was sick?

I really hope we don't come into this game with a deflated mentality. If we come with the same mentality we did against the Flyers last year, I think we can win 3 straight.

We really need a goal(s) from our 3rd/4th lines tonight and from a Dman. They've been non-existent all series.

It's looking like Avery might not be playing much tonight.

Right here....

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=4093153&name=09cupplayoffsblog

[MikeAD]

Off to a good start tonight. I'm in the office until 9 but I should be able to catch the ending. I haven't gotten to see a freaking game yet. Well Caps I mean, I caught the Philly/Pitt game but thats not hockey thats crap.

[MikeAD]

Going into the last period we are up 4-0...from the radio I have heard that one of Bradly's goals was very impressive and Ovi's goal at the end of the second was amazing. Can't wait to see these highlights :(

[allstar1579]

I say we get a first period goal from Brash, the rest of the team will go crazy and feed off of it :)

I'm sorry, I meant Bradley.

I've said it since October. Varlamov should be starting every game, we would have won the president's trophy.

[DuffMan]

Nice win. We got that secondary scoring we were looking forward. Getting that SH goal early was a huge boost! Great job by Bradley.
Ovie's goal was just sick!
The defense really shut down the Rangers and limited their chances.
Big win, gotta keep it going tomorrow!

[tywright]

Nice win. We got that secondary scoring we were looking forward. Getting that SH goal early was a huge boost! Great job by Bradley.
Ovie's goal was just sick!
The defense really shut down the Rangers and limited their chances.
Big win, gotta keep it going tomorrow!

Did you dump a beer on Torts?

[allstar1579]

Nice win. We got that secondary scoring we were looking forward. Getting that SH goal early was a huge boost! Great job by Bradley.
Ovie's goal was just sick!
The defense really shut down the Rangers and limited their chances.
Big win, gotta keep it going tomorrow!

We will. Varly will have another shutout :)

[DuffMan]

Did you dump a beer on Torts?

It wasn't me!

Well Torts is suspended for this game, let's see how that effects the Rangers. I'm guessing they'll have Avery back in the lineup today.

Caps gotta take the lead in this game and not play from behind. If they can do that this series will come back home on Tuesday.

[DuffMan]

I think you could hear a pin drop at the end of the 1st period!:D:D

Gotta like the start, and nice to see Green get in on the action. Still 40 minutes to go, I would like to see them keep atacking, so we get more than that 2 goal margin.

[allstar1579]

I think you could hear a pin drop at the end of the 1st period!:D:D

Gotta like the start, and nice to see Green get in on the action. Still 40 minutes to go, I would like to see them keep atacking, so we get more than that 2 goal margin.

Anytime I hear silence in NY is a wonderful thing, no matter the sport. Here is that Defensive scoring we were asking for, just need to keep it up.

[DuffMan]

Anytime I hear silence in NY is a wonderful thing, no matter the sport. Here is that Defensive scoring we were asking for, just need to keep it up.

Taking it to them!!! This is great to see!!! Finish this game out, then bring this energy back to DC for game 7!!!

[allstar1579]

Taking it to them!!! This is great to see!!! Finish this game out, then bring this energy back to DC for game 7!!!

Yeah, after all this work I think I'm going to have to go to game 7 now :)

[tywright]

We really need a goal(s) from our 3rd/4th lines tonight and from a Dman. They've been non-existent all series.



Well I guess the guys heard me! Bradley 2 goals on Friday. Jurcina, Poti, and Green will goals today.

Let's keep up the intensity for Game 7!

[allstar1579]

Well I guess the guys heard me! Bradley 2 goals on Friday. Jurcina, Poti, and Green will goals today.

Let's keep up the intensity for Game 7!

I think BB figured out the magic ingredient. Benching Shultz.

[DuffMan]

I think BB figured out the magic ingredient. Benching Shultz and Nylander.

Fixed that for you;)

Although with Brashear likely getting suspended we could be seeing Nylander tomorrow, let's hope he goes with Clark instead.

[allstar1579]

Fixed that for you;)

Although with Brashear likely getting suspended we could be seeing Nylander tomorrow, let's hope he goes with Clark instead.

Touche' thanks for that.

Yeah Nylander is a completely opposite player. The only thing Nylander and Brash have in common is neither can score. I don't know that Clark is 100% healthy, but if he was playing in a role like Brash he wouldn't get in the way.

I think you end up with this:

Ovechkin-Backstrom-Kozlov
Semin-Fedorov-Clark
Fleichmann-Laich-Fehr
Bradley-Steckel-Gordon

[tywright]

Touche' thanks for that.

Yeah Nylander is a completely opposite player. The only thing Nylander and Brash have in common is neither can score. I don't know that Clark is 100% healthy, but if he was playing in a role like Brash he wouldn't get in the way.

I think you end up with this:

Ovechkin-Backstrom-Kozlov
Semin-Fedorov-Clark
Fleichmann-Laich-Fehr
Bradley-Steckel-Gordon

You'd put Clark in the top 6? I'd expect it to look like this

Ovie-Feds-Kozlov
Flash-Backstrom-Semin
Laich-Steckel-Bradley (this line was great the past 2 games)
Fehr-Gordon-Clark (Clark would get 5-7 min)

[allstar1579]

You'd put Clark in the top 6? I'd expect it to look like this

Ovie-Feds-Kozlov
Flash-Backstrom-Semin
Laich-Steckel-Bradley (this line was great the past 2 games)
Fehr-Gordon-Clark (Clark would get 5-7 min)

I don't really want to mess lines up too much, but Flash hasn't looked very good for a while now, so I'd kinda rather put a physical body on a line with Feds and Semin and see what happens. You are right the Laich-Stecks-Bradley line should stay together, but Fehr doesn't play very well on the LW either. You could move Semin over to LW on that line, and trade Flash and Fehr and it works for me, but that's where it came down to should Fehr (one of my favorite players) or Clark be in that top 6 slot?

[tywright]

I don't really want to mess lines up too much, but Flash hasn't looked very good for a while now, so I'd kinda rather put a physical body on a line with Feds and Semin and see what happens. You are right the Laich-Stecks-Bradley line should stay together, but Fehr doesn't play very well on the LW either. You could move Semin over to LW on that line, and trade Flash and Fehr and it works for me, but that's where it came down to should Fehr (one of my favorite players) or Clark be in that top 6 slot?

Right now Flash > Fehr...Fehr has been MIA all series

Clark does not get top 6 minutes in his 1st game.

In other news, ESPN is clearly confused when they falsely report that Green is suspended for Game 7. Anybody else see that report?

[DuffMan]

Right now Flash > Fehr...Fehr has been MIA all series

Clark does not get top 6 minutes in his 1st game.

In other news, ESPN is clearly confused when they falsely report that Green is suspended for Game 7. Anybody else see that report?

Definitely can't have Clark in the top 6. If he plays he gets Brashear like minutes which has only been about 5 or so.

Didn't see that ESPN report, I assume they either meant that Brashear is suspended, or maybe the NY player (can't) recall his name is suspended for that boarding penalty he had on Green.

[tywright]

Definitely can't have Clark in the top 6. If he plays he gets Brashear like minutes which has only been about 5 or so.

Didn't see that ESPN report, I assume they either meant that Brashear is suspended, or maybe the NY player (can't) recall his name is suspended for that boarding penalty he had on Green.

They said that Green and Brash were both to be suspended, which ESPN immediately recanted. Brash does have a 1PM conference with NHL though, which probably signals a suspension.

Dubinsky is the guy who boarded Green and then got supposedly bit by Shane Mo.

[allstar1579]

They said that Green and Brash were both to be suspended, which ESPN immediately recanted. Brash does have a 1PM conference with NHL though, which probably signals a suspension.

Dubinsky is the guy who boarded Green and then got supposedly bit by Shane Mo.

Brash is suspended for bumping someone in pregame, the question was would Morrison be suspended for supposedly biting the guy that boarded Green in the scrum.

[tywright]

Brash is suspended for bumping someone in pregame, the question was would Morrison be suspended for supposedly biting the guy that boarded Green in the scrum.

Brash got 1 game for the pregame incident and 5 games for the late hit on Betts. A little excessive in my book.

Shane Mo won't be suspended.

And ESPN screwed up this morning when they reported Green would be suspended.

[DuffMan]

Brash got 1 game for the pregame incident and 5 games for the late hit on Betts. A little excessive in my book.

Shane Mo won't be suspended.

And ESPN screwed up this morning when they reported Green would be suspended.

No loss really, this game isn't going to be make or break b/c of the absence of Donald Brashear. The only intrigue is who does Boudreau go to Clark or Nylander.

Today is the day. Game 7! Time to use what they learned in last years game 7 to make sure the same thing doesn't happen tonight. While the Caps clearly have momentum on their side that doesn't mean they can just walk their way through this one to the 2nd round. Don't take your foot off the gas when your so close!

I hope the crowd is even louder than it was for game 5. And I hope they give it to Torts even worse. Did anyone else read the letter NY sent to the NHL whining because of the heckling? Gimme a break! These guys have been peeing and moaning about things this whole series. Time to knock them out of the playoffs so we don't have to hear their garbage anymore!!!

It's time to unleash the fury!:mwahaha:

[tywright]

The Caps have a pretty bad history with Game 7s


The Capitals will play their seventh Game 7 in franchise history. Five of the previous six have been played on home ice:

1987 vs. NY Islanders – L, 2-3 (4 OT)
1988 vs. Philadelphia – W, 5-4 (OT - Dale Hunter GWG)
1988 vs. New Jersey – L, 2-3
1992 vs. Pittsburgh – L, 1-3
1995 at Pittsburgh – L, 0-3
2008 vs. Philadelphia – L, 2-3 (OT)

Of course who cares about the past! Unleash the FURY!

[allstar1579]

The Caps have a pretty bad history with Game 7s



Of course who cares about the past! Unleash the FURY!

Past is past. We are winning tonight. Caps v. Pens 2nd round? The NHL couldn't ask for better exposure. Thank God I'm a Country Boy!!! oh wrong sport...I mean UNLEASH THE FURY!!!!!!

[DuffMan]

Past is past. We are winning tonight. Caps v. Pens 2nd round? The NHL couldn't ask for better exposure. Thank God I'm a Country Boy!!! oh wrong sport...I mean UNLEASH THE FURY!!!!!!

That would be enticing, but first things first let's get to the 2nd round.

When do the 2nd round games start, Friday/Saturday?

Who you guys got in the other game 7? Canes seem to have a little momentum, but you've got Brodeur at home in game 7.

[allstar1579]

You'd put Clark in the top 6? I'd expect it to look like this

Ovie-Feds-Kozlov
Flash-Backstrom-Semin
Laich-Steckel-Bradley (this line was great the past 2 games)
Fehr-Gordon-Clark (Clark would get 5-7 min)



Looks like you're right here, Tarik is reporting this is the 4th line tonight.

I don't bet against Brodeur, I've seen him do it all by himself too many times. NJ v BOS, WAS v PIT in round 2. BOS v WAS in finals. Caps in 6. I know ahead of myself, but this was what I predicted before the playoffs started, so I'm sticking to it.

[Pedro Cerrano]

I feel like the Rags had a lot more power plays than the Caps in Game 6 -- just my imagination?

[DuffMan]

I feel like the Rags had a lot more power plays than the Caps in Game 6 -- just my imagination?

It was pretty even until the third penalty when the Caps were coasting in. They took a few dumb fouls including Ovechkins (boarding/roughing can't remember) foul. That said I do feel like the refs missed a few calls on the Rangers last night. I would hate to see this game decided by a questionable call/non call.

[tywright]

[/B]


Looks like you're right here, Tarik is reporting this is the 4th line tonight.

I don't bet against Brodeur, I've seen him do it all by himself too many times. NJ v BOS, WAS v PIT in round 2. BOS v WAS in finals. Caps in 6. I know ahead of myself, but this was what I predicted before the playoffs started, so I'm sticking to it.

Here's the link so everybody else can see
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/capitalsinsider/


Clark Likely Will Play
Bruce Boudreau wouldn't say for sure, but Chris Clark prepared during the morning skate as if he's going to suit up for tonight's Game 7 against the Rangers at Verizon Center. If does get in, he'll be the right wing on the fourth line with Boyd Gordon at center and Eric Fehr moving to the left side.

I'm not making any predictions, but I think we'll see Brodeur on top of his game tonight. If the Caps and Devils win tonight, then they play in the next round.

[tywright]

[/B]


I don't bet against Brodeur, I've seen him do it all by himself too many times. NJ v BOS, WAS v PIT in round 2. BOS v WAS in finals. Caps in 6. I know ahead of myself, but this was what I predicted before the playoffs started, so I'm sticking to it.

The 2nd rd series possibilities are actually:

Caps vs NJ (if Devils and Caps win)
Caps vs Pitt (if Canes and Caps win)

There's no possibility of the Devils and Bruins playing in Rd 2

[Pedro Cerrano]

NHL re-seeding is dumb. It should be a solid bracket just like the NBA and NCAA. Upsets happen, it's not the end of the world (and yes I'm just bitter b/c without re-seeding we could play bad Carolina 2nd round -- can't happen now).

[tywright]

NHL re-seeding is dumb. It should be a solid bracket just like the NBA and NCAA. Upsets happen, it's not the end of the world (and yes I'm just bitter b/c without re-seeding we could play bad Carolina 2nd round -- can't happen now).

I'm honestly scared to death of Carolina.

[DuffMan]

Carolina is playing some good Hockey right now and I much rather play El Sid and the Pens, but first things first let's win tonight.

[allstar1579]

The 2nd rd series possibilities are actually:

Caps vs NJ (if Devils and Caps win)
Caps vs Pitt (if Canes and Caps win)

There's no possibility of the Devils and Bruins playing in Rd 2

I thought we played Pit if we both won, and the NJ/Car winner if PHI won.

[tywright]

I thought we played Pit if we both won, and the NJ/Car winner if PHI won.

Nope...Pitt is the 4th seed, NJ is the 3rd. Boston plays the lowest seed.

[Bosibus]

I am getting nervous already...

[TyCobb]

Hopefully my Devils set up and win this game 7. Carolina was amazing last game. Little nervous.

Bos v Pitt and Was v NJ is my prediction.

[allstar1579]

I am getting nervous already...

but you have to admit, it's a good feeling to be able to get nervous about a game in April. It's been a while, and after all the first and second round exits from my childhood it'd be nice to see them get back to the finals.

I think they could take DET this year.

[DuffMan]

Well the Caps should buy some lotto tickets because they are extremely lucky to be tied at 1 after the 1st period. They looked slow as molasses in the early going and if it weren't for some great stops by Varly they could have been down by more than one. A very fortunate bounce gives Semin the goal and ties this thing up, it's a shame they had to stop to fix the board as the Caps seemed to have some momentum from the goal. Gotta have more than 2 shots in the 2nd period, can't score unless you shoot the puck. Need to see the Caps turn it up several notches.

[DuffMan]

A little bit better, but still getting outworked here. They at least got a few more scoring chances. Varlamov is keeping us in this. No way the game is tied with Theo. I don't want to see this team be done, time for Ovie and company to pick it up, the refs aren't going to call anything border line, this thing is going to get done 5 on 5.

[DuffMan]

Caps are looking better, but so is Lundquist. Is an OT thriller looming?? Personally I want this over in regulation.

[RVAbird]

Yes!!! Fedorov!!!

[OrangeJerseys]

And Avery gets his just desserts.

[DuffMan]

:eektf::D:clap3::clap3::clap3:

[PaulBako]

Caps win!!! :clap3::clap3:

[tywright]

FEDS with the GWG!!! Smoken Al Koken was prophetic with his prediction that Fedorov would factor in the final decision of the game.

By the way, we lucked out big time tonight. It kind of makes up for dominating Games 1, 2, and 4 and not getting the win. Still we win in Game 7...it makes it so much more sweeter!

[allstar1579]

FEDS with the GWG!!! Smoken Al Koken was prophetic with his prediction that Fedorov would factor in the final decision of the game.

By the way, we lucked out big time tonight. It kind of makes up for dominating Games 1, 2, and 4 and not getting the win. Still we win in Game 7...it makes it so much more sweeter!

Yeah he did, kinda scary too.

Think of it this way, had we started Varly in game one, we never would have had to get lucky in game 7. Happy Birthday Varly, your first NHL playoff series win.

[OrangeJerseys]

Now it's the freakin penguins next. Let's go Caps!!!

[tywright]

Wow Carolina came back to win with 2 goals in the final 90 seconds...which means we play the Pens.

Ovie vs the crybaby!

[OrangeJerseys]

Wow Carolina came back to win with 2 goals in the final 90 seconds...which means we play the Pens.

Ovie vs the crybaby!

Hopefully Ovie shows the world Sid is just a kid.

[allstar1579]

Wow Carolina came back to win with 2 goals in the final 90 seconds...which means we play the Pens.

Ovie vs the crybaby!

Do you know when game 1 and 2 are? Or have they posted the schedule yet?

(gotta plan out which 2 games I'm going to in this series)

[Mashed Potatoes]

Hey look at me I'm the Pittsburgh Penguins I like passing the ball 5 too many times and hate putting the biscuit on net! My feminine stars need bodyguards because they can't defend themselves. My city hates color and is various shades of depressing gray.

[DuffMan]

Wow Carolina came back to win with 2 goals in the final 90 seconds...which means we play the Pens.

Ovie vs the crybaby!


Do you know when game 1 and 2 are? Or have they posted the schedule yet?

(gotta plan out which 2 games I'm going to in this series)

Game 1 is Saturday at 1 on national TV!

Before looking ahead to what should be an awesome series, gotta give this team credit for hanging tough through out the series and pulling it out! Some valuable experience was gained and it should help them in the future.

Just out of curiosity how man NJ fans are calling out sick today? To be about 90 seconds away from the next round only to lose in regulation!?!? Brutal!

[Dr. FLK]

C-A-P-S, CAPS - CAPS - CAPS!

My Varlamov man-crush is ever-growing. What a stud he was in this series. I don't want to hear how great Queen Henrik is anymore...Varlamov outplayed him.

And how sweet was that shot by Federov? He stopped on a dime and rifled it past Lundqvist. Wow! And the assist at the other end by Bradley isn't getting enough respect. He played the puck off the board right to Sergei...he got the whole thing going.

Bring on Cindy Crosby & Co...

(Does anyone know a decent way to get my hands on some tix??)

[Goop]

That goal by Sergei was SWEET! I bet the Verizon Center was insane; it seemed like an awesome atmosphere watching it on TV.

[DuffMan]

And how sweet was that shot by Federov? He stopped on a dime and rifled it past Lundqvist. Wow! And the assist at the other end by Bradley isn't getting enough respect. He played the puck off the board right to Sergei...he got the whole thing going.

Bring on Cindy Crosby & Co...

(Does anyone know a decent way to get my hands on some tix??)

Yeah, if the Caps had figured out sooner that Lundquist could be beat high glove side this series may have been over sooner.

As for tickets, stubhub would be your best bet. The cheapest they've got right now though is 100 bucks, I might go Saturday or maybe wait for the potential, but probable game 5.

[Pedro Cerrano]

C-A-P-S, CAPS - CAPS - CAPS!

My Varlamov man-crush is ever-growing. What a stud he was in this series. I don't want to hear how great Queen Henrik is anymore...Varlamov outplayed him.

And how sweet was that shot by Federov? He stopped on a dime and rifled it past Lundqvist. Wow! And the assist at the other end by Bradley isn't getting enough respect. He played the puck off the board right to Sergei...he got the whole thing going.

Bring on Cindy Crosby & Co...

(Does anyone know a decent way to get my hands on some tix??)


How deep are your pockets?

[Dr. FLK]

How deep are your pockets?

How deep do they need to be to buy tickets?

[Pedro Cerrano]

Well I'm not selling any but the cheapest I found for last night, anywhere, was about $120 a seat -- granted it was a game 7 but I'd imagine any game for a playoff series against the Penguins would be about that price (and probably more expensive for games 5 and 7).

[DuffMan]

Stubhub has them starting at 100.

[allstar1579]

Game 1 is Saturday at 1 on national TV!

Before looking ahead to what should be an awesome series, gotta give this team credit for hanging tough through out the series and pulling it out! Some valuable experience was gained and it should help them in the future.

Just out of curiosity how man NJ fans are calling out sick today? To be about 90 seconds away from the next round only to lose in regulation!?!? Brutal!

Sweet. I gotta decide if I want games 1 and 2, or if I should take one, and have game 5 in my pocket. I can't see this being a sweep.

[DuffMan]

One other thought on last nights game. You do have to give Lundquist some props for how he played after giving up the go ahead goal. He flat out robbed the Caps on several chances after that to keep his team in it. Thankfully by then the Caps were firing on all cylinders and controlled the puck the rest of the way.

[Mashed Potatoes]

I bet the Verizon Center was insane; it seemed like an awesome atmosphere watching it on TV.

I normally give DC fans crap for being terrible fans (specifically for the Deadskins and Gnats), however the Caps fans were phenomenal throughout the series. I really want to get to one of the Penguins games.

Did anyone see the sign behind Tortorella that said something like "No spray zone" or something along those lines. It was hilarious.

[DuffMan]

Hangout night at a Caps game!?

[allstar1579]

I normally give DC fans crap for being terrible fans (specifically for the Deadskins and Gnats), however the Caps fans were phenomenal throughout the series. I really want to get to one of the Penguins games.

Did anyone see the sign behind Tortorella that said something like "No spray zone" or something along those lines. It was hilarious.

Yeah, it was great, the entire first row behind their bench had poncho's on, and there were signs like "caution you will get wet" and "splash zone" with Tort's pic on them. It was awesome.

They put dividers in between the glass separations so that no one could "reach through or spit through" the glass like the Rangers whined about after game 5 though.

[TyCobb]

Game 1 is Saturday at 1 on national TV!

Before looking ahead to what should be an awesome series, gotta give this team credit for hanging tough through out the series and pulling it out! Some valuable experience was gained and it should help them in the future.

Just out of curiosity how man NJ fans are calling out sick today? To be about 90 seconds away from the next round only to lose in regulation!?!? Brutal!

It really hurts being a devil fan.

Sutter wasn't going to be the Devil's coach next year anyway, but I am looking forward to the change.

[Dr. FLK]

I normally give DC fans crap for being terrible fans (specifically for the Deadskins and Gnats), however the Caps fans were phenomenal throughout the series. I really want to get to one of the Penguins games.

Did anyone see the sign behind Tortorella that said something like "No spray zone" or something along those lines. It was hilarious.

I saw someone wearing something like this (http://www.ocanadagear.com/graphics/umbrella-hat1.jpg)...hilarious.

[eastonguy]

It really hurts being a devil fan.

Sutter wasn't going to be the Devil's coach next year anyway, but I am looking forward to the change.

Wait what? He made a decision? Lou said he isn't going anywhere if it's up to him.

[TyCobb]

Wait what? He made a decision? Lou said he isn't going anywhere if it's up to him.

Yea but it isn't up to Lou. He wants to be closer to his family.

[Oriolesfanatic]

i call for a Caps vs Boston Eastern Conference final

[tywright]

Ovie might be a little dinged up...perhaps lower body. He'll play thru anything, but it may be the reason why he hasn't been as dynamic of late.

[allstar1579]

Ovie might be a little dinged up...perhaps lower body. He'll play thru anything, but it may be the reason why he hasn't been as dynamic of late.

Hasn't he for a good chunk of the season though? Playing at his speed and physicality I think it's just a constant. I'm not too worried.

[TonySoprano]

From 1990-2008, the Caps made the playoffs eleven times. In seven of those years they faced Pittsburgh, and lost to them six out of seven. I hate Pittsburgh.

[allstar1579]

From 1990-2008, the Caps made the playoffs eleven times. In seven of those years they faced Pittsburgh, and lost to them six out of seven. I hate Pittsburgh.

I concur. Between them and the Islanders I have some awful memories of April/May.

[tywright]

Hasn't he for a good chunk of the season though? Playing at his speed and physicality I think it's just a constant. I'm not too worried.

Yeah with the style he plays, he will always have some aches and bruises. The thing was that he had his trainer from Moscow fly over recently so journalists were thinking it was something more serious. He practiced this morning so that should ease some concerns.

[allstar1579]

Yeah with the style he plays, he will always have some aches and bruises. The thing was that he had his trainer from Moscow fly over recently so journalists were thinking it was something more serious. He practiced this morning so that should ease some concerns.

Yeah, I wasn't too afraid when I saw his trainer, I figured he just wanted to get into his routine that he used for the Worlds for the playoffs.

[allstar1579]

Off to the game. Rock the red people!!!

[Spoonless]

Well the Bruins forced a Game 7. I'm glad they came back to make a series out of this. I've got to feel good about their chances in a Game 7 at home. The key for them will be dominating the first period, as they have in the last two games.