Caps-Penguins Eastern Conference Semi-Finals

[DuffMan]

The playoffs thread was getting a bit long, and I thought it would be a good idea to start a new thread just for this series. Game 1 is about to get underway and it should be a good one and a good series. I'm not going to make any prediction for this series, but I do hope the Caps pull it out!!

[AgentOrange]

Punch Crosby right in the face

[OrangeJerseys]

Punch Crosby right in the face

+1



2-1 Caps!!!

:new_beer:

[DuffMan]

Good 1st Period. Pens had a good forecheck going early, but the Caps responded. Nice to see more scoring from the lower lines. And good job scoring on the 5 on 3, which you have to take advantage of in the playoffs. Varlamov is playing really well. The only concern right now is eliminating those odd man rushes. Besides that things are going well. Verizon Center seems to be rocking nicely!! Gotta keep up the momentum in the 2nd!

[AgentOrange]

This is going to be a totally different series than the NYR one. More open ice opportunities.

[DuffMan]

SO their intermission crew are a bunch of bozo's the one guy actually said that Crosby is almost as physical a player as Ovechkin. During the regular season Crosby had 80 hits. How many did Ovechkin have?? 243! Yeah those two are real close when it comes to the physical side of the game.:rolleyes:

[DuffMan]

So Varlamov makes up for his Theordesque goal allowed with a spectacular save! The fact that it was on Crosby makes it even better!!!! It's a shame the Caps couldn't get any goals that period as they had a great fore check going and were really cycling the puck well. Still need to see them cut down on the odd man rushes, but besides that they are playing well. Keep shooting they'll go in.

[DuffMan]

Very Nice! Great win, great effort and now the Caps are up 1-0. Lets keep things going heading into game 2 Monday Night!

[Dr. FLK]

1 win down...3 to go. Varlamov made some terrific saves today, and Cindy Crosby goes down...

[allstar1579]

So Varlamov makes up for his Theordesque goal allowed with a spectacular save! The fact that it was on Crosby makes it even better!!!! It's a shame the Caps couldn't get any goals that period as they had a great fore check going and were really cycling the puck well. Still need to see them cut down on the odd man rushes, but besides that they are playing well. Keep shooting they'll go in.

That goal wasn't as much his fault as everyone is making it out to be. It deflected a bit off Gordon and I think he lost it as it rose. It was an awesome game though, place was deafening, which is just weird for the Caps if you have been a fan for a while, it's been a long time. Haven't heard it this loud since the Cap Centre days.

I'm sure Ovie was steaming, he kept killing the post and just not getting the bounce. The biggest problem they had all game was not playing physical enough. It was no where near the Rangers series, they weren't finishing checks, not checking at all sometimes, it's sad when PIT is more physical than you are. So ready for game 2!!!

[tywright]

Big win yesterday, but we need to play much better to win this series.

Varly's save was redemption for that horrible soft goal. Hopefully he can shake off the nerves and play more consistently. He's got us here so hopefully he can keep it up.

I hate NBC's coverage. Other than the pretty picture, the biased coverage is ridiculous.

[allstar1579]

Big win yesterday, but we need to play much better to win this series.

Varly's save was redemption for that horrible soft goal. Hopefully he can shake off the nerves and play more consistently. He's got us here so hopefully he can keep it up.

I hate NBC's coverage. Other than the pretty picture, the biased coverage is ridiculous.

I couldn't agree more!!! Last week they were tearing the CAPS down, or ignoring them altogether and every time they could mention the Penguins they would (and this is before they won their series) it made no sense how many guys were former Penguins had to do with the series. I'm so glad I went to the game and didn't have to watch it. Thank god the next 2 are on VS.

[DuffMan]

Agreed

NBC's Coverage is garbage. I guess that's what you get when you don't cover Hockey on a regular basis. VS is way better in every aspect and since they are in HD as well NBC can't even win that category.

[tywright]

Hershey is up 2-0 against the Pens' AHL affiliate. Wouldn't it be nice for the Caps to follow suit?

[allstar1579]

Hershey is up 2-0 against the Pens' AHL affiliate. Wouldn't it be nice for the Caps to follow suit?

Going to hurt them that we just recalled Sloan and Alzner though. Wonder who's going to be out for us, but hopefully it shows that they won't start Schultz.

[Tony-OH]

I'm looking forward to tonight's game. I'm surprised how the Ovechkin vs Crosby angle hasn't been played up more. Maybe I've been missing the hype, but this series could end up a classic.

[tywright]

Going to hurt them that we just recalled Sloan and Alzner though. Wonder who's going to be out for us, but hopefully it shows that they won't start Schultz.

Alzner and Sloan didn't play for Hershey last night. They were held out due to "illness".

I imagine the callups were for Schultz and Erskine, who limped off from morning skate.

[allstar1579]

I'm looking forward to tonight's game. I'm surprised how the Ovechkin vs Crosby angle hasn't been played up more. Maybe I've been missing the hype, but this series could end up a classic.

You're right, they've played up the historical (last 20 years at least) angle but really haven't focused much on the Ovie/Semin versus Crosby/Malkin thing.

[tywright]

I'm looking forward to tonight's game. I'm surprised how the Ovechkin vs Crosby angle hasn't been played up more. Maybe I've been missing the hype, but this series could end up a classic.

You've been missing it. ESPN has been using it as much as they can. NBC just didn't play it up much because they don't want the crybaby to look bad.

[allstar1579]

Alzner and Sloan didn't play for Hershey last night. They were held out due to "illness".

I imagine the callups were for Schultz and Erskine, who limped off from morning skate.

Poti and Green were a little banged up at the end of the game Sat too though, so I'm REALLY hoping its Schultz. Erskine will hurt though, he's one of the very few guys willing to play physical right now.

[Dr. FLK]

Alzner and Sloan didn't play for Hershey last night. They were held out due to "illness".

I imagine the callups were for Schultz and Erskine, who limped off from morning skate.

How much should we expect to see Alzner and Sloan tonight? And - for those of us who don't know anything about them - what do we expect from them?

[tywright]

How much should we expect to see Alzner and Sloan tonight? And - for those of us who don't know anything about them - what do we expect from them?

I doubt both play. I'd assume Alzner would be the first to play. He's out top prospect and will eventually be our top defensive Dman.

Poti might be out as well.

[Dr. FLK]

I doubt both play. I'd assume Alzner would be the first to play. He's out top prospect and will eventually be our top defensive Dman.

Poti might be out as well.

If Poti is out - and the new guys don't play much - who plays extra minutes (cringes hoping you don't say Shultz).

[tywright]

If Poti is out - and the new guys don't play much - who plays extra minutes (cringes hoping you don't say Shultz).

With Poti:

Green - Shane Mo
Poti - Jurcina
Alzner (Erskine) - Pothier

Without Poti:

Green - Shane Mo
Alzner - Jurcina
Sloan- Pothier

[DuffMan]

I'm looking forward to tonight's game. I'm surprised how the Ovechkin vs Crosby angle hasn't been played up more. Maybe I've been missing the hype, but this series could end up a classic.


You're right, they've played up the historical (last 20 years at least) angle but really haven't focused much on the Ovie/Semin versus Crosby/Malkin thing.


You've been missing it. ESPN has been using it as much as they can. NBC just didn't play it up much because they don't want the crybaby to look bad.

Tywright is right on this one. I feel like that's all I've heard about is Ovie and Sid. Heck they were showing Ovechkin's goal on Saturday like it was some great thing, even though it was a 5 on 3 and he had the whole goal to look at If it was anyone else I wonder if they even show that one.

[tywright]

Tywright is right on this one. I feel like that's all I've heard about is Ovie and Sid. Heck they were showing Ovechkin's goal on Saturday like it was some great thing, even though it was a 5 on 3 and he had the whole goal to look at If it was anyone else I wonder if they even show that one.

What I find out is that they haven't played up the comments Semin made about Crosby in that he "isn't that special".

Semin, by the way, made a sick pass to Ovie for the 5 on 3 goal. And Semin started the pretty sequence to Backstrom to Flash for the GWG.

[tywright]

You guys should read the Brashear profile on the WashPost. It's pretty eye-opening

[DuffMan]

What I find out is that they haven't played up the comments Semin made about Crosby in that he "isn't that special".

Semin, by the way, made a sick pass to Ovie for the 5 on 3 goal. And Semin started the pretty sequence to Backstrom to Flash for the GWG.

Semin did have a nice pass there, but I liked Backs play to Flash even better. How he just stopped and waited for the opening like that was great!

[tywright]

Semin did have a nice pass there, but I liked Backs play to Flash even better. How he just stopped and waited for the opening like that was great!

And he barely got the puck over the dman's stick. Plus Flash finished well on the play too.

[Bosibus]

You guys should read the Brashear profile on the WashPost. It's pretty eye-opening

Damn, that is pretty crazy.

[Dr. FLK]

You guys should read the Brashear profile on the WashPost. It's pretty eye-opening

Link Please???

[Dr. FLK]

Link Please???

I found it. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/01/AR2009050104147.html?sid=ST2009050104383)

[allstar1579]

Leash the Fluery!!!!

Let's go CAPS!!!!!

[Dr. FLK]

C-a-p-s...caps, caps, caps!!

[Miller192]

I'm a pure bandwagon Caps fan now.

I'm loving this!

[PaulBako]

2-0 series lead!

:2yay-thumb:

[Floater]

Too bad Criesby got a Hat Trick also, I hate that douchebucket...

[tywright]

Well I don't know how Ovie is going to top tonight :eektf:

[allstar1579]

Well I don't know how Ovie is going to top tonight :eektf:

5 goals in game 3?

I'm trying to figure out how Varly is going to get better, we should have given up 6 at least. He made some unbelievable saves, I saw flashes of Hasek in his Buffalo days.

[tywright]

5 goals in game 3?

I'm trying to figure out how Varly is going to get better, we should have given up 6 at least. He made some unbelievable saves, I saw flashes of Hasek in his Buffalo days.

Varly does scare me though when he gets out of position, but he sure can recover quick.

Someone needs to pop Kunitz for hitting Varly in the head.

We do need to work harder in Game 3 & 4. We still haven't played a complete game that BB is looking for.

I wish more of our players played with the grit and smartness that Steckel displays. He caused 3 penalties, scored a goal, and won plenty of faceoffs (10 of 13).

[DuffMan]

5 goals in game 3?

I'm trying to figure out how Varly is going to get better, we should have given up 6 at least. He made some unbelievable saves, I saw flashes of Hasek in his Buffalo days.

And to think the Ducks wanted him, Alzner, and a 3rd player for Pronger. That's a fair deal:rolleyes:

[allstar1579]

And to think the Ducks wanted him, Alzner, and a 3rd player for Pronger. That's a fair deal:rolleyes:

Yeah, the best deals are sometimes the ones you DON'T make. Not to mention you still have Borque, Carlson, Neuvirth, Gustafson, Oksala, and maybe the best of them all Holtby coming...wow.


Varly does scare me though when he gets out of position, but he sure can recover quick.

Someone needs to pop Kunitz for hitting Varly in the head.

We do need to work harder in Game 3 & 4. We still haven't played a complete game that BB is looking for.

I wish more of our players played with the grit and smartness that Steckel displays. He caused 3 penalties, scored a goal, and won plenty of faceoffs (10 of 13).

Yeah, if I'm Brashear I'm CHOMPING at the bit for a game 6 and a shot at Kunitz. I know they have come out really lackluster to start both games so far, when they get back on their heels they get sloppy.

I was saying the same thing about Steckel, while the flip side is Clark is KILLING me with all the penalties he's taking right now. I don't mind from Jurcina as much because he's actually hitting people, and besides he and Ovie, no one was hitting anyone (with the exception of the shot Green gave to Letang to knock him out).

[tywright]

Fehr left after getting crushed along the boards in the 1st. I assume someone like Aucoin or Giroux will be called up. And Nylander might actually see the ice.

[allstar1579]

Fehr left after getting crushed along the boards in the 1st. I assume someone like Aucoin or Giroux will be called up. And Nylander might actually see the ice.

That sucks, but good call, they need a good checking guy to go there. Nylander isn't going to help that, and I think we are a MUCH better team with Nylander, Schultz, and Theodore on the bench.

[allstar1579]

Like we needed another reason to hate him....Crosby cries about hats on ice (http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2009/05/crosby_objects_to_hats_on_ice.html)

What next? Is he going to ban octopii in DET? I can't wait til someone punches him in the mouth.

[tywright]

Kunitz should be suspended for this crosscheck to Varly's throat area. Ridiculous

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLQqOYjj_mI

[The Rick]

Just got back from the game, what an amazing atmosphere. This was a classic game, two hat trick's by 2 of the game's best players--how epic.

Ovie - MVP!

[Dr. FLK]

Like we needed another reason to hate him....Crosby cries about hats on ice (http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2009/05/crosby_objects_to_hats_on_ice.html)

What next? Is he going to ban octopii in DET? I can't wait til someone punches him in the mouth.

I wonder if Cindy complained when the Pitt fans threw hats on the ice for his hat trick last night...

[DuffMan]

I wonder if Cindy complained when the Pitt fans threw hats on the ice for his hat trick last night...

I was watching the sports center highlights this morning of the game and they did a funny thing. They had a split screen showing the giant pile of hats thrown for Ovie and on the other screen was one hat thrown for Cry-Baby!

[allstar1579]

Kunitz should be suspended for this crosscheck to Varly's throat area. Ridiculous

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLQqOYjj_mI

Just one of the 10 penalties or so on PIT that didn't get called. I'm convinced that the NHL is trying to force this to be a 7 game series with plenty of overtimes.

[DuffMan]

Just one of the 10 penalties or so on PIT that didn't get called. I'm convinced that the NHL is trying to force this to be a 7 game series with plenty of overtimes.

All the more reason to not let up off the gas pedal. I don't want to win I want to demoralize them! Go for the sweep!!! End it in Pittsburgh. The silence/booing would be amazing!!!

[allstar1579]

All the more reason to not let up off the gas pedal. I don't want to win I want to demoralize them! Go for the sweep!!! End it in Pittsburgh. The silence/booing would be amazing!!!

Agreed. (mostly because I have to share game 5 and couldn't go anyway) Bring on round 3 :)

[DuffMan]

Agreed. (mostly because I have to share game 5 and couldn't go anyway) Bring on round 3 :)

Another benefit would be the extra rest they could get. The sooner they get this done, the sooner that they can rest and recover and hopefully get these guys healthy (or as healthy as you can be for the playoffs) for the next round.

[hoosiers]

Kunitz should be suspended for this crosscheck to Varly's throat area. Ridiculous

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLQqOYjj_mI

I'm sure both teams fans can point to non-calls and get upset, but I found the crosscheck to the goalie's head too much. I hope the league does something with that.

[tywright]

Another benefit would be the extra rest they could get. The sooner they get this done, the sooner that they can rest and recover and hopefully get these guys healthy (or as healthy as you can be for the playoffs) for the next round.

Let's not get ahead ourselves....IMO, we've been pretty lucky so far. Malkin will probably wake up in the next game or so. And the Pens will adjust defensively. They could easily win the next 2. Then again they will probably be without Letang (shoulder injury) and Kunitz (probable suspension) who are valuable on both ends of the ice. If we can jump on them early in Game 3, then I like our chances. Green needs to find a way to score on the PP and Semin/Backstrom need another good game. If we can win 1 game in Pittsburgh then Saturday night in DC will be very interesting!

[allstar1579]

Let's not get ahead ourselves....IMO, we've been pretty lucky so far. Malkin will probably wake up in the next game or so. And the Pens will adjust defensively. They could easily win the next 2. Then again they will probably be without Letang (shoulder injury) and Kunitz (probable suspension) who are valuable on both ends of the ice. If we can jump on them early in Game 3, then I like our chances. Green needs to find a way to score on the PP and Semin/Backstrom need another good game. If we can win 1 game in Pittsburgh then Saturday night in DC will be very interesting!

Yeah, we are just back to needing secondary scoring again. Then again when they try to make sure Ovie is getting almost 25 shots a game, you aren't really trying to score with your secondary guys. If we can take 1 of 2 in PIT, I'm happy. You are right though, it wouldn't take much for them to take both in PIT, I'd much rather be up 3-1 coming home.

[The Rick]

Big shocker here: (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/playoffs/2009/news?id=4143194)


Pittsburgh forward Chris Kunitz has been fined the maximum amount under the collective bargaining agreement, $2,500, for cross-checking Washington netminder Simeon Varlamov late in Game 2 on Monday night, ESPN.com has learned.

The fine comes in spite of calls from Washington star Alex Ovechkin for Kunitz to be suspended.

Reporters in Arlington -- where the Capitals practiced before traveling to Pittsburgh Tuesday afternoon -- heard an angry Ovechkin complain that the hit was a "cheap shot" and that Kunitz should be suspended.

"I think it's dirty and I think the league has to do something about it," Ovechkin was quoted as saying on the Washington Post Web site.

Washington head coach Bruce Boudreau said after the Capitals' 4-3 victory that Kunitz deliberately cross-checked his rookie netminder and called the hit "vicious".

Pittsburgh Penguins' coach Dan Bylsma said Tuesday he didn't think concerns over the play were justified.

"He was going to the net, trying to create a loose puck and trying to jam home a rebound," Bylsma said. "He had no intention of doing anything but that and trying to get back in the game. For me, it was a battle, he was in there tight, was making contact with the goalie -- I don't think there was intention to do anything other than create a loose puck."

Anyone surprised that Gary and Bylsma seem to agree on this? There's no way he shouldn't have been suspended. There's also no way Bettman was going to suspend a valuable Penguin with the series headed back to the Igloo with the beloved Pens already down 2-0.

Looks like Bettman & Tagliabue/Goodell see eye to eye. They all wear Pittsburgh panties to bed.

There's just no possible way that wasn't intentional. I think the replay CLEARLY shows that.

[Dr. FLK]

*I know Dr. FLK won't like the above comment to well, so I apologize in advance. I'm still healing from the 0-3 football season, ugh.*

I was actually fan of the "Pittsburgh Panties" comments...

[DuffMan]

And now the whining and complaining begins!

There's a couple of different articles out today in Pittsburgh's papers complaining about things the Caps are getting away with. Today's topics are that the Caps are running illegal picks and that Ovechkin has an illegal blade.

[Dr. FLK]

And now the whining and complaining begins!

There's a couple of different articles out today in Pittsburgh's papers complaining about things the Caps are getting away with. Today's topics are that the Caps are running illegal picks and that Ovechkin has an illegal blade.

Is there any supporting evidence? Or just whining? I hate Pittsburgh...

[DuffMan]

Is there any supporting evidence? Or just whining? I hate Pittsburgh...

Mostly just whining. The interference is being done on both sides, so it's not like they are calling it one way and not the other. If there is a real obvious occursion I'm sure it will be called.

As for Ovechkin's blade being illegal that is just pure whining by the Pens.

According to ESPN it Looks like Erskine is a game time decision and Fehr is questionable. I hope Fehr can play otherwise we'd be stuck seeing Nylander:puke:

[tywright]

Mostly just whining. The interference is being done on both sides, so it's not like they are calling it one way and not the other. If there is a real obvious occursion I'm sure it will be called.

As for Ovechkin's blade being illegal that is just pure whining by the Pens.

According to ESPN it Looks like Erskine is a game time decision and Fehr is questionable. I hope Fehr can play otherwise we'd be stuck seeing Nylander:puke:

Ovie does use a pretty big curve on his stick. Plus he has so many sticks that he's bound to have at least 1 with an illegal curve (more than 3/4").

The thing is, if the Pens' coach challenges the curve and his blade is found to be legal, then the Pens are charged a penalty.

[DuffMan]

Ovie does use a pretty big curve on his stick. Plus he has so many sticks that he's bound to have at least 1 with an illegal curve (more than 3/4").

The thing is, if the Pens' coach challenges the curve and his blade is found to be legal, then the Pens are charged a penalty.

He's only been challenged on it one time and his stick passed.

I think it's too much of a risk for a team to challenge that in the playoffs, if your right then you get a PP, but if your wrong your stuck with the penalty. And do you really want to give the Caps a "free" PP?

[tywright]

Game plan tonight: Jump on them early. No more crappy 1st period effort.

I have a feeling the Laich/Steckel/Bradley line will be the factor again tonight. Maybe it's Laich's turn to score tonight.

Also someone (Green and Shane Mo!) needs to limit Crosby's chances in front of the net. He's getting way too many chances lately.

We will probably see Ovie and Semin double shifting a lot tonight, which they did in Game 2 when Fehr went out.

Green needs to jump up in the play at least a couple times tonight.

And we need to keep the shots against under 30 for Varly. We're giving up way too many chances so we need to minimize them.

[Dr. FLK]

Game plan tonight: Jump on them early. No more crappy 1st period effort.

I have a feeling the Laich/Steckel/Bradley line will be the factor again tonight. Maybe it's Laich's turn to score tonight.

Also someone (Green and Shane Mo!) needs to limit Crosby's chances in front of the net. He's getting way too many chances lately.

We will probably see Ovie and Semin double shifting a lot tonight, which they did in Game 2 when Fehr went out.

Green needs to jump up in the play at least a couple times tonight.

And we need to keep the shots against under 30 for Varly. We're giving up way too many chances so we need to minimize them.

If Cindy camps out in front of the net again, someone better knock him on his backside. They cannot continue to let him hang out wherever he wants waiting for easy rebounds.

[hoosiers]

Pittsburgh Penguins' coach Dan Bylsma said Tuesday he didn't think concerns over the play were justified.

"He was going to the net, trying to create a loose puck and trying to jam home a rebound," Bylsma said. "He had no intention of doing anything but that and trying to get back in the game. For me, it was a battle, he was in there tight, was making contact with the goalie -- I don't think there was intention to do anything other than create a loose puck."

I wonder how many times during the season when Pittsburgh was "battling" did they cross-check a goalie in the head in the crease?

My guess is it did not happen often if at all.

Probably just a coincidence then, that the cross-check happen in the playoffs with the Pens were down by 2 goals (about to go 2-0 in a series). I think a suspension would have been fully justified. Looking at the replay - there's no room in hockey for that player to act like that.

Someone needs to speak to the refs about their missing that one as well.

[tywright]

Pittsburgh Penguins' coach Dan Bylsma said Tuesday he didn't think concerns over the play were justified.

"He was going to the net, trying to create a loose puck and trying to jam home a rebound," Bylsma said. "He had no intention of doing anything but that and trying to get back in the game. For me, it was a battle, he was in there tight, was making contact with the goalie -- I don't think there was intention to do anything other than create a loose puck."

I wonder how many times during the season when Pittsburgh was "battling" did they cross-check a goalie in the head in the crease?

My guess is it did not happen often if at all.

Probably just a coincidence then, that the cross-check happen in the playoffs with the Pens were down by 2 goals (about to go 2-0 in a series). I think a suspension would have been fully justified. Looking at the replay - there's no room in hockey for that player to act like that.

Someone needs to speak to the refs about their missing that one as well.


If this happened in the regular season, it would have resulted in at least a 2 game suspension.

The NHL is very inconsistent with their handing out of suspensions. It's down right laughable.

On the other hand, players find a way to settle things on the ice...if you know what I mean.

[Mashed Potatoes]

Pittsburgh fans are so stupid they're wearing one of our colors rather than black or gold.

[allstar1579]

Pittsburgh fans are so stupid they're wearing one of our colors rather than black or gold.

Their marketing department should be fired. Like on the spot. Tonight. It looks like another home game for us, just doesn't sound like one.

On an aside...anyone notice that it sounds MUCH louder at VC than it does here?

[allstar1579]

Anyone else irritated that if we sneeze in the direction of a PIT player we get sent to the box tonight?

[The Rick]

What an insane game. We can't keep getting this lucky on the defensive end, we need a power play or something to end this game.

[allstar1579]

UGH. That is all.

[Pedro Cerrano]

Do 6 straight power plays happen a lot in the NHL?

[The Rick]

This was an amazing game, and this series is shaping up to be a classic. Even despite basically being dominated in the shot category tonight, we took it to OT and obviously had a good chance to win. I can't wait until Friday.

[The Rick]

Do 6 straight power plays happen a lot in the NHL?

Nope, and I know people will point to the power play's for Pittsburgh and for obvious reason, but they were all over us tonight. We were lucky, regardless of power plays, to be in this game at all IMO.

[Dr. FLK]

The only part of the Caps team tonight that didn't stink was Varly. The offense got few chances. The defense gave Pitt a billion chances. Just a terribly played game IMO. Thank goodness we had Varly in the pipes or this would have been ugly. They better regroup for game 4.

[tywright]

You know, even though the Pens dominated, thanks to 7PP chances, we still could have won. That says a lot

On to Game 4...we need to win it

[DuffMan]

On an aside...anyone notice that it sounds MUCH louder at VC than it does here?

Yeah, I did as well. You would've thought being down 2-0 their Fans would've been going crazy to get em motivated but they weren't impressive at all.

[DuffMan]

You know, even though the Pens dominated, thanks to 7PP chances, we still could have won. That says a lot

On to Game 4...we need to win it

That's the way I look at it. While the Pens had control and I had the feeling they would win, I kept saying that the game was still tied and we could still steal it, and we almost did.

Poopsburgh played like a team down 2 games to 0 tonight and that extra motivation really showed, that and Malkin decided to start playing.

The only thing that bothers me about that L is losing on some lame deflection off our defender, but those things happen sometimes.

[thilton25]

Anyone other than me notice the lack of respect for the Caps by the Versus announce team? I live in Pa now just over the MD line and thought for a while that I had the Pitt broadcast on. Ok, yes the Pens were dominating puck control, but the score was never out of hand and the series was 2-0 Caps.. Maybe it was just me..

[tywright]

PENALTY SUMMARY
1st Period
09:38 PIT Sergei Gonchar : Interference - 2 min
12:47 WSH Michael Nylander : Interference - 2 min
19:34 WSH Milan Jurcina : Delay of game - 2 min

2nd Period
10:05 WSH Mike Green : Slashing - 2 min
19:16 WSH Simeon Varlamov served by Viktor Kozlov : Slashing - 2 min

3rd Period
04:54 WSH Alex Ovechkin : Interference - 2 min
14:10 WSH Alexander Semin : Hooking - 2 min
17:32 PIT Pascal Dupuis : Interference - 2 min

1st OT Period
02:15 WSH Brian Pothier : Delay of game - 2 min

This is the story of the game. When you are on the PK for almost a third of the game, you can't get any flow to your play. After Nylander had the cheap penalty in the 1st, the Caps were a different team.

"They have only two penalties," Ovechkin said. "It's kind of a joke, I think."

Still the Caps could have won the game because of Varly. And the Pens still have not beat the Caps in regulation. The Caps are 5-0-2 against the Pens this year.

[Mashed Potatoes]

Did anyone else think that Dupuis' penalty in regulation was on the Caps at first? I almost punched my television. The Pittsburgh fans started cheering when they saw the penalty call because at that point they just assumed that if it was a foul, it was on the Caps.

[DuffMan]

Did anyone else think that Dupuis' penalty in regulation was on the Caps at first? I almost punched my television. The Pittsburgh fans started cheering when they saw the penalty call because at that point they just assumed that if it was a foul, it was on the Caps.

I definitely thought it was on the Caps. I was about to turn the TV off at that point because that would have only left about 30 seconds of regulation time assuming the penalty would be killed off.

While you can't argue the delay of game calls I do think it's quite the coincidence that the first possible game after the Penguins do all this whining and complaining and the penalty total is 7-2.

[DuffMan]

It's interesting that team has scored first in each game this series has gone on to lose. Yet in the previous round scoring first usually resulted in a win.

[tywright]

Did anyone else think that Dupuis' penalty in regulation was on the Caps at first? I almost punched my television. The Pittsburgh fans started cheering when they saw the penalty call because at that point they just assumed that if it was a foul, it was on the Caps.

I fully expected it to be on the Caps. I was pleasantly surprised to find out it was on them instead. And I had full faith that would tie the game up.

[DuffMan]

I fully expected it to be on the Caps. I was pleasantly surprised to find out it was on them instead. And I had full faith that would tie the game up.

That was a nice PP. You had to love how everyone was crashing/closing in on the goal.

[hoosiers]

It's kind of funny to see a replay of the cross check to Varly's head at the end of Game 2 that was not called and the Green "love tap" slashing that was last night.

I'm not a conspiracy theorist guy and I expect the home team to get more calls generally, but the refs could have called a dozen more penalties if they were going to ring up the Caps for the cheapies last night - the Nylander interference and the Green slashing.

Otherwise, I was disappointed the Caps had so much difficulty getting the puck out of the zone. Pittsburgh made nice adjustments and played more aggressive and deserved the win, but we were in it.

[allstar1579]

Again, I reiterate, they need to recall a checking, physical forward and bench Nylander. He did nothing but get in the way, and get penalties all night. Sloan has looked pretty good (he'll score a goal tonight), but with Erskine coming back do you think it's better to bench him or Pothier?

[DuffMan]

Again, I reiterate, they need to recall a checking, physical forward and bench Nylander. He did nothing but get in the way, and get penalties all night. Sloan has looked pretty good (he'll score a goal tonight), but with Erskine coming back do you think it's better to bench him or Pothier?

I'd go with Pothier myself, nothing against Sloan's play but I'll take the guy that has a little more experience.

I'd like to see Semin get a goal tonight. After a great 1st round he is yet to light the lamp in this series. I want to see that change tonight.

[allstar1579]

I'd go with Pothier myself, nothing against Sloan's play but I'll take the guy that has a little more experience.

I'd like to see Semin get a goal tonight. After a great 1st round he is yet to light the lamp in this series. I want to see that change tonight.

I would have totally agreed with you the other day, but Pothier looked too slow and sloppy and just doesn't play physical at all, Sloan was at least hitting people, I think that is what we are lacking right now.

I don't care who scores tonight, I just want to win.

[tywright]

Again, I reiterate, they need to recall a checking, physical forward and bench Nylander. He did nothing but get in the way, and get penalties all night. Sloan has looked pretty good (he'll score a goal tonight), but with Erskine coming back do you think it's better to bench him or Pothier?

Jay Beagle was called up. There's your checking fwd

Alzner back to Hershey

And Erskine is taking the morning skate...he could be close

[tywright]

I'd go with Pothier myself, nothing against Sloan's play but I'll take the guy that has a little more experience.

I'd like to see Semin get a goal tonight. After a great 1st round he is yet to light the lamp in this series. I want to see that change tonight.

I'd like to Semin AND Laich do some scoring tonight! And a goal from a Dman would be nice as well.

[DuffMan]

I'd like to Semin AND Laich do some scoring tonight! And a goal from a Dman would be nice as well.

I want the Dmen to worry more about their D first. Need to try and cut down on those odd man rushes, granted those our are result of the style of play the Caps go with, but if we can take some pressure off of Varly that would be nice.

[allstar1579]

Jay Beagle was called up. There's your checking fwd

Alzner back to Hershey

And Erskine is taking the morning skate...he could be close

I'd rather have Laing, or Giroux, but I'll take it happily, because it's tons better than Nylander.

[Pedro Cerrano]

Couldn't the Caps have acquired Chris Pronger this trade deadline or am I dreaming?

[tywright]

Couldn't the Caps have acquired Chris Pronger this trade deadline or am I dreaming?

We could have, but then we wouldn't have Varly and Alzner right now

[tywright]

Flash might be dropped to the 4th line with Gordon and Beagle, which means Clark will get some solid minutes tonight. I'm not sure how I feel about this right now, but it is an indication that Boudreau wants some major forechecking and crashing the net tonight.

[OrangeJerseys]

Couldn't the Caps have acquired Chris Pronger this trade deadline or am I dreaming?

:ohlord::puke:

[allstar1579]

Flash might be dropped to the 4th line with Gordon and Beagle, which means Clark will get some solid minutes tonight. I'm not sure how I feel about this right now, but it is an indication that Boudreau wants some major forechecking and crashing the net tonight.

I can't say I disagree. Too much finesse on that Flash-Backstrom-Semin line. I know Flash scored in game one, but he's easily been our worst top 6 forward for over a month now too, and that entire game he looked pretty bad until he had the puck fall into his lap with an open net.

[DuffMan]

Ack, WTF was that?? Wayyyy too many shots given up in that period. The offense has had several good chances, including Federov's shot off the cross bar. Let's see if we can get a goal on this PP at the start of the 2nd (had several good chances at the end of the period there) and get back into this.

[Dr. FLK]

Another lazy showing...Pitt looks like they just want it more.:confused:

[DuffMan]

Little bit better in the 2nd period. That goal was Clark's, but it was thanks to Green's great effort. It's a shame they followed that up with a pathetic PP. Still it's only a 1 goal game so obviously still in it. No reason we can't come back and win this.

[The Rick]

LET'S go CAPS!!!

We're in this game, we just need to avoid surrendering a PP to the Pens, and pull our heads out of our asses on our own PP opportunities.

[The Rick]

WHAT A HUGE GOAL!!!!!!! Short handed and we're right back into the game, 4-3.

Keep trying to hand this one to the Pens Refs. Sorry that your Pittsburgh thongs reek of sweat from a tightly contested battle despite your efforts.

[The Rick]

Well, that happened. ****!

[allstar1579]

Well, that happened. ****!

Could we play any sloppier? I mean really? One pass that isn't sloppy or off someone's stick and I'd be happy.

[The Rick]

Could we play any sloppier? I mean really? One pass that isn't sloppy or off someone's stick and I'd be happy.

That's what i'm so worked up about. One night we look like we're the next SC Champs, the next two nights we look like Hershey. I'm not pleased at all with the inconsistency.

[Dr. FLK]

Absolutely pathetic showing in back-to-back games...

[DuffMan]

Absolutely pathetic showing in back-to-back games...

Sloppy yes, but Varly played like poo. That last goal he's gotta stop no reason for that. He's played lights out this playoffs so he's allowed a stinker of a game. No time to feel sorry for theirselves, gotta get back on to it tomorrow. Hold serve and retake the series lead.

[allstar1579]

They should pull the goalie for the opening face off so that the Pens can have a free one. Whoever scores first, loses.

[Dr. FLK]

They should pull the goalie for the opening face off so that the Pens can have a free one. Whoever scores first, loses.

If he's going to play like he did yesterday...they should just pull him.;) I kid...I kid.

I'll be there tonight, so they better step it up for me!

[tywright]

Must-win mode tonight. You just have to hope the players that need to show up, actually show up.

And hopefully Ovie doesn't get suspended, which he shouldn't, but who knows with the NHL these days.

[AgentOrange]

I am getting some steamed crabs tonight during the game so I can rock the red.

[NewOwnerNeeded]

Must-win mode tonight. You just have to hope the players that need to show up, actually show up.

And hopefully Ovie doesn't get suspended, which he shouldn't, but who knows with the NHL these days.

I will be extremely mad if he is suspended. The intent to injure was not there. He went for the check, and Gonchar side stepped him. There was nothing left but knees to collide.

[allstar1579]

Must-win mode tonight. You just have to hope the players that need to show up, actually show up.

And hopefully Ovie doesn't get suspended, which he shouldn't, but who knows with the NHL these days.

If he is, I'm going to look into a collusion lawsuit with the NHL and Penguins.

[OrangeJerseys]

Go Caps! I almost got into to it with a Cindy fan I was so pissed last night.

Pun intended.

[PaulBako]

Another loss.

I don't see how the Caps can come back in this series. :(

[ChaosLex]

No way we come back.

It was a good run. Hopefully, the Caps will add another piece (or two) and make it further in the playoffs next season.

[DuffMan]

Another loss.

I don't see how the Caps can come back in this series. :(


No way we come back.

It was a good run. Hopefully, the Caps will add another piece (or two) and make it further in the playoffs next season.

Apparently you guys weren't paying attention when we came back from down 3-1 against the Rangers in the first round. While I totally agree losing this one hurts big time, especially on a deflection, to say the series is over is silly. Is it going to be tough yes, but it can be done. Getting someone besides Ovechkin to score would certainly help.

[Dr. FLK]

I wonder what would have happened if Mike Green decided to show up for the playoffs...

[NewOwnerNeeded]

I wonder what would have happened if Mike Green decided to show up for the playoffs...

I agree. We've known he can't play defense, but he hasn't even played offense in the playoffs.

[Dr. FLK]

Can the Caps get their D-men going tonight in a huge game 6? Will there be any line changes for tonight?

[ChaosLex]

Can the Caps get their D-men going tonight in a huge game 6? Will there be any line changes for tonight?

I had a dream last night that the Caps blew out the Pens in Game 6. We shall see...

[Mashed Potatoes]

We've played our best hockey to date when our backs were against the wall. Hopefully that trend continues tonight, I really don't want to lose to the F-ing Penguins and that she-man Crosby. I still can't believe we've lost 2 OT contests on fluky deflections.

[DuffMan]

We've played our best hockey to date when our backs were against the wall. Hopefully that trend continues tonight, I really don't want to lose to the F-ing Penguins and that she-man Crosby. I still can't believe we've lost 2 OT contests on fluky deflections.

That's what bothers me the most as well. Losing in OT is bad enough, but to have it happen on a deflection, TWICE is just not fair!! Needless to say it can't happen again. We won 3 in a row against the Rangers and we won 2 in a row against the Pens so there's no reason we can't do it again. We've got to get some secondary scoring!! Ovechkin can't do it all. Semin, Green, Bradley, someone needs to help out.

[OrangeJerseys]

I had a dream last night that the Caps blew out the Pens in Game 6. We shall see...

Guess its all on you then Lex.:eek:


My buddy and I have watched the three losses together but not the two wins this series. I told him to stay the hell away from me today.

[Who's On 1st]

Guess its all on you then Lex.:eek:


My buddy and I have watched the three losses together but not the two wins this series. I told him to stay the hell away from me today.

OK so we will blame it on your Buddy!

[PaulBako]

Tough game tonight...

Hopefully the team shows up and gets a win on the road to force a game 7.

[Dr. FLK]

I would hate to see an arena full of Happy Pissburgh fans...bring it back for Game 7 boys...

(Note to Green and Semin: The series started several games ago. Feel free to start contributing.)

[OrangeJerseys]

OK so we will blame it on your Buddy!

Perfect.:mwahaha:

[NewOwnerNeeded]

Bad first period. Only one goal, but it might as well be more. Complete domination by Pittsburgh. The Caps only real chance to score, Laich didn't even get it on goal.

[Dr. FLK]

Do the Caps ever have a pass in the offensive zone that isn't sloppy and inaccurate?

[OrangeJerseys]

Go caps!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[PaulBako]

I'm shaking right now.

[NewOwnerNeeded]

I'm shaking right now.

This is too close for comfort. The Caps need to stop playing around. They need to put the puck in the net and stop turning it over and giving the Penguins chances.

[BaltimoreTerp]

You know, I don't consider myself a huge hockey fan.

Then, sometimes I find myself screaming at the Caps to just score one frickin' goal and not let those Pittsburgh Puffins beat them, dammit!!!...and I wonder whether I'm really not :D

[NewOwnerNeeded]

You know, I don't consider myself a huge hockey fan.

Then, sometimes I find myself screaming at the Caps to just score one frickin' goal and not let those Pittsburgh Puffins beat them, dammit!!!...and I wonder whether I'm really not :D

I took a friend of mine to the Bruins - Hurricanes game on Friday night. He is a big basketball fan, not a hockey fan at all. This was his first game. He loved it. He said it was like football times 2. There is something about the intensity of playoff hockey that will get people watching. I wish the games were on a better network so more people could enjoy them. There would be a lot more hockey fans if more people could watch.

[tywright]

Game 7 baby!

If you don't like hockey, that game would have turned you into a fan.

[AgentOrange]

I am half drunk, just picked up some Taco Bell on the way home and I am eating it while watching some MLB tonight. It doesn't get better than this.

I feel like I am in college again.

[tywright]

I am half drunk, just picked up some Taco Bell on the way home and I am eating it while watching some MLB tonight. It doesn't get better than this.

I feel like I am in college again.

chinese food, a 6er of Yuengling, 9 goals and an OT...bad indigestion right now

[AgentOrange]

chinese food, a 6er of Yuengling, 9 goals and an OT...bad indigestion right now

I am probably going to have some terrible indigestion at like 3 am. Which I am going to be pissed if that happens! But man that was good!

Have a good night and see you at game 7!

[The Rick]

Can't wait till Wednesday. Way to go Caps to bring this back to VC for game 7! I've got a good feeling about this.

[Birds of B'more]

No matter what happens in Game 7, this series has lived up to its billing.

[sdeclue]

What an absolutely fantastic game, and just a series as a whole. Really hope the Capitals can pull it out. I have a host of articles on the series up on my page.

http://www.examiner.com/x-1089-Baltimore-Sports-Examiner~y2009m5d11-Capitals-stun-Penguins-in-OT-force-Game-7

[Dr. FLK]

You know, I don't consider myself a huge hockey fan.

Then, sometimes I find myself screaming at the Caps to just score one frickin' goal and not let those Pittsburgh Puffins beat them, dammit!!!...and I wonder whether I'm really not :D

Just come out of the closet and admit it already...hockey is amazing.;)

(P.S. I love Steckel...and I hate Jurcina.)

[DuffMan]

We've got to get some secondary scoring!! Ovechkin can't do it all.

Well let's see here, 5 goals scored all by people not named Ovechkin. I think that should be considered secondary scoring!:D Game 7 is going to be insane! No more OT though please!

[Dr. FLK]

No matter what happens in Game 7, this series has lived up to its billing.

Let's not get into this preemptive preparation for disappointment...I could care less about the billing of this series. Let's just beat the Penguins in Game 7 and let the P-burgh fans wipe their you-know-whats with those Terrible Towels on their way home. It does matter what happens in Game 7...one option is great, and one option...well, it isn't an option.;)

[Bosibus]

chinese food, a 6er of Yuengling, 9 goals and an OT...bad indigestion right now

What are you in your 50s, you are still young and should have the stomach of a hyeena! You too AO!

Great win (although I did not get to see it live, had basketball) but did DVR and watched it last night at about 11:30pm.

[tywright]

What are you in your 50s, you are still young and should have the stomach of a hyeena! You too AO!

Great win (although I did not get to see it live, had basketball) but did DVR and watched it last night at about 11:30pm.

Haha...still in my 20s. That game practically gave me a heart attack.

[tywright]

Semin didn't have a goal last night, but man did he have a hell of a game. He caused so many problems for their D and there should have been multiple penalties, which of course weren't called.

That slashing call on Laich with 2 min left in the 3rd is absolutely ridiculous. The ref should be ashamed of himself. Same goes for the cheap penalty on Backstrom in the 1st, which eventually ended up being a 5-3. Fortunately we killed that off.

Steckel...monster game. He's a great role player. Kozlov was on fire and that wrister he scored was awesome. Flash was also very good last night. He had a lot of jump in his step and scored a goal. Same goes for Laich who scored a deflection goal, which was originally awarded to Semin. And Laich also won the faceoff, broke the other guy's stick and flung the puck on net for the GWG deflection by Stecks.

Now we just need for Green to light the lamp. And Semin can score as well.

[tylerfrombelair]

Semin didn't have a goal last night, but man did he have a hell of a game. He caused so many problems for their D and there should have been multiple penalties, which of course weren't called.

That slashing call on Laich with 2 min left in the 3rd is absolutely ridiculous. The ref should be ashamed of himself. Same goes for the cheap penalty on Backstrom in the 1st, which eventually ended up being a 5-3. Fortunately we killed that off.

Steckel...monster game. He's a great role player. Kozlov was on fire and that wrister he scored was awesome. Flash was also very good last night. He had a lot of jump in his step and scored a goal. Same goes for Laich who scored a deflection goal, which was originally awarded to Semin. And Laich also won the faceoff, broke the other guy's stick and flung the puck on net for the GWG deflection by Stecks.

Now we just need for Green to light the lamp. And Semin can score as well.

With his abysmal play in the post season I would find it hard to believe that he will win the Defensive POY.

[DuffMan]

With his abysmal play in the post season I would find it hard to believe that he will win the Defensive POY.

Post Season play has nothing to do with who wins the Norris trophy.

[hoosiers]

As I posted earlier, I do not like to rag on the refs, but I thought we were jobbed last night. What happened at the end of the second period with that Caps breakaway? It's like the refs put the whistle away with 5 seconds left and ignored an obvious Pittsburgh penalty - even the announcer said as much - the defender "never touched the puck".

The Laich slashing was ticky tack and that stuff was definitely not called both ways all night. It is crazy to ponder the series ending with a Pittsburgh win based on that call.

Not surprising the refs gave Pittsburgh a 5 on 3.

Game 7. Lots of old demons to be exorcised with a win. I want this one.

[DuffMan]

Semin didn't have a goal last night, but man did he have a hell of a game. He caused so many problems for their D and there should have been multiple penalties, which of course weren't called.
Nice to see Semin step up. The guy has the talent for sure as we saw in the regular season and in the NY series, nice to see him step up last night and play the way he can.



That slashing call on Laich with 2 min left in the 3rd is absolutely ridiculous. The ref should be ashamed of himself. Same goes for the cheap penalty on Backstrom in the 1st, which eventually ended up being a 5-3. Fortunately we killed that off.The officiating has been pretty suspect for the whole series so this does not surprise me at all. I only hope that tomorrow's game is decided because of a questionable call.


Steckel...monster game. He's a great role player. Kozlov was on fire and that wrister he scored was awesome. Flash was also very good last night. He had a lot of jump in his step and scored a goal. Same goes for Laich who scored a deflection goal, which was originally awarded to Semin. And Laich also won the faceoff, broke the other guy's stick and flung the puck on net for the GWG deflection by Stecks.
Apparently that was the first time since game 3 that Steckel,Laich and Bradley were on the same line. Not sure why they were split up but you've gotta keep these guys together for tomorrow's game.


Now we just need for Green to light the lamp. Rumor/speculation that Green has been playing hurt. Seeing how shady the NHL is when it comes to injuries this wouldn't surprise me. If there's any truth to it at all I doubt we hear anything about it until the season is over.

[Pedro Cerrano]

The refs owe us a few. I'd like to think that in a Game 7, at home, that if either team is going to get the benefit of the doubt it would be us.

Bring it on!

[tywright]

Rumor/speculation that Green has been playing hurt. Seeing how shady the NHL is when it comes to injuries this wouldn't surprise me. If there's any truth to it at all I doubt we hear anything about it until the season is over.

Well he was sick in Rd 1. This series, the excuse is that the type of stick he uses is out of production and his last available stick broke in Game 1. He started the year with 15 sticks (amazing they lasted this long) and the only one that isn't broken was the one that was used in the 8 consecutive games he scored goals in. Apparently that stick was supposed to be at the HOF, but it was brought back to Green before last night's game. He decided NOT to use it as he was starting to get a feel for the new stick. The new stick was giving him trouble for a few games. He said, "I felt like I was stickhandling for the first time again".

If I were him, I'd use his old stick for Game 7 since that stick is clearly unstoppable.

Even with Green's offensive struggles, he's still getting worked in the defensive zone. Last night, I recall yelling at the TV a few times when Green was out of position. And he has been doing this a lot recently.

[Dr. FLK]

I know it seems like the refs have been terrible...and to some extent I agree. But, in all sports, it always seems like the refs "favor" the team that is more aggressive. Pitt's offense has been more-or-less relentless. They outshoot the Caps by a ton. It seems like they spend more time in their own zone. They keep the puck going towards the pipes. They are dictating tempo/style. If the Caps want the calls, they need to change that. Even last night, Pitt looked like the more aggressive team for most of the game.

I want to take it to these guys so bad in Game 7. Don't give the refs a chance to favor Cindy & Co...Establish tempo early, utilize all of your offensive weapons, go aggressively after their wanna-be-tough-guy defenders, and get the job done!

[tywright]

I know it seems like the refs have been terrible...and to some extent I agree. But, in all sports, it always seems like the refs "favor" the team that is more aggressive. Pitt's offense has been more-or-less relentless. They outshoot the Caps by a ton. It seems like they spend more time in their own zone. They keep the puck going towards the pipes. They are dictating tempo/style. If the Caps want the calls, they need to change that. Even last night, Pitt looked like the more aggressive team for most of the game.

I want to take it to these guys so bad in Game 7. Don't give the refs a chance to favor Cindy & Co...Establish tempo early, utilize all of your offensive weapons, go aggressively after their wanna-be-tough-guy defenders, and get the job done!

If you only look at SOG then you aren't looking at the big picture. The Caps were clearly outshot 42-24. However, the Caps had almost as many shooting chances as the Pens. How is that possible, well take a look at our shots that were blocked or that missed the goal.

Game 6
Caps: 24 SOG, 11 missed shots, and 19 blocked shots = 54
Pens: 42 SOG, 10 missed shots, and 7 blocked shots = 59

Game 5
Caps: 31 SOG, 11 missed shots, and 24 blocked shots = 66
Pens: 42 SOG, 10 missed shots, and 17 blocked shots = 69


The Pens are a team that tries to block a lot of shots and that is magnified by players like Ovie and Semin throwing rubber all over the place.

[Birds of B'more]

Let's not get into this preemptive preparation for disappointment...I could care less about the billing of this series. Let's just beat the Penguins in Game 7 and let the P-burgh fans wipe their you-know-whats with those Terrible Towels on their way home. It does matter what happens in Game 7...one option is great, and one option...well, it isn't an option.;)

Even though I'm rooting for the Caps all the way, I made that statement strictly as a fan of hockey in general. This is the sort of series the NHL needed. Great games (3 OTs so far), big-name stars, and all of them have produced. And as much as I like the coverage on VS, I only wish it was more widely available.

[DuffMan]

A good sign for the Capitals....
The Hershey Bears won game 7 last night over Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. In case you haven't been following the series Hershey took a 2-0 series lead before dropping the next 3 in the series, only to come back and win the next 2 taking the series 4-3!

[Dr. FLK]

Game Day...I got my red on at work today, and I can't wait for 7pm to get here...

[WietersOvechkin]

Game Day...I got my red on at work today, and I can't wait for 7pm to get here...

7pm cannot get here fast enough... LETS GO CAPS!!!

[tywright]

A good sign for the Capitals....
The Hershey Bears won game 7 last night over Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. In case you haven't been following the series Hershey took a 2-0 series lead before dropping the next 3 in the series, only to come back and win the next 2 taking the series 4-3!

Neuvirth with back2back shutouts!

[Mashed Potatoes]

I can't focus on work...

[Pedro Cerrano]

Must...have...beer...and...hockey...now!!!

[Dr. FLK]

I can't focus on work...

I'm with you...and the sucky thing is, I have a crazy-busy day. How in the world can my boss expect me to do work today?

[allstar1579]

Neuvirth with back2back shutouts!

And just think...Holtby is supposed to be better than both Varly and Neuvirth.

Scary G talent in our organization right now.

[tywright]

And just think...Holtby is supposed to be better than both Varly and Neuvirth.

Scary G talent in our organization right now.

I haven't read or heard anywhere that says Holtby will be better. HF ranks him #19 amongst the Caps prospects. He's good, but Varly is a top talent based on his overall skills. Varly is #2 behind Alzner. And Neuvirth is 6th.

[DuffMan]

Time to unleash the FURY!!!

[Pedro Cerrano]

Ugh.......

[DuffMan]

Ugh.......

Yeah that somes it up pretty well. Can't do a whole lot about that 1st goal, but that 2nd, eesh. Thankfully Federov's bonehead penalty didn't cost them or they could really be in trouble, more than they already are. Besides Ovechkins breakaway not a whole lot of chances. Here's what the Caps need to do in the 2nd period

SHOOT THE PUCK!
SHOOT THE PUCK!
SHOOT THE PUCK!

Can't score if you don't shoot it.

[OrangeJerseys]

:ohlord::down:

[Dr. FLK]

At least they didn't keep me from the Os game for long. Way to lay an egg in Game 7 boys.:rolleyes:

[allstar1579]

I haven't read or heard anywhere that says Holtby will be better. HF ranks him #19 amongst the Caps prospects. He's good, but Varly is a top talent based on his overall skills. Varly is #2 behind Alzner. And Neuvirth is 6th.

People I have talked to that are uh..."close to players and evaluators in the organization". Those rankings were done midseason too, because at the beginning of the year they had Varly at like 4 or 5 with the D prospects ahead of him.

Trust me...the kid is a phenom. I heard people comparing him to Price.

[J.D.]

At least they didn't keep me from the Os game for long. Way to lay an egg in Game 7 boys.:rolleyes:

It's worse. Ugh. :angryfire:

[Pedro Cerrano]

I, for one, will be buying a small season ticket plan next year if I can.

I HATE PITTSBURGH

[Dr. FLK]

Absolutely pathetic showing in a big game. Well done boys...:rolleyes:

[PaulBako]

..............:( ugh.

[Birds of B'more]

I'm not watching the game, but saw it's 5-0 Pitt in the 2nd??? WTF is going on???

[DuffMan]

Lost better be good:mad:

[ChaosLex]

I don't care how far they've come in the playoffs. There's absolutely no excuse for this.

This team is pathetic. :mad:

[Pedro Cerrano]

I mean they laid an egg at a really really really really really bad time.

We all know this team is much better than this. Wait till next year.

[J.D.]

I mean they laid an egg at a really really really really really bad time.

We all know this team is much better than this. Wait till next year.

I've watched every playoff game so far, and I don't know what it was about THIS game, but they just completely seem out of sync. They haven't been in it since early. Fleury stoned Ovechkin's breakaway, Varly let in a goal, and it went downhill quickly from there. Now it doesn't seem like they can control the puck at all, and Pittsburgh just seems faster and better organized.

It's very similar to how they came out against the Rangers in game 7 of that series, except that the Rangers didn't have the firepower to make the Caps pay for it.

[allstar1579]

I don't care how far they've come in the playoffs. There's absolutely no excuse for this.

This team is pathetic. :mad:

Bandwagoner. ;)

[TonySoprano]

Seven flippin' times they've knocked us out of the playoffs. :angryfire:

[MikeAD]

This wasn't even a contest.

Ridiculous.

[JChav]

Between the Steelers and the Penguins, Pittsburgh owns Baltimore-Washington sports. Sickening.

[MikeAD]

Between the Steelers and the Penguins, Pittsburgh owns Baltimore-Washington sports. Sickening.

yes my likely future sister in law is from Pitt...I never hear the end of it.

[tywright]

Well I'm pretty deflated after this loss...just an ugly ugly loss. It was a recipe for disaster. We were flat after being sky high after Game 6. A young team that lost its composure. Hopefully they learn from this and build on it for next year. This team still has a 3+ year window for success so this isn't the end folks...don't jump off the bandwagon!

Some interesting injury news...Green's bum shoulder has been bugging him, Poti broke his foot in Game 1, Ovie has a sore groin, and Semin has an unknown injury that probably would have kept him out during the regular season. I know these are just excuses, but that's pretty tough to have all these injuries occur at the same time.

[The Rick]

A classic series. This is certainly something the Caps can build on for next season. I'm proud to be a Caps fan, and can't wait to win our Cup in the next couple of years. This is going to be a FUN team to watch for years to come.

Boy, what a series. I'll never forget this one.

[Pedro Cerrano]

What's the contract status of the big boys?

Semin, Flash, Backstrom, Green, etc etc (I already known Ovie is signed loooong term)

Also, any big time defensemen out there we can make a run at?

[Dr. FLK]

Well I'm pretty deflated after this loss...just an ugly ugly loss. It was a recipe for disaster. We were flat after being sky high after Game 6. A young team that lost its composure. Hopefully they learn from this and build on it for next year. This team still has a 3+ year window for success so this isn't the end folks...don't jump off the bandwagon!

Some interesting injury news...Green's bum shoulder has been bugging him, Poti broke his foot in Game 1, Ovie has a sore groin, and Semin has an unknown injury that probably would have kept him out during the regular season. I know these are just excuses, but that's pretty tough to have all these injuries occur at the same time.

Hockey players are awesome! How in the world do you skate for 6 more games on a broken foot?!?!

[bobmc]

Hockey players are awesome! How in the world do you skate for 6 more games on a broken foot?!?!

Unbelievable! BB players have a longer ride in a marathon season preventing them from doing the same but how vastly different games they are. To switch from the frenetic pace of a hockey period (end to end action with a score possible any second) back to the slow, deliberate meanderings of a baseball inning (signals, move to first, ball one, strike one, foul ball, visits to the mound, etc.) brings it all to the fore. I was out of breath, figuratively, watching the Caps and then prodded into slumber with the Rays/O's. But then mighty Felix woke me up! :D

Have you guys discussed the shots on goal differentials previously? The Caps have long been outshot (over the past years). Olie was worn ragged with this differential. Poor Varly finally broke down under the pressure but how do we get defensemen to protect the goal better? Or is there a simpler explanation? :scratchchinhmm:

[DuffMan]

Very bummed about that. Obviously losing sucks, but to just implode like that in game 7 on the big stage like that. I think the worst thing is having to hear crap about how Crosby is the better player and the pens are better, and all sorts of other BS.
Big picture this team did have 7 more wins than the previous year and went one round further in the playoffs so it's easy to see were headed in the right direction and there is no reason to think we won't go further next year.




Some interesting injury news...Green's bum shoulder has been bugging him, Poti broke his foot in Game 1, Ovie has a sore groin, and Semin has an unknown injury that probably would have kept him out during the regular season. I know these are just excuses, but that's pretty tough to have all these injuries occur at the same time.

I was waiting to hear about who all was hurt, surprised it was that many. Pretty amazing to see what Ovechkin was doing not even at 100%. There had been rumors of Green being hurt so that's no surprise to me. The Poti injury is and the fact that he still played is simply amazing. I'm curious as to what the Semin injury was.

[DuffMan]

What's the contract status of the big boys?

Semin, Flash, Backstrom, Green, etc etc (I already known Ovie is signed loooong term)

Also, any big time defensemen out there we can make a run at?

Green has 3 more years left on his contract and then becomes an arbitration eligible RFA.

Semin and Backstrom both have one year remaining before both become Restricted Free Agents. I would think they would work on extending them this offseason.

Fleischmann is also signed for one more year and then becomes an arbitration eligible RFA.

I doubt they'll go after a D Man as they've got Alzner waiting at Hershey. Plus they will need that money to extend some of their own.

What McPhee needs to do is try and get rid of the bad contracts to free up some cap space, although that could be hard. Theodore is signed for one more year so he may be able to be dealt, but Nylander is owed over 9 million the next two years!! I'm not sure anyone is going to take him:down:

[tywright]

What's the contract status of the big boys?

Semin, Flash, Backstrom, Green, etc etc (I already known Ovie is signed loooong term)

Also, any big time defensemen out there we can make a run at?

Here's the best NHL reference for contracts

http://www.nhlnumbers.com/overview.php?team=WAS&season=0809

[Bosibus]

In the off-season, I am looking to trade Semin for a Dman.

[DuffMan]

Unbelievable! BB players have a longer ride in a marathon season preventing them from doing the same but how vastly different games they are. To switch from the frenetic pace of a hockey period (end to end action with a score possible any second) back to the slow, deliberate meanderings of a baseball inning (signals, move to first, ball one, strike one, foul ball, visits to the mound, etc.) brings it all to the fore. I was out of breath, figuratively, watching the Caps and then prodded into slumber with the Rays/O's. But then mighty Felix woke me up! :D
Yeah it's certainly quite the change of pace. I am thankful that the Orioles are playing right now, b/c after the Caps season abrupt end I need something to take my mind off of that and the O's will do that nicely. If anything watching the Caps do so well, has only increased my desire to see the O's return to glory!



Have you guys discussed the shots on goal differentials previously? The Caps have long been outshot (over the past years). Olie was worn ragged with this differential. Poor Varly finally broke down under the pressure but how do we get defensemen to protect the goal better? Or is there a simpler explanation? :scratchchinhmm:

We've discussed the shot differentials a bit. For most of this season it was usually the Caps racking up the shots, usually putting up 30+ a night with some 40+ in there as well. That trend continued in the 1st round against the Rangers, but when the Penguins series started the tables were turned and they were the ones getting out shot each night. If it weren't for Varly's great play this series might not have gone 7. One of the biggest problems was not keeping the crease clear. Varlamov almost always made that first stop, but the problem was Pittsburgh usually had someone on the crease getting rebound chances and you can only expect your goalie to stop so many point blank shots before one goes in.

[tywright]

Semin and Backstrom both have one year remaining before both become Restricted Free Agents. I would think they would work on extending them this offseason.

Fleischmann is also signed for one more year and then becomes an arbitration eligible RFA.

I doubt they'll go after a D Man as they've got Alzner waiting at Hershey. Plus they will need that money to extend some of their own.

What McPhee needs to do is try and get rid of the bad contracts to free up some cap space, although that could be hard. Theodore is signed for one more year so he may be able to be dealt, but Nylander is owed over 9 million the next two years!! I'm not sure anyone is going to take him:down:

Yeah Semin and Backstrom will need to be resigned this offseason. They will be fair game after next season. When I say fair game, I mean any team can offer them a contract, but we can match or we get compensation for them.

Morrisonn, Jurcina, Schultz, and Lepisto are all RFA. Sloan is UFA. The D we have signed for next year are Green, Poti, Pothier, Erskine and Alzner...and Carlson is waiting in the wings. I have a feeling we'll let Schultz go and must decide between Jurcina or Morrisonn.

We're still stuck with Nylander's ugly contract and Theodore. We might just give up both for draft picks. And then there's Clark...not sure what will happen to him since he has 2 years left in his contract

Fedorov, Kozlov, and Brashear are UFA. And Fehr and Gordon are RFA. We definitely resign Fehr, but I see one of Kozlov/Feds gone. And I hate to say it, but Brash is probably gone. Gordon should stay.

Steckel is in his final year of his contract next season. We might want to extend him because he looks like he might breakout next year.

Laich and Bradley are signed for 2 more years. Steckel, Laich, and Bradley should stay a line all next year.


As for signing FA, some targets:
Bouwmeester, Komisarek, Beauchemin, Montador for Dmen
Cammalleri, Havlat, Gaborik, Hossa, Sullivan for Fwds

[allstar1579]

We don't need to deal Semin for D, we need more secondary scoring, with a priority on dumping bad contracts this offseason. Theodore, Nylander and Clark should be gone if there is a way.

We have plenty of D coming up with Alzner, Carlson and Lepisto. Jurcina will probably go if it's between him and Morrisonn, he is our best defenseman.

Camm. could be an interesting sign, I like that one. Brashear needs to be resigned unless we can find another physical forward to take his spot. The gaping weakness we have had is that we don't have enough guys that will play the body and get in the crease. Guerin would have been a perfect fit at the deadline.

Anyone else read how Green, Ovechkin, Poti and Semin all played hurt all round? None of them would have played had it been the regular season. Good on them for being gamers. Can't wait for next season!!!

[Bosibus]

We don't need to deal Semin for D, we need more secondary scoring, with a priority on dumping bad contracts this offseason. Theodore, Nylander and Clark should be gone if there is a way.

We have plenty of D coming up with Alzner, Carlson and Lepisto. Jurcina will probably go if it's between him and Morrisonn, he is our best defenseman.

Camm. could be an interesting sign, I like that one. Brashear needs to be resigned unless we can find another physical forward to take his spot. The gaping weakness we have had is that we don't have enough guys that will play the body and get in the crease. Guerin would have been a perfect fit at the deadline.

Anyone else read how Green, Ovechkin, Poti and Semin all played hurt all round? None of them would have played had it been the regular season. Good on them for being gamers. Can't wait for next season!!!

In a sense I agree, but at the same time, we are above league average in GF and below league average in GA. We need help on the defensive side and Semin can get that. I think everyone would agree we lost the PITT series because of defense, correct?

[allstar1579]

In a sense I agree, but at the same time, we are above league average in GF and below league average in GA. We need help on the defensive side and Semin can get that. I think everyone would agree we lost the PITT series because of defense, correct?

The loss of Semin will cripple our GF though. Having him out there as an above average player, means teams can't just lock down on Ovechkin. We had that problem when Semin missed most of the year 2 years ago and then early last season when he was out for a while.

Alzner is the kind of stay at home defenseman you are looking to trade for, he's free. Carlson is an offensive Dman, and he'll be ready next year too. Lepisto is another guy that is ready to play up here. Our problem is playing some of the ones we have now. Green is great for the offense, but a liability on defense some games. Morrisonn is solid, our best D, Poti is pretty solid but getting old, Jurcina hits people, but plays very suspect D other times. Schultz regressed this year and is constantly screwing up on D.

That all being said we were still +89 as a team this year. Trading our second best goal scorer is going to hurt us much more than the player we could get for him, whatever Dman that could be, he's not going to prevent 34 goals by himself, which is what you lose by trading Semin.

[Bosibus]

The loss of Semin will cripple our GF though. Having him out there as an above average player, means teams can't just lock down on Ovechkin. We had that problem when Semin missed most of the year 2 years ago and then early last season when he was out for a while.

Alzner is the kind of stay at home defenseman you are looking to trade for, he's free. Carlson is an offensive Dman, and he'll be ready next year too. Lepisto is another guy that is ready to play up here. Our problem is playing some of the ones we have now. Green is great for the offense, but a liability on defense some games. Morrisonn is solid, our best D, Poti is pretty solid but getting old, Jurcina hits people, but plays very suspect D other times. Schultz regressed this year and is constantly screwing up on D.

That all being said we were still +89 as a team this year. Trading our second best goal scorer is going to hurt us much more than the player we could get for him, whatever Dman that could be, he's not going to prevent 34 goals by himself, which is what you lose by trading Semin.

You can sign a LW, it is not like you lose the position completely and no one makes up for it.

Or, you can sign a Dman and keep Semin...but then it takes a spot away from the prospects.

[allstar1579]

You can sign a LW, it is not like you lose the position completely and no one makes up for it.

Or, you can sign a Dman and keep Semin...but then it takes a spot away from the prospects.

You could keep Semin and promote a Dman we already have, then we don't need to spend any money that we don't need to. (as an aside we have no room under the cap to sign anyone until we dump Nylander, Theodore and Clark)

Just saying that a 35 goal scorer is more important that acquiring a defenseman that we already have replacements for.

[JChav]

In the off-season, I am looking to trade Semin for a Dman.

What! Separate Semin and Ovechkin? He's the Messier to Ovie's Gretzky! The Jagr to Lemiux! The Malkin to...

Now I just went and pissed myself off.

[Dr. FLK]

You could keep Semin and promote a Dman we already have, then we don't need to spend any money that we don't need to. (as an aside we have no room under the cap to sign anyone until we dump Nylander, Theodore and Clark)

Just saying that a 35 goal scorer is more important that acquiring a defenseman that we already have replacements for.

As a relative "newbie" to hockey-fandom, can you provide some info on the Dmen that we have who are ready for promotion? I think we desperately need to upgrade here, but I don't know anything about the in-house options. Thanks.

[tywright]

As a relative "newbie" to hockey-fandom, can you provide some info on the Dmen that we have who are ready for promotion? I think we desperately need to upgrade here, but I don't know anything about the in-house options. Thanks.

Alzner is our top prospect and is a top 10 overall prospect (#6th overall by HockeysFuture). Here's what HockeysFuture.com wrote about him:


Considered a more defensive type of defenseman, Alzner has averaged over 19 minutes a game this season, taking a regular even-strength shift and on the penalty kill. Alzner’s defensive awareness, smooth skating, and stabilizing presence perfectly compliment the high-octane offensive game of many other Capitals. Alzner will be expected to compete for a regular spot in the NHL next fall.

Carlson is a fast-rising offensive dman prospect that we drafted in the 1st rd last year. He's quickly becoming a top 50 prospect in the NHL.


Carlson was stellar on the power play, both on the point and down low as the Knights, due to a noticeable lack of right-handed shots, used him as a forward at the end of the year and throughout the playoffs. He shoots often, but he grew into a more well-rounded defenseman and impressed with his defensive awareness and solid body checking in the playoffs.

[tywright]

Just saw a rumor on a Caps message baord that Anton Gustafsson (our 1st of 2 1st round picks last year) will sign with the Caps and leave Sweden. He'll probably spend the whole year in Hershey.

Anton is Bengt Gustafsson's son...Gus was my favorite Caps player when I was a little kid

[allstar1579]

As a relative "newbie" to hockey-fandom, can you provide some info on the Dmen that we have who are ready for promotion? I think we desperately need to upgrade here, but I don't know anything about the in-house options. Thanks.

Ty already answered for you, but yeah, those two are blue chip and ready, and Lepisto is a solid fill in kinda guy that could be swapped out for Schultz in the worst case.


Just saw a rumor on a Caps message baord that Anton Gustafsson (our 1st of 2 1st round picks last year) will sign with the Caps and leave Sweden. He'll probably spend the whole year in Hershey.

Anton is Bengt Gustafsson's son...Gus was my favorite Caps player when I was a little kid

He signed tonight, he'll be here and getting a long look in camp. Same route Backstrom took, I think if you add him and Osala next year, it could be a very interesting look.

[DuffMan]

I think they should pair Alzner with Green. A nice stay at home D-Man to balance the offensive minded Green.

[allstar1579]

I think they should pair Alzner with Green. A nice stay at home D-Man to balance the offensive minded Green.

Well that is why Morrisonn is his partner now, he's a very steady stay at home guy, like Alzner. I think spreading the wealth is more wise. The question is with those last 2 pairs do you want them both balanced or do you want one more defensive and one more offensive minded pair to mix and match?

You could go Poti-Alzner, and Erskine-Carlson and have 2 very balanced pairings, or you could go Poti-Carlson for a good offensive pair, and Alzner-Erskine for a shut down defensive pair.

[tywright]

Well that is why Morrisonn is his partner now, he's a very steady stay at home guy, like Alzner. I think spreading the wealth is more wise. The question is with those last 2 pairs do you want them both balanced or do you want one more defensive and one more offensive minded pair to mix and match?

You could go Poti-Alzner, and Erskine-Carlson and have 2 very balanced pairings, or you could go Poti-Carlson for a good offensive pair, and Alzner-Erskine for a shut down defensive pair.

Morrisonn might not even be brought back

Green - Bouwmeester
Poti - Alzner
Erskine - Pothier

Let Carlson have a full year in AHL

[tywright]

The injuries:

Mike Green (shoulder)
Alexander Semin (thumb)
Tom Poti (broken foot)
John Erskine (broken foot)
Alex Ovechkin (groin pull)
Shaone Morrisonn (groin, ankle)

McPhee also added that he thinks Nylander has not fully recovered from the shoulder injury

[allstar1579]

Morrisonn might not even be brought back

Green - Bouwmeester
Poti - Alzner
Erskine - Pothier

Let Carlson have a full year in AHL

He should be, why spend $6 mil on Bouwmeester when they could spend half that on Morrisonn, and have less commitment? Going for the flashy signing usually gets teams in trouble. Look at Nylander, Theodore etc. Morrisonn is not a bad player, it makes no sense to let him go, I don't understand Tarik's thinking there.

[DuffMan]

That's money needed towards extending Backstrom and Semin. While I definitely would like someone like Bouwmeester, I'm not sure we can afford him and/or fit him under the cap at least without losing some of our own guys.

[tywright]

He should be, why spend $6 mil on Bouwmeester when they could spend half that on Morrisonn, and have less commitment? Going for the flashy signing usually gets teams in trouble. Look at Nylander, Theodore etc. Morrisonn is not a bad player, it makes no sense to let him go, I don't understand Tarik's thinking there.

Morrisonn is not a bad player, but he isn't good either.

Bouwmeester is much better signing than Nylander or Theodore or Kozlov. Bouwmeester is a great all around Dman entering his prime.

The salary cap $$ is there once Nylander is bought out or retires and Theodore is dealt for a pick.

[tywright]

Financially, Bouwmeester probably doesn't work in GMGM's plan. More than likely we will target a stay-at-home dman.

[allstar1579]

ense to let him go, I don't understand Tarik's thinking there.

That's money needed towards extending Backstrom and Semin. While I definitely would like someone like Bouwmeester, I'm not sure we can afford him and/or fit him under the cap at least without losing some of our own guys.[/QUOTE]

Yeah but the $2-3 mil saved there is no where near as important as the $12 mil owed to Nylander/Theodore/Clark/Kozlov.

I'd rather keep Morrisson, sign Havlat and Cammalleri, and Johnson. Bouwmeester was just about considered a bust until the last year or so, I just don't think he's worth the $6 mil pricetag, there are three defenseman worth that, Lidstrom, Pronger, and Charra.

We need a second line center if Feds retires too and I don't know how many of those are out there, we might have to trade someone to get that.

[DuffMan]

Yeah but the $2-3 mil saved there is no where near as important as the $12 mil owed to Nylander/Theodore/Clark/Kozlov.

I'd rather keep Morrisson, sign Havlat and Cammalleri, and Johnson. Bouwmeester was just about considered a bust until the last year or so, I just don't think he's worth the $6 mil pricetag, there are three defenseman worth that, Lidstrom, Pronger, and Charra.

We need a second line center if Feds retires too and I don't know how many of those are out there, we might have to trade someone to get that.

Nylander and Theodore are definitely the worst of the contracts although Clark's is getting pretty bad as well. Kozlov is a FA so who knows if he will even be back and at what price.

I'm fine with keeping Morrisson as well. You may be right about Bouwmeester not costing 6 mil, but I still think he will cost too much.

If Federov retires that frees up some money as well. (Although he is also a FA) The money saved on him retiring could be used to get a new center.

[allstar1579]

Nylander and Theodore are definitely the worst of the contracts although Clark's is getting pretty bad as well. Kozlov is a FA so who knows if he will even be back and at what price.

I'm fine with keeping Morrisson as well. You may be right about Bouwmeester not costing 6 mil, but I still think he will cost too much.

If Federov retires that frees up some money as well. (Although he is also a FA) The money saved on him retiring could be used to get a new center.

Feds just said that he's got another year in him and he'd like to resign here. Assuming that he's going to take a slight discount to stay, it's worth it to bridge a year to Gustaffson. Getting a winger to play with (Havlat?) and a physical winger to play with Semin would be wonderful. Osala can be that guy if they are going to go young, we have one of the most talented minors groups in the league, so we have options that won't cost a lot, the decision is left to be made where do you make that splurge? And can we even free up the space to do that? We have to think about paying Backstrom, Semin, and the like, so tying too much money up long term is not a smart move.

[allstar1579]

I forgot that we have Seabrook coming up soon too. He's big, physical and could be something we are missing soon.

[tywright]

I forgot that we have Seabrook coming up soon too. He's big, physical and could be something we are missing soon.

Yeah he and Joel Broda really made nice strides in Calgary this year

[allstar1579]

Yeah he and Joel Broda really made nice strides in Calgary this year

Say what you want about GMGM, but his scouting and drafting skills are amazing.

[Birds08]

Very bummed about that. Obviously losing sucks, but to just implode like that in game 7 on the big stage like that. I think the worst thing is having to hear crap about how Crosby is the better player and the pens are better, and all sorts of other BS.
Big picture this team did have 7 more wins than the previous year and went one round further in the playoffs so it's easy to see were headed in the right direction and there is no reason to think we won't go further next year.




I was waiting to hear about who all was hurt, surprised it was that many. Pretty amazing to see what Ovechkin was doing not even at 100%. There had been rumors of Green being hurt so that's no surprise to me. The Poti injury is and the fact that he still played is simply amazing. I'm curious as to what the Semin injury was.

If you watched that entire series not sure how you can still think Ovechkin is better than Crosby. Ovechkin in an unbelievable shooter and goal scorer, but is one dimensional and awful defensively. And in the most important game of all, Crosby willed his team to a win and Ovechkin came up empty. I think most GMs in the NHL would choose to start a team with Crosby over Ovechkin. Even Backstrom himself said the same thing in a Swedish newspaper today.

[allstar1579]

If you watched that entire series not sure how you can still think Ovechkin is better than Crosby. Ovechkin in an unbelievable shooter and goal scorer, but is one dimensional and awful defensively. And in the most important game of all, Crosby willed his team to a win and Ovechkin came up empty. I think most GMs in the NHL would choose to start a team with Crosby over Ovechkin. Even Backstrom himself said the same thing in a Swedish newspaper today.

Crosby is a cry-baby who whined about every call and non-call the entire series. All of his goals were scored because he camped in front of the net, he had nothing to do with the plays, he just banged in loose rebounds that shouldn't have been there. That doesn't take that much skill. His job is made 1,000 times easier because he's got Malkin to lean on, Ovie's secondary cast is hit or miss.

I just hate when people say that he's the greatest thing since sliced bread, he's really just another very good center, and very overrated.

[Birds08]

Crosby is a cry-baby who whined about every call and non-call the entire series. All of his goals were scored because he camped in front of the net, he had nothing to do with the plays, he just banged in loose rebounds that shouldn't have been there. That doesn't take that much skill. His job is made 1,000 times easier because he's got Malkin to lean on, Ovie's secondary cast is hit or miss.

I just hate when people say that he's the greatest thing since sliced bread, he's really just another very good center, and very overrated.

With all due respect, you clearly know nothing about hockey if that is your opinion. It is not even worth explaining why you are wrong.

With regards to Malkin, it's not like Backstrom and Green and Semin are slouches.

The number one whiner in the series was Boudreau. The whining talk about Crosby gets old. He didn't talk to the officials any more than any other player on the ice, and he is the captain.

But you can listen to Backstrom: http://gd.se/sport/ishockey/1.1043868. Go to the altavista translator.

By the way, I am not taking anything away from Ovechkin who probably has the best shot I have ever seen. But Crosby is the better player by a small margin because he does all the little things that Ovechkin does not do.

[allstar1579]

With all due respect, you clearly know nothing about hockey if that is your opinion. It is not even worth explaining why you are wrong.

With regards to Malkin, it's not like Backstrom and Green and Semin are slouches.

The number one whiner in the series was Boudreau. The whining talk about Crosby gets old. He didn't talk to the officials any more than any other player on the ice, and he is the captain.

But you can listen to Backstrom: http://gd.se/sport/ishockey/1.1043868. Go to the altavista translator.

By the way, I am not taking anything away from Ovechkin who probably has the best shot I have ever seen. But Crosby is the better player by a small margin because he does all the little things that Ovechkin does not do.

You have no idea what I do or don't know about hockey first off. I don't even know where to start, I guess that's the problem you run when people think they know everything.

Malkin is a superstar, Backstrom is a great player. Gonchar/Letang balance out Green. Semin and Stall each have ups and downs and balance out. In the end the Pens have the better supporting cast.

Rewatch the series and watch at almost every whistle when Crosby is on the ice, see who he is talking to, player or ref (it's usually the ref), that is why he's a whiner, not because he does it in the media. And he did talk to the refs much more than other people, there is a difference between talking to them as a captain when the situation warrants it, and talking to them every single whistle. Even when he is talking to the media and he tries to compliment someone it's a backhanded compliment at best.

What is it that Crosby does that Ovechkin doesn't? Play physical? Ovie was top 5 in hits. Play defense? Ovechkin plays on the PK (when BB lets him). Pass the puck? Ok maybe he's got him there. They both have pros and cons but I refuse to believe that either is better than the other. It's like saying Gretzky is better than Lemieux, they are both phenomenal.

[Birds08]

You have no idea what I do or don't know about hockey first off. I don't even know where to start, I guess that's the problem you run when people think they know everything.

Malkin is a superstar, Backstrom is a great player. Gonchar/Letang balance out Green. Semin and Stall each have ups and downs and balance out. In the end the Pens have the better supporting cast.

Rewatch the series and watch at almost every whistle when Crosby is on the ice, see who he is talking to, player or ref (it's usually the ref), that is why he's a whiner, not because he does it in the media. And he did talk to the refs much more than other people, there is a difference between talking to them as a captain when the situation warrants it, and talking to them every single whistle. Even when he is talking to the media and he tries to compliment someone it's a backhanded compliment at best.

What is it that Crosby does that Ovechkin doesn't? Play physical? Ovie was top 5 in hits. Play defense? Ovechkin plays on the PK (when BB lets him). Pass the puck? Ok maybe he's got him there. They both have pros and cons but I refuse to believe that either is better than the other. It's like saying Gretzky is better than Lemieux, they are both phenomenal.

The whole premise that Crosby is lucky because he scored on rebounds that shouldn't have been there is absurd. Rebounds are a part of hockey. And being in the right place at the right time is a skill and not lucky.

Clearly Malkin is better than the Caps second best player I'll agree, but other than on the PP, most of Crosby's points came without Malkin on the ice. If you are saying that its easier for the Penguins to win because they have both I agree, but the majority of Crosby's points had nothing to do with Malkin and came when he was not on the ice.

The whining is just pointless to argue so I am not going to bother with that.

Ovechkin does not backcheck or play D effectively, correct. Being on the PK every once in a while suddenly doesn't make him a good defender.

Again the difference between them is small because Ovechkin's ability to score from anywhere on the ice is second to none. But I think most dispassionate observers would say if they were starting a team Crosby is the better all around player to build around.

[allstar1579]

The whole premise that Crosby is lucky because he scored on rebounds that shouldn't have been there is absurd. Rebounds are a part of hockey. And being in the right place at the right time is a skill and not lucky.

Clearly Malkin is better than the Caps second best player I'll agree, but other than on the PP, most of Crosby's points came without Malkin on the ice. If you are saying that its easier for the Penguins to win because they have both I agree, but the majority of Crosby's points had nothing to do with Malkin and came when he was not on the ice.

The whining is just pointless to argue so I am not going to bother with that.

Ovechkin does not backcheck or play D effectively, correct. Being on the PK every once in a while suddenly doesn't make him a good defender.

Again the difference between them is small because Ovechkin's ability to score from anywhere on the ice is second to none. But I think most dispassionate observers would say if they were starting a team Crosby is the better all around player to build around.

Sorry it took so long to answer, had a full day today. Crosby was lucky he scored so many goals this series because that is how he scored most of them, I didn't really see him "create" a goal all series. I have seen him do it, often enough, but not in this series. He camped out at the glove-side goalpost and just waited for a rebound. If we were playing any kind of half decent defense, he doesn't score half of those goals. You're right, being in the right place is smart, but camping in the right place for a majority of the game? He got lucky he wasn't being cleared out like he should have been. It was as bad as Malkin's cherry picking (yes especially early, he was waiting at the redline for a breakout pass on what seemed like every possession). He started playing better once they got back to PIT, but early on it was total bush league.

Ovechkin shouldn't be backchecking that much as a LW, that is more for the C to do, especially when that LW is your biggest offensive weapon and is very often down at the goal line. He was playing on the PK almost every time early on, but BB didn't like him being out there so much and took him off most of the time because his minutes are so high already, he begged to play there.

I really think you could go either way with one of them to start a team and be fine, it depends on your playing style and preferences. It seems like every other day that you hear the other one being called the best player in the world, it goes back and forth constantly.

[Dr. FLK]

The whining is just pointless to argue so I am not going to bother with that.


The whining is pointless...yet he continues to do it anyway.;) He's constantly yaking to the refs, he's snide and immature in press conferences, he refuses to give credit to his opponent, he's an excuse maker, he whined b/c hats were throw on the ice (like that's some sort of new tradition).

No one is saying he isn't an amazing talent. He just comes across as a whiny girl. But hey, someone has to root for whiny girls right? I mean, they have feelings too...

[tywright]

Crosby might not even be the most valuable player on his own team...but prior to the season, half the GMs in the league would start their team with Crosby over Ovie.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=252046


If you could pick one player to build your team around for the next five years, who would it be? A sniper like Alexander Ovechkin? A playmaker like Sidney Crosby? Maybe a stalwart goaltender such as Roberto Luongo?

It's a tough choice, and it's one that TSN asked NHL general managers to make as part of a poll conducted for the NHL on TSN Season Preview Show, which aired Wednesday.

Twenty-eight GMs took part in the third annual poll for TSN, and the franchise player most coveted was Crosby, with 98 points in a 5-3-1 weighted system. Crosby was the top choice on 15 ballots.

Ovechkin topped Luongo 66 to 38 in terms of voting points, but its worth noting that Canucks captain had more first place votes (7) than the Russian gunner (5).

Others getting votes were Dion Phaneuf (21 points), Henrik Zetterberg (12), Carey Price (4), Zdeno Chara (3), Eric Staal (3), Ryan Getzlaf (1), top prospect Viktor Hedman (1), Evgeni Malkin (1), Ryan Miller (1), Jonathan Toews (1) and Shea Weber (1)

The thing with Ovie is a rock star... he draws more fans than Crosby does. So with the business aspect in mind, Ovie should be #1.