Open thread: Capitals at Sabres

Two points would be great ...

Go Caps!

Here are all the scouts at today's game for those that want to know, from Mike Vogel:

Lotta scouts slated to be at #Caps-Buf game: Reps from ATL, TB, VAN, ANA (2), SJ, CHI, FLA, PIT, MON, NYR, CBJ, OTT, STL, DAL, CAR, EDM (2).

Caps trading for Vokoun?

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Eklund/Caps-Serious-About-Vokoun-Habs-and-Kings-Deals-Rangers-Pushing-for-BR/1/33849

@pat

since you are a insider. what are those scouts looking for on the caps and no one one from blues is scouting.

GO Caps!! Need a win today and tomorrow in Pit

Any news?

Who's playing net? Scouts maybe there to watch: Semin, Schultz, MP, and Neuvy?

@pat

To get a better understanding whether it is usual or unusual that so many scouts are at a game:

How many scouts are attending the other games?

@tominsocal:

Today it will be a Riesling, 2007, from Bockenau/Nahe

@samb

My guesses are Steckel/Gordon, Matty P, Schultz, Alzner, Laich and Semin(even though pokerface and I disagree on this).

@underpants2

I'd say this is an unusually large number of teams. I'd say normally about 7 or 8 sometimes it hits 10 teams, but that is basically half the league there today.

Exactly where is Vogel stating that all of these scouts are going to be at today's game? Link?

Also, why do people still bother to listen to what Eklund says? WHY? If you are going to get serious about a "rumor" you are going to need to provide something with a hell of a lot more credibility than Eklund.

Pay no attention to Eklund rumors: His accuracy percentage is so bad that even a blind squirrel finds a nut more often.

A good rule of thumb is that if Eklund posts it, chances are it ain't gonna happen.

@pat

i wonder what the cost will be for Boyes out of STL. who are we looking for on those teams that are scouting us

@KJ71

just google VogsCaps twitter. and you'll find it there.

@samb

I dont really think we are going after Boyes. He might be a fall back option but not of high interest.

This year Vokoun has been the same as Varly in save %, worse than both Varly and Neuvy in GAA. In fact, significantly worse than Varly in GAA, and Florida is not exactly known as a run-and-gun team. Vokoun will be 35 this year. His huge cap hit would essentially prevent any other acquisitions by the Caps, such as a 2C. GMGM has said the Caps are happy with the young goalies, and the rumor about the Caps interest in Vokoun comes from the most unreliable source in the hockey rumor business.

It sure looks like a smoke screen to me. I could be wrong, but it would seem to be a dumb contract move of Poti proportions.

i saw something that the caps were trying to get Volkon from FL

GMGM said he is happy with the goalies... that means we are trading for one. How about Semin for Vokoun, Weiss, McCabe lol

@Pat, ahh thanks. Forgot about the twitter!

I think given the right club, Vokoun could/ would really shine. That said, the cap it, and it being an intradivisional deal both lead one to believe that it's more likely to not happen. I know anything can happen, but often teams really want to avoid trading big players within the division. Then there is the caveat FLA is purportedly to have a fire sale and basically start over. So who knows. The only thing I'm sure of about this is that Eklund is almost NEVER correct and has no credibility. Its been that way for years so why should it all the sudden change now. Even a broken clock is right twice a day ya know?

Today it will be a Riesling, 2007, from Bockenau/Nahe

Posted by: FCKoeln1 | February 20, 2011 11:36 AM

I'll be having grape juice and orange juice as I'll be eating breakfast during the game. I don't get to watch on TV, hopefully the streaming thing works. F all the people in the NHL who aren't letting these games on Center Ice like in the past.

With all of those scouts, I think it is safe to say that Semin is available.

Tominsocal -

I've already emailed nbc sports and nhl.com to thank them for having hockey day in america. What a great way to celebrate hockey by making thousands of its fans angry?

I'm not happy about this at all.

@natresgroup @tominsocal

I know its not the same but if your laptop and TV have an HDMI cord hookup, I suggest you do that. Just stream it from nbc.com and have it on your tv. I have done it a number of times for other sports and it works well.

@tominsocal1

... here it will be supper ...

Does anyone know if the game will be on someplace other than NBC or NHL NEtwork in Canada? I'm in Houston, so NBC is showing the Red Wings/Wild game and not the Caps game. AND I have Center Ice, but I cannot find it anywhere! I really don't want to have to try to find it online.

Thanks!

Ugh. Nevermind, I have the privilege to watch the game online on NBC. So glad I paid ot watch it on my TV!!

direct tv is showing caps/sabres on NBC

thanks for the d*ck tease NBC. I hate you as much as vermontcaps hates schultz.

direct tv is showing caps/sabres on NBC

Posted by: Capt_Kirk_in_AZ | February 20, 2011 12:35 PM | Report abuse

I got 3 more mins., then they are changing my game. I'm just annoyed that I cannot see the Caps game or turn on the Flyers/Rangers game on commericals. Sorta the point of having Center Ice.

and this PXP guy is so boring. sounds like a golf announcer.

direct tv NBC just switched to wings/wild

maybe the following can help ?

http://atdhe dot me/

did Ovi go out last night? he seems slugglish

you can watch the game at NBCsports.com, but i didn't pay the money for center ice to watch a game on the f'n computer. i'm sure this is just a ploy for NBC to promote their website, but it's utter crap to the fans. i'm not happy with this whatsoever.

http://www.csnwashington.com/02/20/11/Watch-Caps-Sabres-Live/landing.html?blockID=414379&feedID=274

if you click on the "watch live" - it may prompt you to run a file (microsoft's silverlight) - i installed silverlight, closed the window and then went back and clicked "watch live" again. i'm watching online - same feed as the 'tease' earlier.

so they took a commercial break on an icing?

Lazy PP again.

ThePat: Thanks, but I'm not so tech savvy. I am watching on my computer on nbcsports.com. Certainly better than nothing, but they need to fix this. I pay a fortune to have cable and Center Ice.

F all the people in the NHL who aren't letting these games on Center Ice like in the past.

Posted by: tominsocal1 | February 20, 2011 12:08 PM | Report abuse

RIGHT ON!! I haven't seen a game since SJ and was really looking forward to today...now I can't watch it :(

@natresgroup

loved your comment about me hating ****55. I have to say I got excited reading the posts and speculation that we could be shopping the Big Oaf.

GO CAPS, THUMP THEM SABRES!!

hot goalie, hot goalie. Only against the caps...

I hate that they allow goalies to freeze the puck well out of the crease.

@Rhino,

Just because I am not watching the team does not mean I am not following the team. Considering I cannot watch the game, this is pretty easy. And if I choose to call the loser coach BigBaby on an open forum, I can. You, SGM, and any other BB apologists can have a BB love in for all I care. My opinon is that this team is going no where with a coach who has garnered no respect because he is an irrational blowhard. But you go on loving him

Really good chances on that PP. Would have been a serious lift to bury one.

But once again, we are left with nothing but hope...

maybe the following can help ?

http://atdhe dot me/

Posted by: FCKoeln1 | February 20, 2011 12:47 PM
no i know why you did dot.me the old website was seized by our government, which I did not know

they better get at lease one from this

Sabres' strategy is to goon it up big time today.

SCREEEEEN
THAT
GOALIE!!!

There is no sense of urgency or focus, that's why they don't score. It's ho hum. That and it is all perimeter play pitch and catch.

@rclow

... this is not the old website ;-)

it is

dot me

The NBC is awful quality and why are there two windows?

a defender lifted the net there - delay?

this PP stuff is just sad

@zmega

... and this is a very good strategy as the PP is not working ...

WOW
another PP?

This just hurts

at least they're working hard and drawing some penalties

less passing, more shooting on the PP

They don't score here I'm turning this crap OFF!!!

Why the hell isn't Ovi down low on the PP?

Miller is out of his mind!

Caps need a victory today!

FCK, I think that is correct. They will continue to goon until the Caps prove they can score on a power play. It could be a long game.

screens, deflections,

BEAT HIM!

Geez, the Sabres are playing hockey 70s style.

Ted says we should decline the penalty.

Hot goalie indeed.

I guess with nbc stream we get Flo and those Progressive commercials all day. It's the Progressive money to NBC is why they aren't letting Center Ice show the game.

F em all.

just plain frustrating watching this PP...

This is getting embarrassing. BB can't even blame the PP drought on a more-defensively focused system. The league has figured out his AHL PP just like they figured out his AHL offense. We're 3 for the last almost 40 at this point. We're starting to become a league wide joke at this point.

Its time for BB to get his walking papers. Enough is enough.

We has an almost 2 minute 5-on-3 for god's sake.

news flash: passing the puck on the perimeter will not score goals!

It looks like another "hot goalie" kinda day :(

Miller ain't hot, dat boy good.

The PP is not going to do anything until there is a guy permanently in front of the goal and the guys on the outside actucally move to open areas or exchange spots. If they arent moving and they have no net presence the PKers dont have to do anything but stand there. That is awful coaching that he hasnt changed anything since last April. And BB has done some good things but his unwillingness to change the PP is crazy.

i wish i know how to do an email bomb so i could tell NBC and the NHL how miffed I am about their choice to not show the other regional games on NHL center Ice. i would love some money back. it doesn't say anywhere that regional nbc games will be blacked out, just national nbc coverage.

oh yeah, and the PP is making me angry too.

@rclow

... this is not the old website ;-)

it is

dot me

Posted by: FCKoe

like I said I did not know the old site was blocked. I've already bookmarked the new site. I hate these announcers

The caps make every goalie look good because they are allergic to the front of the net.

Ryan Miller *is* good, but he's been less than impressive this year with an almost .500 W-L record. Yet the Caps come to town and he's "hot" just like every goalie we play.

Every goalie we play can't be "hot," at this point the only constant in these repeated situations is The Caps.

The pp has sucked since the playoffs. Ted thinks pointing it out will make it better.

The players/coaches can't get it done. Either change something or shut up about it.

Zero movement on the PP. Looks like NBA basketball.

I have computer minimized now and TV on (PHI-NYR). They will probably pick up Caps game when we start 2nd period and other games are at break, so back to computer after that point.

Mar 6 at FL is a 5 pm game.
Mar 13 CHI is 3:00.

Those are the only Sunday games left. The FL game probably unaffected by this and the CHI game will probably be national.

People think, "OK, you can watch on your computer, no loss," but my one daughter is at work and I can't DVR for her.

The technology is there to show all the games on Center Ice (was done that way last year on the Sunday games). This is greed, in it's worst form.

Again, coaching issue. Boudreau's system including the PP has been figured out and he doesn't know what to do now. Completely stumped.

The opposition reads our PP better than the 5 guys we have out there. It's like an NFL defense knowing what is coming.

Screw NBC.

Also, this game has LOSS written all over it. Refs are going to even things up and the Sabres will start getting the PP chances very soon.

Zero movement on the PP. Looks like NBA basketball.

Posted by: zmega | February 20, 2011 1:15 PM

Exactly what I posted to Neil Greenberg. The PK plays zone defense and we play zone offense.

The PP (failure thereof) alone shows how this team isn't being coached.

Pathetic. Just... pathetic.

Backstrom looks like a lost baby out there wondering around trying to figure out why things aren't going right like rainbows and puppy dogs.

Ovechkin looks like he was out late. Bradley I just don't know. He certainly doesn't have the vim or vigor he had two years ago, or even last year.

I think we're just not a very good team. Period...

reports that New Jersey put in claim for souray

does anyone know if Ovi went out last night?
He always is terrible w/ a 12:30 start unless it's PIT

I am finally having my breakfast and with it, Welch's grape juice.

Rock the Purple!

That save by Miller on Backstrom on the 5-on-3 was an awesome save. That is the exact type of scoring opportunity you want to play for and the Caps got it. However, Miller just made a great save. The reason the Caps didn't score there wasn't because they played poorly, the actually had a great scoring chance, however Miller just made a better play than the Caps. Miller is a very good player, those types make very good plays sometimes. It happens.

On the 5-on-3 you can tell how not having Mike Green really hurts. Carlson does some good stuff, but his shot is not very accurate. On the 5-on-3 when the point men get in so close, you need to hit the net. Green usually picks corners with his snap shot, Carlson was missing the net too much.

Where would Ovi go out in Buffalo? Anchor Bar for wings?

Miller made a good save because Backstrom shot it into his glove instead of top corner or five hole.

Accept right now that the next 5 PP's will go to the Sabres.

That way you will feel better about it when it actually happens...

What worries me is that Carlson already has 11+ minutes of ice time, according to Steve Kolbe (I'm watching NBC video while listening to the Caps radio feed online). He's young and strong, but how strong is he going to be in the 3rd?

Following the game via comments here (keep it up, folks!) and the boxscore. Time for BB to put JOHNNY E. ON THE PP!!! Get him and Ovi down low together and the pp will take-off...GUARANTEED!!

The problem coming up is that the Caps will be called for the next two penalties, barring egregious penalties by the Sabres.

How much do you want to bet that the next penalty will be an offensive zone hooking called on the Caps? Probably by either Semin, MP, Chimera or Laich. It won't be an egregious hooking, just a little tug that the refs will feel they are obligated to call.

The PK is going to have to shine.

What are the odds the Caps have a new head coach this Tuesday afternoon?

"That save by Miller on Backstrom on the 5-on-3 was an awesome save. That is the exact type of scoring opportunity you want to play for and the Caps got it. However, Miller just made a great save. The reason the Caps didn't score there wasn't because they played poorly, the actually had a great scoring chance, however Miller just made a better play than the Caps. Miller is a very good player, those types make very good plays sometimes. It happens."

---

You're not allowed to use the "hot goalie" excuse for an entire year. I'm sorry, it's been a year. 22 other teams this year have found a way to defeat the magical Ryan Miller and his greatness this year.

The ship has sailed on the excuses. It's time to put up or shut up. Miller also hasn't been screened at all, has clear vision on every shot, and actually knows where the puck is going to be coming from because we are that predictable. He knows what we are going to do before we do, just like every team that has figured out BB's AHL system.

The time for excuses is OVER. Every team has injuries, they just figure out how to man up and play through it. No team will be healthy 100% of the time, excuses are for losers...like the Caps.

sgm: I pointed out recently that I was finding Carlson disappointing, and it is offense that's lacking. Where's the player who scored the big goal vs Habs?

This is the problem with having so many rookies/2nd year players - the inconsistency.

All you have to do is look at MLB pitcher statistics age 21-25 or 26 to realize how much it is that young players must learn.

anywhere were he could drink. I saw it in 24/7 he loves to party even on early start games. I don't think he will tomorrow, cause we play PIT

For those with Center Ice who can't view the game, did you know that your Center I ce package qualifies you for the free NHL Game Center online from nhl.com? You should be able to get a promo code from your cable company to use when registering for the online game viewing with Game Center. I am watching this game today online at nhl.com, even though it's not on tv/center ice inmy area. Hope this helps someone and if it does let others know as well.

"What are the odds the Caps have a new head coach this Tuesday afternoon?"

---

Not as good as they should be if this team is serious about ever winning a cup. It's funny, Ted has this ability to point out all the things that are wrong (in his opinion pretty much only the PP), but has this stubborn refusal to actually hold anyone responsible for the continued and repeated failures.

@puckman 0.0% because BigBaby should have been given a short leash at the beginning of the season and is still here. When BB goes, so goes GMGM, so never.

just what they needed

Matty P! Love it!

GOAL!

Finally !!

Keep coming. The sabres are floating more than the caps right now. Score a couple quick ones before they wake up.

god i needed to see a goal he's on my fantasy team

That stanchion could save BB's job for another day.

how the h*ll did hendricks know he could get the pass to come off the glass right in front of the net - awesome play by MP to be going to the net

Make-up calls are the hallmark of bad officiating in any sport.

And even worse than make-up calls are calls that don't make-up for mistakes, but just balance out the number of calls.

Perreault from Hendricks and Schultz.

Had you gone to Las Vegas and bet on that as the first goal, odds were 17,000,000 to 1.

Oh well. Just took Sarge's assist away. Just picture yourself about to cash in for $17,000,000 and they are about to hand you the money and then the change.

enter 1 of 5

Ryan Miller would have made that save.

FYI... game is on free today at nhl.com

that was weak.

Make up calls are going to happen, then other teams will actually score on them, unlike us. That's why continually and epically sucking eggs on the PP like we do is so deadly.

Fire BB tomorrow.

oops says #23

OK, did you all see how the slot was completely clear? We go on PP...slot clogged. They go on PP...slot wide open.

BTW, you click a little icon lower right on broadcast and you get "full screen" picture on computer.

"That was Easy"

hannan should be fined for that

Re failure to score on the PP per sgm3:
"That save by Miller on Backstrom on the 5-on-3 was an awesome save. That is the exact type of scoring opportunity you want to play for and the Caps got it. However, Miller just made a great save. The reason the Caps didn't score there wasn't because they played poorly, the actually had a great scoring chance, however Miller just made a better play than the Caps. Miller is a very good player, those types make very good plays sometimes. It happens."

While Miller did make a great save, the main reason the Caps don't score on the PP is lack of quick puck movement and player movement, plus almost never any traffic in front of the goal. Standing around the perimeter passing for 2 minutes looking for the thread the needle shot is just not going to work.

I don't what was worse...Varly weak goal he gave up or Hannan's incredibly weak job of trying to block the shot by Pominville.

Frustrating game.

wake up the CAPS will let um back in

so the key is to actually score on the PP? aahh, it's start to make sense to me now this PP this. i thought you were supposed to use that 2 minutes to show how well you can pass like we were the globetrotters.

Ovechkin just got interfered with.

Tom. We really don't give a rats ass about what you are eating, drinking or what the temperature is or whether mamma grizzly is looking after you.

Remember Hannon was GMGMS ANSWER FOR OUR D!

BB's head took up my entire computer screen

What a horribly weak 3rd and 4th lines. One of the worst of any playoff team or playoff bound team

Someone needs to hand out energy drinks during the intermission.

Actually, some of us enjoy hearing Tom's food/beverage reports.

Lookie here Mr. cstanton, any team that can boast Chimera on one of their bottom 2 lines is an awful good team. I mean he is a 1st liner according to our esteemed coach

Caps actually got good energy that last minute. Good rotation.

capper3: Here's the link to my blog so you can keep up with my eating and drinking:

tomsblogforcapper3@yahoo.com

I'll post just for you when we decide what's for dinner.

Wow...just wow, good job Gordon

Here are all the scouts at today's game for those that want to know, from Mike Vogel:

Lotta scouts slated to be at #Caps-Buf game: Reps from ATL, TB, VAN, ANA (2), SJ, CHI, FLA, PIT, MON, NYR, CBJ, OTT, STL, DAL, CAR, EDM (2).

Posted by: ThePat | February 20, 2011 11:17 AM
------

But more importantly, which games are the Caps scouts going to? I'm trying to stay positive, but my Kool-Aid is getting saltier by the day.

Is it to early to start drinking if I'm on the west coast?

@BDPH, it's 5:00 somewhere. Drink up!

Even though there are some knowledgeable hockey fans on here I am surprised about all of those saying trade Semin. To me 40 goal scorers do not grow on trees. Semin will get better as he gets his hockey legs back. I still think Semin is a top ten winger in the NHL. Semins always unfairly gets blamed for everything that ills The Caps. Does not seem accurate to me. If we do trade Semin all of you will be complaining about his replacement. I think Semin also should be on the 1st line. He is not a 2nd line player. It should never have happened.

OK, how many scouts say does each team have? EDM has two at our game which would indicate serious interest. Certainly though they can't have 2 at each game.

Also, if anyone knows, maybe a good idea for Katie to do a feature story, what all do these scouts do? Are these the same scouts that watch the Canadian MJ leagues? Or do we have different groupings of scouts? I would think we have a few Euro scouts, one or two each WHL, OHL and QMJHL, one or two US college, then you have US high school...you'd also want scouts watching AHL for potential trades, and then those who watch other NHL teams.

I can see a staff of about 20-25 scouts, some with specific assignments and some who rotate. And I'll bet they all have millions of hotel points for Super 8.

"You're not allowed to use the "hot goalie" excuse for an entire year. I'm sorry, it's been a year. 22 other teams this year have found a way to defeat the magical Ryan Miller and his greatness this year."

@VTDuffman

I was not talking about the PP over the entire year. I was only talking about that specific PP. The Caps had a glorious opportunity and Backstrom actually had a pretty solid shot too. Miller made a great save. I know the PP is struggling and it has to do with a lot of reasons, one of them being the lack of movement on the PP. But that particular PP produced some pretty good chances(unlike many of their PPs throughout the year), but Miller came up big. It isn't an excuse it's stating the fact that their player made a better play than the Caps player. It is possible for two players on opposing teams to both make a good play at the same time, but only one player can win that play and it is the one who made the better play of the two.

Duff Man... says a lot of things! Oh, yeah!

TY wocoliz...Anchor Steam has been opened. It's not all bad, at least we have the 3rd period to look forward to, wait, that's why I'm drinking

mmmmm...Anchor Steam.

pkme - I am not one of those that is screaming for Semin to traded, but I do understand the sentiment.

He is a talent, no doubt. But, for the playoffs, he is a liability with the timid game that he plays. Also, he is way too streaky to count in the playoffs.

If (and it is a BIG IF) they could get a player as a rental that is IDEAL for the playoffs and would put pucks in the net more regularly, I think you make that move.

"I was not talking about the PP over the entire year. I was only talking about that specific PP. The Caps had a glorious opportunity and Backstrom actually had a pretty solid shot too. Miller made a great save. I know the PP is struggling and it has to do with a lot of reasons, one of them being the lack of movement on the PP. But that particular PP produced some pretty good chances(unlike many of their PPs throughout the year), but Miller came up big. It isn't an excuse it's stating the fact that their player made a better play than the Caps player. It is possible for two players on opposing teams to both make a good play at the same time, but only one player can win that play and it is the one who made the better play of the two."

---

I don't see the point in talking about it at this point. OK great, Miller made a Great save on a great play on one PP. Well, there were 4 PPs, and none of them scored, and there were other shots on that PP and none of them scored.

The PP is tragic at this point, when you're 4 for the last 40, who cares about one goalie making one good save?

Zmega....Tom You 2 sound like big time losers..Get a life an email each other with your recipes and save us from your useless self serving drivel.

I can't stand this schmaltzy crap.

Is it to early to start drinking if I'm on the west coast?

Posted by: BoudreauDaPumpkinHead | February 20, 2011 2:06 PM

I always say, it's 8 am somewhere.

@tominsocal1

I wonder how many scouts the Caps have in total. I wonder how many total scouts the average NHl team has. I bet Toronto has a ton of scouts(has money to pay for it).

Zmega....Tom You 2 sound like big time losers..Get a life an email each other with your recipes and save us from your useless self serving drivel.

Posted by: capper3 | February 20, 2011 2:16 PM | Report abuse
------

Just scroll past it. It's really not worth being a jerk about it.

In his career Semin averages almost a point per playoff game.

Great PK!

Does anyone think we could grab Dustin Penner?

PS tominsocal, chalk another fan up in regards to your menu updates

PKME - Semin probably averages the same point per game in the regular season too.

but just like the regular season, Semin's points come in bunches which skew the points per game arguement.

Case in point...he has looked pretty terrible since coming back from his injury, but he had one great game where he scored a hat rick and now he has averaged closer to a point a game since coming back...

BDPH: I might really have to make a Facebook page or whatever so fans like capper3 can keep up.

The capitals equate defensively responsible hockey with lazy hockey. Keep playing passive, clear the zone hockey and the sabres are inevitably going to score.

well whaddayaknow

another PP for us

PP, this is probably your last chance. Make it count!

@tominsocal1

... BoudreauDaPumpkinHead "PS tominsocal, chalk another fan up in regards to your menu updates"

... and here is another one ...

I think, I change to red wine:
Dornfelder, 2007, Bockenauer Felseneck ...

My wife just said that she would rather be "dutch ovened" by me that watch a Caps PP. Thats not a good choice by her :)

My boy Matty P strikes again! Woohoo!

matthew again
yeah

I swear I just saw a pig fly past my window...

GOAL !

I think I will stay with Dornfelder ...

ahhhhhhh

Well color me pink, nice goal!

replay looked like MJ may have gotten a piece of that one

FCKoeln: Is that German?

Seems like the closer he gets to Canadian soil, the better Perreault plays.

@FCKoeln, I was going to the wine store after the game anyway. Now I know what to look for! :)

@FCK, looks like I gotta stay with the Anchor Steam :)

Hey capper3, what's your drink of choice?

This is a good example of how the whole idea of a power play that is significantly "worse" than last year is sort of misleading...

The type of power play goal that the Caps just scored is very similar to the type that they often got last year. Last year, it was either one of those where they break into the zone and score without setting up any kind of traditional "umbrella" or they would score right off of the faceoff. Even last year, when the power play was supposedly great, they weren't very successful when trying to "set up" a power play. They have always been very stagnant on set ups. The difference this year, is that they are not getting the goals off of faceoffs, and they are not scoring on quick transition plays and breaks into the offensive zone like the one they just got...

TESTUDO!!!

Did you just see Schultz passively accept that glove to the face after the whistle? I bet CStanton just put his boot through his TV screen.

Didn't I read that Lindy Rupp is unsigned after this season?

Hmmm.

@tominsocal1

... yes, it is - a special sort of wine (light red wine with a fruity flavour) ...

THE BRADLEY BLOCKING VEHICLE

IT'S ABOUT DAMN TIME!!!

GO CAPS!!!

FCKoeln: Like rose?

It's nice that Carlson is gettingn major props on national tv - atta boy, John!

go clock, go...

You can't have Hockey Day in America, and not feature CAPTAIN AMERICA!!!

TESTUDO!!!

was Ovie being selfish there?

or was that just a strong clear?

hmmmm

WOOOOO!!!! Way to go Varly!

always nice to win...

BUT WINNING ON A PP GOAL IS ESPECIALLY GRATIFYING!

BIG sigh of relief. Nice win.

Love it. Caps win and it isn't even noon yet.

Capper3: Think I'll go have lunch.

Think I'll go have lunch.

Posted by: tominsocal1

what's on the menu?

Nice overall win...Still not enough goals...

But a PP goal
A Nice penalty kill in the third
Varly looked good
Defense played solid throughout

Way to go boys!

Break out the Bloody Marys, tom!

these are the types of games they need to be able to play and not panic or get to excited. last year against mtl - they pressed way too much and had no clue how to act in a close low scoring game.
provided they don't have a total collapse - this is the kind of game they'll get in the playoffs more often than not.

Think I'll go have lunch.

Posted by: tominsocal1

what's on the menu?

Posted by: Capt_Kirk_in_AZ | February 20, 2011 3:00 PM | Report abuse
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Alphabet soup and Shirley Temples for all the juveniles on this blog.

Alphabet soup and Shirley Temples for all the juveniles on this blog.

Posted by: capper3 | February 20, 2011 3:09 PM

was that in a juvenile whinning tone, sarcasm or just matter of fact?
lighten up just a touch

Great effort by the Caps today!

Varly was *strong* in net. The team also played well in front of him. Good back-checking there in the 3rd.

Let's go get 2 more tomorrow night!

Nice win. Good overall game. The Caps outshot the Sabres by a lot.

Maybe one of the reason the Caps can't score is that they really don't have guys who are good shooters. Ovechkin is and Semin is when he is on. The problem with Semin is he always goes for the corner so he misses the goal a lot when he's off and those never lead to secondary scoring chances. Fehr has a good shot but he isn't here right now.

@tominsocal1

I know we talked about it before, but I think the 2nd goal for the Caps gives an idea of what some Caps players need to do when they come in on a rush such as a 2-on-1 or 3-on-2. They need to shoot for the far side goalie pad which causes a lot of rebounds to pop out on the opposite side for a chance for the guy coming down on the other side of the rush. Detroit does a magnificent job of this.

I'm fine with Ovie, Semin, Fehr and sometimes Backstrom trying to score, but when players like Chimera, Laich, MJ, MP, Knuble, Hendricks, etc. are coming down on those rushes, they really should try to do it. Laich can't score from more than 5 feet out so he should really stop shooting for the corner and start shooting for good rebound opportunities, IMO.

Good win I think, but I wouldn't know because I couldn't see it. One thing that stands out in the boxscore is the hits/blocked shots by our backline:

Hannan/****55: 42:45mins 0 hits 1 block

Carlzner: 40:12mins 0 hits 1 block

Erskine/Sloan: 29:09mins 2 hits 4 blocks

@tominsocal1

... no, it is dark red wine with flavour of blackberry, blackcurrant and raspberry sometimes with a taste of banana, tobacco or elder. It is a dry wine, with good acidity and often full-bodied

Tom, is the doofus brigade still active? Is there room for people with no sense of humor?

Dimitri Chesnokov says the Caps asked about Kovalev(and two other teams did as well). He would probably cost only a draft pick.

For all of the uproar that would be caused if the Caps acquired Kovalev because he clearly isn't physical. He would significantly upgrade the PP, especially with his great left-handed shot. He is a very good QB on the PP.

Chesnokov speaks highly of him as a leader also. The Habs writers spoke highly of his leadership when he was up there also

I'm not saying to get him, but it would be a possibility.

The constant complainers, no it alls, You know who you are, need to stick a sock in it for 24 hours.

I thought it was 2 teams that just aren't very good. No real sense of urgency or push from either team. The caps met their match today.

Any team with jump or just a tad offensive power would have blown the caps off the ice today.

@sgm3

he should be a last resort. If we go for a veteran with a Cup it should be one that plays C.

On another note if you see we have asked about Hemsky and Kovalev. They are both RW's. We have Knuble, Semin and Fehr. So one of those 3 would likely be gone. Everyone can do the math on that.

On the game, I thought we played pretty well. Could have been more physical in some areas of the game but we did what it took to win a low scoring game so I will take it. Also have to love Matty P playing well and helping his trade value :)

Alphabet soup and Shirley Temples for all the juveniles on this blog.

Posted by: capper3 | February 20, 2011 3:09 PM

zmega: I'll bet if I go through my alphabet soup I can spell I-D-I-O-T.

sgm: Good point on the snipers. Neil has pointed out that rebounds and defelctions are 33% success rate as shots. When Semin misses, it usually ends up right away going the other way. He missed a million like that vs Habs and it killed us.

other two teams on kovalev are pens and mtl. both with stronger gm leadership than the caps

Capt Kirk: Thanks again for organizing the PHX tickets. We all had tons of fun on the trip even though Caps lost the game.

ThePat: I asked earlier, how many scouts do caps have and what are their assignments. Do you have any clue on that? I'm guessing 20-25 scouts total.

Speaking of the Pens...GO HAWKS!

he should be a last resort. If we go for a veteran with a Cup it should be one that plays C.

On another note if you see we have asked about Hemsky and Kovalev. They are both RW's. We have Knuble, Semin and Fehr. So one of those 3 would likely be gone. Everyone can do the math on that.

Posted by: ThePat |

My guess is that it would be a plan B if the Caps are not able to make a bigger move because it would only involve giving up a draft pick. A much easier trade to make.

On having 3 RW already, Semin could possibly move to LW on the 2nd line then and the Caps could scratch Chimera. Since Chimera doesn't hit anybody anyways, replacing him with Kovalev wouldn't be any loss on the physical side of the game and you would replace hands of stone with great hands.

If the Caps are truly pursuing Richards that may be the reason they haven't made a move yet. Dallas may be waiting to see how they do in the recent games and also are waiting to see if they receive any better offers. The Caps could say there is a deadline to make a deal, but Dallas may call their bluff.

ThePat:
i thought semin started out as a left wing and moved to the right to be able to play with ovi. if they picked up another right wing - semin might not qualify as one to be gone as he could move back to the left side if needed.

@tominsocal

I dont know exact numbers that are actually fully employed by the team. A lot of teams have hockey guys that live in certain areas across the country. And if they need someone scouted they will ask that person to go do it for them. Then if they are serious about the player they will send someone out.

@tominsocal

I dont know exact numbers that are actually fully employed by the team. A lot of teams have hockey guys that live in certain areas across the country. And if they need someone scouted they will ask that person to go do it for them. Then if they are serious about the player they will send someone out.

Capt Kirk: Thanks again for organizing the PHX tickets. We all had tons of fun on the trip even though Caps lost the game.

Posted by: tominsocal1 | February 20, 2011 3:42 PM

no problem.
if the coyotes are still around in 2 or 3 years when the caps come out - it would be fun if we could do it again - but next time with a win

Guys Im not saying Semin is gone. But if we are looking at two highly priced W's. You still need money for the 2C that is all. Yes they could move him to LW. Plenty of options, but if they are looking at expensive RW's, some money needs to be going out to get the other piece(s).

Good hard nosed game. Cant wait for Friday nite at home. But a win @ Penguins will really set a tone for the long roadie. Go Caps!

"On having 3 RW already, Semin could possibly move to LW on the 2nd line then and the Caps could scratch Chimera. Since Chimera doesn't hit anybody anyways, replacing him with Kovalev wouldn't be any loss on the physical side of the game and you would replace hands of stone with great hands."

Good thinking there.

Actually, if I traded for Kovalev, I'd make them take Chimera along with the 4th Rd pick.

As we discussed, much of the cap issue can be fixed if you put Poti on LTIR. He's only played like 20 of 60 games this year so it's not a stretch to say he's injured. It would be very, very easy to sit him out another month (to fully heal) then put him a 2-wk conditioning stint in Hershey, just like when we brought Pothier back from the concussion.

two teams are pens and mtl after kovalev

"Actually, if I traded for Kovalev, I'd make them take Chimera along with the 4th Rd pick."

Definitely a possibility, may have to give a 3rd then to make them take Chimera but would be worth it.

@ThePat

I think Kovalev would be a 2nd option if the Caps are not able to acquire the 2nd line center they want.

Trading a 3rd and Chimera for Kovalev would not hurt the Caps at for the future and would actually give the Caps more cap room and flexibility next year.

And, let's remember, as cstanton always points out, whatever McPhee ultimately does, he'll declare he got "the player he targeted."

"I don't what was worse...Varly weak goal he gave up or Hannan's incredibly weak job of trying to block the shot by Pominville.

Frustrating game."
Posted by: dglelite | February 20, 2011 1:47 PM

"Varly looked good
Defense played solid throughout"
Posted by: dglelite | February 20, 2011 3:00 PM

This is why half of you people here have no credibility. Let me guess, today you no longer want Boudreau to be fired. Next time the Caps lose, you'll call for his head.

whatever McPhee ultimately does, he'll declare he got "the player he targeted."

Posted by: tominsocal1

Absolutely true, but that's what every GM does and really what they should say. What purpose would it serve to say "well, we were really hoping to get somebody else but we had to settle for this guy". You don't want to have the acquired player immediately hating the organization.

Could someone post or link to a couple of diagrams (not joking ones, please, or at least not just joking ones) that show the difference between the Caps systems last year and this year, how players line up, where they go on the ice? I'm trying to understand the difference (and what makes the Caps look so boring this year). If not diagrams, maybe some clear description?

Thanks.

sabredc - You are an idiot!

When i said Varly's bad goal or Hannan weak job on trying to block that shot, I was talking about the PP goal...that particluar play...NOT THE ENTIRE GAME.

What was frustrating was our PP...the chances we had and lack of our ability to close out our opportunities.

As a whole...FOR THE ENTIRE GAME...Varly played well and the defense was solid.

As for Boudreau...I don't think a 2-1 game is a glowing endorsement for him. But I do hope that he keeps his job and takes them to the promised land. But I do think it is still debateable as to whether he has lost the team or not.

And for credibility, screw you...I have been a Caps fan sinc the late 70's, when my father took me to my first game. know more about he Caps than most on this board, including most likely you.

So if you want to come at someone...make sure you know who you are talking about.

"I know more about he Caps than most on this board, including most likely you.

So if you want to come at someone...make sure you know who you are talking about."

Posted by: dglelite | February 20, 2011 5:21 PM

The gloves have been dropped. Well, sabredc, are you gonna go or are you just gonna slink back to the bench?

tominsocal1 - I love my Caps and will defend them to the end!

And I call a game...or play...as I see them!

I'm passionate,what can I say!

GO CAPS!

""I know more about he Caps than most on this board, including most likely you.

So if you want to come at someone...make sure you know who you are talking about."

Posted by: dglelite | February 20, 2011 5:21 PM

The gloves have been dropped. Well, sabredc, are you gonna go or are you just gonna slink back to the bench?"

There's a difference between having credibility and knowing facts about a team. I never said I know MORE about the Caps. But I certainly don't believe that people who hope for the Caps to lose (as has been done before on here) or people who pretend to be coaches on their computers have any credibility, even if they can spout off how many goals Guy Charron scored in 1978. People who come on here in October and call for Bruce to be fired because Perreault didn't make the cut and then call for Bruce to be fired in January because Perreault is not scoring goals... and then praise Perreault for a great game in February are jokes.

For the record, no - I haven't been a Caps fan since the 70s. I grew up outside of Hershey and was a Bears fan growing up. I was a Flyers fan when the Bears were their affiliate and became a Caps fan when the Phantoms became the Flyers farm team in 96 and the Bears hooked up with the Avs. But, I guess that makes me an idiot because I wasn't a Caps fan during the 70s.

Awesome Caps win Pens lose... Can't wait for monday's game against our most hated rivals

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