Shootout Suggestions?

Use the same players but stop shooting wrist shots from 15 feet. Last night Pettinger had a beautiful breakaway goal in regulation and then takes a shot instead of making a move in the shootout. I know you want to mix it up, but it seems that is the plan for all the shooters. Also, I know the ice is chippier on the sides, but come in at wider angles to make the goalie move. He is just standing in the middle of the crease waiting.

I know Glen says you can't replicate the pressure, but maybe he should reconsider having some shootout drills.

Honestly I think its all mental. Once the 1 of these boys makes it.... they wont stop.

They are trying to out think the goalie...they need to go back and have fun with it.

With that said, last nights 'loss' wasnt that bad. To come from down 2, is always good to get at least a point. Lets bounce back tomorrow night fellas.

GO CAPS!

I think at least for one game scratch Ovy and Semin.

I would try Zubrus, Pettinger and Flash.

What's the worst that could happen? Not score... they been there and done that.

They should try Brashear, Erskine, and Bradley.

Mike Green, Zubrus, Brian Sutherby

green, flash and ov......plus, ovechkin needs a new move. he basically does the same thing every time.

Clymer, Green and Zubrus.

Hanlon should hold a shootout contest after practice. The top three get to go first in the next real shootout.

Talk the GM into supporting the elimination of the idiotic shootout. Bring back real hockey!!!

I agree with 'gut feeling' idea. That being said, Semin should not be shooting. The guy has not scored in a month, and should not have been in the shootout lineup. He is in a funk, and this is primarily mental. Once he starts scoring in regulation, he will start getting goals more consistently. When this happens he should be re-inserted in the shootout lineup. I would say the shootout should consist of the Caps 3 hottest scorers, which, right now, is Ovechkin, Zubrus, Pettinger (I would put them in that order as well). I love this team though, don't get me wrong.

Zubrus,OV and Clark. Let the Captain have a go at it.

Whatever they're doing's not working, and after all you've got the point anyway. So, I'd put three dark horses out there: Green, Pothier, Clymer. Hey - couldn't be worse than Ovie and Semin constanytly misfiring!

Tarik - question - how long will Hanlon be giving Klepis and Fleischmann their chance. Both of them keep blowing chances repeatedly. It gets to the point where you see one of them in open ice with a clean shot and you just wonder how they're going to blow it this time. I'm all about giving the kids a chance, but this is getting ridiculous.

I would definitely stick with Ovechkin because you never know what is gonna happen with him...i would scratch Semin and put Zednik or Zubie in his place and give Flash or Mike Green a chance, Green showed he has some moves on that goal against Colorado

katzistan:

i don't think either Klepis or Fleischmann are going to get a quick hook, although i would havbe benched Klepis against the Bruins for those two lazy obstruction penalties. he's better than that.

But back to my point, if the Capitals believe Klepis or Fleischmann are going to become everyday players in the NHL, they need to let them play. They are learning twice as fast as they would playing in the AHL.

Analyze videos of past shootout attempts. These guys are too good not to score or to be stopped by unknown rookie goalies. They must have shown tendencies in the past that other teams have probably analyzed.

I'd try Zubrus & Zednik, maybe a veteran can break the drought. I'd still put in OV, that attempt last night, was close. Pettinger's been hot, I wouldn't hesitate to use him either.
I'd practice the shootout as well. I'd like to see them use some speed and lateral movement to get the goalie movinig & flapping all over the crease.

The CAPS already have 5 overtime losses. Finish the opponent off in regulation or the overtime period and this problem goes away...

Often teams work to preserve the tie late in games instead of going for the win. The CAPS have come a long way, but being able to finish teams off would be a good step in the right direction.

I'd go to the guys that haven't had a chance yet, like Flash and Green. The 3rd spot can be a reward to whomever seems on his game that night.

Either way, start practicing; if it's worth a point, it should be practiced, regardless of whether its deemed "true" hockey or not. You might not be able to reproduce atmosphere, but it ain't atmosphere that's stopping these guys; it's weak moves and flubbed shots.

Chris Clark, (keep Pettinger), Mike Green

I think recently Ottawa's coach was fed up with his stars' lack of scoring (in regulation), so for the shootout he inserted his checking line. Lo and behold, they won the game. I'd bench the regulars for one shootout - but just one. That would shake them up.

Put the load on your captains shoulders to shoot first. 2/3rd shooters..give the hard workers a shot..sutherby/gordon. the worse that happens is you miss all 3 again.

the day sudsy and gordon get in a shootout is the day the caps admit they aren't a playoff team. i say put Fehr, Backstrom and OV1.