Today's lineup (Updated)

Let's Go CAPS!!!!!!!!!

LET'S GO CAPS!!!

Big game, would be nice to sweep the Pens but much bigger deal to get off the snide and get 2 points however it comes. Devils gave us a gift yesterday need to find a way to take advantage. Both teams have had a few days off so I'm expecting a really up tempo game.

This is a Penguins team who is extremely hot and with a new attitude right now. They're offense is tearing up the scoresheet and are much tougher. Caps have to come ready to play today. Try not to make too many mistakes, stay out of the box, and help out Theodore.

This Penguins team is the real deal now.
Come on Caps!

Wow Antropov just buried it. Nice shot.

I rather Sloan be in and let Poti rest that groin, don't need him to try it and put us shorthanded again on the blue line after a period.

1-1 Kobasew buries the breakaway

i luv antropuv.

Let's rock the red today, Caps fans!

@bbdwrestling

That move of having Poti start the game and then come out was planned.

Let's GO Caps! I pulled babysitting duties so one of the newest members of Club Scarlet (she is 6.5 months, courtesy of her Grandfather) and I will be rockin' the Red from Tenleytown. She has a pacifier that she has graciously offered to Crosby when he starts his usual shenanigans.....

Any word on Pothier in Hershey and how he is doing?

I love Sloan's wreckng ball mentality, but Poti is much better with the puck. The Caps will do better with a healthy Poti against a talented and hot Pens' offense.

Both Varlamov and Pothier looked excellent yesterday against the Marlies:

http://www.torontosun.com/sports/hockey/2009/03/08/8672176-sun.html

Varlamov stopped 20 of 21 and Pothier was a +1. Nice to see the triple A team do what the major league team could not (beat Toronto).

Caps need to run Fleury mercilessly today.

Rags are working hard to keep the Pens outside the playoffs and help the Caps to catch up with Boston. 3:1 after 2nd per. Go Rags...

...and more importantly, GO CAPS!!!!

Wasn't this supposed to be on NBC? I thought it was the game of the week...

Nah BB a the Rags

bruins score 3-3

3:3... Rags are going down...

I just want to go into the playoffs hot and healthy. Standings are so tight in the Easts last four playoff positions that it makes the first four positions irrelevant IMO.

GO CAPS!!!

So I failed to take into account that it was raceday. So, its scoreboard watching for me. Booooo! Sorry Caps!

Cow's moo.

Don't worry Jmu, I'll give you highlights from the race so you can watch the game, They turned left, left and left some more.

Goal!!!! Rangers!!!

a certain website that shall remain nameless has the caps feed for free...

Rags win!

Fernandez blew that game. I still think Boston has to be a little worried about it's goaltending come playoffs. I know Thomas has been stellar this year, but like I posted before, him and Manny both own a paltry 3-4 career playoff record.

Boy that last minute sucked. The Caps have to wake up!

So that free feed that will remain nameless...can someone post it or email it to me at poisonpjo@aim.com

Im in chicago and my satellite is flipping out because of the storm.

great save by theo on that... they can't let crosby camp out in front like that again

@Moose33:

Uhm, any hints would be nice. =)

the feed is what you would think the feed is...

ADT is a good security system and my friend john, HE works for them .com

.net

whatever

This is going to be a blowout -- the Caps are playing like individuals and the Pens like a team. This is going to suck big time. The Caps are just reeling

Caps website says the Crybaby scored. C'mon, Caps! Let's get it together!

here we go PP

Jeff Schultz did nothing, just a MANBAG there!

Well, when the only Dman back in a 2 on 1 is Shultz....
Where was the other Dman? I didn't even see him in the picture.

Shooting from the point with no screen -- these guys are not playing with confidence

Okay, Caps, c'mon. Penalty so we should take advantage. C'mon!

What has happened to us?? We don't look like we will ever score again. Only a week or so ago, it seemed like we scored any time we wanted.

When its 2 on 1 the D-man HAS to guard the pass, let the goalie worry about the guy with the puck, stop the pass and its no goal

C'mon, you guys. It's early. Let's keep the faith that the Caps will wake up in a few minutes.

Get angry, Caps!

the puck went off schultz stick. why doesn't BB scratch him for a couple of games. I really can't stand him. BB still has not fixed the "team" to many individuals

I couldn't see the other D either, which means it was probably Green who has been playing with Schultz.

To give a layup to Crysby, of all people. >:-[

Ludeman -- it's not just one play. The Caps are playing not to lose, not like a team that expects to win. Crosby has way too much room. Most of the Caps are looking to be the hero, not playing a team game.

Wait, so now Poti coming up in the zone with nobody backchecking is on Schultz?

God, you people are idiots.

Poti is with Shultz today, not Green

we are leaving Theos blocker side wide open. thats because the D is lacking some eye power hitting and speed.

Poti blew it by pinching all the way to center, but I've never seen anyone play neither the pass or the shot quite so well as Schultz did there.

I know it's not one play, but when your on the guy that has the puck, all your doing is screening the goalie, let the goalie do his job, being the only d-man back you have to take the other forward out of the play.

Please tell me they didn't score again? C'mon. We need this win. This blog needs this win so we can shut down StanleyCup1907 and puckhead1, who'll no doubt log on and start trying to clown us. Let's make sure they don't have anything to taunt us with!!!

Let's go Caps!

Early, this game has the look of the last few for the Caps. The other team is skating around with great energy and intensity, and the Caps seem to be loafing. Maybe there's no sense of urgency yet. But I expected a little more from them in the first few minutes. I haven't given up hope, but it is a little frustrating so far.

Sorry about that, Green.

Anyone who blames Schultz for that goal is an idiot who knows nothing about hockey.

C'mon team, let's score this time with Gonchar out! C'mon!!!

117:
I'm not blaming Schultz. I'm blaming his defense partner for being AWOL. Schultz alone is NOT going to be able to stop Sid.

pathetic

It was mostly Poti's fault, I just wish Schultz would commit there and try to break up the play.

SEMIN

flash looks really good today at least.

semin is a BEAST.

Score Semins!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Please let that be the monkey off their backs!!!

Semin!!!!

Beautiful play by Nicky!

semin...one leggin

i heart Semin! Let's Go Caps!!!!

this is going to be a be game for me to miss

OK, folks, there's only ONE guy in NHL capable of that.

SEMIN.

there you go semin

that deke was insane.

That attempted pass was *very* high on Backtrom's body. He really tried to get it high...

Nice work

bradley just missed a flip dump.

lol.

semins has been doing all the scoring work lately

There we go. Since that second PP, the Caps have shown more energy. That's what I was looking for.

6 straight games for Semin now. Best forehand to backhand deke in the game. Need to lock it down some now and settle in.

I wish Jurcina would hit like that every game.

Stay in the game, Caps! C'mon.

Someone taunt Ovi to follow up Semin's goal with one of his own! Keep it comin', Caps!

Get that little boy Juice!!!!

Nice going, Juice!!!

Nice hit Juice -- keep the mo going in the Caps favor

oh I am blaming Schitz for that goal he screened theo and didn't put his Big Lazy body in the way. don't defend that peice of crap

Take care of them, Caps, c'mon! Break their winning cycle!

Semin on one leg > Crysby on two!

did anyone see the sign that said "Hey Grapes, Russian machine never break". Good stuff

good strong HIT, better than that big worthless number 55

if they didnt call that, i swear to god.

C'mon, team. Break their cycle! Let's win this one!

Boxboy = Gonch

did you see that beautiful toe curl by semins WOW

did anyone see the sign that said "Hey Grapes, Russian machine never break". Good stuff

Posted by: Moose33 | March 8, 2009 3:36 PM

that is a WhyGo, i beleive. a poster here.

slash then cross-check must be gonchar's patented move.

Keep them going into that Penalty Box!

Semin has the hands of a surgeon

WhyGo is the man!

ludeman95

I completely agree

"What's so special about Sidney Crosby?" - Alexander Semin.

Ahh, brings back memories!

Was kind of a weak call on Gonch there, honestly.

"he has good head, good hands. whats so special. anyone who scores 100 points season will be good."

Crosby stuffed by Theo. Schultz showing great awareness there turning as slow as a Panzer.

Come on -- get a body on Crosby

good cherries to pick on our blue line. crosby loves cherries.

Was kind of a weak call on Gonch there, honestly.

Posted by: Davethecapsfan | March 8, 2009 3:42 PM

a slash then a cross check?

cross check was weak, but the slash wasnt.

It can be a make up call for the 2 slashes they have missed just shattering our sticks.

Wow -- Morrison didn't commit the penalty at the end of the period?

Good 1st period, you knew it was going to be a tough game.

I so wanted to see the proposed poster with the two 8-balls asking Crosby to slap those. =P Okay, bad. Only WhyGo could pull that off.

Last half of that period was good. That's the intensity and energy they need to match for the next 40 minutes.

Caps will keep it goin' into the 2nd period. They can do it. They've skated out the jitters so it's on like Donkey Kong. Follow it up with a few points, guys! (Looks at the entire team.) yeah, all of you!

Schultz made a bad turnaraound but Theo made a good 1x1 save on Crosby. Poti looks weak, cuz hes with Schultz, last game Erskine (paired with Schultz) looked weak.

Not to belabor the point, but the rule is simple: on a 2 on 1 the defender is supposed to cover the pass and give the shooter to the goalie.

Did the intermission guy say Steve Avery?

@steve

agreed, he just didn't play either. No stick down, no laying down to prevent a pass...he just skating backward almost directly into Theo the whole way.

Thank you austinsteve!!

You really can't bad mouth Schultz on that goal. I'm one of the guys on here that bad mouths him the most, and you really can't say anything on that goal. Poti shouldn't of stepped up all the way on the redline like that. Plus, there were NO backcheckers on that play. As I said earlier I'm not blaming Schultz, but he could have layed down on the ice and took the pass away so guerin would of had to shoot the puck. But theo had to think it was going to crosby though.

Okay, I've been waiting to post this picture of what shooters see when they look at our goal and 55 is screening the goalie:
http://sk1.yt-thm-a03.yimg.com/image/2abdb5af1f7ca3d8

I'm officially stopping on that subject though. It was a good setup. Maybe he attacks the pass next time

Is that corduroy Joe B is wearing???

poti can be the only guy in that D line that has to work hard schultz just sucks and makes everyone that he works with look bad. 12 to 7 sog

The Caps PP looks tense. The team loosened up a little after the goal, but not the dominant team that schooled the Pens the last game. The distractions about the OV-Crosby rivalry have not been good for the Caps. Just win baby!

austinsteve

that pic is perfect

Kristen the caps cheerleader is out of Uniform tonight whats up with that.

4 on 4 to start

To be fair that was a lot of veteran years and raw skill to ask any defender to handle.

It's the KISS rule is all.

Semin is my favorite player and his goal was great, but not to mention and give credit to the guy who made it all possible, backstrom, is to show the lack of understanding of the game.

theo...remarkable there

nice save JT
:)

THEO!!!!!!

JT saved the Caps bacon again. The Caps are letting the Pens take it to them again, not good.

Ref getting in Mo's way for the win right there.

rough penalty to take 4 on 4. This one could hurt.

this is a crucial kill

backs!!!! why would you crosby like that

The Penguins culture is no more evident then by watching their announcers. I'm stuck watching these guys online and they whine as much as Crosby. We're lucky to have Joe B

WE SHOULD BE TOUGH ON ZONE ENTRY LIKE THIS ON EVERY PP!!!

That was a rocket.

Lack of Caps PP scoring coming back to haunt them

COT DA***IT!

gonchar

that was a good High riser

To those who thought Guerin would not have been a great pick-up -- he was instrumental for both of the Pens goals

Was that Schultz taking the body? I know he fell down but that was a successful check.

Caps standing around waiting for the puck and the Pens are buzzing -- not good

Poti, next time at least TRY to move the guy from in front of Theo!

wow, Poti didn't even try to move Guerin out of the way. I have never seen a team with such a high point total that is the worst at screening the goalie in the offensive zone and clearing out the crease on our zone

What, nobody's blaming Poti for not trying to move Guerin on the PK?

Oh, cause it's not Schultz, that's why.

First good shift by the Caps today

just a hair lait 117, haha

@117

Poti is at fault again, responsibilities are a little different 4 on 3 vs. 5 on 4 though. A lot more rotation is forced on him in that situation.

Poti, next time at least TRY to move the guy from in front of Theo!

Posted by: rw-c | March 8, 2009 4:19 PM

wow, Poti didn't even try to move Guerin out of the way. I have never seen a team with such a high point total that is the worst at screening the goalie in the offensive zone and clearing out the crease on our zone

Posted by: Moose33 | March 8, 2009 4:20 PM

Retracted, gentlemen.

hey section117 are you a schultz fan or something Poti din't do his job in fornt of the net I agree but Poti doesn't often screw things up like Schultz does

late

It was Schultz fault I saw him sitting at on the bench.

Guerin just owned us.

that was a very nice goal

Guerin is smiing too much right now. He needs an Ovi or Erskine shiver

87 with another ghost assist

sweet trades at the deadline GM...every other team seems to be getting immediate boosts, cept the Caps who will lose number 4 in a row, at home. Nice job with not tinkering with a fading team.

Not trading for Geurin is killing the Caps. Again, the Caps are playing on their heals and the Pens are taking the game to the Caps. I'm so glad the Caps have time to get their stuff together before the playoffs. If this was April, the Caps would get swept by the Bolts, much less any team making the playoffs

87 with another ghost assist

Posted by: HockeyFarmer | March 8, 2009 4:26 PM

what?

he had the primary...

he set that goal up...

Please fire on NET!!!

We just need to get one back here before the 3rd.

Poti din't do his job in fornt of the net I agree but Poti doesn't often screw things up like Schultz does

Posted by: HockeyFarmer | March 8, 2009 4:23 PM

Which explains why Schultz was on the ice when Guerin scored.

Oh wait...

we aren't even hitting these guys WTF

GMGM: We dont need Guerin and Morris. Yea right

Hey the Caps have another delay of game -- what a surprise

GMGM I hope you are watching this game and seeing everything hurting us that you didn't trade for. I love seeing Guerin tearing us apart because he could have been doing that for US but GMGM would rather have a guy like Nylander being a healthy scratch everyday

Another delay of game for Green! Take some curve off that stick man.

"87 with another ghost assist"

Really? That ghost made a great pass.

Caps never hit, this team was built for speed, and that wins in November and December, not April, May and June.

And Guerin was cheap. 1g, 2 a's today

Nice job McPheeble

the caps sucks.
GMGM sucks for not doing any trades. SUCK

SUCK

SUCK

trades
SUCK
trades
trades, trades, and then trades on top of trades with a geurin trade and a morris trade.

pronger pronger pronger pronger pronger trades gmgmgmgmgmgm nylander

backstrom.

Shut up about the sweep!!! They have to get in this game

We didn't need Guerin to beat the Penguins the last games we played them. This team beat them. We can do it. C'mon, guys, they can do this. We just need a goal this period. And hate to do this, but some holy smokes goals from Ovi and the gang in the 3rd would be nice.

That was in

Are the Caps good? Not lately, and it's no longer an anomaly.

I said all along, this team can't win a bruising 7 game series because they are too soft, and that it would show after the All-Star break.

nylander could not have been traded unless he waived his ntc. to get guerin we would have to given up some of our young guns that are in hershey. can't always look at today sometimes you have to look at the future GMGM made the right decision at the trade deadline. this is not his fault its the guys not playing like a team. At practice its looks like a high school popularity contest, certain guys won't [lay well with others because they think they are the stars. remember what your old coaches used to tell you, their is no I in TEAM

Almost Poti, try again!

Crossbar

this team sucks with geurin and morris and pronger and backstrom and tyutin and zherdev and kunitz and antropov and pronger and pronger.

without these guys, we will never win another game.

the fact that we had MAX ROSTER SPACE

gmgmgmgmgmgmg sucksksksksksksks

Is anyone looking for Charlotte? I think I saw her dancing.

Just one of those bounces we didn't get our way this time.

that was no good to many of those kind of shots lately

@ LeftCoastCapsFan
Caps needed Guerin to be a Captain there, Clark is out as usual

this team just needs to sell and relocate.

horrible garbage garbage gm gm gm.

Okay, looks like the 3rd period is our make or break. Ovi's playing right? I figured we'd have heard from him by now. Like a goal or two already? I'm hoping for them to get their act together in the 3rd. Set up Ovi already!

Hey does anyone know the score in the Pit/Was game ?

ludeman95, haha, unfortunately, Pops is a racefan, so I'm stuck watching what he's watching. I've managed to convince him to flip back every once in a while. And I'm on a connection as slow as dial-up, so an internet feed doesn't help, unfortunately!

Relocate to Bmore so I don't have to drive as far, haha

That period sucked something awful

i think this game ends the age old debate.

crosby > semin
crosby > ovechkin
malkin > ovechkin
malkin > semin

gmgmgmgmgmgmgmgmgm sucks for no trades. trades and trades. pronger and backstrom.

"... Guerin to be a Captain there.."
Where is there? Washington? or Pitts?
Either way, why would Washington want a Pittsburgh player as a captain, or why would the Caps whose the Pinguins Captains is?
It doesn't matter, nothing makes sense on this blog.

Pretty easy to see why we're losing, again. No hitting, no grit. I don't think there's another Eastern conf team who hits less than we do or who looks softer on the ice than we do. I think teams are starting to figure out all they have to do is forecheck us hard all over and we'll crumble.

Crosby is god. I want to jerk off with his tears.

Here comes the trap by the Pens in the 3rd. The Caps defense will have to pinch

I just want the Caps to stand their ground here. The losing should stop...NOW! C'mon, Caps. Let's do this! It's OUR house.

Phil I'm pretty sure you're just being sarcastic. I hope at least.

If Poti's shot is in it's a whole new game. Unlucky need to bury it on the PP to start the 3rd

"Hey does anyone know the score in the Pit/Was game ?"

Yes. Washington 7 Penguins 0

you forgot

Shrek > Donkey

WTF was Morrison doing on that Guerin goal????? Come on Morrison you gotta step up on him on that play. It wasn't an odd man rush, WTF was he doing??

Carelessness again. It's been the same thing all season. It's sloppiness in the defensive zone. It's about mental breakdowns. It's about taking plays off. It's about not being physical (save for a couple of guys). It's being too cutesy with the puck. Nothing has changed from Game 1 to now. It's just that at this point in the season, teams reach for another gear to get ready for the playoffs. The Caps haven't done that. They still seem to think they can coast along. So all those losses that Ovie and BB said were needed to whip this team into shape had no effect. There should be some legitimate concern right now.

(I think we're also seeing the lack of scoring depth on this team. I know Laich, Fehr and Fleischmann have scored quite a few this season. But they're hot and cold. You can't count on them from game to game, which is exactly why GMGM needed to make a move or two.)

Kunitz and Guerin have added a real spark to that lineup and McPhee's lack of movement at the deadline is proving to be a mistake. This team looks completely uninspired and they're playing like individuals. If any game should have resembled a playoff effort it was this one. And if this is the best the current Capitals can provide, they should have an early tee time in April.

Green was too slow on Semin's feed.

I'm kind of concerned with how Green plays lately -- he rushes into opponent's zone and then simply looses the puck (not too impressive puck-handling skills) without any fight.

See, blog, the master baiter (SC1907) is back on our blogs. Someone take a hockey stick to that guy's pompous head please.

no way. why would i continue to support a team with an incompetent GMGMGMGMGM and BBBBBB coach? winning record? jack adams? bb sucks. trades without trades is nothing but trades without trades, and i have digressed into a Wanderer.

crosby is too hockey as grapes is too senility. epitome of greatness.

pronger and backstrom.

@ opita1

Guerin was CHEAP and Caps have no Captain - it makes sense to pick Guerin, but GMGM DIDNT and know Guerin showed him why he was wrong!

Do I have to call Grapes to find the score? Should i ask him anything else? LOL

this team just needs to sell and relocate.

horrible garbage garbage gm gm gm.

Posted by: richmondphil | March 8, 2009 4:38 PM

look closely, this is the ramblings of an idiot who thinks he can defend McPhee by pretending to mimic the alleged "gloom and doomers"

Sorry Richphil, you're flailing.

btw, 10 out of 18 caps skaters haven't even registered one check tonight. Is that the passion Bruce thought he'd see today against an arch-rival?

yeah, GMGM made no attempt to get Guerin. You guys are right.

unless you guys have a time machine, shut the hell up about the deadline.

Erskine looks much better when he doesn't have to cover for Schultz. Schultz still looks horrible - regardless of who he's playing with - but he is better with Poti then he is with Erskine.

Secondary scoring is becoming an issue. When was the last time we had a third/fourth line goal?

Last observation - is BB playing Ovie sparingly this game? Either that or Pit is keeping him from being a factor - I haven't seen him too often this game.

We suck big time! I we lose this game I'm not going to watch any games until Schultz OUT of the lineup. We don't deserve ti play in the playoffs if we play like that.

I'll let you borrow mine Phil

if you complain enough here cstanton, time will go back and GMGM will make all your trades.

i dont think youve met that complain quota though. keep complaining and whining.

Hazz
Guerin is having a good game, but that does not mean GMGM was wrong.

we aren't even hitting these guys WTF

Posted by: HockeyFarmer | March 8, 2009 4:28 PM

The caps have been winning games this year without a consistent physical effort. Now that other teams are putting more pressure up the middle and not letting our skill dominate, you're seeing the lack of mental and physical toughness on this team. They're not willing to adjust their style.

I think we're all aware that BB is a Jack Adams winner (last year) and that the Caps are third in the EC standings. But much of that success was built in the first three months of the season. You have to end strongly, too, and the last month of games have been pretty poor for the most part. We've seen how great the Caps can be, and we've seen how awful they can be. The question is, when they're playing badly (and being outplayed consistently), do they have the leadership on the team to turn it around? Who's going to be the guy to get in his teammates' faces? If they aren't holding themselves accountable, then this is the kind play that will continue. Maybe there's a mental and emotional during this intermission. Maybe it's after the game. Maybe it's a game or two from now. But it better come before the playoffs or before the Caps slip any further down the standings.

my time machine broke, but i played nhl 09 dynasty and i was able to get guerin, pronger, morris, AND backstrom.

take that gmgm.

if you complain enough here cstanton, time will go back and GMGM will make all your trades.

i dont think youve met that complain quota though. keep complaining and whining.

Posted by: richmondphil | March 8, 2009 4:48 PM

I don't think you've met your quote on giving McPhee his reach-arounds have you?

You'll be here defending incompetent front office people until you're blue in the face with nothing tangible to back it up. Ramblings of an idiot :)

yeah, GMGM made no attempt to get Guerin. You guys are right.

unless you guys have a time machine, shut the hell up about the deadline.

Posted by: richmondphil | March 8, 2009 4:46 PM

According to RichPhil, GM is perfect and does nothing wrong. Oh and by the way, Mike Green is the best defensive defenseman the nhl has ever seen. And Schultz is awesome. And its not McPhee's fault that his own roster was maxed out. Lets blame that on the "gloom and doomers" also.

@SC1907: Ask grapes for a life. A job would be nice. Ask him for a job. That'll help you with all this time you have on your hands.

@richmondphil: Any chance you could stop watching that video of Crosby ball slapping that player from behind please? You're enjoying it for all the wrong reasons.

and you'll be here complaining about something you have no control over. hyper critical fans are usually the bandwagon fans.

opita1

It doesnt but Caps lack a good natural RW for 1st and 2nd lines and Guerin is RW. Kozlov is C and Semin is LW and they cover RW postitions.

We suck big time! I we lose this game I'm not going to watch any games until Schultz OUT of the lineup.

Posted by: Tondi | March 8, 2009 4:47 PM

You won't be missed. Can you take some boggers with you?

What's the point of complaining cstanton1??
What good does it do??

HA! Locker just said what I have been saying all along, the line switching is not helping the Caps. I agree. Today is primarily done because of the penalties, but in the previous games, it was BB's option. I would say it again, chemistry is important on this game, and maybe BB is just looking at different combinations to get ready for the playoffs. I am not giving up on the Caps.

we aren't even hitting these guys WTF

Posted by: HockeyFarmer | March 8, 2009 4:28 PM

The caps have been winning games this year without a consistent physical effort. Now that other teams are putting more pressure up the middle and not letting our skill dominate, you're seeing the lack of mental and physical toughness on this team. They're not willing to adjust their style.

Posted by: cstanton1 | March 8, 2009 4:48 PM

My point exactly

you took the words right out of my mouth

Ok just called Don he said score is 3-1 Pit
Did you guys know that and just weren't telling me?

@ludeman

It's cathartic. Hell, it is for me. But really, I still have hope for this team. But I think it's kind of ignorant to believe that this team has problems. And they will manifest themselves in the playoffs if they're not fixed.

dude, its a professional hockey team. anything you say will have no effect on any decision they make. they dont care about you, or your opinion about them. Your hate for GMGM's perceived ineptness is moot, give it up. I wanted GMGM to make moves, but he didnt. oh well, who cares. why dont you take a deep breath, calm down, and then become a Boston fan. I heard they're doing good right now.

Hopefully Bruce reminded any line without Semin on it that they're allowed to score and reminded Alex that he's allowed, in fact encouraged, to shoot while on a PP.

@StanleyCup1907

It seems you just don't have access to Internet. Verizon/Comcast/... are working on that.

Hazz,
I agree the Caps lack a natural RW on the top lines, but Kozlov and Semin have been playing it as good as anyone for a long time. I am not saying that Guerin would not have helped, I just wondered what the price to team in terms of chemistry and youth development would have cost. We will never know.

Boom

LETS GO!!!!!!!!!!!!

nice snap ovi!

ovie scores!!!!! beautiful

See the Crosby pic with the binky in his mouth? awesome

OVVVv

Like I said ...

good screen by Liach

yes! right back in it

AO!!!

Come on guys, who wants the tying goal?

BBL I will let you guys cry and whine by yourself..Just keep in mind what Don has been telling u..LOL
Enjoy the 3rd

LAICH

Ok all the doom and gloomies can leave now

... and the answer is Laich!!!

wow guys, what happened?

Whatever it was, I like it!

LAICH TWO KEY PLAYS IN A ROW!!!!!!!!!!

liach scores

oh sc1907 its 3 to 3

And ... said again.

Who knew coaching was so easy?

Where's my Mercedes??

whoops!

Key to breakaways, lose control of it so you have no choice but to focus on your dekes.

yes, OVI!!!!

@ludeman

It's cathartic. Hell, it is for me. But really, I still have hope for this team. But I think it's kind of ignorant to believe that this team has problems. And they will manifest themselves in the playoffs if they're not fixed.

Posted by: CDon | March 8, 2009 4:55 PM

No one here thinks our team is perfect. When i started to comment here, I was extremely critical of the capitals, and that is when they were winning. Cstanton used to agree with me a lot, but he is just here to hate as I am here to assess our team. I just think it's naive too hinge on the deadline, because as far as im concerned, the past cannot be changed. Complaining to complain will get you no where. Say what you need to say and move on, dont hinge on it.

and with that, we are tied.

;iach rang all three pipes on that one

OMFG,
Ovie and Broksy scored really fast and Caps are back. Man that was timely

Grit is nice...so is guys putting pucks in the net when you need it. A game is 60 minutes boys.

and...WE'RE BACK!!! Thanks, Brooks and Alex Ovi!

BBL I will let you guys cry and whine by yourself..Just keep in mind what Don has been telling u..LOL
Enjoy the 3rd

Posted by: StanleyCup1907 | March 8, 2009 4:59 PM

we are, good hockey game.

notice, when we start playing good hockey, cstanton is no where.

yes, yes, yes, the Caps are finally playing theior game on their own ice -- sweet

hahahhaha i love the chant....

We need to shut them down now. C'mon, Caps! Let's DO this!

They all vanish when the score isn't against us.

They've lost 5 of their last 8 games. For those who say..dont worry..well now is the time for worry. The last thing you want a team, so close to the postseason, to do is start to falter.

It seems like they had tapped themselves earlier in the season and figured they could coast through.
Its like last year they turned everything up a notch and caught many teams by surprise..they cant come too complacent now

I can't believe I wasted my time reading all of these posts about moving the team and Crosby being better than Ovie. Bunch of haters.

head to head crosby isnt as dominate as ov but he is more effective than a lot of the "experts" on this site give him credit for. Go caps !!!!!!!! Laich is a stud

Bears game at Lake Erie starting now. Per John Walton....Pothier said "I feel fine. I'm good to go, Coach." Very good news.

wow go figure, hitting actually does help. Now the Caps are finishing checks again and are back in the game.

guerin should really be pitts captian made then they won't be such whinners

I can't believe I wasted my time reading all of these posts about moving the team and Crosby being better than Ovie. Bunch of haters.

Posted by: Wemiss21 | March 8, 2009 5:03 PM

gotem.

SOB line is back

wow go figure, hitting actually does help. Now the Caps are finishing checks again and are back in the game.

Posted by: cstanton1 | March 8, 2009 5:05 PM

caps cant hit.

wow go figure, hitting actually does help. Now the Caps are finishing checks again and are back in the game.

Posted by: cstanton1 | March 8, 2009 5:05 PM

B
I
N
G
O

@SC1907: Mom calling for you to take the trash out?

Don't worry. We're still in this game and if the last two points were any indication of what's to be expected the rest of the game, I wouldn't show up later. Find a new hobby, troll.

When we actually skate like this and get a team on their heels it's easy to see why we CAN be a dominate team. The D needs tweaking, Theo probably isn't the answer in goal long term, but the point is to keep progressing. This game is a long way from over but you can see what we are capable of.

they really look like they want the puck more than the pens here in the third

BB changed 1st and 2nd lines

at least they look like they want to play now in the third

dave, it was over 5 games ago. this team stinks.

1) secondary scoring!!!!
2) caps score on a breakaway!!!!
3) someone in front of the net on the PP!!!!

Who is this team and what did you do with my washington capitals?

@phil

I agree with that it's naive to hinge your hopes on the deadline. But like I said, complaining is cathartic.

A great period so far. This is the energy they've been missing.

Shh. The Pitts are waiting to find the right time to tell Cindy they're taking his C away. And he was so proud of it too. Bummer.

Let's GO Caps!

Two runs against JT -- wtf!

Shh. The Pitts are waiting to find the right time to tell Cindy they're taking his C away. And he was so proud of it too. Bummer.

Posted by: LeftCoastCapsFan | March 8, 2009 5:10 PM

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Shut them down, Caps! Let's win this in the next 12 minutes, men!

Stupid, stupid penalties.

Stupid Brash...that was going to be a PP for the caps until Brash got the rough.

This sucks -- crappy reffing

thats a BS Call on Brads

Mistaker by Brash and Caps are on PK!

Brash was not even in the mix

Complain all you want. Like i said, i wanted to see trades too. But some of the stuff these people type is just tiring. The Caps have been in the doghouse for 5 years, so to throw this season, our quickest to 40 wins, under the bus is just stupid. Also about the deadline in specific, his hands were tied. Was it his fault his hands were tied? Yeah, mostly, but it can easily be argued that the injuries did that too us as well.

They need to get Semin and Steckel together on the PK!!!

Pitts, you guys getting nervous?!!! Eh?

Spoke too soon. C'mon, Caps! Get out of the hole you're in, men!

Thank goodness for JT

theo is looking good on the PK

What a hit OV

and i dont care if you "doom and gloom", as this blog likes to say. JIMALLCAPS, rachel216, etc are all good examples of doom gloomers who show the positive side just as much. It is just apparent what someone's intentions are with what they type...again..and again..

good hit by Green

I'd like another goal, please. Let's GO Caps!

Theo just robbed him blind.

nice glove theo.

Are we back to full strength yet?

THEO is just killing it out there

1-0 Bears. Goal by Sean Collins.

We're getting to that time in the game where the Caps take 5 lazy/stupid penalties and end up killing penalties til the end of the game.

Let's see if we've learned anything...

Sorry, but I don't want to rely on overtime to win this. Let's get another one in, Caps!

Geno shot that right into Theo's glove, caps got lucky on that defensive breakdown

OK JT, way to get up for the 3rd!

Yes, I love the Caps all the time, but it's easier when they play up to their ability -- like this period. Even if they lose, I won't mind as much as long as they are playing their game. But if they play like they did in the first 2 periods, I'm not happy

steve....shhhhhhhhh..

I guess not steve.

Man. I am enjoying this game. Good match up.

GOD DAMMIT austinsteve !

im blaming you.

Ugh, living dangerously -- stupid penalty Steckel

stecks looked at that trip like da** it

theo has been good and lucky...defense has been suspect...closing games continues to be a weakness

joe B just called him Cindy by accident

Let's win this one! I'm proud of their effort but a win would be awesome right now. Stop the Pitts and their streak.

WAH! Poor Crysbaby

Fleury has been fortunate a few times today too.

Let's bury a dirty goal here and finish this.

why is brash even on the ice in the 3rd period.....what a bonehead

"... defense has been suspect..." Well, remember those guys wearing the white sweaters are not that bad ...

Sitting on the edge of seat action like this is not good for emotional eaters. *grabs another handful of chips*

C'mon, Caps! Let's make those people who invested in 500 or so pacifiers happy today. GOO, Caps!

Great PK!

:)
I'm a firm believer in saying something so it Doesn't come true. That's one PK, if we keep it to that that'll be an improvement.

Has there been a SC07 post since we tied it?

great game regardless.

haha Crosby forgot to play his shift and his team was 4 on 5 for 30 secs :)

Come on Caps! Seal the comeback now!

I really don't want to go into overtime but if we do, how 'bout we win it, Caps?!!!

Has there been a SC07 post since we tied it?

Posted by: Davethecapsfan | March 8, 2009 5:29 PM

he must have Wandered off.....

green has been having a real problem keeping it in on the offensive zone

Don't tempt him Dave

I saw an Ovi limp

How is that not a trip against Poti?

No troll sitings since we tied it, Dave. While the Caps have their hands full with the Pitts, we got our own battle on here and its name is SC1907. C'mon, Caps! We don't want to see him back on here. Let's win it!

how many sticks has ovie broken in this game

Steckel-Laich-Gordon??? What line is that?

how do they not call that a trip? his stick was litterally stuck through Poti's skate!

Good save Theo!

bout time they started knocking some people down - much more physical play here this period

how do they not call that a trip? his stick was litterally stuck through Poti's skate!

Posted by: patrone | March 8, 2009 5:33 PM

yeah I say that too

I don't know I think he fell first

Don't take a penalty

Overtime imminent. Let's DO this, Caps!

I'm going to have a heart attack!!!

No call on that late slash!!! The Caps should be up 4-3 -- actually two slashes. F'ing refs

Two rushes by OV and Semin where OV didn't look for Semin. Trying to hard?

Let's get the other point. Great 3rd period.

kunitz slash that was BS

so Green receives the tomahawk slash, and HE gets attacked?

Well, 1 point is better than they had when the period started -- now for that other point

They've been breaking our sticks and wrists all game. That is not the mark of a team that sees itself as upper tier or high road

lets get the extra point here in OT!!

@wtf

did you see who was 3rd in?

Cindy

Well that might've been a trip on us so it might be even now.

Semin = Stick Wizard

Our Ice = Slurpee

like OVIE and Liach together it looks really good

C'mon CAPS! I can't stand this anymore. Let's shut it down on them TODAY!!!

let's Go Caps!

nice a$$ cam on that Pens shot

@wtf

did you see who was 3rd in?

Cindy

Posted by: ludeman95 | March 8, 2009 5:39 PM

...classic

We don't need Guerin. We have Laich

Lift it Morrison and the game is over

semin with the hustle and hit.

Shoot out?!!! C'mon, Caps. PLEASE. I can't eat another chip over here. Nervous eater and all....

malkin and ovechkin are work horses, i tell you.

Mo should have buried the 2nd try.

End of the 1st. Bears and Lake Erie tied 1-1. Varly in goal.

If Green scores there...fans on the ice

Fabulous. Great game hold strong Theo let's get this point!

Semin and Ovi for a shootout?!!!

Screw the potato chips -- shots of whiskey. I'm blaming my alcoholism on this team

sykora for pitts
semin for wsh

other than that, who knows.

Kozlov out there -- he can stick handle so well

...was hoping for laich on the shootout

@wtf

yeah climb over the boards, haha

Sykora is out

whiskey!!! I just want to beat the Pitts. That's all. Make Cindy, SC1907, and the pompous off in the gawdy suits, cry!

good thing Theo is relatively good on the breakaway/shootout.

dont think sykora is shootin.

OV, Semin, Malkin, Crosby, Gonchar, Feds, Green, Kozlov ... Man, I am lucky to see them play all at once. They are great players.

Lift it

that was the CLASSIC Bondra move by Semin

Sweet JT!

no 5er for you kozzie.

no pressure ov

Gotta deke.

The Caps can sweep = jinx

Nice comeback, just a goal short
Goog game

we didn't do Carolina any favors

everybody for us tried the 5 hole?

seriously.

he never dekes. he just needs to do that move he did at the ASG.

The slide continues, but at least some signs of turning the corner

Great game, looked a lot better in 3rd and OT. Would've been nice to get the extra point but I'll take it.

Good game. Too bad the Caps didn't win it.

Crosby ....SCORES!!!!!!!!! OV....... Hit the Shower rest those legs!

Boy do I hate Cindy!

We lost the shootout, guys?

@db1907

3 games to 1 babe, 3 games to 1

i just wanted something to feel good about today. man, caps, you let the penguins break my heart AGAIN.

Cindy still ballslaps.

SC1907: Still a loser regardless if the Pitts win.

Life still is good being a Caps fan. Even with the loss to a shootout (heard those don't even count in the Playoffs), the Caps showed they've got a grip on the slide. Next game, guys, we'll get our win. Great game, Caps.

good game.

SC1907 really must like sucking on Cindy's manhood.

Good to see you again SC07, I can't in good conscience respond to you anymore since you vanish until something goes against us. Was a great game.

Tough NSH team coming up they need the same effort we gave in the 3rd and OT.

lude..... 1 pt in last 4 at home post Cherry comments! better known as a TAIL SPIN!

@lastdon: Things could be worse. You could be SC1907 and what could be worse than that. Oh, being Don Cherry or Sidney Crosby. I forget.

Don Crosby?

Sidney Cherry?

Not at all Dave but I wanted to return to my seat and watch the game

@SC1907: Yours is a face only a mother could love. Doesn't say much about you really.

that crybaby Canadian just walked in to the US capital and kicked our ass
make all the inane excuses for gmgm and praising him for not making a trade but this team aint ready for a long playoff run

Whats up with Semin...how many games in a row has he played now ...

Before all the doomsayers and morons condemn this team and pick apart who could have done what differently, I am here to remind you all that it is a slump. It happens. Teams lose, even the best ones. Am I right, Detroit? Even the President's Cup contending Detroit Red Wings have lost games, and lost them badly.

why should we really care what a Butch F*g from canada that wears really awful suits think. we was wrong about pitt winning the Stanley Cup Last year, and he will be wrong about the Caps this year I vote for Don Cherry to take a long walk off a short pier

lol.

They're both pretty forgettable, aren't they? Fortunately, for all of except a few people like SC1907, we have great lives to get back to. The Caps will have their time. This was the Caps waking up from their slump. We didn't win but we'll get the next game. We got their backs, right, Caps fans?!!!

Keep up the recovery, Caps!

There's enough time for the Caps to get this crud out of their collective system, get back to playing their own hockey, and get ready for the playoffs. I'd like sooner rather than later, starting Tuesday in Nashville. The boys can bond away from home, play their system without home distractions

Bears leading Lake Erie 2-1. Goal by Andrew Gordon.

um SC07 wtf are you talking about

yeeeaaaa!!

wendel's here too, we should feel greatful to be in thier company

hockey is good.

Lake Erie just tied it up.

I vote for Cherry's wardrobe to be stolen and burned. That would hurt more, I think. Or, Crosby coming out of the closet. Ha!

We'll bounce back, Caps fans. Let's not give up. After all, it ain't over until the fat lady sings. Last I checked, Cherry doesn't know how to sing so yeah...hmm. Let's Go Caps!

Slay the trolls!!!

I am going to go watch that movie asbout Don Cherry "alomost Famous".... oh thats right thats not about him about he is noy even that. I think that Smokin' Al gets more Tang than him. HAHAHA

Now Lake Erie ahead 3-2. Not too sure why Woods is playing Varly in back-to-back games after he missed over a month with the knee injury. Shots on goal so far in the game, Hershey 6 LE 10, and barely 5 minutes into the 2nd.

I used to enjoy reading the game thread on here. Then certain morons started replying to people trying to make trouble. You people are no different than children in a sandbox who kick sand in retaliation.

If you ignore the ones stirring up trouble they will go away. They only reason that they are here is to get a reaction out of the morons.

Loss in SO isnt that bad with the effort to come back down from 2. Im feeling two road games will be 4 points for Caps...

@ ludeman95
You should be grateful or greatful if you want to spell it the way you were taught back at trailer park kindergarten. If you have nothing intelligent to say at least spell it correctly.

Well maybe next year the Caps will win the Cup ...Maybe Ted will sell the team maybe he will hire Grapes to coach..

The Cherry Curse continues....stay tuned!
BFN
Your friend SC

I used to enjoy reading the game thread on here. Then certain morons started replying to people trying to make trouble. You people are no different than children in a sandbox who kick sand in retaliation.

If you ignore the ones stirring up trouble they will go away. They only reason that they are here is to get a reaction out of the morons.

Posted by: MKadyman | March 8, 2009 6:16 PM

yeah, u morans.

@ tess2201

Just tuned into the Bears game. How's Potheir been doing?

caps suddenly stink my friends.
they are history. give up on them

No need for any bridge jumping tonight. We came back from a 2 goal deficit to start the third and with the exception of the time we spent on the PK in the third, we had the better of the play. The last two games were miles better efforts than the two that started this streak.

Pens may not even make the playoffs.

@wendel2

well it must have been a good trailer park kindergarten, since I'm 28yrs old, did not go to college and made $79,000 last year,
you fail again and again and again

Brashear is a complete waste of a roster spot.

@elicia
Pothier seems to be doing well. According to JW he's getting more ice time than last night.

Boy, my boner over the last 21 games just became a limp noodle

@ludeman95
wow who knew that gay prostitutes made that kind of money? Maybe spend some of your butt money on spell check.

Well I guess I should have went to witty school so I could keep up with you, you're too smart for me.

@ludeman95 seems like most people on this blog are but hey keep telling us how rich and smart you are.......it is realing quite entertaining to read your mindless posts about nothing...oh yeah can you spell losing streak?

79,000 grand? Wow. I'm seriously impressed. That's almost 100k

I'm sorry that I can't bring the great hockey knowledge that you bring for us Wendel, you're posts about shouda, woulda, coulda are so much more entertaining than mine. See you after the next lose Wendel, can you spell troll?

Oh I'm sorry Wendel, I meant loss, not lose. I'm sure a really smart guy like yourself knew what I was trying to say. Will you ever forgive me?

@phrdlick
I actually thought they played well today. I thought they deserved to win that game. Atleast they got a point out of today though.

On another note:
Does anyone know how Pothier has been playing down in Hershey??

As much as we all hate the Pens -- we should want them to keep playing well right now. The Caps will finish 2 or 3 barring a late total collapse. The Flyers should stay 4th. If the Pens finish 5th, the PA teams have t face each other in the first round. That is good for us. Better to face ANY of those other teams than EITHER of the PA teams.

let's see -

- sidney crosby no. 1 star

- Pens finish road trip 5-0, with 10 points in the standings, while Caps have lost 4 in a row at home

- caps blow golden opportunity to sweep pens

- gonchar scores after getting hooted

- most of all, sid gets the game winning goal

that must all sting SEVERELY for Caps fans grasping at straws these days for any ray of hope -

bwahahahahaahahahaah

so how did those pacifiers work for you Caps fans? it's good you all bought them, now you'll need them!!

Hurts to lose that one--especially with Sindy keeping his hands on his own equip for a change.
My desperate search for hope tells me Caps remain Way Ahead of pens in the standings, beat 'em three times this year, and still don't have a league-renowned whiner on the roster.
Who we playin....Next!

They say a true test of one's character, is how he reacts during times of adversity. Well, I AM ANYTHING BUT PLEASED WITH BB's reactions. If I didn't know any better, I'd swear the Caps won the last TWO games. The only difference in his utterances, is that ( Considering the reality of the situation ) he managed to sound even MORE RIDICULOUS TODAY, than he did 3 days ago. "We played with passion." Jesus, P L E A S E! These guys are being payed a KING'S RANSOME. Shouldn't we fans EXPECT some emotion. And, not for just 20 or 30 minutes. What about the entire game? Wow! What a novel idea. Can you even IMAGINE something that far - fetched?
Guys are walking around with their chests stuck out, acting for all the world AS IF THEY'D WON. Thursday, that wimp Eric Fehr had the audacity to speak in GLOWING TERMS about "How well they'd played." Well, beam me up Scottie. Give me some of whatever that stuff is you must be puffing on. Where I came from, there's no consolation in losing. NONE! Playing well and losing DO NOT BELONG IN THE SAME SENTENCE. EVER!
Yeah, the bar's set real high around here. If it gets any higher, we'll ALL STUMBLE over it continually. These people's attitudes thoroughly DISGUST ME. Period!

Let's end this right now. For the fans who are ready to give up on the Washington Capitals, get over yourselves. If you're going to be disappointed, be disappointed for the right reasons. Seriously, some of you come on here like you could do loads better than they play and please, don't even think for a second you could because if you could, you'd be playing for a team right now instead of playing armchair hockey at home.

For the posters who are clearly not fans of the Washington Capitals, it's like you're crashing a party you weren't invited to and seriously, it's not cute. It's kinda' embarrassing on your part.

For the posters who feel they are above the in-fighting and the taunting from non-Caps fans, get the stick out of your butt. You're probably the kind of person that would walk quickly away from someone getting robbed or beaten up because you don't want to get involved in it.

Keep posting negative things about the Caps, I'll respond. I'll stick with the Caps, win or lose because I know it's not my hockey skills nor my ability to analyze and criticize their game that they want. It's about having faith in them and their organization. The games I've watched, for the most part, have been worth every penny.