I can't help but think of the heady feeling we all had when the Caps last made their way onto the Madison Square Garden ice (if you can call it "ice"... I think a gravel driveway is more like ice than the MSG sheet). Things aren't looking quite as great as they were a few weeks ago, but coming off of a solid rout of the Leafs on Monday with a crippled lineup, they ain't looking all that bad either as the Capitals (5-6-0, 10 pts, 3rd SE) prepare once again to take on the Rangers (4-6-1, 9 pts, 4th AT) in downtown Manhattan.
Both teams have two wins in their last seven attempts and are both coming off of Monday wins (the Rangers beat the Lightning 3-1). The Capitals do look a bit better offensively, with six players registering five or more points thus far, to the Rangers' four, and have only one player - Donnie B - who has yet to score a point, to the Rangers' six.
I know, I know... Stats don't mean a whole heck of a lot, but I'm forced to nitpick because these two teams appear to be very similar as far as their performance so far this season goes. The Caps' offensive stats look better than those of the Rangers, but I'm sure more than just a little bit of that can be credited to Monday's seven goal affair north of the border.
The verdict? This one's a tossup. Start chilling your beer.
Oh, and it should also be noted that Sean Avery will be making his return to the lineup tonight, after having been injured in the second game of the season. What a treat.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Wow...
I returned from my week in the tropics on Saturday evening to less than pleasing news: that the Caps have been sucking up the ice and were now 1-6 in their last 7. I withheld comment because I wasn't here to see it myself, and rather than go on a rant I chose to follow my mother's sage advice regarding not having anything nice to say.
So when I sat down on my couch last night, popped open a beer, and prepared to analyze all of the Capitals' woes - imagine my surprise when they strolled out onto the ice and handed the Leafs their arses on a silver platter with poutine on the side and Tim Horton's donuts for dessert.
I guess their little field trip to the Hockey Hall of Fame worked.
There was a brief "Oh God, here we go again" moment when the Leafs responded in a matter of seconds to Washington's opening goal, but the moment was short lived. It was the only non-mocking cheer from the sellout crowd that the Leafs were going to get all night. The Capitals dominated both ends of the ice from there on out.
We all know that injuries are a lame excuse for poor play at best, and last night it looked like the Caps knew that as well. I lost count of all the first goals, first multiple goals, first NHL goals somewhere around the second period. The boys stepped up, and they did it beautifully.
I won't delude myself into thinking that this is what we can expect from the Caps on any given night, but I will say that when this team finds consistency and maturity, they will be a force to be reckoned with.
Bring on the Rags.
So when I sat down on my couch last night, popped open a beer, and prepared to analyze all of the Capitals' woes - imagine my surprise when they strolled out onto the ice and handed the Leafs their arses on a silver platter with poutine on the side and Tim Horton's donuts for dessert.
I guess their little field trip to the Hockey Hall of Fame worked.
There was a brief "Oh God, here we go again" moment when the Leafs responded in a matter of seconds to Washington's opening goal, but the moment was short lived. It was the only non-mocking cheer from the sellout crowd that the Leafs were going to get all night. The Capitals dominated both ends of the ice from there on out.
We all know that injuries are a lame excuse for poor play at best, and last night it looked like the Caps knew that as well. I lost count of all the first goals, first multiple goals, first NHL goals somewhere around the second period. The boys stepped up, and they did it beautifully.
I won't delude myself into thinking that this is what we can expect from the Caps on any given night, but I will say that when this team finds consistency and maturity, they will be a force to be reckoned with.
Bring on the Rags.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Caps vs Isles - In game
First Period:
- Looking sharp. Good forecheck, good control, good cycling, good pressure, and taking lots of shots. Seven shots on DiPietro in the first seven minutes.
- Smokin' Al needs to back his face away from the mic a few inches...
- Magnificent work by Pettinger (how often do I ever get to say that?) single-handedly grinding the puck around the boards in the Islanders' zone while killing a penalty. Killed a good 30 seconds all by himself.
- Fleischmann, who is playing on the Nylander/Backstrom line, has been more visible in the first 13 minutes of this game than he has been all season. It's early yet, but I smell chemistry.
- Gah... Bergenheim scores on a defensive breakdown in front of the net.
- Brendan Witt gets slammed in the jaw with a booming slapshot. Can you say karma?
...And that's it for the first. I think it's safe to say that the Caps don't deserve the score they have at the moment. Fine work by DiPietro in keeping them off the board.
Islanders 1, Capitals 0
Second Period
- Penalty on Berard. Let's see what the PP is looking like these days.
- 0 shots on the PP... Didn't even get close. *sigh*
- The "trip" by Kozlov looked a wee bit embellished. Another penalty coming...
- You pay for stupid penalties every time. Islanders 2, Caps 0
- They put a lot more on the net during the second Caps PP of the game... in fact, they've been doing just that all game so far, but they're still not generating traffic in front of the net. You're not going to score on rebounds if there's nobody but Islanders there to collect them. 3rd Caps PP of the game is forthcoming.
- 3rd PP over, and nothing to show for it.
- Well, they still don't deserve to be scoreless, but not quite to the same extent as in the first. Damnation.
Islanders 2, Capitals 0
Third Period
- One of the odder questioned goals I've seen...
- AO SCORES!!! Good setup by Motzko. Lovely, now do it again and we'll be good to go.
- Beautiful pressure leads to another goal. The Caps are running circles around the Isles in the third and it's a beautiful sight. Fleischmann from Backstrom. Did I mention he's been having a good game?
- Well that was short lived... The Caps have been dominant, but when they aren't in control they give the Islanders far too much room to maneuver, and the PK is just not clicking at all without Gordon.
- In case you're wondering what the difference tonight has been, here it is:
Islanders 5, Capitals 2
- Looking sharp. Good forecheck, good control, good cycling, good pressure, and taking lots of shots. Seven shots on DiPietro in the first seven minutes.
- Smokin' Al needs to back his face away from the mic a few inches...
- Magnificent work by Pettinger (how often do I ever get to say that?) single-handedly grinding the puck around the boards in the Islanders' zone while killing a penalty. Killed a good 30 seconds all by himself.
- Fleischmann, who is playing on the Nylander/Backstrom line, has been more visible in the first 13 minutes of this game than he has been all season. It's early yet, but I smell chemistry.
- Gah... Bergenheim scores on a defensive breakdown in front of the net.
- Brendan Witt gets slammed in the jaw with a booming slapshot. Can you say karma?
...And that's it for the first. I think it's safe to say that the Caps don't deserve the score they have at the moment. Fine work by DiPietro in keeping them off the board.
Islanders 1, Capitals 0
Second Period
- Penalty on Berard. Let's see what the PP is looking like these days.
- 0 shots on the PP... Didn't even get close. *sigh*
- The "trip" by Kozlov looked a wee bit embellished. Another penalty coming...
- You pay for stupid penalties every time. Islanders 2, Caps 0
- They put a lot more on the net during the second Caps PP of the game... in fact, they've been doing just that all game so far, but they're still not generating traffic in front of the net. You're not going to score on rebounds if there's nobody but Islanders there to collect them. 3rd Caps PP of the game is forthcoming.
- 3rd PP over, and nothing to show for it.
- Well, they still don't deserve to be scoreless, but not quite to the same extent as in the first. Damnation.
Islanders 2, Capitals 0
Third Period
- One of the odder questioned goals I've seen...
- AO SCORES!!! Good setup by Motzko. Lovely, now do it again and we'll be good to go.
- Beautiful pressure leads to another goal. The Caps are running circles around the Isles in the third and it's a beautiful sight. Fleischmann from Backstrom. Did I mention he's been having a good game?
- Well that was short lived... The Caps have been dominant, but when they aren't in control they give the Islanders far too much room to maneuver, and the PK is just not clicking at all without Gordon.
- In case you're wondering what the difference tonight has been, here it is:
Islanders 5, Capitals 2
Washington Capitals vs New York Islanders
Well, like I said a couple posts down, life has become mighty busy for yours truly. So busy, in fact, that I haven't had time to write up a proper game-day preview. I'll be here to deposit my thoughts as soon as the puck drops.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Sgt Shultz back in DC
Per Tarik, Schultz got the call. The defense is healthy as far as we know, so somebody's going to be sitting out on Thursday, and apparently that man is John Erskine.
Can't say I disapprove of this move.
Can't say I disapprove of this move.
Wednesday missives
Apologies for the lapse in posting over the last few days (all two of you), but life has become busy. Luckily there hasn't been too much going on in Caps land, apart from Joe Motzko getting the call-up and the good news that Boyd Gordon and Alex Ovechkin should be just fine to skate in tomorrow's match against the Islanders.
My absence will continue this weekend, as I have to catch an early morning flight to Florida on Sunday to kick off my first vacation in over two years (graduating from college, finding a job and an apartment, getting settled, and moving up in the world haven't left me too much leisure time). I'll be toasting the Caps from the shores of Key West, Grand Cayman, and Jamaica.
As far as my thoughts on the recent play of the Caps goes - all I have to say is this: The rebuild may be over, but we have a world of growing pains yet to go through before this team is a solid contender. AO has been playing the best hockey of his career, Mike Green has been doing shockingly well at keeping pace with the Russian machine, Boyd Gordon - as his absence in the last two games proves - has been the anchor of the checking line and penalty kill, Olie Kolzig still has it, and Brent Johnson hasn't been terrible. There are plenty of positives to take away after these first five games, and if you had told me a month ago that the Caps would start 3-2, I'd have been a happy camper.
My absence will continue this weekend, as I have to catch an early morning flight to Florida on Sunday to kick off my first vacation in over two years (graduating from college, finding a job and an apartment, getting settled, and moving up in the world haven't left me too much leisure time). I'll be toasting the Caps from the shores of Key West, Grand Cayman, and Jamaica.
As far as my thoughts on the recent play of the Caps goes - all I have to say is this: The rebuild may be over, but we have a world of growing pains yet to go through before this team is a solid contender. AO has been playing the best hockey of his career, Mike Green has been doing shockingly well at keeping pace with the Russian machine, Boyd Gordon - as his absence in the last two games proves - has been the anchor of the checking line and penalty kill, Olie Kolzig still has it, and Brent Johnson hasn't been terrible. There are plenty of positives to take away after these first five games, and if you had told me a month ago that the Caps would start 3-2, I'd have been a happy camper.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Buffalo 7, Capitals 3
Like I said...
I didn't watch the game due to social obligations, and I'm pretty glad I didn't.
I didn't watch the game due to social obligations, and I'm pretty glad I didn't.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Capitals at Sabres - HSBC Arena - 7pm
The Capitals (3-1-0) go up against a Sabres (1-2-0) team that, while without the services of Chris Drury and Daniel "The Spear" Briere, is still a mighty dangerous customer, despite its lackluster record.
It goes without saying that the Capitals cannot put forth the sort of effort (or lack thereof) that they've shown in their last two games, because the Sabres will certainly make them pay dearly for it. Four of the Sabres 12 goals this season have come on the power play, and without Boyd Gordon to anchor the PK unit, the Capitals are going to have to find a solution in very short order.
Not taking 5 penalties in the first period would probably help things as well...
One bit of good news is that Buffalo's defensive play doesn't appear to be what it once was. They've given up 9 goals in the three games they've played - and keep in mind that they shut out the Hurricanes on Thursday, so those 9 goals came over the course of two games. Jocelyn Thibault's save percentage stands at 3.04 at the moment. But then again, like I said, they shut out the Hurricanes on Thursday... Who knows which game they'll be bringing tomorrow night, but the Caps would do well to prepare for the latter.
The key to winning this game is continuing the style of play that the Capitals put up against the Blueshirts in the third period of tonight's game. The Capitals amped up their game (after spending the first period with it set on "peewee league") gradually until the last minute of regulation, when they finally resembled the Capitals that manhandled the Thrashers and Hurricanes. They need to keep that level of play rolling into tomorrow night's match. If they don't, it's probably going to be another disappointing night.
It goes without saying that the Capitals cannot put forth the sort of effort (or lack thereof) that they've shown in their last two games, because the Sabres will certainly make them pay dearly for it. Four of the Sabres 12 goals this season have come on the power play, and without Boyd Gordon to anchor the PK unit, the Capitals are going to have to find a solution in very short order.
Not taking 5 penalties in the first period would probably help things as well...
One bit of good news is that Buffalo's defensive play doesn't appear to be what it once was. They've given up 9 goals in the three games they've played - and keep in mind that they shut out the Hurricanes on Thursday, so those 9 goals came over the course of two games. Jocelyn Thibault's save percentage stands at 3.04 at the moment. But then again, like I said, they shut out the Hurricanes on Thursday... Who knows which game they'll be bringing tomorrow night, but the Caps would do well to prepare for the latter.
The key to winning this game is continuing the style of play that the Capitals put up against the Blueshirts in the third period of tonight's game. The Capitals amped up their game (after spending the first period with it set on "peewee league") gradually until the last minute of regulation, when they finally resembled the Capitals that manhandled the Thrashers and Hurricanes. They need to keep that level of play rolling into tomorrow night's match. If they don't, it's probably going to be another disappointing night.
In-game thoughts
First period thoughts:
- If the PK isn't working, it would be advisable to stop taking penalties. John Erskine: I'm looking at you.
- Beautiful highlight reel goal by AO.
- Hossa should have been called for goaltender interference on the second goal, but that's no excuse for allowing the Rangers to score three power play goals on five power plays.
- Everyone please dig around in your couch cushions and see if by any chance you find the Capitals' puck possession game.
Rangers 3, Capitals 1
Second:
- Ok, I'll let the Kozlov penalty go. He didn't deserve that one.
- Beautiful play by Morrisonn to stop a wrap around attempt while Kolzig was trying to recover from stopping it on the other side of the net moments before.
- Current SOG: 27-9, New York - 10:00 in the 2nd
- Fleischmann is now playing with Brashear and Sutherby.
- Fleischmann is now playing with Backstrom and Nylander. Looks like Hanlon is rocking the boat to see what comes out. This line actually managed to put a couple of shots on Lundqvist. I was starting to forget what King Henrik looked like.
- Kolzig has faced 31 shots with 4:00 remaining in the 2nd. Give him credit: he's been doing jumping jacks on his head tonight to try to keep the Caps in it.
- Another penalty? Sure, why not. Prucha's goal disallowed, and deservedly so.
- Caps finally amped up the pressure a bit in the last 1:30 or so. Here's hoping they keep that rolling into the 3rd and stop giving up so bloody many turnovers.
Rangers 3, Capitals 1
Third:
- Looking a little more together 4 minutes in.
- Lovely trip on AO by Drury. No penalty.
- They're finally managing to put consistent pressure on the Rangers and get their possession game going. 6 shots on Lundqvist thus far in the 3rd.
- I don't think Nylander could have said it better when asked about the impotent power play. Stop looking for the pretty play and just shoot the freaking puck!
- Nice poke check on a solo Jagr breakaway by Poti.
- 2:13 remaining, 1 man advantage for 45 seconds. To pull Olie, or not to pull Olie?
- Olie pulled.
- They're finally playing with the level of dominance and sense of urgency that were the hallmarks of the first two games of the season. Unfortunately there are only 20 seconds left in regulation.
Final: Rangers 3, Capitals 1
Well, that's what a sloppy first period will do to you. They took far too many penalties and failed to establish any sort of puck control in the opening frame.
The second was better. Fewer dumb penalties, but they still lacked control for the most part. The third was much better - What the entire game should have looked like. They were dominant, turning the tables and forcing the Rangers to take penalties, and outshooting them 11-4 along the way. But alas, it was too little, too late. It's not the end of the world, of course. We're only 4 games into the season. Here's hoping they keep that level of play rolling as they head upstate to meet the Sabres.
Oh, and congrats to AO on his 100th NHL goal!
- If the PK isn't working, it would be advisable to stop taking penalties. John Erskine: I'm looking at you.
- Beautiful highlight reel goal by AO.
- Hossa should have been called for goaltender interference on the second goal, but that's no excuse for allowing the Rangers to score three power play goals on five power plays.
- Everyone please dig around in your couch cushions and see if by any chance you find the Capitals' puck possession game.
Rangers 3, Capitals 1
Second:
- Ok, I'll let the Kozlov penalty go. He didn't deserve that one.
- Beautiful play by Morrisonn to stop a wrap around attempt while Kolzig was trying to recover from stopping it on the other side of the net moments before.
- Current SOG: 27-9, New York - 10:00 in the 2nd
- Fleischmann is now playing with Brashear and Sutherby.
- Fleischmann is now playing with Backstrom and Nylander. Looks like Hanlon is rocking the boat to see what comes out. This line actually managed to put a couple of shots on Lundqvist. I was starting to forget what King Henrik looked like.
- Kolzig has faced 31 shots with 4:00 remaining in the 2nd. Give him credit: he's been doing jumping jacks on his head tonight to try to keep the Caps in it.
- Another penalty? Sure, why not. Prucha's goal disallowed, and deservedly so.
- Caps finally amped up the pressure a bit in the last 1:30 or so. Here's hoping they keep that rolling into the 3rd and stop giving up so bloody many turnovers.
Rangers 3, Capitals 1
Third:
- Looking a little more together 4 minutes in.
- Lovely trip on AO by Drury. No penalty.
- They're finally managing to put consistent pressure on the Rangers and get their possession game going. 6 shots on Lundqvist thus far in the 3rd.
- I don't think Nylander could have said it better when asked about the impotent power play. Stop looking for the pretty play and just shoot the freaking puck!
- Nice poke check on a solo Jagr breakaway by Poti.
- 2:13 remaining, 1 man advantage for 45 seconds. To pull Olie, or not to pull Olie?
- Olie pulled.
- They're finally playing with the level of dominance and sense of urgency that were the hallmarks of the first two games of the season. Unfortunately there are only 20 seconds left in regulation.
Final: Rangers 3, Capitals 1
Well, that's what a sloppy first period will do to you. They took far too many penalties and failed to establish any sort of puck control in the opening frame.
The second was better. Fewer dumb penalties, but they still lacked control for the most part. The third was much better - What the entire game should have looked like. They were dominant, turning the tables and forcing the Rangers to take penalties, and outshooting them 11-4 along the way. But alas, it was too little, too late. It's not the end of the world, of course. We're only 4 games into the season. Here's hoping they keep that level of play rolling as they head upstate to meet the Sabres.
Oh, and congrats to AO on his 100th NHL goal!
Capitals at Rangers - Madison Square Garden - 7pm
The Washington Capitals (3-0-0, 2nd place - SE) continue their tour of the Empire State with a visit to Jaromir "There may not be an I in TEAM, but there's definitely a ME" Jagr and the Blueshirts (1-2-0, 3rd place - AT) this lovely autumn evening.
The Rangers have had a somewhat less than pristine start to the season. Here's a shocker - Princess Jaromira isn't playing all that well with his new linemates. They have not scored once on 15 power plays, and while they appear to be rather similar to the Caps as far as offensive stats go, four of their goals were scored in a 7 minute span against the Panthers when Tomas Vokun apparently forgot that he was a goaltender, not a fire hydrant. The Rangers are also without Sean Avery, though they won't be without a physical presence, especially if this guy sees any ice time tonight.
They've also been sloppy, taking 41 minutes in the penalty box to the Caps' 26 in these first 3 games. To their credit, their penalty kill hasn't been too shabby at 92.9%, 6th league-wide at present, and Henrik Lundqvist has been solid in net with a 2.02 GAA and a .935 SV%.
The Blueshirts are attempting to "Redskins" their way to victory, and are learning what we in Washington know far too well. All the talent in the world counts for jack squat if you don't have chemistry and a team that plays as a team, not a prima donna with a supporting cast. But make no mistake about it, the Rangers have a dangerous amount of talent - enough to make life for Kolzig and the blueliners difficult should they suddenly discover cohesiveness.
The Capitals need to prove tonight that their performance on Long Island was a fluke brought on by the weariness of playing three games in four nights. If their chemistry continues to click, and the Rangers' chemistry continues to falter, the Caps should be able to dominate play. It also helps that Olie loves the action at MSG.
The Rangers have had a somewhat less than pristine start to the season. Here's a shocker - Princess Jaromira isn't playing all that well with his new linemates. They have not scored once on 15 power plays, and while they appear to be rather similar to the Caps as far as offensive stats go, four of their goals were scored in a 7 minute span against the Panthers when Tomas Vokun apparently forgot that he was a goaltender, not a fire hydrant. The Rangers are also without Sean Avery, though they won't be without a physical presence, especially if this guy sees any ice time tonight.
They've also been sloppy, taking 41 minutes in the penalty box to the Caps' 26 in these first 3 games. To their credit, their penalty kill hasn't been too shabby at 92.9%, 6th league-wide at present, and Henrik Lundqvist has been solid in net with a 2.02 GAA and a .935 SV%.
The Blueshirts are attempting to "Redskins" their way to victory, and are learning what we in Washington know far too well. All the talent in the world counts for jack squat if you don't have chemistry and a team that plays as a team, not a prima donna with a supporting cast. But make no mistake about it, the Rangers have a dangerous amount of talent - enough to make life for Kolzig and the blueliners difficult should they suddenly discover cohesiveness.
The Capitals need to prove tonight that their performance on Long Island was a fluke brought on by the weariness of playing three games in four nights. If their chemistry continues to click, and the Rangers' chemistry continues to falter, the Caps should be able to dominate play. It also helps that Olie loves the action at MSG.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Gordon might be injured
According to Tarik
Apparently he left practice this morning for "precautionary" reasons due to an undisclosed injury.
Oh, and Johnson will start in Buffalo on Saturday.
Apparently he left practice this morning for "precautionary" reasons due to an undisclosed injury.
Oh, and Johnson will start in Buffalo on Saturday.
Thursday musings
My last post left me thinking, which is known to happen every once in a great while. What exactly will it take for the mainstream hockey media to respect the Capitals? When will this team cease to be a whipping post? The truthful answers to those questions are "a lot" and "quite a while from now if things go well."
Respect has to be earned, and it's going to take a whole lot more than a hot start to the season. Real success in hockey is not quantified in wins and losses, but in championships - and the rafters look rather sparse after 33 years of NHL action in the nation's capital. We, the faithful, love the gritty and passionate men who kept this team exciting, even if they fell short of championship material. We have taken pride in watching guys like Dale Hunter, Al Iafrate, Peter Bondra, Kevin Hatcher, and Rod Langway give other teams fits, but all the heart and muscle in the world won't cause the national media conglomerates to bat an eye in the absence of a winning tradition.
But why should we care what they think? Who gives a flying pig's butt what Barry "The Hairdo" Melrose thinks about where the Capitals are or aren't going?
Wouldn't you be thrilled if the Alexes received just as much press and praise as Sidney Crosby? Wouldn't it be wonderful if during the intermission of a Pens-Sabres game on Versus, they cut away to a 10 minute vignette on what Alexander Ovechkin thinks about his new skates? The truth is that, to some extent, even the myopic opinions spouted by the talking (though often vacant) heads do matter. It affects how the hockey world perceives us. Our reputation, especially amongst the fair-weather fans here in DC, will not improve so long as there are idiots on ESPN who dismiss the Capitals' successes and label them as bottom-dwellers and inevitable chokers.
That last sentence assumes, of course, that our successes will continue. That is the golden key. Wins and highlight-reel plays make for good short term accolades, but banners (and I emphasize the plural) in the rafters speak volumes more in the long run.
I don't think that even a single Stanly Cup would seal it, given the recent trend of its winners falling off the face of the earth immediately after hoisting it. But if they build a tradition of winning, a team that can compete and retool itself year after year, the Cup(s), banner(s), and respect will eventually come.
That needs to be this organization's goal. I won't hesitate to say that the Capitals have now iced the greatest hockey team that has ever called the District home, and if any team is capable of beginning to put the dogged years behind us, it's this one. There's a long way to go before 33 years of heartache can be put firmly in the rear view and we might never get there, but looking at this team I have no doubt that it's going to be one exciting ride.
Respect has to be earned, and it's going to take a whole lot more than a hot start to the season. Real success in hockey is not quantified in wins and losses, but in championships - and the rafters look rather sparse after 33 years of NHL action in the nation's capital. We, the faithful, love the gritty and passionate men who kept this team exciting, even if they fell short of championship material. We have taken pride in watching guys like Dale Hunter, Al Iafrate, Peter Bondra, Kevin Hatcher, and Rod Langway give other teams fits, but all the heart and muscle in the world won't cause the national media conglomerates to bat an eye in the absence of a winning tradition.
But why should we care what they think? Who gives a flying pig's butt what Barry "The Hairdo" Melrose thinks about where the Capitals are or aren't going?
Wouldn't you be thrilled if the Alexes received just as much press and praise as Sidney Crosby? Wouldn't it be wonderful if during the intermission of a Pens-Sabres game on Versus, they cut away to a 10 minute vignette on what Alexander Ovechkin thinks about his new skates? The truth is that, to some extent, even the myopic opinions spouted by the talking (though often vacant) heads do matter. It affects how the hockey world perceives us. Our reputation, especially amongst the fair-weather fans here in DC, will not improve so long as there are idiots on ESPN who dismiss the Capitals' successes and label them as bottom-dwellers and inevitable chokers.
That last sentence assumes, of course, that our successes will continue. That is the golden key. Wins and highlight-reel plays make for good short term accolades, but banners (and I emphasize the plural) in the rafters speak volumes more in the long run.
I don't think that even a single Stanly Cup would seal it, given the recent trend of its winners falling off the face of the earth immediately after hoisting it. But if they build a tradition of winning, a team that can compete and retool itself year after year, the Cup(s), banner(s), and respect will eventually come.
That needs to be this organization's goal. I won't hesitate to say that the Capitals have now iced the greatest hockey team that has ever called the District home, and if any team is capable of beginning to put the dogged years behind us, it's this one. There's a long way to go before 33 years of heartache can be put firmly in the rear view and we might never get there, but looking at this team I have no doubt that it's going to be one exciting ride.
High praise from ESPN
Just kidding.
They've ranked the Capitals, who are currently third in the standings and undefeated, at 20th in their power rankings.
Now, I'm a thoroughly biased and unabashed supporter of the boys in red, white, and blue, but I certainly don't think that they're going to finish on top of the league. Anyone who thinks so should check themselves into the nearest mental health facility as soon as possible. I do, however, think that their newfound chemistry, tremendous stock of skill, stellar performances, and new style of play warrants commentary a little less tongue-in-cheek than what their power-raking guru tossed out in the Comments section:
"The Capitals are undefeated! Just wanted to say that now while we can."
Schlock it up, boys. We'll all have our answer soon enough.
Ah well, at least we've got Burnside.
They've ranked the Capitals, who are currently third in the standings and undefeated, at 20th in their power rankings.
Now, I'm a thoroughly biased and unabashed supporter of the boys in red, white, and blue, but I certainly don't think that they're going to finish on top of the league. Anyone who thinks so should check themselves into the nearest mental health facility as soon as possible. I do, however, think that their newfound chemistry, tremendous stock of skill, stellar performances, and new style of play warrants commentary a little less tongue-in-cheek than what their power-raking guru tossed out in the Comments section:
"The Capitals are undefeated! Just wanted to say that now while we can."
Schlock it up, boys. We'll all have our answer soon enough.
Ah well, at least we've got Burnside.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
The gambling community takes notice
Chance Harper of SBRForums seems to have noticed an anomaly in the standings:
"While it’s no surprise that the Senators are already the class of the East, no one could have guessed that the Washington Capitals would be right at their heels."
Those of us who pay attention aren't all that shocked, but thanks for noticing.
Something tells me I would have been smart to put a few dollars on the Caps back when the Vegas odds were in the cellar. It's a shame I'm not a betting man.
"While it’s no surprise that the Senators are already the class of the East, no one could have guessed that the Washington Capitals would be right at their heels."
Those of us who pay attention aren't all that shocked, but thanks for noticing.
Something tells me I would have been smart to put a few dollars on the Caps back when the Vegas odds were in the cellar. It's a shame I'm not a betting man.
Strike a pose
Brooks "too sexy for my jersey" Laich does his best runway strut after scoring the game winning goal as Radek Martinek and Rick DiPietro collapse under the crushing weight of inevitable defeat.
It's a quiet morning out there in Caps land. The boys took a well deserved day off yesterday, but are back on the ice today to prepare for their Friday night tilt with Princess Jaromira and the Rangers. The Rags are currently 1-1-0 and will be playing the Isles tonight on Versus at 7pm, just in case you'd like to get an early look at what sort of a team the full extent of the salary cap can buy.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Sgt. Schultz off to the land of chocolate
After three thrilling games worth of warming a wide array of seats in Atlanta, Washington DC, and Long Island, Jeff Schultz is headed to Hershey, according to various sources.
Confused? Me too.
It seems like only a week ago that Schultz was being told to find a house and a car here in the DC area. Wait, it was only a week ago. Odd indeed. It's not as though he earned a demotion through sloppy play because, well, he hasn't been given a chance to play.
I'm willing to bet that this has more to do with the way that John Erskine has been playing than anything else, and with Steve Eminger on his way back before too long... Well, you do the math. The whole "find a residence" bit still confounds me, but hey, whatever. At least he'll be getting ice time in PA.
Whichever blueliner replaces Schultz on the roster will likely see just as much TOI as he did. The Caps have given up just two goals thus far. I'm no coach, but I certainly wouldn't want to rock the defensive boat right now.
Confused? Me too. It seems like only a week ago that Schultz was being told to find a house and a car here in the DC area. Wait, it was only a week ago. Odd indeed. It's not as though he earned a demotion through sloppy play because, well, he hasn't been given a chance to play.
I'm willing to bet that this has more to do with the way that John Erskine has been playing than anything else, and with Steve Eminger on his way back before too long... Well, you do the math. The whole "find a residence" bit still confounds me, but hey, whatever. At least he'll be getting ice time in PA.
Whichever blueliner replaces Schultz on the roster will likely see just as much TOI as he did. The Caps have given up just two goals thus far. I'm no coach, but I certainly wouldn't want to rock the defensive boat right now.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Hello out there
I hate to be considered a "bandwagoner." There are many spectacular and well-stocked blogs out there that cover the Washington Capitals, a team that I have loved since my family and I moved into the area when I was 12 years old.
My problem is that I still don't have enough ways to get all of the Caps-related news, observations, and miscellany out of my head. Lord knows the local network television outlets don't seem to know a snap shot from a colonoscopy and don't care enough to give the Caps the time of day. I mean, hey, nevermind the world class athletes playing their silly ice game - there's high school swim meets to cover! But I digress.
The superb and dedicated work of Tarik El-Bashir at the Post and Corey Masisak at the Times have been a breath of fresh air. On the pure blog side of things, I don't think that I will ever be able to rival the very impressive efforts of the team at On Frozen Blog and JP over at Japer's Rink, the wit and wisdom of The Peerless Prognosticator and CapsChick at A View From the Cheap Seats, and of course the professional and thorough coverage of Mike Vogel and Eric McErlain.
Even as I write these words I wonder what the bloody hell it is that I think I can contribute to the scene. Perhaps I'll figure out some little gimmick to differentiate me from the pack and give me some sense of purpose. Forming this blog just feels like the right thing to do. I'll work out the details later.
I can't guarantee that my sense of humor won't offend you, or that my opinions are in any way valid or well-founded, but I'll do my best to contribute as much as I can to the Caps' online community.
So here's to modest beginnings, a 3-0-0 record, and our beloved boys in the red, white, and blue.
Prost!
On to business!
An ugly win is still a win, and this one was about as pretty as Lyle Odelein in a tube top.
I don't know what sort of a harbinger of doom it might be that I started this blog on the day that the Capitals posted their lowest number of shots on goal in a win ever. But rest assured that if they continue to post a dozen or fewer SOG per-game, I'll shut this dog and pony show down faster than Kirstie Alley can down a glazed ham.
Regardless, they pulled it off. Olaf Kolzig continues to prove the gloom and doomers wrong by dominating in net. I can only guess as to what the reason behind their flat effort might have been. The Islanders are a hot team at the moment - well, as hot as a team can appear to be coming into the third tilt of the season - and they sure looked sharp enough to blow away the Caps this afternoon. The Isles came out of a home and away series with Lindy and the Whiners with two wins to open the season. Not too shabby for a team slated to be a basement-dweller this season, despite of the relative de-fanging that the Sabres received this past summer. Their top offensive line had been firing on all cylinders. No reason existed to think that they'd come out of the gate ready or willing to lose.
*A quick side note on the topic of "gloom and doomers" - I am not one of them. I would much rather sing the Caps' accolades and tout their superiority over any team in the league than scream about the falling sky and search for flaws to rant about. But I also believe in fair criticism. If they win on a lackluster effort, I'm going to call them on it, but I'm not going to call for GMGM's head on a platter over one game. As you were - *
Perhaps it was the stress of a busy first four days (though the boys from Long Island didn't seem to have that problem) or just a growing pain related lack of discipline and maturity that caused them to give up 31 shots while taking a mere 12 for themselves. I would feel confident in saying, however, that were this game held at the beginning of any of the last 3 seasons, the Isles would have had that game in the bag. The Caps managed to maintain composure in the face of a team that appeared to want it more, and were able to count on Olie being a brick wall in the net. These are things that make me feel good, despite having a knot in my stomach for the better part of the game.
The penalty kill remained impressive, neutralizing all 3 chances (on 4 penalties). It should be noted that the Caps have been shorthanded a grand total of 12 times in these first three games and have successfully prevented their opponents from scoring on each and every one of them. Not bad at all.
The power play is bothering me a bit. It's better than in years past to be sure, but they just don't seem to be gelling as quickly as they are in other aspects of the game. They've gotten away with it so far, but if they don't start clicking before the holidays, I'm going to go from "bothered a bit" to "rather concerned." A good power play unit is critical to making the post-season.
It is also worth noting that before this game, we had no idea how the retooled Caps would handle adversity. They had never been behind, never lost control of the puck for any significant amount of time, and had never had to rely heavily on Kolzig when things weren't going their way. The flashy, well executed games are great, but it's an 82 game season with some rough customers along the road. How would they respond to a gritty, grinding game against a hot opponent with a chip in its shoulder and a tremendous desire to put the Caps away?
This afternoon we got our answer.
The Capitals won.
My problem is that I still don't have enough ways to get all of the Caps-related news, observations, and miscellany out of my head. Lord knows the local network television outlets don't seem to know a snap shot from a colonoscopy and don't care enough to give the Caps the time of day. I mean, hey, nevermind the world class athletes playing their silly ice game - there's high school swim meets to cover! But I digress.
The superb and dedicated work of Tarik El-Bashir at the Post and Corey Masisak at the Times have been a breath of fresh air. On the pure blog side of things, I don't think that I will ever be able to rival the very impressive efforts of the team at On Frozen Blog and JP over at Japer's Rink, the wit and wisdom of The Peerless Prognosticator and CapsChick at A View From the Cheap Seats, and of course the professional and thorough coverage of Mike Vogel and Eric McErlain.
Even as I write these words I wonder what the bloody hell it is that I think I can contribute to the scene. Perhaps I'll figure out some little gimmick to differentiate me from the pack and give me some sense of purpose. Forming this blog just feels like the right thing to do. I'll work out the details later.
I can't guarantee that my sense of humor won't offend you, or that my opinions are in any way valid or well-founded, but I'll do my best to contribute as much as I can to the Caps' online community.
So here's to modest beginnings, a 3-0-0 record, and our beloved boys in the red, white, and blue.
Prost!
On to business!
An ugly win is still a win, and this one was about as pretty as Lyle Odelein in a tube top.
I don't know what sort of a harbinger of doom it might be that I started this blog on the day that the Capitals posted their lowest number of shots on goal in a win ever. But rest assured that if they continue to post a dozen or fewer SOG per-game, I'll shut this dog and pony show down faster than Kirstie Alley can down a glazed ham.
Regardless, they pulled it off. Olaf Kolzig continues to prove the gloom and doomers wrong by dominating in net. I can only guess as to what the reason behind their flat effort might have been. The Islanders are a hot team at the moment - well, as hot as a team can appear to be coming into the third tilt of the season - and they sure looked sharp enough to blow away the Caps this afternoon. The Isles came out of a home and away series with Lindy and the Whiners with two wins to open the season. Not too shabby for a team slated to be a basement-dweller this season, despite of the relative de-fanging that the Sabres received this past summer. Their top offensive line had been firing on all cylinders. No reason existed to think that they'd come out of the gate ready or willing to lose.
*A quick side note on the topic of "gloom and doomers" - I am not one of them. I would much rather sing the Caps' accolades and tout their superiority over any team in the league than scream about the falling sky and search for flaws to rant about. But I also believe in fair criticism. If they win on a lackluster effort, I'm going to call them on it, but I'm not going to call for GMGM's head on a platter over one game. As you were - *
Perhaps it was the stress of a busy first four days (though the boys from Long Island didn't seem to have that problem) or just a growing pain related lack of discipline and maturity that caused them to give up 31 shots while taking a mere 12 for themselves. I would feel confident in saying, however, that were this game held at the beginning of any of the last 3 seasons, the Isles would have had that game in the bag. The Caps managed to maintain composure in the face of a team that appeared to want it more, and were able to count on Olie being a brick wall in the net. These are things that make me feel good, despite having a knot in my stomach for the better part of the game.
The penalty kill remained impressive, neutralizing all 3 chances (on 4 penalties). It should be noted that the Caps have been shorthanded a grand total of 12 times in these first three games and have successfully prevented their opponents from scoring on each and every one of them. Not bad at all.
The power play is bothering me a bit. It's better than in years past to be sure, but they just don't seem to be gelling as quickly as they are in other aspects of the game. They've gotten away with it so far, but if they don't start clicking before the holidays, I'm going to go from "bothered a bit" to "rather concerned." A good power play unit is critical to making the post-season.
It is also worth noting that before this game, we had no idea how the retooled Caps would handle adversity. They had never been behind, never lost control of the puck for any significant amount of time, and had never had to rely heavily on Kolzig when things weren't going their way. The flashy, well executed games are great, but it's an 82 game season with some rough customers along the road. How would they respond to a gritty, grinding game against a hot opponent with a chip in its shoulder and a tremendous desire to put the Caps away?
This afternoon we got our answer.
The Capitals won.
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