Mike Knuble kills the Pens 4-3 in a shootout
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 24, 2010 10:52 PM EDT
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PrintPenguins vs Capitals coverage - Penguins vs Capitals boxscore - Japers Rink
An NHL regular season game is just one of 82, a short segment of a long season. The highs can't be too high, the lows aren't too low.
Still believe that?
I didn't think so, either.
The Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals engaged in a playoff atmosphere in the Verizon Center and definitely showed some playoff level intensity from start to finish. It was back and forth, high energy and definitely not your average regular season game, even if that's what it only counts for.
Mike Knuble started the scoring early in the second period when from right in Marc-Andre Fleury's crease he buried the bouncing rebound of Nicklas Backstrom's shot. The Penguins would quickly answer when Maxime Talbot got a fortunate deflection off a Brooks Orpik shot to elude Jose Theodore.
Bill Guerin scored his 19th of the year when Sidney Crosby made a sublime pass to the old man on the PP. The Pens would carry that 2-1 lead into the third, but couldn't close out the Caps. Alex Semin took advantage of Alex Goligoski, Kris Letang and the rest of the Pens' PP who didn't want to check him and snapped a beauty of a shot over Fleury's glove to tie the game. Riding the tide, Eric Fehr deflected a Mike Green shot to give Washington a 3-2 lead.
With just about 3 minutes to go, Jordan Staal took a beauty of wrister to send the game to overtime and eventually the shootout.
In the gimmick Kris Letang and Crosby started things off strong, scoring two early goals. But Fleury went to his favored pokecheck and couldn't stop Alex Ovechkin and Semin from tying the game. Guerin and Chris Kunitz couldn't score, but Knuble -- who's made a living scoring goals against Pittsburgh, snapped his first career shootout goal to end the game in Washington's favor.
- For perhaps the first time since June, the Penguins played a complete game with effort, intensity, hustle and emotion from start to finish. The result is disappointing, but there's no shootout come playoff time.
- A tenet of the Penguins playoff plan is to forecheck hard to wear down the defensemen, and take a lot of shots to eventually break down the goalie. In the hit department -- Ruslan Fedotenko (5), Matt Cooke (4), Tyler Kennedy (3), Kunitz (2), Mike Rupp (2) all did their jobs. For shots, the Pens poured 42 on Theodore, every player except the seldom used Jay McKee put at least a shot on target.
- Given all of that, you have to like the way the Pens looked. Over a course of a seven game series those things will begin to tip the balance, just as they did last spring when the Pens wore down and eventually blew by Washington in the decisive Game 7. The challenge is bringing that intensity every game of the series.
- You have to tip your hat to Theodore, he was very solid tonight and held the Caps in there. Is he going to do that every night of a playoff series? That's a legitimate question, especially given his playoff history.
- Brooks Orpik and especially Kris Letang did a masterful job on Alex Ovechkin. AO still attempted 10 shots (only 4 on target), but #44/#58 were in his way all night and did a great job of keeping their sticks active to derail Ovechkin before he could get on-track on most rushes. It only takes one minor slip, one small hesitation for Ovy to burn you, but on this night he was very well defended.
- Sergei Gonchar (a late scratch for an illness) and Evgeni Malkin were out of the lineup, arguably two of the top four most important players on the team. Yet the Pens hung really tough, and though they missed their puck rushers on the PP, they weren't as out of sorts offensively as they were Monday in Detroit.
- Could this be the game we look back and say - now there you go Max Talbot! Maybe, maybe not, but getting the Superstar back to his clutch ways would be a huge benefit.
- Are you gonna fault Fleury for going to his poke-check on guys known to deke and deke well in Ovechkin and Semin in the playoffs? I'm not. In real time they move in fast and MAF had as good a chance to end the shot right there as he did to make a shot. A sniper like that makes a deke and they're usually going to score more often than not anyways on almost any goalie.
- Pens/Caps are always billed as Sid/Alex but both were relatively quiet. Crosby skated more than any other player on the ice, had an uneven 44% in the faceoff circle. Ovechkin got his shots and his hits (5), but wasn't a huge factor in the game either, picking up only a secondary assist on the evening.
All things considered, the Pens were losing in the 3rd period against what's been the best team in the league and ended up tying things up. The ending of the game is unsatisfactory on this side, but it's a shootout, what can you do? More important was the style played: the Pens showed some encouraging signs working their forecheck, generating turnovers, utilizing the cycle down low, getting more shots. All of those things they did on a regular basis last playoff series against the Caps. And if it should come to that again this season, it'll be all things they need to do again, hopefully this time with the benefit of having Malkin and Gonchar.
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Excellent recap. I couldn’t see the game and just “watched” the blog. By all accounts, this was an excellent game with a momentary lapse in the beginning of the third and a comeback to score the tying goal. I can’t remember the last time I used the word comeback for the Pens. It certainly appears they showed effort and heart. The defence had a couple of mistakes, as did the offence, but overall….a good effort against a high scoring team. Mistake happen on both sides, and, frankly, add some excitement to the game. I would have preferred the excitement to end differently, of cource, but despite the loss, and as disappointing as it is, I’m relieved by what I hear about this game. I was worried about Pens effort outside of Crosby, Staal and Orpik. Bad effort is a bad omen and creates bad habits that are likely to carry over to the playoffs. Hearing of more effort from the team as a whole gives me more hope now than I had a few hours ago
The result is disappointing, but there’s no shootout come playoff time.
That’s funny coming from a team that has feasted in the shootout this year.
picking up only a secondary assist on the evening.
And so is this.
It was an entertaining game, but we didn’t really learn anything. These teams don’t like each other and get fired up to play. I’m glad they live up to the hype and deliver good hockey. It’ll be a shock and a disappointment if they don’t meet in the playoffs.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Pens have won 7 playoff series in the past two seasons without the shootout, they have done well in it this season, but it’s still a gimmick way to decide things.
I disagree that we didn’t learn anything, I think we learned that the Pittsburgh offense can still cycle work and shoot the daylights of the puck on the “new look” Caps defense, and Pens fans saw firsthand that JT60 is holding down the fort….
All of that doesn’t mean dick until it happens in a 7 game series, but given the intensity and atmosphere, this was definitely like a pre-playoff showcase.
Wayne Gretzky had it wrong: 100% of the shots Gary Roberts doesn't take DO go in.
As FnB said, this game didn’t tell us anything we didn’t already know. These two teams show to play against each other, hard, every time. (Except game 7 last year…) No one really likes seeing games end in a shootout, but it’s a nice way to remind ourselves that this is really just a preseason game.
If anything, your performance sans Geno and Gonch scares me a bit. There were a few awful PPs that clearly would’ve played out a lot differently with both of those guys skating, and we are clearly going to need to be more disciplined going forward. When we get all fired up like that, our sticks tend to get wild.
by Bushwood Bushwhacker on Mar 25, 2010 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions
PP
I believe the guys on FSN said that the Pens were 0-32 on the PP this season with Geno out of the lineup, can someone confirm this or was I just hearing things.
I heard that too, unfortunately i’m in Raleigh and had to watch the NHLnetwork and Joe Beninati and that other douche who sounds like someone is always holding his nose. I know it’s 0-something, we defintely have nothing on the powerplay without him.
by JasonGoPens on Mar 25, 2010 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions
0-34 going into last night 1-39 today
by genomachine-O on Mar 25, 2010 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions
this game surprised me...
the Penguins played much better than I expected them to — esp. w/o Malkin and Gonchar
and I agree that AO was essentially shutdown (until the shootout — when he finally made one vs. the Pens. is that the 1st ever? as briliant as he is in the regular season, he’s usually Mr. Shankoppotamus under pressure)
even though Washington got the W, this felt like a pretty even split—all things considered
if they meet in the playoffs, i don’t see how the Penguins don’t win
AO has not been good in the shootout but he’s very good under pressure. He’s been the best Cap in all 3 of his playoff series and he always is high in GWG, 3rd period goals, and any other measure of clutch you can think of.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
He’s been good overall, but when it comes to deciding games, he tends to shrink a bit. He wasn’t good towards the end of game seven against Philadelphia in 2008, and was no better last year in game seven against Pittsburgh. Not to mention the Olympics this year, where his team needed him, and he shrunk to the size of a smurf. To me, he hasn’t really proven that he’s the guy to lean on when all the chips are in. Of course, that’s not to say he isn’t excellent at all other times.
by Hatt the Moople on Mar 24, 2010 11:49 PM EDT up reply actions
He was the best player for the Caps in game 7 against PHI with a goal and an assist (in a 3-2 loss). You clearly did not watch the game. He was also the only Cap who came to play in game 7 against PIT. So he missed a breakaway, MAF made a good save, that happens. Team Russia was such a mess it’s completely unfair to judge any individual player from that game. You know that Malkin is better than what he showed in that game, as are Datsyuk and Kovalchuk. He was the leading scorer in the series with PIT last year. The reason the Caps lost was everyone not named Ovechkin.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
He was good in the Philly game at the start, but slowed down towards the end. He had a breakaway towards the end of the third period, but he dished the puck to Federov, and didn’t do much other than skate around and bump into guys in overtime. Note, I said he wasn’t good towards the end of the game. As for the other two games, I’m not saying the team around him wasn’t playing poorly, though I don’t think I’d say he was the only Cap who came to play against Pitt. He had the opening breakaway, and the wrap around goal after the puck ended up on his stick, but he was largely invisible for the rest of the game. Same thing in OLY, he was invisible when it counted. Again, I’m not putting the blame on him for these losses, I’m saying that he might not be as great under pressure as you’re passing him off as. He’s yet to really flourish in a high pressure situation.
By the way, I’m not convinced Malkin is glorious under pressure either. But then, I never said he was.
by Hatt the Moople on Mar 25, 2010 12:24 AM EDT up reply actions
He also had the GWG in the 2006 Olympics against Canada. You’ll believe what you want, but it’s not reality.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
See also 2 third period goals in game 6 against PHI.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Definitely, I’m not saying he didn’t play great for most of the series, I’m just saying that when the time came and the cards were down, the Great 8 wasn’t there to push his team over the hump. That’s my point.
by Hatt the Moople on Mar 25, 2010 12:54 AM EDT up reply actions
I wouldn’t agree. Ovechkin has failed to show up in a few games from time to time, but he has shown up huge in alot of important games.
Don’t bring up the Olympics btw. . .that Russian squad was broken from the get-go and the coach was dismal.
Out of sight out of mind right? _
Bah-Ram-Ewe, Ovechkin will wreck you. Fear the Furious Fleece!
by kingzman264 on Mar 25, 2010 12:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Yes, I totally agree. And when we meet in the playoffs and it’s the crunchiest of crunch times, you should probably be focusing on Backstrom or Semin or Quintin Laing, definitely don’t worry about Ovie… he’s no threat in the clutch……
by Bushwood Bushwhacker on Mar 25, 2010 9:27 AM EDT up reply actions
That was a quarter final game against a Canadian team that could hardly muster any offense. How many points did Ovechkin have throughout the rest of the tournament?
There’s nothing wrong with simply being an excellent regular season player. Not everybody can be Joe Montana, somebody has to be Dan Marino. Ovechkin’s never shown that he has what it takes to perform at the highest level, when his team needs him most.
by Hatt the Moople on Mar 25, 2010 12:51 AM EDT up reply actions
Seriously? Ovechkin is scoring at ~1.5ppg in the playoffs for his career. If the playoffs aren’t when your team needs you most, when is? If the third period of an Olympic game against Canada isn’t when your team needs you most, when is? Weak argument.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Mar 25, 2010 8:20 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m not talking about the playoffs in general. I’m talking about elimination games where it’s do or die. When Ovi hits that brick wall of adversity, he tends to shut it down. It happened against Philly in 08, against us in 09, and in the Olympics in 06 and 10. He’s a terrific player most of the time, but it seems never when his team needs him most.
by Hatt the Moople on Mar 25, 2010 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree about game 7 last year. Once Ovie got stopped on the breakaway he shut it down, along with the rest of the Caps. Not sure he deserves the label that he doesnt show up in big games yet, but that is an example of it.
by genomachine-O on Mar 25, 2010 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Except that I’ve demonstrated that he didn’t shut down against PHI, or in the 06 Olympics, or in the series against you guys. You want to hate so you see what you see.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
i didnt say anything about the olympics or against philly. Your right I saw what I saw. And Ovie quit after he got stopped, defend him how ever you want to, it wont change what I saw. Thats the truth
by genomachine-O on Mar 25, 2010 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions
He did shut down in those games. Even NHL.com said he ran out of gas towards the end of game seven against Philly, like genomachin-O said, he was invisible for most of game seven against us and was held pointless for the last two games of the 06 Olympics, after scoring at a goal per game pace in the preliminaries. Like I’ve been saying, when the pressure hit its peak, Ovi disappeared.
by Hatt the Moople on Mar 25, 2010 6:56 PM EDT up reply actions
That was a quarter final game against a Canadian team that could hardly muster any offense. How many points did Ovechkin have throughout the rest of the tournament?
ovechkin scored 5 goals during the tournament. he was the only player not on the swedish (gold) or finnish (silver) teams to be named to the all-tournament team.
by Natty Bumppo on Mar 25, 2010 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions
By, “the rest,” I meant the semi-final and medal round games, where the Russians were shut out in both…
by Hatt the Moople on Mar 25, 2010 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Because it proved my point. Ovi came up big in the prelims and the quarter final game, but was nowhere to be found during the semis and medal round.
by Hatt the Moople on Mar 25, 2010 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions
It’s hard to blame him when no one else on Russia showed up to play either.
And…didn’t Russia lose in the quarters itself? I don’t think they play after that, just place based on record.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Mar 25, 2010 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Russians are notorious for being streaky and dissapearing during games. Now imagine a whole team of them.
by JasonGoPens on Mar 25, 2010 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
We’re talking 2006. Ovi scored at a torrid pace, more than a goal per game, for all but the last two games of the tournament, then disappeared during the semis and medal round as his team was shut out in two straight.
by Hatt the Moople on Mar 25, 2010 6:58 PM EDT up reply actions
what?
no one police over at Japers? Go over there worship your god.
Don't go there
This blog is one of the best on SBN.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Mar 25, 2010 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions
F&B is a friend of mine and welcome here. If you don’t want to read his comments, when you see the white haired mustache man avatar, just skip it and move on to the next person.
Wayne Gretzky had it wrong: 100% of the shots Gary Roberts doesn't take DO go in.
I’m fairly new around here, but I doubt F&B will be too bothered by anything he reads here.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Mar 25, 2010 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions
He won't leave, kinda like roaches, fleas or bed bugs. :)
Seriously, F&B knows his stuff, but he has a very opinionated view of things through his Washington glasses. It is the same thing I (read: most of us) do when arguing the Pens.
His perspective is actually refreshing because it contains insight from outside our organization and allows me to truly rationalize what he says and form my own opinion. Do I hate AO? Yes. Would he be my favortie Penguin if the role was reversed? Yes. Would I call Sid a crybaby if he were on the Caps? Yes. Perspective is a cool thing, and F&B bringing his here in a mostly fair way is cool with me.
I can’t believe I just defended you, F&B. Ugh, at least you don’t like the Flyers.
The world is a dangerous place to live - not because of the people who are evil but because of the people who don't do anything about it. - Albert Einstein
by Ulf Murphy on Mar 25, 2010 9:11 AM EDT up reply actions 6 recs
Haha. Thanks Ulf. It must be the Murphy connection. I have no problem with any of you disagreeing with me; I expect it and it’s part of the reason I come here (along with the great work done by the guys who run this place). It’s no fun to just agree with people.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Explain the Murphy connection. Or am I just being slow?
The world is a dangerous place to live - not because of the people who are evil but because of the people who don't do anything about it. - Albert Einstein
Thanks for the explanation. I thought it had to do with Larry Murphy having played for both Pittsburgh and Washington.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Mar 25, 2010 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Ah, that’s another one. I was going with Captain Hank Murphy.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Somewhat relative, but the creator of SeaLab (forget his name) was just on the Adam Carolla podcast the other day with Aisha Tyler. Funny to hear how he got his start in the industry.
Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com and twitter.
Ovie quit very early in game 7 last year, along with the rest of his team. Say what you want, I saw a team that game up.
by genomachine-O on Mar 25, 2010 7:09 AM EDT up reply actions
Ovie quit in Game 7 right after Fleury stoned him on the breakaway
and the game was only minutes old
the rest of the team followed his exemplary leadership and got spanked
and so what if he played hard in game 7 vs. Philly — he lost.
he’s NOT clutch
and there IS a difference b/w playoff games and games in October.
ask any SJSharks fan
’Guins definitely played a much better game than i though they would; but, in the end, Caps won.
Very even draw even with out Malkin and Gonch. But remember, Laich and legit 4th liner were out too.
But. . .seeing the past few games with Gonchar, maybe it was better for yall he wasnt on the ice, he could use the rest. And Malkin, well he definitely would have helped.
Laich is pretty much one of the key pieces in the caps offense, maybe not as talented as Malkin, but i would say almost (not quite) as crucial. And with how the 4th line of the Caps usually comes up huge against the Pens, having Laing in was a bit of a crux, he pretty much made the key mistakes in 2 of the Pens goals.
That being said, don’t be so sure about the Play-Offs. It will be very, very interesting if we both meet in the post-season. But, all sources would lead to the Capitals winning a series, albeit a very, very close seriethe
Bah-Ram-Ewe, Ovechkin will wreck you. Fear the Furious Fleece!
by kingzman264 on Mar 25, 2010 12:58 AM EDT up reply actions
But, all sources would lead to the Capitals winning a series, albeit a very, very close seriethe
You were making some sense until the end. What does this mean?
The Caps are my daddy
by PensAreYourDaddy on Mar 25, 2010 1:35 AM EDT up reply actions
He’s predicting a win is what it sounds like.
by JasonGoPens on Mar 25, 2010 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions
The “all sources” part lost me. Also, based on last year’s experience, nothing that happens in the regular season should lead him to believe the Caps would win a playoff series against the Pens.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Mar 25, 2010 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions
Maybe he has an insider in the NHL and Bettman is actually paying for the Caps to win this year instead of us?
by JasonGoPens on Mar 25, 2010 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Texas Ted’s check cleared this year?
Wayne Gretzky had it wrong: 100% of the shots Gary Roberts doesn't take DO go in.
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 25, 2010 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
LOL. NICE.
The world is a dangerous place to live - not because of the people who are evil but because of the people who don't do anything about it. - Albert Einstein
For me, the Pens have a way to go before I’ll expect another SCF run out of them. Sure, they showed emotion tonight, but they’ve looked flat for a while now. If they can keep this intensity up for the rest of the season, or at least for the rest of the month, I’ll feel a lot better. Hopefully Gonch’s illness is the reason for his poor work in the Joe the other night. He’ll need to snap back into mid-2009 form if we’re to go far.
by Hatt the Moople on Mar 25, 2010 1:54 AM EDT up reply actions
Listen to the excuses for a team that won. To say Brooks Laich is almost as important as Malkin is still insulting to Geno.
“But, all sources would lead to the Capitals winning a series, albeit a very, very close seriethe”-
Just like last year huh? Am I wrong here or did the Caps finish ahead of the Penguins last year?
by genomachine-O on Mar 25, 2010 7:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Hooks, I change my vote
After reading these Caps fans comments, the attitude they come off with as if theyve won something is enough to persuade me that I think the Caps are the #1 rival. I cant stand there fans, even more than Philly fans. Philly fans act like goons just like their teams used to, Caps fans have this unwarranted sense of arrogance that I cant stand. They are like Yankee fans, if the Yankees never won a World Series.
by genomachine-O on Mar 25, 2010 8:08 AM EDT up reply actions
I may be starting to agree with you for the same reasons, all the fans should know the history of pens/caps playoffs, even if most of them are jumping on the bandwagon in the last few years, an old head should school them in the ways of the penguin. They kinda remind me of Detroit fans who think they just deserve the cup every year, President’s trophies doesn’t translate to Stanley Cups, you still gotta play the playoffs, i think they all need to settle down and watch some past playoff series tapes to refresh thier memory of how they get knocked out by us.
by JasonGoPens on Mar 25, 2010 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t know any Caps fan that have a sense of arrogance. Hard to have that until we have won a couple of Cups.
As to the bandwagon comment, I always laugh when it comes from a Penguin fan.
by Moonage Daydream on Mar 25, 2010 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’ve been watching since i was a little guy it’s easy when you are 6 and your team picks up Mario Lemieux and you get to watch that growing up, there are a lot of bandwagon fans that come and go, i’m sure they left when mario retired and jagr left, and jumped back on when we made the first playoffs to the finals, but that ain’t me. I watched through those dark years and suffered, but now i’m being rewarded with this young talent.
And there are plenty of Caps fans who can say the same thing. For either of these fan bases to throwing the “bandwagon” tag around is laughable considering our very recent attendance woes.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
I disagree, i think either teams fans who aren’t bandwagon riders are allowed to say it. You are also allowed to call your own fans bandwagon riders, especially the ones who wear the 90-91 jerseys with Crosby on the back, you can point them out easy. If you have been a consistent fan you should be allowed to say whatever you want about the people who dissapear when the season sucks, that’s just my opinion anyway.
Ah I gotcha. The problem for me is that you don’t really know who is a bandwagoner so it’s used more as a way to slander an entire fan base. I’m most certainly not a bandwagoner but nobody makes that distinction when they want to rip on the Caps fans.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
I get on my own fans more i think, my roomate is a band wagon supreme, i got the center ice package and he watches none of the games with me, but come stanley cup time i guarantee he is sitting on the couch watching.
That may be just more a casual fan. It takes a lot to watch 80+ games a year, that’s a big time commitment that not everyone can make.
It’s obnoxious if a fan like that is acting like he’s been there every step of the way and acts like a know-it-all though..
Wayne Gretzky had it wrong: 100% of the shots Gary Roberts doesn't take DO go in.
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 25, 2010 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Work and family allow me to watch about 15-20 games a year (2 or 3 in person), but come SC time, I will make room for it. Its how life works when you get older.
It takes all kinds of fans and the ones that have their heart in the right place are the ones all teams in the NHL need to exist.
The world is a dangerous place to live - not because of the people who are evil but because of the people who don't do anything about it. - Albert Einstein
If you’re an active blog commenter on one like this, you’re probably not a bandwagoner.
Wayne Gretzky had it wrong: 100% of the shots Gary Roberts doesn't take DO go in.
10 minutes here and there is alot easier than a 2 hour commitment.
(and shhhhhhh, sometimes I comment from work)
The world is a dangerous place to live - not because of the people who are evil but because of the people who don't do anything about it. - Albert Einstein
I’m with you, Jason. I have friends that have the old school red Caps jersey (as in before the Reebook days) and have been tried and true fans since I can remember. We like to laugh at both bandwagon Pens and Caps fans.
I have friends new to the sport, and that’s fine too. They don’t act like they know everything, but they still like the Caps and that’s just as well (I suppose).
Wayne Gretzky had it wrong: 100% of the shots Gary Roberts doesn't take DO go in.
What you’re relatively new/ coming back to watching hockey and you admit that you don’t know everything about the game? Does that make me a bandwagon. Boy, I hope not. Otherwise why did I only miss maybe a dozen games so far this year?
"Half the game is mental, the other half is being mental." - Jim McKenny
Don’t let anyone make you feel bad about when you started watching hockey or how much you know about hockey. (Not that Hooks was doing that in this comment). If you like the Pens and watch the games, you are a true Penguins fan. And if you participate in Pensburgh game threads as often as we both do, one might even say you are an extreme fan who is probably neglecting other responsibilities in favor of hockey. :)
As long as a person is committed to expanding their knowledge and doesn’t jump ship when things get rough, even though he or she may be a bandwagoner (at first), it’s not the bad time. Like Hooks said above, the ones that act like know-it-alls when they don’t are.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Mar 25, 2010 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions
People know if they are a bandwagon fan, if you can’t watch every single game that’s fine, but it takes a few minutes to log onto NHL.com or i can’t even believe i’d say this, ESPN.com to check the score from the night before, see who scored, read a small summary of the game, done, takes about 3-5 minutes. If it’s your favorite team you’d take that 5 minutes to find out what happens. The people i’m talking about are the ones who show up when you are in the finals and they go out and buy a new jersey, hat and any other merch they can find to show thier fandom. It’s cool if you get excited about your cities team making the finals but where were you in the beginning of the season when they needed your support too, or that losing season when they really needed some fans cheering for them. It’s these people who are getting into arguments with rival fans regurgitating crap they heard on a sports talk radio show, not really knowing anything that they are saying.
I wouldn’t call you a bandwagoner, Alex.
No if the Pens suck for the next 3 years (they won’t) and you cut them out 100% until they get good again, then you’re probably a bandwagoner.
Our interest always ebbs and flows a little, which si fine.
Wayne Gretzky had it wrong: 100% of the shots Gary Roberts doesn't take DO go in.
Adding to this, I see nothing wrong with “bandwagon” fans. It’s an indication that your team has something good going on. You can only hope a few will stick around, learn something or help promote the sport locally.
Suspend Colin Campbell!
I agree — this is one of the silly things that comes up in any fan community. So what if someone only watches the team when they win? So what if someone recently got into the Penguins? It’s a game that people watch for fun, and people are free to enjoy it whenever or however they want. If people are interested in the Pens right now, I’m happy to talk hockey with them. If a current fan didn’t find it fun or interesting to watch the team 10 years ago, that’s fine with me. Sometimes people talk about bandwagon fans and it sounds like “and where were YOU when I was fighting in Vietnam?”
There’s nothing wrong with bandwagon fans—it’s where a good chunk of the money comes from for good teams. In my experience, “bandwagon” is usually a term elitists throw around to stomp out the opinions of fans of other teams, especially Penguins, Capitals, and Blackhawks fans, as their new popularity generally attracts new fans. Haters gonna hate.
by Hatt the Moople on Mar 25, 2010 7:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Amen, genomachine-O
i live in DC
its disgusting
they are like Flyers fans, only the vast majority know nothing about hockey
Philthy fans are at least usually knowledgeable in an inbred, drunken sort of way
almost at crucial as the Art Ross and Conn Smythe Trophy winner?
by genomachine-O on Mar 25, 2010 8:10 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m not sure how to coach this, but we may want to avoid getting more than 40 shots on goal against the Caps when we meet in the playoffs. If I saw the stat correctly at the game tonight, they are now 7-0-1 when the give up more than 40 shots.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Mar 25, 2010 12:01 AM EDT reply actions
On the other hand, it was nice to see Pittsburgh get what I think was their first 3rd period goal against the Caps this season. If my unofficial tally is correct, the Caps have now outscored us 7-1 in three 3rd periods so far.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Mar 25, 2010 12:03 AM EDT up reply actions
i believe it is actually 14-2 now.
Is that right?
3rd period scoring...
Jan 19: 3-0 Caps
Feb 7: 2-0 Caps
Mar 24: 2-1 Caps
total: 7-1 Caps
The Caps are my daddy
by PensAreYourDaddy on Mar 25, 2010 1:37 AM EDT up reply actions
I wasn’t happy with the 40 shots as a Caps fan. Not happy with a couple of the dumb penalties taken either. Pens controlled the play far too much, especially in the 1st period, late in the 3rd, and to start OT.
Pens looked better than they have much of the season. Talbot looked awake for a change and Gologoski looked much better than Gonch has on the PP.
"You ever use smelling salts, every time you type a bad blog?" Brooks Laich
Goligoski looked good once things were setup, but he made a couple of ill-advised passes and decisions bringing the puck up through the zone. That’s where the Pens really miss Gonchar AND Malkin, one of the Russians lugs the puck through the zone about 95% of the time for the first unit.
Wayne Gretzky had it wrong: 100% of the shots Gary Roberts doesn't take DO go in.
Yea I dont understand why thats Gogo’s role and not Letangs. I think Letang is better at skating the puck up into the O-zone than Gogo. Gogo is better at running the powerplay for sure, but not getting it set up.
by genomachine-O on Mar 25, 2010 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions
I still think the Pens’ PP problems are not getting the puck into the zone. It’s once they set up. They don’t move at all and it’s one of the most predictable PPs in the league. Yeo needs to be fired, it’s just shameful. You could say Gooch and Malkin would have helped last night, but the season PP numbers don’t really support that.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
I don’t disagree with you F&B, but I do think a coach can only do so much at that level. Do you really think an NHL assistant coach is going to say "hey guys, let’s be stationary and make predictable passes and rarely look to set it up!"
I don’t, I think you have to put some of that on the talent. I think the power play has taken on Gonchar’s almost lackadaisical looking attitude.
Does a coach need to step in, show ideas, draw up plays, demand more, different and better? Hell yeah, which is why Yeo should go, it’s always the same old predictable (and ineffective) stuff from him.
Also Yeo used to work with the PK and the defensemen, I believe. And since he’s been shifted to the PP (under Byslma) I think the PK has gotten a lot better and the PP has gone down the crapper. Not sayin’. Oh wait, yeah I’m definitely sayin’.
Wayne Gretzky had it wrong: 100% of the shots Gary Roberts doesn't take DO go in.
Yeah those are very good points. I didn’t realize he used to be the PK guy. Gooch, Malkin, Sid, Guerin all have so much talent and experience that they shouldn’t need to be told to move around on the PP. They have so much skill and creativity that it just makes no sense.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
The PP is a lot better when Geno is on the halfwall too. Sid for whatever reason just doesnt get it done when he is there. Hence the 1-39 with out Geno.
by genomachine-O on Mar 25, 2010 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Sounds like the Caps PP with Semin (better with him on the half wall than without, if memory serves).
How mobile are Gonchar/Letang/Goligoski from the point? What could wreak havoc on poorer PKs like the DC one is if a defenseman a la Green or Niedermayer just moves around “roving” and looking to get the puck and get a quick shot off.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Mar 25, 2010 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions
They don’t move much. Gonchar will just pass it to Crosby/Malkin who’ll pass it back.
Usually the best thing they do is try to have Gonchar skate to the middle of the rink on the blueline and look for a shot. Nothing else they do really works.
Wayne Gretzky had it wrong: 100% of the shots Gary Roberts doesn't take DO go in.
It annoys me...
especially when I watch Detroit play on the PP. They have creative sets and it seems they are ALWAYS firing from just inside the circles. It takes 3 guys knowing what the others are doing to pull that off.
The world is a dangerous place to live - not because of the people who are evil but because of the people who don't do anything about it. - Albert Einstein
DET is so good at manufacturing simple shots and crashing the net. It’s not a complicated PP but it’s so deadly.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
The Pens power play had such an awful stretch this during injuries and times of bad play that the overall number is never going to recover. Im not trying to make excuses theres no doubt it hasnt been good enough. Thats one thing the Pens with have to get going in the playoffs for sure, especially if they play the Caps or Devils
by genomachine-O on Mar 25, 2010 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions
I may be in the minority here but i thought the Pens were the better team 5 on 5. Orpik and Letang did a great job on Ovie last night. I thought Leopold played his best game as a penguin too. Its still a loss, but that was the type of effort that the Pens havent shown in a long long time. Theodore stood on his head last night and made some spectacular saves. Hooks your right theres no evidence to suggest that will continue in the playoffs.
I still think the Caps defense is a weakness the Pens can take advantage of. Early in the game the Pens just lived down low and the Caps zone and really attacked their D. The Pens generated a lot of chances early on.
I gotta also give credit to Bylsma for mixing up the strategy going to the 1-2-2. i think it caught the Caps a little of guard and with Geno and Gonch out, it was the way to go.
I thought the Pens dominated. Unfortunately, the Caps have so much firepower, they can afford to not be in the game for long stretches but when they turn it on they are very potent.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Mar 25, 2010 8:23 AM EDT up reply actions
The Penguins win that game last night if Knuble isn’t behind the goalie for the first goal. If I’m Fleury, I’m still angry.
only for Mike Knuble would that puck bounce straight up and land on the goal line behind Fleury.
by genomachine-O on Mar 25, 2010 8:12 AM EDT up reply actions
Sure… and the Pens lose if Talbot’s leg is a quarter of an inch to the right. This is a fun game. Blogs are fun.
by Bushwood Bushwhacker on Mar 25, 2010 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions
And honestly, the way these teams play each other the fans can almost always say “but for one bounce…”
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Its what makes it fun
The world is a dangerous place to live - not because of the people who are evil but because of the people who don't do anything about it. - Albert Einstein
it’s mentioned in the recap, but I’d still want to give a shout out to Talbot’s play last night… if this is a sign of thing to come than I’ll be thrilled to finally have him back…
Otherwise it was a great game that didn’t end great for Penguins fans… we really need to turn our luck around in the last game against the Caps in two weeks to carry some more momentum into the playoffs.
You have to see it for yourself...
We could look at this a different way, we took the hottest team playing the best in the NHL to overtime and shootout while we are slumping ourselves. A win is always what you want but to get a point out of it i’ll take. If Knuble wasn’t trying to molest Fleury from behind the game woulda went differently i’m sure.
by JasonGoPens on Mar 25, 2010 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions
I totally agree. I started watching late, and didn’t see that Knuble goal, How is that not interference? Just wondering?
I didn’t really see him bump Fleury at all. I thought, if anything, he maybe knocked it out of midair with a high stick and then scored. That would’ve waved off the goal, but upon seeing the replay it’s pretty obvious that he missed on his attempt to knock it out of the air and instead just buried the bouncing puck. Tough break, but such is life.
Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com and twitter.
He did kind of impede Fleury from getting back to the rebound, but Fleury had no idea where the puck was. It was the right call I guess, bad break for Fleury and the Pens though.
by genomachine-O on Mar 25, 2010 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Goals should be disallowed only if: (1) an attacking player, either by his positioning or by contact, impairs the goalkeeper’s ability to move freely within his crease or defend his goal.
The overriding rationale of this rule is that a goalkeeper should have the ability to move freely within his goal crease without being hindered by the actions of an attacking player.
Contact is not required. I can’t imagine how Fleury could have gotten back to the puck with Knuble there. From my view, it looked like Fleury was trying to move back to get to the puck.
I agree it would have been a tough call to make to disallow the goal, but I think it would have been the right call.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Mar 25, 2010 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions
I think the issue there was that MAF had already taken himself out of the play and the puck was already behind him allowing an attacker to go into the crease.
The problem with the rule book is there’s very few times that a lot of the rules are cut and dry and they are written to give the refs a lot of leeway in how they call the games. During the caps-flyers series two years ago a flyer checked shaone morrison into Huet clearing them both behind the red line leaving an empty net. no interference call, goal stands and the NHL made a statement that it was called correctly (if it was brodeur instead of Huet I’m sure they would have “clarified” the rules the next day). By the rule you’ve posted above it could be argued that the attacker’s actions impaired the goal keeper from moving freely.
Suspend Colin Campbell!
And then AO hit Gil into Price when we played MON, the exact same as the PHI game 7 goal, but the Caps goal was waived off. The NHL just has no real clue what they are doing.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
It almost seems to depend on who is in the room on any given night. The fluctuations in calls/goal reviews is one of the most annoying things about the present day NHL.
by Hatt the Moople on Mar 25, 2010 7:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Rule 69.6 – Rebounds and loose pucks – In a rebound situation, or where a goalkeeper and attacking player(s) are simultaneously attempting to play a loose puck, whether inside or outside the crease, incidental contact with the goalkeeper will be permitted, and any goal that is scored as a result thereof will be allowed.
This covers incidental contact, but not the portion of the rule governing a player positioning himself in such a way as to prevent the goalie from moving freely within his crease.
I guess you’re right though, and this explains why the goal was allowed and not too much stink was made of it. I don’t really like it because Knuble was headed in before the puck got there.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Mar 25, 2010 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions
The way the crease rules are called it would have been a travesty if that goal was called off. They let so much crap go now the blue ice is almost meaningless. If they had called it so strictly all year I could sympathize with your perspective, but that kind of stuff happens pretty routinely now.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Agreed. It wasn't like Brett Hull's Cup winning goal for the Stars!!!
;)
The world is a dangerous place to live - not because of the people who are evil but because of the people who don't do anything about it. - Albert Einstein
I definitely am not all that impressed that the Caps beat the Pens in a SHOOTOUT while not even having to face MALKIN and GONCHAR. The Caps will have to be better next time.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Mar 25, 2010 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions
OV 5 Hits??
Sure he did….give me a break. That some home cookin’ there. I don’t know about that boys, i sure didn’t see it. Maybe 5 dives? Did anyone else find it sickening the way the caps were flopping around the ice all game? They should hand out rule books instead of programs to that bunch……..steal a line from al michaels “…most people don’t the difference between a blue line or a clothes line….”
The Caps scoring/stats team are very generous handing out the hits, but Ovechkin made some nice hits by the definition, where body contact separates the puck carrier from the puck. He doesn’t have to obliterate someone to get credited for a hit.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Mar 25, 2010 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Ya but he likes to obliterate people, but since he’s a superstar it’s not dirty, only 3rd liners like Cooke are dirty because they don’t score 50 goals a season. Funny how that works out.
by JasonGoPens on Mar 25, 2010 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Let’s not get into that, but I think the main argument that differentiates between the Cookes and Ovechkins is how you define “dirty.”
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Mar 25, 2010 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions
If there’s a guy in the NHL who doesn’t want to obliterate a guy when he’s checking him, he’s not going to be in the NHL for very long. Everyone wants to deliver the big, clean hit. Some just forget the clean part, and in that both Cooke and Ovechkin are in the same boat.
It’s whether the clean part is deliberately overlooked (such as with Cooke, Donald Brashear last year, Claude Lemieux, or even worst of all, Darcy Tucker) or accidentally omitted (Ovechkin, Pronger, etc.) that there is an issue. I don’t think that Ovechkin meant to injure Campbell, or do a knee-on-knee with Gleason and Gonchar. And in the two incidents this year, intended or not, he got called to the carpet and was suspended. Next time, Ovechkin knows there won’t be 2 or 3 games, but likely 4 or more.
Cooke when he went at Savard did so with the intention of hitting him high, maybe not on the head, but he wanted to put him out of the game. It was deliberate. I won’t call it dirty, because that’s not my job, that’s Colin Campbell’s job (and he’s pretty bad at it, mind you).
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Mar 25, 2010 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions
not me. every time we play them it gets closer. First loss was by several goals. Second loss we slacked and gave up a 3 goal lead to lose in OT. Last night was a shootout loss. I was more frustrated when they gave up the 3 goal lead to lose in OT. With that said, I do not like losing either
Yea but theres a trend forming of giving up leads to the Caps that shouldnt sit well with the team.
by genomachine-O on Mar 25, 2010 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions
We seem to have trouble with the Canes all the time, i live in Raleigh and i am lucky enough to hear about it everytime we lose to the Canes. Thier memories are short though, they don’t seem to remember the sweep in the ECFs.
by JasonGoPens on Mar 25, 2010 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions
I am heading to Charlotte for the weeked to visit my cuz, taking the train, i hate driving.
by JasonGoPens on Mar 25, 2010 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Two crucial points in the game
The Jizz shorthander and Billy G’s standstill shoot out attempt.
Gonchar probably doesn’t give up the SH and Malkin has a greater chance of scoring than Billy G.
We dominated them without our two best players. I liked the game.
Their fans are jokes. They don’t know shit. I got a laugh when one of their fans yelled cheap shot Cooke when he was on the ice. Despite the fact that their fearless idol has more game misconducts. They obviously don’t know the rules of hockey. Also, what was classic. A Caps fan said the Pens chocked. Oh, the irony. The irony.
Philly is still our number 1 rival. At least their fans are jokes for another reason than ignorance and woeful lack of self-awareness.
Last nights game was great. Fleury played great because the defense around him played the way they should have played. Unfortunately the fluky goal came again. Some how the Pens have the most fluky goals against them. The only thing that worries me is the they play great defense all game, but then give up 2 goals within 2 minutes because they start playing as individuals instead of a team.
I would like to know what happened to the team between last year and this year. Last year at this time teams feared playing the Pens because they were united and playing as a unit. Now teams see them as a joke because they are playing as individuals. The Pens should look at the Caps, because the Caps are the model team right now because they are playing as one cohesive unit and not as a bunch of individuals looking to pad there stats.
I agree somewhat, we are not playing the same as last year at the same time. Brooks Orpik has been very vocal in the after game interviews and it will be interesting to know what it’s like in that locker room when the cameras are gone. Is Sid stepping up as the captain and challenging his troops? Is Billy G and Gonchar, the veterans, talking to the guys also? Or is there heads hanging low and no one talking about anything?
by JasonGoPens on Mar 25, 2010 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Yea there seems to be something going on in that locker room. Rossi has been very vocal about that in the last couple weeks. Saying that a lot of the guys have their own agendas right now and there just not on the same page. A lot of guys thinking about contract situations and I cant help but think this could tie back to the Guerin Cooke thing. It didnt seeem like a big deal at the time, but who knows.
Orpik always seems to have a real grasp for whats going on with the team. After last nights game:
RR: Is there any good that come out of starting the game so well and then rallying when you got down?
BO: Oh, sheesh. You know what, Rob – maybe I’m in the minority here, (but) I’m getting tired that we worked hard and maybe we deserved better. We’re not winning hockey games and that’s what it comes down to. It’s not… uh, I don’t know
Theres definetly cause for concern inside that locker room right now, which is something we havent really had to worry about since the days of 68.
by genomachine-O on Mar 25, 2010 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Orpik- “I’m getting very concerned. Everyone wants to talk about the playoffs. We’ve got eight games to go here and we’re not playing too well. The way we’re playing now, we’ll be out in the first round.” always speaks the truth
by genomachine-O on Mar 25, 2010 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions
I cant help but think this could tie back to the Guerin Cooke thing. It didnt seeem like a big deal at the time, but who knows.
Right after Cooke fought Thornton and got out of the box, all the Pens were banging on the boards, including Guerin to stand up for their teammate. I don’t think the Cooke hit on Savard is still on anyone on the team’s mind.
Wayne Gretzky had it wrong: 100% of the shots Gary Roberts doesn't take DO go in.
I sincerely doubt that any team sees the Pens as a joke
by PensAreYourDaddy on Mar 25, 2010 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions
They may be enjoying the feast while the giant sleeps, teams may be treading lightly not to wake em up but if we turn it on in the playoffs like we all hope they do, look out. But they definitely don’t think of them as a joke, that is just asinine.
by JasonGoPens on Mar 25, 2010 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions
for me, Orpik had his best game of the season. Absolutely loved the physicality he brought all game. That’s exactly what he will have to do when we see them again in the playoffs.
It was frustrating watching AO and Semin do the same move where they swoop in from the left and cut to the middle… someone.anyone step up and take the body. You cannot allow Semin to shoot from there, he has the best wrist shot in the game right now, you have to knock him down.
Another note….the caps are really really good. Even without Laich they have some strong lines. Their powerplay is insanely scary. We’ll have to rest our hat on Theojoke choking in the playoffs.
If one of the D try to step up on Semin on that play and miss then Semin goes in alone of Fleury Hes so good at beating guys 1 on 1. I liked the way they played it. They kept him out between the circles and didnt screen Fleury on the shot. Thats a spot where the goalie should be able to make a save. It was just a nasty shot from Semin, not much you can do about it. Fleury could have come out a little more to challenge, thats about the only thing they could have done different. That was a horrible turnover by Sid to put them in a tough spot I cant play the D on that one.
by genomachine-O on Mar 25, 2010 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Theodore...
I know Hooks doesn’t think he can carry the Caps to the Cup in the post-season, but as a starting goalie, he’s never lost in the opening round, and he’s never been on a team with this much firepower before. Consider that Chris Osgood won 2 Stanley Cups, ditto for Mike Vernon. A great goaltender is a good thing to have in the playoffs, but having a good goaltender can be enough.
Theo probably would have had a nice post season last year, but no one knew what he and his family were going through off the ice with a pre-mature birth of his son, followed by his son’s passing in the offseason. Once that came out, it was very understandable why he didn’t really have hockey on his mind.
Plus on the cynical side of this, Theo is in a contract year, and he always seems to do really well at the tail end of contract years. Did he really win a playoff series with the Avs in 2008? He did…
I am fully confident that Jose can win a Stanley Cup as a staring goaltender with the Caps..
Let's go Caps!
That seems to be the way it is with goalies though. Until they win the cup nobody is ever sold on the fact that the guy can do it. Look at Fleury, hes won 7 of 8 playoff series in the last 2 years, but he still has his doubters.
by genomachine-O on Mar 25, 2010 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions
We’ll see Mike. I am skeptical of Theodore because he’s failed so many times in a row. Even last year he lasted a grand total of 1 playoff game.
Granted, this is not last year and Theodore has a lot more momentum and is putting together a much better body of work this season. We’ll see.
Wayne Gretzky had it wrong: 100% of the shots Gary Roberts doesn't take DO go in.
And Theo’s not going through as much of the emotional trauma as he was last year either…. this may be his year to prove he is good enough to win a Cup. He probably was two years ago as well, but he was on a team (Colorado) that wasn’t that good, and he ended up with some kind of virus after the first round.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Mar 25, 2010 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions
And he had to face mighty Detroit too
I’m a bit skeptical as well, but not all that much. I think Theodore can get the job done. If not, Varlamov didn’t really play down the stretch (in the NHL, at least) last season and was great in the playoffs, and Neuvirth might be as good as it gets with 3rd options (and after that, Holtby). I’m sure one of those three will be reliable enough to make sure any blame for a series loss goes on the skaters and not the goalies.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Mar 25, 2010 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions
He’s never lost in the first round, but he’s also never made it past the second round. His SV% since the lockout in the post season is .899. The Caps will score enough goals that they won’t need great goaltending, but they will need solid and Theodore has been much less than that during the last 3 post seasons. I’m not saying the Caps can’t win the cup with Theodore, lesser teams have won with lesser goalies, but I think there are legitimate reasons to worry.
Also, say what you will about Vernon and Osgood but they were completely money during those Stanley Cup runs.
?
why are caps fans posting on this blog. get off you bunch of fare weather fans who just started watching hockey after the rest of your teams started sucking skins and wizards. I used to live in DC no one followed the caps they were the cheap entertainment kind of like the pirates are for pittsburgh.Most of washington just started watching cause of ovi get over it once he retires youll never watch the sport again. You all need to just shut up and stop talking hockey.
Read the discussion on bandwagon fans above ^^^
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Mar 25, 2010 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions
i think we have a pretty decent conversation going here, to be completely honest
Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com and twitter.
Photos from last night.
I have a Capitals photography blog and I’ve posted my pictures of last night’s game. I took some good shots and many are of the Pens so take a look if your interested.
http://capssnaps.blogspot.com/2010/03/capitals-vs-penguins-32410.html
Here’s Guerin giving the Pens a 2-1 lead:
Только игра! Почему надо быть гневаться?
WARNING: Irrrational defender of Semyon Varlamov
FREE ERIC FEHR
Caps Snaps - Washington Capitals Photography
I’m no Crosby fan (Obvioiusly) but that play he really showed why he’s a great talent. He got the puck past Poti, Corvo and Theo and landed it right on the tape of Guerin’s stick… just unreal. When it comes to pure passing ability two of the best were on display last night (Crosby and Backstrom)…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Mar 25, 2010 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions
No doubt. I gotta say each time I watch the Caps play Backstrom impresses me more than anyone. The guys got it all, and when ever I watch him and Ovie play together and just the chemistry they have if makes me mourn for a winger again.
by genomachine-O on Mar 25, 2010 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Definitely. Backstrom’s gonna make himself a lot of money in the near future.
by SlayerGhaleon on Mar 25, 2010 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions
And moreover, he lost the puck in his skates just prior to that. Just. Wow.
Cидни Kросби: Александр Oвечкин, он твой папа теперь
Capitals Coming: for Capitals fans no more intelligent than myself
by red army line on Mar 25, 2010 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions
In my mind, Nick Backstrom has to be one of the most underrated talents in the league, due to playing beside Alexander. The kid is phenomenal. Guys like him and Stevie Stamkos are really narrowing the talent gap between Sid/Al/Geno and the rest of the league.
by Hatt the Moople on Mar 25, 2010 7:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Nice picture, Chris
Corvo actually almost did a good job playing goalie, he was close to keeping it out.
Wayne Gretzky had it wrong: 100% of the shots Gary Roberts doesn't take DO go in.
It was the least he could do after misplaying the pass. He took his stick out of the passing lane, which did absolutely nothing. He wasn’t going to block a Sid shot so he had to play that pass. So far Corvo hasn’t really lived up to expectations.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Yeah, should have added that Sid basically made that a late 2 on 1 and Corvo still let the pass through (even though it was a hell of a pass).
Wayne Gretzky had it wrong: 100% of the shots Gary Roberts doesn't take DO go in.
Yeah I’m taking nothing away from the pass or what Sid did. I just think Corvo played it like an ass.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
To be honest I have never been impressed with Corvo. A lot of analysts and what not, not really the caps crowd, made such a big deal about Joe Corvo. Yea he has a great shot from the point, but thats all ive ever seen from him. Belanger I thought played pretty well last night though, still got the wheels for sure.
Our the Pens Sid I’ve been equally dissapointed with Poni so far. I read a quote from a scout prior to the deadline that said Poni is a bigger version of Fedotenko, and so far, that is a dead on comparison
by genomachine-O on Mar 25, 2010 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Belanger had his best game as a Cap, easily. He hadn’t been very good yet, but he picked a good time for a great game.
Judging by some of the advanced stats Corvo is ridiculously underrated (specifically Alan Ryder’s analysis). But he hasn’t shown that since he came to DC, that’s for sure.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Chris, just wondering, are you the “Official Photographer of the Washington Capitals”?
Sorry, couldn’t help but ask after the statement Ted released today.
As I said on Japers’, great pics, even if some of them are of the Caps.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Mar 25, 2010 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Shameless plug for my photos posted here on Pensburgh
.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Mar 25, 2010 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Gaaaaaaaah. Nick had him so beat but tried to go back five hole. If he just roofs it then he scores. He got a little too clever there.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
awesome pic. you know you can post em whenever you want. no need to preface it as a shameless plug.
Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com and twitter.
That’s cool. It’s just that I already had them in a fanpost, so I didn’t want it to seem like I was throwing the same pics up several different places. Anyway, my only complaint was that the lighting at Verizon Center, or at least in my section, was giving my camera problems. I’ll need to get it figured out before I go back for the playoffs.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Mar 25, 2010 11:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Thanks. You can understand what the Caps are mad about. A guy was claiming to be the official chiropractor of the Capitals when in realty a couple players saw him and he had no real affiliation.
Только игра! Почему надо быть гневаться?
WARNING: Irrrational defender of Semyon Varlamov
FREE ERIC FEHR
Caps Snaps - Washington Capitals Photography
I totally understand. I’m surprised they’ve let some of that stuff go on as long as they have.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Mar 25, 2010 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions
it was fitting him, but I believe (as the coaching staff it seems) Orpik should be the next in line to get the “A” permanently when Sarge leaves.
Which brings me to the question… how many Penguins have worn the “A” this season? Billy G also wore it for a game or two in the beginning of the season or? Which brings us to, what… 5?
You have to see it for yourself...
and i completely agree that orpik should get it.
i was just happy that he got to wear it.
by katielynn906 on Mar 26, 2010 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions
Does anyone find this intetesting.....
Martin Skoula couldn’t crack the Pens illustrious top 7 Defense corp, but yet he has been starting every game for the Devils? Do I get a sense that the Penguin coaches are playing favorites? aka Mark Eaton, who shouldn’t be anyone’s top 7 defenseman. Anyone notice how many hits Eaton has had lately…thats right, NONE, he doesn’t hit. He does what he has to to avoid injury, ie, body contact..even his approach to blocking shots leaves much to be desired….gives up the body, hardly, a shin [which is protected] maybe…
Skoula starting every game because the Devils basically play with 5 defensemen on the ice at all times. Eaton has not been great, but certainly better than Skoula. Skoula is a better fit in a slower less agressive system in NJ, where the only time there D skate forward is to go to the bench. I would not take Skoula over Eaton under any circumstances though.
by genomachine-O on Mar 26, 2010 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions
Skoula.....
I understand the point your trying to make and understand there is a significant drop from the NJD 5 top scorers, but, 5 of their D men are in the top 15 in scoring on the team, and if you take Paul Martin, who has only played 14 games this year, who has 5 pts on the yr, but 3 in the last 5 games. It proves, even though their system is a defensive one, their D is a part of their scoring and not a goaline to redline unit. This said, your point about the Pens D unit being more aggressive, totally agree, but feel because of this, and the lack of shut down d men, may be the downfall of this team this year.
Skoula is a sytem d-man. He played for Lemaire in Minnesota and had some periods of success before he was exposed.
Skoula is not a very good player, but he can have moments and periods where he plays well, especially when he’s masked in a tight defensive system like Lemaire uses.
I agree the lack of shutdown defensemen is troubling, but I don’t think the lack of Skoula is troubling one little bit.
Wayne Gretzky had it wrong: 100% of the shots Gary Roberts doesn't take DO go in.
Agree...
I agree, the problem I have and just can’t get over, is with Eaton. He is horrible, he is a very weak D man…weak in his defensive ability and weak in stature. If the coaches have given up on Mckee, I truly believe one of the WB/S boys can do as good if not better than ME, if only given the proper chance. And the experience they would gain would benefit us down the road. Great chatting and discussing with you.
Seems like DB is planing on using Letang and Orpik in that role this year. Which I’m not to crazy about, but thats probably the best option they have. I thought they did pretty well against the Caps, but there have been times where they dont look good together. If they arent getting the job done in the playoffs I think DB will go back to Gonch and Orpik and use that pair. As of now the DB seems content on splitting up Orpik and Gonchar.
by genomachine-O on Mar 26, 2010 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions
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