The Washington Capitals continue the coaching changes by letting go of video coach Jonas Plumb. Besides having a cool, Clue-referenced name, he opens the door for yet another coaching position that needs to be filled in the off season. The Capitals and Jay Leach (the defense coach) parted ways just weeks earlier.
That leaves two very lucrative spots open for qualified coaches. I have heard two rumors about the possible replacements, but it's nothing confirmed nor told to me by anyone on the Capitals' staff.
One is the possibility of bringing up Bob Woods, which would be hard to do at the moment since he is a tad busy leading the Hershey Bears in the Calder Cup finals (who just took a 2 games to one lead in that series, Holla!). The second is the return of Glen Hanlon to coach the defensive end. Since Hanlon pounded in a defense first attitude, I doubt that would be cohesive with Bruce Boudreau's aggressive offensive style. But hey, what do I know.
Those are just the rumors and are neither hear nor there. Both positions of defensive coach and video coach remain open. Dust off that resume kids.
Showing posts with label Hanlon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hanlon. Show all posts
Sunday, June 07, 2009
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Kolzig The Baby
As much as I hate to bash the Capitals netminder of over a century (not that much though considering the title), Kolzig's absence at the end of year team meeting was less then classy. Even though his peers might show publicly otherwise, showing up early to clear his locker, leaving before the bulk of the team arrives, and skipping the mandatory meeting all sounds like the actions of a bitter person. But Olaf Kolzig never did hide his emotions very well.
He was never comfortable when Glen Hanlon left. He was called out by the new coach that never coached a day in the NHL, suddenly his workload was much more and the back up, Brent Johnson, was getting better numbers. Kolzig was caught in a situation where he wasn't "the man" anymore.
Kolzig was entitled to that starting position, after all that he did for the organization. But, to be honest, all he did was lose for the last 5 years. Everyone assumed is numbers dropped because of the what was in front of him, a young inexperienced defensive core. But with Johnson performing better, it made it hard to justify what was going on with him.
Then the biggest insult. On the last year of his contract, a contract he signed knowing full well they may not get to the playoffs for another two years beyond it, they traded a pick for a goaltender with better numbers. Three's Company.
Kolzig improved when the trade happened, he's no dummy, he had to. He knew he would be sharing time with Huet and if he didn't produce he would sit. He was doing alright, he raised his goals against average up almost a full percentage point. He was big in net, just like the old days. There was always a part of me though that saw him try too hard, his competitive spirit was getting in the way of getting the job done. When an opponent scored against him, his negative attitude radiated amongst the team.
That's when Chicago happened. 5-0. It was the nail in the coffin. He couldn't compete with Huet's goal a game. He just let 5 goals past, and 3 of them seemed soft. Kolzig never got another start in net. Not that the fans or the coaches or management wanted it to end that way.
Removing the nameplate, walking out of the building silent and just going home. That was his response to an incredible Capitals' season. I am sure if he had talk to reporters, what he had to say couldn't be repeated in civilized conversation. He's upset, hurt, and bitter.
But what he fails to realize is the fans still love him. There were more Kolzig jerseys at game seven than Huet. There was more sympathy for him in this town, Kolzig was still King. He earned 300 wins here. He still wears the C even if the league won't let him sew it on. His actions after the season were a bit self centered and immature. But, truthfully, would we want Kolzig to be any other way?
Some other news and notes:
He was never comfortable when Glen Hanlon left. He was called out by the new coach that never coached a day in the NHL, suddenly his workload was much more and the back up, Brent Johnson, was getting better numbers. Kolzig was caught in a situation where he wasn't "the man" anymore.
Kolzig was entitled to that starting position, after all that he did for the organization. But, to be honest, all he did was lose for the last 5 years. Everyone assumed is numbers dropped because of the what was in front of him, a young inexperienced defensive core. But with Johnson performing better, it made it hard to justify what was going on with him.
Then the biggest insult. On the last year of his contract, a contract he signed knowing full well they may not get to the playoffs for another two years beyond it, they traded a pick for a goaltender with better numbers. Three's Company.
Kolzig improved when the trade happened, he's no dummy, he had to. He knew he would be sharing time with Huet and if he didn't produce he would sit. He was doing alright, he raised his goals against average up almost a full percentage point. He was big in net, just like the old days. There was always a part of me though that saw him try too hard, his competitive spirit was getting in the way of getting the job done. When an opponent scored against him, his negative attitude radiated amongst the team.
That's when Chicago happened. 5-0. It was the nail in the coffin. He couldn't compete with Huet's goal a game. He just let 5 goals past, and 3 of them seemed soft. Kolzig never got another start in net. Not that the fans or the coaches or management wanted it to end that way.
Removing the nameplate, walking out of the building silent and just going home. That was his response to an incredible Capitals' season. I am sure if he had talk to reporters, what he had to say couldn't be repeated in civilized conversation. He's upset, hurt, and bitter.
But what he fails to realize is the fans still love him. There were more Kolzig jerseys at game seven than Huet. There was more sympathy for him in this town, Kolzig was still King. He earned 300 wins here. He still wears the C even if the league won't let him sew it on. His actions after the season were a bit self centered and immature. But, truthfully, would we want Kolzig to be any other way?
Some other news and notes:
- Nicklas Backstrom was the only non-Blackhawk nominated for the Calder. He should get it, doesn't mean he will.
- Ratings for Game 7 were through the roof. Even talk of the Caps fans having more of pulse than Wizards fans. I thought I would never see the day. Still pisses me off though that Redskins Radio is still taking up an hour on CSN when they have zero to talk about. One can only listen to talk of Chad Johnson so much. He's not leaving Cincy!
- Bruce Boudreau was given a contract extension to be the Capitals' coach for a very long time. He is looking at houses in Maryland.
- Uncle Ted was probably the most inconsolable following the Game 7 loss. I heard fans cheered for him as he made his way to the locker room following the end of the game, he looked "very emotional." Aw.
- There was a very upset boy in our row following the game and all attempts to cheer him up were going south until one fan knelt to him and told him to cheer up. "If you are going to be a Caps fan, you are going to have a lot of days like these." Priceless.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Kolzig Conundrum
It's okay to say that Olie Kolzig's gone soft. It happens. After being babied by Glen Hanlon, it's not surprising that Kolzig wants to throw a tantrum and consider retirement after being pulled then sitting out the next game. If Olie wants the starting job, he has to play for it just like any other player on the team.
Kolzig is a great goaltender. But, 4 goals on 16 shots (2 goals on 3 shots in the second period) isn't going to cut it at any level. Kolzig has to prove that he is just as prepared for making the post season as the rest of the team has. Glen Hanlon looked out for Olie too much and it might have made him soft to NHL competitive hockey. Now that Bruce Boudreau is in charge, Kolzig was starting in 13 straight games, instead of a couple of games here then a day off, then a couple more games there, and a night off. Boudreau was basically saying, "Olie you're the number one goaltender, start acting like one."
I have seen flashes of Kolzig's brilliance this season, but far too many soft goals that over-shadows those great performances. Kolzig is still a loved player by the fans, and still has time to turn his game around. If I had the choice to start Olie or Brent Johnson in net for the playoffs, it would be Kolzig every day of the week and twice on Sunday. But his play of late is inconsistent.
There is a part of that interview that gives me the impression that Olie made the mistake of staying with the Capitals through the rebuild. I can understand that, to stick by an organization for that long and feel that that loyalty should be rewarded in a way. But Boudreau wants to win and if that means putting more pressure on his goaltenders to do better by sitting them on an odd night out after a bad game, then he is going to do it. Just like every other coach in the NHL is doing now.
Kolzig is a great goaltender. But, 4 goals on 16 shots (2 goals on 3 shots in the second period) isn't going to cut it at any level. Kolzig has to prove that he is just as prepared for making the post season as the rest of the team has. Glen Hanlon looked out for Olie too much and it might have made him soft to NHL competitive hockey. Now that Bruce Boudreau is in charge, Kolzig was starting in 13 straight games, instead of a couple of games here then a day off, then a couple more games there, and a night off. Boudreau was basically saying, "Olie you're the number one goaltender, start acting like one."
I have seen flashes of Kolzig's brilliance this season, but far too many soft goals that over-shadows those great performances. Kolzig is still a loved player by the fans, and still has time to turn his game around. If I had the choice to start Olie or Brent Johnson in net for the playoffs, it would be Kolzig every day of the week and twice on Sunday. But his play of late is inconsistent.
There is a part of that interview that gives me the impression that Olie made the mistake of staying with the Capitals through the rebuild. I can understand that, to stick by an organization for that long and feel that that loyalty should be rewarded in a way. But Boudreau wants to win and if that means putting more pressure on his goaltenders to do better by sitting them on an odd night out after a bad game, then he is going to do it. Just like every other coach in the NHL is doing now.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Caps Start Home-stand With A Win
Capitals 2, Avalanche 1
Scoresheet - Wash Post
Bruce Boudreau celebrated his 53rd birthday with a win. It was a lucky bounce that was the game winner and the best gift Boudreau could ask for. The Caps slip past the Colorado Avalanche 2-1 to start their 5 game home-stand with an important win.
Dave Steckel was just looking to put a pass to the front to Quintin Laing on a semi 2 on 1. But a back checking Avalanche defender ended up tipping the pass past Jose Theodore. It's Steckel's fourth goal of the season and turned out to be a game winner in a very defensive game. Donald Brashear broke the scoring open for the Caps tipping a Brooks Laich shot past Theodore early in the third period.
The Caps just outworked the Avalanche who played Detroit the night before and it showed as the game wore on. Olaf Kolzig was a big part of adding to Colorado's offensive woes. While Alex Ovechkin and Mike Green didn't score, the Capitals were able to find scoring when there seemed to be none. Theodore played solid for the Lanche and it took a lucky bounce to help the Caps. It takes me back to when all those little bounces used to go against the Caps, it's nice to see some hockey karma.
Shaone Morrisonn also played well early getting 3 or 4 good scoring chances early when the Caps were swarming. Even though he didn't find the scoresheet and was a -1, Morrisonn is quickly becoming a presence defensively on the ice. Morrisonn, late in his shift and heading off for a change, quickly had to back check on a broken play that sent an Avalanche player in alone on Kolzig. Morrisonn busted his butt and was able to knock away the puck with out taking a penalty.
Steve Eminger got his second straight start of the season with Brian Potheir and Tom Poti out of the lineup. He is looking better so it seems the rust is starting to fade. Still, his speed looks a little off, probably due to his leg injuries. But Emmy did get a few good hits off, and played solid defensively.
More important than just the win, the Capitals have jumped to 13th in the Eastern Conference with the two points they earned tonight. Leap frogging Toronto, the Caps pull even with Florida at 41 points and are poised to make that jump again. It puts the Caps just 4 points behind 8th place Islanders and a coveted playoff spot. But more work needs to be done. The teams don't get any easier, Philly comes to town next, then Ottawa and Edmonton. The Caps must continue to work hard and pick up those standing points every night.
In some side news, Glen Hanlon isn't begging for work anymore. The Capitals have hired Hanlon as a scout based out of DC. It wasn't going to take long for Hanlon to get a job again in the league and it was nice to keep Hanlon in the fold in some way. He is probably sleeping better at night now. Also in Hershey, it's good news for Eric Fehr fans as not only is he back skating, but was in uniform tonight in Hershey's game against Norfolk and registered an assist.
Scoresheet - Wash Post
Bruce Boudreau celebrated his 53rd birthday with a win. It was a lucky bounce that was the game winner and the best gift Boudreau could ask for. The Caps slip past the Colorado Avalanche 2-1 to start their 5 game home-stand with an important win.
Dave Steckel was just looking to put a pass to the front to Quintin Laing on a semi 2 on 1. But a back checking Avalanche defender ended up tipping the pass past Jose Theodore. It's Steckel's fourth goal of the season and turned out to be a game winner in a very defensive game. Donald Brashear broke the scoring open for the Caps tipping a Brooks Laich shot past Theodore early in the third period.
The Caps just outworked the Avalanche who played Detroit the night before and it showed as the game wore on. Olaf Kolzig was a big part of adding to Colorado's offensive woes. While Alex Ovechkin and Mike Green didn't score, the Capitals were able to find scoring when there seemed to be none. Theodore played solid for the Lanche and it took a lucky bounce to help the Caps. It takes me back to when all those little bounces used to go against the Caps, it's nice to see some hockey karma.
Shaone Morrisonn also played well early getting 3 or 4 good scoring chances early when the Caps were swarming. Even though he didn't find the scoresheet and was a -1, Morrisonn is quickly becoming a presence defensively on the ice. Morrisonn, late in his shift and heading off for a change, quickly had to back check on a broken play that sent an Avalanche player in alone on Kolzig. Morrisonn busted his butt and was able to knock away the puck with out taking a penalty.
Steve Eminger got his second straight start of the season with Brian Potheir and Tom Poti out of the lineup. He is looking better so it seems the rust is starting to fade. Still, his speed looks a little off, probably due to his leg injuries. But Emmy did get a few good hits off, and played solid defensively.
More important than just the win, the Capitals have jumped to 13th in the Eastern Conference with the two points they earned tonight. Leap frogging Toronto, the Caps pull even with Florida at 41 points and are poised to make that jump again. It puts the Caps just 4 points behind 8th place Islanders and a coveted playoff spot. But more work needs to be done. The teams don't get any easier, Philly comes to town next, then Ottawa and Edmonton. The Caps must continue to work hard and pick up those standing points every night.
In some side news, Glen Hanlon isn't begging for work anymore. The Capitals have hired Hanlon as a scout based out of DC. It wasn't going to take long for Hanlon to get a job again in the league and it was nice to keep Hanlon in the fold in some way. He is probably sleeping better at night now. Also in Hershey, it's good news for Eric Fehr fans as not only is he back skating, but was in uniform tonight in Hershey's game against Norfolk and registered an assist.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Hanlon Out, Boudreau In
Why does this always happen when I am as far away from my computer as possible? Glen Hanlon has been axed. Happy Thanksgiving Caps fans, you got your wish. GM George McPhee decided he liked his job too much to go down with Hanlon, hence the change.
Bruce Boudreau (of Hershey Bears fame) takes the reigns. His job, to turn this team around. This had to happen. Not the Glen Hanlon is a bad guy, he did this team a great service. What he did with what he had over the last two years was nothing short of a miracle. He took a rookie team and made them a hard working competitive organization.
However, the team struggled out the gate this season. It got to the point that the players, of no fault of their own, just stop listening. A team that losses like this just turns numb to Hanlon's call. Hanlon can no longer coach effectively in an atmosphere like that.
Bruce Boudreau, besides having a cool hockey name, is no slouch either. There was concern in some circles that he wouldn't stay in Hershey long. That the NHL would come calling for him, and the Caps organization would take the hit if he left. Lucky for management (unlucky for Hanlon), the opportunity to keep Broudreau in the organization now has him leading his own NHL team.
While the interim is still attached to his head coaching job, I wouldn't be surprised that he would inherit the job depending on how the season goes. Maybe this is just what the Capitals needed, some fresh perspective. What Broudreu brings is a championship and that is worth it's weight in gold.
So for the moment, George McPhee succeeds in keeping his job, and replacing the coach without touching the back of the bench. Although Hanlon has been relieved, the rest of the staff are still employed. No word if that will change as of yet. The Caps face Philly tomorrow night. I don't imagine a dramatic turn around, but the team should respond in some way. I am going to hold judgement on this move until I watch the game. Until then, this is just appeasing a very large fan base.
For more coverage:
Capitals Insider
Japers Rink
In the Room
Now if you excuse me, I am going to help myself to turkey seconds!
Bruce Boudreau (of Hershey Bears fame) takes the reigns. His job, to turn this team around. This had to happen. Not the Glen Hanlon is a bad guy, he did this team a great service. What he did with what he had over the last two years was nothing short of a miracle. He took a rookie team and made them a hard working competitive organization.
However, the team struggled out the gate this season. It got to the point that the players, of no fault of their own, just stop listening. A team that losses like this just turns numb to Hanlon's call. Hanlon can no longer coach effectively in an atmosphere like that.
Bruce Boudreau, besides having a cool hockey name, is no slouch either. There was concern in some circles that he wouldn't stay in Hershey long. That the NHL would come calling for him, and the Caps organization would take the hit if he left. Lucky for management (unlucky for Hanlon), the opportunity to keep Broudreau in the organization now has him leading his own NHL team.
While the interim is still attached to his head coaching job, I wouldn't be surprised that he would inherit the job depending on how the season goes. Maybe this is just what the Capitals needed, some fresh perspective. What Broudreu brings is a championship and that is worth it's weight in gold.
So for the moment, George McPhee succeeds in keeping his job, and replacing the coach without touching the back of the bench. Although Hanlon has been relieved, the rest of the staff are still employed. No word if that will change as of yet. The Caps face Philly tomorrow night. I don't imagine a dramatic turn around, but the team should respond in some way. I am going to hold judgement on this move until I watch the game. Until then, this is just appeasing a very large fan base.
For more coverage:
Capitals Insider
Japers Rink
In the Room
Now if you excuse me, I am going to help myself to turkey seconds!
Monday, November 19, 2007
Not Near Enough - Bye Suts
Capitals 3, Panthers 4
Scoresheet - Wash Post
The afternoon started with some news, Brian Sutherby was traded to Anaheim for some draft pick (that is all we seem able to get anymore). I am a bit confounded by this trade because it doesn't help the team now. It's a draft pick, and I thought the rebuild was over. Already the night was getting off on a bad foot.
Next, the Capitals start a home stand against the Florida Panthers at the phone booth. Well it was supposed to be a home stand but with the restless Caps fans just looking for a win, they might have well been on the road. The heckling persisted in the ears of the Caps even behind their whole bench with fans not shying away from using bad grammar and even worse slang at the Capitals. Oh, and Peter Bondra was in the building, so that was nice.
"They are supposed to be breeding a winner," a season ticket holder was overheard saying, "but they can't win." "Who cares if [Ovechkin] gets 50 goals this season," another said, "we just want them to win a game." The Caps still had a game to play, and didn't show up until the third. Dropping another loss against a Southeast rival.
The Caps seemed a bit listless in the first and second periods, but that changed late in the third with the team down 4-1. They quickly put the Panthers on their heels and got two quick goals. But then that advance petered out and the Capitals again left the ice with Alex Ovechkin stretched out on the ice with his head in his gloves and another loss.
After the game the team had a meeting with GM George McPhee in attendance. Not sure what was said, but I was told the air was cleared between the players and their general manager. But maybe this is what is needed as now every move the team does will be closely watched. The Glen Hanlon watch is also in affect with fans starting the "Fire Hanlon" chant half-way through the game. One thing is for sure, this team won't get much sleep tonight.
Scoring for the Caps were Brook Laich (shorthanded goal), Chris Clark and Alex Semin. Olie Kolzig started in net, and at times was brillant and other times looked slow.
Scoresheet - Wash Post
The afternoon started with some news, Brian Sutherby was traded to Anaheim for some draft pick (that is all we seem able to get anymore). I am a bit confounded by this trade because it doesn't help the team now. It's a draft pick, and I thought the rebuild was over. Already the night was getting off on a bad foot.
Next, the Capitals start a home stand against the Florida Panthers at the phone booth. Well it was supposed to be a home stand but with the restless Caps fans just looking for a win, they might have well been on the road. The heckling persisted in the ears of the Caps even behind their whole bench with fans not shying away from using bad grammar and even worse slang at the Capitals. Oh, and Peter Bondra was in the building, so that was nice.
"They are supposed to be breeding a winner," a season ticket holder was overheard saying, "but they can't win." "Who cares if [Ovechkin] gets 50 goals this season," another said, "we just want them to win a game." The Caps still had a game to play, and didn't show up until the third. Dropping another loss against a Southeast rival.
The Caps seemed a bit listless in the first and second periods, but that changed late in the third with the team down 4-1. They quickly put the Panthers on their heels and got two quick goals. But then that advance petered out and the Capitals again left the ice with Alex Ovechkin stretched out on the ice with his head in his gloves and another loss.
After the game the team had a meeting with GM George McPhee in attendance. Not sure what was said, but I was told the air was cleared between the players and their general manager. But maybe this is what is needed as now every move the team does will be closely watched. The Glen Hanlon watch is also in affect with fans starting the "Fire Hanlon" chant half-way through the game. One thing is for sure, this team won't get much sleep tonight.
Scoring for the Caps were Brook Laich (shorthanded goal), Chris Clark and Alex Semin. Olie Kolzig started in net, and at times was brillant and other times looked slow.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Veteran's Day Practice
Yes, I know that Veteran's Day was yesterday and today is only the observance of the holiday, but it seemed appropriate since veteran Chris Clark has been sited at a practice on the top line with Alex Ovechkin and Micheal Nylander. It looks like Viktor Kozlov, Nick Backstrom and Tomas Fleischmann makes up the second line.
The mood around the practice facility was a little quiet. Ovie more than once took his anguish out on the boards after a missed shot or two. The team is not talking, which is bad. While it's just practice, there is no chatter, no joking, no communication during some drills. Most of that melted away by the end of the practice (after Hanlon left the ice). George McPhee sat on his little balcony and watched most of the practice with a sour look on his face (but when does he not have a sour look on his face) in front of a very dark and still front office. It was a bit eerie to watch him and the empty office behind him (foreshadowing?).
Hanlon looked a little peeved through the whole practice. Stopping drills every now and then to give clear instructions. Most of what they worked on today were quick passes and stretch plays on the break out.
There was one drill that sort of caught my attention, which was defense recovering after shooting from the point. A defenseman would take a pass from the corner, draw it to the middle and shoot on net, then catch up to a two on one. The best two defensemen I saw were John Erskine and Brian Potheir who were able to get back in a defensive position every time.
The mood around the practice facility was a little quiet. Ovie more than once took his anguish out on the boards after a missed shot or two. The team is not talking, which is bad. While it's just practice, there is no chatter, no joking, no communication during some drills. Most of that melted away by the end of the practice (after Hanlon left the ice). George McPhee sat on his little balcony and watched most of the practice with a sour look on his face (but when does he not have a sour look on his face) in front of a very dark and still front office. It was a bit eerie to watch him and the empty office behind him (foreshadowing?).
Hanlon looked a little peeved through the whole practice. Stopping drills every now and then to give clear instructions. Most of what they worked on today were quick passes and stretch plays on the break out.
There was one drill that sort of caught my attention, which was defense recovering after shooting from the point. A defenseman would take a pass from the corner, draw it to the middle and shoot on net, then catch up to a two on one. The best two defensemen I saw were John Erskine and Brian Potheir who were able to get back in a defensive position every time.
Offense-less
Washington D.C. The nation's capital. Home of the most powerful in all the world. Unless your talking of the area's pro teams. The Redskins, Wizards and the Capitals have collectively made the District groan with dissatisfaction. But every team seems to have the same problems besides not winning (although the Wiz did win last night), they are relying on their defenses a little too much. One could draw parallels.
For the Redskins, you think they would learn from their mistakes. Yet again they put too much emphasis on the defense side of the ball only to realize they weren't as tough on "D" as they were last year. They allowed teams to creep back in the lead when their offense suddenly gets the equivalent of a brain cramp. The same could be said about the Capitals.
The Caps have put all their eggs in to a defensive package with little importance put on offense. Glen Hanlon's philosophy will always be defense (he is a former goaltender), but there seems to be no room left for creativity on offense. It's like an afterthought. And teams who are patient enough to wait for Caps' mistakes take advantage.
When I see the Capitals practice, they aren't working on offensive plays. You can't help but notice there is more work on getting back than pushing the attack. It's all apart of this possession game that Hanlon is pressing. Even in games it seems the only offensive play that seems evident is get the puck to Micheal Nylander or Alex Ovechkin and let's see what happens. Or my favorite play (sarcasm warning) Mike Green driving it up the wing only to lose the puck in the corner.
The Capitals cannot win games with out scoring goals. But that doesn't seem to be a priority for the Hanlon or the Caps right now. They are preaching defense, defense and more defense. Yes defense is important, but wins are too. Defenses are always going to make mistakes during a game, it's the offense that has to respond and respond when it is needed most. If I knew that the Caps give up 2 or 3 goals but could make it up with their offense, I wouldn't bite my nails everytime the Caps go down a goal or two. It is teams like Ottawa strike that perfect balance.
I was reading the comments on the TSN.ca website following the Caps win Ottawa and I couldn't help but see comments talking about Ovie being a bit of puck hog. I made a point of watching Ovie in the Lightning game and a couple of things were made apparent. Ovie is damn fast, he outskates his teammates often leaving him alone in the offensive zone. There other thing I notice is he doesn't quite know what to do with it once he gets there, and it just becomes another low percentage outside shot on net.
The Caps are not setting anyone other than Ovie up either, which goaltenders have gotten wise to. But in the Lightning game, Tom Poti and Tomas Fleischmann set up a beautiful give and go. I remember thinking, why don't we see more of this from the Capitals? I am not sure if Hanlon or anyone on the coaching staff knows much about producing offense at the NHL level. At the moment teams are not really cowering at the Capitals offensive punch.
The Caps need to start producing, but if the only suggestion is to put a guy in front of the net a la Tomas Holstrom style, the Caps need to do a little bit better than that (or trade the farm for Holstrom). The Caps instead should be working on getting their scorers in a position to, well, score.
For the Redskins, you think they would learn from their mistakes. Yet again they put too much emphasis on the defense side of the ball only to realize they weren't as tough on "D" as they were last year. They allowed teams to creep back in the lead when their offense suddenly gets the equivalent of a brain cramp. The same could be said about the Capitals.
The Caps have put all their eggs in to a defensive package with little importance put on offense. Glen Hanlon's philosophy will always be defense (he is a former goaltender), but there seems to be no room left for creativity on offense. It's like an afterthought. And teams who are patient enough to wait for Caps' mistakes take advantage.
When I see the Capitals practice, they aren't working on offensive plays. You can't help but notice there is more work on getting back than pushing the attack. It's all apart of this possession game that Hanlon is pressing. Even in games it seems the only offensive play that seems evident is get the puck to Micheal Nylander or Alex Ovechkin and let's see what happens. Or my favorite play (sarcasm warning) Mike Green driving it up the wing only to lose the puck in the corner.
The Capitals cannot win games with out scoring goals. But that doesn't seem to be a priority for the Hanlon or the Caps right now. They are preaching defense, defense and more defense. Yes defense is important, but wins are too. Defenses are always going to make mistakes during a game, it's the offense that has to respond and respond when it is needed most. If I knew that the Caps give up 2 or 3 goals but could make it up with their offense, I wouldn't bite my nails everytime the Caps go down a goal or two. It is teams like Ottawa strike that perfect balance.
I was reading the comments on the TSN.ca website following the Caps win Ottawa and I couldn't help but see comments talking about Ovie being a bit of puck hog. I made a point of watching Ovie in the Lightning game and a couple of things were made apparent. Ovie is damn fast, he outskates his teammates often leaving him alone in the offensive zone. There other thing I notice is he doesn't quite know what to do with it once he gets there, and it just becomes another low percentage outside shot on net.
The Caps are not setting anyone other than Ovie up either, which goaltenders have gotten wise to. But in the Lightning game, Tom Poti and Tomas Fleischmann set up a beautiful give and go. I remember thinking, why don't we see more of this from the Capitals? I am not sure if Hanlon or anyone on the coaching staff knows much about producing offense at the NHL level. At the moment teams are not really cowering at the Capitals offensive punch.
The Caps need to start producing, but if the only suggestion is to put a guy in front of the net a la Tomas Holstrom style, the Caps need to do a little bit better than that (or trade the farm for Holstrom). The Caps instead should be working on getting their scorers in a position to, well, score.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Coaching Quandary
I am not saying that Ted Leonsis is making calls to replace anybody at this point. But if Capitals fans seem dead set on cutting Glen Hanlon loose, then we might as well look at our options.
The likeliest outcome would be the dismissal of Hanlon. GM George McPhee most likely will stay. General managers normally are not replaced mid season. Mostly because the GM would cut the coach before his hot seat gets too hot. If McPhee stays with Hanlon, they both go. So it's likely that McPhee would rather find a new coach rather than a new job. Much like the situation in Atlanta, Don Waddell had to cut Bob Hartley or lose his job as well.
So if Hanlon is out, who do you want in? Bob Hartley? Pat Quinn? Another?
Bob Hartley would be a bad choice. He is a harsh coach more apt to push veterans rather than a young squad that is short of confidence right now. Pat Quinn would be a better choice. His knowledge of international hockey would be helpful with both Russian and Swedish stars on this team. Those are the two I know of that I could talk about, but I am sure there is more.
But again, I think a lot more bad has to happen before we go down this road. There is still time to turn this around. The Capitals are playing with more urgency, which is good, but the results are less than spectacular. And when this offense gets hot, talk of coach replacement will be the last thing on Caps fans' minds.
I think part of the reason for the recent decline is that teams are more prepared for the Capitals. The Caps aren't the rebuilding youth of years past. They are getting NHL's best full attention. Maybe a couple of those games last year the other teams didn't take the Caps too seriously. This year they are.
I doubt Uncle Ted will be making any drastic changes soon. But I have been wrong before.
The likeliest outcome would be the dismissal of Hanlon. GM George McPhee most likely will stay. General managers normally are not replaced mid season. Mostly because the GM would cut the coach before his hot seat gets too hot. If McPhee stays with Hanlon, they both go. So it's likely that McPhee would rather find a new coach rather than a new job. Much like the situation in Atlanta, Don Waddell had to cut Bob Hartley or lose his job as well.
So if Hanlon is out, who do you want in? Bob Hartley? Pat Quinn? Another?
Bob Hartley would be a bad choice. He is a harsh coach more apt to push veterans rather than a young squad that is short of confidence right now. Pat Quinn would be a better choice. His knowledge of international hockey would be helpful with both Russian and Swedish stars on this team. Those are the two I know of that I could talk about, but I am sure there is more.
But again, I think a lot more bad has to happen before we go down this road. There is still time to turn this around. The Capitals are playing with more urgency, which is good, but the results are less than spectacular. And when this offense gets hot, talk of coach replacement will be the last thing on Caps fans' minds.
I think part of the reason for the recent decline is that teams are more prepared for the Capitals. The Caps aren't the rebuilding youth of years past. They are getting NHL's best full attention. Maybe a couple of those games last year the other teams didn't take the Caps too seriously. This year they are.
I doubt Uncle Ted will be making any drastic changes soon. But I have been wrong before.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
They're Special
The biggest improvement that will come from off season signings of some playmakers will be on special teams, where the Caps struggled last season. Tarik talked about it in the Wash Post this morning.
For the Caps to have any hope of making the playoffs, their special teams had to be significantly better. Both the power play and the penalty kill have to hold their own if this team is to make it past 70 points. It was frustrating to watch this team not capitalize on 5 on 3's for a minute or more, then watch the opposing team build off of those kills.
The Caps also have to refine their killer instinct. It's promising to see this team jump to early leads, but it's so important for the Caps to keep that foot on the throat of the opposition. This new system of puck possession that Glen Hanlon is preaching in this year's camp should help with that too. Look for the Caps to utilize the defense a little more and more passes back to the blue line with a breaking defenseman.
The Caps do have an opportunity to exact revenge on the Carolina Hurricanes today in their second preseason match up here at the Phone Booth. In the first game the Hurricanes were able to come back from a 3-1 deficit. The Capitals must look to keep that foot on throat thing when leading by a goal or more or the cardiac Caps are golfing early again this season.
For the Caps to have any hope of making the playoffs, their special teams had to be significantly better. Both the power play and the penalty kill have to hold their own if this team is to make it past 70 points. It was frustrating to watch this team not capitalize on 5 on 3's for a minute or more, then watch the opposing team build off of those kills.
The Caps also have to refine their killer instinct. It's promising to see this team jump to early leads, but it's so important for the Caps to keep that foot on the throat of the opposition. This new system of puck possession that Glen Hanlon is preaching in this year's camp should help with that too. Look for the Caps to utilize the defense a little more and more passes back to the blue line with a breaking defenseman.
The Caps do have an opportunity to exact revenge on the Carolina Hurricanes today in their second preseason match up here at the Phone Booth. In the first game the Hurricanes were able to come back from a 3-1 deficit. The Capitals must look to keep that foot on throat thing when leading by a goal or more or the cardiac Caps are golfing early again this season.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Can't Catch A Break
Capitals 2, Lightning 5
Scoresheet - Wash Post
It is difficult for a team to play on back to back nights in the NHL. To play two teams that have been hot of late like the Panthers and the Lightning takes a toll on a team both physically and mentally. The Capitals sure didn't look heavy of foot against the Lightning, but couldn't cough up a win in Tampa Bay. Honestly, I expected Lightning to blow out the Caps at the St. Pete Times Forum.
The Caps had more chances to not only tie the score up, but come back and win. But it's the same old story for the Washington squad, they failed to capitalize on their opportunities. Of course the Caps are a miserable 6-31-6 when their opponent scores first. Come backs are not in the Capitals' vocabulary. Special teams again fail the Capitals as the last two goals the Lightning scored were a power play tally (on a strange penalty call on Alex Semin who threw the puck out of the zone and called for closing his hand over the puck) and a shorthanded goal.
When the Caps pulled within 2 after a rare Matt Bradley goal, head coach Glen Hanlon pulled Olie Kolzig. Instead of the Caps getting the two goals they needed to tie the game, the Caps again found themselves down 3 goals after an empty netter from Jason Ward.
There was no need to pull the goaltender, the Caps were still down two goals with only :54 seconds left after Bradley's tally. It wasn't a chance to tie the game. It was an embarrassing exclamation point the Lightning put on this win. Players remember those kinds of goals and they are moral busters.
You can make it 4 games in a row the Capitals couldn't crack in to the three stars of the game.
Scoresheet - Wash Post
It is difficult for a team to play on back to back nights in the NHL. To play two teams that have been hot of late like the Panthers and the Lightning takes a toll on a team both physically and mentally. The Capitals sure didn't look heavy of foot against the Lightning, but couldn't cough up a win in Tampa Bay. Honestly, I expected Lightning to blow out the Caps at the St. Pete Times Forum.
The Caps had more chances to not only tie the score up, but come back and win. But it's the same old story for the Washington squad, they failed to capitalize on their opportunities. Of course the Caps are a miserable 6-31-6 when their opponent scores first. Come backs are not in the Capitals' vocabulary. Special teams again fail the Capitals as the last two goals the Lightning scored were a power play tally (on a strange penalty call on Alex Semin who threw the puck out of the zone and called for closing his hand over the puck) and a shorthanded goal.
When the Caps pulled within 2 after a rare Matt Bradley goal, head coach Glen Hanlon pulled Olie Kolzig. Instead of the Caps getting the two goals they needed to tie the game, the Caps again found themselves down 3 goals after an empty netter from Jason Ward.
There was no need to pull the goaltender, the Caps were still down two goals with only :54 seconds left after Bradley's tally. It wasn't a chance to tie the game. It was an embarrassing exclamation point the Lightning put on this win. Players remember those kinds of goals and they are moral busters.
You can make it 4 games in a row the Capitals couldn't crack in to the three stars of the game.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Nothing Special About The Caps
I missed a few games and had the chance to watch the tapes. I tried to come up with some explanation for the lack of punch in the Capitals game. One thing just keeps running in my mind about the Capitals' woes. There is nothing special about them.
In the Leafs game, the Caps played pretty solid 5 on 5, but that just seemed good enough for the Washington squad. For all that talent, the Capitals have suddenly had an offensive cramp that it can't seem to shake. There is no catalyst for the Caps' offense, no spark, no life.
It looks as if everyone is just waiting for someone else to take the lead. Alex Ovechkin can't do it alone, and teams have learned to shut him down. Glen Hanlon and the coaches don't seemed bother by it, or make an issue of getting the Caps phenom more open ice. They seem content on letting Ovie skate into a stacked defense with little or no help.
For the entire season I have watched teams stack their defenses against Ovie, isolating him to the left side of the rink. It plays over and over every game. Ovechkin can't seem to break out of that play, and the coaching staff seems to ignore it. I know they are ignoring it because I see it every game. Every game.
But what else really stuns me about this recent game, everyone on the Capitals squad seemed invisible. In contrast, the Maple Leafs' Darcy Tucker, who is not the most talented player in blue and white, generated chances and became a catalyst for the Leafs' offense. There is no player like that for the Washington Capitals. Everyone looks as if they are going through the motions.
No player is making that extra effort to get the good players open, or spark play, or make the Capitals look like they could be an entertaining team. Two quotes from the last couple of games really bother me:
"We're playing some young kids, and we've improved defensively but, as you could see, we're challenged offensively. We've got to at least generate something on the power play, and that didn't happen either. Give (the Leafs) credit. They did well on the penalty kill, and scored some goals when they needed to. They were patient." --Glen Hanlon after the Leafs game.
"Five-on-five, we played pretty well. We took some penalties and got behind the eight-ball. We're missing some key penalty kill guys and when you lose those guys out of your lineup, it obviously hurts." --Brian Sutherby after the Isles game.
Both quotes are steeped with excuses, but no answers. That is what bothers me. Players get hurt in the NHL, it's a fact that this game taxes the bodies of players. The attitude of this team is sinking lower and lower. Soon this team will be a bunch of individuals trying to play a team sport. For the first time, I am starting to doubt the coaching of this team.
It's that lack of something special to break this monotony of drab play the Caps seem accustomed to playing this season that plague them. Even with good 5 on 5 play, the Caps are just not getting it done. In a part of the season where a team should be playing its best, the Caps are playing their worst.
In the Leafs game, the Caps played pretty solid 5 on 5, but that just seemed good enough for the Washington squad. For all that talent, the Capitals have suddenly had an offensive cramp that it can't seem to shake. There is no catalyst for the Caps' offense, no spark, no life.
It looks as if everyone is just waiting for someone else to take the lead. Alex Ovechkin can't do it alone, and teams have learned to shut him down. Glen Hanlon and the coaches don't seemed bother by it, or make an issue of getting the Caps phenom more open ice. They seem content on letting Ovie skate into a stacked defense with little or no help.
For the entire season I have watched teams stack their defenses against Ovie, isolating him to the left side of the rink. It plays over and over every game. Ovechkin can't seem to break out of that play, and the coaching staff seems to ignore it. I know they are ignoring it because I see it every game. Every game.
But what else really stuns me about this recent game, everyone on the Capitals squad seemed invisible. In contrast, the Maple Leafs' Darcy Tucker, who is not the most talented player in blue and white, generated chances and became a catalyst for the Leafs' offense. There is no player like that for the Washington Capitals. Everyone looks as if they are going through the motions.
No player is making that extra effort to get the good players open, or spark play, or make the Capitals look like they could be an entertaining team. Two quotes from the last couple of games really bother me:
"We're playing some young kids, and we've improved defensively but, as you could see, we're challenged offensively. We've got to at least generate something on the power play, and that didn't happen either. Give (the Leafs) credit. They did well on the penalty kill, and scored some goals when they needed to. They were patient." --Glen Hanlon after the Leafs game.
"Five-on-five, we played pretty well. We took some penalties and got behind the eight-ball. We're missing some key penalty kill guys and when you lose those guys out of your lineup, it obviously hurts." --Brian Sutherby after the Isles game.
Both quotes are steeped with excuses, but no answers. That is what bothers me. Players get hurt in the NHL, it's a fact that this game taxes the bodies of players. The attitude of this team is sinking lower and lower. Soon this team will be a bunch of individuals trying to play a team sport. For the first time, I am starting to doubt the coaching of this team.
It's that lack of something special to break this monotony of drab play the Caps seem accustomed to playing this season that plague them. Even with good 5 on 5 play, the Caps are just not getting it done. In a part of the season where a team should be playing its best, the Caps are playing their worst.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Capitals Win First Period
Capitals 2, Sharks 3 OT/SO(1-2)
Scoresheet – Wash Post – Mercury
Too bad they thought that one period was enough. I am speechless. One of the best starts of the year, the Caps jump out to a two goal lead, and just stopped playing. Quotes:
The Capitals are not the New Jersey Devils, you can’t expect them to get an early lead and play defense for the rest of the game. I have a feeling that the “trap” defense is going to be a killer for the Capitals.
When you play the trap, it does not allow your offensive players to do what they do, because they cannot be out of position, ever. Ovechkin’s best goals came from when he wasn’t necessarily playing the trap. Ovie needs to be Ovie, not a defender.
Olaf Kolzig may be out for the season. In an interview with Comcast Sportsnet, the Caps’ net minder mentioned that if the Caps were in the hunt for the playoffs, he would be there in net 100%. But it wasn’t worth re-injuring his knee in the last two weeks of the season for games that don’t mean anything. Uh-oh.
Speaking of the Devils, Caps play the trap-masters themselves in a home and home stretch this weekend.
Scoresheet – Wash Post – Mercury
Too bad they thought that one period was enough. I am speechless. One of the best starts of the year, the Caps jump out to a two goal lead, and just stopped playing. Quotes:
“Long term I think it makes you stronger, I think it makes you delve into what makes you play well. There are very few players in the NHL that go from start to finish in their careers without a little bit of a stall, especially offensive guys.” – Glen Hanlon on Alex Ovechkin’s slump.
“We've been struggling of late, so it was nice to see that when we got behind the eight ball there, we showed a lot of guts coming back. We stuck with
it and got two points, and that's huge for us right now” – Sharks’ Scott Hannan.
“I want to score goals. We're disappointed. We play against a great team, and we can't win. The second penalty in the third period was a killer for us.” – Ovechkin.
“All he needed was to stop one and feel good about himself.” – Sharks’ head coach Ron Wilson speaking about his goaltender Evgeni Nabokov.
“We're playing better. But we're not getting the wins. We're just falling
a goal short.” – Brent Johnson.
“Shootouts are always a roll of the dice.” – Nabokov (not against the Capitals this season, it’s pretty much a foregone conclusion).
“We're a pretty positive group. Focus on the positives. We keep on trying to emphasize the things that we do well. We keep on correcting mistakes. It's a group that works hard. They've got great leadership in there.” – Glen Hanlon.
The Capitals are not the New Jersey Devils, you can’t expect them to get an early lead and play defense for the rest of the game. I have a feeling that the “trap” defense is going to be a killer for the Capitals.
When you play the trap, it does not allow your offensive players to do what they do, because they cannot be out of position, ever. Ovechkin’s best goals came from when he wasn’t necessarily playing the trap. Ovie needs to be Ovie, not a defender.
Olaf Kolzig may be out for the season. In an interview with Comcast Sportsnet, the Caps’ net minder mentioned that if the Caps were in the hunt for the playoffs, he would be there in net 100%. But it wasn’t worth re-injuring his knee in the last two weeks of the season for games that don’t mean anything. Uh-oh.
Speaking of the Devils, Caps play the trap-masters themselves in a home and home stretch this weekend.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Caps Make It Interesting
Again, on holiday break and did not see the game. I did catch some of the highlights (which were very brief) and took a look at the official scoresheet. The Caps didn't do that badly, with what was basically the Hershey Bears.
A few mistakes here and there, but the game reminded me a lot of the growing pains we witness last season. We just have to grin and bear it through this stretch with injured personel. Timo Helbling, Lawerence Nycholat (scored his first NHL goal), Dave Steckel and, playing for the first time in the NHL, Jamie Hunt were all called up to face the Devils. Brian Pothier and Shaone Morrisonn both played but were sick (bad case of mono apparently is going around the locker room). Their times were severly cut.
Glen Hanlon likes to bring up the the kids against the Devils for some reason. When Olie was hurt last year, Hanlon brought up Fredric Cassivi. Cassivi could easily be a NHL goaltender, but lost that day to the Devils, 2-3.
Capitals have a short turn around facing the New York Rangers tonight, I hope that XM Radio has the game cause that is the only way I am going to hear it. Caps have to have a short memory and be ready to come out and hit the Rangers' star Jaromir "the Woman" Jagr.
A few mistakes here and there, but the game reminded me a lot of the growing pains we witness last season. We just have to grin and bear it through this stretch with injured personel. Timo Helbling, Lawerence Nycholat (scored his first NHL goal), Dave Steckel and, playing for the first time in the NHL, Jamie Hunt were all called up to face the Devils. Brian Pothier and Shaone Morrisonn both played but were sick (bad case of mono apparently is going around the locker room). Their times were severly cut.
Glen Hanlon likes to bring up the the kids against the Devils for some reason. When Olie was hurt last year, Hanlon brought up Fredric Cassivi. Cassivi could easily be a NHL goaltender, but lost that day to the Devils, 2-3.
Capitals have a short turn around facing the New York Rangers tonight, I hope that XM Radio has the game cause that is the only way I am going to hear it. Caps have to have a short memory and be ready to come out and hit the Rangers' star Jaromir "the Woman" Jagr.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Caps Loosen Up
The Capitals could have been facing one of the toughest practices after blowing a 4 goal lead to lose to a long time rival in a shoot out. They could be doing skating drills until the cows came home. But the practice was light and surprisingly loose. Tarik El-Bashir’s article in the Washington Post tells the tale, but I had gone to see it for myself.
Having some time on my hands I decided to see how the Caps would respond. They responded with smiles and solid practice. Glen Hanlon lightened the mood, and the Capitals actually looked like they were having fun.
Dainius Zubrus seemed to be challenging Olie Kolzig with extreme angle shots and a few shots outside of the drill. Both were smiling each time they one-upped the other. Brooks Laich was joking with Bryan Muir while Hanlon worked on defensive positioning. Alex Ovechkin and Alex Semin slid along the ice after a tough skating and shooting drill, each one joking in Russian. Kris Beech getting called out after shooting on net after being waved off, and having to skate the length of the rink as punishment as Brent Johnson smiled and Hanlon barked (Beech smiled the entire stretch).
It’s something the young players needed, to forget a bad game. The Caps aren’t perfect, no NHL player can be. But the embarrassment of losing that game was punishment enough for Hanlon. The Caps practice may get more serious today, as they prepare for a Southeast showdown with the Atlanta Thrashers on Friday. But for one practice, it was just fun being a hockey player. That even lightened my mood.
Having some time on my hands I decided to see how the Caps would respond. They responded with smiles and solid practice. Glen Hanlon lightened the mood, and the Capitals actually looked like they were having fun.
Dainius Zubrus seemed to be challenging Olie Kolzig with extreme angle shots and a few shots outside of the drill. Both were smiling each time they one-upped the other. Brooks Laich was joking with Bryan Muir while Hanlon worked on defensive positioning. Alex Ovechkin and Alex Semin slid along the ice after a tough skating and shooting drill, each one joking in Russian. Kris Beech getting called out after shooting on net after being waved off, and having to skate the length of the rink as punishment as Brent Johnson smiled and Hanlon barked (Beech smiled the entire stretch).
It’s something the young players needed, to forget a bad game. The Caps aren’t perfect, no NHL player can be. But the embarrassment of losing that game was punishment enough for Hanlon. The Caps practice may get more serious today, as they prepare for a Southeast showdown with the Atlanta Thrashers on Friday. But for one practice, it was just fun being a hockey player. That even lightened my mood.
Friday, October 13, 2006
New NHL Brings New Strategy
In the new NHL speed is the key. Speed in hockey, however, means using a lot of energy. Previously, defensemen in the NHL were more about size than speed, but that logic is now obsolete now that those big slow defensemen can’t hook or hold those quick and agile forwards. Defensemen have to be as agile and fast as their forward foes. That means the line-ups may go through some changes in the NHL.
Normally, there are 4 forward lines and 6 defensemen. Coaches like Glen Hanlon are starting to experiment with 7 defensemen. That would allow faster changes for the defensemen, fresher legs and more ice time for talented forwards.
This gives coaches more options on defense and could make little changes on the blue line that could allow teams to better match their defensive talent versus the opposition’s offensive talent. Many teams stick with the same pairings and very rarely do those pairings change through out the game. Coaches could now sort of mix and match defensemen and as the other team makes changes on their forward lines, they could match that on their defense.
Ice time of the blue liners will be cut short since there are more of them cramped on the end of the bench. But the up-side is fresh legs on changes. Defensemen would be fresher too towards the end of the game where in close games, their legs will need to be dependable.
That leaves two extra forwards in a sort of half line which could create problems to this theory. Instead of a Line 1 through 4, there will be mixing and matching forwards through the lines. That could be confusing for players and coaches to keep lines straight and who is going when. If the coaches don’t keep a close eye on getting the right players out with the right match-ups, it can quickly get confusing and could lead to a too many men penalty.
If the players and coaches can keep their lines straight, this could prove a successful strategy. And if that theory becomes successful, then it might prove to be popular. It would put 11 forwards and 7 defensemen on the roster. Three full lines with two forwards and one defenseman to move around. Who said strategy in hockey is dead?
Normally, there are 4 forward lines and 6 defensemen. Coaches like Glen Hanlon are starting to experiment with 7 defensemen. That would allow faster changes for the defensemen, fresher legs and more ice time for talented forwards.
This gives coaches more options on defense and could make little changes on the blue line that could allow teams to better match their defensive talent versus the opposition’s offensive talent. Many teams stick with the same pairings and very rarely do those pairings change through out the game. Coaches could now sort of mix and match defensemen and as the other team makes changes on their forward lines, they could match that on their defense.
Ice time of the blue liners will be cut short since there are more of them cramped on the end of the bench. But the up-side is fresh legs on changes. Defensemen would be fresher too towards the end of the game where in close games, their legs will need to be dependable.
That leaves two extra forwards in a sort of half line which could create problems to this theory. Instead of a Line 1 through 4, there will be mixing and matching forwards through the lines. That could be confusing for players and coaches to keep lines straight and who is going when. If the coaches don’t keep a close eye on getting the right players out with the right match-ups, it can quickly get confusing and could lead to a too many men penalty.
If the players and coaches can keep their lines straight, this could prove a successful strategy. And if that theory becomes successful, then it might prove to be popular. It would put 11 forwards and 7 defensemen on the roster. Three full lines with two forwards and one defenseman to move around. Who said strategy in hockey is dead?
Thursday, August 03, 2006
A New Look!
A new season also means a new look. I hope you like it. A little more refined I think. I was planning to do a whole overhaul on the site, but then thought better of it. Anyway, I hope it's easier on the eyes, and looks a little less like a 15 year old did the graphics. Plus one of those guys up there is me. Cool.
Washington Capitals are busy sprucing up their look too, signing Matt Pettinger to a 3 year contract. Which has many fans, myself included, giving a sigh of relief. Pettinger had a career season last year with 20 goals and 18 assists. I hope that he continues to improve.
Also, on the Caps website, they have a short video of Coach Glen Hanlon's description of Alex Ovechkin done for EA Sports where the winger is the new poster child for the NHL 2006 video game. It's pretty cool to see Ovechkin as a computerized hockey player, and he may have a 99 or 98 overall rating in the game. I also heard a rumor that there will be a special Ovechkin move on this game that no other players can do. Remains to be seen I guess.
Hope you like the new look to Puckhead's Thoughts.
Washington Capitals are busy sprucing up their look too, signing Matt Pettinger to a 3 year contract. Which has many fans, myself included, giving a sigh of relief. Pettinger had a career season last year with 20 goals and 18 assists. I hope that he continues to improve.
Also, on the Caps website, they have a short video of Coach Glen Hanlon's description of Alex Ovechkin done for EA Sports where the winger is the new poster child for the NHL 2006 video game. It's pretty cool to see Ovechkin as a computerized hockey player, and he may have a 99 or 98 overall rating in the game. I also heard a rumor that there will be a special Ovechkin move on this game that no other players can do. Remains to be seen I guess.
Hope you like the new look to Puckhead's Thoughts.
Monday, January 09, 2006
Stuck In First Gear
The Capitals are stuck in a rut, and they are not sure how to get out of it. The Caps have been in 22 one goal games this year. They have won 10 of those games, 5 of those wins in the shoot out.
The team has the worst penalty killing percentage in the league, and even though they have tightened their special teams up, it’s no where near perfect. The Caps can make the game close, but getting over that hump to win those games is proving to be the challenging part of this season.
“We need to get better at things and guys hate losing. Good efforts aren't good enough anymore,” goaltender Olaf Kolzig said. “We've got to start finding a way to win these games.”
"We expect in due time to win these [close] hockey games," Head Coach Glen Hanlon said.
While some keep a positive attitude, many fans just look at the overall record. 13-23-4 has kept the fans at bay, and the Caps continue to play in a building with plenty of empty seats. Even with the exciting play of Alex Ovechkin.
The list of young hopefuls in the Capitals system may be impressive, but it lacks consistency. It seems that every Hershey Bear has had a chance at the big top only to be sent down as fast.
As much as they don’t want to admit it, the Capitals are defiantly in a rut. The Caps look competitive, but fail to show it when it counts. Out of 40 games played, 22 of them were one-goal decisions. The Capitals must find a way to win.
The team has the worst penalty killing percentage in the league, and even though they have tightened their special teams up, it’s no where near perfect. The Caps can make the game close, but getting over that hump to win those games is proving to be the challenging part of this season.
“We need to get better at things and guys hate losing. Good efforts aren't good enough anymore,” goaltender Olaf Kolzig said. “We've got to start finding a way to win these games.”
"We expect in due time to win these [close] hockey games," Head Coach Glen Hanlon said.
While some keep a positive attitude, many fans just look at the overall record. 13-23-4 has kept the fans at bay, and the Caps continue to play in a building with plenty of empty seats. Even with the exciting play of Alex Ovechkin.
The list of young hopefuls in the Capitals system may be impressive, but it lacks consistency. It seems that every Hershey Bear has had a chance at the big top only to be sent down as fast.
As much as they don’t want to admit it, the Capitals are defiantly in a rut. The Caps look competitive, but fail to show it when it counts. Out of 40 games played, 22 of them were one-goal decisions. The Capitals must find a way to win.
Saturday, December 10, 2005
Red Wings Home Win?
Capitals 3, Red Wings 4
It could almost be counted as a home win for the visiting Red Wings. With as many Capitals jerseys in the crowd you could see even more red and white of the Detroit faithful. And the Mo Town boys didn’t disappoint.
Once again a premiere team has to resort to its special teams to beat the hard working Caps. The Red Wings scored 3 power play goals, with a goal just seconds after a power play ended.
The Capitals played their best game to date. Going against the power house of the west Glen Hanlon pretty much summed up the reality of the Caps playing the number 2 team in the league:
“I don't think you come in and expect to dominate the Red Wings. ... These guys are great. The make me smile, even in defeat. I can hardly wait until we start winning these games.”
Alex Ovechkin had a goal and an assist and Jamie Heward is back on the scoring side with a buzzer beater goal at the end of the game. Four tenths of a second too late and the Caps lose by two.
Overall Grade: A
If the Caps can play as well as they did against the Red Wings, that can only mean good things for the Caps. The Caps were moving, aggressive on the boards, and were able to move the puck much better than they could against the Predators.
Wash Post covers the close game, closer than would be expected. The last two games for the Capitals were against top 5 teams in the NHL. They were able to hold their own. The ability for this young team to play well against two winning records bodes well for the future of the club.
The Capitals head west to face two good teams on the west coast. The Caps play the L.A. Kings on Wednesday for a late game on the east coast. The game is at 10:30 pm eastern time, which means pajama party at Puckhead’s Palace.
It could almost be counted as a home win for the visiting Red Wings. With as many Capitals jerseys in the crowd you could see even more red and white of the Detroit faithful. And the Mo Town boys didn’t disappoint.
Once again a premiere team has to resort to its special teams to beat the hard working Caps. The Red Wings scored 3 power play goals, with a goal just seconds after a power play ended.
The Capitals played their best game to date. Going against the power house of the west Glen Hanlon pretty much summed up the reality of the Caps playing the number 2 team in the league:
“I don't think you come in and expect to dominate the Red Wings. ... These guys are great. The make me smile, even in defeat. I can hardly wait until we start winning these games.”
Alex Ovechkin had a goal and an assist and Jamie Heward is back on the scoring side with a buzzer beater goal at the end of the game. Four tenths of a second too late and the Caps lose by two.
Overall Grade: A
If the Caps can play as well as they did against the Red Wings, that can only mean good things for the Caps. The Caps were moving, aggressive on the boards, and were able to move the puck much better than they could against the Predators.
Wash Post covers the close game, closer than would be expected. The last two games for the Capitals were against top 5 teams in the NHL. They were able to hold their own. The ability for this young team to play well against two winning records bodes well for the future of the club.
The Capitals head west to face two good teams on the west coast. The Caps play the L.A. Kings on Wednesday for a late game on the east coast. The game is at 10:30 pm eastern time, which means pajama party at Puckhead’s Palace.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year!
The one thing I hate/love about the Christmas season is the parties. I have been partying for the last two nights, hence no post yesterday and I apologize. Normally I like to keep the conversation on the Capitals in my blog, but I had the opportunity to go to the White House for their Holiday Party.
There are two great things about living in Washington D.C.; the Pro Sports and the parties. Every other time I have gone to the White House it has been behind big ropes and a sort of walk through museum type of visit. To actually go, get close to the paintings and sit in the furniture, it blew my mind.
They served the best soup in espresso cups. They had ham, and lamb chops. And no party would be complete without eggnog. I am an aficionado of eggnog! It was okay.
There are few things I take advantage of here when it has to do with politics, I tend to just stay out of it. But when an opportunity like this comes along, it’s once in a lifetime. I got to rub elbows with the powerful and the influential. And the eggnog was okay.
Ok, sorry. I had to brag. Back to hockey.
The Capitals have been busy making moves. The Caps have brought up Graham Mink from Hershey for the game against the Rangers, just to be sent back down, and then recalled again. Jakub Klepis, Tomas Flieschmann have both had ten games or more in the big leagues, but were not able to make much of a dent. Both were sent back to Hershey. After Brooks Laich was sent back to Hershey, he is now back in a Capitals sweater.
Maxime Ouellet has been a disappointment for George McPhee since he was drafted. He was to take Olaf Kolzig’s job, but has been developing slowly and now the caps find that they no longer have much youth in the goaltender department.
The Capitals also have key players still nursing injuries, Jeff Friesen and Stephen Peat.
It is quite clear that Glen Hanlon is looking for players that can make a difference immediately. Although he has allowed players to settle in, mostly for experience, and mostly due to injuries, Hanlon is trying to produce young players faster than normal.
It’s no secret that Hanlon wants the same system in Hershey as they are playing at the phone booth. The payoff is beginning to show. Mink was able to quickly adapt and played well against the Rangers. The system is working, and it will be the machine that will help the Caps withstand slumps, and injuries. It will help when the Caps decide to make their Cup run in a few years time.
The Caps are making the transactions and it proves that this organization is healthy and getting better. With the ability to go to the farm system for help, and getting that help will benefit the Capitals greatly.
There are two great things about living in Washington D.C.; the Pro Sports and the parties. Every other time I have gone to the White House it has been behind big ropes and a sort of walk through museum type of visit. To actually go, get close to the paintings and sit in the furniture, it blew my mind.
They served the best soup in espresso cups. They had ham, and lamb chops. And no party would be complete without eggnog. I am an aficionado of eggnog! It was okay.
There are few things I take advantage of here when it has to do with politics, I tend to just stay out of it. But when an opportunity like this comes along, it’s once in a lifetime. I got to rub elbows with the powerful and the influential. And the eggnog was okay.
Ok, sorry. I had to brag. Back to hockey.
The Capitals have been busy making moves. The Caps have brought up Graham Mink from Hershey for the game against the Rangers, just to be sent back down, and then recalled again. Jakub Klepis, Tomas Flieschmann have both had ten games or more in the big leagues, but were not able to make much of a dent. Both were sent back to Hershey. After Brooks Laich was sent back to Hershey, he is now back in a Capitals sweater.
Maxime Ouellet has been a disappointment for George McPhee since he was drafted. He was to take Olaf Kolzig’s job, but has been developing slowly and now the caps find that they no longer have much youth in the goaltender department.
The Capitals also have key players still nursing injuries, Jeff Friesen and Stephen Peat.
It is quite clear that Glen Hanlon is looking for players that can make a difference immediately. Although he has allowed players to settle in, mostly for experience, and mostly due to injuries, Hanlon is trying to produce young players faster than normal.
It’s no secret that Hanlon wants the same system in Hershey as they are playing at the phone booth. The payoff is beginning to show. Mink was able to quickly adapt and played well against the Rangers. The system is working, and it will be the machine that will help the Caps withstand slumps, and injuries. It will help when the Caps decide to make their Cup run in a few years time.
The Caps are making the transactions and it proves that this organization is healthy and getting better. With the ability to go to the farm system for help, and getting that help will benefit the Capitals greatly.
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