We have made it a full week through the start of the '09 - '10 season and there have been a few surprises. It's still too early in the season for these to be permanent trends, but the good and bad starts have certainly raised eyebrows.
Phoenix Coyotes' quick start. The Coyotes weren't expected to do much this year, with their coach pushed out and the franchise in danger of moving to southern Ontario. But Dave Tippett may have got this team concentrating on playing more than worrying. They started with two big wins over division rival Kings and shut out the Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins. They have cooled a bit losing their last two games.
Vancouver's slow start. Roberto Luongo did start the season on a good foot, allowing 13 goals through his first 3 games. The Canucks have since turned it around, but he has a mortal .865 save percentage and a dismal 3.52 goals against. Not good for a team that believes they are Cup bound.
Ray Emery's return to the NHL. It started off pretty good, but in the last 3 games Emery has let in 13 goals. The Flyers see something in Emery that the rest of us can't see. But team mate Mike Richards is off to a great start, scoring a hat trick against the Capitals.
Montreal's slow start. I really thought the Habs got it right in the off season, re-vamping the team, making the right moves and getting a new coach. But that hasn't translated to wins. They lost an ugly one to Vancouver 7-1. With all that talent, they still don't have a consistent goaltender.
In a month we will see how this all shakes out, but there are some interesting storylines developing in the NHL. There are a few more interesting starts to the season for some teams, the Capitals' slow start and the Blues' big wins in Europe.
It is always nice to talk about what is happening on the ice, rather than the stuff that happens off of it. So far, the season is off to a great start.
Showing posts with label Luongo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Luongo. Show all posts
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Caps Barely Get Out Alive
Capitals 2, Canucks 3 OT/SO (0-2)
I’m ba’ack. I know you all missed me, but it is I that has been missing a lot. Bobby Clarke quit and Ken Hitchcock gets the axe. When did that happen? And the Caps win in the Pepsi Center. Maybe I should have been gone for longer, because good things seem to be happening while I am away from civilization.
Okay, okay, back to the game.
It was a horrible start for the Capitals where they only managed one shot in the first period. Lucky for them they came out of Vancouver with one point. A point they didn’t earn. Caps take it to shoot out only to get blanked by Roberto Luongo (again).
The Caps just couldn’t get anything going against the Canucks. It was Vancouver that overall dominated in just about every category and left the Caps to play defense; something they are not equipped to do this season.
The Caps are fine when they play a back and forth game where their offense can keep the opposition’s defense busy. But without a stay-at-home, punishing blue liner, the Caps are vulnerable to high powered offenses and puck-controlling teams like the Canucks.
Olie Kolzig’s play in the last two games has been spectacular. Every time I think that Olie is slipping a little, he comes back with two impressive performances. Brian Sutherby is another Capital that has his stock rising.
There are two ways to beat Luongo, deke him into his butterfly and shoot high or look for the trailing open man. Sutherby found the trailing Alex Ovechkin and that sweet pass tied the game late in the second period.
Overall Grade: F
Even with 2 great goals late in the second the Caps played the whole game on their heels. Vancouver out-played them keeping the puck in the Caps zone for so long that those who had seats in General Motors Place behind Luongo needed binoculars to watch any of the game.
Granted, the Caps could have just taken their sticks home and given up after the first period debacle. They worked hard to get back in the game, but it was Vancouver who was the better team tonight. If they would have shot the puck a little bit more it could have been easily a double digit lead.
Ovechkin and Alex Semin need to watch the diving. Both were given penalties for embellishing a little too much. We don’t want to look like the Penguins. And there is little need for it, no matter the score.
Caps need to pull it together a little better since Colorado’s game. Facing Edmonton tonight will be no picnic. The Western Conference Champions should be a handful for the Capitals and if they play like they did against Vancouver, I doubt they could pull a point out of their hats this time around.
Philadelphia got to see the Caps/Canuck game in their market, but we don’t get to see the Flyers’ games in ours. What’s up with that?
In a side note: Congrats to the St. Louis Cardinals who won the World Series. I owe my dad a pretty penny for taking the Detroit Tigers. Can’t win them all.
I’m ba’ack. I know you all missed me, but it is I that has been missing a lot. Bobby Clarke quit and Ken Hitchcock gets the axe. When did that happen? And the Caps win in the Pepsi Center. Maybe I should have been gone for longer, because good things seem to be happening while I am away from civilization.
Okay, okay, back to the game.
It was a horrible start for the Capitals where they only managed one shot in the first period. Lucky for them they came out of Vancouver with one point. A point they didn’t earn. Caps take it to shoot out only to get blanked by Roberto Luongo (again).
The Caps just couldn’t get anything going against the Canucks. It was Vancouver that overall dominated in just about every category and left the Caps to play defense; something they are not equipped to do this season.
The Caps are fine when they play a back and forth game where their offense can keep the opposition’s defense busy. But without a stay-at-home, punishing blue liner, the Caps are vulnerable to high powered offenses and puck-controlling teams like the Canucks.
Olie Kolzig’s play in the last two games has been spectacular. Every time I think that Olie is slipping a little, he comes back with two impressive performances. Brian Sutherby is another Capital that has his stock rising.
There are two ways to beat Luongo, deke him into his butterfly and shoot high or look for the trailing open man. Sutherby found the trailing Alex Ovechkin and that sweet pass tied the game late in the second period.
Overall Grade: F
Even with 2 great goals late in the second the Caps played the whole game on their heels. Vancouver out-played them keeping the puck in the Caps zone for so long that those who had seats in General Motors Place behind Luongo needed binoculars to watch any of the game.
Granted, the Caps could have just taken their sticks home and given up after the first period debacle. They worked hard to get back in the game, but it was Vancouver who was the better team tonight. If they would have shot the puck a little bit more it could have been easily a double digit lead.
Ovechkin and Alex Semin need to watch the diving. Both were given penalties for embellishing a little too much. We don’t want to look like the Penguins. And there is little need for it, no matter the score.
Caps need to pull it together a little better since Colorado’s game. Facing Edmonton tonight will be no picnic. The Western Conference Champions should be a handful for the Capitals and if they play like they did against Vancouver, I doubt they could pull a point out of their hats this time around.
Philadelphia got to see the Caps/Canuck game in their market, but we don’t get to see the Flyers’ games in ours. What’s up with that?
In a side note: Congrats to the St. Louis Cardinals who won the World Series. I owe my dad a pretty penny for taking the Detroit Tigers. Can’t win them all.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Slept On It
Capitals 0, Panthers 5
It is easy for me to get upset over the last two games. It’s easy to criticize the players and their work ethic. But it’s really not fair to them. This is a team that needs to find itself. Apparently it will take longer than just a few good performances to find it.
Last night I chose not to write the blog after the game. It might have been a good thing because I was really frustrated over the games outcome. Instead I made my wife crazy stewing about the loss and waited to write this morning. I came to the realization that this is not a whole team.
The speed is there, the skill is apparent, but the structure and the experience are missing. It’s not a good sign either when the opponent scores 3 unanswered goals in the second period and the announcers are already throwing in the towel for the Caps.
It made me think that I had put the Capitals at a standard that was too lofty for them to reach. Instead of believing that this team could turn spectacular efforts into consistent wins, I was watching a team go through its growing pains in an effort to put together some sort of a good competitive likeness on the ice.
Sure the Caps were with out some key players, Chris Clark, Matt Bradley, Jeff Halpern, and Steve Eminger. But, that just proves that the Caps have no depth. So I find myself hurrying up to wait for this team to be champions.
Overall Grade: D
As much as I wanted to give the Caps an “F” I felt that their first period play didn’t warrant any kind of failing grade. And of course we have to give credit to the Florida Panthers defense and Roberto Loungo for a well executed game, shutting down the Capitals high octane and streaky offense.
Jon Sim got a hat trick on the night, with one goal that was a wrap around slapper that went off Olie Kolzig and into the net. It was quite the highlight goal for a transient player that has played for 6 different teams in his career.
Wash Post will dazzle you with defining details of the match up. Caps must now throw whatever game plan that was out the window and work on making a consistent effort (even if it is a consistent loss) against the Flyers on Olympic Opening Night (otherwise known as Friday night).
It is easy for me to get upset over the last two games. It’s easy to criticize the players and their work ethic. But it’s really not fair to them. This is a team that needs to find itself. Apparently it will take longer than just a few good performances to find it.
Last night I chose not to write the blog after the game. It might have been a good thing because I was really frustrated over the games outcome. Instead I made my wife crazy stewing about the loss and waited to write this morning. I came to the realization that this is not a whole team.
The speed is there, the skill is apparent, but the structure and the experience are missing. It’s not a good sign either when the opponent scores 3 unanswered goals in the second period and the announcers are already throwing in the towel for the Caps.
It made me think that I had put the Capitals at a standard that was too lofty for them to reach. Instead of believing that this team could turn spectacular efforts into consistent wins, I was watching a team go through its growing pains in an effort to put together some sort of a good competitive likeness on the ice.
Sure the Caps were with out some key players, Chris Clark, Matt Bradley, Jeff Halpern, and Steve Eminger. But, that just proves that the Caps have no depth. So I find myself hurrying up to wait for this team to be champions.
Overall Grade: D
As much as I wanted to give the Caps an “F” I felt that their first period play didn’t warrant any kind of failing grade. And of course we have to give credit to the Florida Panthers defense and Roberto Loungo for a well executed game, shutting down the Capitals high octane and streaky offense.
Jon Sim got a hat trick on the night, with one goal that was a wrap around slapper that went off Olie Kolzig and into the net. It was quite the highlight goal for a transient player that has played for 6 different teams in his career.
Wash Post will dazzle you with defining details of the match up. Caps must now throw whatever game plan that was out the window and work on making a consistent effort (even if it is a consistent loss) against the Flyers on Olympic Opening Night (otherwise known as Friday night).
Monday, December 19, 2005
I'm On Vacation!
Caught the game last night and the Caps can’t figure out Roberto Luongo. The Caps once again fall to the Panthers even shooting a franchise record 55 shots against the Panthers’ goaltender.
Caps just couldn’t get anything in, and they had plenty of opportunities.
Overall Grade: B
Since I didn’t see the San Jose game I really can’t grade. Hanlon should have let Kolzig rest for that game, and I was surprised to see his name as the starting goalie. The Caps looked a little tired for the Panther game due to the cross continental trip from San Jose.
Wash Post will cover the details on both the Panthers and San Jose’s wins. Since I will not be able to post until after the holidays you’re on your own for the next couple of games. Just take deep breaths and remind yourself its ok.
Merry Christmas!
Caps just couldn’t get anything in, and they had plenty of opportunities.
Overall Grade: B
Since I didn’t see the San Jose game I really can’t grade. Hanlon should have let Kolzig rest for that game, and I was surprised to see his name as the starting goalie. The Caps looked a little tired for the Panther game due to the cross continental trip from San Jose.
Wash Post will cover the details on both the Panthers and San Jose’s wins. Since I will not be able to post until after the holidays you’re on your own for the next couple of games. Just take deep breaths and remind yourself its ok.
Merry Christmas!
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Struggle In Sunrise
Capitals vs. Panthers Preview
After a few days off, the Capitals are hoping to stop their losing skid at the Bankatlantic Center. This will be only the second time the Panthers and Capitals have faced their Southwestern foe. This is the make-up game for the postponed match-up on October 29 because of Hurricane Wilma.
The Panthers have only won once in the month of November and trade rumors are circling around their key star goaltender Roberto Luongo. The team is trying not to panic, but as much talent as the Panthers have, winning has been an up-hill battle for them.
The Caps will have their hands full. In their last meeting, the Panthers faced a much different Capitals team. The Caps were still working on finding each other roles and getting used to their new linemates.
Dainius Zubrus is back and will probably line up with Alex Ovechkin. Having Zubrus back may open some room for the slumping rookie who has failed to score a goal in the last 5 games. Ovechkin’s off ice trouble continues as a U.S. District Court Judge has schedule hearings on whether AO’s former team Moscow Dynamo has rights over the superstar rookie.
The Capitals look to improve their poor road record which is a dismal 2-9-1. The Panthers look to get back on the winning skate, their home record is nothing to be proud of either posting a 5-5-1 at the Bankatlantic Center.
Caps could take two big points away from their divisional rivals if they continue their hard work. It won’t be easy so I am looking at a low scoring affair. However, Panthers should win at home 2-1.
-- Other Notes --
After a few days off, the Capitals are hoping to stop their losing skid at the Bankatlantic Center. This will be only the second time the Panthers and Capitals have faced their Southwestern foe. This is the make-up game for the postponed match-up on October 29 because of Hurricane Wilma.
The Panthers have only won once in the month of November and trade rumors are circling around their key star goaltender Roberto Luongo. The team is trying not to panic, but as much talent as the Panthers have, winning has been an up-hill battle for them.
The Caps will have their hands full. In their last meeting, the Panthers faced a much different Capitals team. The Caps were still working on finding each other roles and getting used to their new linemates.
Dainius Zubrus is back and will probably line up with Alex Ovechkin. Having Zubrus back may open some room for the slumping rookie who has failed to score a goal in the last 5 games. Ovechkin’s off ice trouble continues as a U.S. District Court Judge has schedule hearings on whether AO’s former team Moscow Dynamo has rights over the superstar rookie.The Capitals look to improve their poor road record which is a dismal 2-9-1. The Panthers look to get back on the winning skate, their home record is nothing to be proud of either posting a 5-5-1 at the Bankatlantic Center.
Caps could take two big points away from their divisional rivals if they continue their hard work. It won’t be easy so I am looking at a low scoring affair. However, Panthers should win at home 2-1.
-- Other Notes --
- Bruins and Sharks do a blockbuster deal which brings Joe Thornton to San Jose for three players, Marco Sturm, Brad Stuart, and Wayne Primeau. Why can’t I ever trade 3 players for a superstar on EA NHL ’06?
- Ed Belfour has to wait before passing Terry Sawchuck for wins. The Maple Leafs couldn’t give the all-star goaltender a win against the Lightning. I still believe that Belfour is an underrated talent that many take for granted. Good luck on getting 448 Eddie!
- Jiri Fischer health problems continue after his scare on the bench in which he stopped breathing. The 25 year old was back in the hospital after another abnormal heartbeat this week. This could hurt the Czech’s chance to return with the Red Wings.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)