Capitals 1, Stars 2
Game Summary, Event Summary
It was a great start for the Washington Capitals, taking an early 1-0 lead on their power play only to see their woes at even strength continue as they lose in Dallas against the new look Stars.
Alex Ovechkin scored again on the power play, giving him a three game goal streak. Three of his four tallies have been with the extra man. Braden Holtby easily outplayed his counterpart Kari Lehtonen making some spectacular saves down the stretch to keep his team in it.
Nick Backstrom had a goal disallowed after incidental contact as he cross checked Lehtonen in the face as the puck dropped in behind the Dallas goal keeper. The no goal decision by the officials proved costly for the team in red, as a bad turn over led to a Alex Chiasson goal to give the Stars the lead and the eventual game winner.
The Caps had real trouble with the Stars forecheck. Their team speed was tough for the Caps to handle to even clear the puck from their own zone. The physical play of the Stars also kept the Caps off kilter.
Five on five play by the Capitals was dismal and it needs to take advantage of teams not wanting to face their power play. Instead of moving their feet and finding the open guy, the Caps seem dead set on making the same break out plays and allowing the other team to stand them up at the opposing blue line.
What is good about a game like tonight is that all the woes the Capitals faced are fixable. The decisions the defenders in their own end needed to be faster and more confident with moving the puck up. With as good as this team on the power play, it seems to wane at even strength.
Caps get a few days off to re-group and face their first divisional foe on Thursday in Carolina.
Showing posts with label Stars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stars. Show all posts
Saturday, October 05, 2013
Thursday, December 02, 2010
Caps Left Seeing Stars
Capitals 1, Stars 2
Game Summary
It would be a difficult ending for the Capitals to swallow. In a game where they dominated much of the play, outshot the Dallas Stars 38 to 21 and seemed to have every bad bounce go their way, the Capitals could not complete the rally and the Stars stop the Caps win streak at 4 games. Even an apparent late goal by John Carlson was waved off after what looked like Alex Ovechkin hitting a Star defender into the Andrew Raycroft and the Stars survive 2-1.
It looked as if the Caps had tied the game with 7.6 seconds left. John Carlson shot it from the top circle with a crowd in front of the net. The official waved it off immediately and called goaltender interference, after Alex Ovechkin crashed the net. On the replay though, Ovechkin did not push Karlis Skrastin, but instead the Star defender went to hit Ovechkin, missed and took out his own goaltender.
When asked about the waved goal call, Bruce Boudreau was visibly irked.
"What do you want me to say that I can't get fined for," Boudreau started. "If you look at the friggin' call and Ovi doesn't touch the guy. Their guy slides into the goalie and takes him out of the play and the one ref is telling me Ovi is in the paint. Well I want to know when that rule changed where you can't be in the paint."
Boudreau would continue, "Why the two refs [are not] consulting each other and you want to know why I voted for [a] coach's challenge, there it is."
"I just saw the replay, you know, no comment about it," Ovechkin said of the play after the game. "It's unbelievable."
"It was a good hockey game up to that point," Matt Hendricks said to reporters. After another strong game for Hendricks who helped his team get chances by moving his feet, drawing penalties and dropped the mitts too.
The Caps looked as if they dominated the first period, outshooting the Stars 14 to 7. But the second period gave them fits as the officiating missed a slashing call when a Dallas player two hand slashed and broke Jeff Schultz's stick then a phantom interference call on the Caps' defender when Schultz hit him after he had the puck. A quizzical call that baffled Boudreau and buzz killed the Caps good play.
"[Penalties like that] takes a team that is, I think, outplaying them fairly good at that point and takes them out of the game because [you] have to play defense for 6 to 8 minutes," Boudreau said. "It's going to switch momentum pretty quick."
The only Capitals' goal would be scored by Mike Knuble and it would tie up the game at one a piece. But Michal Neuvirth, who had played brilliantly all game, couldn't track a knuckle ball shot just :20 seconds later as the Stars retook the lead.
Hannan Premiere
Scott Hannan saw his first minutes as a Capital and those minutes mounted up after John Erskine took an awkward fall into the boards in the first period. He played just over nineteen minutes and registered 4 blocked shots. He did exactly what he was supposed to do, play a simple shut down game and block shots.
"I think he did his job," Boudreau said of the new acquisition. "He is a good shut-down, stay-at-home [defenseman]"
"It was good," Hannan said of his first start as a Cap. "It felt good out there. I tried to get into it as quickly as I could. But it is a good team here, I am glad to be out there."
Ovi Goal-less Streak
Ovechkin has now tied his career longest stretch with out a goal to now nine games. As the Caps four game win streak comes to an end so does Ovechkin's assist and point streak. While not scoring a goal in the past 4 games he has amassed seven assists.
Coach Boudreau's post game interview:
Alex Ovechkin, Scott Hannan and Matt Hendricks post game interviews:
Game Summary
It would be a difficult ending for the Capitals to swallow. In a game where they dominated much of the play, outshot the Dallas Stars 38 to 21 and seemed to have every bad bounce go their way, the Capitals could not complete the rally and the Stars stop the Caps win streak at 4 games. Even an apparent late goal by John Carlson was waved off after what looked like Alex Ovechkin hitting a Star defender into the Andrew Raycroft and the Stars survive 2-1.
It looked as if the Caps had tied the game with 7.6 seconds left. John Carlson shot it from the top circle with a crowd in front of the net. The official waved it off immediately and called goaltender interference, after Alex Ovechkin crashed the net. On the replay though, Ovechkin did not push Karlis Skrastin, but instead the Star defender went to hit Ovechkin, missed and took out his own goaltender.
When asked about the waved goal call, Bruce Boudreau was visibly irked.
"What do you want me to say that I can't get fined for," Boudreau started. "If you look at the friggin' call and Ovi doesn't touch the guy. Their guy slides into the goalie and takes him out of the play and the one ref is telling me Ovi is in the paint. Well I want to know when that rule changed where you can't be in the paint."
Boudreau would continue, "Why the two refs [are not] consulting each other and you want to know why I voted for [a] coach's challenge, there it is."
"I just saw the replay, you know, no comment about it," Ovechkin said of the play after the game. "It's unbelievable."
"It was a good hockey game up to that point," Matt Hendricks said to reporters. After another strong game for Hendricks who helped his team get chances by moving his feet, drawing penalties and dropped the mitts too.
The Caps looked as if they dominated the first period, outshooting the Stars 14 to 7. But the second period gave them fits as the officiating missed a slashing call when a Dallas player two hand slashed and broke Jeff Schultz's stick then a phantom interference call on the Caps' defender when Schultz hit him after he had the puck. A quizzical call that baffled Boudreau and buzz killed the Caps good play.
"[Penalties like that] takes a team that is, I think, outplaying them fairly good at that point and takes them out of the game because [you] have to play defense for 6 to 8 minutes," Boudreau said. "It's going to switch momentum pretty quick."
The only Capitals' goal would be scored by Mike Knuble and it would tie up the game at one a piece. But Michal Neuvirth, who had played brilliantly all game, couldn't track a knuckle ball shot just :20 seconds later as the Stars retook the lead.
Hannan Premiere
Scott Hannan saw his first minutes as a Capital and those minutes mounted up after John Erskine took an awkward fall into the boards in the first period. He played just over nineteen minutes and registered 4 blocked shots. He did exactly what he was supposed to do, play a simple shut down game and block shots.
"I think he did his job," Boudreau said of the new acquisition. "He is a good shut-down, stay-at-home [defenseman]"
"It was good," Hannan said of his first start as a Cap. "It felt good out there. I tried to get into it as quickly as I could. But it is a good team here, I am glad to be out there."
Ovi Goal-less Streak
Ovechkin has now tied his career longest stretch with out a goal to now nine games. As the Caps four game win streak comes to an end so does Ovechkin's assist and point streak. While not scoring a goal in the past 4 games he has amassed seven assists.
Coach Boudreau's post game interview:
Alex Ovechkin, Scott Hannan and Matt Hendricks post game interviews:
Monday, March 08, 2010
Ugly 3rd Period Does Caps In
Capitals 3, Stars 4 OT/SO (0-2)
Game Summary
With two fist pumped and a look to the rafters as if to say "It's about time," Alex Ovechkin shook the slump he was in off with a snap of a stick past Stars' goaltender Marty Turco. But the second period power play goal would not stand as the Caps lost their two goal lead in the final period and the Stars score three to take their own lead. The Capitals would tie it up with a beauty of shot from Ovi, but they would end up losing it in the shootout to the Dallas Stars 4-3.
"I think the whole team had a hiccup in the third period," Bruce Boudreau said.
The Caps 13 home game win streak came to an abrupt end as they unraveled in the third period. Before then, they were riding high. The home team was dominating with 42 shots on net through the first two periods, a franchise record. The took a two goal lead into the third. Things were looking all rosy for the Capitals.
Tom Poti opened the scoring in the first off of a smart pass by Dave Steckel who saw his defenseman breaking for the net. Poti put it past Turco for his fourth goal of the year. Then the Stars started taking penalties. They would only take three minors in the second period, even giving the Caps some 5 on 3 time. Ovechkin would make them pay with his first goal since his hat trick against the Penguins on February 7th.
The only reason the Caps were held to just two goals in the first two periods was the play of Marty Turco. He was able to thwart the Caps 5 on 3 advantage and came up with a few good saves. "He was on top of his game tonight," Boudreau said.
But the Dallas Stars came out with a better work effort in the third period. A stupid hooking call penalty against Brooks Laich would give the Stars some life. Brad Richards shot a laser past Semyon Varlamov who had looked sharp up until then. Matt Bradley took a holding call and the Stars again scored evaporating the Capitals lead on a power play goal by Trevor Daley. They would take the lead when rookie James Neal snapped a shot through Varlamov's five hole.
"We were due to get a [power play] against us," Mike Knuble said. "We weren't able to kill them off. That is obvious what got them back in the game."
The Caps would tie up the game on a beautiful deke and shot in one by Ovechkin. His second goal of the game would pull him up to a tie with Sidney Crosby for the league's scoring title. It would force the game into overtime, where the Caps nearly ended it there. But Turco came up with the saves.
In the shoot out, the only Capital able to score was Nick Backstrom. He had a pretty deke to the back hand that had Turco cursing at the ice. But Ovechkin (14.3% on shootouts this season) and Alex Semin (20% on shootouts this season) could not beat Turco. Brad Richards scored and Loui Eriksson would score for Dallas giving them the extra point.
The Caps laid down in the third and the Stars fought back by outworking them. Normally when the Caps have the lead going into the third, it is a sure win. They are 28-0-3 when they have the lead going into the final frame. But they just got out worked and nearly let the Stars get away with three unanswered goals by the Stars.
"We had the chance to bury them, put [ourselves] up three nothing," Poti said. "We couldn't get that done and ultimately that is why we lost."
This can not happen so late in the season. It has been a problem for the Caps in the past where they were unable to keep a lead late in the game. It is a wake up call for the Caps as this month gets tougher, not easier. They have to be able to put teams away, especially when they show such dominance in the first two periods as they did tonight.
Washington will play Carolina Wednesday night.
Game Summary
With two fist pumped and a look to the rafters as if to say "It's about time," Alex Ovechkin shook the slump he was in off with a snap of a stick past Stars' goaltender Marty Turco. But the second period power play goal would not stand as the Caps lost their two goal lead in the final period and the Stars score three to take their own lead. The Capitals would tie it up with a beauty of shot from Ovi, but they would end up losing it in the shootout to the Dallas Stars 4-3.
"I think the whole team had a hiccup in the third period," Bruce Boudreau said.
The Caps 13 home game win streak came to an abrupt end as they unraveled in the third period. Before then, they were riding high. The home team was dominating with 42 shots on net through the first two periods, a franchise record. The took a two goal lead into the third. Things were looking all rosy for the Capitals.
Tom Poti opened the scoring in the first off of a smart pass by Dave Steckel who saw his defenseman breaking for the net. Poti put it past Turco for his fourth goal of the year. Then the Stars started taking penalties. They would only take three minors in the second period, even giving the Caps some 5 on 3 time. Ovechkin would make them pay with his first goal since his hat trick against the Penguins on February 7th.
The only reason the Caps were held to just two goals in the first two periods was the play of Marty Turco. He was able to thwart the Caps 5 on 3 advantage and came up with a few good saves. "He was on top of his game tonight," Boudreau said.
But the Dallas Stars came out with a better work effort in the third period. A stupid hooking call penalty against Brooks Laich would give the Stars some life. Brad Richards shot a laser past Semyon Varlamov who had looked sharp up until then. Matt Bradley took a holding call and the Stars again scored evaporating the Capitals lead on a power play goal by Trevor Daley. They would take the lead when rookie James Neal snapped a shot through Varlamov's five hole.
"We were due to get a [power play] against us," Mike Knuble said. "We weren't able to kill them off. That is obvious what got them back in the game."
The Caps would tie up the game on a beautiful deke and shot in one by Ovechkin. His second goal of the game would pull him up to a tie with Sidney Crosby for the league's scoring title. It would force the game into overtime, where the Caps nearly ended it there. But Turco came up with the saves.
In the shoot out, the only Capital able to score was Nick Backstrom. He had a pretty deke to the back hand that had Turco cursing at the ice. But Ovechkin (14.3% on shootouts this season) and Alex Semin (20% on shootouts this season) could not beat Turco. Brad Richards scored and Loui Eriksson would score for Dallas giving them the extra point.
The Caps laid down in the third and the Stars fought back by outworking them. Normally when the Caps have the lead going into the third, it is a sure win. They are 28-0-3 when they have the lead going into the final frame. But they just got out worked and nearly let the Stars get away with three unanswered goals by the Stars.
"We had the chance to bury them, put [ourselves] up three nothing," Poti said. "We couldn't get that done and ultimately that is why we lost."
This can not happen so late in the season. It has been a problem for the Caps in the past where they were unable to keep a lead late in the game. It is a wake up call for the Caps as this month gets tougher, not easier. They have to be able to put teams away, especially when they show such dominance in the first two periods as they did tonight.
Washington will play Carolina Wednesday night.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Go West, Young Man, Go West
Players in the Western Conference can breath easy knowing that they have dominated the Stanley Cup Finals in over a decade. The West have beaten the east 8 of the last thirteen finals. Those odds are pretty good and are only getting better as many of those teams have youth maturing.
Ranking the Western Conference is no easy task with teams on the rise and other teams in such turmoil. But there will be a lot of familiar faces back in the playoffs when the 82 games schedule comes to a close. Let's start with the bottom and work our way up.
15. Phoenix Coyotes: Three words, off ice drama. That is what keeps this team from moving forward. As far as player personnel are concerned, the 'Yotes had a busy off season. The signed goaltender Jason LaBarbera, forward Vernon Fiddler and defenseman Adrian Aucoin in free agency. They resigned Scottie Upshall to a one year deal and worked the trade route to acquire Lauri Korpikoski and Radim Vrbata. They seem like the right moves, but with ownership in question and a new coach to boot, there is a lot of chemistry questions to deal with. A team with this much turmoil up top is going to hinder this group through out the season.
14. Colorado Avalanche: Things in Denver are not good. With the departure of Joe Sakic over the summer, the team has lost its prolific leader and fallen from the elite grace they enjoyed just a few seasons ago. With a slew of veterans on their last year of their contracts, this looks more like a shopper's paradise for teams looking to beef up their line-ups come the trade deadline. Players afraid of being traded through out the season very rarely play their best. It is rebuilding time in Colorado.
13. Edmonton Oilers: They made a play for Danny Heatley, but in the end they couldn't pull the forward their way. The Oilers did however get a good goaltender in Nikolai Khabibulin. It is pretty much the only positive to come out of the off season for the beleaguered Oilers. They spent too much time on trying to get a deal done with Ottawa, there is not much improvement on this team from a season ago. They are going to have to rely on the players that gave marginal performances last year. It's a tough spot to be in.
12. Los Angeles Kings: Every time the Kings get some good news, something happens that dissolves it. But they may have some hope after signing Rob Scuderi in the off season and trading for Ryan Smyth to give them some leadership. What gives this team hope and heartache is youth. Jack Johnson, Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown make up the core of the Kings youth movement. If they can show some more mustard early in the season they could finish higher than 12th. But their goaltending is still marginal and they still need a super-star to make the big plays when they need it most.
11. Minnesota Wild: With the departure of some good talent late last season, the Wild replaced it by signing Martin Havlat, Greg Zanon and Shane Hnidy in the off season. The Wild are under new management though, getting a new GM and coach to lead the team in a new direction. It may take a season or two for the organization to get out of some old habits. They do have the pieces to possibly make the playoffs, but it remains to be seen if the Wild can pull it all together this season.
10. Nashville Predators: Nashville let a few players walk in the off season. They were able to keep Steve Sullivan and Joel Ward, but it may not be enough to make the playoffs. Part of Nashville's problem is the small amount of fans and money to work with. The management have failed to pull a team in around Sullivan and team captain Jason Arnott. The Preds still have a good core of defensemen and the combo of Dan Ellis and Pekka Rinne should steal a few games this season.
9. Dallas Stars: This team made some smart moves in the off season, and it should show in the standings. Will they make the playoffs? They could, but it will depend on how well the changes at management and coaching affect the team. The big D signed some good defense in Karlis Skrastins and Jeff Woywitka. Jere Lehtinen resigned for another year and the Stars have a better back up in Alex Auld who was acquired in the off season. Low expectations may hinder the Stars this year, but if they grow in the right direction, they could knock off someone on the next list.
Playoff Bound
8. St. Louis Blues: On the verge of something good, the Blues have to build on their experiences from a season ago. But they have to be careful, they are also in a division that highly competitive. One bad stretch could be doom for this young team on the rise. Veterans Keith Tkachuk, Jay McClement, Mike Weaver and Brad Winchester were all resigned and goaltender Ty Conklin should be a capable back up. Head coach Andy Murry has to get the youth of his team to start to believe in themselves. Once the kids start to buy in to the system, the Blues will have a good team on their hands.
7. Anaheim Ducks: The Ducks are a shell of their former selves. Chris Pronger, Rob Niedermayer, Francois Beauchemin and Brett Hedican all left for greener pastures. What saves the team from total breakdown is what they got in return. Saku Koivu, Nick Boynton, Steve McCarthy were signed in the off season and Joffrey Lupul, Luca Sbisa and Ryan Dingle were acquired in the Pronger trade. The Ducks should make the playoffs again.
6. Columbus Blue Jackets: After making the playoffs for the first time in their franchise history, it is understandable that they might have a bit of hangover when teams start taking them more seriously. Lucky for the fans, the Jacks resigned Rick Nash. They also added Sammy Pahlsson to add some punch at center depth. But the BJ's need consistency in the division they are in. If they can build on what they started last year, this team should find a comfortable spot in the post season and will look for their first playoff win.
5. Vancouver Canucks: The Canucks shed some big contracts in the off season. Some of that shedding will hinder them, and maybe they won't win their division. But with Roberto Luongo in net and the Sedin Twins signed on for another go, there is no reason this team should miss the playoffs. They took advantage of San Jose's roster shedding by getting Christian Erhoff and Brad Lukowich in exchange for some prospects. They also pulled Mikael Samuelsson from the Red Wings pool. The Canucks should have a good year, but they have to grow some tougher skin to get further in the playoffs.
4. Detroit Red Wings: How can the Red Wings not win their division but still get home ice advantage? Because they are the Red Wings. Whether fans show up to the games or not, the Wings is a hard team to beat night in and night out. A few support players found spots on other teams, but the core of Johan Franzen, Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg, the Wings will be okay. Their hold on goaltending greatness in Chris Osgood may prove their downfall if Osgood is not playing his best.
3. Calgary Flames, Northwest Division Champion: Theo Flurey certainly created a lot of buzz in camp this off season, but his comeback was dealt a huge blow when he was released a week before opening night. It was a distraction for Flames' fans, but the real excitement will be the arrival of Jay Bouwmeester. Acquired in the off season, Bouwmeester's arrival bolsters Calgary's defensive squad that is already beefed up with Dion Phaneuf and Robyn Regehr. If the Flames can score, their defense should hold up fine, and they will win their division.
2. Chicago Blackhawks, Central Division Champion: This team is riding a good vibe right now and it should carry through to another playoff run. There are few messy ends for the Hawks, the change in GM after Marion Hossa was signed to a ridiculous contract and the release of Martin Havlat and the NHLPA filing grievances with the team after they resigned a bunch of their young talent. The core of Chicago's youth is really is what is exciting about this team. Patrick Kane and Johnathan Toews make this team an offensive juggernaut. Solid defense led by Brian Campbell and good goaltending by Cristobal Huet can make this team a dangerous Conference foe.
1. San Jose Sharks, Western Conference Champion: The Sharks have been a tough team to play in the West for quite some time. But getting over that first playoff series seems to give the Sharks fits. San Jose did change up their look a little bit by shipping off Jonathon Cheechoo and Milan Michalek to Ottawa for Danny Heatley. The Sharks are looking for that certain something to push them over the edge. They should win the West again, but it still remains to be seen if they can do any real damage in the playoffs.
The Sharks have the talent to top the West again, but they need to show their stuff in the post season to really get any respect. I like the Blackhawks despite their off season shenanigans. They have now the experience and the coaching to help them win games, it will be hard to count them out come spring. The Coyotes are in trouble, which is sad since hockey did take root in the desert for a few years. I just don't see them coming out with a whole lot of get up and go when their coach was forced out and the league is fighting with a billionaire over their future.
Tomorrow, the Eastern Conference preview.
Ranking the Western Conference is no easy task with teams on the rise and other teams in such turmoil. But there will be a lot of familiar faces back in the playoffs when the 82 games schedule comes to a close. Let's start with the bottom and work our way up.
15. Phoenix Coyotes: Three words, off ice drama. That is what keeps this team from moving forward. As far as player personnel are concerned, the 'Yotes had a busy off season. The signed goaltender Jason LaBarbera, forward Vernon Fiddler and defenseman Adrian Aucoin in free agency. They resigned Scottie Upshall to a one year deal and worked the trade route to acquire Lauri Korpikoski and Radim Vrbata. They seem like the right moves, but with ownership in question and a new coach to boot, there is a lot of chemistry questions to deal with. A team with this much turmoil up top is going to hinder this group through out the season.
14. Colorado Avalanche: Things in Denver are not good. With the departure of Joe Sakic over the summer, the team has lost its prolific leader and fallen from the elite grace they enjoyed just a few seasons ago. With a slew of veterans on their last year of their contracts, this looks more like a shopper's paradise for teams looking to beef up their line-ups come the trade deadline. Players afraid of being traded through out the season very rarely play their best. It is rebuilding time in Colorado.
13. Edmonton Oilers: They made a play for Danny Heatley, but in the end they couldn't pull the forward their way. The Oilers did however get a good goaltender in Nikolai Khabibulin. It is pretty much the only positive to come out of the off season for the beleaguered Oilers. They spent too much time on trying to get a deal done with Ottawa, there is not much improvement on this team from a season ago. They are going to have to rely on the players that gave marginal performances last year. It's a tough spot to be in.
12. Los Angeles Kings: Every time the Kings get some good news, something happens that dissolves it. But they may have some hope after signing Rob Scuderi in the off season and trading for Ryan Smyth to give them some leadership. What gives this team hope and heartache is youth. Jack Johnson, Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown make up the core of the Kings youth movement. If they can show some more mustard early in the season they could finish higher than 12th. But their goaltending is still marginal and they still need a super-star to make the big plays when they need it most.
11. Minnesota Wild: With the departure of some good talent late last season, the Wild replaced it by signing Martin Havlat, Greg Zanon and Shane Hnidy in the off season. The Wild are under new management though, getting a new GM and coach to lead the team in a new direction. It may take a season or two for the organization to get out of some old habits. They do have the pieces to possibly make the playoffs, but it remains to be seen if the Wild can pull it all together this season.
10. Nashville Predators: Nashville let a few players walk in the off season. They were able to keep Steve Sullivan and Joel Ward, but it may not be enough to make the playoffs. Part of Nashville's problem is the small amount of fans and money to work with. The management have failed to pull a team in around Sullivan and team captain Jason Arnott. The Preds still have a good core of defensemen and the combo of Dan Ellis and Pekka Rinne should steal a few games this season.
9. Dallas Stars: This team made some smart moves in the off season, and it should show in the standings. Will they make the playoffs? They could, but it will depend on how well the changes at management and coaching affect the team. The big D signed some good defense in Karlis Skrastins and Jeff Woywitka. Jere Lehtinen resigned for another year and the Stars have a better back up in Alex Auld who was acquired in the off season. Low expectations may hinder the Stars this year, but if they grow in the right direction, they could knock off someone on the next list.
Playoff Bound
8. St. Louis Blues: On the verge of something good, the Blues have to build on their experiences from a season ago. But they have to be careful, they are also in a division that highly competitive. One bad stretch could be doom for this young team on the rise. Veterans Keith Tkachuk, Jay McClement, Mike Weaver and Brad Winchester were all resigned and goaltender Ty Conklin should be a capable back up. Head coach Andy Murry has to get the youth of his team to start to believe in themselves. Once the kids start to buy in to the system, the Blues will have a good team on their hands.
7. Anaheim Ducks: The Ducks are a shell of their former selves. Chris Pronger, Rob Niedermayer, Francois Beauchemin and Brett Hedican all left for greener pastures. What saves the team from total breakdown is what they got in return. Saku Koivu, Nick Boynton, Steve McCarthy were signed in the off season and Joffrey Lupul, Luca Sbisa and Ryan Dingle were acquired in the Pronger trade. The Ducks should make the playoffs again.
6. Columbus Blue Jackets: After making the playoffs for the first time in their franchise history, it is understandable that they might have a bit of hangover when teams start taking them more seriously. Lucky for the fans, the Jacks resigned Rick Nash. They also added Sammy Pahlsson to add some punch at center depth. But the BJ's need consistency in the division they are in. If they can build on what they started last year, this team should find a comfortable spot in the post season and will look for their first playoff win.
5. Vancouver Canucks: The Canucks shed some big contracts in the off season. Some of that shedding will hinder them, and maybe they won't win their division. But with Roberto Luongo in net and the Sedin Twins signed on for another go, there is no reason this team should miss the playoffs. They took advantage of San Jose's roster shedding by getting Christian Erhoff and Brad Lukowich in exchange for some prospects. They also pulled Mikael Samuelsson from the Red Wings pool. The Canucks should have a good year, but they have to grow some tougher skin to get further in the playoffs.
4. Detroit Red Wings: How can the Red Wings not win their division but still get home ice advantage? Because they are the Red Wings. Whether fans show up to the games or not, the Wings is a hard team to beat night in and night out. A few support players found spots on other teams, but the core of Johan Franzen, Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg, the Wings will be okay. Their hold on goaltending greatness in Chris Osgood may prove their downfall if Osgood is not playing his best.
3. Calgary Flames, Northwest Division Champion: Theo Flurey certainly created a lot of buzz in camp this off season, but his comeback was dealt a huge blow when he was released a week before opening night. It was a distraction for Flames' fans, but the real excitement will be the arrival of Jay Bouwmeester. Acquired in the off season, Bouwmeester's arrival bolsters Calgary's defensive squad that is already beefed up with Dion Phaneuf and Robyn Regehr. If the Flames can score, their defense should hold up fine, and they will win their division.
2. Chicago Blackhawks, Central Division Champion: This team is riding a good vibe right now and it should carry through to another playoff run. There are few messy ends for the Hawks, the change in GM after Marion Hossa was signed to a ridiculous contract and the release of Martin Havlat and the NHLPA filing grievances with the team after they resigned a bunch of their young talent. The core of Chicago's youth is really is what is exciting about this team. Patrick Kane and Johnathan Toews make this team an offensive juggernaut. Solid defense led by Brian Campbell and good goaltending by Cristobal Huet can make this team a dangerous Conference foe.
1. San Jose Sharks, Western Conference Champion: The Sharks have been a tough team to play in the West for quite some time. But getting over that first playoff series seems to give the Sharks fits. San Jose did change up their look a little bit by shipping off Jonathon Cheechoo and Milan Michalek to Ottawa for Danny Heatley. The Sharks are looking for that certain something to push them over the edge. They should win the West again, but it still remains to be seen if they can do any real damage in the playoffs.
The Sharks have the talent to top the West again, but they need to show their stuff in the post season to really get any respect. I like the Blackhawks despite their off season shenanigans. They have now the experience and the coaching to help them win games, it will be hard to count them out come spring. The Coyotes are in trouble, which is sad since hockey did take root in the desert for a few years. I just don't see them coming out with a whole lot of get up and go when their coach was forced out and the league is fighting with a billionaire over their future.
Tomorrow, the Eastern Conference preview.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Caps Survive A Shootout In Dallas
Capitals 6, Stars 5 OT
Scoresheet - Wash Post - Dallas News
On a night when all 30 NHL teams were in action on "Super Saturday" the Washington Capitals survive a wild night of goals as Alex Semin nets the game winner in overtime to defeat the Dallas Starts 6-5. Sergei Fedorov had a big night too as he scored twice and moved ahead of Alexander Mogilny in goals in the NHL by a Russian born player.
Semin scored the game winner off of a nice curl and drag after retrieving the puck from behind Dallas' net and also had a pair of assists. Fedorov scored twice and Tomas Fleischmann found his scoring touch scoring twice as well. And Tyler Sloan gets his first NHL goal in his third game. For the sixth straight game Alex Ovechkin was kept from the goal scoring column, although he did contribute with an assist.
Fedorov, always the professional, deflected any praise over the accomplishment of surpassing Moginly. "It's just a record," Fedorov said. "I'd rather talk about Alex than the record. I know his career was shortened by injury. I didn't expect to ever get it. He had a great shot and amazing hands. Realistically, if he'd played more he'd have a lot more stats. He was a powerful forward, a scoring machine. Records are nice on a personal level, but most important was that we finally won a game."
It was a wild game at that. Both teams look completely disorganized at times, the Capitals seize two points on this three game road swing. It's a big two points for the club as the club had to go through some soul searching following their last two losses to Calgary and Phoenix.
"We've always been resilient," Bruce Boudreau told reporters following the game. "You can see the passion we have by how we reacted when we scored the overtime goal."
After Semin scored the game winner he was immediately mobbed by his teammates off the bench not far from where he shot the game winner. While Ovechkin has been kept from scoring, the Caps have made up the offense from different players like Semin and Fleischmann, so far. Flash scored a pair in this game and finally looks as if he has found a way to finish those shots. Plus playing on Micheal Nylander's line doesn't hurt either.
Sean Avery scored the game's first goal, his first as a Dallas Star. He also made it a point to push around Semin all game long. That might have frustrated Semin before, but his maturity level has grown ever since the trade that brought Fedorov to DC. He is a new player, less concerned about diving at the slightest breeze or folding up after a big hit. I would still like to see him take a few less sticking penalties.
On "Super Saturday" in the NHL, all 30 teams played tonight. 99 goals were scored tonight out of 974 shots (including the Islanders' 60 shots on net, they still lost to Carolina). The Caps/Stars game contributed one of the two games that had 11 goals (Detroit and Chicago was the other 11 goal game but technically the 11th goal was the shoot out winner). There were 24 fighting majors tonight, 8 of them just in the Philadelphia/New Jersey game (including two fights simultaneously). Thirty power play goals were scored and only 3 shorthanded goals. There were 3 penalty shots awarded, but all were unsuccessful. 5 games went into overtime, three went to the shootout. Nine home teams won their games tonight, 6 teams were able to win on the road.
Caps/Stars video highlights courtesy of NHL.com:
Scoresheet - Wash Post - Dallas News
On a night when all 30 NHL teams were in action on "Super Saturday" the Washington Capitals survive a wild night of goals as Alex Semin nets the game winner in overtime to defeat the Dallas Starts 6-5. Sergei Fedorov had a big night too as he scored twice and moved ahead of Alexander Mogilny in goals in the NHL by a Russian born player.
Semin scored the game winner off of a nice curl and drag after retrieving the puck from behind Dallas' net and also had a pair of assists. Fedorov scored twice and Tomas Fleischmann found his scoring touch scoring twice as well. And Tyler Sloan gets his first NHL goal in his third game. For the sixth straight game Alex Ovechkin was kept from the goal scoring column, although he did contribute with an assist.
Fedorov, always the professional, deflected any praise over the accomplishment of surpassing Moginly. "It's just a record," Fedorov said. "I'd rather talk about Alex than the record. I know his career was shortened by injury. I didn't expect to ever get it. He had a great shot and amazing hands. Realistically, if he'd played more he'd have a lot more stats. He was a powerful forward, a scoring machine. Records are nice on a personal level, but most important was that we finally won a game."
It was a wild game at that. Both teams look completely disorganized at times, the Capitals seize two points on this three game road swing. It's a big two points for the club as the club had to go through some soul searching following their last two losses to Calgary and Phoenix.
"We've always been resilient," Bruce Boudreau told reporters following the game. "You can see the passion we have by how we reacted when we scored the overtime goal."
After Semin scored the game winner he was immediately mobbed by his teammates off the bench not far from where he shot the game winner. While Ovechkin has been kept from scoring, the Caps have made up the offense from different players like Semin and Fleischmann, so far. Flash scored a pair in this game and finally looks as if he has found a way to finish those shots. Plus playing on Micheal Nylander's line doesn't hurt either.
Sean Avery scored the game's first goal, his first as a Dallas Star. He also made it a point to push around Semin all game long. That might have frustrated Semin before, but his maturity level has grown ever since the trade that brought Fedorov to DC. He is a new player, less concerned about diving at the slightest breeze or folding up after a big hit. I would still like to see him take a few less sticking penalties.
On "Super Saturday" in the NHL, all 30 teams played tonight. 99 goals were scored tonight out of 974 shots (including the Islanders' 60 shots on net, they still lost to Carolina). The Caps/Stars game contributed one of the two games that had 11 goals (Detroit and Chicago was the other 11 goal game but technically the 11th goal was the shoot out winner). There were 24 fighting majors tonight, 8 of them just in the Philadelphia/New Jersey game (including two fights simultaneously). Thirty power play goals were scored and only 3 shorthanded goals. There were 3 penalty shots awarded, but all were unsuccessful. 5 games went into overtime, three went to the shootout. Nine home teams won their games tonight, 6 teams were able to win on the road.
Caps/Stars video highlights courtesy of NHL.com:
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Pittsburgh Plays The Team They Didn't Want
A lot going on in the hockey world. First both my favorites for the Stanley Cup finals got bumped in the second round in deciding fashion. San Jose lost to Dallas and Montreal lost to Philadelphia. That means there are just four teams left.
The Penguins will now play a team that seems to have success against very good skilled teams, the Flyers in the Eastern Conference Finals. It was the team they had no ambition of playing in the opening round of the playoffs and some have speculated that the Pens threw the last game of the season to avoid playing the Broad Street Bullies in favor of the beat up Ottawa Senators. Myself included in those that speculate.
How hockey karma can be cruel. Now the Penguins will have to face their cross state rivals and let me tell you, the Flyers are no Senators or Rangers. I actually am cheering for the lesser of two evils, and hope that the Flyers can put the Pens in their place. I kinda like this Flyer team (when they aren't playing the Caps), they are the Anaheim Ducks of the '08 playoffs. Tough, rugged with a touch of skill. Plus they are riding the hottest goaltender in the NHL in Marty Biron. There is a 50/50 chance the Cup will be raised by a Pennsylvania team this year.
In the West Conference the Dallas Stars look pretty impressive, but so do the Detroit Red Wings. This should be a battle royal and will be an interesting series to watch. Logic says that the Red Wings should be the stronger of the two, but I have been counting out the Stars for the last two rounds with little luck. Plus, I am secretly a big Mike Modano fan.
In World Championship news, the stage is set for two good hockey teams to butt heads Tuesday as the United States takes on Canada in their backyard. Canada remains heavy favorites in the tournament, but Team USA has been on a winning streak themselves. They will play in the early game at 4:30 pm EST. Both come in with 2-0 records and have had easy success with their previous opponents. Tim Thomas most likely will be in net for the United States.
As for Caps in the tournament, Nick Backstom scored two goals in three shots as Team Sweden crushed France 9-0. Cris Huet did not start, but he did come in relief and made only 3 saves on 5 shots. Backstrom did score on Huet late in the third.
Backstrom leads all Caps in the World Championships with 4 points (3 goals, 1 assist and 5th on the scoring list overall). Alex Semin is right there with him with 4 points (2 goals, 2 assists) and leads all Capitals with a +4 rating (ranking him tied for fourth overall).
The Penguins will now play a team that seems to have success against very good skilled teams, the Flyers in the Eastern Conference Finals. It was the team they had no ambition of playing in the opening round of the playoffs and some have speculated that the Pens threw the last game of the season to avoid playing the Broad Street Bullies in favor of the beat up Ottawa Senators. Myself included in those that speculate.
How hockey karma can be cruel. Now the Penguins will have to face their cross state rivals and let me tell you, the Flyers are no Senators or Rangers. I actually am cheering for the lesser of two evils, and hope that the Flyers can put the Pens in their place. I kinda like this Flyer team (when they aren't playing the Caps), they are the Anaheim Ducks of the '08 playoffs. Tough, rugged with a touch of skill. Plus they are riding the hottest goaltender in the NHL in Marty Biron. There is a 50/50 chance the Cup will be raised by a Pennsylvania team this year.
In the West Conference the Dallas Stars look pretty impressive, but so do the Detroit Red Wings. This should be a battle royal and will be an interesting series to watch. Logic says that the Red Wings should be the stronger of the two, but I have been counting out the Stars for the last two rounds with little luck. Plus, I am secretly a big Mike Modano fan.
In World Championship news, the stage is set for two good hockey teams to butt heads Tuesday as the United States takes on Canada in their backyard. Canada remains heavy favorites in the tournament, but Team USA has been on a winning streak themselves. They will play in the early game at 4:30 pm EST. Both come in with 2-0 records and have had easy success with their previous opponents. Tim Thomas most likely will be in net for the United States.
As for Caps in the tournament, Nick Backstom scored two goals in three shots as Team Sweden crushed France 9-0. Cris Huet did not start, but he did come in relief and made only 3 saves on 5 shots. Backstrom did score on Huet late in the third.
Backstrom leads all Caps in the World Championships with 4 points (3 goals, 1 assist and 5th on the scoring list overall). Alex Semin is right there with him with 4 points (2 goals, 2 assists) and leads all Capitals with a +4 rating (ranking him tied for fourth overall).
Monday, April 07, 2008
Bring On The Cup '08 - Fearless Predictions Pt. 1
Welcome to the third annual Bring On The Cup predictions on P.H.T. I just have to say that I am more than excited to get this ball rolling with the Caps securing a playoff spot of their own. Unfortunately, Gary Bettman isn't just going to hand the Stanley Cup to the Capitals, there are 16 other teams in contention for this silver bowl (hard to believe, I know).
Just some administrative duties to attend to first. The Capitals playoff schedule is now in stone and can be found here on the right column >>> under the Pic of the Week. The Caps get Philly instead of Ottawa in the first round after the Flyers beat the Penguins on Sunday 2-0.
Okay, back to the predictions. There are some surprises and some new faces, especially in the Eastern Conference. But as always, I will start in the wild, wild West.
Round 1
#8 Nashville Predators at #1 Detroit Red Wings - I think it's easy to pick Detroit here, and I think that's also a mistake. Nashville definitely didn't look like a team that was going to make it, especially after a loss to the Capitals a few weeks ago. But with the Northwest Division being a battle, the Preds sneak in the back door and get some playoff life. It's just that they have to face down big bad Detroit in the first round. Just how healthy the Wings are could determine if it's a one and done for the President's Trophy winners. I can see the Predators giving the Red Wings more than they can handle. But we are talking about Hockeytown.
Detroit wins in 6 games.
#7 Calgary Flames at #2 San Jose Sharks - Oh lord, let's hope that the San Jose fans mind their manners and not boo at the Canadian Anthem. Besides that, I am expecting a very physical affair between these two. San Jose has finally started hitting on all cylinders, after a ho hum start to nearly going undefeated in March. For the Flames, Jerome Iginla probably would have won the Hart for MVP if it weren't for that Ovechkin guy, he has basically carried this team into the playoffs himself. But he needs some help if they want to solve Evgeni Nabokov. Both teams are relatively healthy so this should be a hard fought series. If only the Flames goaltending was as solid as the Sharks this year.
San Jose wins in 5 games.
#6 Colorado Avalanche at #3 Minnesota Wild - Ah, my seven game series match up. The Wild have had a quiet but effective season while the Avalanche have struggled to make the playoffs. Minnesota has the skill, but their state of emotion will be the deciding factor. Sure the Wild has bulked up with the addition of Chris Simon, but the rule of thumb playing the Wild is be physical and they will lay down. The Aves are just looking for some old time magic to spark their once proud playoff tradition by bringing back Adam Foote and Peter Forsberg. It should be a great goaltending duel with Jose Theodore and Niklas Backstrom both manning the net for their teams. Will the Avalanche's experience be enough to out battle Wild's speed and talent? Short answer, no.
Minnesota wins in 7 games.
#5 Dallas Stars at #4 Anaheim Ducks - The Stars are coming off a relatively successfully season. I say relative, because their record since the trade deadline is nothing to write home about. Since acquiring Brad Richards their once winning record in February became a losing one in March. They will also be with out Sergei Zubov on the blue line as he is out with foot surgery. While the Ducks found some late legs with Teemu Selanne and Scott Niedermayer back in the fold, they still need some dependable goaltending and good secondary scoring. One could draw a conclusion that the Ducks have an easy opponent in the Stars, but often when one overlooks any team, that is when they are the most dangerous. The Stars might be limping, but they still have some fight.
Dallas upsets the Stanley Cup Champs in 6 games.
Round 2 - probable match ups based on 1st round predictions.
Dallas Stars at Detroit Red Wings - This is stirring up to be an all out shoot out, two very talented teams. The Stars have to be pretty beat up walking through the Ducks, so I don't expect they have very much fight left in them. Thankfully, Detroit is known more for their puck possession rather than the Ducks' beat-you-down method. If the Stars still have the legs, they could take Detroit to the brink. If.
Detroit wins in 5 games.
Minnesota Wild at San Jose Sharks - If the Wild's first series wasn't a battle royale it better be against the Sharks. It should be another great goaltender head to head with Backstrom and Nabokov with the waffle irons and mitts on. This is were Minnesota's toughness will have a chance to prove it's worth and San Jose should be wary of this quiet unassuming team.
San Jose wins in 6 games.
Western Conference Championship
San Jose Sharks at Detroit Red Wings - I actually predicted this two season ago, and it seems this might be the year we see these two giants settle it out in the conference championship. Detroit has come this far pretty unscathed, but this will be no cake walk for them. If there was ever a time to question the Red Wings' goaltending, it would be here and now in the Conference finals. The Sharks come into this contest battle tested and hungry. When these two teams face each other, I wouldn't be surprised to feel the ground quake and the skies quiver. Can Hasek/Osgood keep this Wings in it?
San Jose wins in 7 games.
The Sharks, I think, have learned their lesson from playoff series past. The previous two post seasons they faced Nashville and beat them 4 games to one, only to lose the next series 2-4 to both Edmonton and Detroit. But if the linage runs much as I have laid out here, they have had wonderful success against Northwest Division teams. Facing them in the first and second rounds is a good indicator that leads me to believe they are a Conference bound team. Since losing last year to the Red Wings I would expect Ron Wilson to use that as some inspiration in the Shark locker room.
As for the Red Wings, I think they will enjoy the spoils of winning the President's Trophy and will make quick work of their first two opponents. But if the goaltending is tested by a playoff veteran team like the Sharks, it may crack. The only bright spot may be home ice advantage.
Stay tuned for some Eastern knowledge I will be throwing your way next as I will start in on the Eastern Conference tomorrow. Feel free to comment. I will also have my prediction on who will be taking home the hardware, hockey's top prize: the Stanley Cup.
Just some administrative duties to attend to first. The Capitals playoff schedule is now in stone and can be found here on the right column >>> under the Pic of the Week. The Caps get Philly instead of Ottawa in the first round after the Flyers beat the Penguins on Sunday 2-0.
Okay, back to the predictions. There are some surprises and some new faces, especially in the Eastern Conference. But as always, I will start in the wild, wild West.
Round 1
#8 Nashville Predators at #1 Detroit Red Wings - I think it's easy to pick Detroit here, and I think that's also a mistake. Nashville definitely didn't look like a team that was going to make it, especially after a loss to the Capitals a few weeks ago. But with the Northwest Division being a battle, the Preds sneak in the back door and get some playoff life. It's just that they have to face down big bad Detroit in the first round. Just how healthy the Wings are could determine if it's a one and done for the President's Trophy winners. I can see the Predators giving the Red Wings more than they can handle. But we are talking about Hockeytown.
Detroit wins in 6 games.
#7 Calgary Flames at #2 San Jose Sharks - Oh lord, let's hope that the San Jose fans mind their manners and not boo at the Canadian Anthem. Besides that, I am expecting a very physical affair between these two. San Jose has finally started hitting on all cylinders, after a ho hum start to nearly going undefeated in March. For the Flames, Jerome Iginla probably would have won the Hart for MVP if it weren't for that Ovechkin guy, he has basically carried this team into the playoffs himself. But he needs some help if they want to solve Evgeni Nabokov. Both teams are relatively healthy so this should be a hard fought series. If only the Flames goaltending was as solid as the Sharks this year.
San Jose wins in 5 games.
#6 Colorado Avalanche at #3 Minnesota Wild - Ah, my seven game series match up. The Wild have had a quiet but effective season while the Avalanche have struggled to make the playoffs. Minnesota has the skill, but their state of emotion will be the deciding factor. Sure the Wild has bulked up with the addition of Chris Simon, but the rule of thumb playing the Wild is be physical and they will lay down. The Aves are just looking for some old time magic to spark their once proud playoff tradition by bringing back Adam Foote and Peter Forsberg. It should be a great goaltending duel with Jose Theodore and Niklas Backstrom both manning the net for their teams. Will the Avalanche's experience be enough to out battle Wild's speed and talent? Short answer, no.
Minnesota wins in 7 games.
#5 Dallas Stars at #4 Anaheim Ducks - The Stars are coming off a relatively successfully season. I say relative, because their record since the trade deadline is nothing to write home about. Since acquiring Brad Richards their once winning record in February became a losing one in March. They will also be with out Sergei Zubov on the blue line as he is out with foot surgery. While the Ducks found some late legs with Teemu Selanne and Scott Niedermayer back in the fold, they still need some dependable goaltending and good secondary scoring. One could draw a conclusion that the Ducks have an easy opponent in the Stars, but often when one overlooks any team, that is when they are the most dangerous. The Stars might be limping, but they still have some fight.
Dallas upsets the Stanley Cup Champs in 6 games.
Round 2 - probable match ups based on 1st round predictions.
Dallas Stars at Detroit Red Wings - This is stirring up to be an all out shoot out, two very talented teams. The Stars have to be pretty beat up walking through the Ducks, so I don't expect they have very much fight left in them. Thankfully, Detroit is known more for their puck possession rather than the Ducks' beat-you-down method. If the Stars still have the legs, they could take Detroit to the brink. If.
Detroit wins in 5 games.
Minnesota Wild at San Jose Sharks - If the Wild's first series wasn't a battle royale it better be against the Sharks. It should be another great goaltender head to head with Backstrom and Nabokov with the waffle irons and mitts on. This is were Minnesota's toughness will have a chance to prove it's worth and San Jose should be wary of this quiet unassuming team.
San Jose wins in 6 games.
Western Conference Championship
San Jose Sharks at Detroit Red Wings - I actually predicted this two season ago, and it seems this might be the year we see these two giants settle it out in the conference championship. Detroit has come this far pretty unscathed, but this will be no cake walk for them. If there was ever a time to question the Red Wings' goaltending, it would be here and now in the Conference finals. The Sharks come into this contest battle tested and hungry. When these two teams face each other, I wouldn't be surprised to feel the ground quake and the skies quiver. Can Hasek/Osgood keep this Wings in it?
San Jose wins in 7 games.
The Sharks, I think, have learned their lesson from playoff series past. The previous two post seasons they faced Nashville and beat them 4 games to one, only to lose the next series 2-4 to both Edmonton and Detroit. But if the linage runs much as I have laid out here, they have had wonderful success against Northwest Division teams. Facing them in the first and second rounds is a good indicator that leads me to believe they are a Conference bound team. Since losing last year to the Red Wings I would expect Ron Wilson to use that as some inspiration in the Shark locker room.
As for the Red Wings, I think they will enjoy the spoils of winning the President's Trophy and will make quick work of their first two opponents. But if the goaltending is tested by a playoff veteran team like the Sharks, it may crack. The only bright spot may be home ice advantage.
Stay tuned for some Eastern knowledge I will be throwing your way next as I will start in on the Eastern Conference tomorrow. Feel free to comment. I will also have my prediction on who will be taking home the hardware, hockey's top prize: the Stanley Cup.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Halpern Back In The Southeast?
Jeff Halpern was named in a package deal Dallas may be sending to Tampa with goaltender Mike Smith and a young defenseman Mark Fistric for Brad Richards. That would put Halpern in a Lightning sweater for the remainder of the season.
Also Marian Hossa is rumored to be a Montreal Canadien. Most likely Michael Ryder will be the return player to Atlanta.
Still no confirmation on Steve Eminger yet.
Also Marian Hossa is rumored to be a Montreal Canadien. Most likely Michael Ryder will be the return player to Atlanta.
Still no confirmation on Steve Eminger yet.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Okay, Jersey Talk
Everyone has their opinion on the new league mandated jerseys. Now that they have all been revealed (thanks Rangers for leaving it to the last possible second just to show that there was no change to your jersey design), I guess I can bestow upon you my glorious position on some of the new sweaters.
Amongst the jerseys I like are the Caps sweaters (which at first I hated, but after seeing them in action, I am actually enjoying the new look). I also loved the new St. Louis Blues jerseys. They put a new spin on the same basic design from their old look. I have to admit, I really do like the home jersey look. I am glad to see Toronto, Montreal, Chicago, Detroit, Boston, and the Rangers not deviate from their original look. There is just something sacred about those jerseys that modernization shouldn't touch.
The sweaters I hated were both Dallas and San Jose. What the hell happened to San Jose? They tried to go for a classic look, but it just looks awful. The only thing good about the Sharks look this season is their new logo. I was expecting more I guess.
Dallas just doesn't make sense. On the home jerseys it says "Dallas." Huh, yea, I think that the home fans know where the team is from. It would have made more sense to have that on their away jerseys. But what do I know.
I know a lot of Oiler fans are upset about their jersey look, but I kind of like it. Like a classier look to their away jersey with the piping down the front. I did not like Phoenix's jerseys, the shoulders just look stupid on the away jerseys. There was a lot of grumbling about about Vancouver's sweater too, but there is some history there with the lettering so I am okay with it. And at least it's both on the home and away jerseys, unlike Dallas.
There has been issues on the new jerseys ripping during fights, which could be a problem for the goons of the league. If a players jersey rips and slips over his head during a fight, it's cause for injury, which in a fight isn't that the point? Also due to the fitted style of the jersey, punching and grasping is a much harder exercise, and limits full range of motion during a fight. No word though if that is going to be fixed.
Amongst the jerseys I like are the Caps sweaters (which at first I hated, but after seeing them in action, I am actually enjoying the new look). I also loved the new St. Louis Blues jerseys. They put a new spin on the same basic design from their old look. I have to admit, I really do like the home jersey look. I am glad to see Toronto, Montreal, Chicago, Detroit, Boston, and the Rangers not deviate from their original look. There is just something sacred about those jerseys that modernization shouldn't touch.
The sweaters I hated were both Dallas and San Jose. What the hell happened to San Jose? They tried to go for a classic look, but it just looks awful. The only thing good about the Sharks look this season is their new logo. I was expecting more I guess.
Dallas just doesn't make sense. On the home jerseys it says "Dallas." Huh, yea, I think that the home fans know where the team is from. It would have made more sense to have that on their away jerseys. But what do I know.
I know a lot of Oiler fans are upset about their jersey look, but I kind of like it. Like a classier look to their away jersey with the piping down the front. I did not like Phoenix's jerseys, the shoulders just look stupid on the away jerseys. There was a lot of grumbling about about Vancouver's sweater too, but there is some history there with the lettering so I am okay with it. And at least it's both on the home and away jerseys, unlike Dallas.
There has been issues on the new jerseys ripping during fights, which could be a problem for the goons of the league. If a players jersey rips and slips over his head during a fight, it's cause for injury, which in a fight isn't that the point? Also due to the fitted style of the jersey, punching and grasping is a much harder exercise, and limits full range of motion during a fight. No word though if that is going to be fixed.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Caps Cling Onto Win
Capitals 4, Stars 3
Scoresheet – Wash Post – Dallas MN
Caps made this one interesting after taking a commanding 4-1 lead into the late third period. But the Caps hold out and make Jeff Halpern’s return to the phone booth a tough one for the tired Dallas Stars.
Brooks Laich had the assist of the night fighting through 4 Dallas defenders to shovel the puck in the slot to a breaking Richard Zednik who buried the puck. The Caps used their speed and hard work to take advantage of an exhausted Stars squad that arrived in DC late. The Caps were able to draw a few penalties and capitalized. The Caps’ power play was 2 for 5 and was perfect on the penalty kill.
There was a scary moment in the third period when Jamie Heward took a skate to the face behind the Caps net. The shock may have given the Stars some help getting back into the game. The Caps nearly let the 4-1 lead get away from them when Stu Barnes scored, then the Stars’ coach Dave Tippett pulled Marty Turco (who replaced starter Mike Smith) and they climbed back to within one with two minutes and three seconds left in the game.
But the Caps held on, barely, and started their 4 game homestand on a good foot. Scoring for the Capitals were Zednik, Chris Clark, Matt Pettinger and Alex Semin. Alex Ovechkin had a penalty shot after starting goaltender Smith threw his stick after Ovie shook the defense free for a breakaway. Ovechkin was unable to score on the shot, losing control of the puck and never getting his shot on net.
Overall Grade: B
The Capitals still need to find that finishing touch on games they take control of early. The Caps were merely able to outscore Dallas in this one. They were able to build off their Tampa win. They will need that scoring confidence when they face their next opponents; Buffalo (insert scary music here!).
Caps face off with the dreaded Sabres on Saturday. Hanlon’s bunch has to be able to match Buffalo’s scoring touch but at the same time contain the speedy Sabres. It’s asking a lot, I know, but the Caps are finding scoring outside of their top line. That is a good sign.
Scoresheet – Wash Post – Dallas MN
Caps made this one interesting after taking a commanding 4-1 lead into the late third period. But the Caps hold out and make Jeff Halpern’s return to the phone booth a tough one for the tired Dallas Stars.
Brooks Laich had the assist of the night fighting through 4 Dallas defenders to shovel the puck in the slot to a breaking Richard Zednik who buried the puck. The Caps used their speed and hard work to take advantage of an exhausted Stars squad that arrived in DC late. The Caps were able to draw a few penalties and capitalized. The Caps’ power play was 2 for 5 and was perfect on the penalty kill.
There was a scary moment in the third period when Jamie Heward took a skate to the face behind the Caps net. The shock may have given the Stars some help getting back into the game. The Caps nearly let the 4-1 lead get away from them when Stu Barnes scored, then the Stars’ coach Dave Tippett pulled Marty Turco (who replaced starter Mike Smith) and they climbed back to within one with two minutes and three seconds left in the game.
But the Caps held on, barely, and started their 4 game homestand on a good foot. Scoring for the Capitals were Zednik, Chris Clark, Matt Pettinger and Alex Semin. Alex Ovechkin had a penalty shot after starting goaltender Smith threw his stick after Ovie shook the defense free for a breakaway. Ovechkin was unable to score on the shot, losing control of the puck and never getting his shot on net.
Overall Grade: B
The Capitals still need to find that finishing touch on games they take control of early. The Caps were merely able to outscore Dallas in this one. They were able to build off their Tampa win. They will need that scoring confidence when they face their next opponents; Buffalo (insert scary music here!).
Caps face off with the dreaded Sabres on Saturday. Hanlon’s bunch has to be able to match Buffalo’s scoring touch but at the same time contain the speedy Sabres. It’s asking a lot, I know, but the Caps are finding scoring outside of their top line. That is a good sign.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Don't Shed A Tear For Halpern
Local hero Jeff Halpern finally comes to his senses and moves on singing a $2 million, 4 year contract with the Dallas Stars. While Halpern was the Capitals captain and grew up in Potomac Maryland making him a local favorite, his days were numbered with the Caps.
Faster, bigger, stronger centermen are what the new NHL craves. That leaves little room for a player like Halpern on a team that is gaining in all 3. Halpern who instead of playing in Europe during the lockout (mostly because of a family tragedy), spent the year in the US. When the NHL finally returned, Halpern did not look sharp.
Some theories on why Halpern decided on Dallas. But in the end it may be one last chance to make the USA team by getting close to Mike Modano. But, at 30 years of age, Halpern may have his best years behind him.
As much as the local Caps fans will miss Halpern, the more I look forward to what the Caps are building. Along with Halpern leaving the team, Brian Willsie (a player I thought the Caps would fight for) signed with the LA Kings.
But while they lose talent, the Caps have roped in some key defense. Brian Potheir who partnered with Zdeno Chara (who the Capitals had made offers for but failed to sign after the price exceeded $5 million) had a career year with the Ottawa Senators. The Caps also resigned Brent Johnson, the young goaltender that will again back up Olaf Kolzig.
It is still to be seen if the Caps will go after another defenseman, or continue to beef up the forward column. My hope is that the Caps don’t stop with Potheir. The Caps still need a solid stay at home defenseman.
Faster, bigger, stronger centermen are what the new NHL craves. That leaves little room for a player like Halpern on a team that is gaining in all 3. Halpern who instead of playing in Europe during the lockout (mostly because of a family tragedy), spent the year in the US. When the NHL finally returned, Halpern did not look sharp.
Some theories on why Halpern decided on Dallas. But in the end it may be one last chance to make the USA team by getting close to Mike Modano. But, at 30 years of age, Halpern may have his best years behind him.
As much as the local Caps fans will miss Halpern, the more I look forward to what the Caps are building. Along with Halpern leaving the team, Brian Willsie (a player I thought the Caps would fight for) signed with the LA Kings.
But while they lose talent, the Caps have roped in some key defense. Brian Potheir who partnered with Zdeno Chara (who the Capitals had made offers for but failed to sign after the price exceeded $5 million) had a career year with the Ottawa Senators. The Caps also resigned Brent Johnson, the young goaltender that will again back up Olaf Kolzig.
It is still to be seen if the Caps will go after another defenseman, or continue to beef up the forward column. My hope is that the Caps don’t stop with Potheir. The Caps still need a solid stay at home defenseman.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Bad Start For Caps Road Trip
Capitals 1, Stars 4
Clearly Dallas was the superior team. The second period was the only period the Caps could put any pressure on the Stars, but only yielded one goal for the entire game. Alex Ovechkin scored his 27th goal.
The Capitals even scored a goal after a non-whistle by referee Tim Peel but the play was never reviewed in the second period. The puck was clearly in the net before the whistle blew, even triggering the red light, but Peel skated to the front of the net to nonchalantly stop play to call a penalty against the Stars. The puck was clearly in before the whistle on review. Where is Toronto when you need them?
But the Caps couldn’t even respond in the ensuing power play, nearly allowing a short- handed goal. The Caps were just out of their league. George McPhee, pay attention, these are the teams you have to beat to win a Stanley Cup.
The Stars played a gritty and good game. Jason Arnott (are too!) scored twice and had an assist, so did Sergei Zubov with a pair of his own assists. The Caps just couldn’t slow down the Stars. Olaf Kolzig has yet to win a game against the Dallas Stars, it may be a while too.
The Capitals couldn’t even hit their own man. I saw pass after pass either in the other players skates or right to a Stars player. It was frustrating to see how poor the play making part of the game is seriously lacking in the Capitals. When the Caps had the power play their only play was the dump and chase. Huh?
Overall Grade: Period 2, A, Periods 1 and 3, D
Wash Post has the quotes and notes of the game. Ovechkin was fun to watch in this game, even though he turned the puck over on Dallas’ third goal in the first period. He was fast and lucid, he just was not able to find the open ice to make his moves.
Reported earlier was the fact that many of the defensive squad for the Caps had been stricken with the flu. Not sure if that means if any those players will continue to play on this road trip. Mathieu Biron looked a sight better than death as he played, very pale and at times looked tired and shaky.
Capitals must find a new sense of self on this road trip as they play Anaheim Friday night 10:30 pm. The Caps could pick up a quick 2 points if they continue to play hard.
Nice to see the Comcast crew does the keys of the game with 1:40 to play in the third. Talk about being on top of your game Craig Laughlin. Go back to the Spa! Love ya “Locker.”
Bottom line in this one: Caps just couldn’t play with the Stars.
Clearly Dallas was the superior team. The second period was the only period the Caps could put any pressure on the Stars, but only yielded one goal for the entire game. Alex Ovechkin scored his 27th goal.
The Capitals even scored a goal after a non-whistle by referee Tim Peel but the play was never reviewed in the second period. The puck was clearly in the net before the whistle blew, even triggering the red light, but Peel skated to the front of the net to nonchalantly stop play to call a penalty against the Stars. The puck was clearly in before the whistle on review. Where is Toronto when you need them?
But the Caps couldn’t even respond in the ensuing power play, nearly allowing a short- handed goal. The Caps were just out of their league. George McPhee, pay attention, these are the teams you have to beat to win a Stanley Cup.
The Stars played a gritty and good game. Jason Arnott (are too!) scored twice and had an assist, so did Sergei Zubov with a pair of his own assists. The Caps just couldn’t slow down the Stars. Olaf Kolzig has yet to win a game against the Dallas Stars, it may be a while too.
The Capitals couldn’t even hit their own man. I saw pass after pass either in the other players skates or right to a Stars player. It was frustrating to see how poor the play making part of the game is seriously lacking in the Capitals. When the Caps had the power play their only play was the dump and chase. Huh?
Overall Grade: Period 2, A, Periods 1 and 3, D
Wash Post has the quotes and notes of the game. Ovechkin was fun to watch in this game, even though he turned the puck over on Dallas’ third goal in the first period. He was fast and lucid, he just was not able to find the open ice to make his moves.
Reported earlier was the fact that many of the defensive squad for the Caps had been stricken with the flu. Not sure if that means if any those players will continue to play on this road trip. Mathieu Biron looked a sight better than death as he played, very pale and at times looked tired and shaky.
Capitals must find a new sense of self on this road trip as they play Anaheim Friday night 10:30 pm. The Caps could pick up a quick 2 points if they continue to play hard.
Nice to see the Comcast crew does the keys of the game with 1:40 to play in the third. Talk about being on top of your game Craig Laughlin. Go back to the Spa! Love ya “Locker.”
Bottom line in this one: Caps just couldn’t play with the Stars.
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