Washington Capitals Hockey
It seems that Michael Nylander has been a big disappointment this time around for the Caps. Last year he was injured and it was pretty much a lost season. This year a lot more was expected from him and he just hasn't put up the kind of numbers that he did with the Rangers back in 2005 and 2006 when he scored 23 and 27 goals and had career numbers with 79 and 83 points. Most of that had to do with the fact that he played on a line with Jagr and they seemed to have a great chemistry together that both seem to miss. While Nylander has been in Boudreau's doghouse a couple of times this year, at one time being sat down for four games straight, Nylander is the kind of veteran that can really make a difference in the upcoming playoffs. He has the ability to maneuver with the puck like few forwards, and can score when he decides to shoot. One of the problems is that he hasn't shot a whole lot this year, and his scoring percentage is also down. Still, I wouldn't be surprised to see a different Nylander in the playoffs, and if he plays like the Nylander of the Ranger years, all of his regular season struggles will be forgiven.
Hockey Talk
Sports and Culture
Monday, March 30, 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Watching the Baby Caps
Washington Capitals Hockey
I went up to Hershey last week to catch a game with the Washington Capitals affiliate team, the Hershey Bears. First off, I must say that I was pleased to find that the Giant arena was a first rate facility situated in a real nice location. There's plenty of parking, and leaving after the game was relatively easy. The complex itself was top notch for a minor league affiliate. There was also plenty of concession stands with lots of unique merchandise and foods. The ticket price was also easy to take. We got seats about 10 rows from the ice for $22 each. The only drawbacks that come to mind is that the sound system could be a bit better, and the scoreboards are not situated in the best locations. But all in all, it was a nice experience, and provides an opportunity to see some of the future NHL hockey players and Washington Capitals at a bargain price.
I went up to Hershey last week to catch a game with the Washington Capitals affiliate team, the Hershey Bears. First off, I must say that I was pleased to find that the Giant arena was a first rate facility situated in a real nice location. There's plenty of parking, and leaving after the game was relatively easy. The complex itself was top notch for a minor league affiliate. There was also plenty of concession stands with lots of unique merchandise and foods. The ticket price was also easy to take. We got seats about 10 rows from the ice for $22 each. The only drawbacks that come to mind is that the sound system could be a bit better, and the scoreboards are not situated in the best locations. But all in all, it was a nice experience, and provides an opportunity to see some of the future NHL hockey players and Washington Capitals at a bargain price.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Caps In Good Position To Grab 2nd Seed
Washington Capitals Hockey
While it's unlikely that the Capitals will be able to overtake Boston for the number one seed in the Eastern Conference, there's a good chance that they can grab the 2nd seed as the Caps on paper have a much easier remaining schedule than does New Jersey. While the Capitals have only one game remaining against a team currently in the playoff hunt(Florida), The Devils have five games remaining against teams currently in the playoff mix including two against Carolina, and one each against the Blackhawks, Penguins and Rangers. They also have an away game against the Red Hot Ottawa Senators. So if the Caps can put a run together playing at home against teams with the worse record in the Eastern Conference, they could easily wind up as the second seed and have possible home ice advantage for the first couple rounds of the playoffs.
While it's unlikely that the Capitals will be able to overtake Boston for the number one seed in the Eastern Conference, there's a good chance that they can grab the 2nd seed as the Caps on paper have a much easier remaining schedule than does New Jersey. While the Capitals have only one game remaining against a team currently in the playoff hunt(Florida), The Devils have five games remaining against teams currently in the playoff mix including two against Carolina, and one each against the Blackhawks, Penguins and Rangers. They also have an away game against the Red Hot Ottawa Senators. So if the Caps can put a run together playing at home against teams with the worse record in the Eastern Conference, they could easily wind up as the second seed and have possible home ice advantage for the first couple rounds of the playoffs.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Caps Need Some More Toughness
Washington Capitals Hockey
With Donald Brashear out, the Caps seem to lack "toughness", and teams are taking liberties with them. The high sticking of Green, and the slamming into the boards of Ovechkin by Brind'Amour are two examples. Outside of Brashear, the two main "tough guys" on the Capitals are Bradley and Erskine. While Bradley is willing, he's not the kind of figure that throws fear into the opposing teams as he winds up taking a beating more times than not in his fights. Erskine has shown the ability to handle himself in a fight but is not dropping the gloves as much as he used to. While the Caps are a team blessed with size, being the biggest team in their conference, in my opinion they need another person similar to Brashear that is willing to drop the gloves more as to keep the opposing teams from manhandling and even abusing some of the Caps talented young stars.
With Donald Brashear out, the Caps seem to lack "toughness", and teams are taking liberties with them. The high sticking of Green, and the slamming into the boards of Ovechkin by Brind'Amour are two examples. Outside of Brashear, the two main "tough guys" on the Capitals are Bradley and Erskine. While Bradley is willing, he's not the kind of figure that throws fear into the opposing teams as he winds up taking a beating more times than not in his fights. Erskine has shown the ability to handle himself in a fight but is not dropping the gloves as much as he used to. While the Caps are a team blessed with size, being the biggest team in their conference, in my opinion they need another person similar to Brashear that is willing to drop the gloves more as to keep the opposing teams from manhandling and even abusing some of the Caps talented young stars.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Brian Pothier Returns to Caps
Washington Capitals Hockey
Brain Pothier of the Washington Capitals returned to the ice this week after being out since January of 2008 after sustaining a concussion in a game, and suffering from "concussion syndrome" afterwards. Whether or not Pothier can return to his top form only time will tell as some players are never quite the same after suffering this type of injury. Eric Lindros is a prime example of a player who's career and performance was impacted from numerous concussions. When Lindros was healthy, he was one of the most dominant players in the game. However, after several episodes of concussion type injuries, he just wasn't the same player that he was beforehand. I happened to be watching a game in which Lindros was nailed at center ice by Scott Stevens of the Devils, and had him laying on the ice for several minutes. I remember thinking at the moment, I wonder if this is the hit that ends his career?
In any event, one has to be happy to see Pothier beat the odds and be able to play the game that he loves once again, and having another experienced defenseman in the lineup to eat up some time can only help the Caps heading into the playoffs.
Brain Pothier of the Washington Capitals returned to the ice this week after being out since January of 2008 after sustaining a concussion in a game, and suffering from "concussion syndrome" afterwards. Whether or not Pothier can return to his top form only time will tell as some players are never quite the same after suffering this type of injury. Eric Lindros is a prime example of a player who's career and performance was impacted from numerous concussions. When Lindros was healthy, he was one of the most dominant players in the game. However, after several episodes of concussion type injuries, he just wasn't the same player that he was beforehand. I happened to be watching a game in which Lindros was nailed at center ice by Scott Stevens of the Devils, and had him laying on the ice for several minutes. I remember thinking at the moment, I wonder if this is the hit that ends his career?
In any event, one has to be happy to see Pothier beat the odds and be able to play the game that he loves once again, and having another experienced defenseman in the lineup to eat up some time can only help the Caps heading into the playoffs.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Pens-Flyers Playoff Matchup?
Washington Capitals Hockey
There was a thread on the Washington Capitals discussion board about whether the Penguins will do everything in their power to avoid a matchup with the Philly Flyers in the first round like they did last year. My thinking on this is that the circumstances are a whole lot different this year, and will probably keep them from slacking unless it comes down to one game like it did last year. In 2008, the Pens were one of the top teams in the playoffs point wise and already had a spot in hand and had the luxury of coasting a bit at the end. This year while they are sitting in 5th place, they are only three points ahead of the 8th seed and could still miss the playoffs if they have a bad stretch. With the first three seeds already locked in, Pittsburgh is looking at 4th to 8th seed, and if they're going to have to play the Flyers you would think that they would want home ice advantage. So bottom line is, if it comes down to one game and the Penguins have the choice of playing the Bruins, Capitals, Devils or Flyers, yes they might decide to rest Crosby and Malkin and avoid a 1st round matchup with the Flyers.
There was a thread on the Washington Capitals discussion board about whether the Penguins will do everything in their power to avoid a matchup with the Philly Flyers in the first round like they did last year. My thinking on this is that the circumstances are a whole lot different this year, and will probably keep them from slacking unless it comes down to one game like it did last year. In 2008, the Pens were one of the top teams in the playoffs point wise and already had a spot in hand and had the luxury of coasting a bit at the end. This year while they are sitting in 5th place, they are only three points ahead of the 8th seed and could still miss the playoffs if they have a bad stretch. With the first three seeds already locked in, Pittsburgh is looking at 4th to 8th seed, and if they're going to have to play the Flyers you would think that they would want home ice advantage. So bottom line is, if it comes down to one game and the Penguins have the choice of playing the Bruins, Capitals, Devils or Flyers, yes they might decide to rest Crosby and Malkin and avoid a 1st round matchup with the Flyers.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Can Theodore Carry Caps Far Into the Playoffs?
Washington Capitals Hockey
When the Caps signed Jose Theodore in the off season, many people were left wondering if he was the guy capable of allowing the Caps to take the next step in the playoffs. Coming to the end of his first season with the Caps, many of us are still not all that certain that he can. Theodore has played well for the Caps this year, and when Brent Johnson was alternating with Theodore, the Caps had a pretty decent duo in the net. However, with Johnson being injured a couple months back and needing surgery, even if he is able to return in time for the playoffs, do you really want to pin your hopes on a backup goaltender that is coming back from major surgery? It looks as if the Caps will have to rely upon one of their rookie goaltenders from Hershey, most likely Simeon Varlamov. Theordore hasn't had the consistency of the elite goaltenders in the league and his career mark is one game under .500. Not the kind of numbers that will get you into the hall of fame. Let's just hope that he can put together a run like Huey did for the Caps last year or else the Caps may again be making a first round exit.
When the Caps signed Jose Theodore in the off season, many people were left wondering if he was the guy capable of allowing the Caps to take the next step in the playoffs. Coming to the end of his first season with the Caps, many of us are still not all that certain that he can. Theodore has played well for the Caps this year, and when Brent Johnson was alternating with Theodore, the Caps had a pretty decent duo in the net. However, with Johnson being injured a couple months back and needing surgery, even if he is able to return in time for the playoffs, do you really want to pin your hopes on a backup goaltender that is coming back from major surgery? It looks as if the Caps will have to rely upon one of their rookie goaltenders from Hershey, most likely Simeon Varlamov. Theordore hasn't had the consistency of the elite goaltenders in the league and his career mark is one game under .500. Not the kind of numbers that will get you into the hall of fame. Let's just hope that he can put together a run like Huey did for the Caps last year or else the Caps may again be making a first round exit.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Caps Get Defensive
Washington Capitals Hockey
It was just what the doctor ordered after the disaster in Atlanta yesterday. A Capitals defense that stifled the Panthers, not even allowing a shot in the third period. It didn't hurt that the Panthers have all of a sudden forgotton how to score and were shutout for the second game in a row, but all in all it was an excellent showing for the Capitals as they killed off all four power plays for the Panthers. The Capitals are taking way too many penalities on most nights, and this could be a big problem in the playoffs agains teams that have a potent power play. Finally, for the second game in a row, neither Semin or Ovechkin scored. Watch for both to light it up in Tampa.
It was just what the doctor ordered after the disaster in Atlanta yesterday. A Capitals defense that stifled the Panthers, not even allowing a shot in the third period. It didn't hurt that the Panthers have all of a sudden forgotton how to score and were shutout for the second game in a row, but all in all it was an excellent showing for the Capitals as they killed off all four power plays for the Panthers. The Capitals are taking way too many penalities on most nights, and this could be a big problem in the playoffs agains teams that have a potent power play. Finally, for the second game in a row, neither Semin or Ovechkin scored. Watch for both to light it up in Tampa.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Playing the Spoiler Teams
Washington Capitals Hockey
On nights like tonight, it doesn't matter that you have the league's best goal scorer on your team, or that you have the third highest goal scoring team in the league. When a goaltender has a night like Kari Lehtonen had, the puck must look like a beachball coming at him. Lehtonen stopped 49 of 50 shots, and only let one get by him at the end of the game. The Thrasher have won a club record six games in a row, and are on a roll as the year wind's down. It's ironic that playing a team such as the Thrashers who have no chance of making the playoffs are a more difficult team to beat at this time of the year than many of the league's better teams.
It seems to work this way with all team sports. I've heard different reasons; no pressure on the team and they're playing loose, the players on those teams are playing hard, trying to make a good impression on the G.M. heading into the offseason, the team has finally come together and are playing at a higher level than at the beginning of the season, and so on. That's why they call these teams 'spoilers', because they've spoiled the playoff chances of many teams. The Caps will be playing more than a few games against these spoiler teams such as the Thrashers, the Lighting, and the Islanders. Fortunately, the Caps have placed themselves in a position where they can't be knocked out of a playoff position by one of these spoiler teams. I'll keep reminding myself of this after a game like tonight's.
On nights like tonight, it doesn't matter that you have the league's best goal scorer on your team, or that you have the third highest goal scoring team in the league. When a goaltender has a night like Kari Lehtonen had, the puck must look like a beachball coming at him. Lehtonen stopped 49 of 50 shots, and only let one get by him at the end of the game. The Thrasher have won a club record six games in a row, and are on a roll as the year wind's down. It's ironic that playing a team such as the Thrashers who have no chance of making the playoffs are a more difficult team to beat at this time of the year than many of the league's better teams.
It seems to work this way with all team sports. I've heard different reasons; no pressure on the team and they're playing loose, the players on those teams are playing hard, trying to make a good impression on the G.M. heading into the offseason, the team has finally come together and are playing at a higher level than at the beginning of the season, and so on. That's why they call these teams 'spoilers', because they've spoiled the playoff chances of many teams. The Caps will be playing more than a few games against these spoiler teams such as the Thrashers, the Lighting, and the Islanders. Fortunately, the Caps have placed themselves in a position where they can't be knocked out of a playoff position by one of these spoiler teams. I'll keep reminding myself of this after a game like tonight's.
Positioning For the Playoffs
Washington Capitals Hockey
What a difference a year makes. Last year the Capitals were fighting to make the playoffs, being forced to win virtually every game and needing everything to break right in order for them to make the playoffs. I was at the last game of the year against the Florida Panthers and it was exciting and nerve wrecking. This year barring a total collapse, the Capitals are in the playoffs, and it's just a matter of whether or not they wind up with a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd seed. Personally, I don't think that it means a whole lot in the playoffs whether you wind up with a 1st or 2nd seed other than bragging rights. However, statistics do show that the home team wins a larger percentage of the 7th games in a playoff series, so if a series gets that far, it is an advantage to be playing at home. Still, as last year's series between the Caps and Flyers shown, having the final game at your rink doesn't guarantee a win.
What a difference a year makes. Last year the Capitals were fighting to make the playoffs, being forced to win virtually every game and needing everything to break right in order for them to make the playoffs. I was at the last game of the year against the Florida Panthers and it was exciting and nerve wrecking. This year barring a total collapse, the Capitals are in the playoffs, and it's just a matter of whether or not they wind up with a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd seed. Personally, I don't think that it means a whole lot in the playoffs whether you wind up with a 1st or 2nd seed other than bragging rights. However, statistics do show that the home team wins a larger percentage of the 7th games in a playoff series, so if a series gets that far, it is an advantage to be playing at home. Still, as last year's series between the Caps and Flyers shown, having the final game at your rink doesn't guarantee a win.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Alexander Semin
Washington Capitals Hockey
One of my favorite players for the Capitals is Alexander Semin. I really started to like this guy after watching his play against the Philadelphia Flyers in last years playoffs. While he's always had excellent offensive skills, I was impressed with his tenacity and physical play during that series. His game carried over into the beginning of this year and he was headed for a career year until injuries took him out of play for about a month. It looks as if he is putting it all together at the right time. Boudreau has even said that Semin has been the Caps best player for the last month. While he will probably always be in the shadow of the other Alex, I believe that some great things lie ahead for this budding superstar, and if he can stay healthy and free of injuries, I would expect him to be a perennial 50 goal scorer for the Caps.
One of my favorite players for the Capitals is Alexander Semin. I really started to like this guy after watching his play against the Philadelphia Flyers in last years playoffs. While he's always had excellent offensive skills, I was impressed with his tenacity and physical play during that series. His game carried over into the beginning of this year and he was headed for a career year until injuries took him out of play for about a month. It looks as if he is putting it all together at the right time. Boudreau has even said that Semin has been the Caps best player for the last month. While he will probably always be in the shadow of the other Alex, I believe that some great things lie ahead for this budding superstar, and if he can stay healthy and free of injuries, I would expect him to be a perennial 50 goal scorer for the Caps.
Hello to all Washington Capital Fans
Washington Capitals Hockey
I decided to start this blog because I enjoy hockey so much that I thought it might be kind of neat to post my observations and comments about the Washington Capitals and hockey in general. I live about 40 miles outside of Washington in Baltimore and therefore don't get to see them as much as I like, but thanks to the NHL hockey package, I seldom miss a game. I should mention that I've always been a hockey fan and spent many Fall and Winter evenings down at the Baltimore Civic Center watching the Baltimore Clippers, which at the time were a minor league hockey team. The Clippers themselves are long gone but the memories of those evenings remain and that's where I developed my love of hockey.
Back to the Capitals, it's great to see the team develop in the last couple of years into a legitimate contender, and looking at the future, I can't help but believe that a Stanley Cup lies somewhere in their future. Perhaps this year, but probably in the near future. In any event, it's great to have a team that you can watch develop and grow, and you see that in the enthusiasm that Caps fans exhibit at the games.
Again, I'd like to say hi to everyone and hope that you will offer your own comments and insight about Capitals hockey and hockey in general on this blog.
I decided to start this blog because I enjoy hockey so much that I thought it might be kind of neat to post my observations and comments about the Washington Capitals and hockey in general. I live about 40 miles outside of Washington in Baltimore and therefore don't get to see them as much as I like, but thanks to the NHL hockey package, I seldom miss a game. I should mention that I've always been a hockey fan and spent many Fall and Winter evenings down at the Baltimore Civic Center watching the Baltimore Clippers, which at the time were a minor league hockey team. The Clippers themselves are long gone but the memories of those evenings remain and that's where I developed my love of hockey.
Back to the Capitals, it's great to see the team develop in the last couple of years into a legitimate contender, and looking at the future, I can't help but believe that a Stanley Cup lies somewhere in their future. Perhaps this year, but probably in the near future. In any event, it's great to have a team that you can watch develop and grow, and you see that in the enthusiasm that Caps fans exhibit at the games.
Again, I'd like to say hi to everyone and hope that you will offer your own comments and insight about Capitals hockey and hockey in general on this blog.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
