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.
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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.
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