The ‘24-‘25 boredom thread..

[richkrt99]

This should make some of you happy...and not a surprise...
https://www.nhl.com/news/new-york-rangers-fire-head-coach-peter-laviolette

[richkrt99]

and WTF is this on the NHL.com page, but not on Caps website 
https://www.nhl.com/news/stanley-cup-playoffs-buzz-news-and-notes-april-19-2025


Thompson is nearly ready?

[Mickstix]

Bummer Pro still couldn't skate. If they can get Thompson back, that may buy some time. They need to healthy up, real quick.. Fever missed practice as well.

[alta]

good for Laviolette


and still no word on Carlson, who “rested” the final three games of the season

[Beaglefan2]

I saw conflicting things on Protas skating, but it seems likely he will be out.   Missing Fever would also be a major problem as he is one of our most physical defensemen.  I'm not loving having Leonard in the lineup if he plays as he will get creamed physically and I don't think it will be helpful to his confidence/development.  Frank would get pushed around too but I would be more comfortable with him out there or even somebody else like Miro.  We need another a couple more big bodies that will hit.  Hopefully, Radysh will crank it up.

[alta]

Protas did skate yesterday(Sunday), but in a no contact jersey. That tells me he is not ready for game 1.


On Saturday, I thought I read somewhere that Carlson and Fever did not practice. Also Saturday, Ethen Bear was called up from Hershey.

[richkrt99]

Yeah Protas just now starting to skate tells me he is days (at least) from playing.
I hope Fever is GTG - missing him will hurt...a lot.  I'd rather miss Carlson than Fever for a playoff game.  I know Johhny Q logs tons of minutes, but Fever is our biggest hitter on D.  He's not flashy but he is solid.  I think we need to hit hard and often vs Montreal.
Hopefully PLD pumps up the snarl for playoffs - he has shown glimpses, as well as Raddysh.  Need those big bodies to use them big bodies.
Ethan Bear being called up is a little worrisome.  When was the last time he saw NHL action?  (March 2024)

[Mickstix]

LT first off the ice. Looks like he'll be the starter tonight!

[alta]

https://novacapsfans.com/2025/04/21/an-analytical-preview-of-the-washington-capitals-round-one-match-up-against-montreal-canadiens/

[Mickstix]

Welp, this fucking sucks. Get well soon and see you next year Fever. 


https://twitter.com/sammisilber/status/1914691194673578356

[Beaglefan2]

Ouch!  That hurts.  I love Carbs but his failure to rest our defensemen during the year was a mistake - especially with having Alexyev on the bench.  The injury may have happened anyway, but he should have been giving some games off throughout the season.  I honestly don't understand how these guys play 82 games and then can play another 10 to 20 hellacious games in the playoffs. Plus when you factor in the travel and the lack of family time, hockey players have to be the toughest athletes in all of sports.

[richkrt99]

Oh no....that's gonna hurt.  Fever is our best shot blocker and hitter on D.
I'm surprised they didn't put BigMac in there for game 1.  Maybe since Montreal is "small" and fast they are waiting for a more physical matchup, but damn.
You can never tell with injuries...can happen anytime, not sure rest would have any impact (other than him not on the ice to get the injury), but I agree we should have starting resting guys weeks and weeks ago, take advantage of our depth AND get guys some needed ice time.

And...that's 6+ months for Fever if it was "Meniscus Repair" so its not just "out for the playoffs".  That probably help push the Caps to sign Alexeyev this summer (RFA)