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When Backstrom Returns
Devise:
--- Quote from: RavenCp on Monday May 14, 2018, 11:05:23 PM Eastern ---Bura doesn't blend, the guy more concern to show his prowess, rather than be helpful for the team.
--- End quote ---
Exactly this. On top of the fact that Burt is coming off injury, I feel the only reason he's plugged okay into the line up is we put him on a line where he can get away with a little of that.
Realistically, he's just like Kucherov for TB. Who was recently talking shit about how defensive it's been and was complaining that it needs to be entertaining for the fans. This is the playoffs, you don't want players who are more concerned with making highlight reel plays to try and boost their career profile when the Stanley Cup is on the line.
Regarding Backy, I feel like if he does return that we just go back to putting Stephenson on his line. I wouldn't really want to break up Eller Oshie and Vrana, so you'd probably put Connolly or Burt with Backy/Stephenson. But since Stephenson was a natural center anyway, losing Backy hasn't really been as hurtful as we initially thought. I feel like Beagle, Chiasson and DSP have earned their lock as Bottom 4 though, so really with the top line also locked just a matter of tinkering with the other 6. I also wouldn't mind seeing Backy play with Vrana and Connolly the more I think about it. Eller/Stephenson/Oshie would be an excellent, EXCELLENT, shut down line. Like wow.
DC_1908:
--- Quote from: BlackIce on Monday May 14, 2018, 10:04:56 PM Eastern ---
If Backstrom isn't ready to go and Burakovsky were to be scratched, the choices for the 12th forward spot would be Gersich, Boyd, or Walker. Think any of them are a better bet than Burakovsky to be playoff-tested/playoff ready? Grecism has had almost no pro experience at all, never mind Stanley Cup experience. Boyd and Walker are limited-skill grinders. That's it.
I'm still suspicious that Backstrom is more seriously injured than public statements indicate, and he will either be saved for an emergency situation where the Caps' backs are against the wall, or he may really be out for the season and all the talk about him is a smokescreen to keep him on opponents' radar.
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All three are more playoff ready and better playoff players than Bura. Bura is just a KHLer that we overpaid for instead of trading when he had value, so now were stuck with him.
The ONLY place wed miss Bura is on the Power Play, but the improvement 5-5 and another PK option would make up for that.
BlackIce:
--- Quote from: DC_1908 on Tuesday May 15, 2018, 07:48:54 AM Eastern ---All three are more playoff ready and better playoff players than Bura. Bura is just a KHLer that we overpaid for instead of trading when he had value, so now were stuck with him.
The ONLY place wed miss Bura is on the Power Play, but the improvement 5-5 and another PK option would make up for that.
--- End quote ---
Get real,please. You cannot judge Gersich's readiness for playoff hockey after a few professional games in which he didn't look out of place. This is an extreme example of the "grass is greener" syndrome. As for Boyd and Walker, they are grinders who can probably feed into an effective defense, but any offensive contribution you'd get out of them would have to qualify as a complete surprise.
One reason I think that management appears pleased to get Bura back into the lineup is that they may think that the Caps can't hold off the Tampa offense forever, no matter what kind of defensive scheme they employ. Thus, they may need that extra sniper in the lineup to give them the best chance of winning a higher scoring game. I wouldn't be at all surprised if we see one or more 5-4 or 6-5 games in this series very soon.
DC_1908:
--- Quote from: BlackIce on Tuesday May 15, 2018, 12:52:21 PM Eastern ---
Get real,please. You cannot judge Gersich's readiness for playoff hockey after a few professional games in which he didn't look out of place. This is an extreme example of the "grass is greener" syndrome. As for Boyd and Walker, they are grinders who can probably feed into an effective defense, but any offensive contribution you'd get out of them would have to qualify as a complete surprise.
One reason I think that management appears pleased to get Bura back into the lineup is that they may think that the Caps can't hold off the Tampa offense forever, no matter what kind of defensive scheme they employ. Thus, they may need that extra sniper in the lineup to give them the best chance of winning a higher scoring game. I wouldn't be at all surprised if we see one or more 5-4 or 6-5 games in this series very soon.
--- End quote ---
Come on, they want him in because of his overpaid contract. For a defensive liability and risk, he didnt even score 25 goals. If he’s “that good”, gets PP time, and time with Nick & Ovie, how does he not at least get that?
But, with Bura on the ice, we won’t be able to hold off Tampa’s offense because Bura SUCKS at D, is lazy, makes idiotic decisions, and even more idiotic passes which result in more chances and goals than he creates. So yeah, I’d pick a player that doesn’t have a history, nor is type to do that crap than someone who is “entertaining”
Make no mistake, we give up 4+ goals . . . this series will certainly not end well. I know it will be the drama, the entertainment, and the sticky-gooey new NHL that layman’s love. . . but that will be the warning that the hot streak is over and bad habits are coming back
4 Caps:
I was at morning skate today and watched Backstrom very closely. He participated fully but did not take line rushes which indicates he probably is not going to play tonight. After practice he stayed on the ice and practiced with the healthy scratches. I believe he will be playing the next game. Watching him you would never know he was injured. I did not see him take faceoffs and most of the time when he shot he took it easy although I did see him shoot the puck hard a couple of times. I really think he could have played tonight but with us being up two games in the series they can be cautious.
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