GDT R4G4 Knights @ Capitals 2018-06-04 8:00pm EST NBC, CBC, SN, TVAS

[DC_1908]

I mean for all the praise you give to Reaves, Matt Niskanen has put him on his but 4 or 5 times this series. Obviously that is less grit in terms of fighting prowess and more Reaves not being the only big body out there. But I feel like we've handled some of their meanest players on the board play and physically fine. Every player you named was whining, complaining, diving, or getting put on their keester at some point this series by Wilson, Orpik, Ovie, Eller, Oshie, or Niskanen.


I wouldn't be so quick to assume we can't fight them if we wanted to, but we don't want to. It makes no sense. Even if we were just standing our ground, chances are the way this series is the refs give us more penalties than not on it. Wilson sadly is going to get called for anything the moment he crosses the line now that Gallant is whining like a little bitch. The Miller hit on Oshie was one that was so sad to see him whine about though. Like how can you defend that? Miller can in like a baby, tried to get a hit on Oshie then when the counter hit created a situation where his own hit hurt him, he was whining like it should be suspension. That is garbage and you know it bud. For all the "tough credit" you give this team, it'd be nice if you owned up and went "hey they are being bitches" when they are. I guess that doesn't fit the narrative of Caps have to choke?


I'm not saying we can't choke. But you can't make EVERYTHING about that. Your known for calling what you see and I always like that about you, your seeing us play good mean hockey and out work and out hit them too, don't see you calling that.

Well last night Lady and I looked this up:



But, yes we are out working them and out hitting them, I have said this best hockey they've ever played . . . However, I doubt that would last if the proverbial and literal gloves came off.  They simply have better fighters the are more violent than we do.


For the other point, yes, Vegas was pentaly selling, and it sucks. But I don't believe they are The Hens that will even dive in an exhibition game, but see they are down and trying to get the game stoped, get an extra time out, and go on the powerplay for an opportunity to get back in the game.  While a desperate and sad bitch tactic, I haven't seen them do this any significant extent, (every team unfortunately does it)prior to this series and given the fact The Caps are not the 70s Flyers or are they know for their vicious hitting or causing injuries, its pretty safe to say its a desperate tactic as opposed the natural effeminate spinelessness of The Hens.


As I said last night, that game and this series is an example of one team playing their worst ever, and one team playing their best ever, which we've been on the end opposite end far to much.


I am just not convinced that this permanent, "the real Caps", the first year of a dynasty, best team ever etc..  There is just to many examples and instances of this team going from excellent to terrible far to easily.  Which is why I am highly cautious and conservative of the rising emotional high that is coming from this playoff.


The fans and the organization as a whole can not get to high on being on the brink of a Cup, particularly with this teams and fanbases history of doing so and the upsets that follow.   

This is probably my "coachs son" and former athlete side, but its not the time to party, engrave the Cup and plan a parade yet.  Its a time to be cold, calculating, minimal if not utterly emotionless, and objective about achieving victory the potential weakness that may be exploited by either team.

Then we have a month or so to get drunk before going back to work for rookie camp

[OurLadyOfPatience]

Well last night Lady and I looked this up:



But, yes we are out working them and out hitting them, I have said this best hockey they've ever played . . . However, I doubt that would last if the proverbial and literal gloves came off.  They simply have better fighters the are more violent than we do.


For the other point, yes, Vegas was pentaly selling, and it sucks. But I don't believe they are The Hens that will even dive in an exhibition game, but see they are down and trying to get the game stoped, get an extra time out, and go on the powerplay for an opportunity to get back in the game.  While a desperate and sad bitch tactic, I haven't seen them do this any significant extent, (every team unfortunately does it)prior to this series and given the fact The Caps are not the 70s Flyers or are they know for their vicious hitting or causing injuries, its pretty safe to say its a desperate tactic as opposed the natural effeminate spinelessness of The Hens.


As I said last night, that game and this series is an example of one team playing their worst ever, and one team playing their best ever, which we've been on the end opposite end far to much.


I am just not convinced that this permanent, "the real Caps", the first year of a dynasty, best team ever etc..  There is just to many examples and instances of this team going from excellent to terrible far to easily.  Which is why I am highly cautious and conservative of the rising emotional high that is coming from this playoff.


The fans and the organization as a whole can not get to high on being on the brink of a Cup, particularly with this teams and fanbases history of doing so and the upsets that follow.   

This is probably my "coachs son" and former athlete side, but its not the time to party, engrave the Cup and plan a parade yet.  Its a time to be cold, calculating, minimal if not utterly emotionless, and objective about achieving victory the potential weakness that may be exploited by either team.

Then we have a month or so to get drunk before going back to work for rookie camp

Let’s be honest, shall we?
A team being playoff successful or not has never inhibited your ability to get drunk.


#notfakenews

[DC_1908]

Let’s be honest, shall we?
A team being playoff successful or not has never inhibited your ability to get drunk.


#notfakenews

. . .   it helps 

[alta]

I don't think a fight from four years ago has any bearing on Toms ability now. Honestly I think the only thing saving a few of the Nights from a beat down is the scoreboard. These guys have good memories and will play each other twice next year. Watch for some unsettled scores next season. Unless the NHL revamps the schedule, which they should do. Having every team play each other twice in the regular season is stupid and takes away from divisional battles that were the mainstay of past rivalries.


If the Caps lose Thursday the world isn't going to end, it just means they will win it at home

[alta]

Let’s be honest, shall we?
A team being playoff successful or not has never inhibited your ability to get drunk.


#notfakenews

hey, it's after 5:00 somewhere 

[DC_1908]

hey, it's after 5:00 somewhere 

AM or PM?


 . . . lets be honest, AM or PM doesn't matter. . . .gettin drunk before the sun comes up in morning rules! 

[Devise]

AM or PM?


 . . . lets be honest, AM or PM doesn't matter. . . .drunk in morning rules!

Yeah sometimes it's fun if the UFC has fights on in another country early in the morning to get up at 8 am and crack a cold beer instead of a coffee and just dig into a long drunken day off haha. I imagine if the Caps win I'll have a few, but who am I kidding with the run they've had I'll probably be drinking regardless after the investment from all this.


But I hear you regarding us playing to the best and them playing to the worst. Obviously on that scale, we don't want to overlook our boys or presume dynasty. I was more meaning that a lot of the "heart" and "club kettler" terms are pretty much erased for some of our core. And I think it's a been a big off-season for some of BMGM's key acquisitions. We all agree Shattenkirk didn't pan out, and I was worried like you that following that blunder he'd be too worried about making a big splash to make up for that.


However if you look at some of our grittiest players and key playoff performers, a high majority of them are not gambles but instead sound underrated signings/heart and soul pieces made to bolster our roster intentionally for these playoffs. BMGM at least acknowledged we had mental pysche problems and the players he brought in are players that have helped change that narrative. Specifically looking at his two big FA signings, Nisky/Orpik both had more history of winning than our club and have been clutch in this deep run. Oshie was a gamer and he got him signed long term and he's absolutely a factor for us in these playoffs. Eller same thing, another underrated signing that is a playoff type player that we knew we needed more of. Kempny was a slick acquisition that is probably doing better than even he thought, but again he was focused more on the mentality and toughness of these players than just how good they were. That is what he was trying to acquire, and in hindsight some of that has paid off and I think BMGM and scouts should get credit for looking for players who could actually help us get through some of our problems.


That was the thing, we didn't need players to "carry" the Caps in the playoffs, we needed players who could help show and mature our core into melding as a team in the post-season. Beating Pitt finally removed the anvil mentally on the core players we hadn't that didn't believe or maybe weren't as keen to pull on that team rope as before because they had assumed that they needed more pieces etc. It just seems to me now that our "playoff gamers" have the impact and freedom to assert their will every game, while our non assumed gamers and core no longer need to be carried. They have find roles and ways to help whether it be scoring etc.

[DC_1908]

Yeah sometimes it's fun if the UFC has fights on in another country early in the morning to get up at 8 am and crack a cold beer instead of a coffee and just dig into a long drunken day off haha. I imagine if the Caps win I'll have a few, but who am I kidding with the run they've had I'll probably be drinking regardless after the investment from all this.


But I hear you regarding us playing to the best and them playing to the worst. Obviously on that scale, we don't want to overlook our boys or presume dynasty. I was more meaning that a lot of the "heart" and "club kettler" terms are pretty much erased for some of our core. And I think it's a been a big off-season for some of BMGM's key acquisitions. We all agree Shattenkirk didn't pan out, and I was worried like you that following that blunder he'd be too worried about making a big splash to make up for that.


However if you look at some of our grittiest players and key playoff performers, a high majority of them are not gambles but instead sound underrated signings/heart and soul pieces made to bolster our roster intentionally for these playoffs. BMGM at least acknowledged we had mental pysche problems and the players he brought in are players that have helped change that narrative. Specifically looking at his two big FA signings, Nisky/Orpik both had more history of winning than our club and have been clutch in this deep run. Oshie was a gamer and he got him signed long term and he's absolutely a factor for us in these playoffs. Eller same thing, another underrated signing that is a playoff type player that we knew we needed more of. Kempny was a slick acquisition that is probably doing better than even he thought, but again he was focused more on the mentality and toughness of these players than just how good they were. That is what he was trying to acquire, and in hindsight some of that has paid off and I think BMGM and scouts should get credit for looking for players who could actually help us get through some of our problems.


That was the thing, we didn't need players to "carry" the Caps in the playoffs, we needed players who could help show and mature our core into melding as a team in the post-season. Beating Pitt finally removed the anvil mentally on the core players we hadn't that didn't believe or maybe weren't as keen to pull on that team rope as before because they had assumed that they needed more pieces etc. It just seems to me now that our "playoff gamers" have the impact and freedom to assert their will every game, while our non assumed gamers and core no longer need to be carried. They have find roles and ways to help whether it be scoring etc.

Oh I  agree, and DSP, Kempy and the others have been great. . . But its not the first time we've brought in or signed players of that type and who  that have had major impacts, or have massive playoff resumes in. . who performed, but the others didnt. . . Williams is about the ultimate playoff performer,  Hendricks played his ass off as much as anyone, Winnick was solid, Arrnott had the resume .  So the new acquisitions are panning out in the last six games and for 9 or so before then. 


Its the same formula the Caps have always used.  But the formula the Caps use relies heavily on the "stars" while delegating other players to smaller "roles" with icetime and situations distributed accordingly.


So while what youre saying is correct, this structure simply relies heavily on Ovie  getting points,  Nick doing everything, and Holtby filling up highlight reels with saves . . .like they are doing now.

[BlackIce]

Oh I  agree, and DSP, Kempy and the others have been great. . . But its not the first time we've brought in or signed players of that type and who  that have had major impacts, or have massive playoff resumes in. . who performed, but the others didnt. . . Williams is about the ultimate playoff performer,  Hendricks played his ass off as much as anyone, Winnick was solid, Arrnott had the resume .  So the new acquisitions are panning out in the last six games and for 9 or so before then. 


Its the same formula the Caps have always used.  But the formula the Caps use relies heavily on the "stars" while delegating other players to smaller "roles" with icetime and situations distributed accordingly.


So while what youre saying is correct, this structure simply relies heavily on Ovie  getting points,  Nick doing everything, and Holtby filling up highlight reels with saves . . .like they are doing now.

Actually, the Caps offense relies as much on Ovie drawing attention as Ovie getting points, but that's neither here nor there.



Because of the salary cap, MOST teams rely heavily on their stars while getting smaller contributions from the balance of their roster.  The team with the last two Stanley Cups is certainly exhibit A of that approach. 


The point is, our roster is playing well now.  That's all there is to it, really.  Either that, or ALL the other teams in the playoffs are/were playing worse than we are, which is a disguised way of characterizing our current situation as the best of a bad lot.  I don't think the NHL would like that, and I certainly don't agree with it.


The question is, are you going to continue to, at least relatively speaking, badmouth some of the major contributors to this roster, including management, unless/until we actually win the Cup, and maybe even beyond??  To tell the truth, I was hoping that winning the Cup, if it happens, would get you to relent on thinking that large parts of this organization either don't know what they are doing or are too blasé or individually focused to care.  It appears that such may not be the case.


There IS one thing I agree with you on - this series is NOT over.  The team needs to continue the grind and crank out one more victory, and it won't be easy.  Frankly, what might make it easiest is if Vegas comes out all crazed and trying to overcome with sheer speed.  They really need to take a step back and look at how they can intelligently counter the brick wall the Caps are throwing at them for the most part.  Because they are a first year team and have been built to play one way, maybe it's too late for them to be able to try to do that now.

[Maacoshark]

i kept thinking about how backstrom is invisible and it kind of makes me sad. he used to be the guy. I'm not sure what he does

   Backstrom has 22 points in 19 games and he is usually responsible for shutting down the other teams top line. Nothing wrong with Backstroms game.

[Maacoshark]

Fair enough but you may be in the minority on that one. . .

    You know Schmidt is one of those soft, puck moving defenseman that you usually don't like. I'm surprised you give him so much praise.
    I think Schmidt is good but I just don't see him as a shutdown dman. Vegas relies on a team defensive system. You know that as well as anyone.

[DC_1908]

Actually, the Caps offense relies as much on Ovie drawing attention as Ovie getting points, but that's neither here nor there.



Because of the salary cap, MOST teams rely heavily on their stars while getting smaller contributions from the balance of their roster.  The team with the last two Stanley Cups is certainly exhibit A of that approach. 


The point is, our roster is playing well now.  That's all there is to it, really.  Either that, or ALL the other teams in the playoffs are/were playing worse than we are, which is a disguised way of characterizing our current situation as the best of a bad lot.  I don't think the NHL would like that, and I certainly don't agree with it.


The question is, are you going to continue to, at least relatively speaking, badmouth some of the major contributors to this roster, including management, unless/until we actually win the Cup, and maybe even beyond??  To tell the truth, I was hoping that winning the Cup, if it happens, would get you to relent on thinking that large parts of this organization either don't know what they are doing or are too blasé or individually focused to care.  It appears that such may not be the case.


There IS one thing I agree with you on - this series is NOT over.  The team needs to continue the grind and crank out one more victory, and it won't be easy.  Frankly, what might make it easiest is if Vegas comes out all crazed and trying to overcome with sheer speed.  They really need to take a step back and look at how they can intelligently counter the brick wall the Caps are throwing at them for the most part.  Because they are a first year team and have been built to play one way, maybe it's too late for them to be able to try to do that now.

Yes to clarify, getting points includes drawing attention and/or decoying.


But on the other hand, to take at face value, that each is player is definitely this good, that GMBetaMale had a masterfully intricate plan on who to get to do specific roles and not just the most popular player and/or the best that we can afford, and that Trotz had the blue prints for his old Nashville system all along (like I said we needed against The Hens all along) and was just waiting for the time to roll it out. Both of which equate one of the all greatest teams in history, is just fantastical drama for entertainment purposes only.


Yes, I think that we caught the three conference teams off-guard and over confident.  Which given the history and performance of this team over the past 10 years and this season, for them to be terrified of  this tbem, or show then any more than the minimal considerations is unprobable.


But what I did say (not in specific words), is for this group to win the Cup, Holtby would need to be a god, Ovie would need to be at his best, and the would  to play a real system, and  smarter than they ever have, and an extreme amount of “luck”.[size=78%]All of this seemed highly unlikely, particularly when luck/fortune/help whatever has always been against us[/size]


While this can apply to most teams, the.Caps needed unheard of levels of play from two elite players and unheard of levels of “luck” . .   Both of which we got.


Now don’t get me wrong, this is great and all, but it comes down to a team that needed unheard of luck, help,  and multiple players performing  multiple times over what they have ever done, Lightning in a bottle. and they caught it.


So on the 10th year of a 3yr plan after not getting past the second round.  It took lightning in a bottle in a perfect storm after hopes and prayers. . , while teams like the Hawks, Kings, Hens who all had a similar time plan 10yrs ago and now have multiplte Cups as they did it right, but,  we  didn’t and needed lighting in a bottle during a perfect storm. 


So I’m enjoying the Final, but I have nothin to repent for.  Fortune, amd luck can work great when “anything can happen”, but it can’t be counted on.


We do agree on Vegas though, but I gotta finish dinner so I’ll save that for another post   

[newtoCapsparty]

I fear confidence can easily turn into over-cofidence and could become our undoing.

SCF history or not, The Caps still have blown 3-1 series leads before. We have also seen this same team play sloppier and dumber than 12yo-coed rec-league teams this season (and before), so going back to that is possible even if unlikely.

Play safe, play smart, and nothing show off and/or stupid.  It really could take just one failed toe drag, missed assignment, bad pass, etc. to loose all the momentum/mojo we have going, and give it off to a pissed off team.

Good to remember all of your points.  I've been trying to temper happiness all day and am covering my ears when hearing about victory parades.  The thought occurred to me that Vegas may rally if they even sniff overconfidence among Caps and may gain an edge if they commit to winning on their home ice (i.e., if they have the mindset that losing in DC is one thing, but losing the final game in front of their supportive fans is another).  I hope Caps will be ready to shut down the kind of go-all-out play that may come from that kind of thinking.     

[Maacoshark]

Yes to clarify, getting points includes drawing attention and/or decoying.


But on the other hand, to take at face value, that each is player is definitely this good, that GMBetaMale had a masterfully intricate plan on who to get to do specific roles and not just the most popular player and/or the best that we can afford, and that Trotz had the blue prints for his old Nashville system all along (like I said we needed against The Hens all along) and was just waiting for the time to roll it out. Both of which equate one of the all greatest teams in history, is just fantastical drama for entertainment purposes only.


Yes, I think that we caught the three conference teams off-guard and over confident.  Which given the history and performance of this team over the past 10 years and this season, for them to be terrified of  this tbem, or show then any more than the minimal considerations is unprobable.


But what I did say (not in specific words), is for this group to win the Cup, Holtby would need to be a god, Ovie would need to be at his best, and the would  to play a real system, and  smarter than they ever have, and an extreme amount of “luck”.[size=78%]All of this seemed highly unlikely, particularly when luck/fortune/help whatever has always been against us[/size]


While this can apply to most teams, the.Caps needed unheard of levels of play from two elite players and unheard of levels of “luck” . .   Both of which we got.


Now don’t get me wrong, this is great and all, but it comes down to a team that needed unheard of luck, help,  and multiple players performing  multiple times over what they have ever done, Lightning in a bottle. and they caught it.


So on the 10th year of a 3yr plan after not getting past the second round.  It took lightning in a bottle in a perfect storm after hopes and prayers. . , while teams like the Hawks, Kings, Hens who all had a similar time plan 10yrs ago and now have multiplte Cups as they did it right, but,  we  didn’t and needed lighting in a bottle during a perfect storm. 


So I’m enjoying the Final, but I have nothin to repent for.


We do agree on Vegas though, but I gotta finish dinner so I’ll save that for another post

    I agree for sure about the Holtby comment. When Holtby went in his slump and Grubauer got on a bit of a hot streak against some mediocre competition. The regular season wasnt even over and most here wanted us to ride Grubauer through the playoffs. I said at that time that our only chance of going anywhere in the playoffs was to ride Holtby and that has turned out to be true. He has been very steady for the most part and at times has been spectacular. He likely won't win the con Smythe but he is as deserving as anyone.

[Maacoshark]

Well last night Lady and I looked this up:



But, yes we are out working them and out hitting them, I have said this best hockey they've ever played . . . However, I doubt that would last if the proverbial and literal gloves came off.  They simply have better fighters the are more violent than we do.


For the other point, yes, Vegas was pentaly selling, and it sucks. But I don't believe they are The Hens that will even dive in an exhibition game, but see they are down and trying to get the game stoped, get an extra time out, and go on the powerplay for an opportunity to get back in the game.  While a desperate and sad bitch tactic, I haven't seen them do this any significant extent, (every team unfortunately does it)prior to this series and given the fact The Caps are not the 70s Flyers or are they know for their vicious hitting or causing injuries, its pretty safe to say its a desperate tactic as opposed the natural effeminate spinelessness of The Hens.


As I said last night, that game and this series is an example of one team playing their worst ever, and one team playing their best ever, which we've been on the end opposite end far to much.


I am just not convinced that this permanent, "the real Caps", the first year of a dynasty, best team ever etc..  There is just to many examples and instances of this team going from excellent to terrible far to easily.  Which is why I am highly cautious and conservative of the rising emotional high that is coming from this playoff.


The fans and the organization as a whole can not get to high on being on the brink of a Cup, particularly with this teams and fanbases history of doing so and the upsets that follow.   

This is probably my "coachs son" and former athlete side, but its not the time to party, engrave the Cup and plan a parade yet.  Its a time to be cold, calculating, minimal if not utterly emotionless, and objective about achieving victory the potential weakness that may be exploited by either team.

Then we have a month or so to get drunk before going back to work for rookie camp

    I watched that fight on YouTube a few days ago. There is no doubt that Reaves is a tough guy but he isn't much of a hockey player. Wilson is pretty tough himself and is 10 times the player Reaves will ever be.
   I don't hate Reaves but I lost a lot of respect for him when he was battling with Orpik behind our net and he got hit with his own stick and was whining for a penalty. Come on Reaves, you are supposed to be a tough physical player. Not a diving and whining diva.

[4 Caps]

Yeah sometimes it's fun if the UFC has fights on in another country early in the morning to get up at 8 am and crack a cold beer instead of a coffee and just dig into a long drunken day off haha. I imagine if the Caps win I'll have a few, but who am I kidding with the run they've had I'll probably be drinking regardless after the investment from all this.


But I hear you regarding us playing to the best and them playing to the worst. Obviously on that scale, we don't want to overlook our boys or presume dynasty. I was more meaning that a lot of the "heart" and "club kettler" terms are pretty much erased for some of our core. And I think it's a been a big off-season for some of BMGM's key acquisitions. We all agree Shattenkirk didn't pan out, and I was worried like you that following that blunder he'd be too worried about making a big splash to make up for that.


However if you look at some of our grittiest players and key playoff performers, a high majority of them are not gambles but instead sound underrated signings/heart and soul pieces made to bolster our roster intentionally for these playoffs. BMGM at least acknowledged we had mental pysche problems and the players he brought in are players that have helped change that narrative. Specifically looking at his two big FA signings, Nisky/Orpik both had more history of winning than our club and have been clutch in this deep run. Oshie was a gamer and he got him signed long term and he's absolutely a factor for us in these playoffs. Eller same thing, another underrated signing that is a playoff type player that we knew we needed more of. Kempny was a slick acquisition that is probably doing better than even he thought, but again he was focused more on the mentality and toughness of these players than just how good they were. That is what he was trying to acquire, and in hindsight some of that has paid off and I think BMGM and scouts should get credit for looking for players who could actually help us get through some of our problems.


That was the thing, we didn't need players to "carry" the Caps in the playoffs, we needed players who could help show and mature our core into melding as a team in the post-season. Beating Pitt finally removed the anvil mentally on the core players we hadn't that didn't believe or maybe weren't as keen to pull on that team rope as before because they had assumed that they needed more pieces etc. It just seems to me now that our "playoff gamers" have the impact and freedom to assert their will every game, while our non assumed gamers and core no longer need to be carried. They have find roles and ways to help whether it be scoring etc.

I think BMAC has done a super job of building this roster and can’t be given enough credit.  He has taken a lot of flak, undeserved IMO, for what happened this past off season with the expansion draft and trading Marcus so it is great to see the team’s success this post season hopefully culminating with a Stanley Cup. 

[Maacoshark]

    I didn't like some of the decisions BMac made but it seems to have paid off for now. The only guy we lost that I had a bit of a problem with was Schmidt. I could care less about losing Shittenkirk, Alzner, Williams, Winnick or Johansson. I thought BMac overspent a bit resigning some players and got us in cap trouble. That could hurt us long term.
       Considering the cap situation GMBM did a decent job.

[justwincaps]

i kept thinking about how backstrom is invisible and it kind of makes me sad. he used to be the guy. I'm not sure what he does

He had 3 assists last night.




The reason he is invisible is that he is usually feeding Ovie and the goals get the glory or, as what happened last night, he had 3 assists but Kuzy had 4.   


Always overshadowed but never unappreciated.

[ArJunaZ]

The best thing they can do right now is NOT retaliate.  Instead stay the course and smile as big as they can as they shake their hand on Thursday night.

Welcome to the forum.

Yes, rub it in hard.

[KitFisto]

Yes, rub it in hard.

That's what she said.