Talk about Capitals hockey & more! > Washington Capitals & Other Hockey Discussion
GDT#45 Blues @ Capitals 7:00pm Mon Jan 14 2019 NBCSWA, SNE, SNO, SNP, FS-MW
ArJunaZ:
I just happened to switch on D.C. Sports Live and I caught Brent Johnson describing a conversation with other Cup champions suggesting that the Stanley Cup hangover doesn't hit you at the beginning of the season, but instead hits right about now in January. We can only hope that is what's going on and that the coming break will rejuvenate them.
I don't see how this makes you pass to imaginary players as Lil described. That has been truly bizarre to watch. So many passes that made absolutely no sense.
zerofox:
--- Quote from: Beaglefan2 on Monday January 14, 2019, 10:31:33 PM Eastern ---Not sure why Jaskin cannot get in this lineup - especially against his old team?
I counted one "hit" in the entire game between both teams.
The only player that looked like he gave any effort at all tonight was Vrana.
--- End quote ---
I like Vrana. I have high hopes for him going forward. I also seriously don't understand why we can't stick with Vrana, Wilson, Backstrom, Carlson/Orlov, and Ovi on the PP. Wilson will actually be able to work for pucks, and Vrana has speed in case the Caps insist on trying to run through a 4 man PK blockade. Kuzy right now is useless with his dipshit passing.
richkrt99:
Well I listened on the radio to the second period on my way home. Certainly sounded like a total no-show period. Normally, I would rewatch the whole game, but I did mostly watch the first at work and listen to the whole second on the radio and couldn't muster the effort to actually watch the second when I knew the outcome. Sort of half-heartedly watched the third while doing something else. That in itself should be an indicator how poorly the Caps played. It's rare that I'm not gung ho to watch.
Pretty crappy all way round. I'm not panicked about the season (yet)....but Caps definitely moving in the wrong direction and definitely need to wake the hell up. I am concerned about the trend of their seemingly declining effort and level of play. Maybe it is the Stanley hangover. Maybe it's mid-season doldrums. Maybe it is lack of heart - but I don't believe that. Maybe currently, but we know they have it in them. Hoping its not the coach and there is dissension among the troops.
The PP and PK are awful, but how important are those in the playoffs? PP seem to be few and far between in the playoffs. I mean it certainly will be a factor if we truly have the worst, but not as big a factor as total shitty team play at 5v5. I am not inferring that the caps WILL make the playoffs, but that is the 1st mail goal of the season....to actually get there.
I'm wondering how much a factor face offs are? I mean it's a factor, but the stat itself is kind of bogus. Often enough a face off win or a loss ends up going to opponent through pure hustle. The stat still shows a win, but reality was the puck was taken by the opponent anyway. Don't get me wrong - i do think it is a factor and probably more so in the playoffs where every scoring chance is critical. One of the problems with the caps faceoff % IS the lack of Hustle. They just aren't fighting for the puck enough at ANY part of the game right now.
I'm curious if the Caps actually go for a guy with face off skills at the trade deadline (for BURA - please, please, please)
I didn't really want the Caps to be in 1st place the whole season, but also don't want to go squeaking into the playoffs in last place either.
Anyway, crappy game, hoping tonight is better, but we never seem to play well against the PREDs so I'm not holding my breath.
No complaints about your complaints from me today. "your" being the bored board members
richkrt99:
--- Quote from: Beaglefan2 on Monday January 14, 2019, 10:31:33 PM Eastern ---Not sure why Jaskin cannot get in this lineup - especially against his old team?
I counted one "hit" in the entire game between both teams.
The only player that looked like he gave any effort at all tonight was Vrana.
--- End quote ---
Yes....why the heck can't Jaskin get into a game? At least he HITS people. Maybe he gets in tonight against a tougher team? I would have like to see him vs Boston. Hell, I would like to see him ANYDAY over Bura. Maybe he's in the doghouse for something we don't know about.
I realize the Caps are heavy with bottom six forwards, but Bura isn't really one of them and is a waste of a sweater in that role. I have no problem with Boyd getting a sweater - he has taken advantage of his opportunities. Dowd also is serviceable. He usually is reliable and fills 4c role well. To me Smith-Pelly/Stephenson/Jaskin should be fighting for the last sweater and Jaskin should get at least a shot now and then. I'd be okay with swapping out Dowd and even Boyd as well, but somebody give Jaskin a chance already. I know he's no all-star, but we need some 3-4 line hitting added in. I'm not down on Stephenson and Smith-Pelly but they aren't helping a whole lot lately.
Go Caps
richkrt99:
--- Quote from: alta on Monday January 14, 2019, 08:01:41 PM Eastern ---hate to say it but I’d be surprised if this isn’t Orpiks last season. I’d love to see him one more year here at $1m for 1, but I’m not sure the rest of the D will need his help anymore. And he’s 38 years old,
--- End quote ---
I was wondering the same thing when he got hurt earlier in the season. I think he is a steal at $1mil. Wondering if they bring him back. I think he brings other stuff to the table. If the caps actually had a D get hurt (other than Orpik) it would be nice to have him available. Especially since he still appears capable of clearing the crease (when he can catch up to it) ;D
At some point the Caps are going to have to sink or swim with the young D they have and let them play. I think the problem is without Orpik, who do you pair with who? You gonna put Bowey and Seigenthaler together?
I've always been ready to pass on Djoos. Just doesn't have the strength to be an NHL defensemen.
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