G54 Kings @ Capitals 7:00pm Tue Feb 4, 2020 NBCSWA, FS-W

[alta]

16 goals in 13 games


 

[alta]

I started this game with a migraine and a stomach ache, at least the migraine is gone

[KollieOlizig]

I think it is especially notable that in his first NHL game, Martin Fehervary has leapfrogged Jensen and Gudas and has a lot more shifts and ice time.  It's hard to imagine him staying up if the Caps are going to try to bank salary cap space to make some kind of move at the trade deadline.  But who knows?  Both Kempny and Jensen are struggling.

   Fehervary did play 3 games earlier this season. He looks fine out there. He is definitely better than a couple of our regulars. I'm looking forward to seeing him play more. I've heard people comparing him to Slavin in Carolina.

[Surreylily]

That was worth stayng up for.   
I thought Holtby played pretty well, after letting in that first softy.

[Surreylily]

If we can stop with the stupid give-aways and get our PP going, I think we could have  a pretty good hockey team.


Also, thank you to evrybody that contributed to the Mitch Korn fund.....

[PUCKNRUSH]

Totally happy for OVI!
More milestones passed, 11, 40-goal seasons, just 2 away from 700, another multi goal game, it really is AMAZING!


All those great accomplishments for OVI!!
This is where tonight’s “upshot” begins, and ENDS, unfortunately!!


This time the “dial it in”, time was, pathetically, the last 5-6 minutes of the game!
And most of THAT success was born out of LA Kings screwups, NOT, so much, from the Caps elevating their collective energy!!


 If this wasn’t one of the most OBVIOUS portrayals of the caps playing down to their opponents level, then I don’t know what would be!!


So many of our 1st and 2nd liners especially, playing barely 100 foot games!
Most guilty were Kuzy, and Vrana, IMO!  Just appearing to not even want to be involved in the defensive end, except to anticipate a long outlet pass for their OWN individual glory! Kuzy cost us the Kings second goal because of it!


 He started turning up ice, TOO early, in our zone, BEFORE we had puck control behind the net!  And could not recover, to try and defend the Kings shooter, as he was taking off, up ice, in anticipation, and going too fast because he already made his mind up, OBLIVIOUS, to the fact we had lost possession behind the net!


With Vrana, (who I normally like), he seems to forget sometimes that after he takes a shot on goal, and he misses....Lo and behold, there is still a frickin GAME going on!  He seems too concerned with being frustrated about his OWN missed shot, to have time to realize he’s out there STILL, with five other teammates on the ice!


Similar to when we’ve seen Kuzy miss receiving a pass, because his hands are up in the air, in frustration, yelling at a ref, for not calling a slashing/holding penalty, that KUZY felt should have been called! No penalty is called, and ALL THE WHILE PLAY GOES ON!  Kuzy could give a flying fuck!!
THAT is some selfish-ass shit, for ANY professional player, at any salary to do!!!


So pardon me folks, if I see some kind of CONNECTION between these type of behaviors, and those, on the ice, MOST GUILTY, of the “play when I feel like it”, syndrome!!


Always GOOD when Caps WIN! (but Jeez)!


Rush

[richkrt99]

I watched the game late (as usual).  Managed to hang in until about halfway through the second.  Fell asleep...due to the late hour AND the Caps play
Holtby's first goal was a softy, but he did play really solid after that, and kept us in the game when we didn't really deserve to be in it.  I went back and watched it this morning and it was a pretty good snipe.  Really quick release.  And Holtby was about 8" out of position.


I agree about what most everyone has said...lack of effort, playing down to the opponent, let down in the overall play.


Lastly... Way to go Ovi.  I find it really disheartening to have to watch one of my favorite players and the best goal scorer on the planet age so poorly.  It's so sad how much his play and scoring has dropped in his old age.  Poor guy, must suck to be such an aging superstar.  40 goals in 54 games (Ovi has played 53) puts him on pace for 60 this season.  Fucking old man slacker. 


Although....how the hell do you leave the very best goal scorer on the planet alone in front of the crease?  And Quick pretty much handed Ovi the second goal.  Oh yeah, LA sucks.


Problem is, all these "undeserved" wins just reinforces their ability to continue to play for 20 minutes a game and expect to win.


I guess I'll just take it and not look that horse in the mouth.  Points is points.  We need all of them.

[waynerivers]

Holtby looked better, which isn't that difficult considering how he's looked lately but at least it's somewhat encouraging.  I'm not sure what the point of bringing Ferhervary up for one game was.  Either insert him or leave him in Hershey.  If he does play, it's certainly not Siegenthaler who should sit, but Jensen.

[PUCKNRUSH]

 Didn’t understand the Ziggy scratch, for Ferhervary either??


 Only thing I can figure would be some behind the scenes, potential trade talks/swaps, that may make sense after the trade deadline. Who knows at this point?


 Generally speaking I’ll give GMBM the benefit of the doubt, but Ziggy is certainly not the issue. He started his real upswing earlier in the season this year, and, in my opinion, has been extremely solid!


Jensen has made some very noteworthy plays of late,  but too frequently accompanied with heavy errors, both in puck possession AND judgement!
IMO, Jensen is too volatile, almost PREDICTABLY volatile!  The kind of stuff that drives coaches crazy, and that’s never good!


Holtz had a BETTER than average game, on balance, but no more, and no less than that!  Any improvement in his play should be welcome, but it’s also easy to remember that this is just one game for him, AND he was supposed to be the backup, anyway.
 Bottom line, he did a GOOD job as a BACKUP goalie, and as would be expected against a bottom feeder team!
It should not move the needle of consideration one way or the other, to affect the starting, #1 position by Samsonov, who has EARNED it!!


Rush

[Beaglefan2]

Rush - thought I posted this earlier, but maybe not.  I think they didn't bench Jenson or Kempny because that would diminish their trade value.  They are surely keepin Ziggy and he is young so sitting him a few games doesn't matter.  If they can dump either Kempny or Jenson (and their salary) they can fit in a decent rental defensemen and have Fehrveray as insurance.  At least that is what I am hoping they are thinking.

[PUCKNRUSH]

Rush - thought I posted this earlier, but maybe not.  I think they didn't bench Jenson or Kempny because that would diminish their trade value.  They are surely keepin Ziggy and he is young so sitting him a few games doesn't matter.  If they can dump either Kempny or Jenson (and their salary) they can fit in a decent rental defensemen and have Fehrveray as insurance.  At least that is what I am hoping they are thinking.

Interesting take Beags!
I’m more with you on Jensen than Kempny.
Kempny has had a larger number of mistakes lately, but I believe there is more to him than that.


I get the sense that GMBM/Caps, have a longer term outlook for Kempny. For one thing, they gave him a multi-year contract, in part, because he compliments Carlson, on defense.


My personal take is that John Carlson’s defensive skills, (or lack there of😁), place a much heavier burden defensively, on who ever would unfortunately be tasked to pair with him! They’re forced to shoulder a heavier defensive responsibility than average, IMO!


Since our Cup season, the general take has been that Kempnys strengths, are in areas where Carlson is less effective, and tend to offset Carlson’s defensive vices.
Rierden has said specifically, after Carlson’s new signing, that they are emphasizing more individual practice, concentrating on Carlson’s offensive skills!
 Carlson has obviously improved on offense as a result, And I think Kempnys performance, from when he first came here, helped in Rierden choosing that direction with Carlson! 


I also feel that Caps management has KNOWN this, with Carlson, for eons, and intentionally sought to find a more solid, faster, and quicker reacting D man, to clean up some of the 1st line defensive mess!


With Kempny, generally speaking, overall, they got what they wanted.
 Now, I don’t know if Kempnys injury has hindered him somewhat, permanently, but I guess time will tell!
I’m also not blaming Kempnys mistakes on Carlson at all! Just noting they the uneven defensive load share on Kempnys shoulders, is by design from management!


Either way,  I still look favorably on Kempny,  realizing that he probably has a little more insurance to stay here, because of how the Caps have promoted Carlson’s offensive side, and his long term contract!


Jensen, on the other hand, has these great flashes sometimes, but just as reliably, some real bad play peppered in there, which offsets things.
 I’m not sensing a lot of loyalty from Caps management over him either!


What other consideration I was thinking, (although I hope not), is the possibility that other NHL GM’s have taken notice of Seigenthalers overall improvement, and might be making offers behind the scenes!  I would hate to see Ziggy go!


My wish list, TOTAL FANTASY, at the moment, would be to dump both Carlson, AND Kuzys, freakin BOAT ANCHOR contracts,  but that’s not even remotely possible!
(Just feels kinda good to SAY IT)!!😂🤣


Thanks Beags!


Rush


















 

[Beaglefan2]

Rush - I agree on Kempney/Jenson.  They will definitely keep Kempney, I just wish he would quit taking stupid penalties. I had high hopes for Jenson and maybe he straightens himself out.  He just seems to be taking too many chances and has fallen in love with his own skating.


If they trade Ziggy, I would NOT be happy!  I actually think he is our best defenseman.  He's just solid and doesn't make many mistakes. I'm really hoping he puts on 10 pounds of muscle for next year and can get more physical.


I also really like Fehrevary.  I liked him the first time he was up and he played great the other night!

[BlackIce]

Rush - I agree on Kempney/Jenson.  They will definitely keep Kempney, I just wish he would quit taking stupid penalties. I had high hopes for Jenson and maybe he straightens himself out.  He just seems to be taking too many chances and has fallen in love with his own skating.


If they trade Ziggy, I would NOT be happy!  I actually think he is our best defenseman.  He's just solid and doesn't make many mistakes. I'm really hoping he puts on 10 pounds of muscle for next year and can get more physical.


I also really like Fehrevary.  I liked him the first time he was up and he played great the other night!

When the Caps drafted Siegenthaler he already weighed 220 pounds as an 18 year old (at least, that's what the prospect stats said.)  He increased to 230 lbs  the next season after which Caps management told him he would have to lose weight and gain mobility to play in the NHL.  He came in last year at 206 lbs and his career has been on an upward arc ever since.  My betting is that the organization doesn't want to see him gain 10 lbs.


He is NOT getting traded.  (1) He's still cheap, and the Caps desperately need all of those types of players they can get.  (2)  He's already the team leader in PK ice time per game, and the team rank is #2 in the NHL in killing penalties (which is a good thing given all the penalties they take.)  (3) He's already logged some time as Carlson's defense partner.  If he continues to elevate his game it may well be that in the not too distant future he and Carlson will be the predominant #1 defensive pairing.  Unless something unforeseen happens, he is going to be one of the 3 defensemen that the Caps protect in next year's expansion draft.

[PUCKNRUSH]

Rush - I agree on Kempney/Jenson.  They will definitely keep Kempney, I just wish he would quit taking stupid penalties. I had high hopes for Jenson and maybe he straightens himself out.  He just seems to be taking too many chances and has fallen in love with his own skating.


If they trade Ziggy, I would NOT be happy!  I actually think he is our best defenseman.  He's just solid and doesn't make many mistakes. I'm really hoping he puts on 10 pounds of muscle for next year and can get more physical.


I also really like Fehrevary.  I liked him the first time he was up and he played great the other night!

Kempnys does commit too many penalties! And some senseless, and unnecessary ones at that! Kuzy joins him in that category, as well! Kempny absolutely needs to get that under control!


Jensen’s more erratic ups and downs, make him hard to both plan for, AND rely on. Not a good place to be at with the coaches!  It drives them crazy trying to figure just which “Jensen”, will show up at puck drop!! I like the “ in love with his own skating“, line!!😂


Fehrevary I haven’t followed much, although what I have seen from him I’ve liked!


I like Ziggy a lot! From strictly a defensive posture, I think you’re right about him being our best guy!  You hardly ever see him make a mistake anymore, defending in our zone! I’ve watched him increase his physicality and puck handling this season, as well!!


I like Ziggy with Gudas!  They’ve settled in to each other very well!  But it also forces a Jensen/Orlov second line, which can be rough sometimes!


Rush

[PUCKNRUSH]

When the Caps drafted Siegenthaler he already weighed 220 pounds as an 18 year old (at least, that's what the prospect stats said.)  He increased to 230 lbs  the next season after which Caps management told him he would have to lose weight and gain mobility to play in the NHL.  He came in last year at 206 lbs and his career has been on an upward arc ever since.  My betting is that the organization doesn't want to see him gain 10 lbs.


He is NOT getting traded.  (1) He's still cheap, and the Caps desperately need all of those types of players they can get.  (2)  He's already the team leader in PK ice time per game, and the team rank is #2 in the NHL in killing penalties (which is a good thing given all the penalties they take.)  (3) He's already logged some time as Carlson's defense partner.  If he continues to elevate his game it may well be that in the not too distant future he and Carlson will be the predominant #1 defensive pairing.  Unless something unforeseen happens, he is going to be one of the 3 defensemen that the Caps protect in next year's expansion draft.

Cool point, Black!
I didn’t realize Ziggy had been that heavy! Good research!👍


 Now that he seems to be coming into his own, with the lighter weight, and has been upping his physical game just a bit, maybe he can experiment with a little more beef!!
 I like that his growth has been more slow and steady, than just some overnight flash!  I still think he’s got plenty of room to grow as well!
 Not really sure about the future of a Ziggy/Carlson pairing, short of a long-term failure on Kempnys part!
 I get the sense that Carlson wants Kempny there, and management is in agreement, so far anyway!
 Plus Gudas and Ziggy are an excellent pair together!


Both Kempny and Ziggy are good, quick, decision makers, and have fairly good reliability in bringing up the puck!
They both take good SOG’s just inside the blue line, that set up a lot of offensive action around the crease, for our forwards!!
I say let’s keep them around for a while!!👍


Rush

[Surreylily]

The only person I would be okay with letting go on this team is  Jenson.  Pretty as he is. 

[DC_1908]

When the Caps drafted Siegenthaler he already weighed 220 pounds as an 18 year old (at least, that's what the prospect stats said.)  He increased to 230 lbs  the next season after which Caps management told him he would have to lose weight and gain mobility to play in the NHL.  He came in last year at 206 lbs and his career has been on an upward arc ever since.  My betting is that the organization doesn't want to see him gain 10 lbs.


He is NOT getting traded.  (1) He's still cheap, and the Caps desperately need all of those types of players they can get.  (2)  He's already the team leader in PK ice time per game, and the team rank is #2 in the NHL in killing penalties (which is a good thing given all the penalties they take.)  (3) He's already logged some time as Carlson's defense partner.  If he continues to elevate his game it may well be that in the not too distant future he and Carlson will be the predominant #1 defensive pairing.  Unless something unforeseen happens, he is going to be one of the 3 defensemen that the Caps protect in next year's expansion draft.

While you GREATLY exaggerate his strengths, he has for the most part become a decent Dman.  While he probably won’t get traded, it would not be because he is the second coming of Jesus Fuckin Harold Christ as you paint him out to be, but it’s due to how GMBetaMale has throughly fucked our salary cap and depth.

SieghyChrist and Feh(I could care less spelling about Eurotrash names), assuredly have the highest trade value for other teams.   Without throwing in one or more of GMBetaMales idiotic contracts, moving SieghyChrist for an upgrade while staying under the cap is extremely unlikely.

The only realistic option is trade either for MULTIPLE picks/prospects.  SieghyChrist probably won’t get us a 1st and another, but maybe, maybe a 2 and 4 range. Fehwhatever could get us a 3rd and/or a few later rounds.
 
However, the best trade that would help our D is shipping Orlov and his contract out to Siberia or who ever the hell would give us a 5th for him and his contract

[Mickstix]

Why would they trade Sig or Feh for draft picks? They're already young, cheap, promising defensive assets? If they're gonna trade someone for lottery tickets it should be someone who sheds cap space at least. (Yes, most definitely Orlov if they could pull it off)

[Surreylily]

Jenson is our weakest link on D I think, but I would rather keep Jenson than risk another Shathispants.
Is there anybody that you guys thnk could/'would be a reasonable upgrrade as a rental .... that we can afford?
Maybe this Fever falla is being groomed to replace someone on our roster to relieve some dosh, but I canT see That as a realistic proposition.
Fever is being touted to sell, surely? ?

[Surreylily]

 
I swear on my life I NEVER clicked on an imojie.        ..............