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:ovechkincup2:
(https://galactichub.com/caps/Hurricanes @ Capitals.gif)
Round 1 Game 2: Series - Caps Lead 1-0
Sat Apr 13, 2019 Carolina Hurricanes @ Washington Capitals
Place: Capital One Arena
Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
TV: NBC, SN, TVAS
Radio: 106.7 The Fan, Caps Radio 24/7 (http://tunein.com/radio/Caps-Radio-247-s231201/)
NHL.COM (https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/2018030132) for Live Box Score
Last Game: Thu Apr 11 Capitals Won 4-2 against Hurricanes
Next Game: R1G3 Mon Apr 15 7:00 p.m. Capitals @ Hurricanes
| :spacer50pix: 8-Ovechkin | :spacer50pix: 19-Bäckström | :spacer50pix: 43-Wilson |
| :spacer50pix: 62-Hagelin | :spacer50pix: 92-Kuznetsov | :spacer50pix: 77-Oshie |
| :spacer50pix: 13-Vrana | :spacer50pix: 20-Eller | :spacer50pix: 10-Connolly |
| :spacer50pix: 65-Burakovsky | :spacer50pix: 26-Dowd | :spacer50pix: 18-Stephenson |
| :spacer50pix: :spacer50pix: 74-Carlson | :spacer50pix: :spacer50pix: 3-Jensen |
| :spacer50pix: :spacer50pix: 9-Orlov | :spacer50pix: :spacer50pix: 2-Niskanen |
| :spacer50pix: :spacer50pix: 44-Orpik | :spacer50pix: :spacer50pix: 29-Djoos |
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| :spacer50pix::spacer50pix::spacer50pix::spacer50pix: 70-Holtby (starter) |
| :spacer50pix::spacer50pix::spacer50pix::spacer50pix: 1-Copley |
-- SCRATCH --
| :spacer50pix::spacer50pix::spacer50pix::spacer50pix: 23-Jaskin |
| :spacer50pix::spacer50pix::spacer50pix::spacer50pix: 72-Boyd |
| :spacer50pix::spacer50pix::spacer50pix::spacer50pix: 34-Siegenthaler |
| :spacer50pix::spacer50pix::spacer50pix::spacer50pix: 30-Samsonov |
-- INJURED RESERVE --
| :spacer50pix::spacer50pix::spacer50pix::spacer50pix: 6-Kempny |
-- 1st Powerplay Unit --
| :spacer50pix: 92-Kuznetsov | :spacer50pix: 19-Bäckström | :spacer50pix: 77-Oshie |
| :spacer50pix: :spacer50pix: 8-Ovechkin | :spacer50pix: :spacer50pix: 74-Carlson |
-- 2nd Powerplay Unit --
| :spacer50pix: 13-Vrana | :spacer50pix: 20-Eller | :spacer50pix: 43-Wilson |
| :spacer50pix: :spacer50pix: 2-Niskanen | :spacer50pix: :spacer50pix: 9-Orlov |
:spacer50pix: Referees: Steve Kozari (#40), Jean Hebert (#15)
:spacer50pix: Linesmen: Kiel Murchison (#79), Greg Devorski (#54)
Hurricanes LINEUP
21 -Nino Niederreiter -- 20-Sebastian Aho -- 14-Justin Williams
79-Micheal Ferland -- 11-Jordan Staal -- 86-Teuvo Teravainen
37-Andrei Svechnikov -- 48-Jordan Martinook -- 23-Brock McGinn
42-Greg McKegg -- 71-Lucas Wallmark -- 13-Warren Foegele
74-Jaccob Slavin -- 19-Dougie Hamilton
22-Brett Pesce -- 27-Justin Faulk
4-Haydn Fleury -- 57-Trevor van Riemsdyk
34-Petr Mrazek (Starter)
35-Curtis McElhinney
Scratched: 8-Saku Maenalanen, 24-Jake Bean
Injured: 64-Clark Bishop, 44-Calvin de Haan (upper body)
(https://washingtoncapitalsfanforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgalactichub.com%2Fcaps%2Fscoring_summary.gif&hash=a5539380153e9a0902e0b6fc1ce40d49d66becf2)
1st Period
03:37 GOAL 19-Bäckström, assists 8-Ovechkin & 9-Orlov 1-0 WSH
09:26 GOAL 77-Oshie, assists 92-Kuznetsov & 2-Niskanene 2-0 WSH
15:54 CANES GOAL Wallmark, assists Slavin & Foegele 2-1 WSH
2nd Period
16:49 CANES GOAL Aho, assists Williams & Slavin 2-2 TIE
3rd Period
08:55 GOAL 43-Wilson, assists 8-Ovechkin & 19-Bäckström 3-2 WSH
15:00 CANES PP GOAL Staal, assists Hamilton & Svechnikov 3-3 TIE
OT
01:48 GOAL 44-Orpik, assists 92-Kuznetsov & 77-Oshie 4-3 WSH
FINAL: 4-3 WSH
(https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/rmnb-retina.png)
By By Cara Bahniuk and Julia Karron April 12, 2019 2:06 pm
Lars Eller takes maintenance day as he deals with apparent upper-body injury
(https://i0.wp.com/russianmachineneverbreaks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/lars-eller-game-one.jpg?fit=1024%2C502&ssl=1)
Headline photo: NBC Sports Washington
After scoring an empty-net goal to seal the win for the Capitals on Thursday night, Lars Eller missed practice Friday to tend to an upper-body injury.
It’s the second maintenance day Eller’s needed this week.
Eller missing practice was reported by Washington Post’s Isabelle Khurshudyan. Travis Boyd filled in as the third-line center, as he did on Monday.
Head coach Todd Reirden said that Eller is expected to play again on Saturday afternoon for Game Two.
Eller’s injury first became public on Monday when he mysteriously left practice early. It was the same day that his car broke down on Glebe Road on the way to Medstar Capitals Iceplex. Fans and reporters speculated that he left the ice to deal with his car.
After practice, Reirden said that it was just “a maintenance day for him, upper-body, where no sense doing any more than we needed to today.”
Eller played over 19 minutes during Game One, including a 1:23 of ice time on the power play and nearly four minutes on the penalty kill. Eller was the fourth-leading forward in terms of TOI, coming behind only Evgeny Kuznetsov (20:37), TJ Oshie (19:59), and Tom Wilson (19:48).
During Eller’s last shift of the game, he scored the empty-net goal from nearly 120 feet away that sealed the victory despite furious pressure from the Carolina Hurricanes.
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Let's GO CAPS!
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Let’s GO CAPS!
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No chance today!
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The one curious move I see among the forwards is the presence of Stephenson in the lineup. It seems they decided on him in the last few games of the regular season. The guy has shown nothing either offensively or defensively to speak of this year, after having a much better first season in 2017/2018. I guess maybe they want him on the ice for his speed, but I think I'd rather have Boyd in the lineup.
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The one curious move I see among the forwards is the presence of Stephenson in the lineup. It seems they decided on him in the last few games of the regular season. The guy has shown nothing either offensively or defensively to speak of this year, after having a much better first season in 2017/2018. I guess maybe they want him on the ice for his speed, but I think I'd rather have Boyd in the lineup.
Totally agree Black👍!!
Bura Boyd Dowd, has found some quick chemistry lately!
Rush
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It's so hard to fill the void left after Kempny injury. Feels like still adjusting.
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this is one game I'm glad I'm not going to, cherry blossom parade today, Caps at 3 pm, Nats at 4 pm. Traffic is is damn mess down there
and the hockey game is NOT on 106.7. The alternate 99.1 has fucking golf on
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Why do I get the feeling they won't actually drop the puck till 3:30/3:40.. :huh:
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Why do I get the feeling they won't actually drop the puck till 3:30/3:40.. :huh:
may be in 15-20 min
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may be in 15-20 min
NBC.. Just has that 30 minute "preview" feel to it.. We'll see, hope they drop it soon!! Im ready!!!
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All set,I’m ready to see a beautiful win by CAPS today :uh-huh:
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NBC.. Just has that 30 minute "preview" feel to it.. We'll see, hope they drop it soon!! Im ready!!!
Yes, it doesn't really matter. It's hockey day!
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:pierre3:
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Evening all. :wackysmile:
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go
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:beatdrum:
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What'd Penis just say? :huh: Caps are "ready to hump" in game 2? :wackysmile: :rofl:
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these early starts suck ass Penishead
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(https://galactichub.com/caps/Capitals_mascot-Hurricanes.png) :B:
:19:
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SCOOOOOORE!!!!!!
BACKY!!!!!!!!
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What a pass by Ovi! :clap:
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I'm really fukin annoyed that I have to listen to this jackass on the tv because Caps management fucked the fans today
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Beee ooo ti fulllll! ;D
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It’s PP!
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these early starts suck ass Penishead
I beg to disagree. :P
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(https://galactichub.com/caps/Capitals_mascot-Hurricanes.png) :B:
:77:
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Osh!
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2:0 Oshie!
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SWEET GOAL!!!!!
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Whoooo hooooo! :super:
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I don't think I've ever seen anything like that leg kick from Oshie knocking Justin Williams' stick out of his hands so he couldn't interfere with his goal. So bad ass!!!
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:O= What a shitty goal
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a goal was disallowed last night for less than that,
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WTF going on ?!
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and more fucking by the refs, amazing that hitting the glass is a penalty
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DUMB penalty by Ovie!
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Bad penalty by Ovi. :raised-eyebrow:
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If Holtby was playing goal instead of going for the Oscar he probably stops that one easily.. :-\
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This game is exhibit 1 and 1A of piss poor fucking reffing in this godforsaken league where all they do is ref the score and try to even up the game. Carolina committed 3 OBVIOUS penalties off the puck, throwing Caps to the ice for interference with no call. They they don't give goalie interference when he CLEARLY sideswiped Holts in the crease and then call a penalty on Ovie. Was it a penalty -- probably. But, when you ignore 3 from them you should just put your whistle away and not make ANY FUCKING calls.
Bullshit as usual.
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Great first 10 minutes, then our performance became worse therefore I hope to see more goals from Caps in 2 period!
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If Holtby was playing goal instead of going for the Oscar he probably stops that one easily.. :-\
That's not his nature and it's hard to know how much getting sideswiped in that position affected him. I think he got partially spun and thought his best chance as to 360 rather than try to spin back the other way. He's not a big actor historically so I give him the benefit of the doubt.
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That's not his nature and it's hard to know how much getting sideswiped in that position affected him. I think he got partially spun and thought his best chance as to 360 rather than try to spin back the other way. He's not a big actor historically so I give him the benefit of the doubt.
Agree.
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Has anyone else noticed how many damn times the Canes have fallen to the ice, almost always in situation that appear to be attempts to draw a tripping penalty? To me it's been very obvious in both games. They can't possibly suck that bad at skating and staying on their feet. I'm not talking about times where they got hit, but just barely touched. I've been happy to see the refs ignore it.
True about the refs missing some egregious grabs and holds against the Caps and even one Cane sitting on Hagelin for like eight to ten seconds after the play passed by.
That was clearly a goalie interference as we have come to know it over the last few years. We've seen it called on us when just a sweater breezed by a goalie. Holts gets turned and no call. You just never know because they don't want you to know. This way they can steer games as needed for the ratings and to stretch out a series.
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It’s PP!
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"Jensen took a penalty" :huh:
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If Willy made that hit he'd have a three game rest
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It’s PP!
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that's a fair call, considering
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If Willy made that hit he'd have a three game rest
Definitely, dirty hit
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Good call!
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I don’t know guys, a game misconduct and major? I’ll take it, but I’d be pissed if they’d given a Caps player that. Granted it’s Ferland so some of that is representation.
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Well they pissed that away.
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not a good pp
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Excellent blowing of 5 minutes pp!
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I don’t know guys, a game misconduct and major? I’ll take it, but I’d be pissed if they’d given a Caps player that. Granted it’s Ferland so some of that is representation.
Would have been the same if it had been Wilson. It looked like he clearly intended to injure.
ETA
Willy better be careful. After Kucherov yesterday and now Ferland we know they aren't allowing any of that dirty hit stuff AT ALL.
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Anyone want to lay odds on whether Canes score on their abbreviated PP?
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Caps did the same thing they did Thursday, get an early lead then ease up.
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5 on 3.. Not good.. Especially after sucking for a full 5 minutes of PissPlay.. I guess the "new look" from last game was by mistake. Today they look the same lame ass PP as always..
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What a game! So much fun to watch! ;D
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great PK, there might be another game with blood on the ice
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Jesus, the way these NBC morons are calling the penalties I have no idea who got called for what.
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Great, another PP.. :raspberry: lol
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What a game! So much fun to watch! ;D
Yeah, penalty after penalty until we score :snicker:
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There are looks for Ovie on the PP if they get it over there quick enough. Carolina been overloading to Backstrom all game.
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Yeah, penalty after penalty until we they score :snicker:
FIFY
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Our pp sucks, no shoots at all..
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passing has gone to shit
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Im almost positive it's still counts as a PP goal, even if you don't "set it up" first?? We have chances to go to the net and decide to back out every time, praying we can get it to Ovi and he can do his voodoo.. :poop:
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Hamilton’s elbow was more a game misconduct than Ferland’s.
Any know if Kuzy is playing today? Aside from using his face against Hamilton’s elbow, I haven’t even heard his name. Time for him to show up.
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Im almost positive it's still counts as a PP goal, even if you don't "set it up" first?? We have chances to go to the net and decide to back out every time, praying we can get it to Ovi and he can do his voodoo.. :poop:
THIS!
Where is the fucking playoff hockey?!
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:O=
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Guess Holtby's pirouette doesn't look so hot now.
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Figures.. Does Aho ever leave the ice? I hear them call his name about every 15 seconds..
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Second time a shitty goal today :O=
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That goal is squarely on Kuzy who has reverted to playing pussy ass hockey. He failed to go in hard in the O zone on the forecheck which led directly to break out and goal. I KNEW when we fucked up a 5 minute PP we were in trouble. Likely to be 1-1 going back to Carolina and I don't like our team's effort or lack thereof. Rierden doesn't know the buttons to push.
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714 is BACKkkkKKKKK!!!
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Guess Holtby's pirouette doesn't look so hot now.
Not even sure what this means.
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Not even sure what this means.
It means he caused the first goal with needless theatrics.
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Any know if Kuzy is playing today? Aside from using his face against Hamilton’s elbow, I haven’t even heard his name.
Him and Osie gonna have a time playing 2 on 3.. Im about done with Hagelin on the 2 line. Vrana has disappeared, as well as Kuzy, due (imo) to the line shuffle.. Actually the whole line has disappeared.. Oshie did all the work on his goal, off an outlet from Niskanen..
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Caps have stopped hitting and are playing a stick check game. That loses in the playoffs.
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Caps have stopped hitting and are playing a stick check game. That loses in the playoffs.
^^^^^
THIS!
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Him and Osie gonna have a time playing 2 on 3.. Im about done with Hagelin on the 2 line. Vrana has disappeared, as well as Kuzy, due (imo) to the line shuffle..
Agree 100%. There was no reason to shuffle those lines. Boyd should be playing, too, instead of Stephenson. Heck I'd like to see DSP back up here.
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Having so many chances this period to make the score more comfortable for us, instead we have blown everything by giving a confidence to Canes :smirk:
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Oh well, first episode of "can he coach" airs in about 5 minutes.. See if he can fire em' up! Cause they look pretty pedestrian since the first 10 minutes of the game.
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It means he caused the first goal with needless theatrics.
As I said before, it's not his style to playact for drama so I give him the benefit of the doubt that getting hit from the side in the crease caused him to turn and his instinct was to complete the turn rather than try to turn back. I guess we can agree to disagree.
I DO, however, agree on the stick checking crap. In the first period we were hitting hard, like Ovie's check that led to the first goal, but after he got called for the high one they have largely stopped. Can't win scared of penalties.
I also agree we should be seeing Boyd. Stephenson is fine and can PK but Boyd is an upgrade so I'm not sure why Rierden is playing Stephenson.
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Oh well, first episode of "can he coach" airs in about 5 minutes.. See if he can fire em' up! Cause they look pretty pedestrian since the first 10 minutes of the game.
Agree,Caps just switched their playing mentality to regular season mode
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Need a good push!
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Ya,Kuznetsov just sucks so far
Canes just gained huge confidence in this game,thanks to Caps
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Hard to believe they came out this soft in the 3rd knowing the game is on the line. I have VERY little hope they win this game. One team is working and it ain't us.
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Ya,Kuznetsov just sucks so far
SuKznetsov you say?
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No urgency, no forecheck from the Caps.
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SuKznetsov you say?
Even so he underperforming :snicker:
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Getting out hustled, in the 3rd period, of a home playoff game?? Hmmm..
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(https://galactichub.com/caps/Capitals_mascot-Hurricanes.png) :B:
:43:
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Willy!!
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I was just thinking Willy has been a little quiet
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Tom Wilsonnnnn!
But once again, that what it means Once you make a pressure and urgency such as Ovi has done!
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Like most good things with this franchise, it starts with 8 saying "FUCK THIS -- I'M TAKING OVER!!!!"
Great play by Ovi and sweet finish from Willy.
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Goon!!! Glad they put Jake back where he belongs as well..
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Like most good things with this franchise, it starts with 8 saying "FUCK THIS -- I'M TAKING OVER!!!!"
Great play by Ovi and sweet finish from Willy.
:rofl: :uh-huh:
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Dowd has been really tough on the puck and very physical. Too bad he got nicked twice for high stick. We need a huge PK here.
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:O=
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You can't take stupid penalties and lose every fucking faceoff and expect good results.
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When you lose draw after draw that's what happens.
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Mrazek is on fire too ..
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Mrazek is on fire too ..
You posted that before he just saved the game again. This is the kind of game if you lose it could be a BIG problem.
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Dowd has been really tough on the puck and very physical. Too bad he got nicked twice for high stick. We need a huge PK here.
You like Dowd so you say that. If it was Carlson you'd be skewering him. Bottom line is I don't give a shit how hard he's played -- he HAS TO keep control of his stick and not get high sticking penalties or his ass should get some fucking splinters.
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2 goal lead, blown.. 1 goal lead, blown.. Something smells off. :poop:
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too many penaltys and not scoring on the major....
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Good grief. Another late, stupid unneccesssary penalty. :stupid: :headbang:
Squeaky bum time. Again. ::)
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You like Dowd so you say that. If it was Carlson you'd be skewering him. Bottom line is I don't give a shit how hard he's played -- he HAS TO keep control of his stick and not get high sticking penalties or his ass should get some fucking splinters.
Be nice. I don't "like" Dowd. I'm kind of neutral on his overall play. I simply commented on how hard he's playing. I like Carlson, but he has had some brain farts today as well, hence my 714 comment. There have been way too many dumb penalties today. AFAIC the Caps have not had the fight they needed in them for most of this game. Why we backed off the tough physical play in game 1 is something I would like to know. Caps have shifted back to their "patient" regular season game play, which is dangerous against a hungry fast team that shoots a LOT and in a playoff game.
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Welp.. Season 1 Episode 2 of "Can He Coach" coming up.. Episode 1 was :poop: lol
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(https://galactichub.com/caps/Capitals_mascot-Hurricanes.png) :B:
:44:
:cw:
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Goalllll
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:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:
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Orpik is an opportunistic sob!! :hearts: Escaped that one.. :uh-huh:
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fukin Penishead just had to throw in a shitsburgh reference.
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Yipeeee!
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Whew. Gotta play better and not let them back in games.
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Good for Orpik. He's played really well so far this post season. 8)
Another scrape by at home.
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(https://washingtoncapitalsfanforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgalactichub.com%2Fcaps%2Fscoring_summary.gif&hash=a5539380153e9a0902e0b6fc1ce40d49d66becf2)
1st Period
03:37 GOAL 19-Bäckström, assists 8-Ovechkin & 9-Orlov 1-0 WSH
09:26 GOAL 77-Oshie, assists 92-Kuznetsov & 2-Niskanene 2-0 WSH
15:54 CANES GOAL Wallmark, assists Slavin & Foegele 2-1 WSH
2nd Period
16:49 CANES GOAL Aho, assists Williams & Slavin 2-2 TIE
3rd Period
08:55 GOAL 43-Wilson, assists 8-Ovechkin & 19-Bäckström 3-2 WSH
15:00 CANES PP GOAL Staal, assists Hamilton & Svechnikov 3-3 TIE
OT
01:48 GOAL 44-Orpik, assists 92-Kuznetsov & 77-Oshie 4-3 WSH
FINAL: 4-3 WSH
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So far we were really missed secondary scoring, and here we go! When it really needs!
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Whew. Gotta play better and not let them back in games.
I hear you, but I will say it has become clear the Caps can turn it on when they need to. Canes must be pretty bummed after feeling so confident. This will have residual effect for the series.
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and the Nats beat the Pirates!!!
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I hear you, but I will say it has become clear the Caps can turn it on when they need to. Canes must be pretty bummed after feeling so confident. This will have residual effect for the series.
From three Cans goals one was really lucky one, another shouldn't be count as it was interference. This game Caps played better than first one, we need some production in goals from 3/4 lines. But it should come as well.
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I hear you, but I will say it has become clear the Caps can turn it on when they need to. Canes must be pretty bummed after feeling so confident. This will have residual effect for the series.
Agreed AZ. In addition, what makes hockey so great is that there really isn't much between teams so 1 v 8 or 2 v 7 is mostly even. ANYBODY can beat ANYBODY. Tampa Bay may come back against Columbus like we did last year, but they also may not. And, as good as Tampa was during the regular season, any Caps fan can tell ya the playoffs ain't the regular season. So ANYTIME you can get a 2-0 lead at home you have to be happy as hell. I am.
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Back from the game and yes the traffic was horendous. Took me a hour to get home when normally it takes 20 minutes. There were so many streets closed it was just a mess.
As for the game, I actually thought we played better today than in the first game with the exception of our PP. Not scoring on the 5 minute PP was really deflating, have to score there. I am just happy it didn’t cost us the game. Who picked Orpik to score the OT winner, he would be about the last person one would pick. Beautifull pass by Kuzy who had two primary assists which is good to see. Still passes up too many chances to shoot. The person who I thought had a really good game was Orlov, he was really skating hard and was jumping up in the play whenever he had a chance. I was also glad to see Vrana moved up to the 2nd line. He will be much more dangerous there and it sounds from Rierden’s postgame comments that he will stay there.
This has to be a deflating loss for Carolina and I hope the Caps don’t let up in Carolina. I really think we could sweep this series if we keep our foot on the gas. Can’t let up, have to keep pushing. For the most part our breakouts were better than the first game and led directly to our first two goals.
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Well . . . DC is still behavin!
. . .
. . . Hey Rush, call DC for us . . .
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Him and Osie gonna have a time playing 2 on 3.. Im about done with Hagelin on the 2 line. Vrana has disappeared, as well as Kuzy, due (imo) to the line shuffle.. Actually the whole line has disappeared.. Oshie did all the work on his goal, off an outlet from Niskanen..
I like Hagelin on 3rd line with Eller and Connolly, better, although I’m not blaming Hagelin for line 2 issues.
I’m not happy with Kuzys play in general. Too indecisive when bringing it below the circles and behind the net. Hagelin is breaking at the right time rhythm, generally, but Kuzy has just been “weird” with the puck movements in our scoring zone.
Unpredictable, second guessing, etc, and I’m not really sure why?
Worse, however, IMO, has been his lack of assertiveness when retrieving a puck on, or near the boards, with an opponent nearby, or closing in. HE ALWAYS BACKS OFF, even when it’s not that close, and does any offensive cycling rally, NO FAVORS, when it happens!
Pisses me off, because he’s quite stellar in other areas, and the vibe for the Caps coaches seems to be that they will tolerate it. I’d like them to hold Kuzy’s toes to the fire a bit more, on his defensive efforts.
Caps are winning almost without him right now!
Do hope he DECIDES to shape up! I don’t like disliking the guy!
You and me both like us some “Jake”, Mick! I think he fits better on 2nd line, than with the 3rd!
Rush
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Agreed AZ. In addition, what makes hockey so great is that there really isn't much between teams so 1 v 8 or 2 v 7 is mostly even. ANYBODY can beat ANYBODY. Tampa Bay may come back against Columbus like we did last year, but they also may not. And, as good as Tampa was during the regular season, any Caps fan can tell ya the playoffs ain't the regular season. So ANYTIME you can get a 2-0 lead at home you have to be happy as hell. I am.
Good point apace!!
Keeping it real, bro!!
Rush
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Back from the game and yes the traffic was horendous. Took me a hour to get home when normally it takes 20 minutes. There were so many streets closed it was just a mess.
As for the game, I actually thought we played better today than in the first game with the exception of our PP. Not scoring on the 5 minute PP was really deflating, have to score there. I am just happy it didn’t cost us the game. Who picked Orpik to score the OT winner, he would be about the last person one would pick. Beautifull pass by Kuzy who had two primary assists which is good to see. Still passes up too many chances to shoot. The person who I thought had a really good game was Orlov, he was really skating hard and was jumping up in the play whenever he had a chance. I was also glad to see Vrana moved up to the 2nd line. He will be much more dangerous there and it sounds from Rierden’s postgame comments that he will stay there.
This has to be a deflating loss for Carolina and I hope the Caps don’t let up in Carolina. I really think we could sweep this series if we keep our foot on the gas. Can’t let up, have to keep pushing. For the most part our breakouts were better than the first game and led directly to our first two goals.
Hey 4Caps! How ya been?
Didn’t go tonight. Decided to sell the 2nd game Tix.
I agree with you that we played a better game, overall, today, compared to home game 1!
[size=78%]I’m hoping that the Caps don’t get “comfy” with this style of play in these two playoff home games.[/size]
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[/size][size=78%] Where they come out with all the ball busting hustle of their Stanley Cup team energy, then get up a couple of goals, then sit back, IMO, a little drunk in their own abilities, and play “prevent/poke check” hockey, until they’re at risk of losing the game, then ATTEMPT to “discover again”, their earlier ice energy![/size]
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Short version: They get cockey, and play roulette with the “effort wheel”!!
Don’t get me wrong, we are VERY GOOD!! Hell it may have worked a bit in the regular season, but that crap won’t fly in the playoffs. And I didn’t even like it in the regular season!! LOL!
Unfortunately we fall into this mode more often than any true fan cares to see, and we did not fall into that mode at all from game six in the playoffs with Pittsburgh last year, all the way to the CUP!!!
I just ragged on Kuzy in my earlier post, (of course, he had some decent assists today, and his pass to Orpik, for the winner was beyond AWESOME), but he’s also been a bit rough lately!
Carolina WILL show up in Raleigh, and we better be ready. Can’t remember the last time we had a 2 game lead in the 1st round!
Also agree that Orlov played a very good game. He wasn’t bad last game either! Him playing smart for the playoffs would be a perk!
Didn’t miss that damn traffic!! Couch was perfect!! LOL
LETS GO CAPS!!!
Rush
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Rush, the last time we had a 2 game lead in the playoffs was last year against Tampa Bay and as you know we lost the next 3. Lets hope history does not repeat itself. Caps can’t let down, gotta go for the juggler.
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I like Hagelin on 3rd line with Eller and Connolly, better, although I’m not blaming Hagelin for line 2 issues.
I’m not happy with Kuzys play in general. Too indecisive when bringing it below the circles and behind the net. Hagelin is breaking at the right time rhythm, generally, but Kuzy has just been “weird” with the puck movements in our scoring zone.
Unpredictable, second guessing, etc, and I’m not really sure why?
Worse, however, IMO, has been his lack of assertiveness when retrieving a puck on, or near the boards, with an opponent nearby, or closing in. HE ALWAYS BACKS OFF, even when it’s not that close, and does any offensive cycling rally, NO FAVORS, when it happens!
Pisses me off, because he’s quite stellar in other areas, and the vibe for the Caps coaches seems to be that they will tolerate it. I’d like them to hold Kuzy’s toes to the fire a bit more, on his defensive efforts.
Caps are winning almost without him right now!
Do hope he DECIDES to shape up! I don’t like disliking the guy!
You and me both like us some “Jake”, Mick! I think he fits better on 2nd line, than with the 3rd!
Rush
How are we winning almost without him if he had two primary assets, and one on the winner? There not enough of chemistry on the second line, and getting Vrana there will help. I agree that Kuzy is not playing on the level of the last year, that post season on average he was our the very best player.
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Rush, the last time we had a 2 game lead in the playoffs was last year against Tampa Bay and as you know we lost the next 3. Lets hope history does not repeat itself. Caps can’t let down, gotta go for the juggler.
Hey 4Caps.
Certainly remember that he Tampa series.
I was talking about a 2 game lead in the first round
Maybe Montreal in 2010, just as a guess, but I haven’t looked it up. (I still get queasy just thinking about that game 7 back then)! LOL
Rush
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How are we winning almost without him if he had two primary assets, and one on the winner? There not enough of chemistry on the second line, and getting Vrana there will help. I agree that Kuzy is not playing on the level of the last year, that post season on average he was our the very best player.
Hey Raven! How are ya!
Long time no talk.
In this second home game Kuzy did contribute well, no doubt. Without that incredible pass to Orpik, in which Kuzy showed not only his unique talent, but the discipline, and patience, to time it perfectly, we don’t get that OT goal for the win, and would have had to find another opportunity. No issue there.
My comments about Kuzy were not singular, to this game, but more of a broad and relative nature.
Broad, in the sense that he has had a chronic problem of defensive laziness, throughout most of the season. Quite often we would witness Kuzy’s “late arrival” coverage, on an opponent, as he either scores a goal, or takes a high chance shot.
Which costs our team, at a minimum, a near miss, setting up more time in opponents O zone, or maybe a goal, not to mention possibly the game!
Relative, in the sense that, all the shot CHANCES / (potentially goals), that DONT get to be taken, when we are in our O zone, moving the puck around, because of his lack of gritty effort, when on, or near, the boards, and there may be a close race for the puck! He almost never gets in there to fight for it, instead, he allows the opponent to get the puck, and then tries to reach around with his stick, with VERY little success, sometimes a hooking or holding penalty, but again, at a minimum, a true POSSESSION CHANGE, which, of course, you know, erases that offensive opportunity!!
Short version: The more potential shots and goals that we COULD have had, if Kuzy steps up his BOARD challenge effort.
Having said this, Raven, I’m still pulling for Kuzy, and, like you say, let’s hope he DOES pick it up in the playoffs.
Kuzy really is an unusual situation for the team. His taking all of us through the extreme highs and lows of his comprehensive performance!
I still like the guy, praise his good stuff, and dislike the bad. He, probably above anyone else on team,
mystifies the fans, both ways, and is one of the most least understood players, as to what really makes him want to play; What drives this guy in his heart? (Don’t think the coaches quite understand him totally, either)! LOL!
The Caps have been able to find a way to win, most days, in spite of Kuzy’s mistakes, which can sometimes have heavy consequences.
In the same breath, when Kuzy shines brightly, he shines LARGE, and often with heavy POSITIVE results; (OT game winners, absolutely impossible (sick), puck handling, etc.)
He can be a game changer!! Sometimes he cuts both ways!!
I’d love to see him kick ass, in this playoff run!!
Thanks Raven,
Rush
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Hey Raven! How are ya!
Long time no talk.
In this second home game Kuzy did contribute well, no doubt. Without that incredible pass to Orpik, in which Kuzy showed not only his unique talent, but the discipline, and patience, to time it perfectly, we don’t get that OT goal for the win, and would have had to find another opportunity. No issue there.
My comments about Kuzy were not singular, to this game, but more of a broad and relative nature.
Broad, in the sense that he has had a chronic problem of defensive laziness, throughout most of the season. Quite often we would witness Kuzy’s “late arrival” coverage, on an opponent, as he either scores a goal, or takes a high chance shot.
Which costs our team, at a minimum, a near miss, setting up more time in opponents O zone, or maybe a goal, not to mention possibly the game!
Relative, in the sense that, all the shot CHANCES / (potentially goals), that DONT get to be taken, when we are in our O zone, moving the puck around, because of his lack of gritty effort, when on, or near, the boards, and there may be a close race for the puck! He almost never gets in there to fight for it, instead, he allows the opponent to get the puck, and then tries to reach around with his stick, with VERY little success, sometimes a hooking or holding penalty, but again, at a minimum, a true POSSESSION CHANGE, which, of course, you know, erases that offensive opportunity!!
Short version: The more potential shots and goals that we COULD have had, if Kuzy steps up his BOARD challenge effort.
Having said this, Raven, I’m still pulling for Kuzy, and, like you say, let’s hope he DOES pick it up in the playoffs.
Kuzy really is an unusual situation for the team. His taking all of us through the extreme highs and lows of his comprehensive performance!
I still like the guy, praise his good stuff, and dislike the bad. He, probably above anyone else on team,
mystifies the fans, both ways, and is one of the most least understood players, as to what really makes him want to play; What drives this guy in his heart? (Don’t think the coaches quite understand him totally, either)! LOL!
The Caps have been able to find a way to win, most days, in spite of Kuzy’s mistakes, which can sometimes have heavy consequences.
In the same breath, when Kuzy shines brightly, he shines LARGE, and often with heavy POSITIVE results; (OT game winners, absolutely impossible (sick), puck handling, etc.)
He can be a game changer!! Sometimes he cuts both ways!!
I’d love to see him kick ass, in this playoff run!!
Thanks Raven,
Rush
It was pretty tough last two years for me, so cut off myself on any forums. No hockey at workdays anymore. Although sill followed Caps. But now it is hockey time. And my main project winded down at early April. BTW observed SC at Apple Park this year! There some deals with NHL.
Yes we don't see commanding flying Kuzy this year, which was always mesmerizing! He is probably got out of shape after concussion or something else. Also Trotz put a lot in his development and seems to knew how to tap his talent. After what we have seen from him the last 3-4 years and his progress, we accustomed to his progress, and this year some regression.
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It was pretty tough last two years for me, so cut off myself on any forums. No hockey at workdays anymore. Although sill followed Caps. But now it is hockey time. And my main project winded down at early April. BTW observed SC at Apple Park this year! There some deals with NHL.
Yes we don't see commanding flying Kuzy this year, which was always mesmerizing! He is probably got out of shape after concussion or something else. Also Trotz put a lot in his development and seems to knew how to tap his talent. After what we have seen from him the last 3-4 years and his progress, we accustomed to his progress, and this year some regression.
Sorry about your misfortune, but glad you’ve been back!
I, like you took a little break from the boards last year.
I’m not as active on it, as when I first joyed, but I enjoy the interaction L
Rush
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Hey 4Caps.
Certainly remember that he Tampa series.
I was talking about a 2 game lead in the first round
Maybe Montreal in 2010, just as a guess, but I haven’t looked it up. (I still get queasy just thinking about that game 7 back then)! LOL
Rush
The biggest concern compared to last year is how inconsistent/ Jeckel and Hyde this team as been all year. Even though may have snuck out a point eveb two when we played like shit, it doesn’t change the fact we played like shit and sure as hell can’t count on winning liike that in the playoffs.
While loosing game three being up 2-0 in the series isn’t normally a big deal, we just gave a team that has played us very tight in two games a Nikki Stixx double adrenaline shot to the heart cocktail. Something that we should take very seriously the rest of the series
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The biggest concern compared to last year is how inconsistent/ Jeckel and Hyde this team as been all year. Even though may have snuck out a point eveb two when we played like shit, it doesn’t change the fact we played like shit and sure as hell can’t count on winning liike that in the playoffs.
While loosing game three being up 2-0 in the series isn’t normally a big deal, we just gave a team that has played us very tight in two games a Nikki Stixx double adrenaline shot to the heart cocktail. Something that we should take very seriously the rest of the series
Agreed DC! (Dig the Nikki Sixx reference)! 👍
Carolina definitely has the momentum needle pointing north right now!
It now squarely falls on the Caps shoulders to claim the momentum BACK!!
Best way to accomplish that for the Caps would be to have a solid, dominating, win, IN CAROLINA, right at the time when the whole Hurricanes organization, and fan base, are floating in a big wave of optimism, in real time!!
Again, we shall see how badly our team wants it on Thursday!
I’m convinced the Caps are fully capable of pulling it off!
Problem is....They’re also fully capable of shitting all over themselves!! LOL
I’m also convinced that we only need a few Caps players in the locker room, that are MARGINAL, mentally speaking, about not giving a rats ass, as to whether they go home early, for the summer, to make it a reality!
Still not sure if Rierden has enough command of the teams respect, to help our locker room leaders get the message out to those players who tend to roll over easier than others.
Either way, the motivation to do so, OR NOT, will come from within that locker rooms walls!!
Their collective motivation, OR FAILURE, will be determined by the RESOLVE, or the ENEMY, from within the entire group!!!
Finally, if we DO pull off a truly dominant victory in Raleigh, Thursday night, then I say, WATCH OUT NHL PLAYOFFS!!! Here we come!!
Rush
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Sorry about your misfortune, but glad you’ve been back!
I, like you took a little break from the boards last year.
I’m not as active on it, as when I first joyed, but I enjoy the interaction L
Rush
No complains, I have earned a lot of lately!:) And projects are quite interesting, just less time. Although it's great to see fellows again!:)
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Yea, been good having you back RavenCp!!
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Yea, been good having you back RavenCp!!
Thanks Mickstix! It's great to see all Caps faithful here!