Washington Capitals Fan Forum

Talk about Capitals hockey & more! => Washington Capitals & Other Hockey Discussion => Topic started by: 4 Caps on Tuesday December 04, 2018, 05:41:10 PM Eastern

Title: Some Good News
Post by: 4 Caps on Tuesday December 04, 2018, 05:41:10 PM Eastern
Rierden reported that Oshie has been skating on his own while the Caps are on their road trip.  It would be great if he can return and play next week when the Caps get back from their road trip.  The second line could really use him, Connolley  just doesn’t cut it on that line.  It will be interesting to see when Oshie comes back whether Rierden will flip Backstrom and Kuznetsov. 
Title: Re: Some Good News
Post by: alta on Tuesday December 04, 2018, 05:53:46 PM Eastern
Backy needs to be in the 2nd line to spread the scoring out, otherwise they will be relying on the top line far too much, again
Title: Re: Some Good News
Post by: Maacoshark on Tuesday December 04, 2018, 06:08:17 PM Eastern
Rierden reported that Oshie has been skating on his own while the Caps are on their road trip.  It would be great if he can return and play next week when the Caps get back from their road trip.  The second line could really use him, Connolley  just doesn’t cut it on that line.  It will be interesting to see when Oshie comes back whether Rierden will flip Backstrom and Kuznetsov.
     I really like Backstrom with Ovy. The line is so much better defensely now. When Ovy and Kuzy together the line struggles in our end.
Title: Re: Some Good News
Post by: DC_1908 on Tuesday December 04, 2018, 06:39:09 PM Eastern
     I really like Backstrom with Ovy. The line is so much better defensely now. When Ovy and Kuzy together the line struggles in our end.
The issue is without Ovie there. Kuzis stats would suffer.  8-19-43, 18-92-77 makes for far more balance on both ends, but by golly we just can’t have Kuzys stats cut
Title: Re: Some Good News
Post by: Maacoshark on Tuesday December 04, 2018, 06:48:39 PM Eastern
The issue is without Ovie there. Kuzis stats would suffer.  8-19-43, 18-92-77 makes for far more balance on both ends, but by golly we just can’t have Kuzys stats cut
    I'm not concerned about his stats and I dont think you are either. If he is that good he should still be able to produce.
    I noticed you put Stephenson on that line instead of Vrana. Id have no problem with that. It would help defensively. I'm OK with Stephenson on the 4th line too. As long as he doesnt get stuck on the 3rd line which has been our Achilles heel. Eller and Burakovsky are made for each other. I wouldnt mind seeing the 4th line get more minutes than the 3rd.
Title: Re: Some Good News
Post by: 4 Caps on Tuesday December 04, 2018, 06:56:50 PM Eastern
I don’t see Stephenson replacing Vrana on the second line.  Actually, I think Vrana, Kuzy and Oshie could be an effective line assuming Oshie returns to his previous form.  Last year when Oshie returned from a concussion it took him a long time to get back to his usual self. 


It will be interesting to see which forward sits when Oshie returns. 
Title: Re: Some Good News
Post by: DC_1908 on Tuesday December 04, 2018, 07:46:35 PM Eastern
I don’t see Stephenson replacing Vrana on the second line.  Actually, I think Vrana, Kuzy and Oshie could be an effective line assuming Oshie returns to his previous form.  Last year when Oshie returned from a concussion it took him a long time to get back to his usual self. 


It will be interesting to see which forward sits when Oshie returns.
Me either, but because Monumental Entertainment won’t allow Reidon to do something that will drop stats to much regardless if it makes a better team (ie one that doesn’t give up around 4 goals a game)
Title: Re: Some Good News
Post by: DC_1908 on Tuesday December 04, 2018, 08:05:11 PM Eastern
    I'm not concerned about his stats and I dont think you are either. If he is that good he should still be able to produce.
    I noticed you put Stephenson on that line instead of Vrana. Id have no problem with that. It would help defensively. I'm OK with Stephenson on the 4th line too. As long as he doesnt get stuck on the 3rd line which has been our Achilles heel. Eller and Burakovsky are made for each other. I wouldnt mind seeing the 4th line get more minutes than the 3rd.
You, me and smart fans don’t, . . . but Monumental Entertainment does.. 


Putting Stevenson their also helps with faceoffs, as Kuzy is pathetic with those
Title: Re: Some Good News
Post by: Mickstix on Wednesday December 05, 2018, 09:50:00 AM Eastern
Good to hear Oshie is skating. The spot he's really missed is the PP.. Even with Wilson at the pivot, it's still not even close to being as dangerous. It's even worse than needing a point man to feed Ovie, imo. He's missed either way, but the PP is where the soar thumb is most noticeable.
Title: Re: Some Good News
Post by: Mickstix on Friday December 07, 2018, 06:29:14 PM Eastern
He must not of liked skating much.. Put on IR today.  :-\ Think they called up Barber?
Title: Re: Some Good News
Post by: alta on Friday December 07, 2018, 06:35:38 PM Eastern
I knew it was too quick, watch the video of his takedown again, he’s concussed bad. My last bad concussion required three weeks of therapy before I was allowed to use the stairs, I wasn’t allowed to drive for over three months
Title: Re: Some Good News
Post by: 4 Caps on Friday December 07, 2018, 07:51:03 PM Eastern
This was basically a paper transaction since it is retroactive and he has already missed 10 games which is the minimun.  We will know more on Monday, if he practices with the team he could be activated for the game against Detroit on Tuesday. 
Title: Re: Some Good News
Post by: 4 Caps on Monday December 10, 2018, 01:44:20 PM Eastern
It looks like Oshie will play tomorrow night.  He participated fully in practice and was on the top line with Ovie and Backstrom.  He was really flying out there today, fastest I have seen him skate in awhile.   He is raring to go.  Not surprising they practiced the PP today but it still didn’t look good even with Oshie back on it. 
Title: Re: Some Good News
Post by: alta on Monday December 10, 2018, 01:51:15 PM Eastern
It looks like Oshie will play tomorrow night.  He participated fully in practice and was on the top line with Ovie and Backstrom.  He was really flying out there today, fastest I have seen him skate in awhile.   He is raring to go.  Not surprising they practiced the PP today but it still didn’t look good even with Oshie back on it.


that would be awesome to get Oshie back. The rest of this month has a lot of time off so Willy shouldn't miss too many more games
Title: Re: Some Good News
Post by: 4 Caps on Monday December 10, 2018, 02:29:15 PM Eastern
From what Rierden said today it doesn’t sound as if Wilson will play in any of the games this week.  I am hoping he will be back for the Pittsburgh game next week. 
Title: Re: Some Good News
Post by: Mickstix on Tuesday December 11, 2018, 10:54:13 AM Eastern
Apparently Bowey got hurt in practice. Was helped off the ice, hobbled down the runway, then later returned to "test" his leg.. (no news since, about 30 minutes ago from Isabelle) Hope for the best, we've been riddled with injury this year.  :-\
Title: Re: Some Good News
Post by: DC_1908 on Tuesday December 11, 2018, 11:31:36 AM Eastern
Apparently Bowey got hurt in practice. Was helped off the ice, hobbled down the runway, then later returned to "test" his leg.. (no news since, about 30 minutes ago from Isabelle) Hope for the best, we've been riddled with injury this year.  :-\
Four salaries totaling near 20mil are on IR, anc concussion IR which could mean they’ll miss more time if another incident occurs.


This leaves to a reality weak organizational depth, impart due to the salary situation,  to replace them.
Title: Re: Some Good News
Post by: Mickstix on Tuesday December 11, 2018, 12:28:15 PM Eastern
Yep, they in a pickle fo sho..


edit: Bowey says he's good to go. Wilson skates for first time, wearing no contact jersey..
Title: Re: Some Good News
Post by: 4 Caps on Tuesday December 11, 2018, 03:25:58 PM Eastern
Four salaries totaling near 20mil are on IR, anc concussion IR which could mean they’ll miss more time if another incident occurs.


This leaves to a reality weak organizational depth, impart due to the salary situation,  to replace them.
Actually only Orpik is on IR and his salary is only 1 million.  Looks like Wilson may even return this weekend.  Should know more after practice tomorrow.  As for organizational depth I think we have done amazingly well despite all our injuries. 
Title: Re: Some Good News
Post by: 4 Caps on Wednesday December 12, 2018, 02:33:39 PM Eastern
Wilson indeed is going to play Friday night against the Canes and based on practice it appears that he will skate on a line with Kuzy and Vrana.  Connolly moved down to the Eller line and it appears that Stephenson and Burakovsky will be the scratches. 
Title: Re: Some Good News
Post by: Mickstix on Wednesday December 12, 2018, 04:43:03 PM Eastern
Wilson indeed is going to play Friday night against the Canes and based on practice it appears that he will skate on a line with Kuzy and Vrana.  Connolly moved down to the Eller line and it appears that Stephenson and Burakovsky will be the scratches. 
Sweet! I read that Willy was in full pads today! That's too bad Stephenson will be a scratch.. But, as has been said, the others have made more of their opportunities so far this year. We seem to have a little forward depth anyway.
Title: Re: Some Good News
Post by: 4 Caps on Wednesday December 12, 2018, 05:30:59 PM Eastern
The 4th line seems to have developed a nice chemistry so it is hard to break that line up at the moment.  So it came down to DSP or Stephenson and DSP has been the more productive of the two. 
Title: Re: Some Good News
Post by: richkrt99 on Wednesday December 12, 2018, 05:47:24 PM Eastern
Burka should be scratched from the ROSTER.
Title: Re: Some Good News
Post by: Maacoshark on Wednesday December 12, 2018, 06:00:49 PM Eastern
The 4th line seems to have developed a nice chemistry so it is hard to break that line up at the moment.  So it came down to DSP or Stephenson and DSP has been the more productive of the two.
    Its too bad about Stephenson but so many guts are playing so well right now. Actually I think Eller has been our worst player recently.
Title: Re: Some Good News
Post by: alta on Wednesday December 12, 2018, 06:01:12 PM Eastern
If Bura is indeed scratched a 2nd game in a row then management should be trying to trade him
Title: Re: Some Good News
Post by: 4 Caps on Wednesday December 12, 2018, 06:28:43 PM Eastern
If Bura is indeed scratched a 2nd game in a row then management should be trying to trade him


I agree. 
Title: Re: Some Good News
Post by: PUCKNRUSH on Wednesday December 12, 2018, 10:16:26 PM Eastern
If Bura is indeed scratched a 2nd game in a row then management should be trying to trade him


I agree Alta.
Many of us were wondering, and maybe surprised, just a few games ago, as to why Bura was temporarily put on the top line.
For me, it seemed a quite irregular, and out of place move by the coaches.


To be fair, he has picked up a few production points, during that short time, then got scratched!
I’m wondering if maybe Rierden and company are possibly a step ahead of something that they are trying to keep somewhat under the radar.
That is to say they may already have a trade plan for Burakovsky, obviously sometime before the deadline, and are making some subtle attempts to increase his trade value, by inserting him, intermittently, into the more productive lines, in order to help his numbers a bit.


It’s possible, as long as we’re playing at a good level, that they weave Bura in and out of their schedule, in a combination of scratches and starts, until he’s traded. Thus minimizing the non-contributing aspects he brings, as a regular starter, while efficiently “cherry picking” the games where we can efficiently insert him in the lineup, to help his numbers!
Just a thought!


Rush

Title: Re: Some Good News
Post by: PUCKNRUSH on Wednesday December 12, 2018, 10:31:48 PM Eastern
The 4th line seems to have developed a nice chemistry so it is hard to break that line up at the moment.  So it came down to DSP or Stephenson and DSP has been the more productive of the two.


I like Stephenson, and timing can be everything.
With Stephenson, it really has more to do with the “good” problem of having some other guys who are simply responding miraculously well to the opportunities given them so far.
The bar is raised now, which is an atmosphere, strived for, by the coaches!
Stephenson has had a decent showing, overall, with some bad puck luck, to boot, but I still believe he will pick things up soon. He may sit one or two games, here and there, but I’m not too worried about him fading away!
Burakovsky is the one who should be biting his nails a bit! LOL


Rush

Title: Re: Some Good News
Post by: DC_1908 on Thursday December 13, 2018, 06:44:39 AM Eastern
    Its too bad about Stephenson but so many guts are playing so well right now. Actually I think Eller has been our worst player recently.
Yeah it’s bullshit that Connolly, Eller, Varana, and pond hockey as a whole is regarded higher than the guys who are cleaning up their messes.
[size=78%] [/size]
Title: Re: Some Good News
Post by: Maacoshark on Thursday December 13, 2018, 07:49:27 AM Eastern
Yeah it’s bullshit that Connolly, Eller, Varana, and pond hockey as a whole is regarded higher than the guys who are cleaning up their messes.

    Eller has been a mess. Not sure if anyone has noticed but any winger on the Eller line has struggled. When that player gets moved to a different line their production goes up. Even when that player get bumped to the 4th line.
   
Title: Re: Some Good News
Post by: Mickstix on Thursday December 13, 2018, 09:08:27 AM Eastern
Yeah it’s bullshit that Connolly, Eller, Varana, and pond hockey as a whole is regarded higher than the guys who are cleaning up their messes.



You take it back!!!  (Ō_ƆŎ) Take it back about Jake the Snake!! :rofl: I love that kid!! Someone's gotta be groomed to score goals.. The Snake gets my vote!! :uh-huh:


I honestly wonder if Eller isn't scared of scoring so he doesn't get his ass kicked again? Hate to really think that about a NHL hockey player, but somethin' been up since the Rat beat him up.  :huh:  Commonlly.. Eh, is what he is. Common.  :raspberry:
Title: Re: Some Good News
Post by: DC_1908 on Thursday December 13, 2018, 11:14:59 AM Eastern
    Eller has been a mess. Not sure if anyone has noticed but any winger on the Eller line has struggled. When that player gets moved to a different line their production goes up. Even when that player get bumped to the 4th line.
   
but he’s popular and the kids live his name, so he stays in
Title: Re: Some Good News
Post by: BlackIce on Thursday December 13, 2018, 11:58:08 AM Eastern
but he’s popular and the kids live his name, so he stays in




He also happens to be the best face-off man the Caps have right now, and I'd say they are really getting hurt in the face-off circle, except that they've won 10 of their last 12 games.  Plus he's as good a PK forward as they have, especially with Wilson out.  THAT is why he won't come out.  His chronic problem as a C is that he really isn't a distributor, so he struggles to make the players with him better at even strength.


Anyway, if he comes out, who's going to be 3C?  Move Stephenson in?  He's been virtually invisible this season.  I suppose they could break up the 4th line and try Boyd there, though I don't know if he's yet shown enough to earn the job.  Anyway, for all the bellyaching around here, why mess with anything when the team has won 10 of 12 with Oshie and Wilson largely out?  Tinkering around the edges is ALL that should be done unless/until things start going south in a much more significant way. 
Title: Re: Some Good News
Post by: Mickstix on Thursday December 13, 2018, 04:04:01 PM Eastern
Anyway, for all the bellyaching around here...
:huh: Dc always has a tummy ache, but I think he's about the only one?  :wackysmile: :rofl:
Title: Re: Some Good News
Post by: DC_1908 on Thursday December 13, 2018, 04:09:44 PM Eastern



He also happens to be the best face-off man the Caps have right now, and I'd say they are really getting hurt in the face-off circle, except that they've won 10 of their last 12 games.  Plus he's as good a PK forward as they have, especially with Wilson out.  THAT is why he won't come out.  His chronic problem as a C is that he really isn't a distributor, so he struggles to make the players with him better at even strength.


Anyway, if he comes out, who's going to be 3C?  Move Stephenson in?  He's been virtually invisible this season.  I suppose they could break up the 4th line and try Boyd there, though I don't know if he's yet shown enough to earn the job.  Anyway, for all the bellyaching around here, why mess with anything when the team has won 10 of 12 with Oshie and Wilson largely out?  Tinkering around the edges is ALL that should be done unless/until things start going south in a much more significant way.
Yeah, we’ve been playing some GREAT pond hockey right now.  As long as we keep pressing Up,Up,Down,Down,Left,Right,Left,Right,B,A,Select,Start at the title screen well be unstoppable!


Hell I bet Eller would tear up the 20-30yo league at the Gaithersburg ice rink.





Title: Re: Some Good News
Post by: Mickstix on Thursday December 13, 2018, 04:54:55 PM Eastern
Yeah, we’ve been playing some GREAT pond hockey right now. 


Last 10 games we've held the opp to 3 or less goals 8x.. 6 of those were 2 goals or less.. Holts and Copper have been on point, but hardly pond hockey.


(https://washingtoncapitalsfanforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi68.tinypic.com%2F292p72c.jpg&hash=22877d03bf18ced14b7989502f220448)
Title: Re: Some Good News
Post by: Maacoshark on Thursday December 13, 2018, 07:05:56 PM Eastern



He also happens to be the best face-off man the Caps have right now, and I'd say they are really getting hurt in the face-off circle, except that they've won 10 of their last 12 games.  Plus he's as good a PK forward as they have, especially with Wilson out.  THAT is why he won't come out.  His chronic problem as a C is that he really isn't a distributor, so he struggles to make the players with him better at even strength.


Anyway, if he comes out, who's going to be 3C?  Move Stephenson in?  He's been virtually invisible this season.  I suppose they could break up the 4th line and try Boyd there, though I don't know if he's yet shown enough to earn the job.  Anyway, for all the bellyaching around here, why mess with anything when the team has won 10 of 12 with Oshie and Wilson largely out?  Tinkering around the edges is ALL that should be done unless/until things start going south in a much more significant way.
    Eller isnt a great faceoff man. He is under 50% for his career. A little above this year but he is very inconsistent, like the rest of his game. Stephenson is probably our best faceoff man and yes I would put him in Ellers spot in a heartbeat. All anyone looks at with Stephenson is his lack of offensive production but he is here because he is a defensive specialist.
     Anyone that thinks Eller has been good this year should really look at his game logs. It has been ugly. And his offensive production isnt very good considering the ice time he gets. He is also a regular on the 2nd pp unit and was on the top unit for 6 games while kuzy was out. His last 5 games have been terrible. Zero goals, zero assists and a minus 4. He was also the culprit that turned the puck over on the gwg in the games we lost to the Ducks. And he has killed the offensive production of his wingers. He has been that bad.
Title: Re: Some Good News
Post by: richkrt99 on Thursday December 13, 2018, 07:43:52 PM Eastern
reading the posts on this board....you would think the Caps lost 10 of the last 12 not the other way round.


Go Caps.

Title: Re: Some Good News
Post by: 4 Caps on Thursday December 13, 2018, 09:11:53 PM Eastern
reading the posts on this board....you would think the Caps lost 10 of the last 12 not the other way round.


Go Caps.


Yeah, I don’t think you are going to see many changes as long as the team continues to play like they have been.  In the Detroit game the third and fourth lines had more quality scoring chances than the top two lines.  It is nice to have all four lines contributing and the third line with Connolly returning will even be better. 
Title: Re: Some Good News
Post by: Maacoshark on Thursday December 13, 2018, 10:42:35 PM Eastern

Yeah, I don’t think you are going to see many changes as long as the team continues to play like they have been.  In the Detroit game the third and fourth lines had more quality scoring chances than the top two lines.  It is nice to have all four lines contributing and the third line with Connolly returning will even be better.
   Or maybe Connolly's production will drop like all the other wingers that have played on the 3rd line. I still think Eller should take a seat but that will never happen.
Title: Re: Some Good News
Post by: PUCKNRUSH on Friday December 14, 2018, 01:36:05 AM Eastern
Yeah, we’ve been playing some GREAT pond hockey right now.  As long as we keep pressing Up,Up,Down,Down,Left,Right,Left,Right,B,A,Select,Start at the title screen well be unstoppable!


Hell I bet Eller would tear up the 20-30yo league at the Gaithersburg ice rink.


Ok DC, I will admit to a getting a good chuckle from the Eller bash in the Gaithersburg rink! Props!
I like Eller a lot, but that was fuckin funny!👍😆


It’s one of our few disagreements. (Memory is a little fuzzy, but I do believe that the last time we got together and talked about Eller, we slammed a shot of Tito’s, and agreed to disagree)!!🥃🥃😂😂


Eller and Stephenson are BOTH in a shooting slump.  I actually believe that Stephenson probably has a better shot than Eller, in general!


Ellers job is quite secure, however, compared to Stephenson. They are the only two right now who have a higher number of face off wins, than face off losses. Dowd is even, and everyone else has negative numbers for FOW/FOL. (Sorry, I forgot, Backy is also about even).


Eller also has the BEST takeaway/giveaway ratio on the team! This stat is a VERY meaningful stat, unlike some other analytics. It directly takes possession from an opponent, stopping any potential production for that possession, and immediately 180’s the situation, giving us possession, and an added chance for potential production.


Those players, league wide, who maintain positive numbers in this statistic, will always have the coaches attention, and rightly so.
Eller, or his line, may or may not score as a result of his takeaways, but oft times, that takeaway can occur just before, or during a line change, which can certainly create good chances!


Additionally, I echo Blacks comment, on his invaluable PK work. What he doesn’t takeaway, many times, he simply disrupts the opponents plans, in our zone.


Yes, he’s not a fighter. and Marchand embarrassed him. Ok...he paid his penance in blood! I wish he would fight sometimes. He probably won’t, but I’ll take the hustle, work ethic, and puck possession he brings to our team, everytime.


Rush







Title: Re: Some Good News
Post by: Mickstix on Friday December 14, 2018, 05:00:51 PM Eastern

Not that I don't mind seeing Siegenthaler and Bowey,  but what the hell happened to Djoos?? 



  Isabelle KhurshudyanVerified account @ikhurshudyan5 hours ago
 
 Reirden said Djoos will be out “a while.” Wasn’t ready to say it’s season-ending, but added that it’ll be “substantial number of weeks” before we see him again. Had complications from injury on Thursday and had to get surgery.

Title: Re: Some Good News
Post by: richkrt99 on Friday December 14, 2018, 06:02:49 PM Eastern

Ok DC, I will admit to a getting a good chuckle from the Eller bash in the Gaithersburg rink! Props!
I like Eller a lot, but that was fuckin funny!👍😆


It’s one of our few disagreements. (Memory is a little fuzzy, but I do believe that the last time we got together and talked about Eller, we slammed a shot of Tito’s, and agreed to disagree)!!🥃🥃😂😂


Eller and Stephenson are BOTH in a shooting slump.  I actually believe that Stephenson probably has a better shot than Eller, in general!


Ellers job is quite secure, however, compared to Stephenson. They are the only two right now who have a higher number of face off wins, than face off losses. Dowd is even, and everyone else has negative numbers for FOW/FOL. (Sorry, I forgot, Backy is also about even).


Eller also has the BEST takeaway/giveaway ratio on the team! This stat is a VERY meaningful stat, unlike some other analytics. It directly takes possession from an opponent, stopping any potential production for that possession, and immediately 180’s the situation, giving us possession, and an added chance for potential production.


Those players, league wide, who maintain positive numbers in this statistic, will always have the coaches attention, and rightly so.
Eller, or his line, may or may not score as a result of his takeaways, but oft times, that takeaway can occur just before, or during a line change, which can certainly create good chances!


Additionally, I echo Blacks comment, on his invaluable PK work. What he doesn’t takeaway, many times, he simply disrupts the opponents plans, in our zone.


Yes, he’s not a fighter. and Marchand embarrassed him. Ok...he paid his penance in blood! I wish he would fight sometimes. He probably won’t, but I’ll take the hustle, work ethic, and puck possession he brings to our team, everytime.


Rush


I don't have a problem with Eller either.  I thought he was always a little under rated and certainly gets bashed on these boards.  Not expecting him to be a fighter or a 30 goal guy (or an assist machine like Backy), but he contributes in other ways.  He does hustle and works hard.  Not as physical as I would like, but who the hell is.  He is effective in a grinder role, without the grit.
I will say his Fucking stupid penalties have to stop.  He has been a moron in that department this year.


He is effective in his role as 3rd line center, earning a reasonable salary for that position.  Good at the PK (when he's not the moron in the box)


my 2 cents anyway.