Washington Capitals Fan Forum
Talk about Capitals hockey & more! => Washington Capitals & Other Hockey Discussion => Topic started by: alta on Thursday December 14, 2017, 04:12:16 PM Eastern
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Dec. 14 vs. Boston Bruins at TD Garden
Time: 7:00 p.m.
TV: NBC Sports Washingto
Radio: 106.7 The Fan, Capitals Radio 24/7
Washington Capitals 19-12-1
Boston Bruins 15-9-4
REFEREES
Tom Kowal (#32), Brad Watson (#23)
LINESMEN
Bryan Pancich (#94), Tim Nowak (#77)
Anticipated lines
Forwards
Alex Ovechkin 8- Nicklas Backstrom 19-Tom Wilson 43
Jakub Vrana 13- Evgeny Kuznetsov 92- Alex Chiasson 39
Andre Burakovsky 65- Lars Eller 20- Brett Connolly 10
Chandler Stephenson 18- Jay Beagle 83- Devante Smith-Pelly 25
Scratched: T.J. Oshie (“upper body”)
Defensemen
Brooks Orpik 44- John Carlson 74
Dmitry Orlov 9- Matt Niskanen 2
Christian Djoos 29- Madison Bowey 22
Scratched: Taylor Chorney
Goaltenders
Braden Holtby 70 (starter)
Philipp Grubauer 31
By Isabelle Khurshudyan
December 14 at 1:12 PM
BOSTON — Matt Niskanen said he was “running out of space to stand” last week against the New York Rangers, when the Capitals defenseman found himself directly beside the net, in perfect position to tap-in the game-winning goal. It’s a little unusual to see a blueliner in that spot in the offensive zone, but it’s Washington’s preference to have its defensemen consistently involved in the attack.
The next game, it was Dmitry Orlov who joined the rush, finishing a Chandler Stephenson pass for the Capitals’ only goal in a 3-1 loss to the Islanders. On Tuesday night, defenseman John Carlson’s point shot beat Colorado goaltender Semyon Varlamov and then Niskanen later scored on a two-on-one with center Evgeny Kuznetsov.
It certainly seems like Washington’s defensemen have tried to be more active in the offense.
“I’d say the last five games for sure,” Niskanen said. “We’ve always talked about it, but sometimes you just need a reminder to get your butt up in the play.”
Said Carlson: “I think maybe we see what it creates and opens up sometimes, and maybe we’re doing it a little bit more. But it’s always been a goal to get four guys in the attack and play that way. I think most every team does that now, and it has an effect on the way teams play rushes. I think it yields more opportunity and chances.”
Perhaps the team as a whole is more comfortable with the aggressive approach at this point in the season, when Washington has won eight of its past 10 games playing some of its best hockey. Rookies Madison Bowey and Christian Djoos have 20-plus games of NHL experience now and look significantly better than at the start of the season. Niskanen was out of the lineup for 13 games with a thumb injury, and his return has helped stabilize the minutes, especially among the top four blueliners.
When Niskanen was out, Carlson was playing more than 27 minutes per game, and in the 14 games Niskanen has been back in the lineup, Carlson has averaged less than 25. Carlson has three goals and 20 assists through 32 games this season, and the lighter workload has maybe given him more energy to jump up into rushes. It’s also helped that the Capitals haven’t been pinned in their own zone as much lately, which is exhausting in itself.
It’s usually the weak side defenseman that has to join a rush to make it dangerous, and even if he doesn’t get the puck in that situation, the forwards get more space in a four-on-three or four-on-two situation.
“It’s kind of a trust thing, too,” Niskanen said. “It’s a feel play because you can’t go every time because of the threat of a turnover. I think it’s just a feel thing where, as the play is developing, you can recognize where you can jump in and support the rush. There’s an art to it. It’s not just, go every time. You could be reckless. There’s a balance there, and it’s something we’ve talked about, just the habit of following up hard at the very least if you’re in position to support the offense.”
Said Carlson: “I think it just depends on how the play goes and where you start and what point of the shift you are, but I think anytime you’re not changing you need to be in the rush.”
Oshie out again
Forward T.J. Oshie didn’t travel with the Capitals to Boston, staying back in Washington to continue skating on his own. Thursday night’s game against the Bruins will be the fifth he’s missed with an undisclosed “upper-body” injury, but Coach Barry Trotz said it’s possible Oshie practices with the team Friday afternoon. If that does indeed happen, there’s a strong possibility Oshie will be back in the lineup on Saturday against the Anaheim Ducks.
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Supposedly the Bruins aren't starting Tukka Rask because he has a bad track record against the Caps.
With some many changes in teams lineups year-to-year, do you buy that some goalies just don't play well against certain teams?
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Supposedly the Bruins aren't starting Tukka Rask because he has a bad track record against the Caps.
With some many changes in teams lineups year-to-year, do you buy that some goalies just don't play well against certain teams?
I think Tuuka played lastnight
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We should win this as we are rested and they on on the end of a back to back game series.
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OR NOT . . . OFFSIDES
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Hi all!
Great start! Too bad it's offsides
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Morning all.
We have a good record against this team and there's always the fun of booing the rat. ;D
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Hi all!
Great start! Too bad it's offsides
There was no doubt about the offside
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That was an incredible and aggressive save by Holts. WoW!
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I don't care if it's obvious or not, making that call is one of the reasons the league went to 4 zebras. So entering the zone one zebra only has one efing job to do, and they still screw it up
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Lady and I are having dinner @ the club but i’ll check in
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I don't care if it's obvious or not, making that call is one of the reasons the league went to 4 zebras. So entering the zone one zebra only has one efing job to do, and they still screw it up
y
You do know that the extra zebra is a ref not a linesman. Nothing has changed as far as offsides go. The linesmen just suck.
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I don't care if it's obvious or not, making that call is one of the reasons the league went to 4 zebras. So entering the zone one zebra only has one efing job to do, and they still screw it up
damn right!
Either accidentally screw it up or just “keeping it close”
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as Lady just pointed out to me. they have been calling Nick for a lot of bullshit recently
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y
You do know that the extra zebra is a ref not a linesman. Nothing has changed as far as offsides go. The linesmen just suck.
Oh, so that's what the orange arm band means ::)
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Nice moves by Vrana
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let’s see if they call that back . . we maybe good , for now
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y
You do know that the extra zebra is a ref not a linesman. Nothing has changed as far as offsides go. The linesmen just suck.
Oh, so that's what the orange arm band means ::)
You mean it's not a fashion statement? :P
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You mean it's not a fashion statement? :P
I'm sure it could be
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y
You do know that the extra zebra is a ref not a linesman. Nothing has changed as far as offsides go. The linesmen just suck.
Oh, so that's what the orange arm band means ::)
[/quote
I thought the orange arm band meant they were blind
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Hopefully this pp is better. Damn too bad Beagle couldn't finish that.
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Nice work by Kuzy to get it to Backy
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So nice to see Backus shooting again.
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Great look on that PP. This team is full of surprises lately. I'm impressed at the constant speed of these guys. It's like someone installed a new gear in each one of them.
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sweet!!!! bout time someone wakin up
deed i think i need to drink more tonight! 🤠
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Excellent pass by Kuzy on that goal
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come on Lacher, we all know 74 won't box
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Good job Orly!
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Man - it just feels sooooooo right to hate Marchand.
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sweet!!!! bout time someone wakin up
deed i think i need to drink more tonight! 🤠
I second that, especially if your getting flipped off!!! LMFAO! Hey Lady!!
You know DC, its killing me, technically speaking, shifting between text and board!
Rush
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Man - it just feels sooooooo right to hate Marchand.
He reminds me of Brashear, hated him until he played here
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Man - it just feels sooooooo right to hate Marchand.
Damned straight! He's such a jerk.
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sweet!!!! bout time someone wakin up
deed i think i need to drink more tonight! 🤠
I second that, especially if your getting flipped off!!! LMFAO! Hey Lady!!
You know DC, its killing me, technically speaking, shifting between text and board!
Rush
hehehehe well at least you aren’t at work, Coworkers get confused when they get an email/text calling Orpik faggot
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sweet!!!! bout time someone wakin up
deed i think i need to drink more tonight! 🤠
I second that, especially if your getting flipped off!!! LMFAO! Hey Lady!!
You know DC, its killing me, technically speaking, shifting between text and board!
Rush
hehehehe well at least you aren’t at work, Coworkers get confused when they get an email/text calling Orpik faggot
Lol. Actually just got in from work, cold temps are keeping it busy!
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Yeah Baby! We've got the Djoos!
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Time for Kuzy to replace Backstrom as the sidewall QB on the PP. Also would be nice to replace Carlson with Orlov. Bet our PP would be top in the league.
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nice battle at the net
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Excellent play by bDjoos
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fuck ya!!
One of our most underrated
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Orpik and his requisite penalty. Sheesh!
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They say it isn’t a party until something gets broken? Well, the Caps haven’t played if Orpik doesn’t have a minor penalty of some sorts.
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Yes!
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It's a shorty!!!!!!
and there's still time for a hatty
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Fantastic shorty! Great job by Beages on the draw also.
I love it when we play this team!
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Sweet goal.
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Chaisson has sealed his spot on the team.
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Howdy Humans! Y'all blew it and invited me over here! :o
Been missing the crew and now I know why.
Go Caps!
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Chaisson has sealed his spot on the team.
So who goes down when Oshie gets back?
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Chaisson has sealed his spot on the team.
So who goes down when Oshie gets back?
unfortunately it's gonna be Chaisson
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Chaisson has sealed his spot on the team.
So who goes down when Oshie gets back?
Tough decision, but probably Stevenson
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who knew OV played billiards
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Pretty sweet rink wide bank shot there.
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Don't like the 2 late goals we gave up
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goal will count
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I think Smith Pelly gets benched
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goal will count
I agree
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I like Bergeron. Wish he was one of ours.
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file that away for future reference, when outside of the paint goalie interference is aloud
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I think Smith Pelly gets benched
Maybe we need a poll to see what the consensus is. it's a tough choice either way and a great position to be in for the Caps.
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Good result. Holtby played very well tonight.
Decent first period, shaky second, but great 3rd period, all things considered.
Still too many penalties for my liking and this with non bad reputation refs.
Fun game to watch.
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Alex had two goals tonight, and not the one you think
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I like Bergeron. Wish he was one of ours.
I don't think anyone dislike Bergeron. Excellent player. Definately one of the most intelligent players in the league. I'd love to have him too.
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I think Smith Pelly gets benched
Maybe we need a poll to see what the consensus is. it's a tough choice either way and a great position to be in for the Caps.
Vote now for DSP and your a racist ;D
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I think Smith Pelly gets benched
Maybe we need a poll to see what the consensus is. it's a tough choice either way and a great position to be in for the Caps.
Lol early in the season we had 6 or 7 guys that could have been benched. Now none of them deserve to be benched but someone has to. I am not surprised at all that things have turned around for this club since the beginning of the season. I'm enjoying watching this team.
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Howdy Humans! Y'all blew it and invited me over here! :o
Been missing the crew and now I know why.
Go Caps!
Welcome over Steal!
Rush
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Pretty sweet rink wide bank shot there.
welcome steal!!
Yep! The old crew is gettin back together!
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Pretty sweet rink wide bank shot there.
welcome steal!!
Yep! The old crew is gettin back together!
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MWRJxKpBHJk
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I think Smith Pelly gets benched
Maybe we need a poll to see what the consensus is. it's a tough choice either way and a great position to be in for the Caps.
Vote now for DSP and your a racist ;D
Lol I might have to switch my vote
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Too bad the Islanders didn't help us out tonight. We could have had sole possession of first in the metropolitan. I think the Islanders are going to start fading. Weak defense and goaltending.
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I think Smith Pelly gets benched
Maybe we need a poll to see what the consensus is. it's a tough choice either way and a great position to be in for the Caps.
Lol early in the season we had 6 or 7 guys that could have been benched. Now none of them deserve to be benched but someone has to. I am not surprised at all that things have turned around for this club since the beginning of the season. I'm enjoying watching this team.
Well said Maaco!
I'd like to add to your point, also. From the start of preseason, both myself and others, have said that this would also be a litmus test for Trotz and the coaches. He did not have the advantage of inheriting all that talent, this year, and was forced to either show his coaching abilities by helping to build a team up, or NOT!! I admit that around games 15-18, or so, it wasn't looking good at all, for Trotz and Co. But I have to give Trotz and all his support a lot of credit. They've got a lot to improve on, obviously but its now getting to be undeniable, that he has done, and is DOING, the things necessary to successfully begin to turn this team around, both in playing, and the mentality! He officially gets props from me, for what he has accomplished so far!
Rush
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hmmmm, it appears Trotz forté is bringing up young talent. Opposed to taking proven talent through the playoffs
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Howdy Humans! Y'all blew it and invited me over here! :o
Been missing the crew and now I know why.
Go Caps!
Welcome! Glad to have you. I've copied your post count over from the other site so you can skip the whole newbie thing. Your next level is the final one called "Hockey Diety" at 5000 posts.
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Vote now for DSP and your a racist ;D
I'd take a Joel Ward for two Smelly's any day of the week! But I can't deny I have issues with poncy, pretentious double-barrelled names.
Does that count? ;)
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I think Smith Pelly gets benched
Maybe we need a poll to see what the consensus is. it's a tough choice either way and a great position to be in for the Caps.
Hey AJ!
Bura looked ok tonight, and actually had a great steal and setup pass for Kuzy to get the assist the other night, but his window will be short if he doesn't start producing here soon! Haven't heard yet as to exactly when Oshie is returning, my guess will be this Saturday possibly, as he's been skating!
Two BIG differences, that don't seem to be getting as much mention lately, with the caps play, is that they are crashing or near the net, more and more, AND, they are really starting to ELEVATE the puck much more often, resulting of course in better production!
It would be too early and unfair, to sit Bura, when Oshie returns, though I'd fall out of my chair if it happened! To be fair, Bura on that third line, with Cono and Eller, had some good chemistry last year!
Rush
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Howdy Humans! Y'all blew it and invited me over here! :o
Been missing the crew and now I know why.
Go Caps!
Hey babes! :) Love to your wife also.
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Vote now for DSP and your a racist ;D
I'd take a Joel Ward for two Smelly's any day of the week! But I can't deny I have issues with poncy, pretentious double-barrelled names.
Does that count? ;)
I don't blame him for the two sir names, I blame his parents
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hmmmm, it appears Trotz forté is bringing up young talent. Opposed to taking proven talent through the playoffs
I was like you earlier, Alta, when it started looking like the locker room may turn on Trotz. It's been talked about in the media, that the turning point seems to have been that Colorado loss in November. Trotz had been a little too calm, and non-chalant, IMHO, in his post game comments prior to that game. It was reported that he FINALLY got "quite angry" with the team, after that Colorado loss, especially with the player leadership! Obviously, something has changed! Of course, I don't think any long term fan is taking ANYTHING for granted, and most of us are probably hoping that the caps get to the playoffs, but stay far away from the Presidents trophy! LOL
Rush
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Vote now for DSP and your a racist ;D
I'd take a Joel Ward for two Smelly's any day of the week! But I can't deny I have issues with poncy, pretentious double-barrelled names.
Does that count? ;)
I'm with you TOTALLY on that sentiment Lily!! 👍
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hmmmm, it appears Trotz forté is bringing up young talent. Opposed to taking proven talent through the playoffs
I was like you earlier, Alta, when it started looking like the locker room may turn on Trotz. It's been talked about in the media, that the turning point seems to have been that Colorado loss in November. Trotz had been a little too calm, and non-chalant, IMHO, in his post game comments prior to that game. It was reported that he FINALLY got "quite angry" with the team, after that Colorado loss, especially with the player leadership! Obviously, something has changed! Of course, I don't think any long term fan is taking ANYTHING for granted, and most of us are probably hoping that the caps get to the playoffs, but stay far away from the Presidents trophy! LOL
Rush
My biggest complaint of Trotz has been his lack of emotion, especially when the zebras blow a call
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hmmmm, it appears Trotz forté is bringing up young talent. Opposed to taking proven talent through the playoffs
I was like you earlier, Alta, when it started looking like the locker room may turn on Trotz. It's been talked about in the media, that the turning point seems to have been that Colorado loss in November. Trotz had been a little too calm, and non-chalant, IMHO, in his post game comments prior to that game. It was reported that he FINALLY got "quite angry" with the team, after that Colorado loss, especially with the player leadership! Obviously, something has changed! Of course, I don't think any long term fan is taking ANYTHING for granted, and most of us are probably hoping that the caps get to the playoffs, but stay far away from the Presidents trophy! LOL
Rush
My biggest complaint of Trotz has been his lack of emotion, especially when the zebras blow a call
He certainly has come off too flat earlier. His 1st year here I thought he was much more energetic
Rush
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hmmmm, it appears Trotz forté is bringing up young talent. Opposed to taking proven talent through the playoffs
I was like you earlier, Alta, when it started looking like the locker room may turn on Trotz. It's been talked about in the media, that the turning point seems to have been that Colorado loss in November. Trotz had been a little too calm, and non-chalant, IMHO, in his post game comments prior to that game. It was reported that he FINALLY got "quite angry" with the team, after that Colorado loss, especially with the player leadership! Obviously, something has changed! Of course, I don't think any long term fan is taking ANYTHING for granted, and most of us are probably hoping that the caps get to the playoffs, but stay far away from the Presidents trophy! LOL
Rush
My biggest complaint of Trotz has been his lack of emotion, especially when the zebras blow a call
He certainly has come off too flat earlier. His 1st year here I thought he was much more energetic
Rush
The Klub Kettler effect maybe?
Jus' sayin' .... :-\
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Hey Maaco! On my iPhone, the buttons are smaller, and was trying to tap on a thread you had started. Instead, it brought me to your profile somehow and saw your "Carlson lover" title thingy! Gotta give ya some props and acknowledge the good TOUCHE' !!! LOL 👍
Rush
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To be fair, we've performed much better this year - so far - than I expected. Over-performing is somewhat preferable to under-performing, which is what we've done so far in the post season. I'm still not holding my breath, but.....
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To be fair, we've performed much better this year - so far - than I expected. Over-performing is somewhat preferable to under-performing, which is what we've done so far in the post season. I'm still not holding my breath, but.....
The start of this season has been the most difficult for the core vets here, maybe they will learnt something from it
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hmmmm, it appears Trotz forté is bringing up young talent. Opposed to taking proven talent through the playoffs
I was like you earlier, Alta, when it started looking like the locker room may turn on Trotz. It's been talked about in the media, that the turning point seems to have been that Colorado loss in November. Trotz had been a little too calm, and non-chalant, IMHO, in his post game comments prior to that game. It was reported that he FINALLY got "quite angry" with the team, after that Colorado loss, especially with the player leadership! Obviously, something has changed! Of course, I don't think any long term fan is taking ANYTHING for granted, and most of us are probably hoping that the caps get to the playoffs, but stay far away from the Presidents trophy! LOL
Rush
My biggest complaint of Trotz has been his lack of emotion, especially when the zebras blow a call
He certainly has come off too flat earlier. His 1st year here I thought he was much more energetic
Rush
The Klub Kettler effect maybe?
Jus' sayin' .... :-\
LOL! That's as good of a theory as any other, Lily!
On a more serious note, I see the "KK effect", show itself in almost all the games, at least a bit! But I'm hoping that it's a sign of it getting more diluted, as we've got more lesser known and younger players, starting to step up to the plate! It will most likely be here, in some form, for years to come, though trading Carlson, I feel, will diminish it somewhat! I thought Mojo had contributed to that culture, as well!
Rush
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Chaisson has sealed his spot on the team.
So who goes down when Oshie gets back?
I think you are really looking at Chaisson, Connolly, or Stephenson. Both Chaisson and Stephenson have been great and made the most out of their limited deployments. I think Connolly has really brought down the third line which was looking amazing with Vrana or Stephenson on it.
My vote is Connolly. While I initially thought he would be a budget steal, he has proven that even though he has flashes of talent that is really all there is... Flashes mixed with constant mediocrity.
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Gotta hit the bed folks!! Great game!! Good nite all!!
Rush
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The founder of Klub Kettler is OV, I can only hope he's learned some new things this year
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Chaisson has sealed his spot on the team.
So who goes down when Oshie gets back?
I think you are really looking at Chaisson, Connolly, or Stephenson. Both Chaisson and Stephenson have been great and made the most out of their limited deployments. I think Connolly has really brought down the third line which was looking amazing with Vrana or Stephenson on it.
My vote is Connolly. While I initially thought he would be a budget steal, he has proven that even though he has flashes of talent that is really all there is... Flashes mixed with constant mediocrity.
Yea, I wasn't ready to say Connolly, he has been given the chance to show the extra bit but hasn't quite done that yet. Where Stephenson has about equaled him and Chaisson has show a bit more. The only problem with Chaisson is he plays RW, if he can play LW he's definitely a keeper
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Chaisson has sealed his spot on the team.
So who goes down when Oshie gets back?
I think you are really looking at Chaisson, Connolly, or Stephenson. Both Chaisson and Stephenson have been great and made the most out of their limited deployments. I think Connolly has really brought down the third line which was looking amazing with Vrana or Stephenson on it.
My vote is Connolly. While I initially thought he would be a budget steal, he has proven that even though he has flashes of talent that is really all there is... Flashes mixed with constant mediocrity.
Hey Special. Good to see ya, again!
Was about to log off when I saw your post!
I respectfully disagree about Connelly. He was out earlier, and upon his return, has played very well! He hustles, has a very high number of hits, for his TOI, has one of the best shooting percentages on the team, and WILL, crash the net and elevate pucks. Although the general Corsi +\-, is never a good statistic alone, to judge any player, Corsi numbers in individual categories of SF, SA, Tka, Gva, hits, and team or opponent S%, when taken together, are an EXCELLENT overall indicator, in assessing individual players performance! Connelly, respectfully, simply SMOKES your other two mentioned players, almost across the board!! Additionally, he is one of our hottest players on the ice, NOW. How about considering Bura. He's a great comparison. He's been injured and returned, also!! The comparison may surprise you!
Admittedly, I didn't like Connelly, at all, when he arrived here! It wasn't until I looked at some of the analytics, (and, believe me, I'm a beginner at it), in the middle of last years season, that I understood why the coaches keep both him, and for that matter, Eller also, with the team!
Dont disagree with you very often, so I will say:
Respectfully submitted,
Rush
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The founder of Klub Kettler is OV, I can only hope he's learned some new things this year
Won't get any disagreement from me on that one, Alta!👍
Rush
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To be fair, we've performed much better this year - so far - than I expected. Over-performing is somewhat preferable to under-performing, which is what we've done so far in the post season. I'm still not holding my breath, but.....
The start of this season has been the most difficult for the core vets here, maybe they will learnt something from it
:o
;D
yeah, that's gonna happen......... :-*
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Vote now for DSP and your a racist ;D
I'd take a Joel Ward for two Smelly's any day of the week! But I can't deny I have issues with poncy, pretentious double-barrelled names.
Does that count? ;)
I don't blame him for the two sir names, I blame his parents
Rubbish. He's a grown man. If he can't even pick a bloody a name, how's he gonna choose between picking the man over the puck, or vice versa? Or passing vs shooting? Or making any decision in his life? EVER. Choosing his own name would be better than being reduce to "SMelly", surely?
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Gotta hit the bed folks!! Great game!! Good nite all!!
Rush
Welcome. Glad to have you here.
You know why, yes?
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Chaisson has sealed his spot on the team.
So who goes down when Oshie gets back?
I think you are really looking at Chaisson, Connolly, or Stephenson. Both Chaisson and Stephenson have been great and made the most out of their limited deployments. I think Connolly has really brought down the third line which was looking amazing with Vrana or Stephenson on it.
My vote is Connolly. While I initially thought he would be a budget steal, he has proven that even though he has flashes of talent that is really all there is... Flashes mixed with constant mediocrity.
God Damn right!!
I’ve never been been to keen on Connelly, he’s just a cheaper one-way player that we have to many of anyway, and not producing enough to be one of those.
Chaisson has been the better steal, and it’s inmprobabke to say we’re not a better team with him in the lineup
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Chaisson has sealed his spot on the team.
So who goes down when Oshie gets back?
I think you are really looking at Chaisson, Connolly, or Stephenson. Both Chaisson and Stephenson have been great and made the most out of their limited deployments. I think Connolly has really brought down the third line which was looking amazing with Vrana or Stephenson on it.
My vote is Connolly. While I initially thought he would be a budget steal, he has proven that even though he has flashes of talent that is really all there is... Flashes mixed with constant mediocrity.
I agree that Connolly could be a guy we could sit. He does get on some mini goal scoring streaks but he doesn't a lot else to the table
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Chaisson has sealed his spot on the team.
So who goes down when Oshie gets back?
I think you are really looking at Chaisson, Connolly, or Stephenson. Both Chaisson and Stephenson have been great and made the most out of their limited deployments. I think Connolly has really brought down the third line which was looking amazing with Vrana or Stephenson on it.
My vote is Connolly. While I initially thought he would be a budget steal, he has proven that even though he has flashes of talent that is really all there is... Flashes mixed with constant mediocrity.
God Damn right!!
I’ve never been been to keen on Connelly, he’s just a cheaper one-way player that we have to many of anyway, and not producing enough to be one of those.
Chaisson has been the better steal, and it’s inmprobabke to say we’re not a better team with him in the lineup
I would agree that Chaisson is more valuable than Connolly. Chaisson will go to the dirty areas in front of the net. He is better defensively and he kills penalties.
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Chaisson has sealed his spot on the team.
So who goes down when Oshie gets back?
I think you are really looking at Chaisson, Connolly, or Stephenson. Both Chaisson and Stephenson have been great and made the most out of their limited deployments. I think Connolly has really brought down the third line which was looking amazing with Vrana or Stephenson on it.
My vote is Connolly. While I initially thought he would be a budget steal, he has proven that even though he has flashes of talent that is really all there is... Flashes mixed with constant mediocrity.
God Damn right!!
I’ve never been been to keen on Connelly, he’s just a cheaper one-way player that we have to many of anyway, and not producing enough to be one of those.
Chaisson has been the better steal, and it’s inmprobabke to say we’re not a better team with him in the lineup
I would agree that Chaisson is more valuable than Connolly. Chaisson will go to the dirty areas in front of the net. He is better defensively and he kills penalties.
damn right! What’s also funny is while last year, while doing all that, his points where still comparable to Connolly’s (Connolly 15 goals, Chaisson 13)
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Chaisson has sealed his spot on the team.
So who goes down when Oshie gets back?
I think you are really looking at Chaisson, Connolly, or Stephenson. Both Chaisson and Stephenson have been great and made the most out of their limited deployments. I think Connolly has really brought down the third line which was looking amazing with Vrana or Stephenson on it.
My vote is Connolly. While I initially thought he would be a budget steal, he has proven that even though he has flashes of talent that is really all there is... Flashes mixed with constant mediocrity.
God Damn right!!
I’ve never been been to keen on Connelly, he’s just a cheaper one-way player that we have to many of anyway, and not producing enough to be one of those.
Chaisson has been the better steal, and it’s inmprobabke to say we’re not a better team with him in the lineup
I would agree that Chaisson is more valuable than Connolly. Chaisson will go to the dirty areas in front of the net. He is better defensively and he kills penalties.
damn right! What’s also funny is while last year, while doing all that, his points where still comparable to Connolly’s (Connolly 15 goals, Chaisson 13)
I think 15 goals for Connolly is a bit low for a one way player.
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Chaisson has sealed his spot on the team.
So who goes down when Oshie gets back?
I think you are really looking at Chaisson, Connolly, or Stephenson. Both Chaisson and Stephenson have been great and made the most out of their limited deployments. I think Connolly has really brought down the third line which was looking amazing with Vrana or Stephenson on it.
My vote is Connolly. While I initially thought he would be a budget steal, he has proven that even though he has flashes of talent that is really all there is... Flashes mixed with constant mediocrity.
Hey Special. Good to see ya, again!
Was about to log off when I saw your post!
I respectfully disagree about Connelly. He was out earlier, and upon his return, has played very well! He hustles, has a very high number of hits, for his TOI, has one of the best shooting percentages on the team, and WILL, crash the net and elevate pucks. Although the general Corsi +\-, is never a good statistic alone, to judge any player, Corsi numbers in individual categories of SF, SA, Tka, Gva, hits, and team or opponent S%, when taken together, are an EXCELLENT overall indicator, in assessing individual players performance! Connelly, respectfully, simply SMOKES your other two mentioned players, almost across the board!! Additionally, he is one of our hottest players on the ice, NOW. How about considering Bura. He's a great comparison. He's been injured and returned, also!! The comparison may surprise you!
Admittedly, I didn't like Connelly, at all, when he arrived here! It wasn't until I looked at some of the analytics, (and, believe me, I'm a beginner at it), in the middle of last years season, that I understood why the coaches keep both him, and for that matter, Eller also, with the team!
Dont disagree with you very often, so I will say:
Respectfully submitted,
Rush
I think you are looking too much into the advanced stats. That doesn't tell you a lot. Beagle might have the worst advanced stats in the league but it wouldn't make him the worst player. Those stats don't take into account who your linemates are. It doesn't take into account the players average zone start. It doesn't tell you what players he is up against. Connolly doesn't get matched up against top skilled players and his zone start is usually in the offensive zone. To tell you the truth Connolly advanced stats are pretty weak considering. Beagle advanced stats take a hit because his high percentage of zone starts in the defensive zone and the fact he will be matched up against the top players quite often.
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Chaisson has sealed his spot on the team.
So who goes down when Oshie gets back?
I think you are really looking at Chaisson, Connolly, or Stephenson. Both Chaisson and Stephenson have been great and made the most out of their limited deployments. I think Connolly has really brought down the third line which was looking amazing with Vrana or Stephenson on it.
My vote is Connolly. While I initially thought he would be a budget steal, he has proven that even though he has flashes of talent that is really all there is... Flashes mixed with constant mediocrity.
Hey Special. Good to see ya, again!
Was about to log off when I saw your post!
I respectfully disagree about Connelly. He was out earlier, and upon his return, has played very well! He hustles, has a very high number of hits, for his TOI, has one of the best shooting percentages on the team, and WILL, crash the net and elevate pucks. Although the general Corsi +\-, is never a good statistic alone, to judge any player, Corsi numbers in individual categories of SF, SA, Tka, Gva, hits, and team or opponent S%, when taken together, are an EXCELLENT overall indicator, in assessing individual players performance! Connelly, respectfully, simply SMOKES your other two mentioned players, almost across the board!! Additionally, he is one of our hottest players on the ice, NOW. How about considering Bura. He's a great comparison. He's been injured and returned, also!! The comparison may surprise you!
Admittedly, I didn't like Connelly, at all, when he arrived here! It wasn't until I looked at some of the analytics, (and, believe me, I'm a beginner at it), in the middle of last years season, that I understood why the coaches keep both him, and for that matter, Eller also, with the team!
Dont disagree with you very often, so I will say:
Respectfully submitted,
Rush
I think you are looking too much into the advanced stats. That doesn't tell you a lot. Beagle might have the worst advanced stats in the league but it wouldn't make him the worst player. Those stats don't take into account who your linemates are. It doesn't take into account the players average zone start. It doesn't tell you what players he is up against. Connolly doesn't get matched up against top skilled players and his zone start is usually in the offensive zone. To tell you the truth Connolly advanced stats are pretty weak considering. Beagle advanced stats take a hit because his high percentage of zone starts in the defensive zone and the fact he will be matched up against the top players quite often.
you’re both right. Remember, Corsi was developed as a scouting tool fro goalies. In general, it tells the goalie what to expect from an opposing player.
So by the basic nature of that, offense players will have higher Corsi numbers. But, what they really do, is aide the goalie in anticipatiing what the opppsition will do when they are on the ice and when they’ll be on it.
So a high Corsi doesn’t directly mean their a good player, it means the goalie needs to be aware of them.
However, defensive minded Forwards and Ds are more than likely to use Corsi in the same manner as a goalie would, and really not care about their own in the long run. So it’s s not very applicavle to the ills of Beagle etc.
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Let's not get too carried away on Chaison after a good game. He has had plenty of other games where he has just been ok - or has not been a factor. He is a marginal 4th liner, as is Smith Pelly. I think Connolly has a higher ceiling and actually has a better skill set - when he is motivated. My bet is they bench Smith Pelly for a couple games to get him re-motivated and keep Chaison going, hoping he is hot. Then they will flip flop those two.
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Let's not get too carried away on Chaison after a good game. He has had plenty of other games where he has just been ok - or has not been a factor. He is a marginal 4th liner, as is Smith Pelly. I think Connolly has a higher ceiling and actually has a better skill set - when he is motivated. My bet is they bench Smith Pelly for a couple games to get him re-motivated and keep Chaison going, hoping he is hot. Then they will flip flop those two.
The thing that concerns me most about Connolly is his defensive abilities.
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Let's not get too carried away on Chaison after a good game. He has had plenty of other games where he has just been ok - or has not been a factor. He is a marginal 4th liner, as is Smith Pelly. I think Connolly has a higher ceiling and actually has a better skill set - when he is motivated. My bet is they bench Smith Pelly for a couple games to get him re-motivated and keep Chaison going, hoping he is hot. Then they will flip flop those two.
hmm, I actually thought he greatly help the Kuzy group by providing a much need defensive and physical aspect.
Keep in mind though, he’s a similar player to Beagle in that his primary role is not points. But other intagables that are lacking, with offensive points being a bonus.
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Let's not get too carried away on Chaison after a good game. He has had plenty of other games where he has just been ok - or has not been a factor. He is a marginal 4th liner, as is Smith Pelly. I think Connolly has a higher ceiling and actually has a better skill set - when he is motivated. My bet is they bench Smith Pelly for a couple games to get him re-motivated and keep Chaison going, hoping he is hot. Then they will flip flop those two.
The thing that concerns me most about Connolly is his defensive abilities.
or utter lack thereof. ;D