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Round 2 - Game 5
Series Tied 2-2
Sat. May 5 Pittsburgh Penguins @ Washington Capitals
Place: Capital One Arena
Time: 7:00 p.m.
TV: NBC, SN, TVAS
Radio: 106.7 The Fan, Capitals Radio 24/7
NHL.COM (https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/2017030225) for Live Box Score
Last Game: May 3 Penguins Won 3-1 in regulation
8-Ovechkin 92-Kuznetsov 25-Smith-Pelly
18-Stephenson 19-Bäckström 77-Oshie
13-Vrana 20-Eller 10-Connolly
63-Gersich 83-Beagle 39-Chiasson
9-Orlov 2-Niskanen
6-Kempny 74-Carlson
44-Orpik 29-Djoos
70-Holtby (starter)
31-Grubauer
-- SCRATCH --
43-Wilson (Suspended, 1 more game remaining)
65-Burakovsky ("upper-body")
72-Boyd
64-Pinho
28-Jerabek
22-Bowey
1-Copley
-- 1st Powerplay Unit --
20-Eller 19-Bäckström 92-Kuznetsov
8-Ovechkin 74-Carlson
-- 2nd Powerplay Unit --
13-Vrana 18-Stephenson 10-Connolly
2-Niskanen 9-Orlov
Referees: Wes McCauley (#4), Marc Joannette (#25)
Linesmen: Jonny Murray (#95), Devin Berg (#87)
Pittsburgh’s Projected Lineup
Forwards
Jake Guentzel - Sidney Crosby - Patric Hornqvist
Carl Hagelin - Evgeny Malkin - Phil Kessel
Connor Sheary - Derick Brassard - Bryan Rust
Dominik Simon - Riley Sheahan - Tom Kuhnhackl
Defensemen
Brian Dumoulin - Kris Letang
Olli Maatta - Justin Schultz
Jamie Oleksiak - Chad Ruhwedel
Goaltenders
Matt Murray (starter)
Casey DeSmith
Scratches:
Zach Aston-Reese (concussion, broken jaw)
Carter Rowney
Matt Hunwick
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1st Period
02:23 Hens GOAL Olesiak, assists Brassard & Schultz 1-0 PIT
18:22 PP GOAL 74-Carlson, assists 92-Kuznetsov & 77-Oshie 1-1 TIE
18:55 GOAL 10-Connolly, assists 13-Vrana & 20-Eller 2-1 WSH
2nd Period
04:43 Hens PP GOAL Crosby, assist Kessel & Schultz 2-2 TIE
07:45 Hens PP GOAL Hornqvist, assists Malkin & Kessel 3-2 PIT
3rd Period
00:52 GOAL 92-Kuznetsov, assists 13-Vrana & 2-Niskanen 3-3 TIE
15:22 GOAL 13-Vrana, assists 8-Ovechkin & 92-Kuznetsov 4-3 WSH
18:29 EN GOAL 77-Oshie, unassisted 5-3 WSH
19:54 EN GOAL 20-Eller, unassisted 6-3 WSH
FINAL: 6-3 WSH
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by Isabelle Khurshudyan, Roman Stubbs, Scott Allen and Neil Greenberg May 5 at 12:57 PM
2018 NHL Playoffs: Penguins-Capitals Game 5 analysis
(https://www.washingtonpost.com/resizer/eNgiXLxPDIQpH3hkDLY1nj3WfCE=/1484x0/arc-anglerfish-washpost-prod-washpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/VKPEERWU6I6A5ABIXFXLLVYBLY.jpg)
Devante Smith-Pelly and the Capitals look to rebound from their Game 4 loss. (Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
Game 5
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Washington Capitals
Series Tied 2-2
Saturday May 5, 7:00 p.m. ET, Capital One Arena
TV: NBC, SN, TVAS
Remaining schedule
Game 5: at Washington, 7 p.m. Saturday May 5
Game 6: at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m. Monday May 7
Game 7 (if necessary): at Washington, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday May 9
- Alex Ovechkin will look to rebound from Game 4, when he didn’t get a single shot on net. (Read more (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capitals-insider/wp/2018/05/05/2018-nhl-playoffs-penguins-capitals-game-5-analysis/?utm_term=.d3198686fe8c#story))
- Penguins goaltender Matt Murray has been shaky at times this postseason, but that wasn’t the case in Game 4. (Read more (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capitals-insider/wp/2018/05/05/2018-nhl-playoffs-penguins-capitals-game-5-analysis/?utm_term=.d3198686fe8c#player))
- The spotlight in Game 5 will be on if Washington can gets its top line reignited. (Read more (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capitals-insider/wp/2018/05/05/2018-nhl-playoffs-penguins-capitals-game-5-analysis/?utm_term=.d3198686fe8c#links))
Top story lines
Alex Ovechkin: For just the third playoff game of his career, Ovechkin didn’t record a shot on goal in Thursday’s Game 4. Washington’s top line seemed to miss Tom Wilson, and Capitals Coach Barry Trotz will have Devante Smith-Pelly in the right wing spot there again for Game 5, opting to give that trio more time to jell. Ovechkin has eight of the team’s 35 goals, with Washington dependent on his production to advance. Similarly, all 10 of the Penguins’ goals in this series have come with captain Sidney Crosby on the ice.
“Obviously it was not the best game for our line, but we move forward,” Ovechkin said.
“He’ll get his opportunities,” Trotz said. “There’s not too many times that he doesn’t get shots on net. I think a couple times he tried the extra move. The most dangerous thing with Alex is his shot, so put your shot in play and then go from there.”
• No line changes: In a tight-checking Game 4, Washington struggled to generate much offense, as the team’s one goal came on the power play. The Penguins did a better job limiting the Capitals’ odd-man rushes. Trotz decided to stick with the same lineup to start Game 5, though he acknowledged that a Plan B and Plan C are ready if Washington struggles offensively again.
“Gotta get to the hard areas more, gotta get the puck there, going to have to fight for those inches, fight harder to get into the interior spaces where you can get some of those pucks,” Trotz said before Saturday’s game. “We have to do a better job than last game. I thought they had more desperation in some areas. We’ll be ready to go tonight.”
Said Oshie: “In the [offensive] zone, it comes down to shooting around blocks and getting tips. I think you saw in the Columbus series, they were doing a good job blocking shots, so we started shooting for sticks and it worked out for us. That’s kind of how we have to adjust right now because their forwards and their [defense] are doing a good job of taking away shot lanes and blocking shots.”
• Good start: The Capitals have scored the first goal in eight of their 10 playoff games so far, and that’s especially important against Pittsburgh. The Penguins are tough to wrestle the lead away from because they thrive on capitalizing on mistakes with odd-man rushes when another team is making an offensive push with more players joining the attack. In every game they’ve lead after the first period this postseason, they’ve won. They’re 4-1-0 when leading after the second period.
Players to watch
Shane Gersich: Trotz was encouraged from what he saw from the rookie in his playoff debut, especially Gersich’s early scoring chance that went off goaltender Matt Murray’s pads. With Wilson still suspended, Gersich will be on the fourth line again Saturday night, potentially a factor with his strong speed. Gersich played less than six minutes in Game 4.
“I would’ve loved to see him score on his first opportunity,” Trotz said. “He had a real good look. He did well. Shane, when you’re sitting there watching and you haven’t played a lot of National Hockey League games and you haven’t played in a playoff game and you’ve been around the intensity of the playoffs, and then all of a sudden the coach calls your name and you’re the guy going on the ice, I thought he was pretty poised. He did a real good job. You can see he’s got a real good skill set.”
Matt Murray: The Capitals seemed to be targeting Murray’s glove side through the first three games, and though the goaltender has looked shaky at times this postseason with a 2.33 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage, he was steady in Game 4, allowing just one goal. A year ago, Murray was injured and Marc-Andre Fleury was the difference in the second-round series against the Capitals. Fleury is now the starter in Vegas and Murray doesn’t need to look over his shoulder, but that also means all the pressure is on the 23-year-old to backstop the Penguins to a third-straight Stanley Cup.
Pregame reading
Immerse yourself in the Capitals’ postseason with The Post’s coverage of the Stanley Cup playoffs:
For Capitals, Game 5 focus will be on reigniting top line (http://game%205)
Andre Burakovsky skates, but unlikely to return by end of Penguins series (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/wp/2018/05/04/andre-burakovsky-skates-but-unlikely-to-return-by-end-of-penguins-series/)
Penguins dismiss fatigue factor after 59 playoff games in three seasons (https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/penguins-dismiss-fatigue-factor-after-59-playoff-games-in-three-seasons/2018/05/04/10a743d4-4fa1-11e8-af46-b1d6dc0d9bfe_story.html?utm_term=.9e74f7b0d7f0)
Capitals-Penguins series tied, but frustrations mount for Washington after missed chance (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capitals-insider/wp/2018/05/03/2018-nhl-playoffs-capitals-penguins-game-4-analysis/?utm_term=.2d0098adb24a)
Buckle up: This Capitals-Penguins playoff series is a long way from over (https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/capitals/buckle-up-this-capitals-penguins-playoff-series-is-a-long-way-from-over/2018/05/03/3abefb24-4f03-11e8-af46-b1d6dc0d9bfe_story.html?utm_term=.5d6ef0c11763)
Crosby again has a hand in everything as Penguins knot series with Capitals (https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/crosby-again-has-a-hand-in-everything-as-penguins-knot-series-with-capitals/2018/05/03/ccd4eac8-4f0d-11e8-af46-b1d6dc0d9bfe_story.html?utm_term=.c39dc3ee466d)
Capitals-Penguins means compelling hockey — and the focus on everything else (https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/capitals/capitals-penguins-means-compelling-hockey--and-the-focus-on-everything-else/2018/05/02/770221e8-4e3a-11e8-84a0-458a1aa9ac0a_story.html?utm_term=.ab331802444c)
Tom Wilson suspended three games by NHL for hit on Zach Aston-Reese (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capitals-insider/wp/2018/05/02/capitals-tom-wilson-will-have-hearing-for-hit-to-head-of-penguins-zach-aston-reese/?utm_term=.6fe7335e917e)
Down 2-1 in series with Capitals, Penguins find themselves in a rare hole (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capitals-insider/wp/2018/05/02/down-2-1-in-series-with-capitals-penguins-find-themselves-in-a-rare-hole/?utm_term=.2802066f0ace)
Tom Wilson’s most controversial hits, from Brayden Schenn to Zach Aston-Reese (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/dc-sports-bog/wp/2018/05/02/tom-wilsons-most-controversial-hits-from-brayden-schenn-to-zach-aston-reese/?utm_term=.7d2e6bcf323f)
‘Hell yeah!’ Max Scherzer and the Nats remain all-in on the Capitals (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/dc-sports-bog/wp/2018/05/01/the-nationals-are-all-in-on-the-capitals-except-for-bryce-harper/?utm_term=.c33b8e781807)
For one fan base at least in Capitals-Penguins series, Tom Wilson is a big hit (https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/capitals/for-one-fan-base-at-least-in-capitals-penguins-series-tom-wilson-is-a-big-hit/2018/05/01/ca835dd4-4d7a-11e8-84a0-458a1aa9ac0a_story.html?utm_term=.5afcbbcf2161)
Penguins goalie Matt Murray on winner: ‘I just have to make the save there’ (https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/capitals/penguins-goalie-matt-murray-on-winner-i-just-have-to-make-the-save-there/2018/05/02/7fb20b24-4d9e-11e8-84a0-458a1aa9ac0a_story.html?utm_term=.b3688f50ad83)
The subtle secret to Sidney Crosby’s greatness (https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/the-subtle-secret-to-sidney-crosbys-greatness/2018/04/30/785a9d28-4c7c-11e8-b725-92c89fe3ca4c_story.html?utm_term=.8b004ce66d2b)
No suspension for Capitals’ Tom Wilson after hit on Penguins’ Brian Dumoulin (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capitals-insider/wp/2018/04/30/no-suspension-hearing-for-tom-wilson-after-hit-on-brian-dumoulin/?utm_term=.3728f23eeb60)
Speedy Jakub Vrana could be the Capitals’ X-factor — if he gets on the ice (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capitals-insider/wp/2018/04/30/speedy-jakub-vrana-could-be-the-capitals-x-factor-if-he-gets-on-the-ice/?utm_term=.799d6c8f5b8d)
With a bit of luck — and a lot of Braden Holtby — the Capitals tie up the series (https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/capitals/with-a-bit-of-luck--and-a-lot-of-braden-holtby--the-capitals-tie-up-the-series/2018/04/29/8c7b47c0-4be7-11e8-af46-b1d6dc0d9bfe_story.html)
Penguins leave town fuming after Game 2 loss to the Capitals (https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/penguins-leave-town-fuming-after-game-2-loss-to-the-capitals/2018/04/29/bc8de1c0-4be2-11e8-af46-b1d6dc0d9bfe_story.html)
How the Capitals improved their defensive play in time for the postseason (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capitals-insider/wp/2018/04/28/how-the-capitals-improved-their-defensive-play-in-time-for-the-postseason/?utm_term=.a5a11e09ee9a)
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I guess the upcoming renovations for the Cap Center are really needed, they've parked an auxiliary A/C unit outside the arena
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Congratulations to John Carlson and his wife Gina who had a baby boy last night.
(https://i.pinimg.com/474x/04/c5/2e/04c52e49e4e1cd1d161712123afb8a97--crocheted-hats-knit-hats.jpg)
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LETS GO CAPS! Need this one. On my way to the game. Can’t wait, nervous as hell.
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Don't allow yourself to have hope. We know how it ends. Acceptance is peace when it happens.
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So, how many shifts does Trotz give the 08-92-25 line before he breaks them up? Personally, I think 1 shift is one shift too many, but we know Trotz is stubborn.
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Ah, the equivalent of a win or go golfing, game.. Love this time of year as a Caps fan. :raspberry:
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Ah, the equivalent of a win or go golfing, game.. Love this time of year as a Caps fan. :raspberry:
We know the Caps love golf.
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So, how many shifts does Trotz give the 08-92-25 line before he breaks them up? Personally, I think 1 shift is one shift too many, but we know Trotz is stubborn.
As many as need to safely loose to Pens.
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meh....
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OZpgnYhzdkI
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We know the Caps love golf.
Maybe Kuzy can go shoot a hole in one at Goose Creek again
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WHERE IS THE
MOTHER FUCKING HOCKEY GAME? ??? ??? ???
FUCK A BUNCH OF HORSES !!!!!!!!
I WANT THE BUNCH OF NBC WHORES !!!!
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Inexcusable
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fukin NBC, and fukin NHL moved the game back 15 minutes to placate a fukin horse race
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Hello everyone! I didn't pick the Kentucky Derby winner...hope that's not a bad omen! I think they start they race later and later every year. I remember when the race started at 6:00 pm sharp. (I"m dating myself, I think.)
And really, does a politician really need to be making speeches at the Kentucky Derby??
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Who in the hell just had to see the awarding of the trophy?
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This is idiotic.
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Just now I was blowing my top because I could not hear Caps Gametime and the DVR REFUSED to record it until I powered down the DVR unit and reset. It does this shit all the time. It also failed to automatically start recording the game on NBC. COMCAST is fucked and I am not going to be nice going forward.
I am in the process of SUING COMCAST for overcharging me for many years for bogus "services and fees" that I never agreed to. They lost a huge court case by the FTC last year. The media has kept this very hush-hush about this, but most customers have a claim. Do not call them until I come back and arm you with what you need and how to approach this. The most I can go after is three years according to my attorney, but I can get up to $500 per month in punitive damages plus refunds for the stolen money.
I will give you guys the details BEFORE I settle when I will likely be under non-disclosure. Another person in my situation recently settled and got a check for $18k plus 5 years of free COMCAST going forward.
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NBC proving what a fuckknuckle station it is. Does anybody give a shit about horse racing?
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My guess is the NBC crew takes horses up the backside too.
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I forget...was Smith-Pelly on the first line for the last game? I see he is on the first line tonight.
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Whoa...what happened there?
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:gundang:
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I forget...was Smith-Pelly on the first line for the last game? I see he is on the first line tonight.
Yes, he was there at 1R last game.
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Are you kidding me?
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Yes, he was there at 1R last game.
Thank you...
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Djoos did nothing to stop that
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Just realized I don't have enough booze for this.....
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Djoos did nothing to stop that
Deflected off our Dman and in, so don't really know what he could of done.
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Djoos did nothing to stop that
I think tonight we need to see the Caps throwing their bodies and everything else on the ice to block shots, if necessary.
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Djoos did nothing to stop that
Djoos isn't very good in our end. The problem started when Gersich turned the puck over along the boards.
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Deflected off our Dman and in, so don't really know what he could of done.
Djoos was right there. He could have used his body to block the shot.
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Deflected off our Dman and in, so don't really know what he could of done.
I thought it deflected too, but watching again I don't think so.
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If they get a PP goal here it's going to be a long night. Typical Caps in a big game
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To say the season is on the line with this PK too much?
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holy schnit! If 74 would do that more than twice a year he might be worth keeping
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If they get a PP goal here it's going to be a long night. Typical Caps in a big game
It's why I knew the series was over when we last Game 4. Only chance we had in this series was scraping by with a win in one of the final 3 games of the series. Putting the panic on the Pens by getting them one from elimination with 3 games left was our only move.
This group doesn't have the psyche to deal with this close of a series, which means the Pens don't even have to be good. They just have to wait for the pressure to kill us, like it does...every...fucking...year.
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ORPIK IS BRAIN DEAD. I could have cleared that puck.
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:pk:
Except for that one brain fart by Orpik.
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ORPIK IS BRAIN DEAD. I could have cleared that puck.
I agree...it looked so weak. Orpik is one of my least favorite players--every game.
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I agree...it looked so weak. Orpik is one of my least favorite players--every game.
I agree with you guys about the clearing attempt but I have felt Orpik has been one of our better players defensively these playoffs. This game notwithstanding. Those type of players are normally the type of things he's been good on, and he was a big reason for our great PK in round 1 and some games this series. But he needs to be that every game, and these type of weak clears and plays won't help us.
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holy schnit! If 74 would do that more than twice a year he might be worth keeping
He is worth keeping
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radio is about 8 seconds ahead of the tv tonight, that’s doable
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Somebody shoot the fuckin puck.
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:pppp:
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Carlson was awful on that PP.
Nobody wanted to shoot either. Although I'll applaud Ovie for the hustle on the 2nd entry to keep the play alive.
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I agree with you guys about the clearing attempt but I have felt Orpik has been one of our better players defensively these playoffs. This game notwithstanding. Those type of players are normally the type of things he's been good on, and he was a big reason for our great PK in round 1 and some games this series. But he needs to be that every game, and these type of weak clears and plays won't help us.
Good point. I suppose I'm not paying attention when he does good things...much more likely to notice when he seems to be at fault. :)
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Man they are playing as panicky as I feel.
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radio is about 8 seconds ahead of the tv tonight, that’s doable
maybe 5 seconds,
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radio is about 8 seconds ahead of the tv tonight, that’s doable
How are you listening? Everything I can receive is far behind. What app, or is over the air?
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Oshie with a good chance there. He get sit. Out work all of them, go to the net. The fact that he's been doing these type of things while injured is crazy good. If players like Carlson had the work ethic and heart of Oshie we wouldn't be playoff failures imo.
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Man they are playing as panicky as I feel.
I feel ya!!!
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We look like crap. If not for Holtby, this is already a blowout.
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One big mistake I am seeing is not finishing with hard checks. We need to beat them down
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We look like crap. If not for Holtby, this is already a blowout.
Agreed. We can't seem to get out of our own way. I almost wish we could put all of the guys with no history here on the ice and just see what happens!
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Clearly Carlson left his brain in the delivery room.
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NBC proving what a fuckknuckle station it is. Does anybody give a shit about horse racing?
I have glue stocks so a little bit
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Unless some other guys get into the Caps uniforms next period we're done. These guys look like crap.
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:pp:
:74z:
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GOOOOAAAAALLLLL
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OMG - shoot the puck ..... on net ..... and look what happens.
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Big sigh!!
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OMG - shoot the puck ..... on net ..... and look what happens.
Made me laugh!
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We REALLY needed that!!!!
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I gotta say, it looks like Dylan ran out of ludes today
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:10z:
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That was fast!!!
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GOAL BY KONNO!!!!!
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And Mike Milbury so sad. Can't stand him.
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Energy in this building now....
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It's amazing how you can score a goal if you SHOOT THE PUCK at the NET.
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How are we playing? I've just joined!
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GOAL BY KONNO!!!!!
Lol
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Wow what a weak call.
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WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(https://washingtoncapitalsfanforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgalactichub.com%2Fcaps%2Fblindreferee2.gif&hash=f2df9c2d27a5021525ca513ff9b0e1d8b43eb320)
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Absolutely do not deserve to be leading at the end of this period. We were totally outplayed that period.
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Phantom hook. Fucking refs.
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That was a dumb penalty? Shouldn't Ovie just have kept his stick on the ice and harassed him that way? Darn it.
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Has to be the weakest slashing called all year.
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That wasn't even a weak call. That was pure imagination by the refs. Typical BULLSHIT.
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they just can't help but ref to the scoreboard
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Has to be the weakest slashing called all year.
Oops...think I'm unclear on the extent to which you are allowed to harass someone with your stick.
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Phantom hook. Fucking refs.
Yep, they cannot stand when Pens loose. Pens need help.
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Congratulations to John Carlson and his wife Gina who had a baby boy last night.
(https://i.pinimg.com/474x/04/c5/2e/04c52e49e4e1cd1d161712123afb8a97--crocheted-hats-knit-hats.jpg)
Looks like he's gonna sign with the leafs...
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I have glue stocks so a little bit
LOL, Alta.
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My guess is the NBC crew takes horses up the backside too.
I bet Pierre owns geldings just so he can clean them
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That was a dumb penalty? Shouldn't Ovie just have kept his stick on the ice and harassed him that way? Darn it.
That's hockey. You see that kind of stick tapping on every goddamn play. They just wanted to even it up because it's Shittsburgh.
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NBC proving what a fuckknuckle station it is. Does anybody give a shit about horse racing?
Word of the day... Fuckknuckle!
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I don't play video games, but I would like a FPS where you play a fan going to the NHL HQ and destroying the place with every weapon known to man and then forcing the replacements to actually allow a fair Stanley Cup playoff season.
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I bet Pierre owns geldings just so he can clean them
:lol: :lol: :rofl: :O=
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How are you listening? Everything I can receive is far behind. What app, or is over the air?
Old fashioned over the air, it's on 99.1 cause the Nats had a late afternoon game
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I don't play video games, but I would like a FPS where you play a fan going to the NHL HQ and destroying the place with every weapon known to man and then forcing the replacements to actually allow a fair Stanley Cup playoff season.
ROBO-Fan.
Love it.
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:lol: :lol: :rofl: :O=
I see at least one other person has spent too much time around horses
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Oops...think I'm unclear on the extent to which you are allowed to harass someone with your stick.
No, you aren’t “unclear”, the ref is.
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HUGE penalty kill to start the second. If we give one up, all the momentum we picked up is lost.
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JR just called that penalty for what it is -- a ticky tack call that he hates.
Goddamn refs just can't suck enough.
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they just can't help but ref to the scoreboard
Could agree more. There was no infraction there. If the scored was tied there is Noway that is called.
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No, you aren’t “unclear”, the ref is.
Thanks, I'm still learning and I don't see the same things as fans who are more savvy about hockey (but I still love watching)! ;D
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Old fashioned over the air, it's on 99.1 cause the Nats had a late afternoon game
I have no way to listen to the radio and watch the TV at the same time right now. Besides I don't think I can pickup 99.1 up here. My AVR can't play sound from the tuner at the same time as watching a Cable TV show.
NEVER mind. I hooked up my external antenna to my Weather Radio and I'm picking up a scratchy, but usable signal to hear the game. Oshie being interviewed right now. Nice!!!! No more ASSHOLES.
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HUGE penalty kill to start the second. If we give one up, all the momentum we picked up is lost.
Dear hockey gods,
With as many times as you've fucked is these 43 years , please grant us a shorty an route to a series win and ultimately a Cup.
Sincerely,
OldHat
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JR just called that penalty for what it is -- a ticky tack call that he hates.
Goddamn refs just can't suck enough.
Not even. Nothing close to a hook. Fucking bullshit refs.
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Dear hockey gods,
With as many times as you've fucked is these 43 years , please grant us a shorty an route to a series win and ultimately a Cup.
Sincerely,
OldHat
Your 'Dear Santa' letter is too funny! (But serious, all the same, I'm sure.)
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these pansies even bitch to the zebras after they ice the damn puck
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great PK.....
so far
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Not even. Nothing close to a hook. Fucking bullshit refs.
Honestly though, should we expect anything different by now? I hate to sound defeatist, but history speaks clearly. This is never going to change so why expect it to and get your blood pressure up? The NHL favors the Pens and will continue to do so.
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Crap. And I hate hearing those Pburg fans.
I think our fans are still at the concession stands??
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I'm not buying that slash call either, sure looked like he was just going for the puck
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Crap. And I hate hearing those Pburg fans.
I think our fans are still at the concession stands??
I hate whenever Crosby scores against us. I have a meltdown every time.
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They would have called that icing if it were the other way.
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Do we look a little lead-footed tonight?
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oh snap, the Hens had 6 guys out there
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I called that too many men before the officials did. Refs didn't even call it. It was a linesman. And if course the Pens cry about it.
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Time for the Pens to whine to the refs to get the calls to go their way again....sigh.
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"There is no penalty on the play because, it's pittsburgh.". Blows whistle. Points to center
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Fucking Shittsburgh! The largest bunch of pansy ass diving, cheating, whining, dirty playing assholes ever to play any sport.
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what a fukin joke this horse shit is
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oh bullshit
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Time for the Pens to whine to the refs to get the calls to go their way again....sigh.
And they did get their way. Didn't know they could reverse a penalty.
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not even a fukin trip!!!
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And then we get iur 3rd penalty in a row
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Caps charged 2:00 for momentum gain
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Did anyone see a leg whip? I did not! Another imaginary call?
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Refs sucks? That's exactly right!
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Fucking Shittsburgh! The largest bunch of pansy ass diving, cheating, whining, dirty playing assholes ever to play any sport.
And don't overlook their acting ability...
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That's it. I cannot listen to these announcers any longer. Switching to John Walton...don't care about the delay.
It's as if--I've said this before--there is not even another team on the ice playing against the Penguins. If you weren't watching on tv, you'd think there was just one team on the ice.
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Man I almost got excited when we got up 2-1, but why would this year be any different than any other. These refs man I don't know how they didn't get too many men, and then they get a PP goal. Sigh.
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Asshole Milbury. The refs make it look easy for the Hens, not the Hens.
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This is such fucking bullshit. Everything we do they call a penalty. They get a penalty and the asshole refs take it off the board. This is such a fucking bullshit league. I can't fucking believe this is a real sport and not the fucking WWF.
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when talking about Willy, Alan May said he was tired of hearing about conspiracy theories. I almost bought it. If this period of hockey doesn't confirm it I don't know what will.
Hens had 6 men on the ice, refs called it, hens cried about it, call was reversed during the commercial. To make up for that horse crap the refs call the Caps for an imaginary trip not 20 seconds later
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Could Kuzy be any fucking softer than he is in this series? He sucks.
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Refs are awful tonight.
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Man I almost got excited when we got up 2-1, but why would this year be any different than any other. These refs man I don't know how they didn't get too many men, and then they get a PP goal. Sigh.
It's never going to be any different. Never, end of story.
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If something isn't said about the officiating after this game I will be done with this team. I can't continue to root for an organization that won't stand up for itself
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This is the most blatant of all the reffing atrocities I can recall. Give them as many PPs as they need. Take ours off the board. Kick us out of every fucking face off and just give them the puck. Call all of our stretch passes offsides.
Total and complete fucking bullshit. You have to beat Pittsburgh and the refs. Too hard.
Oh, and the league suspends a top line forward for 3 games for a clean check.
Total crap.
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Refs are awful tonight.
It didn't seem possible, but they are even worse than last game. The crowd is bummed because they know we are fucked no matter what. As I have said for years, we'll have to beat the opponent, the refs, and the league to win a Cup. This means we'll have to be at least twice as good as the opponent. Kind of like what Trump did. It was a landslide win in the popular vote, but with all the cheating it was very close. Anyone who does not believe that will be eating crow when the White House releases the results of their voter fraud investigation. It was massive. Maybe when we set this country straight we can focus on fixing the NHL fixing.
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This is such fucking bullshit. Everything we do they call a penalty. They get a penalty and the asshole refs take it off the board. This is such a fucking bullshit league. I can't fucking believe this is a real sport and not the fucking WWF.
Weeeeelllll, that's what I suggested a bit ago when people were complaining. That IS in essence what you are implying, that the NHL isn't all that far removed from the WWF.
Maybe the truth is that Pittsburgh generally plays a cleaner game than we do?
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What was Carlson doing? Slow motion shooting??
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If the Caps tie this game ( and I doubt they do ) the pens will get as many PP as they need to get the win.
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Weeeeelllll, that's what I suggested a bit ago when people were complaining. That IS in essence what you are implying, that the NHL isn't all that far removed from the WWF.
Maybe the truth is that Pittsburgh generally plays a cleaner game than we do?
you trying to make a funny here??
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Maybe the truth is that Pittsburgh generally plays a cleaner game than we do?
Are you really that blind or are you a closet Hens fan?
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the textbook crosscheck right there
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We look lead-footed and disjointed. Not sharp.
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the textbook crosscheck right there
The Pens could have been called for a couple penalties on that shift. Watching the officials influence these games us fucking killing me.
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Backstrom was so pissed after last year and after last game. SO WHY THE FUCK DOESN'T HE PLAY A LITTLE HARDER? He and Kuzy look like dogshit and without your 1 and 2C playing well you might as well hang up the skates.
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DSP has been demoted, and now an actual trip
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First penalty we deserved
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Smith-Pelley is singlehandedly killing the fucking Caps chances.
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At least it'll all be over in a couple of days. Everyone wants a Caps cup to go through Pittsburgh, but the NHL will never permit that to happen. Their best chance is avoiding the Pens. 10-1 in series history after this one and have not beaten them since 1994. Going through the Pens is a pipe dream.
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Fuck me. We are done
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Poor Holtby. He has been amazing...under assault all night.
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Fuck me. We are done
We were done the second the Pens advanced.
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and Sullivan has the fukin nerve to complain about the bitch getting caught with a hook, nope, no way in hell I can respect that team
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I
FUCKING
HATE
PITTSBURGH
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and Sullivan has the fukin nerve to complain about the bitch getting caught with a hook, nope, no way in hell I can respect that team
I would like nothing more than to stuff a goddamn hockey stick up Sullivan's ass and split that mother fucker in half. He's as whiny a fucking crack as his star pussy, Crosby. But, of course, he gets the calls by whining. Trotz takes the high road and we don't get shit!
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I'm getting tense. Third period needs to look completely different than the first two. Hope that's possible.
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and Sullivan has the fukin nerve to complain about the bitch getting caught with a hook, nope, no way in hell I can respect that team
Problem is the NHL will be like "well, we let them call a penalty on Syd -- and they got a whole 30 seconds of power play time -- what are they whining about?"
Motherfucking assholes.
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I would like nothing more than to stuff a goddamn hockey stick up Sullivan's ass and split that mother fucker in half. He's as whiny a fucking crack as his star pussy, Crosby. But, of course, he gets the calls by whining. Trotz takes the high road and we don't get shit!
We can't whine. Trotz tried it a few times and refs give us bench minors for it. That is what is supposed to happen but because the league loves the Pens they get away with literally whining when ever anything, literally anything, doesn't go their way. They can be up 5-0 in a game and when they take a legit penalty they still whine.
Also lol at the people saying the Pens play a cleaner game. Haha. Yeah clean players are taught to dive to the ice whenever they get the chance to draw penalties. That is "clean".
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It really is same bullshit different year. Pucks deflect in all the time for them -- ours don't get through from the point. Skill? I doubt it. A lot of luck and it never goes our way. It's infuriating to watch them spend 8 minutes (including the carryover) on the PP in that period.
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I'm getting tense. Third period needs to look completely different than the first two. Hope that's possible.
Since you're new, I'll explain. Pens vs Caps in playoffs equals Pens win. No, this year won't be different and neither will next year or 10 years from now.
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As bad as the officiating has been, the Caps are not helping their cause much by gliding around the ice thinking about golf. We stand no chance unless we wake the fuck up and play hard and fast. The Penguins appear to want it more than we do. I still wish I could hit the refs with a sledgehammer. This is a playoff game and calling ticky-tack bullshit grossly favoring the Penguins is so, so wrong. I think this is partly responsible for the Caps hanging their heads down. They realize the game is rigged and that's tough to overcome.
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Also lol at the people saying the Pens play a cleaner game. Haha. Yeah clean players are taught to dive to the ice whenever they get the chance to draw penalties. That is "clean".
It really is a joke because the Pens use their stick more than any other team in the league and that is what they are "supposed to" be cutting down on. Now, in the 3rd, the refs will put away their whistles. And the Pens will commit multiple infractions like usual.
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Nats post game is finally over, hockey game on 106.7 now, much better reception
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It really is same bullshit different year. Pucks deflect in all the time for them -- ours don't get through from the point. Skill? I doubt it. A lot of luck and it never goes our way. It's infuriating to watch them spend 8 minutes (including the carryover) on the PP in that period.
Connolly goal deflected off them in the first. That would be a bounce that went our way. The big problem is the Pens just roll with it and play their way. They dive, they whine, but they still play hard fast hockey. If they are down by 2 they don't hold their heads. We do. The refs may not help but when things don't go our way we can't look defeated. We don't need the refs to win a hockey game we need to play every shift like it's the last and we never have that sense of urgency. Or rarely. When we do we have strong shifts.
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As bad as the officiating has been, the Caps are not helping their cause much by gliding around the ice thinking about golf. We stand no chance unless we wake the fuck up and play hard and fast. The Penguins appear to want it more than we do.
The problem is that Kuznetsov and Backstrom are not playing hard enough or well enough and Crosby/Malkin are controlling the center. They have to play harder and better in the 3rd for us to have a chance. Ovie is playing hard but without Willy they are not going to be strong as a line if Kuzy doesn't play well. Oshie and Stephenson are playing well but they need Backstrom to step up in the 3rd. And Smith-Pelley needs a seat in the press box.
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Roenik nailed it on the second period intermission - said the "Pens just want it more." Said he doesn't know how the chance to beat the two time defending SC champs, at home, to take a 3-2 lead isn't enough to motivate this team. JR - welcome to our world!!!
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The problem is that Kuznetsov and Backstrom are not playing hard enough or well enough and Crosby/Malkin are controlling the center. They have to play harder and better in the 3rd for us to have a chance. Ovie is playing hard but without Willy they are not going to be strong as a line if Kuzy doesn't play well. Oshie and Stephenson are playing well but they need Backstrom to step up in the 3rd. And Smith-Pelley needs a seat in the press box.
Lars Eller been our best center all playoffs long on a consistent shift to shift basis. While you are right they aren't playing as strong, part of our problem is that Backy/Kuzy have to help out defensively so much. Backy especially. Our D has serious problems with their forecheck, especially Carlson and DJoos. C forward has to come in and help the breakout even if the Pens forecheck with 1 or 2 players. Our breakout has been trash all game because of it, and instead of focusing on just getting it up and dumping we spend time in our own boards passing it back and forth to fine lanes to break out.
Ovie had a few strong shifts but generally he hasn't worked the boards well enough. With Wilson out guys don't realize it's not just hits we lose out on, it's a great PK player and a great board player. We need everyone to step in to do that type of work now.
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Connolly goal deflected off them in the first. That would be a bounce that went our way. The big problem is the Pens just roll with it and play their way. They dive, they whine, but they still play hard fast hockey. If they are down by 2 they don't hold their heads. We do. The refs may not help but when things don't go our way we can't look defeated. We don't need the refs to win a hockey game we need to play every shift like it's the last and we never have that sense of urgency. Or rarely. When we do we have strong shifts.
Deflected goals happen all the time. Most of the Pens goals have been deflected. I don't think the Caps have hung their heads this series. Their responses have been great. Down 1 in the first they scored 2 times to go up 2-1. A late bullshit penalty and they started the second down a man. Then 3 calls against them wore down the team and they never got their players on the ice balanced out. When we kill penalties Ovie and Kuzy sit. I disagree that our attitude has not been good this year. Look at game 3 when we came back from a goal down 3 times to win at the end.
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Roenik nailed it on the second period intermission - said the "Pens just want it more." Said he doesn't know how the chance to beat the two time defending SC champs, at home, to take a 3-2 lead isn't enough to motivate this team. JR - welcome to our world!!!
Regardless of how you get there (good calls or bad) it's hard to play your game when you are shorthanded 1/2 the period.
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On the radio they are saying the tripping call on DSP was TOTAL BULLSHIT and said the previous call was total BULLSHIT as well. So the experts are seeing it the same as most of did here. They said the man DSP supposed to have tripped actually fell down completely on his own. That's what I saw. I have very good eyes and am very rarely wrong in what I see.
This game has thus far been handed to the Hens.
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Deflected goals happen all the time. Most of the Pens goals have been deflected. I don't think the Caps have hung their heads this series. Their responses have been great. Down 1 in the first they scored 2 times to go up 2-1. A late bullshit penalty and they started the second down a man. Then 3 calls against them wore down the team and they never got their players on the ice balanced out. When we kill penalties Ovie and Kuzy sit. I disagree that our attitude has not been good this year. Look at game 3 when we came back from a goal down 3 times to win at the end.
Exactly, Pitts first and third goals were deflections.
We're being told this is a "different Caps team" by the Caps Gametime crew before the puck drop. That "there's a confidence among the team" they hadn't seen before. Ok, let's see it. Let's come out in the third and take control of the series. Or, the Caps we all know and love, will turle up, tighten up, curl up, and be Pittsburgh little bitch. The choice is on the players to make a difference.
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We can't whine. Trotz tried it a few times and refs give us bench minors for it. That is what is supposed to happen but because the league loves the Pens they get away with literally whining when ever anything, literally anything, doesn't go their way. They can be up 5-0 in a game and when they take a legit penalty they still whine.
Also lol at the people saying the Pens play a cleaner game. Haha. Yeah clean players are taught to dive to the ice whenever they get the chance to draw penalties. That is "clean".
when I say management needs to complain about the officiating, I don’t mean Trotz during the game. He hasn’t done that his entire career, doubt he will start now. I mean in the post game interviews for a start, and by now the front office should have enough material for a five hour power point presentation showing the bias. Invite buttman out for an “arena” announcement and hit him with it. Right between the eyes.
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It is really apparent how things ripple with Wilson out of the lineup. First line is impaired. Gersich is not ready for this so the 4th line is impaired. You bust up one line to move someone up so that line is impaired. The league really fucked us over big time with 3 games. That was so over the top of a sanction for what was an arguable hit.
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*rally fat*
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On the radio they are saying the tripping call on DSP was TOTAL BULLSHIT and said the previous call was total BULLSHIT as well. So the experts are seeing it the same as most of did here. They said the man DSP supposed to have tripped actually fell down completely on his own. That's what I saw. I have very good eyes and am very rarely wrong in what I see.
This game has thus far been handed to the Hens.
From this years Playoffs....the refs giving the Hens a diving call...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92m_n_tqbBc
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The problem is that Kuznetsov and Backstrom are not playing hard enough or well enough and Crosby/Malkin are controlling the center. They have to play harder and better in the 3rd for us to have a chance. Ovie is playing hard but without Willy they are not going to be strong as a line if Kuzy doesn't play well. Oshie and Stephenson are playing well but they need Backstrom to step up in the 3rd. And Smith-Pelley needs a seat in the press box.
DSP is getting a raw deal.
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From this years Playoffs....the refs giving the Hens a diving call...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92m_n_tqbBc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92m_n_tqbBc)
And your point is?
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And your point is?
That the Pens dive all the time? That they are trained to dive in any situation that looks like it's a close call, and it's a big reason why the calls go their way? That combined with them treating every call against them like bullshit means the refs pay TOO MUCH attention to things and it manipulates the call of the game.
I earnestly am not of the belief the refs are biased, more so that the Pens push the buttons of the refs correctly. I do think there is some bullshit there, but it's not like even the refs don't acknowledge they dive. They do.
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:92z:
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We have a KUZY sighting!!!!!!!!
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MY BEER KUZY!!!!!!!!!!
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KUZY! That is how to open a third period there we go.
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Time for a fake penalty on the Caps.
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Yeah! Now BURY them!!!
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That the Pens dive all the time? That they are trained to dive in any situation that looks like it's a close call, and it's a big reason why the calls go their way? That combined with them treating every call against them like bullshit means the refs pay TOO MUCH attention to things and it manipulates the call of the game.
I earnestly am not of the belief the refs are biased, more so that the Pens push the buttons of the refs correctly. I do think there is some bullshit there, but it's not like even the refs don't acknowledge they dive. They do.
Here's a forum more receptive to your line of "reasoning"
http://fans.penguins.nhl.com/community/forum/20-general-pens-talk/
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nothing like a high stick that isn't
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Here's a forum more receptive to your line of "reasoning"
http://fans.penguins.nhl.com/community/forum/20-general-pens-talk/ (http://fans.penguins.nhl.com/community/forum/20-general-pens-talk/)
What?
Are you all there? Here is this conversation.
"Me, longtime member of this and the former board, long time caps fan says: The Pens dive all the time, here is some video evidence of their diving bullshit ways."
"You fellow caps fan: go to the pens board."
You got me confused.
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"Refs you suck" chant....needs to continue!!!
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How is it NOT a penalty when Brassard has his stick in Holtby’s neck?
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How is it NOT a penalty when Brassard has his stick in Holtby’s neck?
John Walton making that exact point on the radio....
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John Walton making that exact point on the radio....y
It’s a fucking travesty.
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How is it NOT a penalty when Brassard has his stick in Holtby’s neck?
Don't you know? Penguins do not have to have control of their sticks. That rule is only for the rest of the league.
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What?
Are you all there? Here is this conversation.
"Me, longtime member of this and the former board, long time caps fan says: The Pens dive all the time, here is some video evidence of their diving bullshit ways."
"You fellow caps fan: go to the pens board."
You got me confused.
If you're trying to justify the Pens diving, and the way the refs call it, all I offered you was the opportunity to go somewhere where they would be sympathetic to that bullshit line of reasoning. It's really not all that confusing.
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How the fuck is that an offside and whistle blown when WE HAD THE PUCK NEAR OUR ZONE?
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If you're trying to justify the Pens diving, and the way the refs call it, all I offered you was the opportunity to go somewhere where they would be sympathetic to that bullshit line of reasoning. It's really not all that confusing.
I'm not.....justifying.
I posted evidence that the refs call them for diving, which is also evidence that they dive. It's not a justification. I'm saying further that it's the Pens who we should be pissed at more than the refs. Nowhere did I say the way the refs call it is correct. Your reaching here because your trying to define an opinion you think I had that I absolutely did not have.
I literally detail why the refs get the calls wrong with the Pens, and why it's bullshit. I don't understand how when I call it bullshit that makes the argument that I think it's good?
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I'm not.....justifying.
I posted evidence that the refs call them for diving, which is also evidence that they dive. It's not a justification. I'm saying further that it's the Pens who we should be pissed at more than the refs. Nowhere did I say the way the refs call it is correct. Your reaching here because your trying to define an opinion you think I had that I absolutely did not have.
I literally detail why the refs get the calls wrong with the Pens, and why it's bullshit. I don't understand how when I call it bullshit that makes the argument that I think it's good?
To suggest the refs don't happily go along with the Penguin dives is simply wrong.
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The Caps don't ever make it easy on us, do they?
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To suggest the refs don't happily go along with the Penguin dives is simply wrong.
Other than the fact that they don't? The refs get a shit ton of calls wrong, and have been awful, and are especially awful playing the Pens. But they don't get every single call on the ice wrong. And they don't NEVER call the Pens for diving.
That statement isn't somehow agreeing with the Pens diving tactics or excusing the refs for the mistakes they have made. It's just a statement of fact. The shitty Pens manipulate the refs who already have a tough enough time doing the job as it is, which makes the situation even further. The fact that it gets made out as some conspiracy against us (The caps) is where these narrative threads always lose me. It isn't a conspiracy. It's just bullshit. And it's just typical for the Pens lol. Watch any of their other series and it's littered with way more shit calls than any other. It's because the Pens push the refs buttons to create that shit.
I'm not saying it's a good tactic, I'm just saying that is what is going on and it happens every playoffs and it's trash.
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Just as expected, the Refs have put away the whistles. Several chances to try to even up some of the power play advantage for the Pens and no calls. It's going to have to be won against the refs as well. Fucking unbelievable.
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The Caps don't ever make it easy on us, do they?
Then they wouldn't be the Caps! :wackysmile:
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I'm not.....justifying.
I posted evidence that the refs call them for diving, which is also evidence that they dive. It's not a justification. I'm saying further that it's the Pens who we should be pissed at more than the refs. Nowhere did I say the way the refs call it is correct. Your reaching here because your trying to define an opinion you think I had that I absolutely did not have.
I literally detail why the refs get the calls wrong with the Pens, and why it's bullshit. I don't understand how when I call it bullshit that makes the argument that I think it's good?
as the saying goes, even a blind squirrel gets a nut now and then. You posted that the Hens got called once for diving. Even you can admit we see it far more often than that, and we only see them about 10 times a season, counting the playoffs. That's out of an 82 game season, and, when you go to YouTube and search Hens diving, very little of the footage is from Caps games. So at best you are pointing out that the Hens get called on their actions about what, %5 of the time?
I'm sorry, what was your point?
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Anyone else following the other series, particularly Marchand and his lick-fest?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pgi3Gv9uqjA
What in the hell is that all about? Licking someone?
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What confuses me is why people are so upset that the defense has taken steps back this year. We all knew this was going to happen when vets leave and rookies without elite pedigree take their places. And the derivative issue is that Carlson and Orpik, especially, have been overworked in high-leverage situations. It catches up with anybody as the looooooong season wears on.
We're hanging in this because Pittsburgh's defense is no great shakes either and Murray has not been the same goalie he was in previous playoffs.
Look at the TOI distribution in tonight's game. The Pens are going to be significantly fresher going down the stretch and in OT, if it gets that far. Those few extra minutes, especially at a playoff level, mean something. I suspect if we're going to win this game, we'd better win it in regulation.
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Other than the fact that they don't? The refs get a shit ton of calls wrong, and have been awful, and are especially awful playing the Pens. But they don't get every single call on the ice wrong. And they don't NEVER call the Pens for diving.
That statement isn't somehow agreeing with the Pens diving tactics or excusing the refs for the mistakes they have made. It's just a statement of fact. The shitty Pens manipulate the refs who already have a tough enough time doing the job as it is, which makes the situation even further. The fact that it gets made out as some conspiracy against us (The caps) is where these narrative threads always lose me. It isn't a conspiracy. It's just bullshit. And it's just typical for the Pens lol. Watch any of their other series and it's littered with way more shit calls than any other. It's because the Pens push the refs buttons to create that shit.
I'm not saying it's a good tactic, I'm just saying that is what is going on and it happens every playoffs and it's trash.
I agree with most of what you say, but I am sure the refs lean hard in favor of the Penguins. All the stats and our observations for many years prove that.
(https://washingtoncapitalsfanforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgalactichub.com%2Fcaps%2Fplayoff-penalty-differential.jpg&hash=96e362b1103567737f447a28525403b7c93db037)
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Anyone else following the other series, particularly Marchand and his lick-fest?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pgi3Gv9uqjA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pgi3Gv9uqjA)
What in the hell is that all about? Licking someone?
The league has issued him an official warning for licking, no word on that high hit though
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Two tripping calls missed by the refs. On one shift. Fuck the refs.
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as the saying goes, even a blind squirrel gets a nut now and then. You posted that the Hens got called once for diving. Even you can admit we see it far more often than that, and we only see them about 10 times a season, counting the playoffs. That's out of an 82 game season, and, when you go to YouTube and search Hens diving, very little of the footage is from Caps games. So at best you are pointing out that the Hens get called on their actions about what, %5 of the time?
I'm sorry, what was your point?
The point is to take the pressure off the refs. It isn't really a "referee" issue. It's a Pittsburgh Penguin issue. The default diving mindset they have is not only reckless, childish, and petty, it can be dangerous. I feel like to me it's the type of thing that and the whining their coaching staff and players are allowed to get away with that should be brought up at GM meetings and the like. Harsher rules for that stuff, more suspensions for diving, more focus on the integrity of the game.
Either that or allow the enforcer to come back and let us make their boys pay for every dive.
For the record when I say it's not a referee issue I'm not referring to shitty calls. That is an issue, but that happens every series regardless. We had games where the calls weren't great in Columbus and other times where it was fine. The refs aren't great on the whole in the NHL, but it gets magnified and amplified in every single series the Pens play. There just isn't consistency when it comes to some of their tactics, because a lot of them aren't your typical tactics of a cheap team. They play the victim card more than any other team. And while I agree it's bullshit, I'd rather the practical focus get put on that instead of "oh the ref didn't catch that, the refs are clearly getting paid by the Pens." Which is just a silly statement to make. That isn't true. The pens are just trash bags who have tainted the integrity of the penalty by diving and whining. That is true.
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HOLY SHIT! Pens are absolutely grabbing and hooking Caps to the ice with no calls! Total fucking bullshit. I never believed in conspiracy theory but this is too fucking much.
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Sorry guys but Beagle sucks. Wide open net and missed it. Not even close
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Two tripping calls missed by the refs. On one shift. Fuck the refs.
Totally blatant crap and they aren't calling shit. IN OUR FUCKING BARN!
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The point is to take the pressure off the refs. It isn't really a "referee" issue. It's a Pittsburgh Penguin issue. The default diving mindset they have is not only reckless, childish, and petty, it can be dangerous. I feel like to me it's the type of thing that and the whining their coaching staff and players are allowed to get away with that should be brought up at GM meetings and the like. Harsher rules for that stuff, more suspensions for diving, more focus on the integrity of the game.
Either that or allow the enforcer to come back and let us make their boys pay for every dive.
For the record when I say it's not a referee issue I'm not referring to shitty calls. That is an issue, but that happens every series regardless. We had games where the calls weren't great in Columbus and other times where it was fine. The refs aren't great on the whole in the NHL, but it gets magnified and amplified in every single series the Pens play. There just isn't consistency when it comes to some of their tactics, because a lot of them aren't your typical tactics of a cheap team. They play the victim card more than any other team. And while I agree it's bullshit, I'd rather the practical focus get put on that instead of "oh the ref didn't catch that, the refs are clearly getting paid by the Pens." Which is just a silly statement to make. That isn't true. The pens are just trash bags who have tainted the integrity of the penalty by diving and whining. That is true.
As I've said, the league is well aware of the Hens diving. It could easily be fixed with supplemental discipline like they do with the hitting, yet the league refuses to do so. That in upon itself is bias if they won't fix it.
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The point is to take the pressure off the refs. It isn't really a "referee" issue. It's a Pittsburgh Penguin issue. The default diving mindset they have is not only reckless, childish, and petty, it can be dangerous. I feel like to me it's the type of thing that and the whining their coaching staff and players are allowed to get away with that should be brought up at GM meetings and the like. Harsher rules for that stuff, more suspensions for diving, more focus on the integrity of the game.
Either that or allow the enforcer to come back and let us make their boys pay for every dive.
For the record when I say it's not a referee issue I'm not referring to shitty calls. That is an issue, but that happens every series regardless. We had games where the calls weren't great in Columbus and other times where it was fine. The refs aren't great on the whole in the NHL, but it gets magnified and amplified in every single series the Pens play. There just isn't consistency when it comes to some of their tactics, because a lot of them aren't your typical tactics of a cheap team. They play the victim card more than any other team. And while I agree it's bullshit, I'd rather the practical focus get put on that instead of "oh the ref didn't catch that, the refs are clearly getting paid by the Pens." Which is just a silly statement to make. That isn't true. The pens are just trash bags who have tainted the integrity of the penalty by diving and whining. That is true.
The league should have come down HARD on the Penguins and any other player that dives. That they keep falling for it and never do anything about it kind of says to them to keep on doing it. They should suspend players that do that shit.
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Backy is not on the bench right now
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As I've said, the league is well aware of the Hens diving. It could easily be fixed with supplemental discipline like they do with the hitting, yet the league refuses to do so. That in upon itself is bias if they won't fix it.
Hehe, we typed basically the same thing at the same time. Great minds think alike.
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Anyone see what happened to Backy?
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Backy is not on the bench right now
Didn't notice that yeah is he hurt?
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Backstrom got hurt on a PK blocking shots didn't he? The announcers talked about it. Have they totally forgotten?
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equipment manager is at the bench, head trainer is not. Assumption would be it's not equipment related
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Hehe, we typed basically the same thing at the same time. Great minds think alike.
Also yeah you guys pretty much on the same page as me then. I agree that the league knows already, only pointing out that our GM is the one who should be tackling this. Or the Cocach through the proper channels. Us calling the individual referee's biased in a specific game doesn't do anything and just seems like conspiracy theory garbage. Also, not saying going through the proper channels will create change but if the Pens can whine their way to results maybe BMGM could at least try to get them to take a look at how much diving is going on, especially with this team.
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Backstrom got hurt on a PK blocking shots didn't he? The announcers talked about it. Have they totally forgotten?
That was a while ago. He played since then.
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Also yeah you guys pretty much on the same page as me then. I agree that the league knows already, only pointing out that our GM is the one who should be tackling this. Or the Cocach through the proper channels. Us calling the individual referee's biased in a specific game doesn't do anything and just seems like conspiracy theory garbage. Also, not saying going through the proper channels will create change but if the Pens can whine their way to results maybe BMGM could at least try to get them to take a look at how much diving is going on, especially with this team.
So the too many men that wasn't and following phantom trip wasn't bad enough? When the zebras know they screwed the pooch they blow a makeup call, Caps never got one. Nope, no bias.
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That was a while ago. He played since then.
I can't remember anything happening to him since then. Maybe they X-rayed something during the intermission?
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VRANA SCORES!!!! VRANA SCORES!!!!!
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:13z:
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Killer save by Holtby t start that going.
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that was puckin sweet
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I've been saying VRANA should be in Wilson's spot. WooHoo!!!!!
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there will be an empty net, would be nice if it was taken advantage of
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Here comes the equalizer penalty by the refs.
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I feel like I'm at the gocart track, gotta remember to breath
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What's the Matta with Matta? :wackysmile:
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Damn .... I think I pulled a groin on when Holtby did the splits.
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Holy shit. This is insane. I'm losing my crap.
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Damn .... I think I pulled a groin on when Holtby did the splits.
I hope it was yours!
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I feel like I'm at the gocart track, gotta remember to breath
I feel you my friend!!!!!
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VRANA SCORES!!!! VRANA SCORES!!!!!
The kid has had the best game I've seen him play. Good for Vrana
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I’m nervous as fuck.
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Eller is looking good at 2C
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OCHIE!!!! OCHIE!!!
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:77z:
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My, oh my, oh my!!!!!!!!
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Can I celebrate or is there enough time for the Pens to come back on us? Haha.
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Wow
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OMG, I had 5-3 Caps on my sheet for final score. I write one down before each game.
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Caps need one more to be safe
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I am happily a few minutes behind but loving listening to John Walton!!! Yeah!!!
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Caps need one more to be safe
Agreed!
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Hens are losing and surprise, they get dirty
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Backy is on the bench
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I'm really learning to hate Jake Guentzel.
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OMG, I had 5-3 Caps on my sheet for final score. I write one down before each game.
You should have put money on Justify to win the Derby today!! ;D
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I am imagining Wilson in the stands flipping the bird to the NHL!!!!
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Backy is on the bench
Good news
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:20z:
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ELLER!!!!!!!!
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Pour MORE salt in that wound BOYS!!!!!!!!!
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Aw, there goes my 5-3 prediction. Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Wow! We so need this ending.
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GOOD MORNING! GOOD AFTERNOON!
and GOODNIGHT!!!!
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Great win boys.
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HUGE WIN!!!
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As I said, they needed Kuzy to step up in order to win. He had a great third period.
What a huge win.
DEVISE -- bet you've never been so happy to be dead fucking wrong!
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Stars of the night are....
HOLTS #3
Kuzy #2
and Vrana gets #1
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See you all in Washington for Game 7 OT with the series on the line for a near miss by our boys leading to a Crosby goal.
Sorry but I'll never believe we win in the 2nd until we finally do. I can't. I've been let down too much from this team. I still need to set the expectations that low. Good win tonight though, good response in that third period really frustrated the Pens after a ticky tacky and pretty panic looking 1st and 2nd.
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GOOD MORNING! GOOD AFTERNOON!
and GOODNIGHT!!!!
I'll admit, I turned off the tv completely for the third period and just listened on the radio. Now I can go back and watch the game and endure the terrible commentary!
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First off let me apologize for posting before the last game.
My bad.
That being said what a gut check win for our boys! Bigtime goal to open the third from Kuzya.
Super pass off the pad from Ovi to Vrana for the GWG.
Nice to see Phil victimized by TJ for the first ENG and Eller certainly worked hard enough to deserve the second ENG.
PenHL did all they could to give the hens a win. Too many men? Nah... Oh that's a trip by DSP!
Hope Nicky is OK.
End it in shittsburg.
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Backy is on the bench
He must have some kind of injury. He left in the 3rd period. Even before that they had Stephenson taking faceoffs instead of Backstrom. And on the pp Kuzy was taking faceoffs and he sucks so you know something is wrong with Backstrom.
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I'll admit, I turned off the tv completely for the third period and just listened on the radio. Now I can go back and watch the game and endure the terrible commentary!
JUst get a program like Radio Delay and use your DVR and sync the audio to the video.
I refuse to listen to the NBCrosby snurfflers.
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regarding the horrible officiating, I've seen the NFL, NBA and MLB release statements after their refs/umps screwed the pooch saying as much and issuing an apology for it. Has the NHL ever done the same?? I don't recall ever seeing it.
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He must have some kind of injury. He left in the 3rd period. Even before that they had Stephenson taking faceoffs instead of Backstrom. And on the pp Kuzy was taking faceoffs and he sucks so you know something is wrong with Backstrom.
Blocked a shot with his hand. Couldn't grip his stick tight enough to take draws. We'll see what the x-rays show. Hope it's not broken.
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Can't believe there was no penalty when Holts got freakin' fish hooked.
Ridiculous.
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I'm really learning to hate Jake Guentzel.
I thought Guentzel gave Carlson a shot to the head late in the game. I'd have to see a replay. Carlson didn't go down either. I can honestly say the Caps don't really dive often to draw penalties. We don't get the calls anyway so why try to draw it. We would get an embellishment penalty.
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JUst get a program like Radio Delay and use your DVR and sync the audio to the video.
I refuse to listen to the NBCrosby snurfflers.
Thanks! I'll have to get my husband to set that up for me. Listening to the NBC announcers makes the whole experience such a downer for me--even when the Caps are winning. I start paying more attention to what they're saying and less attention to the game. Thank you for the tip.
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Blocked a shot with his hand. Couldn't grip his stick tight enough to take draws. We'll see what the x-rays show. Hope it's not broken.
If he can still play defense cans make good passes he will be fine. We are fine with Stephenson taking draws. He might be better than Backstrom on draws.
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Good night everyone! Watching Alan May now...will watch period 3 again after that. See you all for the next game!
Just saw the Vrana goal--wow was that pretty. Good night!
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I thought Guentzel gave Carlson a shot to the head late in the game. I'd have to see a replay. Carlson didn't go down either. I can honestly say the Caps don't really dive often to draw penalties. We don't get the calls anyway so why try to draw it. We would get an embellishment penalty.
Absolutely a head shot from cuntzel. Who cares? PenHL doesn't. Carly doesn't. Willy doesn't.
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Thanks! I'll have to get my husband to set that up for me. Listening to the NBC announcers makes the whole experience such a downer for me--even when the Caps are winning. I start paying more attention to what they're saying and less attention to the game. Thank you for the tip.
Ya NBC is brutal to watch a game. Nothing but Pens homers. I wouldn't even like it if I was a Pens fan.
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Absolutely a head shot from cuntzel. Who cares? PenHL doesn't. Carly doesn't. Willy doesn't.
Lmao at cuntzel.
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Hilarious image I saw on the internet following this win....
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DcerrhbWsAATV7j.jpg)
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Holy Crap - didn't realize Hornqvist and Malkin were both -4.
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(https://washingtoncapitalsfanforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgalactichub.com%2Fcaps%2Fscoring_summary.gif&hash=a5539380153e9a0902e0b6fc1ce40d49d66becf2)
1st Period
02:23 Hens GOAL Olesiak, assists Brassard & Schultz 1-0 PIT
18:22 PP GOAL 74-Carlson, assists 92-Kuznetsov & 77-Oshie 1-1 TIE
18:55 GOAL 10-Connolly, assists 13-Vrana & 20-Eller 2-1 WSH
2nd Period
04:43 Hens PP GOAL Crosby, assist Kessel & Schultz 2-2 TIE
07:45 Hens PP GOAL Hornqvist, assists Malkin & Kessel 3-2 PIT
3rd Period
00:52 GOAL 92-Kuznetsov, assists 13-Vrana & 2-Niskanen 3-3 TIE
15:22 GOAL 13-Vrana, assists 8-Ovechkin & 92-Kuznetsov 4-3 WSH
18:29 EN GOAL 77-Oshie, unassisted 5-3 WSH
19:54 EN GOAL 20-Eller, unassisted 6-3 WSH
FINAL: 6-3 WSH
Actually, Hens 1, Refs 2, Caps 6
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the fans on F street are a bit much, Caps haven't really won anything yet
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Hilarious image I saw on the internet following this win....
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DcerrhbWsAATV7j.jpg)
That is the bomb! Sent that one on to my wife's shittsburg cousin (whom I really like...)
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the fans on F street are a bit much, Caps haven't really won anything yet
I think the fact that we beat the refs, league and Hens this game is HUGE. I was ecstatic.
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I think the fact that we beat the refs, league and Hens this game is HUGE. I was ecstatic.
Gotta take back the steps.
They haven't won anything yet...
EXCEPT TONIGHT'S GAME!!!
Best comeback win ever
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the fans on F street are a bit much, Caps haven't really won anything yet
Yep. Game 5 means shit if you can't win game 6... Fucking noobs.
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Went to bed at 3-2 Pens. Woke up to a nice surprise, but we've been here before.
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Went to bed at 3-2 Pens. Woke up to a nice surprise, but we've been here before.
Consider this your first warning. This forum is for Caps fans that stay awake during GDT's. :wackysmile: ;)
Especially during postseason games.
Especially during Penguins post season games.
So make that three warnings. :raspberry: ;)
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Screwed that Wednesday tee time all to hell.. :wackysmile:
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Okay...had to jump back on for a minute. Just watched the 3rd period on DVR. I am SO glad I did not watch the game in real time on NBC and listened to John Walton instead. The absolute silence from the color analysts after every single 3rd period goal the Caps scored was in complete contrast to their excitement after Penguins' goals earlier in the game. And the announcers dissect and analyze and replay Pittsburgh goals for 5 minutes after the play: when the Caps scored, there was no analysis (except to point out what Pittsburgh could do differently), no flowery language about how 'great' or 'special' the play was and one slow motion replay--done. Wow. Is painful to listen to/watch. Disgusting. Sorry, had to vent!
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Okay...had to jump back on for a minute. Just watched the 3rd period on DVR. I am SO glad I did not watch the game in real time on NBC and listened to John Walton instead. The absolute silence from the color analysts after every single 3rd period goal the Caps scored was in complete contrast to their excitement after Penguins' goals earlier in the game. And the announcers dissect and analyze and replay Pittsburgh goals for 5 minutes after the play: when the Caps scored, there was no analysis (except to point out what Pittsburgh could do differently), no flowery language about how 'great' or 'special' the play was and one slow motion replay--done. Wow. Is painful to listen to/watch. Disgusting. Sorry, had to vent!
That's been going on for years and it makes us all want to puke. They don't even try to feign impartiality. They had a lot to do with the suspension of Wilson IMO too as they set the tone IMMEDIATELY after the hit. The first words on the replay were out of Mike Milbury frantically telling everyone to "Watch the head!, Watch the Head!". Then they only showed the replay showing the shoulder hitting first ONCE, but they replayed the other angle in which you could only see head contact and not see the shoulder dozens of times. The NBC crew then played it up as a one of the dirtiest plays from the dirtiest player ever. When tables are turned it's "Just a hockey play!".
"Painful to watch" and "disgusting" is putting it mildly for sure.
There seems to be a lot of venting here when NBC broadcasts the Caps games with this crew, regardless of the opponent. When the Rangers or Penguins are the opponent they shift into a whole other level of disgusting.
Welcome to our world!
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Just out of curiosity, have any of you communicated with NBC about the obvious bias of their announcing team? It's just like anything else -- if you complain nothing may happen; but it's for sure nothing will happen if you don't.
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Just out of curiosity, have any of you communicated with NBC about the obvious bias of their announcing team? It's just like anything else -- if you complain nothing may happen; but it's for sure nothing will happen if you don't.
Well I’ve been blocked from @NHLonNBCSports twitter :rofl: :devil:
Ironically enough, Pierre and Milbury no longer have real accounts (or I’ve been banned from finding them :lol: :lol:
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Well another strong game 5, another opportunity to win game 6 and game 7. . .
Another
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this gives the Caps the opportunity to win the series in the hens barn....
nothing would be sweeter
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The first words on the replay were out of Mike Milbury frantically telling everyone to "Watch the head!, Watch the Head!".
What's incredible is that Pierre is SO deep in the Pens assholes that he makes Milbury look the a Caps supporter. Between the two of them I'd take Milbury all day long and I hate that motherfucker no end!
By the way, is there a gagging on Syd's member emoji? I'd like to use it instead of posting Pierre's name.
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What's incredible is that Pierre is SO deep in the Pens assholes that he makes Milbury look the a Caps supporter. Between the two of them I'd take Milbury all day long and I hate that motherfucker no end!
By the way, is there a gagging on Syd's member emoji? I'd like to use it instead of posting Pierre's name.
Put a colon before and after pierre, pierre2, or pierre3
:pierre:
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Trotz should play Vrana more in first line in the regular season. It's not need to be a genius to predict that at most critical moment Willson can be suspended. Vrana was the difference between loosing and winning during the last two games. There is a risk, it why he should be played more and prepared more during the regular season.
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Just out of curiosity, have any of you communicated with NBC about the obvious bias of their announcing team? It's just like anything else -- if you complain nothing may happen; but it's for sure nothing will happen if you don't.
When a watch Boston translation playing against Caps, that was Ok, most announcers other teams are ok. But Pans and Nbc are equally bad. Of course Pens announcers work for Pens fans, and Nbc shouldn't. I'm sure fans of many teams hate them, too. When I watch nbc games, sound goes almost to minimum, I have allergy on their voices. I think Nhl fans should have twitter or something campaign against them.
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Backstrom expected to play for Capitals in Game 6 against Penguins
https://www.nhl.com/news/nicklas-backstrom-expected-to-play-for-capitals-in-game-6/c-298486454?tid=297172052
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Backstrom expected to play for Capitals in Game 6 against Penguins
https://www.nhl.com/news/nicklas-backstrom-expected-to-play-for-capitals-in-game-6/c-298486454?tid=297172052 (https://www.nhl.com/news/nicklas-backstrom-expected-to-play-for-capitals-in-game-6/c-298486454?tid=297172052)
You beat me to it. This is good news. Its OK if he can't take draws, Stephenson is good at faceoffs. Did anyone see how he got hurt? Did he get slashed?
Carlson seemed OK after the game. He was asked if Guentzel hit him in the head. All he said was I don't know. I respect him for not whining about it. I respect the entire team for not being whiners and divers. I don't think we are a dirty team either. We have a couple guys that play with an edge but they aren't dirty.
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Trotz should play Vrana more in first line in the regular season. It's not need to be a genius to predict that at most critical moment Willson can be suspended. Vrana was the difference between loosing and winning during the last two games. There is a risk, it why he should be played more and prepared more during the regular season.
He’s a flat out defenseivr liability, with no physical or possession game. . . Which you don’t need more of on a line with Kuzy and Ovie
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Trotz should play Vrana more in first line in the regular season. It's not need to be a genius to predict that at most critical moment Willson can be suspended. Vrana was the difference between loosing and winning during the last two games. There is a risk, it why he should be played more and prepared more during the regular season.
He did start off the season the top 6 and played OK at first. Then he went on a 21game goalless streak. Trotz did comment that Vrana has to learn other ways to contribute when he isn't scoring. I agree with that. He is good when he is scoring. When he isn't he hurts us more than he helps.
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He’s a flat out defenseivr liability, with no physical or possession game. . . Which you don’t need more of on a line with Kuzy and Ovie
I agree. We needed some offensive jump so they threw him on that line and it worked for one period. Might not work in Pittsburgh when they get last change and will match up Cosby against the Kuzy line. If Vrana plays top 6 he would be better suited on the Backstrom line so he can be sheltered a bit because of better defensive linemates.
Kuzy, Ovi and Vrana on a line long term against the Crosby line is a recipe for disaster.
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I agree. We needed some offensive jump so they threw him on that line and it worked for one period. Might not work in Pittsburgh when they get last change and will match up Cosby against the Kuzy line. If Vrana plays top 6 he would be better suited on the Backstrom line so he can be sheltered a bit because of better defensive linemates.
Kuzy, Ovi and Vrana on a line long term against the Crosby line is a recipe for disaster.
I agree that since Pittsburgh has the last line change having Vrana on Kuzy and Ovi’s line may be a problem defensively tomorrow night. I would like to see Stephenson moved up to the first line and have Vrana play with Backstrom and Oshie, that is assuming of course Backstrom is playing. Vrana would provide another offensive threat on that line and Stephenson would provide a defensive presence on the first line.
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He’s a flat out defenseivr liability, with no physical or possession game. . . Which you don’t need more of on a line with Kuzy and Ovie
I admit that issue, but instead of steady development of the player during reg season, Trotz neglected it in favor of highest numer of points. What to do now? If the first line is not agile, we will lose it. I have read one thought, use Vrana on first line at third, when an opposite team is tired. I don't know if it is the way, but may be.
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I admit that issue, but instead of steady development of the player during reg season, Trotz neglected it in favor of highest numer of points. What to do now? If the first line is not agile, we will lose it. I have read one thought, use Vrana on first line at third, when an opposite team is tired. I don't know if it is the way, but may be.
Trotz probably dealt with Vrana the right way. He wasn't scoring and he was a liability defensively. After so many games of nothing something gas to be done. You can't reward a player that isn't contributing in anyway. We have had similar problems with Burakovsky.
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I agree that since Pittsburgh has the last line change having Vrana on Kuzy and Ovi’s line may be a problem defensively tomorrow night. I would like to see Stephenson moved up to the first line and have Vrana play with Backstrom and Oshie, that is assuming of course Backstrom is playing. Vrana would provide another offensive threat on that line and Stephenson would provide a defensive presence on the first line.
I like what you are saying. Vrana on second has more sense because Backstrom and Oshie are better defensive players than Ovie-Kuzya combo. Also Pens can do better matching.
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Trotz probably dealt with Vrana the right way. He wasn't scoring and he was a liability defensively. After so many games of nothing something gas to be done. You can't reward a player that isn't contributing in anyway. We have had similar problems with Burakovsky.
I believe Vrana has this ability to be if not a super star, then something very close. Then considering a magnitude of talent, coach has to figure out what problem is, and address it. And if coaches cannot develop Bura and Vrana, then it is too bad.
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I believe Vrana has this ability to be if not a super star, then something very close. Then considering a magnitude of talent, coach has to figure out what problem is, and address it. And if coaches cannot develop Bura and Vrana, then it is too bad.
Vrana is still a rookie. He has good skills but needs to improve the rest of his game. I think he could be a good player in this league. I'm not sure about Burakovsky.
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Vrana is still a rookie. He has good skills but needs to improve the rest of his game.
Certainly he is and with departure skilled players after the last season it is need to accelerate his development. He is already 22 and he plays wing, which development is not as difficult as center.
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I believe Vrana has this ability to be if not a super star, then something very close. Then considering a magnitude of talent, coach has to figure out what problem is, and address it. And if coaches cannot develop Bura and Vrana, then it is too bad.
I agree with Trotz developing Vrana the right way, but I also think it's a bit too early to tell if he'll be a big deal or not.
I think Vrana is certainly not another Semin, he shows up in multiple ways on the ice not just throughout the regular season but in the playoffs too consistently to be as streaky/work ethic problems like Vrana.
I recall a few games ago or maybe it was the first round, Vrana was bumped down and a lot of people heralded it as a reason why he was in the doghouse. Even though Trotz himself came out and said that wasn't so, in fact Vrana had points when he was up in the first round before he was bumped down. He was bumped down because we wanted Stephenson/Backstrom/Oshie as a line to be a shut down line that could also threaten to score, and our coach was using that line to counter teams top scoring lines often. They started defending Pannarin for example, and suddenly he got way more shut down. It had nothing to do with Vrana playing badly, that is just line change for tactical reasons.
People don't realize this but Vrana is also bigger than most people give him credit for. Yes he skates fast, but he's 6'0 and this season showed up weighing almost 200lb. By no means does that make him a big mean player, but it means he at least is an average sized NHLer and he has an underrated defensive stick. His big issues from what I can tell are experience and a lack of natural defensive understanding. I'd say he has way more offensive IQ than defensive. He just needs to be coached well going forward and I think he could become someone like a Patrick Sharp honestly. Solid defensively but not amazing, good speed, big enough to hold his own strength wise with his stick, and a good shot.
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Chandler Stephenson is the Cap who has quietly impressed me the most this off-season though. Playoff level pressures, gets bumped up to a line where he needs to make sure he actually starts hitting the scoresheet a bit more, as well as tackling way higher defensive responsibility. He hasn't looked overwhelmed out there at all, starting to morph almost into a Brooks Laich for us, especially if he can keep improving on the center dot to give us options for winning faceoffs if one of our typical quality centers gets hurt.
He's also been a stud on the PK.
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Chandler Stephenson is the Cap who has quietly impressed me the most this off-season though. Playoff level pressures, gets bumped up to a line where he needs to make sure he actually starts hitting the scoresheet a bit more, as well as tackling way higher defensive responsibility. He hasn't looked overwhelmed out there at all, starting to morph almost into a Brooks Laich for us, especially if he can keep improving on the center dot to give us options for winning faceoffs if one of our typical quality centers gets hurt.
He's also been a stud on the PK.
Stephenson is already our 2nd best faceoff man behind Beagle and might be our best defensive forward and our best on the PK. He isn't a sniper but he gets some opportunities because of his speed. He needs to be a bit more aggressive offensively and could add some strength. This kid has what it takes to be a solid NHL player. I was thinking a 3rd line guy but after his play recently I don't see why he can't be a top 6 forward.
I've always like him. Liked him in junior when he played here in Regina. Wasn't sure if he would be able to make the jump to the NHL or not. I think he has proved that he deserves to be here.
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One thing I like about Vrana is the desire he shows when he gets a tiny edge on the defensemen and just goes like hell to the net. It’s fearless and aggressive and that is what we have needed more of on this team for a long time.
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I agree that since Pittsburgh has the last line change having Vrana on Kuzy and Ovi’s line may be a problem defensively tomorrow night. I would like to see Stephenson moved up to the first line and have Vrana play with Backstrom and Oshie, that is assuming of course Backstrom is playing. Vrana would provide another offensive threat on that line and Stephenson would provide a defensive presence on the first line.
This would be my move, especially with the Pens having last change. Only downside to this would be changing up 2 lines but it would seem to make the most sense given the situation. I think Stephenson would fit right in with Ovi and Kuzy tomorrow if this happens.
Couldn't be more impressed by Stephenson's rapid development this year. During the regular season I didn't see him as a top-6'er anytime soon but he's proven plenty of people wrong. Has been tremendous on both ends of the ice so far in the highest of pressure situations. As for Vrana, I think he can develop into a solid two-way player, just might take a while for his defensive game to get there but I think it will.
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I too like the idea of Stephenson to line one as "plan C" if you will. But I don't know how much Vrana is a differential liability on line 1. Frankly, the Ovie/Kuzy/Wilson line has had trouble getting out of its own way, never mind the opponent's way, in the defensive zone all season. I wonder if there is anyone who can save the Ovie/Kuzy combination when it gets penned in. I think Pittsburgh's effort will be to get Crosby's line against that line no matter who is the 3rd member.
All of this is probably moot if Backstrom is unable to go or unable to play a serviceable game because of his injury. I see that injury as a real tipping point in the Caps' ability to be competitive with the Pens, on defense more than anything else. It's one thing to try to move ahead without Burakovsky and/or Wilson, but if Backstrom can't answer the bell as well, now we DON'T have anyone remotely viable to take his place in the top 6.