Washington Capitals Fan Forum
Talk about Capitals hockey & more! => Washington Capitals & Other Hockey Discussion => Topic started by: alta on Monday February 19, 2018, 10:22:06 AM Eastern
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Feb. 19 vs. Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center
Time: 3:00 p.m.
TV: NBC Sports Washington
Radio: FAN 106.7, Capitals Radio 24/7
Washington Capitals 33-18-7
Buffalo Sabers 17-31-11
Caps win 3-2, OV-Carlson-Kuzy with goals
OV now at 593 career goals
anticipated lines:
Forwards
Alex Ovechkin-Nicklas Backstrom-Tom Wilson
Jakub Vrana-Evgeny Kuznetsov-T.J. Oshie
Brett Connolly-Lars Eller-Andre Burakovsky
Chandler Stephenson-Jay Beagle-Devante Smith-Pelly
Scratched: Alex Chiasson
Defensemen
Dmitry Orlov-Matt Niskanen
Christian Djoos-John Carlson
Brooks Orpik-Madison Bowey
Scratched: Taylor Chorney
Goaltenders
Philipp Grubauer (starter)
Braden Holtby
no word on refs yet
I'm not surprised Willy is having a career year on 1, he showed he was capable when put up there briefly last spring. Also, as I've noted before I don't use CORSI I left an interesting link in the story I would've normally edited out
(https://img.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_960w/2010-2019/Wires/Images/2018-02-17/AP/Capitals_Blackhawks_Hockey_13967-8f479.jpg&w=480)
Tom Wilson, left, celebrates his goal against the Chicago Blackhawks. (AP Photo/Jeff Haynes)
BUFFALO — Buried in the bad feelings over a 7-1 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks was a significant moment in Tom Wilson’s career. Defenseman Matt Niskanen took a shot from the right point, and Wilson made contact with the puck just so, deflecting it past goaltender Anton Forsberg for the Capitals’ only goal of the game.
[But it was Wilson’s 10th of the season, meeting an expectation publicly set by Coach Barry Trotz before the season. Wilson’s first time reaching double-digit goals in his career is the reward for the offensive progress he’s made in the past year.
"I don’t like to set goals and say that I have to hit this number, but I know it was kind of important coming into this year that I needed to help chip in offensively,” Wilson said.
The Capitals always expected Wilson to be productive when they drafted him 16th overall in 2012. But perhaps he was rushed onto an NHL roster sooner than he should have been. Perhaps the role, an enforcer who fought often and didn’t get much ice time, was all wrong for developing a 19-year-old prospect. Under Trotz, Wilson’s role has steadily evolved, one of the team’s top penalty-killers the past two-plus seasons. But until this year, he was still used in primarily a fourth-line role.
Salary cap-constraints forced Washington to part with two top-six forwards, and after Wilson impressed with three goals against Toronto in the first round last postseason, he seemed a natural candidate to absorb more responsibility. His season started with a four-game suspension for boarding, but since then, Wilson’s brought better balance to the physical side of his game.
“He’s stayed physical,” Trotz said. “He’s stayed true to his game, his identity. He’s a big man who can skate and who’s hard to play against.”
Wilson’s had stints on the top line with stars Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom before. Those were short and fizzled out. This time, he’s been the best fit beside those two, and the Capitals have taken roughly 54 percent of the shot attempts when that line has been on the ice.
“He still brings that energy, but he makes plays now,” Trotz said. “He goes to those areas, and he understands how to play with elite players. And he understands how to play with the grinders, if I put him in a fourth-line role or I say, ‘Hey, you’ve got to defend and be hard on people.’ He can do that, and he’s just growing and growing.”
Wilson will be a restricted free agent this summer, and this season is expected to earn him a raise on the two-year, $4 million he signed after his entry-level contract expired. His 27 points are already a career-high, and with 24 games left in the season, those numbers can still grow, just like the player.
Stop using Corsi to assess NHL teams. There are better stats available. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fancy-stats/wp/2018/02/19/stop-using-corsi-to-assess-nhl-teams-there-are-better-stats-available/)
“I think it’s just having more confidence and being more comfortable with the puck,” Wilson said. “When you get more minutes, you feel the puck a little more. You’re more involved in the game, and it’s easier from that standpoint. You know what, whatever the role the coach gives me, I love playing with [fourth-line center Jay Beagle], and when I get a chance to play with [Ovechkin] and Nicky, it’s a big privilege and you’ve got to go out there and chip in. It’s been fun, we’ve had some success this year with each other, and we’ve got to keep it going.”
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Didnt we lose 3-1to this team earlier this season. It was one of the few games I missed so I have no clue how we lost to this team.
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Didnt we lose 3-1to this team earlier this season. It was one of the few games I missed so I have no clue how we lost to this team.
yes, they lost that
man, hot chicken broth never tasted so good, first meal in over 24hrs
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Sure hope the Caps get up for this game more than the last.
Although, I haven't actually watched the last game yet (and may never), but I watched the highlights...OOFAH!
For crying out loud this team sure does play down to whatever level the bottom feeders are playing when we play them.
I'll be watching this one on delay (as some of use taxpayers who actually work for a living do not have a holiday today)
GO CAPS
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crap, I may have to watch the whole game now to see if OV puts 55 through the glass. Looking to be a physical game
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Hello all .... been a while. Was not impressed with the first 10 minutes until 1) Stephenson almost netted himself a sweet one and 2) it looks like Ovie is growing a mean-on. Maybe that's what this squad needs to just literally beat another team up - both physically and on the score board.
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I really like TJ but his play has been awful. I wouldn’t want him on my men’s league team.
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I really like TJ but his play has been awful. I wouldn’t want him on my men’s league team.
Like I said as he almost puts it into our crease. SMH.
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Like I said as he almost puts it into our crease. SMH.
Ya wtf was he trying to do there?
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Boring ... no energy
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crap, I may have to watch the whole game now to see if OV puts 55 through the glass. Looking to be a physical game
You dont like Ristolainen?
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Hey guys we scored. Nice deflection by Ovi.
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snore .... what? ... huh? .... we did what??
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Whythe hell is there a game on at this time of the day????? ???
Evening all. :angel:
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hope you feel better Alta
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That 2nd goal was kinda exciting.
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That 2nd goal was kinda exciting.
no it wasn't, but I'd sure like to see a rule book on it
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no it wasn't, but I'd sure like to see a rule book on it
Ya I'm questioning the penalty. If the goal stand and clock is moved back then the penalty wouldn't have happened. If the officials got it right the first time it wouldn't have been an issue. I have never come across this rule. When I reffed there was no video replay so there was no rule.
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So penalties over ride goals I guess? Cause if Buffalo had scored, while awaiting a review, it would of came off the board, no? But Kuz stays in the box?
Odd. NHL.
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Whythe hell is there a game on at this time of the day? ??? ? ???
Evening all. :angel:
Holiday. Family day here. I think its presidents day in the US.
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So penalties over ride goals I guess? Cause if Buffalo had scored, while awaiting a review, it would of came off the board, no? But Kuz stays in the box? Odd. NHL.
yes, if sabers scored it wouldn't have counted. I have seen that before, couldn't tell you what game thou
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Someone posted this on twitter:
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWbc-6wU8AARNEU.jpg:large)
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still stupid, but this is the NHL
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Wow, only 17 saves by Grubs so far. How many did Holts have after 2 in Chitown?
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At least theres an actual rule and they didn't just make it up.. Glad we didn't give it back on the PP. Anywho, 20 minutes to go! :cross: lol
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Wow, only 17 saves by Grubs so far. How many did Holts have after 2 in Chitown?
Not enough. (straight face)
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You dont like Ristolainen?
He started the game with a cheap high hit to OV, wanna bet what the call would've been if Willy had done that?
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Not enough. (straight face)
clearly, but the question was intendeded to point out the lack of D the other day
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Wow, only 17 saves by Grubs so far. How many did Holts have after 2 in Chitown?
I think it was mid 30s. I'm actually not happy that Grubauer got this game and Holtby will probably get lit up by Tampa tomorrow. That will be great for his confidence. I really hope people dont jump on the Grubauer bandwagon if he wins this game. He has done absolutely nothing so far. The Sabres have been that bad.
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He started the game with a cheap high hit to OV, wanna bet what the call would've been if Willy had done that?
He is the only guy on the Sabres I would want. Big tough and plays with an edge. And he is young. I'd take him for Carlson.
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Holts had 27 saves last game, out of 33 shots which is about average for a full game
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I think it was mid 30s. I'm actually not happy that Grubauer got this game and Holtby will probably get lit up by Tampa tomorrow. That will be great for his confidence. I really hope people dont jump on the Grubauer bandwagon if he wins this game. He has done absolutely nothing so far. The Sabres have been that bad.
I don't understand your dislike for Grubs. ??? [size=78%]I thinks he's done a pretty good job for us so far.[/size]
Hardly a "bandwagon" thing.
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I don't understand your dislike for Grubs. ??? [size=78%]I thinks he's done a pretty good job for us so far.[/size]
Hardly a "bandwagon" thing.
I dont dislike Grubauer. I dont think he is good enough technically to be a quality starter. He is an adequate backup.
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Sabres comms are pretty good.
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Holts had 27 saves last game, out of 33 shots which is about average for a full game
Did you see what the high scoring chances were after the second period. I think the Caps gave up 24 high danger chances after 2 periods. I never seen that many high danger chances before.
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I dont dislike Grubauer. I dont think he is good enough technically to be a quality starter. He is an adequate backup.
Maybe it's just the way you talk about him - again - that makes me think that...? :raspberry:
[size=78%]Personally I think he's a better than average second string goalie. *What's with the script sizw again?)[/size]
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Maybe it's just the way you talk about him - again - that makes me think that...? :raspberry:
[size=78%]Personally I think he's a better than average second string goalie. *What's with the script sizw again?)[/size]
He is a decent backup. I dont think he is going to be a starter. If he was that good Vegas would have taken him. I rank him around the same as Neurvirth.
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I just realized Carlson was credited with the 2nd goal. A goal and an assist and a plus 2 for Carlson.
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How was that not a penalty? Willy just got sucker-punched an the back of his head! >:(
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Another 3rd period where we sit back and get shelled. One goal and we are in trouble.
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He is a decent backup. I dont think he is going to be a starter. If he was that good Vegas would have taken him. I rank him around the same as Neurvirth.
NO WAY!!!
Don't get me wrong, I liked Neuvy, mostly because he looked about 8 years old behind his mask :lol: , but Grubs is way better than he was/is.
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Another 3rd period where we sit back and get shelled. One goal and we are in trouble.
You called it.
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wrong willy guys, need to play to win, not play to not lose
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6:30 left, still plenty of time for a fight
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I just realized Carlson was credited with the 2nd goal. A goal and an assist and a plus 2 for Carlson.
Can you dig up the "+/-" stats for the last game? Who were the D, in particular that were responsible? I accept that it was the whole team failure, but I do wonder. I used to be able to find this stat easily, but not no more, since the NHL 'improved' their site a while ago. ::)
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You called it.
Watch the same movie enough and you can guess the outcome. Outshot 13-4 in the 3rd. You can’t do that. This is coaching.
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Hopefully when Buff ties it, they'll go into turtle mode and we'll at least get a point? :cross: :poop:
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It’s hard to watch them do the same thing up 2 every night. This is just like Winnipeg only the opponent is not as good.
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NO WAY!!!
Don't get me wrong, I liked Neuvy, mostly because he looked about 8 years old behind his mask :lol: , but Grubs is way better than he was/is.
Neuvirth has outplayed him this year. Grubauer numbers are based on the fact he played on better teams than Neuvirth did. When I watch them play I think they are pretty even technically. I think Grubauer has better lateral movement and might be quicker. I think Neuvirth is better on rebounds and cutting down angles. Neither of them handle the puck well. Neuvirth does tend to let in more softies.
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Hopefully when Buff ties it, they'll go into turtle mode and we'll at least get a point? :cross: :poop:
Caps trying really hard to make this come true.
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My only hope this year is that Ovi scores as many games as possible and breaks loads of scoring records. That'll be the only think we win this year. :raspberry:
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Don't forget about Eickel (sp?) and O'Reily - I'd take them in a heartbeat as well.
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It’s hard to watch them do the same thing up 2 every night. This is just like Winnipeg only the opponent is not as good.
Your pessimism is contagious. :'(
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Can you dig up the "+/-" stats for the last game? Who were the D, in particular that were responsible? I accept that it was the whole team failure, but I do wonder. I used to be able to find this stat easily, but not no more, since the NHL 'improved' their site a while ago. ::)
the Conno-Eller-Bura line had a -3, as did Dylan, ever other forward had a -1 cept Willy, Chiasson were even and Bacy had the sole +1 of the game.
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Kuzy 3-1
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Caps trying really hard to make this come true.
We’ll take the points. Ugly 3rd.
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Good boy Kuzy.
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:03 is still enough time for a fight
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Who needs to play the last 20 seconds anyway, nothing bad can happen!! Oops.. Survived! :poop: :-X :angel: Yay! The mighty Sabres go down!! :wackysmile:
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the Conno-Eller-Bura line had a -3, as did Dylan, ever other forward had a -1 cept Willy, Chiasson were even and Bacy had the sole +1 of the game.
Ta babes.
What about the D's?
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Ta babes.
What about the D's?
that game Orlov was even, Nisky -1, Carlson-3, everyone else was -2
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the Conno-Eller-Bura line had a -3, as did Dylan, ever other forward had a -1 cept Willy, Chiasson were even and Bacy had the sole +1 of the game.
Pretty much everyone was bad in that game.
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Pretty much everyone was bad in that game.
Carlson looked like he was checking his jockstrap again on the 2nd goal against today
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Pretty decent win, all in all. Dumb last goal to let in, but, meh. On the road, weird time of day... I'll take it. If nothing else it's was at least an improvement on the last one. ::)
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Ugh not a pretty game against a very bad team. And that 3rd period again. I'm fine if we dont get to aggressive trying to score in the 3rd period when protecting a lead but we gotta get the puck out of our zone with possession. We are just throwing it up the boards hoping it gets out.
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I'm just going to ignore most of that third haha. We played a solid good two periods otherwise and considering the shlacking we just got against Chicago I'll take this.
I don't like John Carlson. I just don't. I get it, some people defend him as so good but that kid just doesn't care on defense sometimes. I get it, it was late in the game it was 3-1 we were already up but he literally left a man with a wide open net late in that game. We didn't support well on the boards before the play, but Carlson was making a weird pseudo defensive block in front of the goalie, nowhere near where the puck was. It looked like it pissed Grubby off too, did you guys see at the end of the game Carlson was the first to Gruby and he went to do a high five and Gruby just cold shouldered by him. Carlson stopped and took his stoner face off for a second and looked startled.
I just don't think Carlson is the type of player we want to hang our hats on for playoffs. He's turned into Mike Green levels for me, only with a bit more offensive mental acumen, and I think he still is better defensively if only because he can stay on his skates more than Green can and can at least take a hit. I hope he is the one we trade at the deadline honestly, him, Connolly and Burt are all on my top list of players we could use as bait to solve the grit issues.
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that game Orlov was even, Nisky -1, Carlson-3, everyone else was -2
Thanks.
Like I said, it was pretty awfull all round, but I did wonder if anybody stood out - for better or worse.
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:poop:
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I'm just going to ignore most of that third haha. We played a solid good two periods otherwise and considering the shlacking we just got against Chicago I'll take this.
I don't like John Carlson. I just don't. I get it, some people defend him as so good but that kid just doesn't care on defense sometimes. I get it, it was late in the game it was 3-1 we were already up but he literally left a man with a wide open net late in that game. We didn't support well on the boards before the play, but Carlson was making a weird pseudo defensive block in front of the goalie, nowhere near where the puck was. It looked like it pissed Grubby off too, did you guys see at the end of the game Carlson was the first to Gruby and he went to do a high five and Gruby just cold shouldered by him. Carlson stopped and took his stoner face off for a second and looked startled.
I just don't think Carlson is the type of player we want to hang our hats on for playoffs. He's turned into Mike Green levels for me, only with a bit more offensive mental acumen, and I think he still is better defensively if only because he can stay on his skates more than Green can and can at least take a hit. I hope he is the one we trade at the deadline honestly, him, Connolly and Burt are all on my top list of players we could use as bait to solve the grit issues.
Put a little sugar on it why dontcha ya :devil:
I don't hate John Carlson, by any means, but his lack of D sense is pretty obvious sometimes and his lack of urgency continues to make him a target for gibes, no matter how much other team's and their comms rant and rave about him.
Our best D-man at this moment, imho, is Orpik. There's a shocker! :wackysmile:
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Carlson looked like he was checking his jockstrap again on the 2nd goal against today
Instead of ripping Carlson you should be asking why Kane was in front of the net by himself. You obviously really dislike the guy if you blame him for everyones mistakes. You act as if he is the only guy that messes up.
It must burn you ass seeing that he had a goal and an assist and was a plus 2 today.
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Put a little sugar on it why dontcha ya :devil:
I don't hate John Carlson, by any means, but his lack of D sense is pretty obvious sometimes and his lack of urgency continues to make him a target for gibes, no matter how much other team's and their comms rant and rave about him.
Our best D-man at this moment, imho, is Orpik. There's a shocker! :wackysmile:
Orpik? He is our mist physical but he is getting beat like a redheaded stepchild. He is a good penalty killer but he gets beat on the rush because he is so slow. And he is the worst player I have ever seen with the puck. He has no puck skills at all.
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:poop:
Hey you!
Where ya bin? Watcha bin doin? Still bothering them sheep?
Do you remember sometime ago - and it was a few years - you sent me links to emotes? I can't download them on here, 'cos of the disc being full and all that, bur could you send them to AJ, or Alta to pass on, maybe? :angel:
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Orpik? He is our mist physical but he is getting beat like a redheaded stepchild. He is a good penalty killer but he gets beat on the rush because he is so slow. And he is the worst player I have ever seen with the puck. He has no puck skills at all.
Earlier on tonight, I was just pondering on how changed you were on this forum from the previous one and how ... almost civilised you have become.
I stand corrected. :(
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I'm just going to ignore most of that third haha. We played a solid good two periods otherwise and considering the shlacking we just got against Chicago I'll take this.
I don't like John Carlson. I just don't. I get it, some people defend him as so good but that kid just doesn't care on defense sometimes. I get it, it was late in the game it was 3-1 we were already up but he literally left a man with a wide open net late in that game. We didn't support well on the boards before the play, but Carlson was making a weird pseudo defensive block in front of the goalie, nowhere near where the puck was. It looked like it pissed Grubby off too, did you guys see at the end of the game Carlson was the first to Gruby and he went to do a high five and Gruby just cold shouldered by him. Carlson stopped and took his stoner face off for a second and looked startled.
I just don't think Carlson is the type of player we want to hang our hats on for playoffs. He's turned into Mike Green levels for me, only with a bit more offensive mental acumen, and I think he still is better defensively if only because he can stay on his skates more than Green can and can at least take a hit. I hope he is the one we trade at the deadline honestly, him, Connolly and Burt are all on my top list of players we could use as bait to solve the grit issues.
welcome aboard :thumbsup:
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Orpik? He is our mist physical but he is getting beat like a redheaded stepchild. He is a good penalty killer but he gets beat on the rush because he is so slow. And he is the worst player I have ever seen with the puck. He has no puck skills at all.
I really do wonder at times if you are watching the same game the rest of us are
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I really do wonder at times if you are watching the same game the rest of us are
I suspect he has an overload/overdose testosterone problem. He doesn't seem to be able to keep his aggression and combativeness in check and has carried on his obsession with you from the other site. I do wonder if he is ex military? Maybe got his marbles rattled a little?
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Hey you!
Where ya bin? Watcha bin doin? Still bothering them sheep?
Do you remember sometime ago - and it was a few years - you sent me links to emotes? I can't download them on here, 'cos of the disc being full and all that, bur could you send them to AJ, or Alta to pass on, maybe? :angel:
I'm saving sheep, babe.
I'll see if I can find the site... Don't remember as it's been a while.
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I'm saving sheep, babe.
:wackysmile:
You gonna make me a new coat luvvie?
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I have been critical of Trotz, but have generally liked him. I’m not sure why, because I think he has coached more games than anybody without winning a Cup. I do like him though. At this point, something is just not working with this team. They make the same mistakes, fall into the same bad habits, and show very little heart. I would like to think Trotz could wave the magic wand or drop the hammer on them, but we are running out of time.
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I have been critical of Trotz, but have generally liked him. I’m not sure why, because I think he has coached more games than anybody without winning a Cup. I do like him though. At this point, something is just not working with this team. They make the same mistakes, fall into the same bad habits, and show very little heart. I would like to think Trotz could wave the magic wand or drop the hammer on them, but we are running out of time.
That’d be nice, but I’m almost certain motivation other than “pretty please” will get him fired.
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I'm just going to ignore most of that third haha. We played a solid good two periods otherwise and considering the shlacking we just got against Chicago I'll take this.
I don't like John Carlson. I just don't. I get it, some people defend him as so good but that kid just doesn't care on defense sometimes. I get it, it was late in the game it was 3-1 we were already up but he literally left a man with a wide open net late in that game. We didn't support well on the boards before the play, but Carlson was making a weird pseudo defensive block in front of the goalie, nowhere near where the puck was. It looked like it pissed Grubby off too, did you guys see at the end of the game Carlson was the first to Gruby and he went to do a high five and Gruby just cold shouldered by him. Carlson stopped and took his stoner face off for a second and looked startled.
I just don't think Carlson is the type of player we want to hang our hats on for playoffs. He's turned into Mike Green levels for me, only with a bit more offensive mental acumen, and I think he still is better defensively if only because he can stay on his skates more than Green can and can at least take a hit. I hope he is the one we trade at the deadline honestly, him, Connolly and Burt are all on my top list of players we could use as bait to solve the grit issues.
D!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Glad you’re here!
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I'm just going to ignore most of that third haha. We played a solid good two periods otherwise and considering the shlacking we just got against Chicago I'll take this.
I don't like John Carlson. I just don't. I get it, some people defend him as so good but that kid just doesn't care on defense sometimes. I get it, it was late in the game it was 3-1 we were already up but he literally left a man with a wide open net late in that game. We didn't support well on the boards before the play, but Carlson was making a weird pseudo defensive block in front of the goalie, nowhere near where the puck was. It looked like it pissed Grubby off too, did you guys see at the end of the game Carlson was the first to Gruby and he went to do a high five and Gruby just cold shouldered by him. Carlson stopped and took his stoner face off for a second and looked startled.
I just don't think Carlson is the type of player we want to hang our hats on for playoffs. He's turned into Mike Green levels for me, only with a bit more offensive mental acumen, and I think he still is better defensively if only because he can stay on his skates more than Green can and can at least take a hit. I hope he is the one we trade at the deadline honestly, him, Connolly and Burt are all on my top list of players we could use as bait to solve the grit issues.
I found the trick to dealing with Carlson, is realizing that he is by mindset, skill set. ability, and system a “fourth foward”, and not a Defenseman.
Now as a fourth foward, he’s pretty damn good, one of the best.
But as a Dman? . . . :rofl: . I would bet my left mapplenut that he would be a miserable failure on a Defense First/Heavy/Trapping team, and/or even a shutdown role. He’s just not good enough do it.
Now I know all the “New NHL” cliches and excuses, so ok, call him and his ilk forwards because they sure as shit don’t play D
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D!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Glad you’re here!
Glad to be back. I did see those messages on the other forum so thanks to you guys for sending me those. I have been watching the games but honestly been too preoccupied to create a new account and go through all that jazz. Here now though.