GDT#67 Capitals @ Kings Mar 8 @ 10:30pm

[alta]

March 8 vs. Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center
Time: 10:30 p.m.
TV: NBC Sports Washington
Radio: FAN 106.7, Capitals Radio 24/7

Washington Capitals 37-22-7
Los Angeles Kings 36-25-5

REFEREES
Trevor Hanson #14, Gord Dwyer #19
LINESMEN
Mark Wheler #56, Lonnie Cameron #74

anticipated lines:
FOREWARDS
Ovechkin 8 -Backstrom 19 - Wilson 43
Vrana 13 -Kuznetsov 92 -Oshie 77
Connolly 10 -Eller 20 -Burakovsky 65
DSP 25 -Beagle 83 -Chiasson 39
DEFENSEMEN
Kempny 6 -Carlson 74
Orlov 9 -Niskanen 2
Orpik 44 -Jerabek 28
GOALIES
Grubauer 31 -starter
Holtby 70

links to pregame so this post is of reasonable size
https://www.nhl.com/capitals/news/caps-face-kings-in-la-on-thursday/c-296734600

https://www.russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2018/03/08/caps-kings-pregame-la-state-mind/#more-149098

[Pavel095]

I’m just expecting to see Grubauer in net!
Don’t have any other  expectations from the team tonight.

[alta]

Brent's take on Holtby...

https://www.russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2018/03/08/former-nhl-goaltender-brent-johnson-shares-fascinating-perspective-braden-holtbys-recent-struggles/

[Devise]

Pretty stellar take on Holtby by Brent imo. I wondered it myself as Holtby was playing a high number of games the last few seasons, I earnsetly would be okay with us resting Holtby here for weeks. Let his practice game get up, but don't treat him like the ugly stepchild. Don't let this erode his confidence. The coaching staff has to show him they have faith in him, and he's the one we want to start in the playoffs. I think if we play Gruby more down the stretch, and let Holtby recharge he could be much better the playoffs.

[4 Caps]

I found Brent’s comments on Holtby to be fascinating and I wonder if Holtby’s subpar performance in last season’s playoff series against the Penguins was because he was fatigued.  Holtby’s subpar play in that series was IMO one of the major reasons the Caps lost that series.  I am wondering if the reason for his play was because of the workload he had during the season and he was just exhausted if not physically, mentally.  Resting Holtby now prior to the playoffs this year could help him remain fresh in the playoffs this season.  Of course he needs to get back his A game which I think he will. 

[Maacoshark]

I found Brent’s comments on Holtby to be fascinating and I wonder if Holtby’s subpar performance in last season’s playoff series against the Penguins was because he was fatigued.  Holtby’s subpar play in that series was IMO one of the major reasons the Caps lost that series.  I am wondering if the reason for his play was because of the workload he had during the season and he was just exhausted if not physically, mentally.  Resting Holtby now prior to the playoffs this year could help him remain fresh in the playoffs this season.  Of course he needs to get back his A game which I think he will.

   I agree that he could be suffering from fatique. Especially now that the defense in front if him isn't as good as it once was. I dont think the problem is the number of games he has played but the amount if energy he has used during those games. In past seasons he has had several easy games where he didnt even break a sweat. I can't think of one easy game for Holtby this year.

[DC_1908]

   I agree that he could be suffering from fatique. Especially now that the defense in front if him isn't as good as it once was. I dont think the problem is the number of games he has played but the amount if energy he has used during those games. In past seasons he has had several easy games where he didnt even break a sweat. I can't think of one easy game for Holtby this year.

Yep.  He has to be asked to do more than any goalie in the league.  This adds up to result in less hightlight reel saves and more beach balls going through.


The signs of him mentally checking out do to frustration, mental & physical exhaustion are apparent, and I wouldn’t put high odds on him coming back at, none the less maintaing playing at the historic level this team needs him to be,

[alta]

Maybe two or three seasons ago Holts said in an interview he prefers to play every game, I don’t remember the exact quote but he said everyone else plays every game so he should too. I wonder if he’s changed his mind on that. The only thing I could compare him to is a baseball catcher who’s always stressing his knees and quads

[Pavel095]

For me,the difference between top goaltender and good is no matter what’s going on with team performance,psychology problems,offense,defense struggling the goalie is always shows his skills performance and helps the team.Of course, some people might argue  it’s unreal to be all the time in same conditions ,however conceding  every match 3+ goals it’s ridiculous.

[ArJunaZ]

Hello my friends!
I'm looking forward to a strong game from the Caps and the beginning of their gelling 

[justwincaps]

Craig Laughlin - "that’s a good sign for the Caps" - do you ever wonder what games he is watching?

[Pavel095]

Craig Laughlin - "that’s a good sign for the Caps" - do you ever wonder what games he is watching?

Ya,that was amazing 

[ArJunaZ]

Craig Laughlin - "that’s a good sign for the Caps" - do you ever wonder what games he is watching?

Hehe.  All these commentators blow excessive smoke to drive up ticket sales. It does get a bit annoying when it's so incongruent with the facts.

[alta]

what does the Pope do in the woods?


Holy crap they aren't losing yet

[ArJunaZ]

:31:

[Pavel095]

With Grubauer in tonight we can hope for good result

[ArJunaZ]

How did Johnny Quaalude miss that wide open net? 

[alta]

a player smarter than Dylan would've scored there

[alta]

good thing Holts isn't in or everyone would be saying he shoulda had that

[Pavel095]

Excellent pass by Oshie!