Game Thread ..... @ Washington, 3/14/09 [Archive]

andyt

03-13-2009, 08:13 AM

This is possibly the worst 3 game road trip of the season I think (logistics and # of games in the recent stretch). I'll be glad to see it over.

Someone on TSB posted this and it bears noting. The game tomorrow is the 17th in a 31 day stretch that started with the Florida game on 2/12. That's 20.7% of our games squeezed into 17% of the season. They've had 3 back to backs in that stretch, all of which included travel, and have had more than 1 day between games once, last week on the 4th and 5th. Is it any wonder that everyone has games in hand on us?

The Flyers are going through the same thing now. They've got 16 games left to play in the last 30 days of the season, including 5 back to backs, all of which require travel. However, the travel is from New York 3 times, Pittsburgh and Ottawa.

livinthedream

03-13-2009, 08:16 AM

Yeah, and too bad we've already played out the series with them instead of catching them on a hard swing (the Flyers).

I presume the team slept over in Dallas last night and is flying to DC today (haven't seen anything come up yet on the flight tracker). Hope they have a chance to rest up before tomorrow night's game. They're going to need it. They looked flat out exhausted last night.

SoCalcaniac

03-13-2009, 08:20 AM

It is times like this that I really wish I drank or smoked. I tell ya'll, this team has often times put me thatclose to taking a drink of alcohol, knowing how horrid it would taste to me, yet I have not yet done it.

I do have optimism about this game. The Canes, if I'm putting on my Tripp Tracy-is-koo-koo hat, should have a ton of confidence about playing the Caps. Neuvirth or Theodore, I don't care who the goalie is, after last performance, they should feel good about themselves and while I won't give them a free pass last night, cause I personally believe they should have won, we're a better team on paper than Dallas. We failed to execute and leaned on the back to back thing as some kind of crutch. I'm pleasantly surprised that they didn't crumble in this long stretch of games, and I also think they've played on emotion and jubilation (note the crash of the Staal/Cole thing- although I think that the Hawks and Stars had a little something to do with that)

We can beat this team and we've done it. Does this whole timeframe/scenario, all seem like a big 'ol de ja vu to ya'll? It was around this time last year, we were in this dog fight, it was all teetertotter and then ya'll know what happened. THEY cannnot, and should not allow for this to happen to them again. Surely all who were on this team last season know what is at stake. They have to know. I will choose to believe, that this group won't allow this to happen.

caneshockeychick

03-13-2009, 08:25 AM

Maybe we should all go up there dressed as Montreal fans so that Erik can think he's in Montreal? :lol:

caveman

03-13-2009, 08:34 AM

Y'know... a win puts us at 3 points in 3 games... and .500 hockey leads to golfing.

What a challenge to overcome!

KaniacFever

03-13-2009, 08:53 AM

Cole already has a hattrick against Mr. Theo this year when the Caps visited in Edmonton back in January. Grant it the 3rd was an EN, but still 2 went by Theo.

Found this interesting tidbit off the recap from that game:

Erik Cole now has five career NHL hat tricks. His last one also came against the Washington Capitals on November 9, 2006 in a 5-0 Carolina Hurricanes win against the Caps

Its a sign ;)

hyena

03-13-2009, 09:02 AM

nccanes

03-13-2009, 09:12 AM

Well, the Canes are 10-3-1 over their last 13, during their most intense schedule of the season. I don't think you need any excuses or reasons to apologize for that set of results.

SoCalcaniac

03-13-2009, 09:21 AM

I agree, E. I don't think anyone is making excuses for them except for people on message boards, lol and their media contingent. :lol:

Yep, they are big boys, and they'll need to suck it up. After all, they all say 'this is what we play for' right?? Now TNOC is good for falling into his OC habits by bringing ups "all these games" which is what you get when you recycle the coach, he sticks with what he knows and spouts the same stuff---- but I don't ever hear the players say it.

I mean WTH was Tripp's stupid comments when he talked to Mo in that pregame chat- "let's hope the guys can bear down and eek it out here" Doesn't he understand the self fulfilling prophecy? :crazy: It's like the two of them- and I'm throwing Forslund under that bus too, are waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Look, if our team is to be thought of as legitimate in any aspect, then you have to believe that they're actually going to win a game- not cross your fingers and bless yourself in believing that they will. Now back to JF, and I meant to comment on this the other night- He was doing the preview thing of the games upcoming during the Hawks game and I was so stunned I rewound the TiVo when he started in the the whole Brodeur 'watch' and the all time wins thing - He says "and the Great Marty Brodeur will get a chance against the Canes to become the all time leader" Are you kidding me? why would YOU even bring it up??? /rant over

If there is anything to look forward to and embrace on Saturday, is #26 in on Theodore. It's gonna happen, I've been at games in WSH when it has happened and have seen fabulous goals scored by him there- and I'm lookin' forward to watching it on Saturday on TV. :-

Sparky

03-13-2009, 10:06 AM

You know, these upcoming games against y'all and Florida confuse me. At 90 points the Caps are in good shape, but they don't have the SE wrapped up, and I hate to hear them lose, particularly to division foes. In addition, it's confused, but there's the possibility of the unbelievably enticing Caps/Pens first round matchup on the table if we hold on. So, yeah, Go Caps!

On the other hand...

Every win by the Canes and Cats makes it more likely that one or two of the NYR/BUF/PIT Trif**kta slip out of the top 8. Any of them missing out makes me happy. Two of them missing out would make me very happy, particularly if it's to you guys. So, yeah, go Canes (and Cats (ducks) )!

And that's the dilemna.

I'm leaning towards swallowing my morals, putting a damper on the team pride and cheering for magical Betteman points in the games in questions, even if it means the Caps don't win 'em all. Oh, and as always but more so than usual, no injuries on either side! Can I escape with that and my pride?

Good (shudder) luck! ;)

IceSun

03-13-2009, 10:37 AM

Thanks Sparky - appreciate the stretch you're making for us there - and we will do our best to eliminate NY,PIT,BUF - even if that means we need to beat the Caps :laugh:

I mean WTH was Tripp's stupid comments when he talked to Mo in that pregame chat- "let's hope the guys can bear down and eek it out here" Doesn't he understand the self fulfilling prophecy? :crazy: It's like the two of them- and I'm throwing Forslund under that bus too, are waiting for the other shoe to drop.

I totally cringed when I heard that too :crazy:

Mona2006

03-13-2009, 11:40 AM

I agree about Mo's comments... nothing like the "leader" to be talking about "eeking" the game out eh? I tell you I pretend he isn't there.. if the only people behind the bench were Wally, Pete and Bobby, I would be fine..and I think the team would be too. Useless..

Canesluver

03-13-2009, 11:46 AM

I think that's human nature-- to some people. I tend to think like that.

The past couple of seasons, I've just lowered my expectations-- that way, if they do pull-off a miracle, then it's a surprise-- but if they don't, then it doesn't bother me so much, and then it's easier to move-on to other interests while waiting for the new season to start.

That's where I'm kind of sittin' this year, too.

nccanes

03-13-2009, 12:14 PM

I didn't watch the pregame interview, but I thought from SoCal's comments that it was Tripp that said "eek it out", rather than Mo?

But either way, perhaps he knew just how gassed the team was after the Chicago game and then the late arrival.

But I guess he could have just made something up instead. :lol:

toastmasterbone

03-13-2009, 12:25 PM

C'mon, Canes. Stop d**kin' around. Win it for Sparky.

(As to the scheduling thing, as alluded to above, the Canes have been playing better when they don't have a lot of days off, and we've been the beneficiary of other teams who had games the night before, so it's just our turn to take our lumps.)

puck_it

03-13-2009, 12:45 PM

you know, i rather have all these games when we're all playing better and are fairly healthy. instead of this 17 games for 20% in 31 days in like.... november, or december.

plus, the whole 20% in 31 days.... why do we think this is unique to us? did anyone who's complaining look at the schedule for ALL 29 other teams in the league? for some reason, i doubt that.

we always play better when there's little rest. and always suck when we have 3 days of it. See: florida game after a 3 day rest. We'll play well against washington, and we'll suck against NJ. i'd put money on that.

fun fact: march 1, 2006 thru April 1, 2006 we played 17 games. we are so ****ed

Mona2006

03-13-2009, 01:00 PM

I didn't watch the pregame interview, but I thought from SoCal's comments that it was Tripp that said "eek it out", rather than Mo?

I am ignoring him as well.. from here on out. *thinks to self.. when did Johnny F start doing broadcasts alone?* :lol:

The main memory I have about Tripp was in '06. We were on the elevator with him and had just lost Game 2 to Montreal. We all felt like throwing up when thinking of the possibility of losing 2 more there and being done after such a spectacular year. I expressed to him that he really needed to bring them through up there.. he looked at me and matter of factly said "there is plenty of hockey left to be played". To which I said, "ok, we believe you". I am so glad he was right. :D

caveman

03-13-2009, 02:58 PM

guess how many games philly has to play in the last month of the season? ;]

livinthedream

03-13-2009, 08:53 PM

Per Chip (http://blogs.newsobserver.com/canes/lineup-changes-likely-for-canes), TNOC says Joni should be back in the lineup tomorrow, he's considering some changes at 4th line wing, and Cam will continue to carry us on his broad shoulders.

andyt

03-13-2009, 09:19 PM

guess how many games philly has to play in the last month of the season? ;]

I told you that on post #5 of this thread. :D

toastmasterbone

03-14-2009, 01:10 PM

Fedorov questionable for tonight. Brashear out.

Sergei Fedorov's status remains unclear, but Coach Boudreau said Donald Brashear (sprained knee) is definitely not playing tonight. He did not skate this morning and was walking slowly with a bit of a limp when I saw him.

Meantime, if Fedorov can't go, that leaves the Caps without their best faceoff man for a second straight game. You might have noticed the Flyers dominated the dot Thursday, winning 67 percent of the faceoffs.

The Caps enter tonight's game with a commanding 12-point lead on the 'Canes. But it's still big, Boudreau said:

"We've played two pretty good games, but they spanked us pretty good," he said. "When they're in the playoffs, there's a good matchup between us and them. We want to play as good as we can to see how we match up against them."

The Caps won the first two meetings between the division rivals, but the 'Canes captured the last two, winning 3-1 on Dec. 7 and 5-2 on March 3. The season series wraps up next Saturday at RBC Center. From The WashingtonPost (http://voices.washingtonpost.com/capitalsinsider/2009/03/brashear_out_and_other_notes.html?wprss=capitalsin sider)

nccanes

03-14-2009, 01:16 PM

Heh Toast, I was just coming in to post that blog entry.

Toast's link takes you to where it shows that Aucoin might get a call up today and his career year in Hershey.

Yeah, I'd say we're so f*cked.

Canesluver

03-14-2009, 01:40 PM

I would, too... but, I'm too lady-like.

:laugh:

parkwoodcaniac

03-14-2009, 01:59 PM

It is times like this that I really wish I drank or smoked.

I don't know what to say! I thought everybody drank and smoked!

toastmasterbone

03-14-2009, 02:59 PM

Heh Toast, I was just coming in to post that blog entry.

You know what they say... Great minds...

(...are probably looking for a job. Not that I am or you are, but I'm sure that great minds are. ;))

Yeah, I didn't want the Aucoin thing to freak anyone out. Before taking that handful of sleeping pills, please be reminded that while his name isn't on the Cup, the cagey JR knew that one day Aucoin would play for another team and would be leading the AHL in goals and would be called up to face us -- as such, JR was smart to give Aucoin a please-don't-kick-our-asses S-Cup ring. I think ol' Keith will wilt under the weight of fond memories and adoration for the Canes.

(Semin and AO could give a sh!t, however, and will slaughter us.)

03-14-2009, 04:21 PM

I'm so sick of excuses. I read them on the State board and I come here and read more.

We *always* get screwed by the schedule. Whether it's the number back-to-backs, the timing of west coast road trips, how we always get a bunch of games in a row against teams that are on good streaks instead of when they were cold, etc. Our guys should be used to it by now.

It's crunch time and lots of teams are dealing with tired players, etc. The guys will get the day off today, fly in their nice plane to DC and go take on the Caps tomorrow night. They're big boys, in shape, and I think they can handle it -- I don't feel sorry for them.

Thank you!

When you're making excuses, you're commenting on poor play that may not have even occurred yet. My favorite line (and Laviolette was really good at this one) is, "No one in here is making any excuses, but [INSERT EXCUSE]." A variation of that is "[INSERT EXCUSE]...But that's no excuse." You don't head into a road trip or a stretch of games thinking, "Oh, if we can just win one of these games, or if we can get 3 of 6 points." You look at each game individually, prepare for it as best you can, and expect to win.

We had an obvious let down going into this road trip, and I feel like we left 3 points on the table. However, what's done is done, and we REALLY need this game now. If we lose, we'll be in huge trouble, and we won't have heard anything yet in terms of excuses.

SoCalcaniac

03-14-2009, 04:47 PM

I won't get into pointing fingers at which coach made excuses,as I personally don't think Laviolette went down that road, but no matter-everyone knows my view on PL; but I'll assert that the King of excuses and since he's the all time winningest Coach for the Canes, I'll tag TNOC as the biggest excuse maker. It's as if he can't help himself. We can go back YEARS with every lame-assed excuse in the world. He served up several on a platter today in the paper, which is classic for him; and he did it a couple days ago too- it builds in the excuse mode, which has been a hallmark of the Mo Regime.

The brutal stretch, as Carolina Hurricanes coach Paul Maurice called it, is almost over.

The Canes' game Thursday in Dallas -- a 3-2 loss to the Stars -- was Carolina's fifth in seven days. Add in tonight's game in Washington against the Caps, and it's six in nine days.

"It's about as tough as you can get in the NHL," Maurice said.

No matter, this game is played by the players. They know what's at stake, if they don't know by March 14th, then they'll never know.

So just win the freakin' game.

On Aucion- did he not get called up earlier this season and play against the Canes?

toastmasterbone

03-14-2009, 05:17 PM

Yes, he did. On 7 Dec, Leighton in net, Canes win 3-1 in Raleigh. Maurice's first win with the Canes... well, since the last time he won with the Canes.

Aucoin had 4 shots, 0g 0a, 12.5 minutes of ice time, lost 66% of his faceoffs, defaulted on a bank loan, wore white shoes after labor day, and did not get a callback following his audition for the part of Emile de Becque in South Pacific.

SouthernHockeyChick

03-14-2009, 05:20 PM

I don't think either coach is making excuses. I think they're talking to the press having to go over the same sh*t 82 times a season. I guess I don't see that as an easy job to do without saying something that sounds off.

And if it's making excuses to remember that playing a very physical professional sport every other day with travel in between for long stretches of time isn't too damn easy, then call me guilty because I do. Like I've said before, I guess I'm one of the few who don't think their job is a walk in the park and I fail to see what the problem with keeping that in mind is. I'm not 100% at the top of my game every single day at work, either, and people's lives actually depend on me.

I think pointing out that the schedule is brutal is simply stating a fact. A fact that does effect how well they are humanly able to perform. And I also think that stating that is probably an attempt on the coach's part to get everyone off the player's backs at this time.

But then, I think I've said I don't expect them to make the postseason and I lowered expectations overall a while back when I realized we do not have the pieces we need to be as good as the fans expect so, maybe all this is a lot easier for me.

Alicia

03-14-2009, 05:38 PM

:yeah:

Alicia

03-14-2009, 06:24 PM

Woo Colesy!!!

kermelbar

03-14-2009, 07:11 PM

Whoo, Whitney!

I love when Forslund gets all excited about the play. LOL

SouthernHockeyChick

03-14-2009, 07:12 PM

STAAL!!! Way to reward Cam for that unbelievable save!!

kermelbar

03-14-2009, 07:19 PM

^^ Crap! I meant Staal. I just woke up from a nap and I think they must have said Whit right before I posted and in my fuzzy-brained state, I typed one name when I meant the other.

Or I'm an idiot. Your call. :D

SouthernHockeyChick

03-14-2009, 07:21 PM

You should have just edited it.....I wouldn't have told anyone. :D

SouthernHockeyChick

03-14-2009, 07:26 PM

OK, can we cover the guy standing untouched at the back-door even once?!? Ugh.

Mona2006

03-14-2009, 07:32 PM

I wish I could grow a d*** for 5 seconds so those c*********s wearing stripes could suck it. :mad:

Alicia

03-14-2009, 07:36 PM

C'mon Canes...get your sh*t together & score some more goals!!!

SouthernHockeyChick

03-14-2009, 07:41 PM

^ Could you start doing that earlier in the game?!? :lol:

SouthernHockeyChick

03-14-2009, 07:42 PM

I wish I could grow a d*** for 5 seconds so those c*********s wearing stripes could suck it. :mad:

I don't know about yours but, we've been complaining about Tripp sucking Ovechkin's all night. :lol:

Solracer

03-14-2009, 07:42 PM

I wish I could grow a d*** for 5 seconds so those c*********s wearing stripes could suck it. :mad:

Hey Mona, your a little to wishy-washy on how you feel about the refs... can you clear that up some for me????? :D

Alicia

03-14-2009, 07:43 PM

^ Could you start doing that earlier in the game?!? :lol:
I'm afraid it's losing its effectiveness! :lol:

hyena

03-14-2009, 07:47 PM

I wish I could grow a d*** for 5 seconds so those c*********s wearing stripes could suck it. :mad:

:laugh:

IceSun

03-14-2009, 07:48 PM

I don't know about yours but, we've been complaining about Tripp sucking Ovechkin's all night.
I've watched the game on mute which has really made Tripp seem insightful.

Well, I don't know what to make out of this game. We're all over the place, but we keep fighting back and Cole is working some magic (first goal & assist to Wizard - both wow!)

LaRose and Rutuu could have buried a couple as well.

So, I'm somewhere between - here we go again, 4 wins/3 losses - and holy cr*p they may get point(s) out of this yet.

Being as my namesakes blew a 15 pt halftime lead and the Pac-10 Championship (would have been first ever) with it, I'm hoping the Canes pull one out of the hat and give me some joy on this sports evening.

On to the 3rd...

Caniac4life

03-14-2009, 07:51 PM

Got to find a way to slow down their top line if we have any chance in the 3rd. This game doesn't seem to have any neutral zone defense by either team. And not much penalty kill defense either on our part unless you call hanging out at the blue line waiting for a turnover "defense".

SouthernHockeyChick

03-14-2009, 07:56 PM

Atlanta and Tampa are as useless as tits on a bull, BTW.

Not that it matters, us being f*cked and all.

caveman

03-14-2009, 07:58 PM

meh

all the "what ifs" I can come up with for the other games around us tonight don't mean a damn if we can't win this game. only way I see it happening is to stay out of the box, hope for ward to get lucky a few times, and get a few more power play goals.

our team - especially the d other than corvo - look tired to me. I don't think for once that the DC ice is truly awful so it is more molasses legs than molasses surface.

gotta find a way. this is still a winnable game.

SouthernHockeyChick

03-14-2009, 08:13 PM

WALLIN!!!!! :laugh: Awesome!

Caniac4life

03-14-2009, 08:16 PM

I thought we were the only team that gave up an opposing player's 2nd goal of the year. :lol:

Alicia

03-14-2009, 08:30 PM

So freakin' glad there wasn't really a chance to pull Cam...

SouthernHockeyChick

03-14-2009, 08:31 PM

HUGE point.

Now, they are going to eat us alive in the OT.

SouthernHockeyChick

03-14-2009, 08:41 PM

Now, they are going to eat us alive in the SO.

Canesluver

03-14-2009, 08:48 PM

I'm glad this road trip is over.

IceSun

03-14-2009, 08:50 PM

Thanks for the point secret weapon.

Another winnable game that we lost. Solace that we got the point maybe we didn't deserve, but with a chance to gain big points, we have now lost 3 games in a row that we scored first.

We are really f*cked

Mona2006

03-14-2009, 08:50 PM

I don't know about yours but, we've been complaining about Tripp sucking Ovechkin's all night. :lol:

Don't he though? Makes me wanna puke. I knew when we went to a SO, what would happen. And I knew that snaggle tooth mofo would be the one to seal the deal. I hate them every bit as much as the Slugs. I am seething right now. :mad:

I am glad they got their shi* together and at least got one point but that doesn't make me feel very happy right now. :mad:

Go Tampa Bay and ATL.

and Solracer we can chat about the refs at some point. :lol:

I swear when they jump on that glass I so want it to collapse on them.. not a serious injury but I want it to scare the shi* out of them. :mad:

SouthernHockeyChick

03-14-2009, 08:57 PM

I believe Atlanta and Tampa have both won in SO.

NHL.com is effed up again. *roll*

Alicia

03-14-2009, 08:57 PM

Now, they are going to eat us alive in the SO.
You eventually got it right! ;)

hyena

03-14-2009, 09:01 PM

thank goodness for Nicky.

what was with Tripp and all this "they're going to score three goals at least...they're going to score four goals, etc" BS? I mean, he was right but still, WTH is he trying to do?? :mad:

i'm with mona, i'm starting to hate these guys almost as much as the slugs.

SoCalcaniac

03-14-2009, 09:04 PM

Argghhh. I like how we battle back in this game, I really can't take watching these up and down games, good grief there was a 4 on 1 by WSH before the #12 goal- It's too freaking nerve racking.

The one time My Finnish Ditz takes his stars-lined up and everything aligns shot, Jose channels Patrick Roy. :crazy: That was about as well placed as it could get.

We had some great chances in OT, especially a couple by #12- and wow that keep in by Corvo was something to behold- that guy is just amazingly athletic. I wish I had faith in the shootouts, but it's always a daggone crapshoot, so WTF-ever.

FLA and BUF choked leads like PIT and got the extra points but I have no comfort in any of that crap.

Tripp fawning over Ovie has been his thing for wayyy too long, but if I hear him go into excuse mode one more damn time, I'm going to find him and hurt him.

We have 11 games left. There's really just not much to say.

SouthernHockeyChick

03-14-2009, 09:04 PM

I DEFINITELY hate the Caps players themselves as much as (actually, more than) I hate the Sabres. And considering that is the one away building I've been to where I was not treated perfectly lovely, I can probably roll out some fan hate, too. :lol:

Mona2006

03-14-2009, 09:05 PM

I think Tripp brought out the old pads from his goalie days..and had them "customed".. He has an "A" on one knee and "O" on the other.. :lol:

I am pissed..

Theo couldn't stop his granny half the time.. perfect time for him to become Mr. NHL huh? grrr

SoCalcaniac

03-14-2009, 09:07 PM

:lol: Mona you kill me. I thought your hate on for BUF was large, I know differently now. ;)

Mona2006

03-14-2009, 09:08 PM

:lol: Mona you kill me. I thought your hate on for BUF was large, I know differently now. ;)

Girl Buffalo has the most hate (more than the Tar Holes and I never thought I would say that about another sports team of ANY kind) but right now I hate the Caps just as much. That horn chant makes me go ballistic. :mad:

SouthernHockeyChick

03-14-2009, 09:09 PM

And the siren when they score. Hello...your fans live in DC. They hear that sound all the damn time, do they need it at the hockey game as well? :lol:

;)

SoCalcaniac

03-14-2009, 09:14 PM

:lol: SHC, I remember the last time we attended a Canes/Caps game in DC, hub said the EXACT same thing and something about DC once being the murder capital of the world. Of course, that was nearly 2 seasons ago, and we've not been back.

caveman

03-14-2009, 09:48 PM

11 games to go, needing 15 points to get to 94 points (though that doesn't guarantee anything, not a bad target).

8 home games (Devils, Islanders twice, Caps, and that last week, waiting for us, home games with the Rangers, Pittsburgh, and Bufaflo), 3 road games (@Florida, @Devils twice). If we go 6-2-0 at home and 1-2-0 on the road we'd still come up 1 point short.

This thing... this is going to eat my guts out.

03-14-2009, 10:03 PM

It is so unbelievably painful to be trapped in mediocrity. You just keep getting your hopes up only to have them dashed again.

Just like I said after the CHI game, with Cam being a horrible shootout goalie, we have to go all out in OT. However, our 4-on-3 PP was a joke. Instead of making quick passes & getting a lot of motion, we stood still & held the puck. And when the puck gets cleared back w/ 22 PP seconds left, instead of passing it up ice, Cam casually leaves the puck behind the net to set up what I refer to as the "Sami Kapanen play" where we essentially run out the PP clock w/o getting another chance. No urgency whatsoever. You had to know when we blew that PP that we had blown the game.

Food for thought...No more than Michael Leighton plays, why not sign a massive sumo wrestler to come in at goalie for the shootouts? With pads on, he could probably block 98% of the net, & rebounds wouldn't matter. Think about it. I GUARANTEE it would be better than Cam.

SoCalcaniac

03-14-2009, 10:12 PM

I must have watched a different 4 on 3 PP on OT. There was far more urgency in that PP than I've seen in awhile- Jose stopped Pitkanen point blank, had two huge saves on Staal twice. Corvo kept that puck in to keep the pressure on. The Caps were desperate to get the puck out, the Canes had them - Theodore was able to play out of his mind and make key saves. It happens. For as much as I've hated our PP and how much it has sucked, that OT pp was not static, imo, of course I would have liked to have them score, but it is what it is.

Of course this always happens when we lose. The finger pointing and accusations of crap play. There isn't much else to say or do. 11 Games, we could all be put out of our misery.

SouthernHockeyChick

03-14-2009, 10:12 PM

^I agree, the PP in OT was pretty good.

Had we scored one single goal on the shootout I might give a **** how our goalie played it.

caveman

03-14-2009, 11:01 PM

my take on the OT PP was that it had only frontal attack. sure a pass across for the one timer but Jose had time to slide in front of the shooter. Look at the caps PP goals - backdoor. Of course if we try that one extra pass we'd all ***** that they were not just shooting, but both on staal's big slapper on the rush and his big one timer from the circle, a pass instead to the far post would have been an open net.

anyway our shootout 2 attempts were quite bad. ruutu got smothered and jokinen got pokechecked with ease. which is too bad because cam did make a good blocker save on kozlov - what do you want to do against semin and Ovie?

caps though are going nowhere with their goaltending.

nccanes

03-15-2009, 06:30 AM

^I agree, the PP in OT was pretty good.

Had we scored one single goal on the shootout I might give a **** how our goalie played it.

Sitting @ rdu waiting on an early flight. Let's see if I can post from my BB.

So yeah its all a matter of viewpoint I guess. They take 2 games to shootout and lose the 3rd by 1 goal. Lost points hurt but they come home w/o having been blown out and know they are still playing well even from behind.

They didn't choke away a 2 goal lead like FL or BUF and they've only lost 3 games in regulation in the last 15 games? (Not sure on that but I think its close.)

Canesluver

03-15-2009, 07:07 AM

Sitting @ rdu waiting on an early flight. Let's see if I can post from my BB.

So yeah its all a matter of viewpoint I guess. They take 2 games to shootout and lose the 3rd by 1 goal. Lost points hurt but they come home w/o having been blown out and know they are still playing well even from behind.

They didn't choke away a 2 goal lead like FL or BUF and they've only lost 3 games in regulation in the last 15 games? (Not sure on that but I think its close.)

That's pretty much my feeling, too.

And, btw... your post from your BB looks lovely. :) Safe travels!

livinthedream

03-15-2009, 08:04 AM

I'm very envious that E can post from her Blackberry. Dreary day for travel. Be safe!

I take it no one made it out to the airport to welcome the team home.

At the risk of dead-horse beating, I fail to see the leap in logic being made between comments and excuses. I see a lot of excuses being bandied about by posters and bloggers but not by our coaches, staff (including our media team), or players. Just my personal opinion.

Three power play goals. Sheesh. That stung.

I was rather disappointed in both our attempts in the shoot-out. I've seen much, much better from both shooters.

Otherwise, I thought it was a very gutsy performance to erase a two-goal deficit and come back to get a point out of that game.

And overall, regardless of the points, I'm awfully proud of the way we've been playing.

livinthedream

03-15-2009, 08:09 AM

Oh, one other thing. I was watching the game at a party but wasn't able to hear the broadcast. Is Patty Eaves okay? I saw where he left in the 2nd and didn't return.

Hellas1982

03-15-2009, 08:41 AM

well look at this way guys there are no shootouts in the playoffs!!!

SouthernHockeyChick

03-15-2009, 09:01 AM

Too bad there will also be no Canes there.....

Just sayin.

Hellas1982

03-15-2009, 09:22 AM

have some faith!!

Caniac

03-15-2009, 09:52 AM

It's our little reverse psychology thing. The more we say they stink, the better they play.

So in that vein: We're f*cked.

livinthedream

03-15-2009, 10:00 AM

I thought the proper phrase is "We are SO f*cked".

Could just be semantics though...

To-may-to, to-mah-to

IceSun

03-15-2009, 10:19 AM

I'm pretty sure the "so" is required :D

Greensboro Hurricanes

03-15-2009, 01:52 PM

Two-parter today since the complete file is too big.

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SoCalcaniac

03-15-2009, 04:37 PM

anyway our shootout 2 attempts were quite bad. ruutu got smothered and jokinen got pokechecked with ease. which is too bad because cam did make a good blocker save on kozlov - what do you want to do against semin and Ovie?

Uh, stop them? #8 is horrid in the shootout - like 20%. I've seen less talented goalies than Cam, stop him. Boudreau doesn't even go to him until deeper in rounds in the SO, so clearly last night he has a hunch. On Semin, Cam has stopped him on some glorious chances in the past, so the whole argument that he should just throw in the towel cause Semin and Ovie are comin' is hard for me to accept. But that's just me. They're great players- for sure. No doubt, but I think it's a mental something or other. In no way am I blaming Cam, I guess I'm just glad we didn't get to Cullen cause he might have done his switch up away from his patented move, and that would have sent me to the looney bin in frustration.

On the whole shootout thing, after the CHI game, I had a conversation with a couple of friends of ours, who couldn't figure out why Cullen "changed up" and was just beside himself about it- lol. I think I figured it out- and it's just a theory, I think Cullen should be in the one spot. First- shooter, like he used to be before we added additonal peeps to the fold. He would come in, do his thing and it was nearly money each time. Maybe I'm just projecting- so never mind. :lol:

SouthernHockeyChick

03-15-2009, 05:17 PM

so the whole argument that he should just throw in the towel cause Semin and Ovie are comin' is hard for me to accept..

I didn't see anyone make that argument, personally. And actually, I think it would be offensive to suggest Cam EVER throws in the towel.

But those are two of the greatest shooters in the league so, I don't think it's doing anything but stating the obvious to expect that our 25 year old goalie who has struggled in the shootout might have a problem with those two.

No goalie will stop them all. And I'd expect those might be two on the list that anyone might not stop. I remember before the shootout when people used to consider a penalty shot a definite goal....but our goalies are suddenly supposed to stop them all now?

Cam made a decision on Ovechkin before Ovechkin did, and that was a mistake. I can understand why he might make that mistake. Maybe that's just me excuse making again.....or, just not expecting them to be superheros again.

Just cause it got me curious, Ovechkin is 33.3% in the SO, good for second on his team (behind Semin, surprise, surprise). For perspective, that's the same percentage as Patrick Kane, Martin St Louis, Steve Stamkos, Sergei Samsonov, Teemu Selanne, and better than Sidney Crosby.

Oh, and Matt Cullen is 0%. Maybe that's why he has changed up from his "move"?

And honestly, some folks are, but I'm really not doing a reverse psychology thing.

We have played more games than any team in the league and are BARELY above that playoff line.

We dropped in the standings while sitting at home watching today, and probably will continue to do that over the next two days.

We've got 11 games left.....it is entirely possible for us to win every single game and still not make the playoffs.

I guess I have had my heart ripped out enough the past 2 seasons that I'm not willing to still believe at this point. I've accepted that we're missing and I'm going to enjoy the next 11 games until the only hockey I'll get to see for 5.5 months is on TV.

If you enjoy your hockey by keeping up with the masochism that is "having faith" feel free. But man, I can't take another year of it. I've accepted what we are and I'm fine with it. If miracles happen, all the better. But I sure won't expect one.

nccanes

03-15-2009, 05:39 PM

I'm with you SHC. I expect this to come down to the wire and I just don't know how long (again) this team can keep this up.

The only difference I see between this year and last is that there is more than 1 slot up for grabs. Last year it was the Div title or bust basically, this season there are 4 slots up for grabs. Even if 1 or 2 teams end up so hot that they lock up those 5-6 slots, you've still got 2 slots people are vying for and not everyone can win every night since they're playing each other.

I don't think we get evened up with everyone with games in hand until the first week of April, so I expect it to be a white knuckle ride down to the wire again.

For me? I'll be in FL from 4/5-4/12 and not even able to watch on TV, lol. I'm hoping that takes a bit of the stress off!.

SoCalcaniac

03-15-2009, 06:22 PM

My preferrence is we won't have to wait to get down to "the wire"- maybe the team can put their fans out of their misery/joy/dislike/frustration or whatever people feel about this season to rest by oh, the end of the week? conceiveably, we can lose all our games this week, and that'll take care of any potential stress that may come from having to wait til April to get our teeth kicked in. They already have my money for next season so that's all that's left.

Personally, I'd prefer that the picture be crystal clear before April comes so I can make my spring plans by 4/1, but that's just me.

11 games can't come fast enough for sure.

livinthedream

03-15-2009, 06:29 PM

I feel just the opposite. I have no idea how many games we have left, but I intend to savor each one like a juicy steak dinner and a fine bottle of wine.

SouthernHockeyChick

03-15-2009, 06:33 PM

I feel just the opposite. I have no idea how many games we have left, but I intend to savor each one like a juicy steak dinner and a fine bottle of wine.

Me too. That's why I've accepted the miss this year.....so I can enjoy what I put my money and heart into. Otherwise, there's no point in any of it to me.

c-girl

03-15-2009, 06:51 PM

We dropped in the standings while sitting at home watching today, and probably will continue to do that over the next two days.
As I read the schedules and the standings, I believe there are no games being played tomorrow night that can affect our place in the standings and only one game being played on Tuesday that could - the Washington/Florida game. Hopefully, Ovie and Semin will do their thing (although nobody seems to be a bit inclined to win when we need them to). On Wednesday, we're back into it. I'm not quite ready to give up on it yet.

03-15-2009, 08:21 PM

See, that's just my problem. I haven't given up yet, mainly because I think it is absolutely imperative that our team make the playoffs this season. The surface optimism is veiling underlying pessimism. If we barely miss the playoffs again, it might be quite a while before we get back. Because of the contracts already signed, we'll probably have a worse team (similar personnel) on the ice next year for the same or higher payroll with lower ticket sales & attendance. We can't rebuild until we get some of the current contracts off the books. I just hope this franchise is still breathing by that time.

KaniacFever

03-16-2009, 08:45 AM

Cam made a decision on Ovechkin before Ovechkin did, and that was a mistake. I can understand why he might make that mistake. Maybe that's just me excuse making again.....or, just not expecting them to be superheros again.

I'm late to the party as I was out of town, but I agree with this. Ovechkin normally goes glove side high. To me it looked Cam was already preparing for that glove side high shot, Ovechkin saw the wide open 5 hole and changed it. That's what a superstar player of Ovechkin's caliber will do. He can change things on a dime. Cam's big mistake was already committing to what he thought Ovechkin was going to do.

For me? I'll be in FL from 4/5-4/12 and not even able to watch on TV, lol. I'm hoping that takes a bit of the stress off!.

When I was in Florida for the week we went 2-1-0 (West coast string). Here's hoping you can have the same mojo.