Ugh. Uuuuuuuuuuuuuugh, not even going to try. As I worked late I was spared most of the awfulness that was the game last night, but that makes it no less painful. I was treated to a sparkling Braden Holtby save during the Pens' seemingly endless run of power plays in the second period. And then they ended up scoring their fifth unanswered goal. Stop me if you've heard that before...oh that's right you have. Because it happened the last time these two teams played not even a week ago.
Anyway, it was at that very moment that I turned the radio off for good that night.
I'm done trying to figure out what's wrong with this team. Glutton for punishment that I am, I read Katie Carrera's column about the game in the Post. Seems that the Captain, among others, believes that most of them lacked emotion. Really? Is that why the Penguins were so easily able to walk all over you? And don't even pretend we're supposed to get excited over yet another Ovechkin power play goal. Talk to me when you've figured out how to score five-on-five.
So now we have yet another issue at hand--lack of emotion. As in the players just aren't into what they're doing. This on top of allllllllllllllllllll the problems they already have. Great. Can we say "blow up the team"? Because it may just be time for that. A miracle turnaround isn't out of the question for this season. However if this bunch isn't motivated for a game against what used to be a fierce rival, or any game for that matter given how compacted things are, then all hope is lost. They may as well just finish out the season as passengers and await what happens on draft lottery day.
They've now imploded for two different coaches in the space of a year and a half. It's time to start all over again. I do understand what that means and the feasibility of certain moves (ridding themselves of a certain two very fat and ridiculously long contracts) might not be there right away. But it still has to be done. The Caps are going nowhere with this group and a wake-up call isn't forthcoming. Which leaves only one solution.
Put everyone on the roster on notice. No one is safe. You want a job? You've got to earn it, and your contract will be nowhere near what it was with the new CBA in place. Because guess what? That's how it is in the real world, a fact made painfully obvious to thousands of ordinary people every day. Only their buyouts don't run into eight figures or more..
I'm done investing my emotion in this sorry bunch. I will continue as a disconnected observer for now until they show me something. Honestly. I liked them better when they were losing by one goal because of a stupid mistake. At least for part of the game they cared. Now it's painfully obvious that they don't. It doesn't matter that they called themselves on it, the old saying still applies.
You reap what you sow. And this team is pulling up a bitter crop.
Friday, February 8, 2013
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
ReCap 2/5 vs. Toronto: Caps Lose Again, Man Bites Dog
Anyone one else getting tired of this? I know I am. I know many other of my fellow fans are. But apparently the 20 men that have the ability if not the will to turn things around aren't.
And though things look pretty bleak right now there's still some hope. And that hope lies in the reality that this season is still not yet out of reach. But with each passing game, and the Caps' corresponding increase in ineptitude, that reality becomes harsher as the losses pile up.
But here's an even more sobering dose of reality--the Caps seem to be stuck on a treadmill of losing due to stupid mental mistakes. The kind that make you want to jab an electric cattle prod in your eye. And as we all know, it only takes one such mistake to kill a game. Not only that, but they have a mountain of issues within themselves to overcome. To wit:
1. Everybody is still on the steepest of learning curves--not only is the team learning a new system, but the coach is learning how to be a head coach for the first time. And to date, this is Calle Johansson's first gig as an assistant coach as well. It's like a stage actor being thrown into a play with very limited rehearsal time--and the director and the stage manager just got the script a week ago. Obviously everybody is still uncomfortable and this is going to take a while. Hopefully Coach Oates will find some line combinations that work well as he continues to figure things out. In the meantime, there's probably going to to be many more games like last night. Hopefully after that we will see their real potential.
2. Both goalies stink and it's not their equipment--Neuvirth and Holtby have both had outings where they've given up goals they wished they could have back. Neuvy's miscue with Tom Poti should not be happening, new system or not. And Holtby has not looked comfortable in the crease at all this season. As competitive as this season will be, you need a goalie who can steal you at least a point if not a win. These two aren't even close to doing that. One good way to shake up a team having problems is to make a trade. If there's a deal to be done, (and the whispers are starting to get louder about it) it's here.
3. Five alive--While the power play seems to be back on track, their even strength play has left a lot to be desired. It just seems like there's a fundamental lack of energy at both ends and backchecking strength is almost non existent. Was it any wonder that the only two goals they scored last night were on the power play? Is it also any wonder that the grinders on the third and fourth lines seem to be shining while the top two are floundering? Whether it's that they haven't bought in or they're still confused about what to do, the top players need to be the top players--at both ends. Which leads to....
4. Big money needs to play like it--The Caps two highest paid players, Nicklas Backstrom and Alex Ovechkin have been at best, painfully ordinary. At worst they have been simply awful. Oates' system demands efficiency of movement and these two look terribly out of sync with their teammates whenever they're on the ice. Again, no matter the reason, these two simply aren't doing the job they need to. Whether it's Backstrom's health or Ovechkin's heart it really doesn't matter anymore. Separate or apart, they both need to find a way to be the dominant force they once were. And they can do their part by preventing goals as well as scoring them.
5. Young gun needs to act like it--Mike Green needs to unload that wonderful shot we all know he has. The fact that he's logging a buttload of ice time means he back at 100% which is great news. But it won't amount to much if he doesn't make use of his greatest asset. While we're on the subject of young defensemen, John Carlson slowly seems to be shaking the funk that has caused his (so far) horrible play this season. Which is a good sign as he will be a key cog in the Caps' plans for this season and beyond, as will Karl Alzner.
6. Discipline, discipline--The Caps have treated the penalty box like a hotel room this season, and even when they kill off the penalties it still costs them in the long run. This is another problem that has nothing to do with learning a system. It has everything to do with being a better hockey player. There's no excuse for not knowing when to hit the ice for a shift because you can't be bothered to figure out there's already five of your teammates out there. That's what happened last night. The end result was another two minutes wasted in killing a penalty that should not have been. As has always been the case, smart penalties are ok, dumb penalties not so much. Unfortunately the Caps have been committing more of the latter.
7. Finally, they need to finish--meaning not just score goals, but actually put away teams when they're vulnerable and on their heels. The Ottawa game was a classic example. So was the first game against Toronto. Even last night they had a chance to plunge the dagger into the enemy's throat--despite being down by two, they came out swinging in the third against a shaky goalie and couldn't finish the job. It's not like this hasn't been said before of this team, but they need to develop a killer instinct. And again, due to the shortened season, it is more important than ever because the more points collected in regulation, the further you distance yourself from the rest of the field. Unfortunately, it works both ways as the Caps are now learning.
So a quicker summation for last night's game--better five-on-five play, cut down on the mental mistakes, and more shooting and the end result would have been better, right?
Looks like I should just copy paste that last question as it will probably be how most games end this season. And the Caps seem to be learning from their mistakes as quickly as Jeff Schultz can skate. Yuck.
You the reader may have problems with this list and you're entitled to disagree. In fact I encourage it. I'm certainly not going to claim these are all of the problems. But it is what I'm seeing when they play. And since everybody from The Hockey News, to Puck Daddy, to Hockey Night in Canada seems to be weighing in on the Caps woes, I figured I would as well. But unlike them, I refuse to simplify the problems with this team as simply two things--blame Ovechkin, blame the system. To be sure those two aspects are the heart of the problem, but every team loses and wins together. As a team.
I end with a critique of one of the Caps' beat writers, Katie Carerra. To quote her article in today's Washington Post regarding last night's game the Capitals "could not solve" Toronto goalie Ben Scrivens. Seriously? Could not solve? With all due respect, Ms. Carrera were you even watching the game last night? Scrivens was practically giving the Caps glorious rebound opportunities like it was Valentine's Day at an elementary school. Could not solve? Ben Scrivens was most certainly not a Rubik's Cube, last night he was more like a coloring book.
Only the Caps could not stay within the lines.
And though things look pretty bleak right now there's still some hope. And that hope lies in the reality that this season is still not yet out of reach. But with each passing game, and the Caps' corresponding increase in ineptitude, that reality becomes harsher as the losses pile up.
But here's an even more sobering dose of reality--the Caps seem to be stuck on a treadmill of losing due to stupid mental mistakes. The kind that make you want to jab an electric cattle prod in your eye. And as we all know, it only takes one such mistake to kill a game. Not only that, but they have a mountain of issues within themselves to overcome. To wit:
1. Everybody is still on the steepest of learning curves--not only is the team learning a new system, but the coach is learning how to be a head coach for the first time. And to date, this is Calle Johansson's first gig as an assistant coach as well. It's like a stage actor being thrown into a play with very limited rehearsal time--and the director and the stage manager just got the script a week ago. Obviously everybody is still uncomfortable and this is going to take a while. Hopefully Coach Oates will find some line combinations that work well as he continues to figure things out. In the meantime, there's probably going to to be many more games like last night. Hopefully after that we will see their real potential.
2. Both goalies stink and it's not their equipment--Neuvirth and Holtby have both had outings where they've given up goals they wished they could have back. Neuvy's miscue with Tom Poti should not be happening, new system or not. And Holtby has not looked comfortable in the crease at all this season. As competitive as this season will be, you need a goalie who can steal you at least a point if not a win. These two aren't even close to doing that. One good way to shake up a team having problems is to make a trade. If there's a deal to be done, (and the whispers are starting to get louder about it) it's here.
3. Five alive--While the power play seems to be back on track, their even strength play has left a lot to be desired. It just seems like there's a fundamental lack of energy at both ends and backchecking strength is almost non existent. Was it any wonder that the only two goals they scored last night were on the power play? Is it also any wonder that the grinders on the third and fourth lines seem to be shining while the top two are floundering? Whether it's that they haven't bought in or they're still confused about what to do, the top players need to be the top players--at both ends. Which leads to....
4. Big money needs to play like it--The Caps two highest paid players, Nicklas Backstrom and Alex Ovechkin have been at best, painfully ordinary. At worst they have been simply awful. Oates' system demands efficiency of movement and these two look terribly out of sync with their teammates whenever they're on the ice. Again, no matter the reason, these two simply aren't doing the job they need to. Whether it's Backstrom's health or Ovechkin's heart it really doesn't matter anymore. Separate or apart, they both need to find a way to be the dominant force they once were. And they can do their part by preventing goals as well as scoring them.
5. Young gun needs to act like it--Mike Green needs to unload that wonderful shot we all know he has. The fact that he's logging a buttload of ice time means he back at 100% which is great news. But it won't amount to much if he doesn't make use of his greatest asset. While we're on the subject of young defensemen, John Carlson slowly seems to be shaking the funk that has caused his (so far) horrible play this season. Which is a good sign as he will be a key cog in the Caps' plans for this season and beyond, as will Karl Alzner.
6. Discipline, discipline--The Caps have treated the penalty box like a hotel room this season, and even when they kill off the penalties it still costs them in the long run. This is another problem that has nothing to do with learning a system. It has everything to do with being a better hockey player. There's no excuse for not knowing when to hit the ice for a shift because you can't be bothered to figure out there's already five of your teammates out there. That's what happened last night. The end result was another two minutes wasted in killing a penalty that should not have been. As has always been the case, smart penalties are ok, dumb penalties not so much. Unfortunately the Caps have been committing more of the latter.
7. Finally, they need to finish--meaning not just score goals, but actually put away teams when they're vulnerable and on their heels. The Ottawa game was a classic example. So was the first game against Toronto. Even last night they had a chance to plunge the dagger into the enemy's throat--despite being down by two, they came out swinging in the third against a shaky goalie and couldn't finish the job. It's not like this hasn't been said before of this team, but they need to develop a killer instinct. And again, due to the shortened season, it is more important than ever because the more points collected in regulation, the further you distance yourself from the rest of the field. Unfortunately, it works both ways as the Caps are now learning.
So a quicker summation for last night's game--better five-on-five play, cut down on the mental mistakes, and more shooting and the end result would have been better, right?
Looks like I should just copy paste that last question as it will probably be how most games end this season. And the Caps seem to be learning from their mistakes as quickly as Jeff Schultz can skate. Yuck.
You the reader may have problems with this list and you're entitled to disagree. In fact I encourage it. I'm certainly not going to claim these are all of the problems. But it is what I'm seeing when they play. And since everybody from The Hockey News, to Puck Daddy, to Hockey Night in Canada seems to be weighing in on the Caps woes, I figured I would as well. But unlike them, I refuse to simplify the problems with this team as simply two things--blame Ovechkin, blame the system. To be sure those two aspects are the heart of the problem, but every team loses and wins together. As a team.
I end with a critique of one of the Caps' beat writers, Katie Carerra. To quote her article in today's Washington Post regarding last night's game the Capitals "could not solve" Toronto goalie Ben Scrivens. Seriously? Could not solve? With all due respect, Ms. Carrera were you even watching the game last night? Scrivens was practically giving the Caps glorious rebound opportunities like it was Valentine's Day at an elementary school. Could not solve? Ben Scrivens was most certainly not a Rubik's Cube, last night he was more like a coloring book.
Only the Caps could not stay within the lines.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
ReCap 2/3 vs Pittsburgh: Stupor Sunday
The Washington Capitals are inventing new ways to disappoint their fans. I don't think I need to say any more than that. Not after this last game.
On a brighter note, I am a Ravens fan, so I know THAT team will at least show up.
Will the Caps do likewise? Eventually they might. But it's already too late. As you will all find out in my new podcast, I had this figured even before it began. And I have some reasons why.
Oh I'll keep watching and commenting. What else are we to do? But you can't say I didn't tell you so.
On a brighter note, I am a Ravens fan, so I know THAT team will at least show up.
Will the Caps do likewise? Eventually they might. But it's already too late. As you will all find out in my new podcast, I had this figured even before it began. And I have some reasons why.
Oh I'll keep watching and commenting. What else are we to do? But you can't say I didn't tell you so.
Friday, February 1, 2013
ReCap 1/31 vs Toronto
Seems like the Caps are feeling generous lately. Once again they were winning in a game and then decided to give it away like a father does with his ugly daughter at her wedding.
I had a baaaaaaaaad feeling about this game going in. The Leafs were on something of a skid, having just lost Joffrey Lupul to a broken arm and Phil Kessel struggling to get going so far. And of course, they have the most reliable goaltending tandem in the league. So reliable in fact that they're reportedly the top contestant so far in the Roberto Luongo sweepstakes. So they seemed like easy pickings, eh? Yeah, sure...I knew otherwise. So I figured I'd stay away from watching because I just couldn't bear to witness yet another debacle.
As it happened, I was with Mrs. Blueliner in her new house and the cable hadn't been set up yet. Without my asking, she was periodically checking on the game through her mobile phone as we were enjoying the view of the unpacked boxes. Out of sheer morbid curiosity I asked her how it was going. To my surprise, the Caps were making a game of it. But I will never forget the look on her face as she shook her head each time she checked her phone.
The reason for this was because every time you turned around, there were Washington Capitals going to the penalty box like it had an open bar in it. Five minors in the first period and three more by the end of the second. I've said this before--this is not football...you cannot have eight men in the box!
By the way, the last two penalties are worth mentioning: Troy Brouwer for smothering (presumably the puck) and Jay Beagle for holding. Smothering and holding? What the hell were these two guys doing? Trying to go on dates during a hockey game?
Amazingly enough, they only gave up one power play goal during all that mess. It just happened to be during Jason Chimera's double minor. OK so six out of seven power plays killed, Alex Ovechkin scores on the power play, Mike Ribiero and Joel Ward continuing to contribute. Lots of good things happening so they should have come away with the win, right? Wrong. More checking the phone, more shaking of the head.
Here's my list of what I call the "Ain't Gonna Cut It" s:
Eight penalties called in total for seven power plays given to the opposition
Forty shots given up
41% faceoff percentage
And for the gazillionth time, leading after two periods and blowing it in the third
All of that "ain't gonna cut it."
Still plenty of time, still more than enough hockey to be played where they can make this all look like a happy accident. But they're starting to run out of time and, worse, they're starting to look like a team that will never learn from its mistakes. And they're in danger of making it look like they're having an accident--all over themselves.
The disdainful look on Mrs Blueliner's face during and after the game said it all. If only she hadn't broke my camera when I tried to take her picture.
I had a baaaaaaaaad feeling about this game going in. The Leafs were on something of a skid, having just lost Joffrey Lupul to a broken arm and Phil Kessel struggling to get going so far. And of course, they have the most reliable goaltending tandem in the league. So reliable in fact that they're reportedly the top contestant so far in the Roberto Luongo sweepstakes. So they seemed like easy pickings, eh? Yeah, sure...I knew otherwise. So I figured I'd stay away from watching because I just couldn't bear to witness yet another debacle.
As it happened, I was with Mrs. Blueliner in her new house and the cable hadn't been set up yet. Without my asking, she was periodically checking on the game through her mobile phone as we were enjoying the view of the unpacked boxes. Out of sheer morbid curiosity I asked her how it was going. To my surprise, the Caps were making a game of it. But I will never forget the look on her face as she shook her head each time she checked her phone.
The reason for this was because every time you turned around, there were Washington Capitals going to the penalty box like it had an open bar in it. Five minors in the first period and three more by the end of the second. I've said this before--this is not football...you cannot have eight men in the box!
By the way, the last two penalties are worth mentioning: Troy Brouwer for smothering (presumably the puck) and Jay Beagle for holding. Smothering and holding? What the hell were these two guys doing? Trying to go on dates during a hockey game?
Amazingly enough, they only gave up one power play goal during all that mess. It just happened to be during Jason Chimera's double minor. OK so six out of seven power plays killed, Alex Ovechkin scores on the power play, Mike Ribiero and Joel Ward continuing to contribute. Lots of good things happening so they should have come away with the win, right? Wrong. More checking the phone, more shaking of the head.
Here's my list of what I call the "Ain't Gonna Cut It" s:
Eight penalties called in total for seven power plays given to the opposition
Forty shots given up
41% faceoff percentage
And for the gazillionth time, leading after two periods and blowing it in the third
All of that "ain't gonna cut it."
Still plenty of time, still more than enough hockey to be played where they can make this all look like a happy accident. But they're starting to run out of time and, worse, they're starting to look like a team that will never learn from its mistakes. And they're in danger of making it look like they're having an accident--all over themselves.
The disdainful look on Mrs Blueliner's face during and after the game said it all. If only she hadn't broke my camera when I tried to take her picture.
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