Stralman fumbled the puck a lot early on but got better. MDZ was horrible, main culprit for second goal, by waiting for puck to come to him instead of going to get it, creating forecheck opportunity. Will cover all this in the blog.
- airjan23

The defense was tolerable but there were issues. Moore, Stralman and McDonagh were solid last night. Girardi was his minutes eating self as well but Del Zotto was off and Staal, while courageous and inspiring to see him play last night, understandably looked a little post out there.

Forwards have to do a better job at recognizing the Caps active defensemen roaming around offensively.

If the Caps continue to own the Nuetral zone and enter our zone with ease things won't be easier, they are playing with fire, last night could have easily gone the other way, the Caps won every battle and had carbon copy shifts for much of the game 5 on 5 plus don't expect them to take a high number of penalties again, Rangers have to keep throwing the body and pick up their heads before they pass

Do they offer the games for the playoffs...
- Blueshirts4ever

No need to pay NBC Live app shows all the games they are airing for free!!!!!


You are all welcome. Your friendly NBC Universal pal.

Yeah, I am not saying the Pens don't have weaknesses, and can't be beat. What I'm saying is that the Pens are clearly the best team, IMO, and the other seven teams in the playoffs are relatively equal -- i.e., not a big difference between the 2nd seed, and 8th seed.
- Pete V

Yes, without question, the Penguins have the most talented forward group in the east and perhaps the league.

But the Isles are exposing Pittsburgh's weaknesses and that is something, assuming Pittsburgh advances to the next round, another team with better goaltending can give Pittsburgh fits. Ottawa will not be an easy second round opponent, at all. Anderson can steal some games and Ottawa is a tough team to play against. Would be a good series.

If the Caps continue to own the Nuetral zone and enter our zone with ease things won't be easier, they are playing with fire, last night could have easily gone the other way, the Caps won every battle and had carbon copy shifts for much of the game 5 on 5 plus don't expect them to take a high number of penalties again, Rangers have to keep throwing the body and pick up their heads before they pass
- cranford93

Not in the 3rd period be fair...the Rangers really picked it up....

No need to pay NBC Live app shows all the games they are airing for free!!!!!


You are all welcome. Your friendly NBC Universal pal.
- DONMURDOCH14

I am hoping that Game 6 (yes there will be one is a prime time game, can't blow off the moms...I am saying this bc NBC isn't covering hockey on Mothers Day and I am not sure they will have afternoon hockey on NBCSN...although they may have to with a schedule of potential game 7's...

Truth right here



Tired of the franking sniping back and franking forth on this thread. It really didn't used to be like that even when this team really wasn't that good.
- gkmkiller

- DONMURDOCH14

Word, we are like a family of brothers. We beat the crap out of each other but after times like last night we bro hig each other. We also come to each other's aid when the trolls come calling...

"It's a POwerPLAY Goal"

Finally.

Cally...stay out of the fvcking penalty box. You doing your best Avery impersonation?

Word, we are like a family of brothers. We beat the crap out of each other but after times like last night we bro hig each other. We also come to each other's aid when the trolls come calling...
- Blueshirts4ever

Speaking of trolls, I loved seeing all those leafs fans miserable last night in their own building

Speaking of impersonations:

I am suprised Ovie still has his head on his shoulders...maybe needs a neck brace after his Crosby-like act on that vicious two-hander from Richards in the 3rd period.

Speaking of trolls, I loved seeing all those leafs fans miserable last night in their own building
- NYRangers1124

I guess they don't believe in keep the puck out of their net. They really act like they've never been to the playoffs before...

Anyone find it odd that the Caps (at least Ovechkin) admits to being tired and the Caps cancelled practice? I know its late in the year etc...but just seems strange, its as if they are saying we don't need to work on anything...

If the Caps continue to own the Nuetral zone and enter our zone with ease things won't be easier, they are playing with fire, last night could have easily gone the other way, the Caps won every battle and had carbon copy shifts for much of the game 5 on 5 plus don't expect them to take a high number of penalties again, Rangers have to keep throwing the body and pick up their heads before they pass
- cranford93

Because the power play really makes a big difference for us...

Anyone find it odd that the Caps (at least Ovechkin) admits to being tired and the Caps cancelled practice? I know its late in the year etc...but just seems strange, its as if they are saying we don't need to work on anything...
- Blueshirts4ever

Ovechkin being tired is a great thing. Keep in mind, they needed to run the table and almost did, just to get into the playoffs. Playing that many must win games can be taxing and hopefully most of the Caps are getting a little worn down.

Because the power play really makes a big difference for us...


- aecliptic

last night it did...

Word, we are like a family of brothers. We beat the crap out of each other but after times like last night we bro hig each other. We also come to each other's aid when the trolls come calling...
- Blueshirts4ever

I agree with this, and let's face it, disagreement is fun. I realize there is a fine line between the place just being completely miserable, and healthy disagreement, but we certaintly don't want to the place to become an echo chamber either. That would be boring. For instance, I like the fact that we have disagreements about the coach for instance, because I am not too stuborn to be convinced by good argument.

last night it did...
- Blueshirts4ever

Even a broken clock is right twice a day. They had to get one eventually, when they start doing it with regularity it will be significant.

Ovechkin being tired is a great thing. Keep in mind, they needed to run the table and almost did, just to get into the playoffs. Playing that many must win games can be taxing and hopefully most of the Caps are getting a little worn down.
- MidnightMarauder

They had all that time off after the season ended and they were in control of the puck 5 on 5 and his ice was cut. Maybe he was talking about the effort exrted on the PK for them. Just an odd admission from these guys....

Even a broken clock is right twice a day. They had to get one eventually, when they start doing it with regularity it will be significant.
- aecliptic

I get what youre saying, you want to see it again. If they continue to give Moore time on the PP with his willingness to shoot from everywhere why can't they continue to has success. I want me some more moore......dont even take him off the ice on the PP, use Richards down low on the half boards...if at all...

Word, we are like a family of brothers. We beat the crap out of each other but after times like last night we bro hig each other. We also come to each other's aid when the trolls come calling...
- Blueshirts4ever

Where is saver? I need my back caressed

Because the power play really makes a big difference for us...


- aecliptic

No it doesn't but it's minutes the Caps aren't in our zone

Last night showed what a sieve Holtby can be, get the puck to the net and he's to be had

I agree with this, and let's face it, disagreement is fun. I realize there is a fine line between the place just being completely miserable, and healthy disagreement, but we certaintly don't want to the place to become an echo chamber either. That would be boring. For instance, I like the fact that we have disagreements about the coach for instance, because I am not too stuborn to be convinced by good argument.
- Pete V

I love it. I have actually learned more about the game from being in here. My hockey IQ has increased and I owe it to you guys

They had all that time off after the season ended and they were in control of the puck 5 on 5 and his ice was cut. Maybe he was talking about the effort exrted on the PK for them. Just an odd admission from these guys....
- Blueshirts4ever

He speaks broken English so his point might not have been conveyed correctly.

Word, we are like a family of brothers. We beat the crap out of each other but after times like last night we bro hig each other. We also come to each other's aid when the trolls come calling...
- Blueshirts4ever

There is no place I enjoy talking/arguing/venting about Rangers hockey than right here.