He deserves serious consideration for the Jack Adams award.

IMO a monkey could have coached the Capitals to a playoff spot this season, on the other hand, I'm not sure if Barry Trotz could have done the same thing with the Flyers that Hak did.

But hey, that is just me, what Hak did is way more impressive.
- MBFlyerfan

Agreed.

A lot of credit has to go to the players, too. It's no coincidence that the team's surge happened soon after their visit to the Snider residence in California aound the New Year.

I have said it before but there is something with this team. Not sure if it is the coach or if it is Hextall but they seem to have an identity and direction now. When more talent arrives this team is going to be a tough team as long as they keep developing.


On Phantoms front.

Linbholm has a nose for the net. Looks fast then I thought from they way people talked about his skating.

Wilcox looks like a younger Schultz. Good skater for his size. Pretty smooth out there. Not flashy but could be a good partner for an offensive dman like Gostisbehere.

Abul-kabel looks like he can play a speedy gritty 200 foot game.



Fun stuff to watch.

I am still hoping they can sign Cagguila from UND. Would love to add his speed and skill to the 3rd line.

I think the Caps will win, but this won't be a cake walk. We'll have to continue to get the solid tending that Mase displayed down the stretch, which I fully expect, and we'll need to sort out the PP as it's looked poor of late.

Looking at the Reg season, we ended up 2 and 2 with the wins coming in OT and a SHO. The first game was in November and it was 5-2, really before we starting righting the ship with Ghost. What I'm saying is that we have played them tough since the calendar has turned. I wouldn't be surprised to see the series go 6 anyways.
- Hextall271

To me, game 1 is just huge. If the Flyers can pull off an upset in game 1, all bets are off. Will the Caps wilt?Can they handle the pressure of losing the first game at home? Will it be yet another playoff flame out?

I really think that if the Flyers can win the first game, this thing is going 6 or 7 and anything can happen. However, if the Caps win game 1, they probably win this thing in 5 or 6.

Agreed.

A lot of credit has to go to the players, too. It's no coincidence that the team's surge happened soon after their visit to the Snider residence in California aound the New Year.
- tangent_man

It was either that or getting rid of Vinny and Luke.

It was either that or getting rid of Vinny and Luke.

- BiggE

Well, that sure didn't hurt! 😉

Agreed.

A lot of credit has to go to the players, too. It's no coincidence that the team's surge happened soon after their visit to the Snider residence in California aound the New Year.
- tangent_man

It actually started very soon after Ghost's arrival.

I think the Caps will win, but this won't be a cake walk. We'll have to continue to get the solid tending that Mase displayed down the stretch, which I fully expect, and we'll need to sort out the PP as it's looked poor of late.

Looking at the Reg season, we ended up 2 and 2 with the wins coming in OT and a SHO. The first game was in November and it was 5-2, really before we starting righting the ship with Ghost. What I'm saying is that we have played them tough since the calendar has turned. I wouldn't be surprised to see the series go 6 anyways.
- Hextall271

If it goes six we better win. I don't want to see them eliminated on home ice.

I'll be at games 3, 4 and 6 (if necessary). I think we are in for a fun ride and a showing of how huge the heart of this team really is. Really looking forward to it even with the somber note that will be through this playoff run.

I am expecting a crazy game 1 on Thursday. You know the Caps will want to set a tone to try to show they won't choke this year. Meanwhile I expect the Flyers to be buzzing now that they are in and playing with house money.

On a positive note, how amazing is the progress made with our farm system in the last few seasons, seems like we are hitting on most of our pics.

On a positive note, how amazing is the progress made with our farm system in the last few seasons, seems like we are hitting on most of our pics.
- flyers4487

Its seems they took a few more home run swings the past few seasons instead of trying to move the runner over with the safe pick as they seemed to do in the past.


For example, I don't think Gostisbehere is a Flyers pick 5 years ago. Or even Konecny.

The Caps should be wary
- BiggE

The funny thing, from what I've heard and read, Barrasso was just detested by pretty much all of his teammates. They've basically all said that he was a just a selfish, miserable SOB, and no one could stand to be around him.

- BiggE

Yeah he has/had a total jerk face. Totally could see him being that way too, though I vaguely remember seeing him play as a kid.

- Tomahawk

I will now hear any playoff highlight reels from this year in the voice of Wally Cox.

- Tomahawk

I will now hear any playoff highlight reels from this year in the voice of Wally Cox.
- tangent_man

Wally Cox would be an upgrade over Therien

just sayin....

- Tomahawk

http://www.russianmachine...the-caps-in-the-playoffs/

- Tomahawk

Kind of an obscure reference that I'm posting.... I know Hammar will know.

Kind of an obscure reference that I'm posting.... I know Hammar will know.


- PLindbergh31

See, this is what happens when you close the mental institutions.

(and the isolated incident in Columbus where he seemed initially nonplussed about a horrid -- and ultimately very costly -- icing),

I'm guessing that "nonplussed" in that sentence is being used in its informal, American form as a fancy sounding synonym for unfazed, but I can't tell for sure.

It actually started very soon after Ghost's arrival.
- Scoob

You know what I mean, Scoob. Sure, they got better with Ghost, but I think seeing an ailing owner brought them even closer together.

Wally Cox would be an upgrade over Therien

just sayin....
- BiggE

Let's not get me started, okay?

Have only ever encountered a few, one of whom is no longer active. Since you never know where a player's career may take him, I'd rather not name names.
- bmeltzer

I was an intern for the Flyers the season after the cup run doing PR. I will say, it sucks to have someone you're a fan of and really liked cheering for, and then see how they act behind the scenes, definitely disheartening. I will say, Pronger is one of the funniest guys I've ever listened to, and Jody Shelley may truly be one of the nicest guys on the planet. Blair Betts too, underrated on the ice and very nice guy off it

Let's not get me started, okay?
- tangent_man

quotes not working. for the person asking about donating to his Foundation, go to http://sniderhockey.com/

also, they take equipment so if you have sticks or gently used gear you can donate them.

its a GREAT program. as I mentioned before I volunteered at the beginning in 2005 when they started at UPENN then ended up help coach the girls program at Cobbs Creek. I worked for years with the same kids and watched them grow up and a few move onto college. It was the highlight of my week working with the kids. Seeing how excited they were to see us every week. I knew what Mr Snider started really touched the kids and their parents. I haven't been involved over the last 2 years but I think I am going to start again.

To me, game 1 is just huge. If the Flyers can pull off an upset in game 1, all bets are off. Will the Caps wilt?Can they handle the pressure of losing the first game at home? Will it be yet another playoff flame out?

I really think that if the Flyers can win the first game, this thing is going 6 or 7 and anything can happen. However, if the Caps win game 1, they probably win this thing in 5 or 6.
- BiggE

Game 1 is important for sure, but I'd say that if we go home with a split, we're in a good spot. Seems like the team was really getting to Holtby, and I think Simmonds and he will become great buddies.. ahah

I see that Ottawa fired the entire coaching staff hahaha what a dumpster fire that org is. Last year, they fire MacLean, make a great run and make the dance under Cameron. This year, they come back to earth, panic and take on the horrible contract of Phaneuf in an attempt to make the playoffs in desperation. Now, they fire the coach again and the GM steps down.. whew..

quotes not working. for the person asking about donating to his Foundation, go to http://sniderhockey.com/

also, they take equipment so if you have sticks or gently used gear you can donate them.

its a GREAT program. as I mentioned before I volunteered at the beginning in 2005 when they started at UPENN then ended up help coach the girls program at Cobbs Creek. I worked for years with the same kinds and watched them grow up and move onto college. It was the highlight of my week working with the kids. Seeing how excited they were to see us every week. I knew what Mr Snider started really touched the kids and their parents. I haven't been involved over the last 2 years but I think I am going to start again.
- nastyflyergirl

Good for you!