James Tanner: Horrible Blue Line Crumbles as Caps Best Dman Goes LTIR

Nisk going down for a while isn't the worst news in the world imo. They have virtually no cap space so his LTIR status is a big help. They can bring up Bowey and whomever else they choose and work on the defense and they can work on tweaking the offense as need be as well. Nisk appears to be out a month or so. If it was a long term injury then that would be a different story.

Orpik stinks

Nisk going down for a while isn't the worst news in the world imo. They have virtually no cap space so his LTIR status is a big help. They can bring up Bowey and whomever else they choose and work on the defense and they can work on tweaking the offense as need be as well. Nisk appears to be out a month or so. If it was a long term injury then that would be a different story.
- Capsnut

If he's out for the year, you could get some cap space. But as optimistic as you want to be, I don't see a way in which one of the worst Dgroups in the NHL losing their best Dman isn't a disaster.

I absolutely would called Ovi's scoring lucky, I would say he is playing like he never has before and teams don't know how to handle it.

They expect him to stand at the top of the circle and wait for one timers. But that's not happening, he's getting in front of the net, driving play and getting dirty goals. Teams aren't used to that kind of play from Ovi

Biggest difference for Ovie is he's letting his new speedy linemates carry the puck in while he hunts for open space. Way to often in past he would barrel down the wing draw 2 defenders, make a great pass and see a teammate shoot wide or into goalie's chest. As for Niskanen, no big deal its the regular season, which as we've seen means little for the Caps. They'll make the playoffs as a wild card then find a way to lose like usual

Carlson?

Biggest difference for Ovie is he's letting his new speedy linemates carry the puck in while he hunts for open space. Way to often in past he would barrel down the wing draw 2 defenders, make a great pass and see a teammate shoot wide or into goalie's chest. As for Niskanen, no big deal its the regular season, which as we've seen means little for the Caps. They'll make the playoffs as a wild card then find a way to lose like usual
- jackmehoffer

I do not think the playoffs are assured for the Capitals.

I do not think the playoffs are assured for the Capitals.
- James_Tanner

still too many all world players to miss playoffs.... barring more catastrophic injuries

Bowey would have made roster if not for cap issues. Key to the season is young D, started the season with journeymen due to cap issues and young players not being ready. Djoos and Bowey both improvements over Chorney and Ness

Jesus F-ing Christ, how did the Caps defense get this thin?

I like Ovi a lot, and root for him when the Lightning are not playing him, but I didn't realize until now just how thin the D behind him is.

That top 4 is scary. I hate to see what the 3rd pairing looks like.

Jesus F-ing Christ, how did the Caps defense get this thin?

I like Ovi a lot, and root for him when the Lightning are not playing him, but I didn't realize until now just how thin the D behind him is.

That top 4 is scary. I hate to see what the 3rd pairing looks like.
- GalacticStone

Losing Nate Schmidt and Kevin Shattenkirk at the same time was a huge blow. The skating pylon that is Brooks Orpik and Aaron Ness is one of the worst defensive parings of all time.