Having watched last nights game I've come to the conclusion the Caps play way too much like the Leafs, which is why they'll never win, they're too easy to play against. No sandpaper to their lineup.

That fancy offensive game is for the regular season, you need to bring a heavier game in the playoffs and they just don't have the guys to do that.
- LeftCoaster

That's because the playoffs are reffed differently, which is ridiculous. there was a play last night where a caps forward was streaking into the O zone, and the BJs defenseman straight up pushed him (interference) as he went for the puck.

It's attrocious

That's because the playoffs are reffed differently, which is ridiculous. there was a play last night where a caps forward was streaking into the O zone, and the BJs defenseman straight up pushed him (interference) as he went for the puck.

It's attrocious
- jcragcrumple

go back to your game of golf

go back to your game of golf
- redsfanhere

I'm a table tennis man

100% in my heart
- PapaSquat

I'm guessing she had a lot of offensive zone starts

Having watched last nights game I've come to the conclusion the Caps play way too much like the Leafs, which is why they'll never win, they're too easy to play against. No sandpaper to their lineup.

That fancy offensive game is for the regular season, you need to bring a heavier game in the playoffs and they just don't have the guys to do that.
- LeftCoaster

Well pittsburgh certainly bucks that trend. Haven't had a lot of sandpaper in either of the last 2 years. Skill guys playing an offensive game, timely goaltending and lady luck.

You know what that guy is thinking...
1. Am I the only black guy here
2. Who am I and Why am I here
3. Who is this creepy guy beside me
4. Where is my wallet and did this creepy guy beside me take it?
5. Did I leave my front door unlocked?

The most annoying part about this series is whoever wins it probably has to play the Bettmans.

Notice the gentleman uncomfortably sitting next to him in game 2

- ifaughtthelaw

"Why is everybody looking at me and booing?" -Never comes to a hockey game again.

The most annoying part about this series is whoever wins it probably has to play the Bettmans.

Notice the gentleman uncomfortably sitting next to him in game 2

- ifaughtthelaw

Here I was thinking his thoughts were... "I fought the law and the, law won"

Here I was thinking his thoughts were... "I fought the law and the, law won"
- Guile

Don't remind me of my username fail

But what was her Corsi?
- jmatchett383

26-34-26

Don't remind me of my username fail
- ifaughtthelaw

Your Engrish so good!

Holy poopballs we are good.

Lineup I'd like to see:

Ovechkin-Backs-Vrana

I don't feel Kuzy 5v5 really makes OV a better 5v5 player. The speed and zone-entries Kuzy is known for tends to leave Ovechkin a step or two behind (from what I've seen), and there tends to be more one-and-done plays, while OV needs some sustained zone time to find his spot. This combo would have been unbeatable 8 years ago, but ya.
Also need Backstrom to get going. They had a close-up of him yesterday and he looked sad/totally unworried about giving a away a 2 goal lead twice.
The Wilson experiment has run its course for me. Go for skill.

Connolly-Kuzy-TJ (Bura if he is healthy, would be in for Brett).

Speed and dangles. A nice 1B 2nd-line. I think these guys would come up big (after OVs line tires the opposition down).

Wilson-Eller-Chiasson

Eller is the real talent here; his puck retrieval should blend well with some grit and some speed.

Stephenson-Beagle-SmithPelly

A gritty 4th line with sheltered minutes. I feel Beagle is good when he gets solid situational use. Smith-Pelly has put up some goals, same with Stephenson, but when you start to lean on these guys, their one-dimensional style really gets exposed.

Defense:

44 has actually been less terrible than I expected, but you have a young mobile guy waiting: suit up DJoos already!

Niskanen needs someone to make him angry; that no shot-turned-useless dangle-turned-puck the other way in OT was maddening. Unacceptable when you have the game on your stick.


Overall:

Shot-totals are nice. And quite a few WERE quality/danger/whatever, but poor decisions from puck drop to one-handed-puck-swat in OT deflated us.
I know hockey players aren't necessarily intelligent, but use some (frank)ing foresight/common sense. Jesus.

But what was her Corsi?
- jmatchett383

Negative corsi since she took the shot??

Well pittsburgh certainly bucks that trend. Haven't had a lot of sandpaper in either of the last 2 years. Skill guys playing an offensive game, timely goaltending and lady luck.
- DeflatedPucks

shhhh doesnt fit the narrative. gotta have big bodies like the blackhawks to win...wait...

shhhh doesnt fit the narrative. gotta have big bodies like the blackhawks to win...wait...
- bulet13

damn right

I feel like you write the same blog every year about the caps playoffs situation.

I feel like you write the same blog every year about the caps playoffs situation.
- Grinder47

So does the Pens blogger, but that is a just a little bit more positive

Holtby will get blown out in the first period, Mr. Choker Holtby.

Don't remind me of my username fail
- ifaughtthelaw

Holtby will get blown out in the first period, Mr. Choker Holtby.
- joegreif17

Thats just silly. Holtby is fine in playoffs

Anyone watching?

Was a goal reviewed and overturned?

Anyone watching?

Was a goal reviewed and overturned?
- Doogs

Good Game. Congrats!

Anyone watching?

Was a goal reviewed and overturned?
- Doogs

Where are all the Caps fans!!!??

Tanner scare them all away?

Although I think Game #2 has been the best Caps showing yet. They play so differently in front of Holtby. Much more confidence.