Comments on: Now That's Vanquishing a Hated Foe

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 16:01:58 +0000

I think though that we all wanted Backstrom to shoot when he was alone in front of Ward, but instead he passed to the side of the net, and there was a Canes defender in the passing lane. And when goalies are playing well, as Ward was, you need to screen him and maybe get deflections and rebounds and such. As long as when you shoot, you have two guys back and a third that could get back, you’re fine.

By: Grooven

Grooven — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 02:58:24 +0000

It’s easy for fans to yell SHOOT, but really, what would the point be when there are five skaters between the shooter and the goalie? The puck gets blocked and an odd-man breakout going the wrong way ensues. Try actually looking at the play instead of just yelling out of frustration.
The Carolina defense collapses so deep, especially on the penalty kill, that shooting lanes were hard to come by. When they move the puck well and with intent, the defenders came out of position and the Caps got some good chances.
The Capitals are stagnant on the powerplay. The lack of motion; the lack of someone camped out in front of the net; too many players behind the net; poor overloads; iffy decision making; most notably, poor puck control.
It was frustrating to watch be cause when they play as we know they can, they’re one of the best in the league. We’ve seen them do it, this year even.
But too many games in recent days, they seem a step slow.

By: Flying Cloud

Flying Cloud — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:44:17 +0000

Regarding Mr. Fedorov, is it not true that were he to sign for next season only $1M of his salary would count toward the cap, due to his age? That being the case, could there be a better bargain in the NHL? If our ice is cleaned up by then, maybe he’ll consider it!

By: MulletMan

MulletMan — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:06:52 +0000

Thank you...I need to stop drinking soo much in the off-season. You are correct. http://www.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idUSN1432809420080714

By: b.orr4

b.orr4 — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:04:25 +0000

Feds only has a one-year deal.

By: MulletMan

MulletMan — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 15:51:40 +0000

please correct me if I’m wrong, but I thought feds signed a 3 year deal.

By: b.orr4

b.orr4 — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 15:39:03 +0000

@p&b: I wish I could figure out what is wrong with Chris Clark. When you state that he would be the first player on your “lunchpail” line, I would say that if you could bring back the Chris Clark of two seasons ago, I’d agree. But he’s currently just a mere shadow of that player. For my money, it’s Dave Steckel. If you look back to last season’s playoff run, he was the glue that made that fourth line so dangerous. I’m a little mystified as to why he’s sitting so much lately. But then again, I’m also scratching my head about what’s happening to Eric Fehr.

By: Eric

Eric — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 14:59:30 +0000

Just wanted to agree with the first point about “A season-altering triumph?”
I got the feeling that the comeback last night was one of those season defining moments. To me it felt like that win should set the tone for the next few weeks.

By: Victor

Victor — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 14:40:44 +0000

The development of a reliable “lunchpale line,” a trio of strong and gritty willing to get dirty in front of the net and in corners shift after shift, would I think go a long way to reorienting this team’s identity and alleviating its startling inconsistency. Who would skate on such a line? Chris Clark for sure. Brooks Laich is another candidate.
Howzabout Flash? Yes, he’s had his problems in the past, but he put forth a good effort last night (all season, in fact) and is tied in second with Greeny & Fedorov for goals. (OTOH, he’s dead last in +/- at -4.)

By: Flying Cloud

Flying Cloud — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 13:30:34 +0000

The cry for more shots reminds me of how exercised we used to get in reaction to Joey Juneau, for the same reason. Shoot it! Shoot it! Easy for us to say, but Coach says it too, which would seem to validate the feelings of ~18000 fans. These days, I can barely see when a lane is open, but I wouldn’t sneer at an ugly bounce if it winds up in the net. I hope the boys thrive on this narrow victory and are up for the Rangers on Saturday.