Comments on: I Sense a Special Season in the Making

By: The Peerless

The Peerless — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 17:25:37 +0000

And again, I’m reminded of two teams joined at the hip.
Last year, the Penguins lost Sidney Crosby and Marc-Andre Fleury for long stretches. They came back, and the Pens went to a Stanley Cup final.
Both teams — the Penguins then, and apparently the Caps now — have built a performance “floor” under themselves with the stepping up of players when stars get injured. Those players, who might have been in bit parts before, are thrust into more responsible roles and can (with a little success) feel free to think, “we can do this.” And when the stars do get back…

By: topshelf_22304

topshelf_22304 — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 16:20:39 +0000

One nitpick…I think the Bs would be favored in a 7-game series only if the same lineups from Wednesday were used. If the Caps could go into a 7-game series with a healthy line-up, I’d see us favored. Green, Feds and Flash are difference-makers.

By: b.orr4

b.orr4 — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 15:09:51 +0000

All good points, p&b, but you left out maybe the second most important player on the team in your analysis, Backstrom. He’s been strong virtually all year and we all know about his playmaking ability, but now he’s on track to score 30 goals this season. He’s bigger and faster than he was last season and when he’s got the puck, it’s nearly impossible to take it away from him. I’m still marveling about that pass he made to AO in the waning seconds against NJ. Most 15-year vets don’t have the ability to see the ice like he does. If you heard the Boston announcers, they couldn’t stop gushing over his play. You said that AO has Semin, and while that may be true, I really think it’s Backstrom and Ovechkin that are going to set this league on its ear for the next decade.

By: Jessie

Jessie — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 14:41:21 +0000

perfect.
eveeeerything i feel about my home team was in there. i can say one thing for sure- it’s gonna be a RIDICULOUS next few months if you’re a caps fan!

By: Capitals Kremlin

Capitals Kremlin — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 12:43:59 +0000

Great read, I can’t wait for the game tonight. Driving up to visit the rents and take in a good ole’ fashioned hockey game.

By: Stratocaps

Stratocaps — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 11:57:14 +0000

Well said and hear, hear! You, so eloquently, echoed every thought going through mind as a devotee of the beloved home team.