There’s little doubt which team had the momentum going into tonight’s tilt in Madison Square Garden. The Washington Capitals, clearly the more skilled team, finally played postseason hockey Monday night. Their performance against the Rangers was so dominant that the common refrain was that the Caps had “woken up” and were, despite being down a game, back on track to take the series.
Perhaps this team is still too green (no pun intended) to be comfortable in the role of the favorite. The Caps painfully reverted to the high-skill fancy play that wins in the regular season but rarely succeeds in the second season. The lessons learned in Game 3 about “greasy” goals, screening the Rangers’ netminder, playing hard-nosed hockey — it’s as if that game never happened. The Caps may have more talent, but the Rangers outworked them.
Much like the past two games, Simeon Varlamov (rhymes with Na-BA-kov, as Joe B & Locker emphasized after Varly explained the correct pronunciation of his name) played extremely well. His performance wasn’t as unblemished as Saturday’s game, flubbing Chris Drury’s shot and allowing the rebound for the GWG; but he certainly played well enough to win.
Unfortunately his teammates didn’t provide Varlamov the support he needed.
Oh, granted, had the rockets off the post by Alex Ovechkin and Sergei Fedorov gone in, Caps Nation would be celebrating. But the Caps’ entire approach to the game regressed to regular-season play, and that’s the fundamental problem.
I somehow doubt Coach Boudreau instructed his charges to ignore their Game 3 success but, for some reason, most of the players decided that risky pass attempts and shots from the perimeter were the best strategy tonight. It was stunning to see the first few Capitals’ power plays, as they broke out the umbrella formation… when every camera angle shows viewers an unobstructed view of the opposing goaltender, it’s safe to say that “crashing the net” was not part of the team’s philosophy this night.
Finesse hockey is pretty when it works, and embarrassing when it fails. Tonight’s game falls firmly into the latter category.
What happened? After Game 3, did the team take the media’s effusive post-game praise to heart? Why did the Capitals slide back into their fancy ways, just two days after the grinder approach worked so well? Coach Boudreau and the team will have to answer these questions, and right the ship, in the next two days… otherwise this supremely talented young team will have another painfully long offseason to dwell on their mistakes.
34 Comments
Good point, I agree whole heartedly.
I still don’t get why Flash continues to be put out there on the PP. Get Brooks/Fehr out there to get some traffic in front!
This offseason will bring massive changes, count on it. There will be 5 players who played tonight that won’t make the opening night lineup.
If no changes are made, the “rocking the red” thing won’t work at all next year and the Phone Booth will be full of enemy fans, on tickets sold by disappointed season ticket holders.
Here are 3 definite “non retained UFA’s”
Fedorov
Kozlov
Brashear
Potentially traded players: (pick at least 2)
Morrisson
Steckel
Jurcina
Schultz
one of Flash or Fehr
2 players that should be traded, but likely cannot because of excess salary:
Nylander
Theodore
Potentially in the lineup for next year:
Beagle (replaces Steckel)
Alzner (replaces Morrisson)
—
I can’t “guess” the rest, but they would come from trades or some smaller free agent deals
Bench my son. Plzkthx
The caps need to get in front of Lundqvist more. If Brashear’s going to be taking a spot in the lineup, the least Boudreau can do is ask him to rile the Rangers’ goalie a bit.
We were thoroughly outworked, but their d also tightened up and deserves credit. Semin has to grow up and stop with the stupid penalties.
The series moves back home again, and another Caps win will have ‘em singing our praises again.
Only problem with Morrisonn on the traded list. He’s a free agent after this year. So does he now go on the same list as Brach, Kozlov, and Fed?
Who can we trade to get defense? Or is it offense we need?
I really thought I have seen it all following the Caps and their mis-adventures at playoff time. From 3 games to 1 series leads blown to multiple overtime losses, this team has lost every possible way in April.
Only the Caps can dominate an opponent like they have and trail 3 games to 1.
So they come back to the Booth to try to salvage their season. Of course I’m going.
Why? I don’t even know how to answer that anymore. My heart just gets ripped out by this team year after year and like a dumba$$ I keep coming back for more. I estimate over the years I’ve lost ten years of my life following this team in April.
Guess it could be worse, I could follow the Cubs. Maybe that’s why I keep going back. If those folks can keep coming back out for more, I can too.
I think Varlamov should just go back to pronouncing his name VAR-lamov instead of var-LA-mov. We were doing better when it was the old way. I know it may not be right but it was working the other way.
You don’t say gor-BOTCH-ov, do you?
One of Fedorov OR Nylander goes, but not both. We don’t have another center ready to step up yet IMO.
I let Brashear and Morrisonn walk, find a way to trade Schultz if possible, and buy out Nyls, provided Fedorov returns.
I’d like Kozlov back, but at a bit of a pay cut. His numbers haven’t matched his salary. We then go out and sign Mike Komisarek from MTL, and maybe Alex Kovalev too (especially if Kozlov doesn’t come back).
I keep Jose through the end of his contract, but whether or not he starts next year remains to be seen.
Put Semin on the trade list. I’m done with him.
RELEASE Schultz. No one will want him anyway.
Otherwise, I agree with Doug’s list.
We have the Rangers right where we want them.
As I sit at my desk this morning and drink my code red (always red) Mountain Dew I wonder if the team is as depressed as I am? Do they watch sports center and feel sick every time highlights are shown? Do they care? I have been a Caps fan for over 20 years and plan on sticking with them for at least 20 more, but I don’t think this team has heart. They show passion at times but when it mostly counts they seem to lack intensity. I understand that the 3rd period was as a intensive period that this team has played all series, but hey when your down 2-1 on the score and the series is slipping out of your reach you mite also show intensity. This team needed that for the first two games at home and just maybe we would not be in this crap hole of a predicament again! I seem to remember last year we did the same kind of sleep walk through the first 4 games with the fly boys. It’s time that Bruce gives them a shot of caffeine before the game, maybe some Code Red Mountain Dew? The team needs to follow some ethical pragmatism, whatever it takes, by any means necessary to get to the finish! Now go out and just FREEKIN WIN!!!!
CWH
“You think this series is over?” – Ovechkin
“Absolutely we’re not done.” – Backstrom
Etc. etc. etc.
This team has heart. You will see it tomorrow night and I beg anyone who is there to PLEASE leave without a voice!!!
Maybe I’m just a Pollyanna, which I’ve been called in the past, but I thought that they played like a house on fire in the third period. I still have some hope left. Then again, I still watch the Orioles and Nationals most nights thinking that they are going to win, too.
Oh, and outside of being a world class jerk, I‚Äôm starting to think that there is something mentally wrong with Sean Avery…
Haven’t they been saying stuff like that the whole time? Talk is cheap. Get out there and PROVE it.
And yeah, last night’s third was awesome. Too bad that was the only period the Caps showed up for. I really don’t understand how after the entirety of the regular season, the Caps still think they can play one period and come away with a win. This is the playoffs. Come to play 60+ minutes, or don’t bother showing up at all.
I sincerely hope they feel sick every time they see highlights. CouldashouldawouldaDIDN’T could be the story of this season.
Anyone else thinks this team misses the leadership of a Chris Clark? Last night the crew on VS. mentioned that the Caps weren’t playing with the requisite intensity of a playoff game. Up until the 3rd period, that was absolutely correct.
How come this team can’t play hard for an entire game? I think it comes down to leadership, and without Clark, this team doesn’t have any.
A healthy Chris Clark would indeed make a big difference. I’ve been saying for a while that going into the playoffs without a captain is a dangerous approach; I know they were hoping for Clark’s return by now, but even so, how effective will he be after missing so much time?
I would have preferred that the Caps name Brooks Laich “interim captain” until Clark’s return. Similar style, grit, and determination.
All that said, I’m still optimistic for Friday’s game. I think we’ll know in the first 20 minutes whether the Caps are still fighting for the series win or just playing it out ’til tee time.
The team does well with their backs against the wall, no doubt.
As far as offseason workings, Komisarek would be a great pickup.
They need to somehow get rid of Nyles, Theo, Morrison, and Schultz. Erskine has earned his right to stay on this team in this series. They need space (seriously) for Alzner, Carlson, and possibly Finley next year.
Flash and Fehr are big question marks. I guarantee 30-goal seasons from both of them soon, but if they’re as ineffective in the post-season as they’ve been this year then I wouldn’t invest too heavily in either…which sucks because they’re both great guys.
The Caps need a Captain who’s not Mr. Glass from ‘Unbreakable.’
Let’s circle back after the Caps’ Game Seven Victory.
Welcome to the club. Can’t express how frustrated I was with the play last night.
Looks like our boy Mike Green can’t get it done in the playoffs. What a joke, the guy’s got no heart.
Lundqvist is a god.
Rangers in 5.
This series goes to show you that a brilliant goalie and a solid PK can win over flashy offense and a great power play. Now some will say that the Craps have had the edge in play and sometimes dominated but keep in mind the most dominant player in the series has been Henrik Lundqvist and he lives inside the little heads of Ovechkin, Semin, Green, Backstrom and the rest of the overrated heartless swine you call a hockey team. [edit: homophobic comment removed]
You just run along now. Adults are trying to have a conversation.
I’m very curious what Mike Green injury is revealed after the playoffs — the quality of his play has dropped off so precipitously that it must be more than just nervousness. We shall see.
Good comments Tyler, and I love the Unbreakable reference (an oft-underrated movie IMO).
you guys seem to be declaring your team dead. hopefully your team falls over and plays dead too. go NYR.
btw, leonsis looked SALTY coming out of msg last night in his audi.
YEAH CALLAHAN24 RANGERS MVP BABY (AFTER HANK OF COURSE) RANGERS IN 5!!!!
You might have the different opinion but I think that Montreal and Washington has at least one problem in common. The problem is absence of an offensive defenseman who can transfer the puck forward. To be more specific the names are Markov and Green to Montreal and Washington accordingly. Markov is injured and did not play. No more questions and as result of yesterday game Canadiens can book their flights to summer holidays. But what is about Caps Mike Green? I don‚Äôt know. Maybe he has an undisclosed injury or he is tired after long successful season, but something wrong with him. He is not skating, not shooting, not finishing his checks, he is losing his one on one battles and taking lazy penalties etc etc. Shortly, he is not himself. I don‚Äôt think Ovechkin, Semin, Kozlov, Fedorov and Varlamov are in any hurry to join Russian National team in Switzerland. So if Washington doesn‚Äôt want to join Habs and Blues something supposed to be done urgently. Do you know what’s wrong with Mike Green? Let me know at http://hockeycards-nikale.blogspot.com/
My Photos from This Game http://hockey-photo-albums.blogspot.com/
New Caps Photos http://capitals-photo-album.blogspot.com/
I agree. Clark has been out so much, I don’t know how effective he will be, both as a Captain and on the ice. With Clark out so long, I really wish they had named an interim Captain because maybe if there has been a Captain who was playing, then they wouldn’t have coasted at the end of the season. An interim Captain might have been able to get everyone to focus on playing like a team, and not spend so much time on distractions like pre-planned goal celebrations.
I never thought we’d be in this hole against the very average NYR. I guess LUNDQVIST is that good. he IS the best player in this series. as much as it kills me to say it, I think we’re done. Why did we trade Huet?
I’m not liking the negative tone to this post, must be Rag fans posing as Cap fans. This is a seven game series, mark my words! One timely break in any of these games and we are the ones smiling.
The Zhamboni only had to clean half of the rink after the third period of game 4.
Green is getting healthier, Varly is awesome, the rink appears tilted!
Caps in Seven!!
You can say what you want about the Rangers- King Henry is playing fantastic hockey right now and their system is working. Torts has NY playing great.
However, the Caps need a spark plug- a guy who may not hit 40 goals but gives it everything, every game…Mike Ridley, Kelly Miller…remember those guys?
But throw out the lists and get me some guys who have HEART. Who know what it means to be in a must-win game situation and respond. The Caps were flat like they played back in the 80s and losing to the Pens for so many seasons.
They came out like it was the third game of the season the other night and paid for it. Had they played the entire game like the last half of the second and the entire third they would be headed back to Washington tied 2-2.
Cmon guys, we KNOW you can play better and beat anyone when you feel like it…time to prove it to yourselves.
Another page in Caps’ playoff history. I’m fully expecting them to win tomorrow and lose in either Game 6 or 7. Probably in dramatic fashion such as triple overtime or something like that.
The Caps have been victim to giving up 2-0 and 3-1 game leads. Multiple times. Y’know, they could be a victimizer this year.
We’ll see what happens Fri night.
caps didn’t trade huet. he was a free agent. how does a so called caps fan not know this? cmon now… bone up. i like it that dc is finally getting a larger fan base (i lived there for 4 years and went to many half full games at MCI) but some of the comments i see on caps blogs and hear on the junkies just reek of hockey ignorance.
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