Comments on: Suddenly, I'm Seriously Missing Sergei Fedorov

By: Eric

Eric — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:04:31 +0000

Sergei’s influence on Semin is all that I miss. He clearly coached him up and made him a more responsible player on the ice. The Caps obviously could not absorb Fedorov’s cap hit any longer. I’m starting to think they can no longer absorb the irresponsible and downright selfish play of Semin if they wish to be true Cup contenders. I don’t care how many times you can curl and drag on one shift if your next move if you don’t score is to take an offensive zone penalty. I wouldn’t mind seeing Semin involved in a deal for a true #1 goaltender or a shutdown defenseman that would really help this team make it to the proverbial next level.

By: Iafrate's Baldspot

Iafrate's Baldspot — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:01:19 +0000

Sergei Fedorov missed 30 games last season; unless I’m forgetting, the PP didn’t fall to pieces due without No. 91 for more than an entire third of the season, did it? Tough to finish as the league’s No. 2 PP unit otherwise.
Also, Sergei Fedorov wasn’t the most popular guy on the team last year until there were about 5 minutes left in Game 7 against NYR. He was a penalty machine, and we certainly don’t miss that.
Sergei’s influence might very well be missed, but let’s not overstate his influence and/or totally overlook the future Hall-of-Famer’s considerable faults as last season wore on.

By: Dave at Caps News Network

Dave at Caps News Network — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:43:43 +0000

@mulletman: Semin wasn’t taken off the first line because of the penalties, he was taken off because he doesn’t get back on D and plays out of position too often.
he’s on the PK because when he plays there he does a very good job of it, and generally plays much more controlled hockey when he’s asked to do so. BB putting defensive responsibility on him.
just wish he’d learn that defensive responsibility is needed at 5-on-5 as well.

By: MulletMan

MulletMan — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:06:49 +0000

Can someone please help me understand, why Semin was moved off the first line (which I agree with) for taking stupid pens yet he is now on the first PK unit? I think that is opening us up for 5-3 chances against…your thoughts?

By: Grunthos

Grunthos — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:36:04 +0000

I think this is part and parcel of what Bruce was saying about “learning to win again”. At some point, some of the other players on this squad have to grow up, accept the responsibilities that Federov was carrying for them, and bear down every night to get the win. Sandpaper is an attitude as well as a skill.
This opening segment of the season leads me to believe that the youthful Caps still haven’t realized just how much work a Stanley Cup requires. In that sense, they absolutely deserve the losses they are tallying, and ought to keep tasting the draughts of defeat until they learn to stop taking stupid penalties, pay attention to their defensive responsibilities, and never let up until the final horn sounds.
As you mentioned before, they need to learn to approach the game like Detroit approaches the game.

By: TAS

TAS — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:04:28 +0000

I don’t miss Fedorov or his contract one bit. Goodness gracious.. you mean Semin and Morrison didn’t mesh well together when they didn’t even practice as a line the day of a game.
ALERT THE PRESSES!

By: Katie32

Katie32 — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:31:25 +0000

I absolutely agree with the Federov missing – however, he was guilty of quite a few penalties as well. Would he help us in this situation, or would his help be considered a wash because of the penalties that seemed to be whistled his way in the worst possible moments?
I fear on the last point – you may have left out some sandpaper skaters. Steve Pinizzotto, Sean Collins, Patrick Wellar, and Andrew Joudrey. Theoretically, the Bears have 8 sandpaper skaters. With Joe Finley just a recall away – you could say 9. Many Giant Center visitors in the regular season ask why so many – I never do see those same people back at the Giant Center in May or June to ask them if they still need that question answered…