i thought we'd clinch last night with a Tampa loss or OTL, but they came back from 1-4 down against Chicago. Wonder if they regret trading Bishop - with Stamkos coming back that's probably the team the Caps least want to face in round 1 (and i'd rather they not wrestle D-3rd from Toronto or Boston either)
its nice to finally get back to a normal hockey schedule with days off between games... only one back-to-back left on the season now and its the final weekend when we are more than likely trotting out 4th liners, Glass and Puempel for 15 TOI each getting ready for Montreal on Wednesday/Thursday.
Time for twitter blowup: Miller on fourth line, Puempel in. Buchnevich scratched, along with Klein, Clendening, Kampfer, Pirri and Glass.
I dont hate the JT demotion, as he's been playing like shit. But why Puempel over Buchnevic? Unless you are planning on playing Puempel in the playoffs.
He has like 7 points total in 2017. He's been a complete non-factor. A lot of hype for a kid who quite frankly, isn't impressive at all.
I realize he's probably hitting a bit of a wall, but Hayes was much more productive his first year.
Buchnevich's problem seems to really just be the physical aspect of the game. The kid is talented, no question. He's got a hell of a shot. He just leaves himself open to get fucking shellacked way too often and doesn't quite seem built to withstand the rigors of the NHL game. The KHL is like flag football compared to the NHL. He's got to get a bit stronger and learn to brace himself better for impact.
He has like 7 points total in 2017. He's been a complete non-factor. A lot of hype for a kid who quite frankly, isn't impressive at all.
I realize he's probably hitting a bit of a wall, but Hayes was much more productive his first year.
Buchnevich's problem seems to really just be the physical aspect of the game. The kid is talented, no question. He's got a hell of a shot. He just leaves himself open to get fucking shellacked way too often and doesn't quite seem built to withstand the rigors of the NHL game. The KHL is like flag football compared to the NHL. He's got to get a bit stronger and learn to brace himself better for impact.
Totally disagree on the former, totally agree on the latter.
Vesey has been pretty fuckin active. Makes talented plays, doesn't shy away from tough areas of the ice. Needs to make better decisions/consistency, but the speed and talent and battle level is there. Reminds me a bit of TRJT's NHL game two years ago.
And yeah, Buchnevich has got serious talent, needs to get stronger and learn to navigate the NHL game.
Vally spoke of how good Raanta is stopping the puck on 2 on 1's this season and though he didn't mention Hank's efficiency, I'm sure I've seen too many of those go in when the D man is poperly playing the pass.
Lots of guys not playing well but Vesey looks like he can barely carry the puck at this point. Heading towards playing 81 games, just no good reason for it.
Obviously the team sees the standings, there hasn't been much to play for for weeks now. But this is just messy, mediocre hockey.
Hilarious hearing Joe talking about how the Sharks don't look like a team that's struggled lately. Might have something to do with the team defense they're going against buddy.
Sam is a legend, but you just never get an honest assessment from this broadcast team.
Sammy is a huge homer. At least he's not so arrogant about it like other jackasses we hear. And he's getting up there in age, making some mistakes. I feel like Joe tries to keep him in check a bit. But it doesn't work. Still love him.
Holden should be the 7th or 8th defenseman at this point. His pairing with Staal scares the crap out of me. There's no real logic to AV's preferences on defense.
At least they clinched. Start resting guys
I said at the trade deadline that Gorton should've looked into moving
Hank was the worst Ranger on the ice last night. He was flopping around like a fish out of water. Out of position all night and boy does he give up a lot of rebounds. One thing about Raanta he doesn't give up a lot of those juicy rebounds like Hank has a tendency too. Shame of it is Hank was playing really well until he got hurt and now as they head into the playoffs your hotter goalie is back to sitting on the bench.
You may be right but it's not like he has a great portion of the season to get it right. If you remember he started out slow got it going then went into a funk. Thank goodness for Raanta.
The more I watch Raanta the more I am convinced he can be a number one. AV may have a tough decision to make as the playoffs approach if Hank doesn't get his act together. And it's not like he has a lot of time either.
For whatever reason you never know when Hank is going to go into that giving up of soft goals syndrome. I find myself holding my breath more when he's on the ice then when Raanta is in net.
He's been a great asset for us, no question, but he's not ever going to get on one of those runs that wins you a Cup.
Kind of like Miracle and the decision to put and start Craig on the roster over other guys... Hank has the ability to steal series, Raanta does not. With this group this year, we are going to need a goalie to steal us at least 2 series.
You guys are better fans that me - I didnt stay up until 1am to see a meaningless game. But not surprising to hear Holden cost us again. I've been saying for weeks how bad he is, and he cost us the game in New Jersey last week too. He's brutal.
But clendening will get blamed for everything and Holden for nothing. That's the way it is with the current administration.
RE: Raanta is not winning this team a Cup so whatever
He's been a great asset for us, no question, but he's not ever going to get on one of those runs that wins you a Cup.
Kind of like Miracle and the decision to put and start Craig on the roster over other guys... Hank has the ability to steal series, Raanta does not. With this group this year, we are going to need a goalie to steal us at least 2 series.
You guys are better fans that me - I didnt stay up until 1am to see a meaningless game. But not surprising to hear Holden cost us again. I've been saying for weeks how bad he is, and he cost us the game in New Jersey last week too. He's brutal.
But clendening will get blamed for everything and Holden for nothing. That's the way it is with the current administration.
Couldn't disagree more...Raanta can steal a series...Hank can not...Puck handling and age will cost us...Plus Holden should not see the Playoffs...
that has been one of the worst of the year and Raanta was the GK. While Hanks seems to steal a series most every year, exactly how can it be looked at now that Raanta can do that but Hank can't?
I swear some of you look at the year on a game-by-game basis.
He has like 7 points total in 2017. He's been a complete non-factor. A lot of hype for a kid who quite frankly, isn't impressive at all.
I realize he's probably hitting a bit of a wall, but Hayes was much more productive his first year.
Buchnevich's problem seems to really just be the physical aspect of the game. The kid is talented, no question. He's got a hell of a shot. He just leaves himself open to get fucking shellacked way too often and doesn't quite seem built to withstand the rigors of the NHL game. The KHL is like flag football compared to the NHL. He's got to get a bit stronger and learn to brace himself better for impact.
Totally disagree on the former, totally agree on the latter.
Vesey has been pretty fuckin active. Makes talented plays, doesn't shy away from tough areas of the ice. Needs to make better decisions/consistency, but the speed and talent and battle level is there. Reminds me a bit of TRJT's NHL game two years ago.
And yeah, Buchnevich has got serious talent, needs to get stronger and learn to navigate the NHL game.
I'm probably being too hard on Vesey, I just feel like after the whole "sweepstakes" and all the hoopla around signing him that he'd be better than a sub-30pt player even in his first year. He'll get better, but right now he doesn't look like the potential top-6 fwd he was billed as.
I thought Hayes' first year here was much more impressive.
...and be in the tournament. Hard to envision a path that leads to a Cup with this team and this coach.
It's an easier path than anyone else has in our division.
Montreal, OTT/TOR/BOS and then one of WSH/PIT/CBJ is a cakewalk compared to the roads that the 2 and 3 seeds in the metro have
I'd be lying if I said I wasn't concerned about Hank at this point.
He's not playing well. This is going to be the first time we go into the playoffs in as long as I can remember where I don't feel like he can win us games on his own and propel the team.
It's entirely possible he'll up his game a bit and he does seem to hit rough patches in each season now, but I'm not sure we're going to get Cup-caliber goaltending from him this go-around.
IMO has been better than expected. His offense a bit disappointing.
What I truly dont get is why he's never given a healthy scratch breather. Will this ruin his confidence? I cant fathom it would. Especially on all the back-to-backs lately when we're playing out the string.
And why don't we let Hank play a few more games before we throw dirt on him? I'd imagine that playing a West Coast game in your first game back in meaningless game #50 isn't optimal
This isn't the first time he's struggled this year. He hasn't posted a lower sv% than this in his entire career nor a GAA this high.
He's clearly not playing at the elite level we've seen from him in the past. Is it possible he turns it on for the playoff run? Sure, and I hope he does. I'm just not as confident in it as I've been in past seasons.
only goals you can get on hank for are the 2nd (for some reason he didnt pick up the shooter when the D already had the pass covered on the 2-on-1) and the OT goal - though gotta give a little respect to Burns too, he's got a laser.
He's definitely rusty... 5 more games to get back in playoff form.
I just feel a little less confident about our goaltending going into the playoffs than I have in the past. Not sure he's going to be able to flip the switch this spring. Fingers crossed, though.
It's an easier path than anyone else has in our division.
that has been one of the worst of the year and Raanta was the GK. While Hanks seems to steal a series most every year, exactly how can it be looked at now that Raanta can do that but Hank can't?
I swear some of you look at the year on a game-by-game basis.
The team was without Girardi & Klein for that stretch and most of the goals given up by #32 was on the PP. During this stretch they had the worst PK ever...I'm a Hank fan but he's not going to bring us to the Promised Land...
are a completely different season. Things naturally tighten up in the playoffs, so I'm not as worried about Hank.
These guys are human and I think they realize that they've been playing for nothing for a month now. (Not so sure the coach realize that though) This is why my primal concern is this team not being able to "flip a switch" and get into a do or die mode after not doing so for so long.
I don't know. I just don't feel confident in this team in the playoffs. Not like I have in years past. Maybe it's because of the way PIT undressed us last year after two deep runs.
I don't know. I just don't feel confident in this team in the playoffs. Not like I have in years past. Maybe it's because of the way PIT undressed us last year after two deep runs.
(Watch them win the Cup this year now... )
I feel the Rangers are better positioned this year than any of the past 4 years based on matchups.
I think people who aren't confident in them mainly it's because Hank isn't currently playing lights out.
In the playoffs they'll shorten the lines a little or at least the minutes making their 4 deep lines more effective.
running 4 lines out like the Rangers do is murder on the defense.
and right now it's the Canadiens who have Weber, 38-year old Markov (who doesn't match up well with speed), and Beaulieu who is young and good, but still learning, and Jags like Jordie Benn and Jeff Petry. Matchup advantage Rangers heavily.
If Ottawa winds up 1st in the Atlantic their D is slightly better equipped than the Canadiens, but still advantage Rangers.
It very well could come down to special teams.
people who aren't confident in them mainly it's because...
but at this point in the season, might as well nut up, hope for the best, and enjoy the ride. (not that as fans we could have done anything about the team's play or future at game 20 either, but mentally.. just feels like now is the time of the season you might as well just enjoy it)
PJ - we don't know for sure yet if we'll roll 4 lines come playoff time. AV could very well dress #15 or Puempel. Remains to be seen.
I also disagree this is our best shot in 4 years. Things will never break better for us than they did 3 years ago - Bruins losing in 2nd round, Price getting hurt, etc.
And two years ago the Zuccs injury was just killer... more so than the schedule faced. Caps was a tough series that year, but not too many guys got hurt. Staal and McD broke things in the Tampa series...
besides, even if we get out of the Atlantic this year, the Caps Jackets or Pens will be waiting and full of confidence after getting through the Metro.
Regardless, it's the playoffs and we definitely take it for granted because we're here every year but other teams aren't as fortunate.
I'd like to see us ramp it up a little down the stretch here and win some games. I think it's important even though we technically don't need to.
In any event, it'll be fun to watch games with a sense of urgency again. Haven't elevated past a resting heart rate watching a Rangers game in weeks. Probably longer.
one of only 4 teams in the league to accomplish this. NYR, SJ, Pitt and Det.
Unfortunately, at the same time, I don't exactly feel "fortunate" when we've been San Jose East during that tenure... just one SCF trip (loss in 5 games) to show for it out of 11 tries, just like San Jose (lost in 6, but on home ice which may actually be more painful). Pitt has 2 cups and 3 Finals appearances in there, Det has 1 cup and 2 Finals in there.
Put it in contrast - LA Kings have 2 Finals and 2 Cups out of 6 playoff appearances (versus our 11 - note: Kings have finished with 100+ regular season points just 3x since the lockout and never more than 102 total, which I think we had more than even last year)... Carolina Hurricanes have a Finals appearance and a Cup in just TWO playoff appearances post lockout.
Philly and Ottawa both have the same number of Finals appearances as us in 7 playoff appearances and Tampa has the same number of Finals appearances as us in just 6 tries.
So yeah, happy to be here, will enjoy it -- but can we just break the fuck through already !?!?!
To not come out of the Lundqvist years with any hardware would be massively disappointing. Not greedy, not asking for a dynasty.. just give me one fucking championship and I will be content for a very long time.
Hopefully we don't look back on 2014-2015 as the best chances we had. It's not do or die just yet but it feels like we're getting close.
'not asking for a dynasty.. just give me one fucking championship'...
The Rangers have been built for the regular season.
That said, while I'm not at all optimistic about this playoff year, I think they can be true contenders again soon IF Gorton is a sharp operator and, ideally, they find a better coach. Lundqvist aging/declining need not be the death knell of the Rangers - they still have a talented young nucleus. They have got to figure out how to get rid of the dead weight on defense, though. With even an average defense, the Rangers would have as good a shot as anyone.
The Rangers have been built for the regular season.
That sounds nice but I dont know what it means. Lots of different styles have won Cups. If Ryan Mcdonaugh doesnt break his damn foot and Zuccs doesnt take one in his ear (still no clue why hockey helmets expose ears... WTF) maybe we have a Cup right now.
Its bizarre to me that a team can win so many playoff games like LA has, but cant not once in the past 10 years, put up even 105 points in the regular season.
A style is good enough to win on the biggest stage, but not good enough to beat Arizona and Winnipeg in February? Makes no sense.
The Kings are big and mean and control the puck like madmen
In the playoffs, they get away with a lot of things that get called for penalties in the regular season. The NHL has been that way since as long as I've been a fan. That's why Mike Keenan pushed to deal away Gartner and Amonte for Matteau, Noonan, and Anderson. It hurt them over the long run but helped them win that year.
Kings were the Jonathan Quick show. He was every bit as good as Tim Thomas or better in his cup run.
Quick put up a 1.4 GAA and .946 save percentage over 20 playoff games. That is f-ing lights out.
Some perspective on that is Hank was nearly as brilliant in those playoffs, but his GAA was almost half a goal per game higher and his team lost in the conference finals.
Brodeur has never had a playoffs like that in 4 cups, Roy hasn't in 3 cups, Hasek hasn't in 2 cups.
It was probably the best goalie playoff performance I can recall. Tim Thomas was close and that was an anomaly.
Maybe you can say the Kings team the Rangers faced was more built for a playoff run, but again, I think the Rangers were as good, look how close the games were - and I know you don't need me to remind you of that. 3 OT losses (one in double OT). I have a hard team pinning that on one team being built for the playoffs vs the other being built for the regular season. Those are two great, closely matched teams.
eh.... the games were close but they controlled the play overall
I always had the feeling while watching those games that the Rangers were fairly lucky to be close. Hell, you could argue that the game they played the best in as far as controlling the play goes was the one game where they fell behind early.
The better team won that series. Felt like 2/3 of the games were played in our own ends. Game 3 was our best game - we lost by 3 goals. Game 4 was out worst game, they ass-fucked us -- but we won based on two pucks stopping in ice snow on the goalline.
But yeah, I suppose with a proper game 2 call and the domestic assault asshole not miraculously throwing his stick at a fucking puck heading into the net in game 5.... and we could have been talking about a 6 or 7 game series. Mother fucker.
Still, the '14-'15 team was even better than that team. If Stralman had been retained and if McD/Zuccs hadnt gotten hurt... what might have fuckin' been, we wouldnt be talking about how 'we're built only for regular seasons'
At the risk of Greg killing me again, I really do think this is the Capitals year. Of course I hope i'm jinxing them by saying that... but man they are good. How long can they keep that team together before salary cap bites them as it did us in recent years? Hoping not more than another year or two.
The reason that series hurt is that the Kings were the better team
AND got a lot of fortunate breaks (fuck you, Dwight King!). It just wasn't fair. And yet the Rangers still could have/arguably SHOULD have won two more of those five games.
and to think how good they'd be with Filip Forsberg. Never understood that trade at the time, and it makes even less sense now.
I thought last year they were the best team, but they're better this year.
I'll never count out Crosby, Malkin and Kessel though - that's my definition of being built for the playoffs. Sure they're a good regular season team, but they have Kessel on the 3rd line and playoff third lines with skill are huge. Not too many better 3rd line players in all of hockey from a skill standpoint.
It's conceivable that whichever team survives the Metro will have played two 7 game series before the ECF. The Rangers were in that same situation a few years ago.
I just dont think Murray and their defense can hold up again like they did last spring. They've also got a much harder first round match up this go around (i'm not so much shitting on the Rangers, though the McDonaugh broken hand hurt and we just werent very good last season.. as much as its Columbus being the 3rd or 4th best team in hockey).
Analysis of Pittsburgh-Washington series last year shows that series decided the Stanley Cup. Sucks for Capitals it took place in round 2 instead of round 3 or 4 like it should have, but those are the breaks and it will be again this year. In that series:
Shots: Pittsburgh 209, Washington 202
Corsi: Washington 51%, Pittsburgh 49%
...the series turned when Murray single-handedly stole game 3. A game the Caps had 70% Corsi in and outshot Pittsburgh 49-23.
Watching the Caps collapse in the playoffs is one of my favorite
I just dont think Murray and their defense can hold up again like they did last spring. They've also got a much harder first round match up this go around (i'm not so much shitting on the Rangers, though the McDonaugh broken hand hurt and we just werent very good last season.. as much as its Columbus being the 3rd or 4th best team in hockey).
Analysis of Pittsburgh-Washington series last year shows that series decided the Stanley Cup. Sucks for Capitals it took place in round 2 instead of round 3 or 4 like it should have, but those are the breaks and it will be again this year. In that series:
Shots: Pittsburgh 209, Washington 202
Corsi: Washington 51%, Pittsburgh 49%
...the series turned when Murray single-handedly stole game 3. A game the Caps had 70% Corsi in and outshot Pittsburgh 49-23.
Murray I definitely agree with, but if Letang comes back healthy their D is better than last year with the development of Schultz and him finally showing a glimpse of what people expected him to be and the veteran addition of Streit.
Other than letang and maatta, their D are pretty much stay at home defenseman, with good shots. I like the way they breakout and their system in general, but Crosby and Malkin (when he feels like skating) cover up a lot of shit
because they are heading for a real cap crunch this offseason.
4-5 key UFAs including Ohsie, Alzner, Williams, and now Shattenkirk. As well as Kuznetsov and Burakovsky needing new deals as RFAs. And Carlson is a UFA after next season too. Ovi, Backstrom, and Holtby signed long term so they'll still be in the mix. But they'll likely never have a better team than this one.
but they'll likely never have a better team than this one.
Your lips to God's ears.
Those kids hitting RFA better not accept below market deals. Their GM was famous for publicly admonishing Green two years ago for not taking a below market deal to stick around and achieve some common greater good, or some fucking pathetic bullshit line like that.
Bad enough Ovechkin is playing on such a below market deal for them.
How could any of us forget? Our brethren over in Brooklyn couldnt stop boasting about that elite goaltender they stole 3 years ago now, which of course was going to put them over the top and take over New York City bragging rights forever.
12 years and counting folks.... :) (yes, its not much, but with one Cup since 1940, I take pleasure in the little things)
RE: RE: Hey, remember when the Caps were a 121 point team
How could any of us forget? Our brethren over in Brooklyn couldnt stop boasting about that elite goaltender they stole 3 years ago now, which of course was going to put them over the top and take over New York City bragging rights forever.
12 years and counting folks.... :) (yes, its not much, but with one Cup since 1940, I take pleasure in the little things)
You redeemed yourself with your last line, bucko. The list of failures coming from NVMC/Barclays in the past 30 years...and more specifically recently in the Snow era are manifold, which we know too well.
And not that you guys have tracking responsibilities for your crew, but where did Drewcon go? Haven't seen him around in a while. He's a good egg.
________________________
9. TB 83
10. Isles 82
fuck PJ.
I think they are gonna make him an offer he can't refuse.
So amped! LGR
Time for twitter blowup: Miller on fourth line, Puempel in. Buchnevich scratched, along with Klein, Clendening, Kampfer, Pirri and Glass.
I dont hate the JT demotion, as he's been playing like shit. But why Puempel over Buchnevic? Unless you are planning on playing Puempel in the playoffs.
Quote:
doesn't have any jam to his game and is just not built for the grind of the NHL.
I think they are gonna make him an offer he can't refuse.
Well played Jay.
I realize he's probably hitting a bit of a wall, but Hayes was much more productive his first year.
Buchnevich's problem seems to really just be the physical aspect of the game. The kid is talented, no question. He's got a hell of a shot. He just leaves himself open to get fucking shellacked way too often and doesn't quite seem built to withstand the rigors of the NHL game. The KHL is like flag football compared to the NHL. He's got to get a bit stronger and learn to brace himself better for impact.
I realize he's probably hitting a bit of a wall, but Hayes was much more productive his first year.
Buchnevich's problem seems to really just be the physical aspect of the game. The kid is talented, no question. He's got a hell of a shot. He just leaves himself open to get fucking shellacked way too often and doesn't quite seem built to withstand the rigors of the NHL game. The KHL is like flag football compared to the NHL. He's got to get a bit stronger and learn to brace himself better for impact.
Totally disagree on the former, totally agree on the latter.
Vesey has been pretty fuckin active. Makes talented plays, doesn't shy away from tough areas of the ice. Needs to make better decisions/consistency, but the speed and talent and battle level is there. Reminds me a bit of TRJT's NHL game two years ago.
And yeah, Buchnevich has got serious talent, needs to get stronger and learn to navigate the NHL game.
Holden out of position about 10 seconds later nearly gives it back
Vally spoke of how good Raanta is stopping the puck on 2 on 1's this season and though he didn't mention Hank's efficiency, I'm sure I've seen too many of those go in when the D man is poperly playing the pass.
Step with the goal. He's heating up.
This thread is dead. WTF.
Lots of guys not playing well but Vesey looks like he can barely carry the puck at this point. Heading towards playing 81 games, just no good reason for it.
Obviously the team sees the standings, there hasn't been much to play for for weeks now. But this is just messy, mediocre hockey.
Sam is a legend, but you just never get an honest assessment from this broadcast team.
At least Stepan is scoring again
GET HIM THE FUCK OUTTA HERE!
Fuckin' ZZ Top looking motherfuckers.
At least they clinched. Start resting guys
Alas. Hey, we made the playoffs.
The more I watch Raanta the more I am convinced he can be a number one. AV may have a tough decision to make as the playoffs approach if Hank doesn't get his act together. And it's not like he has a lot of time either.
For whatever reason you never know when Hank is going to go into that giving up of soft goals syndrome. I find myself holding my breath more when he's on the ice then when Raanta is in net.
Alas. Hey, we made the playoffs.
I thought they shopped him but there was no interest in Klein. Could be remembering wrong.
He's been a great asset for us, no question, but he's not ever going to get on one of those runs that wins you a Cup.
Kind of like Miracle and the decision to put and start Craig on the roster over other guys... Hank has the ability to steal series, Raanta does not. With this group this year, we are going to need a goalie to steal us at least 2 series.
You guys are better fans that me - I didnt stay up until 1am to see a meaningless game. But not surprising to hear Holden cost us again. I've been saying for weeks how bad he is, and he cost us the game in New Jersey last week too. He's brutal.
But clendening will get blamed for everything and Holden for nothing. That's the way it is with the current administration.
He's been a great asset for us, no question, but he's not ever going to get on one of those runs that wins you a Cup.
Kind of like Miracle and the decision to put and start Craig on the roster over other guys... Hank has the ability to steal series, Raanta does not. With this group this year, we are going to need a goalie to steal us at least 2 series.
You guys are better fans that me - I didnt stay up until 1am to see a meaningless game. But not surprising to hear Holden cost us again. I've been saying for weeks how bad he is, and he cost us the game in New Jersey last week too. He's brutal.
But clendening will get blamed for everything and Holden for nothing. That's the way it is with the current administration.
Couldn't disagree more...Raanta can steal a series...Hank can not...Puck handling and age will cost us...Plus Holden should not see the Playoffs...
I swear some of you look at the year on a game-by-game basis.
Quote:
He has like 7 points total in 2017. He's been a complete non-factor. A lot of hype for a kid who quite frankly, isn't impressive at all.
I realize he's probably hitting a bit of a wall, but Hayes was much more productive his first year.
Buchnevich's problem seems to really just be the physical aspect of the game. The kid is talented, no question. He's got a hell of a shot. He just leaves himself open to get fucking shellacked way too often and doesn't quite seem built to withstand the rigors of the NHL game. The KHL is like flag football compared to the NHL. He's got to get a bit stronger and learn to brace himself better for impact.
Totally disagree on the former, totally agree on the latter.
Vesey has been pretty fuckin active. Makes talented plays, doesn't shy away from tough areas of the ice. Needs to make better decisions/consistency, but the speed and talent and battle level is there. Reminds me a bit of TRJT's NHL game two years ago.
And yeah, Buchnevich has got serious talent, needs to get stronger and learn to navigate the NHL game.
I'm probably being too hard on Vesey, I just feel like after the whole "sweepstakes" and all the hoopla around signing him that he'd be better than a sub-30pt player even in his first year. He'll get better, but right now he doesn't look like the potential top-6 fwd he was billed as.
I thought Hayes' first year here was much more impressive.
It's an easier path than anyone else has in our division.
Montreal, OTT/TOR/BOS and then one of WSH/PIT/CBJ is a cakewalk compared to the roads that the 2 and 3 seeds in the metro have
He's not playing well. This is going to be the first time we go into the playoffs in as long as I can remember where I don't feel like he can win us games on his own and propel the team.
It's entirely possible he'll up his game a bit and he does seem to hit rough patches in each season now, but I'm not sure we're going to get Cup-caliber goaltending from him this go-around.
What I truly dont get is why he's never given a healthy scratch breather. Will this ruin his confidence? I cant fathom it would. Especially on all the back-to-backs lately when we're playing out the string.
Makes no fucking sense at all.
And why don't we let Hank play a few more games before we throw dirt on him? I'd imagine that playing a West Coast game in your first game back in meaningless game #50 isn't optimal
He's clearly not playing at the elite level we've seen from him in the past. Is it possible he turns it on for the playoff run? Sure, and I hope he does. I'm just not as confident in it as I've been in past seasons.
He's definitely rusty... 5 more games to get back in playoff form.
I just feel a little less confident about our goaltending going into the playoffs than I have in the past. Not sure he's going to be able to flip the switch this spring. Fingers crossed, though.
At this point its about getting this team at least some momentum heading into postseason. We've been sleep-walking for a month now.
Toronto needs to make up 10 points on us too to pass us.
You are correct, should be focusing on building momentum heading into the post season.
I swear some of you look at the year on a game-by-game basis.
The team was without Girardi & Klein for that stretch and most of the goals given up by #32 was on the PP. During this stretch they had the worst PK ever...I'm a Hank fan but he's not going to bring us to the Promised Land...
He's still has sometime to get back into form, and if he even comes close to what he's been, it is a better alternative than Raanta.
These guys are human and I think they realize that they've been playing for nothing for a month now. (Not so sure the coach realize that though) This is why my primal concern is this team not being able to "flip a switch" and get into a do or die mode after not doing so for so long.
The way NHL playoff games go a series can turn based on specials.
You need steady goalie play of course, but if you're at 75% on the PK, you're in trouble.
Not that this is the sole reason for last year's loss, even if you don't score on the PP, you can't be this bad on PK.
I don't know. I just don't feel confident in this team in the playoffs. Not like I have in years past. Maybe it's because of the way PIT undressed us last year after two deep runs.
(Watch them win the Cup this year now... )
I don't know. I just don't feel confident in this team in the playoffs. Not like I have in years past. Maybe it's because of the way PIT undressed us last year after two deep runs.
(Watch them win the Cup this year now... )
I feel the Rangers are better positioned this year than any of the past 4 years based on matchups.
I think people who aren't confident in them mainly it's because Hank isn't currently playing lights out.
In the playoffs they'll shorten the lines a little or at least the minutes making their 4 deep lines more effective.
running 4 lines out like the Rangers do is murder on the defense.
and right now it's the Canadiens who have Weber, 38-year old Markov (who doesn't match up well with speed), and Beaulieu who is young and good, but still learning, and Jags like Jordie Benn and Jeff Petry. Matchup advantage Rangers heavily.
If Ottawa winds up 1st in the Atlantic their D is slightly better equipped than the Canadiens, but still advantage Rangers.
It very well could come down to special teams.
but at this point in the season, might as well nut up, hope for the best, and enjoy the ride. (not that as fans we could have done anything about the team's play or future at game 20 either, but mentally.. just feels like now is the time of the season you might as well just enjoy it)
PJ - we don't know for sure yet if we'll roll 4 lines come playoff time. AV could very well dress #15 or Puempel. Remains to be seen.
I also disagree this is our best shot in 4 years. Things will never break better for us than they did 3 years ago - Bruins losing in 2nd round, Price getting hurt, etc.
And two years ago the Zuccs injury was just killer... more so than the schedule faced. Caps was a tough series that year, but not too many guys got hurt. Staal and McD broke things in the Tampa series...
besides, even if we get out of the Atlantic this year, the Caps Jackets or Pens will be waiting and full of confidence after getting through the Metro.
I'd like to see us ramp it up a little down the stretch here and win some games. I think it's important even though we technically don't need to.
In any event, it'll be fun to watch games with a sense of urgency again. Haven't elevated past a resting heart rate watching a Rangers game in weeks. Probably longer.
Unfortunately, at the same time, I don't exactly feel "fortunate" when we've been San Jose East during that tenure... just one SCF trip (loss in 5 games) to show for it out of 11 tries, just like San Jose (lost in 6, but on home ice which may actually be more painful). Pitt has 2 cups and 3 Finals appearances in there, Det has 1 cup and 2 Finals in there.
Put it in contrast - LA Kings have 2 Finals and 2 Cups out of 6 playoff appearances (versus our 11 - note: Kings have finished with 100+ regular season points just 3x since the lockout and never more than 102 total, which I think we had more than even last year)... Carolina Hurricanes have a Finals appearance and a Cup in just TWO playoff appearances post lockout.
Philly and Ottawa both have the same number of Finals appearances as us in 7 playoff appearances and Tampa has the same number of Finals appearances as us in just 6 tries.
So yeah, happy to be here, will enjoy it -- but can we just break the fuck through already !?!?!
Hopefully we don't look back on 2014-2015 as the best chances we had. It's not do or die just yet but it feels like we're getting close.
That said, while I'm not at all optimistic about this playoff year, I think they can be true contenders again soon IF Gorton is a sharp operator and, ideally, they find a better coach. Lundqvist aging/declining need not be the death knell of the Rangers - they still have a talented young nucleus. They have got to figure out how to get rid of the dead weight on defense, though. With even an average defense, the Rangers would have as good a shot as anyone.
That sounds nice but I dont know what it means. Lots of different styles have won Cups. If Ryan Mcdonaugh doesnt break his damn foot and Zuccs doesnt take one in his ear (still no clue why hockey helmets expose ears... WTF) maybe we have a Cup right now.
Its bizarre to me that a team can win so many playoff games like LA has, but cant not once in the past 10 years, put up even 105 points in the regular season.
A style is good enough to win on the biggest stage, but not good enough to beat Arizona and Winnipeg in February? Makes no sense.
Quick put up a 1.4 GAA and .946 save percentage over 20 playoff games. That is f-ing lights out.
Some perspective on that is Hank was nearly as brilliant in those playoffs, but his GAA was almost half a goal per game higher and his team lost in the conference finals.
Brodeur has never had a playoffs like that in 4 cups, Roy hasn't in 3 cups, Hasek hasn't in 2 cups.
It was probably the best goalie playoff performance I can recall. Tim Thomas was close and that was an anomaly.
Maybe you can say the Kings team the Rangers faced was more built for a playoff run, but again, I think the Rangers were as good, look how close the games were - and I know you don't need me to remind you of that. 3 OT losses (one in double OT). I have a hard team pinning that on one team being built for the playoffs vs the other being built for the regular season. Those are two great, closely matched teams.
But yeah, I suppose with a proper game 2 call and the domestic assault asshole not miraculously throwing his stick at a fucking puck heading into the net in game 5.... and we could have been talking about a 6 or 7 game series. Mother fucker.
Still, the '14-'15 team was even better than that team. If Stralman had been retained and if McD/Zuccs hadnt gotten hurt... what might have fuckin' been, we wouldnt be talking about how 'we're built only for regular seasons'
At the risk of Greg killing me again, I really do think this is the Capitals year. Of course I hope i'm jinxing them by saying that... but man they are good. How long can they keep that team together before salary cap bites them as it did us in recent years? Hoping not more than another year or two.
I thought last year they were the best team, but they're better this year.
I'll never count out Crosby, Malkin and Kessel though - that's my definition of being built for the playoffs. Sure they're a good regular season team, but they have Kessel on the 3rd line and playoff third lines with skill are huge. Not too many better 3rd line players in all of hockey from a skill standpoint.
If the Pens get healthy they're hard to beat.
Analysis of Pittsburgh-Washington series last year shows that series decided the Stanley Cup. Sucks for Capitals it took place in round 2 instead of round 3 or 4 like it should have, but those are the breaks and it will be again this year. In that series:
Shots: Pittsburgh 209, Washington 202
Corsi: Washington 51%, Pittsburgh 49%
...the series turned when Murray single-handedly stole game 3. A game the Caps had 70% Corsi in and outshot Pittsburgh 49-23.
Analysis of Pittsburgh-Washington series last year shows that series decided the Stanley Cup. Sucks for Capitals it took place in round 2 instead of round 3 or 4 like it should have, but those are the breaks and it will be again this year. In that series:
Shots: Pittsburgh 209, Washington 202
Corsi: Washington 51%, Pittsburgh 49%
...the series turned when Murray single-handedly stole game 3. A game the Caps had 70% Corsi in and outshot Pittsburgh 49-23.
Murray I definitely agree with, but if Letang comes back healthy their D is better than last year with the development of Schultz and him finally showing a glimpse of what people expected him to be and the veteran addition of Streit.
Other than letang and maatta, their D are pretty much stay at home defenseman, with good shots. I like the way they breakout and their system in general, but Crosby and Malkin (when he feels like skating) cover up a lot of shit
4-5 key UFAs including Ohsie, Alzner, Williams, and now Shattenkirk. As well as Kuznetsov and Burakovsky needing new deals as RFAs. And Carlson is a UFA after next season too. Ovi, Backstrom, and Holtby signed long term so they'll still be in the mix. But they'll likely never have a better team than this one.
Your lips to God's ears.
Those kids hitting RFA better not accept below market deals. Their GM was famous for publicly admonishing Green two years ago for not taking a below market deal to stick around and achieve some common greater good, or some fucking pathetic bullshit line like that.
Bad enough Ovechkin is playing on such a below market deal for them.
I'm definitely pulling for the Blackhawks to win it all once the Rangers are eliminated. God knows I can't root for the Penguins or the Caps.
How could any of us forget? Our brethren over in Brooklyn couldnt stop boasting about that elite goaltender they stole 3 years ago now, which of course was going to put them over the top and take over New York City bragging rights forever.
12 years and counting folks.... :) (yes, its not much, but with one Cup since 1940, I take pleasure in the little things)
12 years and counting folks.... :) (yes, its not much, but with one Cup since 1940, I take pleasure in the little things)
And not that you guys have tracking responsibilities for your crew, but where did Drewcon go? Haven't seen him around in a while. He's a good egg.