Glad Steckel is almost ready. It will nice to put Flush on the bench.

If someone can explain how Erskine is better them Eminger please do.

Erskine has no foot speed.

GO LEAFS!

Flash is still in there -- I wonder what Coach BB is thinking.

eminger can't do crap. erskine can at least block fists with his face.

Powerfully disappointed to hear that flat foot is going to be back in the line up in lieu of Eminger. In my eyes 44 has proved himself to be better than Erskine the last few games.

Dear Hockey Gods,

Please give Caps the power to beat a weaker, but dangerous Bolts. They don't need this victory, Caps do. Please make them to give it up and think about the golf course instead.

Lepisto is better than both... however, all of them take stupid penalties.

Pick your poison!

Steckel just needs to play this game - he is a beast against Tampa. I think 70% of his goals have come against Tampa.

#4 is back in, #44 sits - I wonder what Coach BB is thinking, too.

I guess the Fehr on 2nd line experiment is over again?

If the Caps win tonight and FLA loses - FLA could roll over like a dog on Sat night.

1) Have to agree with the above posters that Eminger is a much better option than Erskine.
2) So who sits if/when Steckal returns? Guess by then(3 games from now) it may be a mute/uninportant issue.
3) The Clark situation is maddening. Its hard to understand how a muscle strain can cause someone to miss months. Its getting to the point where it might be better to just shut him down until training camp. BTW, is Pothier still listed as 'day to day'?
http://newfaux.blogspot.com/

@828

reposting my comment from the last thread. I am indeed out of town for the rest of the regular season, but am keeping tabs on the team. I am still working on finding a place near Colorado Springs to watch tonight's game, but have a spot staked out in Denver for Saturday.

BB will play Erskine over Eminger AND... continues to play #43. While i like his system, and what he's done for the team... i still question his judgment sometimes.

NBC, NY writes root for Caps!

http://alexovetjkin.blogspot.com/2008/03/not-great-for-nhl-if-ovechkin-home-for.html

NBC, NY writers root for Caps!

http://alexovetjkin.blogspot.com/2008/03/not-great-for-nhl-if-ovechkin-home-for.html

Tampa hurts themselves every win they get concerning the draft lottery....hmmmmm

Fauxrumors

Mute issue? Do you mean moot?

@Sombrero Guy
I spent two year in Colorado Springs and there are quite a few nice sports bars out by the Air Force Academy that used to show most of the games....

@Fauxrumors
Just can't see what you guys like in Eminger. To me he looks like he is afraid to touch the puck or make a mistake whenever he is on the ice. Just doesn't show enough confidence for me and I'm sure the opposing forwards see it as well. And, if flash doesn't sit when Stecks comes back then I'm sorry.....time to line BB up for a lobotomy!!!

I disagree with the majority of the posters. Eminger has NOT been playing well lately. He loses EVERY battle against the boards. Emmy's effort can't be questioned and both take stupid penalties. Given the choice though, I pick Erskine over Eminger any day. I prefer Erskine's size and presence over Eminger's turnovers and 'better' skating.

@Phil

Do you remember the names of the sports bars?

Phil

"To me he looks like he is afraid to touch the puck or make a mistake whenever he is on the ice."

Hmmm...see I thought/think just the opposite. To me he was exhibiting confidence during the last two games. Looked pretty good carrying the puck deep into the offensive zone and looked sharp in the defensive zone.

If you had made that comment the first couple times BB put him in the line-up I'd agree 100%...but since he got his chance of LePisto I'd be so bold to say not only is he better than Erskine, but has also outplayed Schultz.

It is clear to me that Green/Mo and Poti/Schultz are the two d-pairings that have worked well together over the past few weeks. We could argue all day on who is the better dman between erskine/emmy (I'd take Big John ANY day), the decision is not about who is better alone, but who works best with Milan.

Clearly BB sees more of a connection between Erskine and Milan than he does Emmy and Milan.

Sure we bloggers can be quick to question BB's decisions, I'm just as guilty with Laing vs Flash, but we have to remember it is more about who plays with who better, rather than who's better individually.

@Sobrero Guy
I was there in the late 80's but I will look up some of the old places on the net to see if they are still there. Back to you shortly

Sundin is back with the leafs tonight against the B's. That is really good news!! Though Boston can eliminate them so I guess there is some inscentive for them too.

If you watched the last game closely, Eminger got caught pinching in the offensive zone a few times leading to odd man rushes. If he won the battles along the boards, it would be a non issue. The reason you may not notice this as much is because they luckily didn't result in goals. Eminger's positioning is atrocious. While Erskine doesn't skate as well, you won't see him getting caught in the zone. Plus he provides grit in front of the net that Eminger most certainly does not.

Good news about Davey Steckal, lets just hope we have something to play for when he gets back.

As already posted, I think Clark should be ruled out. Even if he was fit, he would take time to get back to what we Brits call "match fitness". You need a couple of games to get that sharpness back and we just can't afford to wait.

Greenie,

From previous post - glad you liked the end - took all of about 2 minutes to finish so sorry I didn't do it sooner.

Bruins Suck!!!

Fehr really sucks why is he still in the lineup he stinks

Great news on Sundin. Go Leafs!

BB tends to rotate players in and out a bit anyway ... Erskine might play tonight and be back on the bench with a so-so game.

I like Erskine over Eminger.

I don't question Erskine's size over Emmy's being a beneficial factor, but he takes too many stupid penalties due to the fact that he can't skate, and alot of the time plays "too physical" plus... i can't say i think he's the smartest guy out there (look back that the penalty he took in the bruins game) he does have benefits, but to pair Erskine and Jurcina is just asking for trouble... that pairing couldn't outskate half of the midget teams i've seen.

Truthfully though, i'd take Erskine and Emmy as a pair before I played Jurcina, but that's just me. I don't like Jurcina at all.

Tarik, do you know if lecavelier is playing tonight? i heard he has wrist problems. i hope he doesnt play of course!

Re: #44

On Vogel's Podcast yesterday, the #4 vs. #44 question came up. From him, it sounds like the team's thinking is that #4 was a top 6 before the injury, you bring him back in as a top 6 and if he can't do it, then you bench him.

I'd think that stats would be the way to go...but eh.

@Scofield

Re: Jurcina

Off to the sin bin with you! Look at Juice's +/- and the way he throws his weight around.

The highlight of Walker slamming himself into the boards against the Canes is reason alone to keep him in. :)

@Sombrero Guy
Top choice has to be Harry's sports bar(or was when i was there!!), if they aren't showing the game either Bambino's or One sports bars are also ok choices.....good luck!!!

@Yosh
When he did carry the puck deep he got caught there and caused two or three odd man rushes into the CAPS zone. What you saw as confidence I see as stupidity. I f you are gonna skate the puck deep you better be able to hold it there until your forwards can take over and you can get back in your denfensive position.

The Lightning will phone it in tonight friendos.

I do not know why people disparage Erskine - he has an even +/- over 46 games, while Eminger, the superior skater no doubt, is a -4 in 18. He brings a much more physical, intimidating presence to a defense that lacks a punisher (other than Jurcina) in the mold of Phaneuf or (genuflecting here) Stevens, particularly on the PK, and he has decent hands.
I think he a way more heart than Eminger, and it shows to Boudreau.

@FFS Enough

Per your D-man pairings, it illustrates Gabby's interest in getting an O-oriented guy and a stay-at-home guy together.

Erskine's a stay-at-home, Emmy's more O. Unless they're trying to run a pair of two stay-at-homes, I can't see how Erskine complements Juice.

I thought that the Poti/Juice pair was working well together...but then again, I can't stand Schultz.

Well I guess that answers that. Stinks that our captain won't be back. I'd love to see him on the second line instead of all this flip-flopping. It will good to get Steckel back though.

Well, see everyone at Front Page tonight.

Lets go Caps!!!!!!!!!!

Interesting read from ESPN...Take a look-see at how you build the worlds greatest hockey player.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/story?columnist=johnson_george&id=3299193

@AP
Yes Fehr got 1 period on the second line & was replaced by Cooke?? Not sure what Cooke brings to a scoring line - Fehr hasn't pocketed and but he has created more chances then Cooke.

Hopefully when Stecks is back that moves Laich to the Left wing on the 3rd line and Flash to the bench.

#4 can't skate

#44 plays only the right side

I would honestly prefer seeing #42 on the ice. No stats to back it up, but Sami looks like he has the most potential. Just my humble opinion.

@Roger#94
I may be biased but I'd take Semin over Kovy in that shot category. ;)

Keef

My public criticism of Schultz has been tame lately. The guy has grown up a LOT this season, and is not longer the clumsy buffoon he was last year and early this year. Schultz is still a project. Not everybody can step into the league and play at their potential immediately.

The D-pairings I listed are what have been rather static over the past few months, with Schultz/Juice moving around between the pairings. I don't really see BB trying to put one O-minded and one traditioanl dman on each line, I see him trying to split the remaining talent across the two lines as evenly as possible, giving the other team no clear "matchup" that they can work off of.

Though, tonight, If I were John Tortellini, I'd get Marty's line out against Poti/Schultz as much as possible, and tell the midget to skate at 55. 26-Black could make 55-White look like the buffoon he was earlier this year/last year.

Japers made a good point about what a difference it is to see a goalie make those critical saves (I love olie but it is painfully clear he is no longer a #1) ...I just hope caps mgmt does not become cheap and waste another year of ovie greatness. There is no legit goalie available this summer theodore is as close as it gets and his career stability issues scare me

@Sombrero Guy,

Personally I would stick with Jackson's Hole in Denver. Great sports bar!

Eminger = No future with the Caps
Erskine = Minimal future with the Caps
Lepisto = Big future with the Caps

I like Ekskine for toughness. Yes, he lost the last couple, but he'll be back. Take him and Brash out, and all of sudden the other team takes liberties.

Eminger requested a trade, he'll be gone sooner or later.

Lepisto will have to fight for the spot.

What is Erskine going to do with a smooth skating Martin St Louis coming at him one on one.

There's a fella with the last name Alzner that might be breaking in next season too which would throw a curve ball. I don't think Lepisto will have to fight too hard for a spot after this season. Maybe #4 and #44 say adieu.

@Omar

What he always does...hook him!

Can anyone else feel the excitement building for the game tonight, it's almost like I can taste it!

More problems for the Bruins: Kobasew is out with a Fractured Tibia on top of Savard being out for the next couple of games (at least).

Would love to see the blueline get a few goals tonight

Anyone have a working game link for tonight for those of us doing spring break college touring? LET'S GO CAPS!!!!

Anyone have a working game link for tonight for those of us doing spring break college touring? LET'S GO CAPS!!!!

Clark who?
I've just started watching the Caps again now that they show they can put up a decent fight for once again.
I continue to be annoyed why people care so much about this player who was selected as captain probably because he was the only player on the team with any real NHL experience (who isn't Olie).

P.S.It's a HEAD INJURY, I wish they'd quit trying to hide this fact to protect the one who gave it to him.

@Dave UK Caps Fan
Thanks again for the ending
Go CAPS !!!!

Poor Fehr. The kid keeps getting prairie dogged to the 2nd line, only to be sucked back into the 3rd line. Cooke plays a tenecious game and can score (not a lot, but some), so maybe this is good. I keep praying that Flash or Fehr will have a break out game and follow up on it. However, Flash has had enough chances to earn the Flush moniker. Stecks should push Flush to the stands, moving up either Laich, Cooke, or Fehr to the 2nd line (depending on the shift).

LET'S GO CAPS!!!

What is Erskine going to do with a smooth skating Martin St Louis coming at him one on one.

He'll smash him like Darcy Tucker or plaster him on the boards. :-)

Alzner is the reason why Lepisto might have to fight for the spot, and... Caps are still in the hunt for top 2 experienced d-man. That what GMGM was supposed to get. He did good, but there's a hope he'll still get a good d-man in the summer. Defense wins playoffs as we all know. Semin could be a good trade-bait for a top 2 d-man.

@Keef

Yeah, I hear ya on that and I'd take OV's heart too. Who doesn't want a 22 yr olds heart that jumps out of his throat when anybody on the team scores.

What about the tearducts of Crysby? Why wasn't that added to the list??????

On another note, just looked at the current prospective playoff match ups and that writer from NY is right. Boston is 0 for 8 against Montreal this season. Plus, with all of there stars out for Boston, Montreal would roll right through them.

Us on the other hand are 2-2 vs. Montreal with each team winning one at home and one away. Imagine the drama that they could sell, Huet goes back to Montreal, is Price the next Ward, Ov's first playoff series, Federov's last (Maybe), Old against the new, good against bad.....Sorry I am getting a bit excited but imagine. Ahhhh but like I always say "Aint nothing to it, but to do it."

UNLEASH THE FURY WASH, TORONTO, ATL, NYI, OTT

It just my opinion... But Poti cost way too much for what he does. $3.5 million for him? Way too steep. Trade him during the summer.

Green is going to cost us $5 to $6 million a year. Morrisonn will cost us $1.5. If Pothier comes back... you could have a defense like this...

Green/Morrisonn $7,000,000
Pothier/Jurcina $3,380,000
Schultz/Alzner/Lepisto All under $800,000 (Alzner is not signed)

Erskine/Schultz are still under contract through 2009

keef

Erskine would have to be traded/released outright to not be a cap next season. Emmy would have to be resigned (with no competing offer from another team) for him to be a cap.

Alzner, while a great prospect, is probably a bit further than next season from breaking this lineup. I'd give him a full year in Hershey, the ability to call him up if needed, and a full 80-game slate before we start tossing him around.

Omar:

Nobody stops StLouis. Our defense has NEVER had an answer for him. The only one I trust to be able to skate with him is Greenie, but it's an away game tonight so it's Tort's choice, not BB.

Anonymous Clark Hater:
If he was not a clear team leader, the C would have been given to somebody else by now. The simple fact that the guy has been gone all year, but has not lost the C is proof that there's something we don't see that makes him the best leader on the team.

And I have no idea what you mean by Head Injury.

@ Keef

While I loved the Walker "hit" or attempted hit... i still think he's just average. +/- is and has always been an over-rated stat IMO. he's a number 5/6 defenseman... they're interchangeable all over the NHL.

@ Shaggy
Re: Emmy's heart
how much heart can you have after the emotional beating he's taken this year by BB and management?? i feel for the kid... and hope they let him go and he catches on somewhere. he's not a top 4 guy right now, and may never turn into one, but he's better than he's being treated... think about it, Kiwi is playing in the NHL... Emmy's definitely better than him.

Well, dear Caps fans, tonight is a half slapper night, I am telling ya...

But I need your support.

Honk here if you want me to unleash my patented panzer faust half slap schultze shot.

Last time nobody honked and there was no half slapper.

Your humble defensive servant, the power tower of Caps defence, 'chicks dig me' Papa Panzer Schultz

@ Sombero Guy

If you ski, Copper Mountain and Breckenridge are both incredible and in good shape for spring skiing. I just got back from a great week of skiing.

@Scofield

You could say he same about a couple others on our D...just trying to figure out why you singled him out. He's still young as are a few of the others.

@Scofield

You could say the same about a couple others on our D...just trying to figure out why you singled him out.

He's still young as are a few of the others but he's got a wicked shot from the line, he's a rock when he's got the puck (doesn't budge), and pushes forwards on their ass with seemingly little effort.

Dave,
You forgot the end...
For thine is the Phone Booth,
the slapshot and the glove-save.
Now and forever, Amen.

Or, if you're Catholic like me,
Deliver us Ted, from Gary Bettman,
And grant us points in our games.
In your mercy keep us out if the sin bin
and protect us from all fluky goals
as we wait in joyful hope
for the coming of our Stanley, here in DC.
For thine is the Phone Booth,
and the slapshot and the glove-save.
Now and forever, Amen.

flash is gmgm's project he just doubled his salary for next year
thus he floats.........and floats......
while else would laing sit in our biggest game of the year
i hope bb doesnt get sick of gmgm's meddling give bb a real contract and COMPLETE control

Checklist for tonight's viewing:
1) Beer
2) Pork rinds
3) Beer
4) Voo-doo dolls representing:
Tim Thomas, Ryan Miller, Mark Denis AND Mike Smith (just in case), Thomas Vokoun
5) Beer
6) Clear Plastic beer-proof sheeting to throw over TV when Erskine is whistled 3 consecutive times for squashing Frodo like a bug
I know I'm missing a couple things...

Man, when things stick, they stick. If everyone starts doing the peoms thing, then the CAPS WILL lose. It happened with me and the negativity.

Leave it to Jschon - not trying to be an arse, but that's just what I have learned.

Anyone have a working game link for tonight for those of us doing spring break college touring? LET'S GO CAPS!!!!

@JSchon

I agree that Poti's not living up to his expectations here. He's starting to get his assits rhythm back but I think they just haven't found the right pairing for him. He also could be suffering from a shoulder injury ala Nylander. He was definitely favoring it a couple months ago and maybe it's a nagging injury.

About Green, I don't think he'll crack $5m/yr but time will tell.

@FFS Enough

Don't be surprised if Alzner gets a sweater next season. He showed a lot of grit during the Worlds.

I know I'm missing a couple things

You missed Zwei Biere, mu dear friend.

@ 828,
Sorry, I'll stop. I got a little carried away. I'm going crazy waiting for the game to start. I'm gonna go vacuum or something.

I thought jmugrrl's poem took some thought,
apparently others thought not
we all wonder if it's a help or jinx
why can't we all just get along methinx

I'll get back to work and leave you alone,
but I'll be hoping for all wins when they get home.

Der Blitz wird besiegt!

I will UNLEASH the HALF SLAPPER on 'em!

@wendel

I like BB as much as the next guy or gal, but your posts are starting to remind of the guy over on the "The Trail" blog who posts repeatedly in the comments section with spam about how Barack Obama is secretly a Muslim who wants to destroy the country. Copy, paste, repeat. Copy paste repeat.

We get it man, the guy deserves a new contract.

jmu_capsgirl... no sweat! and don't apologize - I am sure you want the caps to win as much as I do - same with everyone else in this blog. Def not cutting on your stuff - just trying to keep things in line. I think that is what AP was saying on the previous blog - at least that is what I understood.

btw - went to JMU as well.

I love when people make comments that have no factual backing. For example:

"flash is gmgm's project he just doubled his salary for next year
thus he floats.........and floats......
while else would laing sit in our biggest game of the year
i hope bb doesnt get sick of gmgm's meddling give bb a real contract and COMPLETE control"

Let's go back to what Tarik had to say on this blog the day Fleischmann was re-signed:

"...the organization -- Coach Bruce Boudreau in particular -- believes that (Fleischmann's) on the verge of a breakthrough based on his play the past month (eight points in 13 games)."

So yes, it sure sounds like it's GMGM's influence on BB as to why he's getting a jersey every game. Oy.

icebat - nice stuff... no one is hating on the poem. It's the fact that my reverse psychology "seemed" to work with 4 wins in a row and then a lot of others were doing it as well and bam - got crushed by Chicago... don't know why I believe in superstitions... but I do.

+1 for Jeff

(Drops gloves)

Whoa Whoa Whoa,

Chris Clark is our captain, who has been out bc of a GROIN, not a head injury. He was/is the heart of this team. You might not have been watching when we were on the PK, Clarkie got a bunch of his teeth knocked out and he stayed out there to clear the puck. Not sure how you rate leadership but I am pretty sure he wasn't given the "C" bc for games played.

And I am sorry that the Caps have to be able to put up a "decent fight" for you to watch them but the bandwagon has already left the station.

And I will now go back into hibernation for a few more weeks. :-)

@ 828,

Its cool. I'm a bit superstitious so anything I may do to cause the Caps harm ceases immediately. Like my jersey that I can't even wear.
Go Dukes! But definitely Go Caps!!

1) @ Phil Not sure Eminger is 'afraid' so much as he is used so sparingly that its difficult to stay physicly/mentally sharp. He should be playing regularly. If he's not a top 6 defensemen then why did the Caps sign him to a 1 million dollar deal?
2) He's a RFA after this season. If the Caps want to retain his rights they have to qualify him, giving him a 1 million dollar contract, again. Also who would trade for a 1 million/year player who isn't deemed good enough to break their top 6?
http://newfaux.blogspot.com/

Dyslexic Rabbi got home, he was very tired... He sat down on the chair and said, "Yo"

Fauxrumors - Jurcina was not good enough for Boston and we landed him... same could go for Eminger.

Thanks 828 for getting what I meant on the last thread.

@ Shaggy

I think Ramo is starting tonight so you might want to make a doll for him too.

Dear Caps chicks,

Honk here if you still dig me.

Gentle giant Papa Schultz

@ 828 - "trying to keep things in line?" Did Tarik appoint you to police the comments on his blog?

AP - no problem... after all the bashing from my reverse psychology - I am not afraid of the "beating" I might have gotten for saying that.

(I'm "Knucklehead" in the James Madison group in the ESPN NCAA bracket)

keef

Will I be shocked if Alzner gets a jersey next year? no. If we are unable to resign ShMo, his chances skyrocket. Lepisto will get a jersey before Karl.

Sure, he may have showed a lot of grit at the U20 Junior Worlds, but if he were ready for a jersey I would have expected him to dominate that tournament, and he didn't. The two games I saw, Godfrey looked better than Karl.

Jill, Tarik asked me to do that.

Now Jill - why do you have to go and piss me off before I head home? ;) Today was such a good day.

And if you must know - Tarik and I go way back.

@ALL of the Flash haters

Coach BB is going with Flash because he knows the system, and trusts his play.

Barring an injury (God forbid), he won't bring anyone up from Hershey. There's no need to disrupt flow in the locker room.

For all who think he doesn't belong, let's compare him to Mike Green. Last season, in his first full year (70 games), he had 2 Goals 10 Assists -10 rating. After getting HIS FIRST FULL YEAR OF NHL PLAY under his belt, he has 17 Goals 32 Assists 8 PP Goals and E rating. It takes a FULL year to get acclomated to NHL speed and play.

If he continues this play next year, than I agree. Get rid of him.

Don't count him out just yet.

@Roger
Props to you - Ramo is toast!

I hear Sundin is taking the ice against the hated Broonz - sweet.

@ keef

... to be honest, i'm not sure what makes him stand out to me, i just don't care for him and think he's expendable.

I think there's more upside with a lot of our other young D's (Green - good defenseman and above average offensive side, Shultz - great height/stick reach) Mo's a solid Stay-at-home guy, as is poti (who we just signed and has a good point shot too...)

**This part is definitely just my opinion/view on things, trying to explain my point of view** at that point you have 3 guys left (4 if you count Lepisto...who i'd rather see play than any of the guys left) Erskine, Eminger, and Jurcina. Erskine brings the toughness that everyone seems so high on and Eminger brings the speed and puck movement. Jurcina doesn't have either in comparison to the other guy.

He's a more physical guy than Emmy, but not as good a puck mover and not as fast; but he's a better puck mover/faster than Erskine, but not near as much a "tough guy"... so it seems to me that he would be the "extra" guy.

I think the Jurcina/Erskine pairing is just tooooo slow and immobile... puts too much pressure on the forwards. and Eminger/Jurcina loses the "toughness" of Erskine that BB seems so intent on having.

Just my thoughts...

Jill - did Tarik appoint you to the dezicknated "spell checker"?

If theres anything I've learned it's not to be afraid of blog discussion board beatings, they hurt a lot less than real beatings. Anyways someone will always have a problem with what you say on here, I'd go on for a rant but I'm still at work so I'll save it.

Jurcina-Erskine

this D-pairing is just asking for trouble, neither are fast skaters.

No honks...

Nobody wants my half slapper or chicks don't dig me anymore?

Watch me squeese St. Louis tonight when he'll try to go thru my 5 hole. He's very sneaky!

Okay, a bit off-topic... It's time to kill the "Pure Goal Scorer" (PGS) phrase forever.

How many times have all read the difference between player "fill-in-the-blank" and Ovechkin is that player "fill-in-the-blank" is all around (i.e. can pass, scrore, and defend), and Ovechkin is a "Pure Goal Scorer." I don't know about you, but every time I hear Ovie called a PGS it's like nails on a chalkboard.

I propose/request that some really good youtuber put together a new video on Ovie that is strictly dedicated to his passing and unique defensive skills. Show his pass from behind the net backwards to Backstrom, show that no-look pass across the zone through three players the first year, show everytime he outraces someone and batts away the puck on their breakway from behind, show him defending the empty net, show him in the same shift giving his stick to a defender, then making a hand save with his glove, then grabbing a stick and level ing the guy with the puck simultaneously.

I know the clips are out there in bits and pieces, but someone put them together so I never have to hear he's a PGS while the other person is "all-around" again.

On that matter, why don't people realize that his hits are defensive plays too! Good lord, how many times has he knocked someone off the puck with the result being a change of position. In a creative line of thought, we could be looking at the true defensive dynamo of the league!

Just a small favor to ask ;)

Go Caps!

(I never thought I'd say that against the Lightning since I lived in Tampa for 15 years, but the Caps are finally converting me after living in D.C. for 8 years).

Lecavalier is expected to play, despite his wrist injury.

Didn't Tarik comment that Alzner very well could be with the Capitals next year?

If we see Marc Denis tonight, it will be a W for sure.

Hey Papa Schultz, help yourself out ... score tonight and I'm sure your fans will multiply.

Sorry, in my previous post I meant to say "resulting in a change of possession."

@Pete

You can call me PGS any time! I am well known to the hockey world as a pure half slap shooter. In fact, the only article on Washington Post about me was about my half slapper. I am really born to be a pure goal scorer, but BB tell me to stay in the back. Otherwise I could've unleash my half slapper every night even if nobody honks (sob, sob).

@Scofield
You made some good points on Juice, he definitely does fall between the 4's. I guess I'm just hopeful that there's something there. He seems to be somewhat sporadic.

He was lackluster at the beginning of the season but I've felt he has shown marked improvement. While not the fastest, he's able to keep forwards outta the crease and actually he does handle the puck fairly well (much better with clearing and passing than Schultz is).

Last season he made a huge impression when he came aboard, but looking back, our D wasn't doing as well as this season. :)

I'd like to see Laing over Flash on that 3rd line.

FFS Enough

Oh yeaaahhhh....Godfrey. I'd forgotten about him. :D

There's much more talk about Alzner in the press. I'd like to get the young'uns in early because we could end up in a similar situation we're in today if they come in two years from now. They could get seasoned and form a strong core for years to come.

But on the other hand, having two or three vets, two or three with a few years in and then a couple of rooks wouldn't be a bad mixture.

@ Caps fan in TN

Thank you for your kind support.

I will unleash it, just watch me. And tomorrow when everyone here will congratulate me, I will say "I told you so", and people will honk and chicks will dig me again.

Silly Panzer, your half-arsed slapshots are like mortar confetti to me. If you can't move, you are toast. This is your final stand -- hit something!

Positional weak spots in our roster for next year... What say you?

So we have arguably the best LW spot in the league. Ovie, Semin, Cookie, and Brash. Solid top down.

Our RW seems to be in good shape with Kozlov, Clarke, but is a little suspect with Fehr / Fleishman / Gordo, etc.

When we get Nylander back, our Center looks good with Backstrom, Nylander, Steckle (we could probably use a better 3rd).

D has been a big concern post-lockout. Poti is expensive, but since we are sitting with 4 solid (Green, Mo, Schultz, Jurcina) + Poti + the Erskin/Eminger.

So, as the role of GMGM, What is the biggest piece you see us needing to get in the FA this summer?

@ keef

Believe me, I'd love for him to step up and be a top 4 guy. Having too many above average D-Men is a great problem to have. Truthfully if you look at "overall skill/abilities" he's probably better than both of the E's. But when you're trying to pair guys, it ends up being harder to keep him in than exclude him.

it's just what i've picked up watching... i could be totally wrong :-) haha. it's been known to happen more than it should.

@Papa Schultz

yawn...

@T-34-85

Thank you for your open critism, I appreciate it. Now I'd better go and eat some spaghetti with meatballs, tonight is the night, I will hit St. Louis for sure, others might wait...

Hit first or half slap shoot first? You guys vote here, I'll check between the periods.

I'd better keep going... Panzer rules!

jmu_capsgirl,

Good stuff, as a Catholic myself I should have known to carry on. Please don't tell my mum!

828,

Understood chief. No more from me on the prayers front. I know my place!

In other news, Cindy returns tonight. Lets hope she's fit to beat up on Philly in the two games left between those two then her ankle starts playing up again for the playoffs.

4 hours and counting folks.........

fricnkoutstandin - I think you forgot Laich for our Centers for next year, I'd like to see him back next year

Panzer, how about this, you hit someone WITH your half slapper, and then slide yourself into the (opponents) net.

Tarik, Could you tell the guys who run the website to get rid of the annoying rollover ad at the top of the screen, it gets in the way. Oh and I think this gives me a natural hat trick of posts

This is off the subject, but is anybody listening to Sportstalk 980 now? They are breaking down the Redskins opener at the Giants. I've heard B-Mitch talking about whether the Skins can handle the Giants pressure and what would happen if the Skins lose this game. I know this is a Redskins town, but does anyone else find this rediculous?

I'm shocked at some of the opinions on Juice here. I know the horse is on the way to the glue factory...

I am probably setting him up for his worst game of the year, but keep an eye on 23 tonight. Especially playing alongside Erskine. Take a look at who TB prefers to enter the zone against (erskine's side or juice's). Also take note of the FWD combos that Torts puts out against Juice (do this on faceoffs).

The more I watch Juice closely, the more I'm amazed by his positioning. The guy doesn't get taken off of the puck in the corner, and even though he can't skate well, he makes up for it by CLOBBERING guys who enter the zone anywhere near the boards.

Juice plays the body better than ANY other defenseman we have.

@ AP

Laich is a solid 3rd.. Personally, I think we need a gritty veteran 3rd line center where Brooks can take some more time to develop. As you can tell, there is always a need for backup players when injuries occur. I think Laich would make a great reserve. From what i've seen, he's serviceable, but doesn't light it up with his face-offs or vision. He's not intimidating, or a force to be reckoned with. He's good... but if you were the GM... is there better?

@Jeff
what else is bb going to say when his boss signs someone and his contract as coach goes to the end of the year
he might be a future scorer BUT right now he is -8 and floats... he doesnt play the defensive system thats why he has been sat
we need players who will doing anything to win these next 5 games
so check your facts jeff!!!!!!!!!!!!

@Jeff
what else is bb going to say when his boss signs someone and his contract as coach goes to the end of the year
he might be a future scorer BUT right now he is -8 and floats... he doesnt play the defensive system thats why he has been sat
we need players who will doing anything to win these next 5 games
so check your facts jeff!!!!!!!!!!!!

fricnkoutstandin - I agree, he still needs work, but the only problem I have with pushing him back, is the fact that the roster is getting a little crowded. No he's definately not lighting up the faceoff circles, but I think it was January he was leading the league in faceoff win percentage, so he can do it, but like Fehr, Schultz and some others I think his game could benefit from adding a few pounds this off season. Sorry if my argument isn't well organized, I'm trying to keep the pace here at work and actually have some input here today.

Mr. Mitchell, if the Skins lose then they will be 0-1. Period. Too many hits to the head.

Did anybody hear Marc Savard broke his back and will only miss 2 games? I broke my back and I couldn't walk for months. Seems suspect to me. I think they are throwing curveballs at us.

heeheeheeheeheehee funny.

@ Papa Schultz,
The girls will definitely fawn should you hit St. Louis in the offensive zone, knocking him off the puck, then do a "dipsy-do" and unleash it top shelf on Ramo. But that's just my opinion.

I'm still a bit new to the intricacies of stats and the finer points of the game, but I feel like Jurcina isn't all that bad. He generally stays out of the box; granted, he doesn't light it up like Green does(did?), but he's netted a few; makes hits (and avoids them well--looking at you, Walker) and blocks shots (although not quite with the enthusiasm of Laing). I haven't really seen much of Pothier (being a newer fan) since he's been out, but don't see Jurcina not being a Cap for the next couple of years at least. But my knowledge of the game is still limited, so maybe y'all see something I don't.
But I can see what Scofield is saying (I think), in that blueliners need chemistry with their partners a la Mo & Green. I haven't seen anything that puts a Juice pairing near their level.

@you've got to be kidding me

Andy Pollin and Steve Zyben are both one trick ponies... They couldn't carry a conversation about anything other than football. You'd expect more form them.

B-Mitch is hard to listen to, but he is there for football.

Honestly, listening to them makes me think any one can be a sports radio personality.

Frickin

What I'd like to see us do for next season.

1. Resign Green
2. Resign ShMo
3. Resign Laich
4. Resign Fehr
5. Resign Brads
6. Sign #1 Goalie. Huet is our best option, we just have to be careful not to piss him off.
7. Determine status of Nylander, Clark and Pothier. Replace with FA if any of them can not come back.

8. ...
9. PROFIT!

@Faux rumors,

If you've ever pulled your groin, its a very painful and hard to cure injury. And since the muscle is so critical in skating (and not a whole lot else) it needs to be tip top to skate well. I play, and have had that injury and it took 6 months to feel no pain. (Yes, I'm not a professional athlete, but other muscle strains I've had take weeks, not months to fix.)

Further, haven't they changed the injury description from "Groin" to "Groin tendon". Leaving aside that I have no idea what a groin tendon is, tendon injuries can be very serious and even require surgery.

I agree its all maddening though.

And, when Steckel gets back I would personally move Laich to the second line with Semin, put Cooke on the third and scratch either Flash (too small to be of value on the third line) or assign Fehr (too good a potential scorer to be wasting away on 3 or 4).

@ jmu_capsgirl:

Although somewhat amusing, blasphemy will not get us anywhere. Then again, there's always "Jesus saves but Ovechkin puts in the rebound."

could care less about Erskine vs Eminger at this point. its a lose/lose situation.

hoping Alzner will replace this dynamic duo next year.

@FFS

Again, I hope I'm wrong on Jurcina, but it's just what I see. When setup in the zone, he's a relatively good defenseman. Anytime the other team attacks with speed... he's more of a liability than others because of his lack of speed.

If the caps bring any D-Men up next year and Pothier comes back... Juice is gone or in the pressbox...I think.

"Honestly, listening to them makes me think any one can be a sports radio personality."

Anyone CAN be a sports radio personality. That's why shlubs like those guys still have jobs.

Addendum to #7 above.

Determine status of Nylander, Clark, Pothier, replace with Fedorov, Cooke, FA if any can't return.

Wendel, you are missing the point.

You said that Fleischmann was GMGM's pet project and implied BB didn't want to dress him. I responded that according to Tarik, who knows a lot more about the situation than either of us, BB was the one who was big on him and pushed for the extension.

I'm not even arguing he SHOULD get a jersey...I was simply saying BB, who has coached this team to a 32-17-7 recond, is the one who is picking the lineup.

Maybe you should have just said that Flash is playing badly and thus should be benched (which is definitely a fair opinion) rather than making an uninformed insinuation about how the GM is chosing who plays and who doesn't.

I understand many people don't like GMGM...no problem...I could find plenty of ammunition to argue he's a bad GM. But what I don't get is why there are so many personal, or perhaps unsubstantiated, attacks upon him.

Old Bob's Little Boy,
I think I'm a bit far gone for worrying about that, but I'll say a couple of "Our Fathers" and "Hail Marys" before the game.

3.5 Hours!! Let's go Caps!!

Jeff

I also would like everybody to remember. GMGM is the ONLY DC-AREA SPORTS EXECUTIVE who has demonstrated the ability to LEARN FROM HIS MISTAKES. It was Ted/GMGM's decision to blow up this team early 00's and rebuild from the ground.

It was Ted/GMGM's decision to draft the players they drafted, and they deserve ALL of the credit for the EXCITEMENT that surrounds this team for this year and next.

Like Ted said, you have to get really bad to get really good.

My only complaint is with the time he took to fire Hanlon this season.

Quite happy to see neither Fehr nor Flash on the second line, I'm no fan of either Erskine or Eminger but I'm glad Erskine is better after getting hurt. I'm a little nervous about this game just because it's one of those "should be wins" that the boys are just known to blow. LET'S GO CAPS!!!!!!!!!!!

People need to lay off of Flash for a bit and recognize that this is his first full NHL season. He is a developing talent and I think that in years to come, he will be a valuable player. Not every player picks up the NHL right from the AHL. I don't recall any games where it stuck in my mind that he lost us one. He's had trouble finishing, but he's young.

@jeff
dont be so naive
of course gmgm has input until bb gets a real contract right now he has to make politically correct decisions like playing the idiot brash who wears an A that bb did not give him and playing old ollie cause he has history and playing flash that gmgm signed. Tarik gets info from bb and gmgm but do u really think bb is in a position to be 100% honest. Players in the room know but say nothing for obvious reasons since Tarik would print their comments

papa: please direct your secret weapon halfslapper at my ankle to break it and put me out for the rest of the year.

signed, Flash

FFS Enough -- I like GMGM. You can go back and read my comments and I don't think I have EVER said he needed to go and often tried to point out some of his good decisions when people cherry-picked his bad ones. I was just making the point that if one wanted to, you could easy find questionable moves.

But you are right -- compare some of the moves he made earlier in his career in DC to what he's done more recently. He's definitely learned from his mistakes.

In my opinion, he's taken a lot of heat for where this franchise went the last few years...but there aren't too many people willing to admit that MAYBE he has been doing a decent job in the last year or two putting this team together while still having pretty extreme payroll limitations.

Alrighty Ladies and Gentlemen,

Catch you on the flip-side!!!! See ya at Front Page!!!

Lets go Caps!!!!

Juice plays the body better than ANY other defenseman we have.

HEAR HEAR!!

Roger #94

So, so jealous! Say hi to Melissa for me!!

Wendel, clearly you are in the know...I guess I'll stop using logic.

I mean, obviously the best way to earn an extention is to NOT do your job and intentionally make bad roster decisions (when making a bad decision = playing lesser players to please your boss) as opposed to trying to winning. I mean, that has been obvious the last 6 games where Kolzig has started exactly 1. I guess, using your 'argument', that BB has cost himself a contract because he hasn't put the season in Kolzig's hands?

And Brash? Let's say for the sake of your argument that he dresses Brash only because GMGM encourages him to do so. If BB didn't trust Brashear, would he really be on the ice with 7 minutes to go in the 3rd period of a 1-0 game? The fact Brash took 6 minutes in penalties doesn't change the fact that BB put him out there because he believed in him.

Wendel,

BB nor GMGM put any letters on any players uniforms. The players vote on the captains and alternates.

Sorry -- I meant to say Kolzig has started 1 out of the last 5 games...just wanted to set the record straight. :-)

LETS
GO
CAPS
Beat the Bolts
and go me on my test tonight

Leeguru

"The players vote on the captains and alternates."

Once again you're a quicker draw...

Wendel

"politically correct decisions like playing the idiot brash who wears an A"

Just curious, but what don't you like about The Donald?

@JEFF
u stopped using logic with your first post
any start for ollie was an error
gmgm signed brash for 1million next year\dah so what does that mean to bb
he must follow up if he wants the job longterm ditto for flash bb has his hands tied to a certain degree by gmgm
thats the way it is whether u say so or not

@Caps423

I do remember one game where Flash had two clean breakaways and could have potted the puck at the roof of an empty net but missed the shots.

Inexperience? Possibly..easily could have been flustered, etc. But they were both prime scoring chances and would have won us that game.

wendel

Not trying to go back on the offensive, but can you atleast click on the preview button to before submitting? I understand you're worked up and trying to get your rebuttles up quickly, but your posts are getting to be about as hard to decipher as hieroglyphics.

brash is a great guy
have met him several times and is super
Just dont think he deserves to play in as many key games as he does

Ignore Mode: On
Target: wendel

Lets go Bolts!

@ jmu_capsgirl

I'm glad I didn't confuse everyone... :-) cause I tend to confuse myself a lot! haha. You followed what I was saying correct... the chemistry/abilities of the pair is more important than the skill/ability of a single Dman. While Jurcina may be better than both "overall" the other two as pair seems like a better idea to me.

Either way... I hope to be proved wrong. I just wanna see the best lineup possible out there every night. Win baby win!

PS... Welcome to Caps Fan-dom! It's a beautiful place, where everyone has an anxiety disorder and is balding (due to ripping their own hair out in the final minutes of every game) :-)

wendel

"Just dont think he deserves to play in as many key games as he does"

That's the question I want answered. I've been to or watched darn near every game this year and The Donald has looked better this year than he has in quite some time. His forechecking has been unbelievable and the opportunities he and his line have been having have been great. I said this yesterday also, but the fourth line is not paid to score goals. Any goal they score is pure gravy. Their primary job is forecheck, hit hard, tire the defense and drop the gloves to make a point. Me thinks that The Donald, Bradley and Steckel (when he was on that line) have done that almost to perfection.

Do we think Pothier will never play again?

If he does .. are we looking at this next year?

Green-Mo
Poti-Alzner
Schultz-Pothier

Jurcina

Add Lepisto, Erskine and a free agent signing to the mix ... let's keep it competitive on the blue line.

Caps fan in TN

I'm not convinced Alzner will make the team next year. Granted, I hope he does...but at the same time I think he'll be spending atleast the first part of the year in Hershey.

"People need to lay off of Flash for a bit and recognize that this is his first full NHL season. He is a developing talent and I think that in years to come, he will be a valuable player. Not every player picks up the NHL right from the AHL. I don't recall any games where it stuck in my mind that he lost us one. He's had trouble finishing, but he's young."

Is that you Flash??? Shouldn't you be in your pre-game skate right now... learning how to play in the NHL??

Wendel,

Who do you think makes the decision on who plays where? I think the answer to that question will let all of us know what your prosepctive is.

I am not sure what the caps are going to do with some of their guys next year - decisions will need to be made. They have some guys that are reaching a level where it is hard to keep them in Hershey [Lepisto and Bourque (perhaps Giroux gets another look)] are quickly heading in that direction - where there just isnt any more they can learn in Hershey. Kind of like with Green last year, his skills had surpassed the AHL - great for his confidence but it was not challenging him anymore. There is adjustment to the NHL. Flash/Fehr/Steckel the same thing. There comes a point when you just cant hold these guys back anymore. I have not seen much of Alzner (only what I hear) so I cant say if he is ready or not. Will get interesting.....

@ Scofield,

Thanks, I used to watch/play hockey as a young kid, but I'm trying to pick it back up on a more adult level now. I read everything I can lay my eyes on, but, especially with blogs, its sometimes hard to distinguish fact from opinion. I'm getting there, though. Now matter what the last five games bring, I'll be rooting for these guys for a long time to come.
Oh, and I've still got all my hair, but my fingernails are gone and I've lost my voice a few times...

@Wendel,

I have to agree with Yosh, Brash has played well this year, better post Hanlon imho. He is a demon on the forecheck.

@ jmu_capsgirl

I only watched hockey as a kid (couldn't afford to play other than in the street) I just started playing about 5 years ago.

Awesome too... glad to have you on board! I'm sure I speak for the board when I say... The more "real" fans, the better!

Me too... i've gnawed my fingernails off many times over too :-) I can't lost my voice though, my band would kill me!! ha!

@yosh
he is a great enforcer i agree
but he is minus 8 do u really what him on the checking line instaed of someone like laing

Clarks's injury is now a groin tendon... that's no bueno. I'm currently dealing with bicep tendonitis in my left shoulder, have been for months now, and it won't go away. So I can't even imagine dealing with a groin tendon issue... I hope he gets better soon and I now really understand why he's been so long in coming back...

On a separate note, if any of you come out to Phoenix, AZ, I could use the company during the games!

@leeguru
if u think bb has complete control over gmgm u r the dumbest person in DC
Until he gets that control he of course in going to get input wanted or other wise from gmgm

Its free taco night at the FP.

Got my pasta and meatballs. I am ready.

keef, if I score half slapper tonight or catch and squeese St. Louis when he tries thru my 5 hole, can I say "keef, yawn for me" ?

Papa Schultz

@Scofield,
Oh, shoot, we just played pond hockey whenever it was cold enough (which in my former home (and the home of the princess in Pittsburg) is pretty much most of the year). My brother was the one with all the gear, I had goalie pads made of pillows and other squishy stuff and a baseball mitt. The voice has killed me a couple of times, like that group presentation the day after that BOS/PIT weekend.
Two hours!! Lets go Caps!!

ok, so saying I'm the dumbest person in DC proves what exactly? You need to answer my question.

BB says he makes the lineup decisions ( GMGM will offer input but it is BB's decision). GMGM and the coaching staff make the call up/send down decisions.

Insulting people on this blog while trying to prove a point you do believe in does not help your cause. This may come as a surprise (and I am the dumbest person in not only DC, but the whole Metro area) but people are going to disagree with you.

@ Wendel

This isn't the Redskins... GMGM signs the players he thinks fit... BB puts who he wants in the lineup.

I'm positive GMGM would tell you "I don't care who he plays, as long as we win"

Eminger is a perfect example. I don't see GMGM saying "hey, why aren't you playing 2002 our first round draft pick...we've invested a lot of time and money into him"

Brash is playing so others don't take liberties against OV, Semin, and others... He's wearing the A because he's a Vet that can offer some guidance to the kids on the squad and he is respected around the league.

Also... no need to call anyone dumb... it's a blog where people post opinions... and while you're opinion is wrong, it's still yours and you're allowed to have it w/out people talking down to you because of it :-)

I can say I've never skated on an outside pond... so I'm already jealous!

Nice! you looked like a District 5 kid didn't ya? you're not Connie Moreau are you?? :-)

ugh... again w/ the BOS/PIT weekend... I still get nauseas!!

DITTO THAT! CAPS CAPS CAPS

trying to track down a huge Caps fan - J. Southern...big country...anyone?

the whole emminger deal is a joke
play him or trade him or send him down
why ruin this young man
gmgm promised to recall then put clmmer on waivers to let him go some where else BUT DIDNT
gmgm is a jerk
fortunately the caps rock despite him
thank god for bb

Haha, D1 & D2 were on after the game on Tuesday. Definitely looked like a district fiver, although Julie Gaffney from D2 was my idol, not Connie.
The nausea never really got me on that one, just an overwhelming urge to clobber people. Lets go Caps!!!

WENDEL IS PUCKGURU'S RETARDED SON!!!!!!!!!

GMGM only learns from his mistakes because he makes so many of them. Its like throwing darts blindfolded and drunk and possibly while hanging upside down.

Gotta love Julie the Cat... we all knew Gunnar was goin glove. :-)

Anyone else get the feeling we won't be seeing Clarkie again?

@Monsieur Lee

And you once said you miss some type of induhvidual cause they're.. entertaining? No thanks I'll pass :D... don't feed the troll, they'll go away after a while :D

Anyway, I'm home early today - preparing mentally for the game. I don't have any high hopes for BOS losing but it would be great if we keep the winning pace - cause I don't think BOS or PHI will keep up.

But, need to win this one first.

*honk honk honk*

Mauree! Getting excited. Under an hour. Gotta listen to XM again. Tonight, those guys from Tampa who get all too excited when the team scores.

Watching those movies the other day, I had the dumbest grin on my face. I spent half of the movie quoting it alongside the actors, but then I really started paying attention to the hockey part, and realized how truly awful they were. Icing, offsides out the wazoo, putting a forward in a goalie's equipment in the course of a time-out. They were still funny, but I call shenanigans on the hockey parts.

@Lee

You can't install TVU, what about SopCast? Cause I have a sopcast link for tonight's game:

sop://broker.sopcast.com:3912/39461

Guys and gals, not to play babysitter, but every time we respond to wendel, we add fuel to his very, very special little fire. Brazen idiocy is best left ignored.

Heading out to get something to eat - will be back on later... def excited about this game.
Dumb guy, I mean Lee - it would be the Green Turtle in the VC... we can pretend we are going to the game.
I hope the Caps are pumped up for this game... and agree - the Bruins and Philly cannot keep up this pace... .500 will get them no where.

aww man I was all prepared for a 7:30 start.
3500 mississipies to go...
3499 mississipies to go...

I meant I was prepared for the 7:00 start, but it's at 7:30 instead.

I thought it was 7 also! ooohh noooooo!

HELLO FINE FRIENDS AND FELLOW FANS!!!

Been too busy to post today (will be able to once the game starts), but have enjoyed sneaking a read here and there. Gotta run but before I do ...

WENDEL:
Be nice to Leeguru and remember - he is a GURU!!! (Silly rabbit, everyone knows that you don't mess with the guru ...)

My woman comes to defend me! Yes!

Sir Instigator Leeguru:
Don't worry - I've got your back ... ;-)

LET'S GO CAPS!!!

I'll cover Boo!'s back if needed because she represents us lady fans eloquently and with fervor.

jmu_capsgirl:

eloquently AND with fervor?!?!?

LOVE IT!! ;-)

Ok, just about off and running in Boston. Let the scoreboard watching commence!

Nice to see you back Boo!

@ Boo!
Thanks, I try to put my tuition money to good use by become eloquent myself every once in a while. Mainly I just use college as an excuse to hang out in a town with CSN and televised hockey games, but every once in a while, words I rarely use just slip out.
Fervor on!
22 minutes! Lets go Caps!!!

fehr sucks

fehr is good!

Arrrrggghh Boston 1-0 Strum (16:37)

Hi!

good game to alls of you and hope to see a great win tonight!! lets go Caps!! lets go Cristobal!!!

Aaahhh ... home sweet home, and just in time for the puck to drop ... life is good! :-)

Hello, Dave! Please tell me that you are not in the UK right now? If so, when do you sleep?!? Geez, you are almost as dedicated as mauree (well, when he stayed up all night in Italy for a game)!!

jmu_capsgirl:
Fervor eloquently on, my friend ... fervor on!!

Leeguru:
Did mauree's online connection work for you this time?

My dad used to know Koharski. He still shakes his head every time he hears his name.

Oh, and @FFS Enough, I'm gonna try to keep track of the Juice v Erskine thing. I'll let you know when the game's over.

Hello All!

Been away, just got back.

Lets Go Cap-I-Tals!!!

BERNIE!!!!!!!!! We've missed you!! I can't decide what I think of the game so far, and that makes me nervous ... COME ON, BOYS ... TURN UP THE HEAT!!!

Boo,

Yes I'm unfortunately in the UK. Its midnight here. We are only 4 hours in front until Saturday when are daylight saving kicks in and we go back to 5 hours in front.

Still at least I'm in work at 8am tomorrow - ouch!

I may only last until the end of the second period.

@ Dave,
Ouch... You have fun with that!

Dave:

Ouch, indeed. Bravo for hangin' in that long!

So MN, huh? That explains a lot. Were you a Wild, Gophers or North Stars fan?

Oooh - Torts looks mad! Hopefully we'll do something with this PP.

Looks like we are playing aggressively cautious. We can win as long as WE stay out of the box. Broken record I know but that seems to be our glaring achiles heel.

Bernie:
I think you jinxed us ... ;-)

Have I ever said how much I love Huet??

What a save by Huet....

Good job Laich... shorty!!!

Boo!,
Thanks!

Huet, pay day! eeks

Yeah Brooooksey!!!!

YEAH BABY!!!! LAICH!!

Fed is incredible - please keep him!

YESSSS!!!

Brooksey from Feds SH - the big 2-0 for Liach!

crap

I llooooovvvvveeeeeeee a shortie!!! :-D HIP HIP HUET!!!!!!

Uh, I think I jinxed this time ... ;-)

arg

TOR & BOS 1-1,
BUF & OTT 2-1,
ATl & FLA 0-0,

Well, good for Brooks and darn you Halpern.

Is it just me or does it seem like something bad always happens when they go to the behind the net camera angle.

Damm you Halpern!

@ Boo and jmu - thanks for the concern. I've always been Caps fan. Started following US football at age 9 with my Dad and picked the Redskins because I liked the colours! So when I started watching hockey in 95 the obvious choice was the Caps as I had already been linked to DC for 13 years (you do the Math!). I do have a soft spot for the Twins though.

Could someone help me??? I need a working game link! Anyone??

Caps should press a bit on the accelerator. Tampa is playing ok but obviously they are not a desperate team - we should be a bit desperate.

Well, if there's really any reason to like the 'Skins, I guess that's a good one. And I won't even think about doing the math. It makes my brain hurt. :D.

Let's go Caps!! Second period, coming up!!

Halfway through the TOR vs BOS game and the Leafs are outshooting Boston 22-14. Guess they aren't calling it in tonight.

Semi almost had an interference penalty... whew

Got hit? Sucks it up and take it like a man. Just ask Ovie

My goodness, does anyone in here help others? I've been looking for a link to watch the game for the whole first period. Let me cheer on my team!!

My goodness, does anyone in here help others? I've been looking for a link to watch the game for the whole first period. Let me cheer on my team!!

Semi: Y do u mock meh

http://images.icanhascheezburger.com/completestore/2008/3/26/ydoumockmeh128510140322423750.jpg

lol

@Jason: You ever use Sopcast?

Jason, have no idea what that type of link is. go to nhl.com and listen live... or check comcast.

Well, if there's really any reason to like the 'Skins, I guess that's a good one. And I won't even think about doing the math. It makes my brain hurt. :D.

Let's go Caps!! Second period, coming up!!

Is game radio ok ?

http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app?service=page&page=Radio

Jason, did you ever think that nobody here tonight has the answer for you because we're all watching on TV?

take it easy, no one is ignoring you intentionally.

Is that all you do Yo - make fun of Semin?

Good picture though - looks like a real artist made that in Paint.

live from the old time house:

[huet makes insane save]
Me: Holy [expletive]. Wow wow wow what a save!
Joe B (3 seconds later) wow what a save!

also: nyr-nj game on hdnet on fios (833)

I am in Colorado and tried to use Sopcast but didn't get it to work. Listening to Kolbe....

Need one of our "super" guys to score now.

@Jason

There's a link above, read the posts.

Can I assume I'm not the only one having problems with the page?

Thoughts from this period:
I know the point of face-offs is to get low, but if he gets any lower, we may have to get Gordo a pool cue. I love Huet. Is Backsy getting checking tips from Ovie? And man, can Green hustle.

Sombrero - you got your hat on?

Anyone else having a hard time posting?

What's up with the blogs tonight?

so hows are boys so far, ar they playing hard or??? cant watch the game only look at the score board.!!!

we got to win this one and boston have to loose tonight even if they are 2-1 lead.

GO CAPS GO!!!

COME ON BOYS!!!!

Just need 10 minutes of Caps Accelerator to the floor to close this one.

Huet's second goal was a softie by the way. It was a sniper shot but from very far.

BOS up 3-1 now...

Is that all you do Yo - make fun of Semin?

Yep, a bit. When Semi is on top of his game, he is plain incredible. When you see his best wrist shot all you can say is wow.

That's why I think he is worth to be called semi.

And yes, you can call me anti-seminist, but every game I watch I hope that he'd prove me wrong.

If TOR loses - they are done for the year...

Yeah the blog's acting up :D

Sombrero - what's your problem with sopcast?
Do you have VLC? You need it to play the link I posted.

I hear ya yo... Semin can be frustrating, however, I like him because he has the capability to "wow" you. He is exciting - in another way that Ovechkin. So, I feel the need to defend him. He will be alright - just gotta have faith.

@828
I'm afraid they're done then.

@Mauree, can't find any previous link... would you mind giving it to me? Hopefully I can at least watch the 3rd period. (This blog shut down at a pretty bad time for me...)

Semin will have a goal tonight - wait and see!

As I said before, I am really concerned that Caps lose to a lesser teams. They play incredible vs. top and suck against the bottom.

So far 2:2 is not good for Caps. They must come up with something in the third. Otherwise 2 points can be missing.

@Jason

You need SopCast and VLC.

Here's the link:

sop://broker.sopcast.com:3912/39461

Start sopcast, log in anonymous, put that link in, let it buffer, start VLC.

TOR is on the PP - I would settle for BOS with 1 point tonight. 3-2 Leafs

Leafs are within 1 - 3-2 BOS... not the other way around. Wait - 4-2 BOS now... yep, they are done.

So the blog is back up?!? Finally!!!

Dave - you still with us?!?

We should be up by now. And why on earth is Boston winning? We need TOR, ATL and OTT to pick up the pace.

BTW, I was listening to the pre-game radio show on my way home from work. Has anyone else noticed that they open with what sounds like a golf club hitting a golf ball? Is that supposed to be a hockey stick hitting a puck?!?

Mauree, thanks for your help. LET'S GO BOYS!!! END THIS THING!!!

@Mauree

I have feed running in Sopcast but am just getting a flicker of gray occasional gray lines. I opened VLC and nothing happened

Here's a rather provocative article about the Roy fight:

http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2008/03/26/yoni-goldstein-on-why-he-enjoyed-watching-jonathan-roy-trounce-bobby-nadeau.aspx

C'mon Tampa, help a follow Southeastern out.

How was tht not icing?

@Sombrero

Oh yeah I forgot a detail: the input to VLC should be:

File > open network stream > http

http://127.0.0.1:890

Boo's not happy ...

uh oh need to score - COME ON BOYS! Don't forget we should play much more desperate!

@ 828

what's going on, why it's 3-2 Tampa, how look our boys, or they ok, are they playing well!!

melanie - there isn't much to the Caps right now. They arent playing bad - but they aren't playing like we know they can. No sense of urgency.

How bout a lil more effort from Jurcina... all you have to do is touch that puck on the icing.

@Mauree

Thanks. Still not working for me but I'll stick with the radio feed for now. Thanks for the effort though

Melanie:
They've got 10 minutes to get it together ... they don't all seem to be playing with a killer instinct - hopefully they will soon!!

mauree - here is your 10 minutes of true Caps hockey... there is only 9 min left.

Darn Juice, that would have been a good time to prove to people you can skate.

Well, at least we got to see Papa Panzerfaust's half slapper once tonight...

Come on boys, let's show a little more hustle!

@828
I surely hope they can make it. If we lose, it's 4 points behind both BOS and PHI - that's season over basically.

@ Boo!

i think you have it they have to play harder and harder and harder!!! hopefly we ganno say after the game that it's was a good win in the third!! cross my fingers!! let's get it done!! GO CAPS!!!!!!!!!

Yeah, I know... I won't give up until we are mathematically eliminated, but it won't look good if we don't get any points tonight.
Now would be a good time for Flash to score. or Feds... maybe this was the big goal that I was talking about.

Not a matter of giving up - it would just take a miracle.
So it all comes d