Where's he hurt, the foot?

...foot's a long way from the heart.

I'll say it again...

The defense is playing awful; in fact, they're not playing D, just offense.

What's with our enforcers and our coach? Step up and be men ffs. They Flyers have been running over Huet for the entire series and we sit back and LET them do it. Throw a real defenseman or enforcer on the ice and let them handle the situation. You'd never see someone like Scott Stevens let that happen...not once.

Wow what a debacle so far. Briere is just having his way. I think Ovechkin needs to put him in his place just like he did when Briere had a Sabres jersey on. He face washes Huet. I'm sorry but the next time you get a chance to lay Briere out...you do it. You pound his head into the ice or you lay him out with a clean hit. I don't care if he gets up or not. You send a message. NONE of that is happening. It's a disgrace. I was afraid how this young team would handle its first glance of adversity and right now they are failing.

Milan Jurcina should not see another minute of hockey in this game. Ok with Schultz out scratch that. But he shouldn't be playing after that mistake. That was flat out stupid. YOU KNOW BETTER THAN THAT in the playoffs. Nothing like letting Huet sit out on an island. Huet needs to stay on his damn feet and stop dropping down. I don't like the fact he's letting Philly stay in his head right now. Olie needs to calm him down or even put Kolzig in to take up the upper part of the net.

Call me crazy but it's sad right now. Congrats to Fehr. The sad part is none of the so-called stars are getting mad. Not a one. I swear Ovechkin is an afterthought in this game. He's non-existent. 4-2 lead going into the second.....what happens now?

It's time for the Caps send the Flyers a message...

Put in 'Zilla. He'll eat Briere for lunch!

Jonathan, that's what I've been saying. Huet's gotta stay on his damned feet.

Anon is right. Ovie seems pretty reliant on Backstrom. Maybe Caps need to move Fedorov to the top line.

Frankly, putting Olie in might concede defeat, and the Flyers may score another couple of goals. But he's got an edge to him that this team is missing. Maybe it's worth playing him just so that he rubs out Briere himself.

I said in an earlier thread that the Caps would need to fight to defend their goalie. The time has come to make someone pay (I would target Briere). Or give Biron back some of what the Flyers are doing to Huet. At least Laich buried one Flyer into the back of our net! Cute and pretty won't win this series.

The only bad thing about Schultz being hurt is that Eminger will have to replace him instead of Erskine.

I agree on Fed instead of Backstrom. He is invisible

In all my years of watching hockey on every level I have never seen a goalie being run like Huet has been in this series. I'm incensed. Can the Capitals please kill someone? Hartnell and Briere have been ridiculous. If the refs won't do anything about can someone kill one of those bastards? If they gets out of hand scorewise we should go after them or go run Biron. This is insane!

Why didn't we get Ottawa?!? I think Pitt threw their last game ...

Way to lose the game Comcast! What is the deal?

So glad Comcast decided to freeze frame here for the past minute right as the period is to start.

Anyone that can tank Comcast's stock?

"Anon" on backstrom comment was longtimecapsfan. Just can't type fast enough sometimes.

Yo. Comcast. Hit reset.

I LIKE IT!

Go for it, Greenie. We need a team more than we need players right now.

ranndino: dead on. I've never seen anything as disgraceful as this and I've been an avid Caps fan since birth. Wish I could lace up a pair to put a smack down on some of these fools since our kids don't know how to be men.

I wish to apologize. I blamed Hartnell for that hit. It was Danielle. He should be decapitated for that. Hartnell should receive the same treatment for last game.

Also don't understand why the Philly forecheck is so effective and how they get away with it being so aggressive.

Also Caps passing is very poor and it seems like they haven't set up an aggressive 3-pass push up into the offen sive zone. They can't generate any speed since their passes are bouncing around too much or behind their target... Also transition game way too slow.

they are history
Ovie is non existant for some reason

Ovie doesn't have a center to pass to him.

Uh Oh. AO!

Nice work. Now convert.

CRASH THE FRIGGIN NET!!!!!!!!!!!

*sigh*

We're going to lose anyways, now I just want to see blood. Send a message and set the tone for game 4. Or just keep getting blown away. Whatever works.

I don't believe anymore. Sorry guys, I just don't. This team doesn't want it bad enough, and the Flyers are dying for it.

Apparently the kids spent the last few days picking out golf clubs to spend their bonuses on instead of thinking about the games.

Love it. Briere almost gets a hat trick. Gosh darn it!

0 shots on goal for Washington this period. Way to adjust after game 2 Boudreau.

Clearly this is a novice playoff team that is overwhelmed and overmatched. Looks as if 3rd period of Game 1 was an anomaly. I want to keep believing!!! GO CAPS!!!

9 minutes in. 0 SOG. Both our D and O have abandoned us. Huet could have stolen this with brilliance, but it aint his fault folks.....

Why is the "young team" thing a valid excuse? Philly has just as little playoff experience.

Disappointed in BB for making basically zero adjustments. Very disheartening. Series ends Saturday.

72 - 39 SOG last two games......

They took a run at Ovie. Series ends now, we need to spend the next seven periods beating the tar out of Philly.

Why is the "young team" thing a valid excuse? Philly has just as little playoff experience.

Exactly. And it's not just the kids. The vets like Fedorov and Kozlov have been invisible tonight too. Very disappointing game.

Tarik:
Do you think Olie will get a start?

Will the team in white please resemble the team that beat Atlanta a few weeks ago?

The difference being that the Flyers are novice, not overmatched or overwhelmed. Wasn't making excuses... was making an observation. Caps are novice, overmatched, and overwhelmed.

Is it just me, or did Russian machine break? He doesn't seem to be skating very well right now, despite insisting he's okay... and who would think he'd do any different?

lots of things wrong but it's tricky cuz they don't want to get a rep for folding b/c of physical pressure. thats not the main issue (or imo the main issue). but they don't want to have any playoff team that faces them in the next decade think they'll fold if they get pushed around.

Green's miss ends the game right there. I've never seen such poor offensive hockey in the playoffs. This is sickening and maddening to watch.

@Boo

I think Olie could start at any number of positions.....

The Caps are a better team, they're just not playing with confidence. For some reason they are intimidated.

On days off from here on out...he better have this team on the ice skating and he better be employing a forecheck and how to beat it. They look lost out there. Flat out lost. It's reality. There were no adjustments. This team continues to look lost. If something doesn't change or they can't figure out how to beat their forecheck..the series is done in five.

Geez, they are stuck to us like glue. We can't get any sepera..........

GOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not a coincidence that 3 out of 4 goals scored by the Flyers are their biggest goons (Briere and Hartnell). We need to treat Biron the same way they're treating Huet and maybe we'll get some goals.

BOOM!!!

Pivonka:
Good point!

Well ... this just got interesting ...

MO!!!!!!!

Way to pinch both D-men in and put it all on the line. Now we need to play the last five minutes the same way - gamble it all.

Alzner aint showing up next year to dish out old fashioned beat-downs. We're gonna have to hope GMGM signs a big rough-tough blue-liner (or two).

small ray of hope... one goal differential.... start rubbing your rabbits foot.

Briere is not a goon. he's a punk.

Come on Koharski... we didn't mean to call you a fat pig.

coming back....

Pivonka:

I'm sitting here hugging my teddy bear that's named Pivonka, but he's not bringing us any luck. Could you suit up for the next game? :)

Laich in front of the goalie on another goal. Bruce please give Laich more PP time. Also, put Brashear and Cooke on the PP, and tell them to stand in front of the goalie.

GOOOOOO CAAAAPSSS!!!!

folks. we've been completely outplayed the last two games. we've had 20 chances to quit, but we have not. we're down 1 goal with 5 mins to play. even if we lose tonight, we escape with a win Thursday, we have home ice. it aint over.....yet.

Ohnonononononononono....

*BLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP*

Well, that's game.

FRIGGING KOHARSKI!!!!! FAT PIG!!!!!!!!!! EAT ANOTHER DOUGHNUT!!!

I've never seen a defense make so many stupid, stupid, stupid plays in my life. No joke about that. This is ridiculous. I think I'm done watching this team this season. Call me when they sign defenders who know how to play defense and pass a friggin' puck.

Well, that was a dagger to the heart.

Stick a fork in 'em.

time for olie

@Tess

I'm too depressed to come back. Ask Ridley or Hunter...

Koharski strikes again. Knew he'd find a way to crush the Caps. Granted we did a great job crushing ourselves.

Let's not blame the refs.

Let's not even blame that punk Briere.

The Caps are not the better team this series.

Backstrom is playing like a little Swedish girl;

OV is playing like he has no clue;

Is Semin on the ice today?

Review your Caps history. This is not a coincidence. I agree we would have lost anyways, but Korharski didn't help. Penalty shot, are you kidding me?

That sucked.

That's just plain sucked. We got nothing. Every time we do something good we shoot our selves in the foot. We don't have a prayer if we don't step up harder on Thursday.

Ref has nothing to do with it. If Morrison makes the easy pass, Flyers don't get the turnover. Caps simply turn the puck over or get knocked off the puck too much. This is a sad thing. Caps a sorry team with no chance in this series. You'd think this was a 1 vs. 8 series because one team is clearly more prepared, better coached, more intense, more physical and more balanced. It's sad. And tonight's outcome is why I was so concerned after Game 2. I wouldn't expect anything different from Game 4.

Well ... we've just got to to do them what they did to us.

They lost one in our house, then won the next.
We've lost one in their house, now we need to come back and win one.

It's all up to the Caps now ...

Have another donut, you fat pig.

The Caps apparently punted the heart and drive that got them into the playoffs. They let Briere and others take cheap shots and beat up our goalie, and now they let Richards show boat in front of their bench. If this is the effort they're going to put forward, I have no desire to watch. Especially to let obnoxious Philly fans have more satisfaction over DC sports. Caps: Get it together, you looked terrible tonight. Embarassing, disgraceful, and pathetic. You're a better team that...now show it.

No one's mad. They all sat on that bench like a tired and beaten team. Who will get mad? Where is the leadership? Finally more adversity. The true measure of what kind of leadership and character this team has will be found out between now and after Game 4. Not good right now.

Is it Thursday night yet?

And tomorrow I get to go to work and listen to crap from my co-worker who is a Penguins fan and who is gloating over how easy their series with Ottawa has been. Yea, because the Pens tanked the final game of the season because they didn't have the balls to face Philly in the first round.

Easier said than done, Boo! The Caps have been outplayed for almost this entire series. I was encouraged with the second frame, until they took a dumb penalty and gave up a killer goal. They were getting more pressure on net in the third period, but they committed a terrible turnover and still couldn't convert on a PP. If they would just convert on their PPs, they'd be shutting this team down. This is why I wanted Boston or Ottawa.

Well, the Caps play their best when the are on the brink. They are now again on the brink. Please, Bruce quit talking about getting players to play in front of the net on the PP, and put the players on the ice who will actually do that: Laich, Cooke, Brashear. That or move Ovchkin down off the point and let him play in front. The other guys are just not willing to pay the price.

Actually, a penalty shot was the best-case scenario for the caps because if there was no penalty shot we would have only had one minute even strength to tie up the game (assuming they didn't score on the power play)

It is time for Olie... I dont care how bad the D was... a playoff golaie needs to bail you out on one or two of those goals... and you HAVE to stop that PS if you are down down one goal... you have to... no exceptions. I think Huet needs a rest. And the defensemen needs to run laps after the game.

Once again, I'm going to call it a night on this blog, for fear of lapsing into language of the bannable variety.

Tomorrow is going to be a long, depressing day at work. Thanks, Caps. Not for the loss, but for not even trying.

Only took three tries to type that without swearing.

Caps are intimidated, plain and simply. They don't fight back. They don't forecheck. They get pushed around. Only decent message that's been sent is Ovechkin's hit on Richards at the end of Game 1. But that grit is gone, and that's a problem. I hate the "goon" part of the sport, but I think Brashear needs to go headhunting on Thursday.

Huet sucks, does not have the balls for the playoffs

Flyers have figured out how to beat Huet and they will keep doing it. Sorry King Huet but:

IT IS TIME FOR OLIE IN GAME 4!!!

While the flyers did outplay the caps this game I don't see any reason to panick yet caps fans... Not until we hear word back on Timmonen. Lots of people in philly thought that was a dirty hit... It looked like a playoff finish your check hit to me he just fell awkwardly... I still stand by my comments about coach BB. Fedorov is still the only captial playing consistent hockey. This game could have been very different had that post early in the game found its way to the net. I'd argue that late goal by the caps was a high stick but i think it was very hard to tell... I will say this. I am a flyers fan but i am a hockey fan first. That dive by AO is unexcusable in the hockey world. I think Briere has been known to dive and i'll be the first flyers fan to call him out when he does that, but there is no need for that BS in this league

I still think Caps plaed very good game. I believe they will split it in Philly.

- Now they really hate Flyers. They were too polite in game 2. That is number one thing why Caps will beat Flyers

- Huet is pissed off, he will be even better

- It's due time for Ovechkin. HE will do a lot of damage in game 4.

BELEIVE!

- All mistakes, like Juice giveaway, can be corrected. No big deal.

Regardless of how this series ends, and it does look bleak at the moment, I still love this team to death for how it has defied the odds the whole season long. I just hope that same team shows up for the remaining games. If they do, they have a chance.

As frustrated as these last two games have made me, bailing on them wouldn't make me feel any better.

king huet...i am not without hope...long series...but wow your borderline delusional!

Caps were not outplayed as bad as in games 1 and 2. They are getting better. They will win game 4.

Huet looked a little lackadaisical on that penalty shot. He kind of sauntered toward Richards, turned to the side and skate backwards. He probably thought Richards would shoot high because that's where he'd been beaten through three games.

But it's not about that penalty shot alone. Defensemen turned the puck over way TOO much. All I can do now is laugh at the absurdity of this series and the absurdity of this Caps team actually being in the playoffs. Like the Redskins, this may be the case of a hot team getting in, not necessarily a worthy one.

I'm going to drink what King Huet is drinking and say CAPS WIN IN GAME 4. Now that is good stuff!

Must be with Olie to havea chance now. Huet is beaten all the time and Olie can take the players in front of him.

@king huet

"Caps were not outplayed as bad as in games 1 and 2." That much I agree with. Just wish I could share your optimism for the outcome of game 4.

@beanboy66:

i agree %100

Some points to this game I thought were the special teams finally woke up for the flyers. I will continue to question BB's coaching methods. Briere and his linemates have had a tremendous amount of room out there. Someone on the Caps coaching staff has to sit down that D corp and tell them no room for Danny B at all. I think this is a tough series for the Caps D and Huet cause of the flyers scoring Depth plain and simple. Jurcina was a bum this game an absolutle bum. You guys should be up in arms over that guys preformance tonight... That laser by Green was something else though eh? I'm still waiting for this caps team to start playing playoff hockey... I can see why they won in the regular season. they have a lot of skill, but this is the playoffs boys. WAKE UP! START COMPETING!

@chris larry

Chris, I had no hope in game 2, just NO HOPE. You can trace my comments. Now I do believe that Caps are finding their game vs. Flyers. It was a good game.

Bring it on. Caps in 7!

Laich in front of goalie. Caps score goals. Remember, "if you want bread go to the baker, you want goals go to the net."

It's getting cloudy in Caps World. It's time for big changes. I like Huet and think he's done a fine job and don't blame him for any goals in the last two games. But we've got to do something. We need a lift and Kolzig has been in this situation before and is a big goaltender and won't be pushed around by these punks from Philly. Time to pull out all the stops.

As I said before, it may be time to play Olie simply because of his tough physical edge. He can get angry. And he would never let a little punk like Briere get in his crease.

The Caps are playing like a bunch of girls. It makes me sick. HAVE ANY OF THEM SEEN A PLAYOFF HOCKEY GAME BEFORE? They're curling off instead of following through on checks, they won't protect Huet, they don't attack Biron, and no one is taking shots at Briere. Someone needs to destroy him, legally or illegally.

And Ovechkin has been terrible. I don't care who is on the ice, where has his "I don't care who's in my way, I'm taking the puck to the net" mentality? He shies away from contact, passes off when he'd normally shoot, and he's just been invisible.

Kolzig should play game four. He's not half the goalie Huet is, but at least he can fight through the garbage stuff. This is just pathetic.

That was a real downer. Thursday they need to win and win big.

If You-Eh stays in goal, 2 more games and his wife can head back to Canada

Dive by Ovechkin??? Did you not watch the replay?

Jeff go back to Canada... no one asked you to come to this blog.

Jeff:
We must not be watching the same feeds (seriously) - the replay on Comcast showed that Ovie clearly did not dive. It was a trip - and it spun him around.

The Caps did not play well, but they played worse on Sunday. They still have a chance on Thursday, and I am betting that they will (they definitely play better when everything is on the line). If they blow it, then that will be it. But if they win, they can still take it all.

This team just doesn't match up well with Philly guys. The way their team is constructed perfectly exposes all of our flaws. Too bad, at least we know what to work on this off-season.

lets look at the facts people: Ovie is non-existant and game 4 will be no different. Huet looks like Olie did. They look terrible at times. not much hope. now----what do we do to improve for next yr.

I'm ticked off with this passive PK, too. I have been all season. They don't pressure the puck along the boards or at the point. Notice how tight the Flyers play in that 2-2. They cut off lanes and they converge on all pucks on the boards. Caps play this weird rotation up top. Looks like they're playing some kind of 1-2-1 or 1-3. And they let skaters move throughout the zone unmolested. The defensemen will pinch all day on offense and be aggressive on that side of the ice. Get the guys on the PK, and they back off and play passively.

You guys have to remember that Jeff was probably watching on Comcast Philly and I'm quite sure their announcers called it a dive.

Mike Milbury's slip of the tongue would be right on tonight after that effort!

Not sure that the team knows at all what playoff hockey is all about. I guess you can talk about it and watch it but unless you play it, you don't get it. I don't like the way they still look like they are being pretty when it does not work against the flyers. Flyers have definitely been the best team throughout. I just hope they can take another game and keep it going. At least they can gain some knowledge. Ovy looks terrible and out of place.

This blog is gay now. You have homo flyer fans posting on it and bandwagon caps fan that just started to post.

Announcers said something astute tonight, which I'm sure you've all noticed in the past anyway. But on the PP, Backstrom refuses to shoot. That enables the Flyers to back way off him and cut off passing lanes, particularly crossing feeds. I think Backstrom needs to start firing on net some more. See if a couple will sneak through. Make the Flyers honest on him against the boards. Then he can start slipping crossing passes or hit some guys diving to the net when a Flyer converges on him.

At least the Flyers fans sign their names.

@Boo!
I totally aggree... this series is far from over! Someone please light a fire under those players ass's though. It appears like they are picking and choosing when to go and when not to go. Thats not playoff hockey. You have to go 100%... I don't think you can blame Huet on any of those goals... all of them were top notch placed shots. The Feed I had of AO shows him with a bunch of time to regain his balance and he clearly jumped a foot in the air and turned his body to fall. I'm a big AO fan but i hate that crap. It's the reason I hate Crosby. Maybe he didn't dive but it sure looked like it Boo especially with the feed i saw.
One thing to take away is the caps are still scoring goals. I mean I think that Brash pass was one hell of an individual effort eh? Who knew Brash had that type of pass in him. Fehr played a hell of a game as well. I think Huet and Fedorov are the only ones on the caps playing playoff hockey right now. I hope that changes... Like I've said i think this series is so evenly matched... win or lose I wanna see this go as many games as possible.
Flyers won the battles along the boards and in front of the nets for rebounds this game again.
I can understand why people want to put Ollie in and I think Ollie is a hell of a competitor, But Huet has played a hell of a series so far. I'd give him AT LEAST one more game

@Colin

I lost count of how many times I yelled "Shoot the d*mn puck, Nick!" when he had the puck on a PP.

So apparently Mr. No Name who poated "This blog is gay now. You have homo flyer fans posting on it and bandwagon caps fan that just started to post." is not only ignorant, he's also better than anyone else that cheers for the Caps. I don't get the whole calling people bandwagon fans thing. If you want our team to be successful, the more fans that support the better. Why do you try to drive people away by insulting them and talking down to them? If you really wanted this team to be a great franchise, you'd be encouraging them instead of acting like they're below you. Everyone is upset about losing badly tonight, including me, but junk like that has no place anywhere. If that's really your stance, you're not half the fan you probably think you are. That's really sad, dude.

@tess ... I figured most of you all would've seen it. And I was saying the same thing. If he would simply shoot a few, one or two might slip through. Hell, he may not score, but at least he's putting the puck on net and causing some problems for Biron. Right now, he's not respected on the PP. He's not really being respected on offense, either. The Flyers will let him collect the puck on the offensive zone because they know they can knock him off of it easily.

Agreed, BadKarma. And I'm not a bandwagon fan. I'm just a guy who doesn't post that often on this blog. I post more on the Wizards Insider blog. Just because I don't post here, though, doesn't mean I'm a bandwagon fan. Anon's comment was pretty ignorant.

It wasn't a lack of desire, they had it tonight. They wouldn't have scored the 3rd goal if they weren't trying. We're still missing some major pieces, Pothier, Nylander and most importantly Clark, plus Schultz again. Clark is the guy we really need to muck it up and hammer the Flyers and he's still stuck on the bench.

Take it as experience. We're still a bunch of kids, and they're not. Ugh.

@BadKArma
great words man and well said. I hate fans like that as well

@Colin and Tess
No one on this caps team is shooting but semin and Green and one of them is hitting the post while the other is hitting the net... The thing about taking more shots is the flyers are very good at blocking them and have a great transition game. I think the caps players are tentative about shooting cause they don't want the play going the other way on an odd man rush... that being said, the powerplay for the caps has been non existant to this point... they are playing perimeter passing and trying to set up a guy in the box... That is just bad coaching on the caps part... they should start playing the umbrella with that kid Green up top blasting away. flyers are playing with a collapsing box and taking away those passing lanes like crazy.
Some good news for Caps from what i am hearing right now Timmonen might be pretty hurt and unavailable for next game... could make the series much more interesting

back to the drawing board... 6 Goal Club © is back!!!

Caps have pretty much forgotten what got them in the playoffs in the first place. Not playing smart, playing on their heels. In football they would be playing "prevent to win" defense.

They are not taking the body and causing turnovers, the thing that got them in the playoffs to begin with. Unless they throw their weight around, which is the most of any playoff team I believe, you will see the same result for the next 2 games.

Frankly, the Flyers want it more at this point.

It is the giveaways, pure and simple. Stopy them and the Caps will be in it.

My God, they had 13 at the end of the first period and then got even more generous. Some looked like the stuff you see in a Mite game. It seemed like the Flyers got most of their even strength shots off giveaways. Opposition forwards are not supposed to be able to stand in front of the net and have the other teams' d pass them the puck or get sent away on breakaways.

I thought Nicky shot more than usual this game.

Well, that sucked!

On power plays, Philly has 3 down deep. One on either side, and one floating off on the opposite wing. When the Caps take out one or two of their guys, the third one slides in unopposed and gets free whacks at Huet and any rebounds. Time and again I saw this.

They have successfully taken out the passing lanes in the middle. So don't force long passes up the middle. Cross ice isn't working either. The passes have to be short, fast and accurate. It's the only way to beat the trap. It's also the only way to keep them off our skill guys.

We have to hit Biron. Run him. Bump him. Bop him on the back of the head. Rattle his cage. Draw retaliation penalties. Then quit the fancy passes (a repeat from last game!) and shoot the freakin' puck on net with someone in front blocking sight lines and causing a ruckus.

Keep Juice OFF the ice! What lame a$$ passes in our zone! For cryin' out loud! Didn't we learn that in the beginning of the season??????? We had a million turnovers in our zone! OK, a slight exageration.

The Caps did play a better game, but they still made way too many errors.

Hits final: Caps 19, Flyers 21
after 1st: 5 - 10
faceoffs: 49%, but were over 50% in 1st and 2nd

Score
1st 1:3 Juice's giveaway!
2nd 1:1 Briere on PP
3rd 1:2 Flyers empty netter

You can see that Caps were finding their game. That's why they will win game 4. And now they really hate Flyers.

do we want to resign huet now?
maybe gainey knew what he was doing and gmgm didnt
federov needs to be on defense all next game he is the only d man that can pass the puck out of his end
brash is useless look at all the crap that went on and no retribution
laich steckel fehr played with grit
semin and backstrom are scared stiff
did matt cooke play? sure didnt see him agitate
gmgm needs to draft some grit if he wants to win play off series
WE ARE WAY TO SOFT

will say it's interesting to see how similar all fans can be w/ their emotional reactions. many on here calling for cheap shots and blood, causing physical harm to our players. the stereotype is that only flyers fans say such things....

good effort by the caps to get it back to within 1 in the 3rd, as outplayed as you were that was impressive. if biron has a bad game on thursday you could be back to even in the series.

@Jeff
I would agree. The Flyers are good at blocking shots, and a well time blocked shot can turn into an odd-man rush. But hell, the Caps are giving up odd-man rushes without shooting the puck. I'm more bothered by the rushes they give up because of carelessness and weak turnovers. If they gave one up because they were attempting to put a puck on net, I say fine. At least they're trying to generate offense. Right now, this whole not shooting thing isn't working.

I just saw the turn over numbers too... Ouch that can't happen in the playoffs... theres a lot of stats that really tell the story of the game.
Also I think some of the caps fans are right. If the caps were going at Biron as much as We're going at Huet some of the caps would be out of the series and some flyers would be suspended. You have to protect your goalie and send a message. Briere Punched him basically and no one challenged him afterwards ... it's the playoffs you have to play smart, but hes your goalie for F's sake and that was hit to Huets head.

Olie may be due for a start. He's got a serious mean streak, and if the D won't clear out his crease for him, he's more than capable of doing the job himself. See how pretty boy Danny likes a goalie stick across the back of his knees. And he's too short to reach the back of Olie's head!

Seems like Olie's big problems have been his catching glove and his lateral movement, but Huet has been victimized high all series, and the Flyers aren't exactly moving him side to side. They're scoring on boneheaded turnovers and breakaways from our "D". Let's see if Olie still has a few bang-bang reaction saves in him, and can fire up the troops for a game 4 win.

Oh, and I hereby request that we now refer to Jurcina-Erskine-Schultz and Co. as our "F". That's the grade I'd give 'em...

Jeff:
We'll have to agree to disagree on that one - not only did the local feed clearly show that it was not a dive, Olie's just not that kind of player.

RE: Huet, I am torn. Those are the kinds of goals that people used to get ALL over Kolzig about. Additionally, Huet's save % is not as high as I would have hoped for the post-season. I don't know if it is because he is tired from the run to get into the playoffs, if the D is not taking care of him, if he is just choking or what. All I know is that I have seen better from him and I expect more in the playoffs.

Olie might shake things up. He is big and tough and does not take any garbage ... and he has more playoff experience. He may just be the veteran anchor that they need right now. (Granted, he may be rusty and tank, but I would rather think about him rising to the occasion! :-))

It's a tough call - I don't admire BB right now.

I think you have to consider starting Kolzig in game three if just for the mere fact that the flyers feel they can score on Huet at will. It also might provide the necessary spark to get this team calibrated again.

Flyers Fan - who called for cheap shots? I thought Brash should have started a fight at some point - but I didn't see anyone asking for him to break somebody.

That reminded me: Big ups to Fedorov tonight. Really big ups. That guy has my respect for his sacrifice this evening. But I don't think he should play on defense again in Game 4. I think they should consider moving him to the top line. Ovie needs a center who can stay on the puck.

And while Brash hasn't been as physical as I would've hoped. He's sure added a scoring touch to this team with his goal in Game 1 and beauty of a pass tonight.

Wendel: Agree 100%

@JEFF
u r talking about Brash
he is to protect our stars yet huet get run several times then umberger knees ov where was brash? no where to be see...
tell me his 6 shifts were worth his million dollat price tag

Alright people - night... maybe I will wake up tomorrow and this will be just a bad dream... or maybe we will be down 2-1 in the series. If we can get a win on Thursday, we would still be in the same boat as we were before tonight.

Jeff - I guess you aint all that bad. But, Alex did not take a dive - I promise.

Cooke might be the player that has disappointed me the most. He is a guy with playoff experience and his game is suited for the playoffs. I expected him to be leading the way for the youngsters, hitting everything in sight, playing the agitator role, and generally creating havoc. This has not been happening.

The stats may show the Cooke has been hitting, at least in the second game, but he has been ineffective in my mind.

See, I think BB needed to put Kolzig in net in the third tonight. Concede this bad boy and send a message. If you start Kolzig in Game 4, you just don't know what you'll get from him. But, if I were pressured to choose between the two, at this point, I would probably shove Kolzig and his mean streak in there.

Backstrom is totally ineffective in this series. He's being knocked around like a rag doll. The only thing that is getting things going are the grinders. Don't know if that means Oveckin-Cooke-Bradley and Brashears-Laich-Semin but something has to change or the Caps will be playing golf come next week.

@Jeff

Dude! You can hang out here anytime. Even if you are a Flyer's fan. :)

I think AO's fall was embellished, but he knew he was going down. He has incredible balance and has never dove. Not like our "friend" Sindy Crysbych.

DUMP AND CHASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@Boo

As much as you want Olie, I think it would be the end of Caps playoff run. Olie simply won't perform. Yeah, he might chase Briere and knock him down, that's about it. Let's agree to disagree.

I can only see Olie in if Huet will give away soft goals one after another... So far he was not at his best, but he is recovering after unfortunate goals. None of them were soft, none. Sometimes the goalie can make miracles, Huet has not delivered a miracle yet.

@Boo!
it's not Huet man... He's making a ton of big saves and is forced to keep the caps in the game every game this series. Flyers are just really picking those corners right now. That Kapenen goal was a deliberate turn over right in front of him... enexcusable. The shot was just as good as the two before. Perfectly placed in the corner basically almost one timed as well. I think Huet and Fedorov are the ones keeping the caps in the game right now.
A shake up in goal could benefit the caps, but i don't think making the change for next game is smart... If BB replaces Huet then I will be the first one to jump all over him for it. He should be punishing the D not the guy bailing them out!
If he replaces Huet he is sending a statement to his team but not a good one. He's basically telling his team that he's lost confidence in the guy that got them here... that could have some bad side effects.
I really hate having to say this cause you all know how i feel about Coach Stevens at this point... But Stevens is out coaching BB. AO was over used again and the players came out in the third and played dumb. Green gets into a fight with Upshall... obviously thats exactly what the flyers wanted. I know its the playoffs but if I were BB i would have been screaming at that kid when he got to the bench.

OMG MASS HYSTERIA WORLD IS ENDING SKY IS FALLING!!!!

Look to the Caps to turn it up in Game 4. This is a young team, we've still got a chance to turn this around. Series isn't over until the final horn.

Not that I have anything to add that hasn't been said, but need to post anyway. You know how it is.

Caps are just getting pushed around and intimidated. I didn't buy the whole "broad street bullies" thing at the beginning of the series. Matt Bradley and crew had been plenty physical all year. But looks like the Caps bought it. They are playing totally intimidated. Very sad - I don't think I've ever seen them buckle like this before.

Don't know what happened with Huet - the junior league d-man giveaways aren't his fault, but your goalie needs to come up big in the playoffs, and he seems to have lost his magic. I love the guy, and don't want to bail on him - he got us here, no doubt, but it can't hurt to put Olie in on Thursday. Gotta do something.

What happened to Ovie? I don't get it - this was not expected from him. Gotta think he's gonna find his game, though.

Nothing I saw the last two games tells me Thursday will be any different, but the playoffs are a whole different game in which anything can happen, and the Caps have done plenty of surprising this year, so who knows?

Jeff, I must apoligize for earlier referring to Philly fans as "Scumbags." That was a broad generalization based on some negative experiences with Eagles and Phillies fans at Fedex and RFK. You seem to be a pretty objective, good dude. Ups to you man. Although I hope we slaughter your boys in Game #4.

Anyone who thinks this is Huet's fault isnt following the game right. The guy got beat by bouncing pucks that went top shelf over his shoulder. Noone makes those saves. That fairy Briere's goal was unstoppable. He probably shouldnt have been scored on the penalty shot but it was basically over at that point. Ovechkin was one of the few guys that gave it his all, always have, always will. Him and the Brash line were the only was hitting out there.

Also, the philly fans showed their class by chanting a@@hole a couple times. Stay classy Philly...

@Greg
Thanks man... I'll be here till the end of the playoffs for sure no matter who wins this series. I also will end up at another teams blog if the flyers move on. It's fun talking hockey with you guys

@Colin
Thats one of the smartest things I've read all year... Ollie Definatly Should have been in that 3rd period... maybe you should take over as coach haha jk jk

I do not think Huet was a bad deal. He got us where we are now, in the playoffs. I also think that if we find a way to get through this series, he will be an asset (flyers may just have his number). But I do think we need to make a change to a goalie who has the experience and the ability to take people in front of him and to stop shots with his blocker.

Just back from watching the game @ friend. Catching up with the posts I saw the stream didn't work? In that case I'm sorry :(

Big problem: WHERE IS OVIE??
It's more than a coincidence now. Three games, and he's the biggest disappointment of the entire playoffs. Is it the pressure on him?

And why was he let on the ice for so long?
I'm getting upset. I understand this is good experience, but certain things are just common sense. Playing the circle in the PP should have stopped in game 1. Getting fresh troops on the ice it's a MUST in the playoffs. Are you kidding me???

@828
Re: flyers fans. You can do w/e you want man. I just don't like bashing other people if they're not trolling thats all.

Caps can turn it up all they want. Won't matter. Flyers will answer. It's what grown-ups do. They almost let the Caps win their second period of the series. Almost. Caps won't get that close again. 4-1 Flyers.

828, if you don't think there is some serious intent to injure talk going on above - and not just from 5 minute major fighting mano a mano - then you're not reading thru the same thread as me.

lupul also took a dangerous knee to knee hit in the 2nd, not sure if he returned. timmo thrown dangerously into the net at full speed, and people saying "at least we knocked one of their guys out." hartnell took a hard cross-check to the lower back a full 2-3 seconds after briere's 2nd goal.

and what do you guys expect briere to do? huet wrapped his arms around his legs and pulled him down, trying to draw a penalty. fine, i'm ok with that. then when brier tries to get up huet pushes him down twice. briere at some point has to say f-this, they're not calling it so i might as well hand you a little bop on your head.

refs would have let it go had briere not done anything, were gonna give huet some room to vent. but briere acted like a man and when he did so, they correctly called the initial penalty on huet.

that's not being a goon, that's being a pain, something the caps have not shown they're ready to endure this series.

@ Moose33

No doubt. As a parent, makes me really want to bring the kids to the game. Come on Philly fans...have some class.

@BadKarma
you know what my dad always told me "if the shoe fits..." I think you're pretty dead on about majority of philly fans. I only like the Flyers and when you like the flyers its hard not to like their fans. most of them act like idiots though. As for other philly sports I can't stand their fans! I dislike how much time they waste talking about them. They're as annoying as Leafs fans are (i'm allowed to say that i used to be a Leafs fan) always thinking their team's going to win the championship... flyers fans aren't like that though... they are brutally honest.

@moose
hahaha yeah its stupid to yell a-hole at the ref... but come on tell me it isn't a little bit funny. Imagine being the ref in that game and hearing that many people yell that... if i were the ref I'd chuckle about it. I wonder what the FCC rules are about profanity from a crowd...anyone know?

@828
you're a knowledgable hockey fan man... I have no problems with you... I just rather talk hockey then about my acedemics... i can only take so much school man

Herb

It's been that close for 3 games, why wouldnt be close again?

I agree, Huet isn't losing games for the Caps, but he has looked a lot more human lately. Time to give Kolzig his chance.

fishman, like your entire arena jeering and cheering when thor laid on the ice, thinking he'd just lost a nut? i was there, it was terrible, no-one mentioned a thing.

it was clear it wasn't a normal injury as soon as he went down. classless by caps fans.

Jeff,

Is it that funny when you're sitting with your 9 year old girl trying to enjoy a playoff hockey game?

@ Herb33

I agree. Last game of the season for the Caps will be Saturday at Verizon.

It's still been a nice ride and you can't take away all the acomplishments they did this season! It's sure been a great ride. Thanks Caps!

Backstrom needs to be demoted. Sorry. 4-on-4 he hardly even skated to the loose pucks and consequently the Flyers stayed in the zone. If Ovie hadn't taken over, he and Green wouldn't have drawn a penalty leading to Greens PP goal. Nicky looks lost, confused and is playing without N/ American playoff intensity. Sure, he's a rookie, a kid and its his time to learn. But he should do it on the 4th line.

@flyers fan
how can anyone who is a flyers fan question any team or fans for being classless from bobby clarke to holmgen to your goons to u is one sraight line of classless thugs get a grip goon boy

@ Moose: Because Herb is a Flyers fan

@ Flyers Fan: Do we have to go through that again. NO ONE in the arena knew what the injury was. Let it go. If your team was on a PP with a one goal deficit and you had a chance to score and DID, your fans would go crazy too. Let it go.

Caps fans weren't cheering Thor's injury. They were cheering for the fact that with a man down the Caps had virtually a 5-on-3. Then they cheered more because Green scored. You can think Caps fans are classless. That's fine. But your example is off. It's not cheering for the downed man. It's cheering for the added advantage. And no one in the stands knew he hurt his testicle. I just thought maybe he got the wind knocked out of at first. After a while, it was clear it was more than that. But initially, no one said, "Oh, I think he ruptured a nut."

@moose
no... it isn't. But you and I both know hockey players and fans alike have potty mouthes... I don't think ive ever played a game of shinny without hearing the F word at least 30 times... I'm not saying that I condone that type of behavior... I don't curse, and I'm sure we both share the same veiws on cursing (there are better words and only dummy's use them cause they can't think of anything else to use). I'm not sure if that's you that has a 9 year old girl if so I apologize, she shouldn't have to be exposed to that.
I will say this though... hockey taught me pretty much every curse word i know haha.

If Olie plays on Thursday, we will win. If Huet plays, we will lose. The message you are sending to the team is that you better get your a** in gear or you will be next. Huet was brought in to win these games and stop pucks, he ain't doing it. 11 goals in 3 games is not the answer.

If we lose with Olie on Thursday, we still have a chance, albeit slight, with 2 of the last 3 at home and we can get a really pissed off, less than comfortable Huet back in.

this series is exposing serious weaknesses on D
what happened to the heart of the last month?
as if things weren't bad enough, they are interviewing bettman on csn. ewww

Trust me, I understand the language used at hockey games but it's one thing for someone to throw the F bomb out once in a while than the entire arena chanting ahole for an extended period of time. You know, it doesnt even matter. There are bigger problems to address, like can someone stop Briere.

@wendel
The first part of that statement is true and those guys are goons... I don't think the flyers dressed any goons tonight. I think this flyers team has a bad rap for some obviously questionable dirty hits. Guys like Boulorice and Downie both of which aren't playing.

@caps and flyers fans alike
I doubt anyone is hoping for a series injury... that injury to Thor was scary... but i don't think the caps fans were cheering cause he was down. I think it was cause they knew they had an opportunity to score with another guy down. I think the Timmonen hit was clean, a little late, but its the playoffs what hit isn't come late right? I think the flyers are taking a little bit of runs at Huet, but they also are getting help from the dumb protection the caps D is providing... most of them are protecting Huet by pushing players into him. Right now Huet has no idea who to trust and i don't blame him. I think we're seeing a very tough playoff series, but it's been clean for the most part.
Let's just say it as it is... no one wishes injury for either team... I held my breathe when AO went down and i'm not even a caps fan. I want to see him play. He's a great player and adds more excitement, just as i'm sure caps fans want to see Timmonen play (to an extent)

King Huet / Jeff (the "non-troll" Flyers fan):
Hey, I said I was torn about Huet/Kolzig ... I can see both sides of the arguement. So relax! :-) I really don't know what I think is best at this point (guess it is a good thing that I am not the coach!). I will be curious to see what BB does.

For the record, I don't think Huet is losing games, I think the Caps in general are (they just can't seem to put the cat in the hat); but Huet is not helping. Coaches pull keepers all the time even when the keepers are not at fault - it shakes things up. The Caps need to be shaken ... hard!

CT:
I knew I could count on you to see the Kolzig perspective ... ;-)

Hey mauree:
We missed you tonight ... we wish we missed the game, too.

So what's the answer? They need to score. If they want bread, they need to go to the bakery; if they want cash, they need to go to the bank; if they want goals, they need to go to the net.

I STLL BELIEVE - DO YOU?!?

CT Fan

i have to disagree. I think Huet played as well as he could have. 4 out of the 6 goals were unstoppable, top shelf. i would only agree about sending the team a message though not because of Huet's play.

you guys are delusional if you think people weren't cheering because he was down on the ice. did many stop once they realized he was potentially very hurt? yes. but many cheered.

i had people in the section behind me taunting me for it. you guys think philly this and philly that, it's amazing the blinders you people have on.

do i agree with chanting that at the game? no, but it happens in many places, not just philly. hockey games aren't full of spectators consisting of choirboys and girl scouts people.

flyers fan

you're right, hockey games are nto places where there are choirboys and girl scout people (who are these people by the way?) but there are arenas where people chant a@@hole and there are arenas that dont. You're not going to convince anyone here about the class of philly fans.

@ flyersfan
You're right everyteam has bad seed fans... it's a common sense equation though
Beer + Testosterone + hockey = dumb reactions
I've myself been known to say some dumb things at flyers games to other teams fans people get caught in the moment. I'm sure caps fans know this though. Both you and I know it to be true. That being said I don't think anyone really was glad that Thors was down on the ice hurt... I don't think any of the fans really knew who he was... I think they were excited about the 5-3 they just attained by him being down.
But Hey Thors is back and played a hell of a game no harm no foul

Herb is a Caps fan. He calls 'em like he sees 'em. I don't fault the Caps effort or talent or coaching. They're just not as good as their opponent in this series. It happens. With this experience under their belts and a full season working together under BB, they'll go a lot farther in '09. Count on it.

flyers fan:
I was at the game - NO ONE around me was cheering the injury. We cheered the 5 on 3 and the goal - that's it. We had no idea how bad it was. Once we did, we all felt terrible for Thor. I was happy to hear that he was back on the ice, as were many other Caps fans. I don't understand why this is so hard to believe ...

Following up on Huet's play....he MUST learn to stay on his feet. That first goal to Briere - he was already dropped down to his knees and he was facing him head on and Briere, like any good player, took what he gave him and roofed it. Huet needs to re-focus, stay on his feet. There is no attitude with this team. SOMEONE NEEDS TO GET MAD DAMMIT.

Ovechkin knocked over anything that moved and you've seen none of it since then.

Coach Boudreau better have this team focused and working during practice tomorrow. No off day or video sessions. That team needs to be on the ice and working how to break out of the zones.

STOP RELYING ON THESE DAMN LENGTH OF THE RINK AND CROSS ICE PASSES THROUGH TRAFFIC. They are low percentage passes and they will not work with Philly's attacking style. Get it in your head Jurcina. How stupid can you be to make a play like that during the playoffs.

I stand behind this team but once again their backs are to the wall and you could sense it after Game 2. We saw how they responded during the season. Now we see if they can respond again or if they're going to get mad and do something about it. GET MAD GET MAD GET MAD GET MAD. Hit Biron, Hit Briere...put some guys on their asses.

Nuff said. Go Caps!!!

I'm with Jonathan on this one...

aww thanks Boo!

I'd at least consider putting Olie in next game. I think Huet is not losing our games... but the puck somehow is finding its way to the back of the net. We can find many excuses (all the shot were angled perfectly), but then again, we could make the case of Olie's softies.

By the way... you're going to hate me for this, but I think the refs tonight tried to help us. Our D pushed 3-4 times their guy onto Huet (something that is ridiculous, BB need to fix that... you PUSH THE GUY TO THE SIDE NOT TOWARD THE NET) and we got interference calls we didn't deserve.

Anyway: I STILL BELIEVE. I think today's game overall was better than game 2. We made some terrible mistakes. BUT: if we avoid those mistakes and if OVIE F...ING WAKES UP we can win on thursday.

By the way, I was not that much impressed of the much anticipated Wachovia Center. I think the Verizon Center was at least as loud/eye candy.

@ Herb
very nobal man and well said. However, I don't aggree. I think this caps team is just as talented offensively as the flyers perhaps more so and I think their play is directly related to coaching. The thing that is getting to me is they just aren't competing against the flyers right now. I don't aggree with most comments on here. I think the Caps played a worse game this game then Sunday. My points being that they turned the puck over way more and gave the flyers way more room then they did on Sunday... The long pass was still there so no corrections were made there... The D let the flyers get to the goalie ... so no correction there. and AO stayed out too long again... again directly related to coaching. BB hasn't proven to me that he knows how to control a team yet, not at this level at least. Again the Caps did a horrible job scouting the flyers and making corrections. I'm a bit dissappointed to be honest. I really wanted to see a caps team come out and compete against the flyers and hopefully this game would see OT... I'm dieing for an OT game in this series especially with the offensive talent skating out there. I can't see the caps making corrections for next game cause they haven't made any clear corrections yet. I hope I'm wrong...

mauree:
would have been a good night for a lady skate, huh?!? ;-)

it is so crazy that that flyers fan had such a warped perspective on the huet mugging(s) - it was GD obvious that there was a conscious effort to run huet - any other description is retarded, sorry buddy.

plus, if the flyers would get called for all the infractions they commit, they would never see 5-on-5 play. constant cross-checks, muggings, tackles - it is 10x worse than the canes.

and to top it off, loser richards taunting OV - what a class act he is. there definitely needs to be some "vengeance now" - what an idiotic (but fitting) motto for a team that mirrors its knuckle-dragging fans.

"a-holes! a-holes! a-holes!"

this stings worse because the caps won't take thor's extra ball and run with it and get tougher!!!!!

and one more thing - that was NOT penalty shot material AT ALL!!!!

Jeff, seriously, have you considered being a Caps fan? You should try it. We got a great future here and you seem to have a soft spot in your blackened hatred filled philly heart.

Nobal?!? NOBAL?!? Jeff, I didn't get a nobal ... or even a noble, for that matter!! ;-)

I agree with moose - I think we have grown on you. Surely you spend more time here than on the Flyers boards. So join us! It's not too late to leave the dark side!! :-D

The sky isn't falling yet. It was a one goal game with three minutes left on the road. The Caps played poorly and they were still in a position to tie.

The defense is the major problem given that this is the playoffs. Jurcina was awful. With Schultz out again, lesser guys are going to have to log big minutes. Lets hope Eminger is up to the task on Thursday. You can't expect to score more than three goals on the road. You have to figure out a way to make three goals stand up.

On offense, they need to make some changes. I would put Kozlov back on the power play and take Backstrom off. Backstrom may just be out of gas at this point. This is his first NHL season, and the tank may just be empty. He doesn't seem comfortable against the Flyers' physical style either. Kozlov is great at gaining entry into the offensive zone and maintaining possession. That would help get things set up on the power play.

I also think BB needs to move OV around more. The Flyers know where to find him right now (left wing side in the neutral zone) and they are taking his space away. He can't get a head of steam. The coaches need to find new places to get him the puck, so he can use his speed and get more space for his shot.

I think they'll be OK. Playoff series have a way of swinging back and forth. But they need to figure a way to clamp down on Philly's offense.

Finally, you can't play Olie now. He hasn't played in weeks. Maybe he would be great, but chances are that he would be shaking off the rust. The Caps can't afford that. The same folks who are calling for him to play now would be telling everyone how bad he stinks on Thursday night.

Lets not lose our heads. But they do have to make some heads roll around our crease if the Flyers are going to take liberties with Huet.

@7734yeah
well you're wrong about the penelty shot it was merited... he was clearly on net alone and was not allowed to get a shot off cleanly due to illegal contact/takedown/trip whatever you want to call it.
I think you're wrong about the officiating as well. I think both teams are getting away with a lot. To be honest I think the refs have missed a lot of calls against the caps, but i don't really mind cause i'd rather special teams not decide a series.
As far as Huet I doubt many flyers fans would tell you other then what you just said... maybe some
you're right the flyers are getting to Huet, but not illegally on most plays. Your D has to protect the net and compete for space and right now the flyers are out competeing the caps for space in front... Wake up Jurcina and start moving people... not into your goalie try moving them away from HUET maybe?

one more thing, can mauree and everyone else "searching" for ovechkin wake up and watch him play. He's doing everything he can out there. He probably leading the team in hits and shots. He was one of the few player out there today that played with grit and determination. He is not getting help and unlike basketball, one guy cant just take over.

Philly fans complaining about opposing fans cheering the fact a player is down with an injury?........PLEASE!
BTW we need that Kolzig guy in for game four! Why would the GM dis' that Olie that way? That's just wrong!

Irvin,

i think you took one too many hits of the crack pipe...

I think it is time for Olie.

He hasn't been sitting during practice and he is a bigger guy, and won't put up w/ the constant interference. Huet hasn't looked bad, but he hasn't really come up w/ the big saves either. Come on this guy has been playing a lot and remember for a while the thing that kept this team going was having them both fresh. Plus it's a different look for Philly to prepare for. When you look at all the positives to resting Huet I think it's an easy call.

How many think Backstrom is calling his mommy to cry right now?

@Boo!
hahaha you know you're a nobal hockey fan I don't need to say it haha
@Moose and Boo!
If the flyers annoy me in anyway or do something I hate I'll make sure I keep the Caps in mind... they are pretty close though eh?
I don't see the organization annoying me though. They have a lot of young talent and aside from coaching and goal tending they have a lot of upside. I like our GM he's a stud at his job and i like the make up of this team. I'm not sure how close they are to a cup... I think the flyers need to draft a goalie. if they do and he proves to be a number 1 then i'll predict how far from a cup they are, but they won't win a cup with Biron.
I'll say this if the caps knock out the flyers I'll jump on board and ride them through the playoffs. My west ride right now is the Flames cause of CUJO... anyone wanna join that ride?
If you want me to become just a caps fan then pray the flyers give stevens a long term contract like richards hahaha... that will scare me away for sure

on a side note ... i just turned on the Av's Wild game... Wild getting killed 4-0 what the hell happened? I was all excited for this game to go to another OT as well.

I would say the negative of playing Kolzig is that he might not play well. Playing in practice is different from playing in a game. Lets say Kolzig gives up a softie in the first period of game 4. That is deflating. The team doesn't need that.

BB is in a tough spot. He had to play like it was the playoffs to get into the playoffs. As a result, he really only has one option in the net. Playing Olie would be a huge risk. Maybe it would be worth it, but I wouldn't take that risk.

You know, it is not the goalie's job to stand up to crease crashing. It is the defensemen's job to make the crashers pay for it. Caps haven't done that.

@Moose33
Hey I might be wrong, but I'm entitled to my opinion - which is: Ovie sucked. He's skating a lot and producing nothing. Take Semin: his play has improved a bit. He's shooting and handling the puck "his way". Since these are the playoffs, it means he step up his play.
I'm not questioning Ovie heart, desire or determination. I'm questioning his effectiveness. He's the major let down of these playoffs so far.

I'm down with the 6 goal club - I want wings, and at least if someone takes a run at Olie, we know that he'll at least take care of himself, even if no one else does.

All three of the Flyers goals in the first went to the exact same spot - high glove side. Olie shrugs those shots away, while Huet is too short, and his glove hand has a weird thing where his shoulder dips to make the flashy save.

Will Olie win the series? No. But Huet isn't stealing it for us either. Sometimes you make a change just to make a change...

Flyers have the tougher line-up.
Flyers have the better game plan.
Flyers dictating tone of the games, even most of the one they lost.
Flyers coach out-coaching BB. BB has yet to adjust well.

Defend our goalie even if it means penalties.
Good ol' dump n' chase and hit someone.
Tell Backstrom, Kozlov, etc. this is not European hockey nor regular season, start hitting.
Tell Brash, Erskine if they are going to bother to hit, go ahead and fight, get it going.
Tell Cooke to run Biron a couple times. He was brought here to agitate, start agitating.

I still think they can win it, 100% loyal, but right now is when a coach needs to step up and literally map out what needs to happen for game 4. Players are a little lost, a lot overwhelmed, now is the time for BB to earn his next contract.

Thanks, Jeff. You're right about the coaching. It's BB's job to prep the team with the right adjustments. It's the team's job to execute them. Unfortunately, there's another team on the ice impacting the Caps' execution.

Hockey's a game of instinct and split-second decisions and reactions, even more so in the pressure-cooker of the playoffs. Most of the deficiencies we've seen in the Caps play so far in this series are the result of the relentless pressure applied by an equally talented but more experienced team. Another season together and the Caps'll handle this pressure a lot better. It's not yet their time. One more year. Trust me.

@Mauree
you know what I aggree with you. I'm dissappointed not with Alex's play, but his lack of effectivness... I like that word for this situation I think its the perfect word. He's playing hard and throwing hits, but other then game 1 3rd period flash he has been completly ineffective... it's something i certainly did not expect. I expected Super Alex to take this Caps team and have them competeing with the flyers all the way to game 7. Credit the flyers schemes against him though. The flyers had their fair share of practice with Malkin and Crosby and really came up with a brilliant game plan against him... However, Alex needs to prove he's a superstar in the playoffs too. Superstar's find ways to win. Alex looks a little bit confused out there to me. It seems that the crowd in philly got to him. I don't think he's used to getting booed like that nor called out for diving. I felt kinda bad for him tonight.

@flyer fan
If you're going to bring up that bullcrap about Thoresen, go post on Flyers insider. No one wants you here. No need for you to start calling the kettle black. Don't see nearly as much whining about the cheering that the Flyers did while Ovechkin was down.
And if you think Brashear is not earning his money, turn the game on. He's possibly been the best Cap in this series.

@Herb
I think next year you guys need to look for a different Goalie as well... Id take a run at Theodore before you go after Huet again... his weakness's exposed this series would scare me off a bit... Also I'd go after some of the clearly available D talent out there this offseason to get rid of the likes of Jurcina who was the worst player on the ice tonight

Finally, you can't play Olie now. He hasn't played in weeks. Maybe he would be great, but chances are that he would be shaking off the rust. The Caps can't afford that. The same folks who are calling for him to play now would be telling everyone how bad he stinks on Thursday night.

And finally someone knowledgeable has spoken.

The adjustments most everyone is talking about are on the offensive end. The Caps adjustments need to take place on defense. They scored three goals, enough to win. But they are too loose in the back. The difference in the game was the two turnovers that led directly to goals (or the penalty shot).

I would be all for a goaltender change if the number two had played at all recently. Who knows? It might turn out like it has for Calgary. That would be great. But chances are it wouldn't.

OOoooOOOoooo this Ave's game is getting very chippy. Quick turn it on if it isn't allready on... it's on VS.
Also any one here going to game 4 in philly. I'm going and tailgating if anyone wants to join and head there early you're welcome to join the tailgate party before hand.

For those saying you stay with Huet. What if we do and we lose again and he gives up 4 or more goals again. Do you stay with him for a potential series clinching game on Saturday? You have to, but then you are just staying with the same insanity without looking for a switch to get things going. I trust Olie's ability in playoffs more at this point due to his many years experience.

Also, it is only a 2-1 deficit. A win on Thursday and this is tied up with Game 5 back at home. I TRULY belive in this team...this year!

Blaming Huet is the last thing true caps fans should do. He has led us to the promised land for the first time in 5 years! Without him in net, i don't think we'd be where we are. The problem is within his inconsistent defense! Jurcina is just a retard for trying to force a pass through 2 flyers when the entire right side was wide open. A cone marker would make a better defenseman than Erskine. Morrisson shouldn't try to force a puck through Mike Richards who ended up receiving a penalty shot (total BS by the way). Huet was literally hung out to dry for most of the night.

Another thing. If you were a NHL defenseman and you saw your opponent burying your goalie to the ice WTF would you do about it? You need to clear the front of the net and NOT let agitators like F-ing Hartnell and scorers like that little pansy Briere run over hime!! Grow some balls D and hit someone!! Is that too hard to ask for?

I know its hard for Ovie to find time and space but it is not going to get any better at all without trying. For the first time in his short career it looked as if Ovie was playing very inconsistant and at times looked as if he didn't care at all (mainly since every time he was on the ice there was a black shirt following him everywhere). When he did find time and space the passes were either 10 ft in front of him or 10 ft behind him or in his skates. Absolutely horrible display of teamwork by this team tonight. However, this being said, I believe these past 2 games will light a fire under each one of their A$$es for the rest of the series!

And PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE someone demolish SCOTT THE P.O.S. HARTNELL from standing in the front of the net!!! ALong with that S.O.B. BRIERE!

PUT EMINGER IN AND SCHULTZ OUT! fedorov did a better job on D than schultzy!

COMMON CAPSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! Come too far to pack it in now. FIGHT FOR ALL DC!!

I think the caps can win in 7 with a win thursday. (fingers crossed)

Philthadelphia definately has the most CLASSLESS and IGNORANT fans in the entire league! Any areana chanting profanity as clear as day on national tv is an absolute disgrace to the respective city! So congrats Philthy on taking home the Ignorance of the Day award!

BTW, did you see what Olie's fan under id 'Bob' said?

He called Huet a French dog. He is Kolzig's fan, not Caps fan. That's how low some Olie fans can go.

If you see him again, booooooooooo!

@CT caps fan
Id have to say yes... Replacing Huet with a guy that hasn't played in monthes sends the wrong message to your club... I think Colin is right, if you were going to replace Huet it should have been done this game in the 3rd period.

One other thing, I am in Orlando on a family vacation and watched the game at the ESPN Club. Me and about 15 Flyers fans. Most were not friendly (and that was before the game started). The only ones that were had kids with them.

@ Jeff, is this Spring Break for kids in PA this week?

Jeff ... good point about going after another goalie. It reinforces my point about the experience the Flyers bring to this series. I mean, how long did it take 'em to find Huet's weakness and exploit it?

If Huet starts game 4, he should be on a verrrrry short leash.

@Jeff
Knowing Alex I'm sure it wasn't the booing - if anything it would have the opposite effect on him and fire him up.

I think he the lack of proper guidance right now - specifically coaching. BB need to order him to step off the ice after 50-55 sec max. Period. If you're 98% in the playoffs, you're DEAD. I giggle thinking about that commercial, but in the playoffs it's true: you need to be 100%, 100% of the times. Anything less than that and you're dead.

@CT caps fan
I have no idea... I'm not on break... My bet is that it might be for seniors week in H.S.. I'm avoiding doing a lot of HW thats for sure tho haha

Hi Tarik --

Just so you know, I am Huet's chief ANtagonist, not protagonist.

Sincerely yours,

someone please tell me why hartnell and briere aren't in the hospital now. they have each taken a run at huet in each of the past 2 games. don't be down on huet. no one is standing up for him and he's facing odd man rushes or breakaways on every goal he's given up. hartnell's is the only exception. erskine has been horrible. jurcina's giveaway was bad but green's and mo's were bad too. where is the fire? i have never seen a keeper get run like that 2 games in a row without payback of some sort.

Mauree,
You're a good fan and you have good points. Ovie can't be a one man show in the playoffs. It doesn't work. It's just that the SAVE gmgm through the media SPIN is Busy working tonight. gmgm, I hear Vancouver maybe hiring. Funny how they fired their GM for missing the playoffs 2 out of 3 years, gmgm has made it legitimately to the postseason 1 out of ten years. The Cup run was David Poile's team. Oh well, on second thought maybe Belarus is hiring.

I sure wish these guys would show the fervor and eloquence we all know and love.
My thoughts on the game: We slightly improved in the screening of Creepy Eyes, but we need to step it up more. I've been a Huet supporter, but I am seeing that this series requires a less "delicate" and technical touch in the crease and more body/anger issues. ;) My guess is Olie gets some net time before its over, maybe as soon as next game. Part of me is yelling for Briere's head (and half of the rest of the Flyers roster). The other part says, isn't that what they want us to do?
I nearly had a panic attack when Ovie went down. I don't believe it was a dive, it looked to me like he tried to get his feet under him and lost an edge, resulting in that weird jump thing.
I'm not really sure what to think at this point. The loyal fan says "Let's go Caps!". The realist says, "Ouch". The realist part of me is bigger right now, but after some sleep, the Caps fan will be back!
There was a kid in the dining hall today with a Gagne jersey on. I kind of wanted to hit him, but I refrained. Those anger management classes are paying off!! jk

Can't wait til Thursday and the return of the Caps we all know and love!!!

Rock the Red, Rock the Hawk, Let's go Caps!

I'm not bailing on Huet, but I think he needs a break. He played great since coming aboard, but I think Bruce and the Reaper need to consider throwing Kolzig in for Game 4. Not only to send a message to Huet, but also to his defense, which has been the cause of at least half of the goals scored in this series.

The other half of the goals scored are the result of good scouting by the Flyers. They seem to have Huet's number. And, keep in mind, Kolzig does have a pretty good playoff resume. It can't hurt to give him a shot -- after all, it may be the last time we see him in between the pipes for the Caps.

Semin and Ovie are both due for a huge game and I don't think this team is going to let the Flyers continue to smack them around like they have in the first three games.

This is still a winnable series.

Speaking of commercials anyone else miss the hilarious hockey commercials they used to make... what happened to the bubble hockey commercials, those were great!
Av's score again, 5-0, unreal.
@Herb
I think Huet is talented, but I predicted Biron would be the better goalie this series due to the D he has in front of him. Huet is by far a better choice then Ollie though at least at this point in the series. Ollie should have been put in in the 3rd period to test the waters for next game. I think it's a mistake if you start Ollie now especially with the way the flyers offense is attacking the net. Its the Defense that needs to step up for the caps and the coaching not the goaltending. The goaltending is there already. I'm sure the flyers have already scouted ollie as well plus the flyers have fared well against him in the past

In today's NHL when you let a forward skete right to the net with the puck, chances he is going to score against any goalie in the NHL. Caps are soft up the gut and the Flyer know it, so the Caps have real issues clearing the middle and keeping the puck to the outside.

The Flyers park a guy in front and you can't mover them like you used to so you are pretty much screwed there. Then, the closet Cap in the Flyers slot is midway between the crease and the dots. How are you going to frustrate and create havoc like the Flyers are doing to the Caps.

The other thing is the Flyers watched a lot of tape and they know that crashing Huet and repeatedly knocking him down is going to cause problems. They are doing the same thing Carolina did in the last couple games. Dmen are not allowed to protect the crease anymore like days of old and the Caps D pretty much let them do what they want.

Pardon the drunkish typing!

new thread

@BB11
I can tell you the EXACT reason why nothing happened to them: it's because we were losing, and BB didn't want to take unnecessary penalties that could compromise a come back. We can argue if this is right or wrong. Personally, I think it's wrong. The Flyers are taking runs at Huet basically since the start of the series BECAUSE they're getting away with it. Even if you're down, you need to put a stop to it.

I look like a rookie. Oh, wait...uh, I am a rookie.

our tough guys have done zip
philly forwards do what they want to huet or ov or anyone
backstrom is scared
cooke was invisible
fehr played great for his first playoff game. so did stecks and laich
I think Liang has proven his guts over 40 games and deserves a start. what will it hurt? he wont be scared to play like flash and backstrom are. sit brash he aint doing any enforcing anyway or mr invisible cooke

This is pure and simply a lack of experience, which they are getting with every minute on the ice. No matter the outcome of this series, the experience they take into next season is invaluable.

Maybe they just need to get into a must win, before they kick it in...