Eminger Strikes

I don't have much time, so I have to be (really) brief. That might have been the Caps' best period since the third period of Game 1. And how about Steve Eminger? All season long, he's been the odd man out. Now he's got a huge goal and has been one of the Caps' best players.

With a 3-2 edge, this is the first time the Caps have been up going into the third.

By Tarik El-Bashir |  April 17, 2008; 8:48 PM ET
Previous: Too Much Carter | Next: Caps PK, Huet Bail Out Kozlov

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Eminger for Conn Smythe!

Posted by: old time hockey | April 17, 2008 8:54 PM

Emy!!!

Posted by: Tyler | April 17, 2008 8:54 PM

Let's go Caps!!!
BTW, love Emi's playoff start. He'll look fierce when we go deep into the playoffs.

Posted by: jmu_capsgirl | April 17, 2008 8:55 PM

great period... too bad ovie fanned on that backhand right before the delay of game... coulda been 4-2.

let's get a quick one here to open up on the power play!

Posted by: Zack | April 17, 2008 8:56 PM

After that hatchetjob on Semin's face that went uncalled, I plead with anyone (ANYONE) to give me evidence the refs don't want Philly to win. Jesus, if I performed as poorly at my job as these refs, I would have been fired long, long ago.

Posted by: Kip | April 17, 2008 8:57 PM

If I'm Eminger I'm thinking "Suck it, George McPhee!"

Posted by: Jill | April 17, 2008 8:57 PM

I'm thrilled for Steve! He's a quality defenseman who has gotten a bum rap this year.

Perhaps Eminger will be this year's John Druce? Ah, one can only dream!

Posted by: Terptwin | April 17, 2008 8:57 PM

@ Kip - Not to mention the cut to Brads' face with a high stick. Our guys are leaving blood on the ice and the refs are turning the other cheek.

Posted by: Jill | April 17, 2008 8:58 PM

great two periods by the caps, other than the second layup goal by carter. we are showing that we can be just as physical as they can and we just need to keep it up and expose their d men.

is it just me, or are the flyer fans acting like a bunch of wusses. they boo every call against them, even the obvious ones like knocking the net off and the extra roughing call earlier. and what team needs to hand out an article from the visiting teams hometown newspaper to get fired up. i wont even comment on their issue w/ ov "diving" i thought they were better fans than that who didn't need gimics to get fired up.

btw, those helmets they gave away are cheesy with a capital CHEESE

Posted by: Cap Fan 1 | April 17, 2008 8:59 PM

I think Eminger has proved he deserves to be in the game! They are playing much better this game than they have all series. Keep it up.....20 more minutes guys!

Posted by: Kim | April 17, 2008 8:59 PM

We need to throw a bone at whomever put Eminger in the dog house! Sure would like to know what this has been about all season.

Posted by: Dezlboy | April 17, 2008 8:59 PM

I meant his beard... Although his playoff play has been great too.

Posted by: jmu_capsgirl | April 17, 2008 8:59 PM

How will the Caps handle prosperity?

Posted by: Colin | April 17, 2008 8:59 PM

20 more furious minutes boys... Come out firing...

Hit everything Canadian in black...

Posted by: JSchon | April 17, 2008 8:59 PM

I'm thinking that Nicky was saying to Briere in Sweedish "I'll squash you like the little gnat that you are". Not too many players that Nicky towers over...

Posted by: Steve R | April 17, 2008 9:00 PM

Tarik - Is it easier working tonight now that the building is so much quieter? :)

Posted by: Jill | April 17, 2008 9:00 PM

That's what I wanted to see. The Caps finally take their game to Philly. Backstrom and Semin are looking great and so is Eminger.

Posted by: Vanessa | April 17, 2008 9:01 PM

Hi, Steve! :-) How long ya been lurkin'? You said that Lee was a potty-mouth before, so I believe the whole computer censor thing!! ;-)

How's Cooke playing? I can't seem to pinpoint him ... I really liked him when we first got here, but I don't think he has shown up much for the playoffs?!? Most of the other guys sure have ... finally!! I hope they keep it up!

So sad - JB said that Olie was the forgotten man ... :-(

Posted by: Boo! | April 17, 2008 9:03 PM

Can we call Nicky, Backie, and not Nicky...

I dated a Nicky... I think my last words to her were "I wish your parents had never met!"

Posted by: JSchon | April 17, 2008 9:04 PM

OK. Regardless of how this ends, BB is gonna have to do some 'splainin' about why Emmy hasn't been playing. is he awful in practice? has he mouthed off to somebody? jeez...

Posted by: Pivonka | April 17, 2008 9:05 PM

Oh Nicky you're so fine, you're so fine you blow my mind, hey Nicky!!

(Sorry JSchon - couldn't resist!! ;-))

Posted by: Boo! | April 17, 2008 9:06 PM

This is just my view of things: Cooke isn't a great fit for this series. You'd think he would be, but the Flyers team doesn't really need to be agitated to take penalties. He's been solid, hasn't done anything stupid or we would have heard about it, but he hasn't really made a lot of noise, except for a few opportunities.
I agree Boo, that made me sad. We haven't forgotten.

Posted by: jmu_capsgirl | April 17, 2008 9:06 PM

I absolutely love the new PP. Ovechkin down low is AWESOME. Laich might be better there, but still. I love it.

Posted by: Raber | April 17, 2008 9:08 PM

Is it just me, or do their thunder sticks look like cheesy puffs?!?

Posted by: Boo! | April 17, 2008 9:10 PM

This is the kind of play that Emmie was drafted for. Now, someone needs to lay some lumber on Briere.

Posted by: lordthrog | April 17, 2008 9:11 PM

cheesy poofs :D

Posted by: jmu_capsgirl | April 17, 2008 9:13 PM

JMU:
OK, Cartman!! ;-)

We're finally pulling away with SOG!! 25-19 ... Keep up the pressure, boys!

Posted by: Boo! | April 17, 2008 9:15 PM

Flyer fans aren't booing. They're yelling Bruuuuce Boooooooooudreau.

Posted by: Pivonka | April 17, 2008 9:16 PM

There was your look on Cooke, Boo. Just one, that's all you get for tonight. (Unless he scores, which would be sweeeet)

If I'm Cartman, does that make Semin Kenny? Cause they're definitely trying to kill him.

Posted by: jmu_capsgirl | April 17, 2008 9:17 PM

Ovie !!

Posted by: Pivonka | April 17, 2008 9:18 PM

That's it boys...dump, chase, dig, and shoot!

Posted by: Terptwin | April 17, 2008 9:19 PM

Brian Sutherby just scored his first goal as a Duck.

Posted by: Mave | April 17, 2008 9:19 PM

JMU:
Yes, it does (hence all the orange sweatshirts in the house).

Posted by: Boo! | April 17, 2008 9:19 PM

mad props Huet there

Posted by: chris larry | April 17, 2008 9:20 PM

Wow ... that was a HUGE save.

Posted by: Boo! | April 17, 2008 9:21 PM

HUET! What a save!

Posted by: elicea | April 17, 2008 9:21 PM

who you could feel that one coming....to many men...twice...pathetic

Posted by: chris larry | April 17, 2008 9:22 PM

Backs needs to punch that little swine again

Posted by: Steve R | April 17, 2008 9:23 PM

Holy christ, if the Caps D wasn't being held behind the net, that wouldn't have been a goal. If I ever see any of these refs in real life, I'm going to jail.

Posted by: Kip | April 17, 2008 9:23 PM

The Caps have been dominant...now, let's see how they handle a little bit of adversity.

Posted by: Terptwin | April 17, 2008 9:23 PM

CRISTOBAL! I didn't even think that hit him til the replay

Posted by: jmu_capsgirl | April 17, 2008 9:23 PM

crap, I guess I shouldn't watch this on delay

Posted by: jmu_capsgirl | April 17, 2008 9:25 PM

LITTLE BIT OF ADVERSITY? HOLY !@!@!@(@!(!@(!@(!@(!@(@#!&&!#@#($&, the refs are doing everything in thier power to job the Caps. HOLY @#@(.

Posted by: Kip | April 17, 2008 9:25 PM

POTI, STAY FAR FAR AWAY FROM OUR CREASE!!!

You do well in open ice, but get the blank out of our crease!

Posted by: BMT | April 17, 2008 9:26 PM

HOW MANY STUPID PENALTIES ARE YOU GOING TO TAKE????????????????????????????????????

ENOUGH WITH THE CUTE LITTLE NO LOOK PASSES!!!!!!!!!! YOU LOOK LIKE AN #$%^@ JERK EVERY TIME!!!!

You guys are sarting to suck! get back in the game right !@#$%^&*(*&^%$#@!!@#$%^& NOW!!!!

Posted by: | April 17, 2008 9:26 PM

Too many men!?!? Bush league, man. Bush league. What is this? Game 1 of the season? And Steckel has to backcheck on that PK. He's gotta be watching the guys behind him. Amazing the amount of chances the Caps haven't converted through four games. They're getting opportunities, just not putting them away like the Flyers.

Posted by: Colin | April 17, 2008 9:26 PM

why is ov sucking right now?

Posted by: | April 17, 2008 9:27 PM

"Too Many Men On The ICE?" Are you kidding me? How many times can we do that in one friggin game? We're beating ourselves! Come on guys, tighten up! We can win this !!!

Posted by: Puckguru | April 17, 2008 9:27 PM

might need a time out....

Posted by: chris larry | April 17, 2008 9:27 PM

THIS IS TOUGH, WITH HOW WELL THE CAPS HAVE PLAYED, THEY SHOULD BE UP BY TWO. TOO MANY MEN ON THE ICE, TWICE? HOW DOES THAT HAPPEN?

Posted by: Pete Peeters | April 17, 2008 9:29 PM

5 people I hate the most.

5. Danny Briere
4. My ex-girlfriend Nicky
3. Danny Briere
2. Sidney Crosby
1. Danny Briere

Posted by: JSchon | April 17, 2008 9:30 PM

Too many men reminds me of the Hanlon days. And Huet is saving this team's butt right now. I've been hard on him the past couple of games, but he brought it tonight. And if the Caps escape with a win this evening, it's all because of Huet. But the Caps gotta convert on their chances. Steckel gets the puck alone in front, and he shoots it right into Biron's chest. Not a great attempt. Cooke whiffed on a one-timer. Ovie missed an open net. Too many failed conversions for this team.

Posted by: Colin | April 17, 2008 9:30 PM

argh!!! Panic mode is starting to set in...
Boo, you got lucky, you get a second look at Cooke.

Posted by: jmu_capsgirl | April 17, 2008 9:32 PM

WOW, Huet is making some timely saves!

Posted by: elicea | April 17, 2008 9:32 PM

way to hand this game to them guys

Posted by: | April 17, 2008 9:33 PM

AHH, there's my Caps!

Posted by: BMT | April 17, 2008 9:34 PM

JSchon:
HA! :-D I don't hate Syd and I don't know Nicky, but I do hate that song ... so we'll call it 4 outta 5! ;-)

Posted by: Boo! | April 17, 2008 9:34 PM

I gotta say, earlier in the day I was of the "play Olie" camp, but now I'm so glad BB decided to go with Huet. He is playing HUGE.

Posted by: tess | April 17, 2008 9:34 PM

what is the rule on handpasses? are they only disallowed in the offensive zone?

Posted by: jmu_capsgirl | April 17, 2008 9:34 PM

Aww, Brads was so close!

Posted by: elicea | April 17, 2008 9:34 PM

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

congrats guys your stupid penalties gave them the win

Posted by: | April 17, 2008 9:35 PM

Handpasses only allowed in the defensive zone.

Posted by: BMT | April 17, 2008 9:35 PM

@jmu_capsgirl

hand passes allowed in the defensive zone.

Posted by: tess | April 17, 2008 9:35 PM

@ chris larry

PARTNERS??????????/

Posted by: cc | April 17, 2008 9:35 PM

Fing ridiculous

Posted by: chris larry | April 17, 2008 9:36 PM

what a crappy call by the refs

Posted by: elicea | April 17, 2008 9:36 PM

@jmu_capsgirl

Yup...and that wasn't much of a pass. :)


WTF is up with this tender interference call on Kozzy??? F'ING REFS. BETTMAN'S GOTTA BE PISSED.

Posted by: keef | April 17, 2008 9:36 PM

Bull effing sit.

Get off your knees refs, you're blowing the game!!

Posted by: jmu_capsgirl | April 17, 2008 9:36 PM

F'ing Horses--t!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: F the Zebras | April 17, 2008 9:37 PM

ok goaltender interference on kozlov is funny.

Posted by: jim* | April 17, 2008 9:37 PM

@cc...huh?

This is insane!!!!!!!! I am not a blame the refs guy...but wow..just wow

Posted by: chris larry | April 17, 2008 9:37 PM

hey ref, are you pregnant? you already missed 2 periods!!!!!!!

Posted by: fat jack | April 17, 2008 9:37 PM

OK Refs, you really need to be AUDITED!!! Inconsitent calling!!! Very Biased!!!

Posted by: BMT | April 17, 2008 9:37 PM

Worst call ever. EVER. The officiating in this game has been god freaking awful.

Posted by: GJ | April 17, 2008 9:37 PM

anybody have a number that we can call and complain about reffing? or an email address, or a physical address? this is effing ridiculous

Posted by: | April 17, 2008 9:38 PM

can we get koharski back? even he wasn't this bad

Posted by: | April 17, 2008 9:39 PM

Worst call EVER

Posted by: | April 17, 2008 9:40 PM

THAT was a GODAWFUL call!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Greg S. | April 17, 2008 9:41 PM

I'm going to need medical attention after this game

Posted by: honed | April 17, 2008 9:41 PM

How many times can Cooke miss from POINT BLANK RANGE? Geezzz.....

Posted by: Puckguru | April 17, 2008 9:41 PM

I think we all may need medical attention

Posted by: | April 17, 2008 9:42 PM

These refs suck more than usual...

Posted by: Steve R | April 17, 2008 9:42 PM

I'm out of words. I've emailed the NHLOA. Which will do nothing, I know, but if we ALL EMAILED THEM, something might (won't) happen. Everyone, go to

http://www.nhlofficials.com/contact.asp

...and let them know. I'm sick of this crap - I have honestly never, never, EVER seen a pair of refs attempt to throw a game before.

Posted by: Kip | April 17, 2008 9:43 PM

As long as we keep the pressure going on the Philly net...

Posted by: BMT | April 17, 2008 9:43 PM

without question the worst officials since kowharski crew were hit by a donuts.

Posted by: clown baby | April 17, 2008 9:43 PM

two freaking AMAZING saves from huet - that redeems him in my eyes...

Posted by: 7734yeah | April 17, 2008 9:43 PM

I too young to have a heart attack ...

At least they are playing their hearts out! And this is Huet's best game this series. The Caps ARE the better team - now they just need to seal the deal.

Posted by: Boo! | April 17, 2008 9:44 PM

@Puckguru

I was going to say the same thing. He's had about three great scoring opportunities tonight, and he's whiffed or shot wide on all of them. I love what the grinder lines are doing on the forecheck, but they simply have to put a damn puck in the net at some point.

It's disappointing. The Caps have outplayed the Flyers for almost this whole game, and now they're going to a sudden death overtime. It's a shame really because the Caps should've put this thing to bed earlier in the third period.

Refs owe Washington a call in the OT for the BS goalie interference penalty on Kozlov. (Kozlov should've shot it earlier, though. I don't know what kind of move he thought he was going to make six inches from the goalie, anyway.)

Posted by: Colin | April 17, 2008 9:44 PM

That was a HORRIBLE goalie interference call at the end of the 3rd period!!!!!!

Posted by: rbpalmer | April 17, 2008 9:44 PM

Apparently I am too young to write a proper sentence, as well. :-P

So I thought the whole thing about handing out Wise's column was a joke - guess not!

Posted by: Boo! | April 17, 2008 9:46 PM

From NHL Official Rulebook, page 456. 45353.(supplement A)

How to determine a goalie interference penalty:

Was goalie touched?
If no, no penalty. If yes, possible penalty.
Was the goalie hit playing for the flyers or capitals?
If flyers, its a penalty.
If not, did the forward punch the goalie?
If no, not a penalty.
If yes, its 2 minutes for the forward for interference and two minutes for the goalie for something.

Posted by: old time hockey | April 17, 2008 9:47 PM

new thread!

Posted by: | April 17, 2008 9:47 PM

Lovely intermission report, notice how informative they were, focused on the game..."hello, McFly..."

Posted by: BMT | April 17, 2008 9:47 PM

horrible call...but can Kozlov show up please?

Posted by: chris larry | April 17, 2008 9:48 PM

I've gotta say it. Ferorov has sucked, big time thusfar. foortunately, he can still be a hero tonight. LET'S GO, CAPS!! It's been a long time since I've wanted to win one as much as I do tonight. STAY STRONG, GUYS! TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT WE GROW UP! The Flyers are nothing more than a bunch of cheap shot artists. Please, PLEASE KICK THEIR PUNK ASSES T O N I G H T!!!!!

Posted by: Puckguru | April 17, 2008 9:48 PM

I think this game may be a turning point for Semin. He's been hit, cut, banged, and is playing better now than he was before.

Eminger is playing like a deamon out there! Way to make a statement!

I like this. This is good playoff hockey. It's tough, rough and unforgiving. And the Caps are playing MUCH better tonight! Keep raising the level, boys!

Posted by: Greg S. | April 17, 2008 9:48 PM

Please hockey gods let Ovechkin score in overtime to end this madness.

If we do not get a quick make-up power play in OT the refs need remedial attention.

How wrong is it that I keep logging in and out of the Caps website to see Brooks pop up. Sorry, I know that has nothing to do with this game, but am I the only one having an out of body experience watching this one?

Posted by: Kim | April 17, 2008 9:50 PM

I've done my part, let's get these Refs fined out of their asses.

http://www.nhlofficials.com/contact.asp

Thanks, Kip, for bringing this to our attentions.

This game should be over all ready. Will someone please put their stick through Briere's face already?

Posted by: DrinkingPartner | April 17, 2008 9:51 PM

This is the message i just sent to the NHL....everybody needs to chime in...(http://www.nhlofficials.com/contact.asp)

"I am watching the Caps-Flyers game 4, and i have to say this is
the worst ''referreed'' game i have ever seen, and i have been watching hockey
for 45 years. The NHL has to come out with a statement banning/penalizing this
referee crew to have any semblance of credibility, or Mario Lemieux will be
proved correct that the NHL is a ''garage'' league."

Posted by: | April 17, 2008 9:51 PM

I've just complained to those striped clowns. Not that it will do any good

Posted by: thanks for the link | April 17, 2008 9:59 PM

nice shot fedorov why don't move a little slower

Posted by: | April 17, 2008 10:02 PM

OH, MAN!!! POTI!!! Gotta sink those!

How many wide open chances??

Posted by: Greg S. | April 17, 2008 10:05 PM

why can't they finish these golden chances?

Posted by: | April 17, 2008 10:06 PM

come on caps please please please please please please please please pleaseplease please please please please please please please please please please pleaseplease please please please please please please please please please please pleaseplease please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please pleaseplease please please please please please please please please please please pleaseplease please please please please please please please please please please pleaseplease please please please please please please please please please please pleaseplease please please

Posted by: BearsWoooo | April 17, 2008 10:09 PM

these refs just suck! OV just got tackled...no call of course!

Posted by: BearsWoooo | April 17, 2008 10:11 PM

please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please
please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please


Posted by: please | April 17, 2008 10:15 PM

Eminger should be a part of this team next season. He hits, isn't afraid to stand up for team mates, and has a good control of the puck. He is perfect as a fifth or sixth guy.

Posted by: Dan | April 18, 2008 10:07 AM

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