repost:

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!

As much as I don't want a caps player to be injured, I really hope this means that emi is in the line up. I think he could help the caps out more with his speed than Schultz. Although, in my opinion, all the defense have played like crap the past two games. This also helps if Timonen is out also. He plays a pretty big role for the flyers on defense. With him out(If he is actually out for game 4) it could give ovie a chance to get going in this series.

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.

allright I need to start studying and pulling an all nighter for an exam tomorrow. I'll be on tomorrow I'm sure... Goodnight Hockey world!

Thanks for coming back too early and making us play with 5 defensemen for the whole game, Schultzie! Next time either make sure you're healed up or have balls enough to play through the pain.

I never like it when a player is injured, but both of these injuries help us. Hopefully Shultz will be benched for emmy the rest of the series and Timmonen won't come back and maybe ovie can generate some offence.

Oh the playoffs and their undisclosed mystery ailments. However, you've got to wish that they were a little less specific on poor Thoresen. I wish Schultz a speedy recovery but I agree with you Thomas that Emi should play. Maybe the D needs some shakeups. What if you move Greenie to O and Feds to D? Oh and I'm a Juice fan, but he's been breaking my heart lately.
Although I think I'd rather have Timonen guarding Ovie than Ogie Ogelthorpe or whoever the Flyers have hidden in the basement of the WC.

I'm starting to stress. Wooosahh...

Let's go Caps!!

Laich in front of the net on two Caps goals. Bruce please stop "talking about getting players to the front," and start giving more ice time to those players willing to pay the price. More power play time for Laich. Also, add Brashear and Cooke to the power play as specialist with the assignment of standing in front. Those three will actually pay the price. Maybe even drop Ovchkin off the point. He is good down low and in front, he will take the hits and put in rebounds. Let the pretty boys skate around the outside making passes and shooting once every five or ten opportunities. Remember that the Caps play their best when on the brink.

Repost:

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.

New post.

I only see good things coming out of Schultz's injury. First, he's off the ice. The Philly team is way too physical for his powder puff play. When he learns to bang bodies, he should be allowed to play again and not until then. Damned shame, too, cause he's built to dish it out and we need that now.

Time to put Eminger back in. Also a call-up from Hershey to replace Juice. His turnovers have cost too much. He should sit for the rest of the series.

I didn't mean to leave out Steckel, he'll park himself in front too.

This is the problem with european players. Beautiful skaters, pretty passes, cute plays. Great and exciting stuff for the regular season. This stuff sucks for the playoffs.

It may be worth it to shuffle the lines more. Put a grinder on each line to muck it up in the crease and in the corners. Bang away at the Flyers and cause a commotion.

I don't know, but something needs to be done to spread out their defensive lines.

The Cpas can come back, its only 2-1 so its not like this is over. But, there seems to be a difference between the play of boys and men. First off, Hartnell and Briere need to get their heads punched in. I can't believe it isn't happening. Like I said two days ago, if they don;t retaliate the Flyers won't stop. Briere needs to be pummeled. If no one is willing to do it then suit me up and I will. The Flyers are playing man on man and none of the Caps are responding. Backstrom looks lazy and lost, Kozlov is trying but doesn't have much playoff experience and plays too soft. Overall, the Ovechkin line is too soft. The Flyers are big and older and rough. The Caps aren't matching their intensity, their desire, their grit, their dirty play or their speed. I hate to say it, but if they don't get it together this series is going to be over. Fast.

Why won't anyone hit Briere?

If I see Briere on the street, I'll hit him.

Think Ted will pay my bail?

I'll pay your bail, dude. No worries.

Hello Caps blog,

Been away from hockey for a while, but have been watching the Caps again these playoffs.

The first game was fantastic, but since then this team is getting totally punk'd! It looks like men playing a bunch of boys. Backstrom plays like a scared kid along with a lot of the defensemen. Semin has done nothing either. What gives?

Never seen a goalie (Huet) get knocked around so much without having fists coming towards the offenders head? Oh the days of Langway and Stevens. This team needs to toughen up, play Olie bc Huet looks just as scared, and do whatever possible to help the blueline. Sounds like Eminger is a favorite in here, but I'm not really impressed by anybody on the D line except Green and he is an offensive player! Poti seems decent I suppose.

Hey, at least it's a learning experience and tells the team what is missing for next year - toughness, size, D. You don't see men losing to boys too often!

Are we just happy getting here?? It's real simple, Philly has had more heart out there and want it more than our Capitals. What I can't understand is why Philly on every single power play has a guy disrupting Huet and we do nothing about it. Nobody attempts to move the guy or push him out of the way. Then when we are on the power play, their goalie has free sight and nobody attempts to disrupt him, it's like they are scared of this team. Also, it's been 3 games now, have we not figured out that they are sitting on our outlet passes out of the zone. Let's get it up the side and out of the zone before we start our cross ice passes, they are sitting on them every time, and we keep passing without even looking for the defender. I love what the Capitals have accomplished, but they need to suck it up and get physical. I'd rather win ugly then keep getting outplayed and dominated because we didn't put the equal effort of our opponent, and right now that is the cruel reality.

seriously...its time
lets see how much the old man has in his tank

START OLIE!!

how do you think boudreau would react if the verizon center started screaming olie or kolzilla chants for game 5?

Any word on a possible switch tarik? Might be worth it to see #37 land a cheap one on briere

I would definitely pay to see that

If there aren't fights in the first period of the next game, this series is over. The Caps played like a bunch of terrified children for the most part. I've never seen a team with less heart.

i think all we need is ONE campbell-on-umberger-esque hit and the whole momentum can change. i want the hit to come from cooke. i want the caps to wake the f up. i want briere to cry. or this could just be a lesson learned for the future...

Again, I haven't seen too much of this team, but I did have one other observation from tonight's game. There were a few occasions of 4 or 4 hockey. Or, make that two for sure. Where was Ovechkin in these situations? He's clogged up, he's closely watched, etc etc...seems like a perfect time to get his butt on the ice even if you double shift him or whatever...??? You guys have an answer to that? I was actually getting excited to see Ovie with room to maneuver, but it never materialized.

What was so disappointing last night was the failure to make the changes that were spoken about by players and coach after Game 2. "We have to clear our net more, we have to crash their net more" and this didn't happen to any great extent.

Within the first 10 minutes we had two full minor penalties. On no occasion in those 4 minutes did anyone park themselves at the top of the crease. A early goal would have taken the crowd out of it, settled our lads down and given Biron something to thing about. It may even have been worth getting right in Biron's face, running him, putting him off his game. Even if you ended up 4 on 4 because of goalie interference it would have been worth giving up the PP chance that early in the game, just to make Biron think he was going to be kept busy.

2 goals came from parking someone out front. It's pretty basic stuff. Not sure why we didn't do it more. Hopefully the lesson has been drilled home now, as we can't really afford to go 3-1 down.

What is also disappointing is the reaction of some people on this board. There have been some pretty ugly comments, slagging off players who were worshipped only a few weeks ago. Also, where is the need to get personal and dare I say it, racist. Why is Backie a "Little Swedish Girl" and not just a "Little Girl", why is Huet playing like a "French Dog" instead of just "a Dog". There is no need for that, it doesn't help anyone and shows a total lack of respect. This team did not become a bad team overnight. Remember, we have won 8 of our last 10 games. It could be worse. We have been dominated for 7 out of 9 periods (period 3 in Game 1 was ours and I'm calling period 2 from last night even) yet we are only 2-1 down, not 3-0. This team has the character and ability to get out of this hole. Even if they don't, the experience gained from this series will be vital to players like, Backie, Ovie and Greenie over the coming years. This team is playoff bound for the next few years.

On the bright side, if we lose this series maybe Jeff will disappear.

i missed the game, unfortunately... but it sounds as though ovie did everything he could to help the Caps reach the postseason.... and if the caps want to advance at all this year, everyone not named alexander ovechkin needs to step it up and pick up the slack.

i'm curious to see if kolzig starts the next game.

With all these guys crashing the net and running over Huet, he might start thinking twice on whether he entertains staying here if offered a contract. Not like anyone is protecting him. I would think twice.

It is only going to get worse too. Every team will do it to the Caps if they get past this series. One thing about Olie is, he will go after the guys running him over. He won't stand for it.

OLIE!!!! OLIE!!!!! OLIE!!!! OLIE!!!!

Any penalty taken in front of the caps net is not retaliation but protecting the turf and worth it as long as it counts meaning any whack, cross check, punch better send the opposition to the locker room.

It's time for Kolzig to get a shot. Somebody needs to bring one ounce of pride to the game because there is none out there now (maybe Fedorov) and at least Kolzig has some pride. Give a jersey to Laing and Eminger and sit a couple of Euros maybe even Backstrom because he's way in over his head. Time is running out.

Flyers in 6.

The Caps will find a way to steal one of these games.

I can't think Ovechkin will fail to show up to EVERY game.

For all the hype about this series being the Flyers vs. Ovechkin, it hasn't been at all.

As a Flyers fan, I am now most scared when I see Mike Green with the puck, followed by Donald Brashear, which is absurd.

Brashear has been phenomenal this series, and should be getting more ice time. And to those who are suggesting that he should start more fights or take a run at someone, I think he is a poor candidate for that, as he still seems to hold this Flyers team and its fans in very high regard.

Unless Huet has an absolutely phenomenal Game 4, Kolzig should start Game 5. Hearing his name in the starting lineups would give a huge jolt to what is likely to be a very disheartened home crowd.

Schultz needs MUCH more time in Hershey. Jurcina had a Pothier kind of game. Our defense sure makes other teams look like they are on the power play. I dont see to many other teams in the league do that. They also turn the puck over like its nothing. I also have yet to understand why Erskine is still playing.

JMU:
Fervor and eloquence ... have not seen it in the post-season. :-(

Jeff:
I don't think the Caps will be shopping for a goalie. They have one or two guys on the farm team who are supposed to be really good; I think they will work with what they've got until one of those guys are ready.

Dave:
What do you think about the Huet/Olie debate?

NHL on the Fly - "Flyers are in the Caps heads." So how do they shake 'em?!?

If you want bread, go to the bakery.
If you want goals, go to the net.
If you want to exit the playoffs early, keep playing the way you have the last 2 games.

I don't think the Flyers are in the Caps head too much. I think it comes down to a similar falter like they had back in late Feb./ early March when they fell out of first place in the division. I think they are just mentally tired and have difficulty getting it back.

Boo!

The only decent goalie in Hershey is Machesney, but I don't think he has what it takes to make it in the NHL. There are a couple of good goalies in juniors that are Caps property, but they won't be ready for the NHL for a few years. So if you know of another farm where we can harvest a good goaltender, I'll meet you there with a rake.

I don't think that we should set up for Kolzig just yet, game 5 at home maybe, but the D has to get in there and clear these guys out. Huet has put up with more than what should be allowed out there. Briere needs his clock cleaned something fierce.

BearsWoooo:
I didn't say that had anyone who was ready, I said I think they are waiting for what they've got in the pipeline. They have 3 NHL keepers right now - chances are that 2 of them will be back next season, not someone new. Do you think they are going to shop for a keeper this summer?

Maybe they will start playing when they are 1 game out of elimination?

I still think the Caps are beating themselves. I don't think the Flyers are overpowering - I just think the Caps are not keeping it simple. We all know how they can play - they just need to do it.

828:
I agree - they've got it in them, and they tend to find it when they HAVE to ... hopefully we'll see that old magic tomorrow night.

Lets just hope the Caps play with some fire like Colorado did last night in their Game 4. That is what I expected last night - but that didn't happen.

6 Goal Club &coyp;

Do it!

the Dungeen isn't that bad!

Boo!

No, I don't think so. I think you are right. They will retain two of the three they have and wait for Neuvirth and Varlamov. Huet has been great since he got here and really helped us with the playoff push. Do you think the Caps will be will be able to re-sign him? Or do you think we will have the Olie/Johnny tandem again next year?

6 Goal Club ©

I need to wake up!

828

I totally agree. The Flyers aren't as good as the Caps are making them look right now. I still think we have the better team, the boys just aren't playing like it. We all know they can beat any team in this league when the want it bad enough.

Schultz appears to have good defensive positioning but doesn't finish his checks or make the opposing team's skaters pay for bringing the puck in deep in the Cap's zone. In my eyes, at least Emminger plays a more physical brand of defense.

Huet isn't getting it done and it's time for a change: Anyone can allow five goals in a playoff game. But against the Flyers? Kolzig doesn't have the nick name "Godzilla" for nothing. Bring back the big fella and let him play!

I am a loss to know which way I feel. Part of me is just so sad, and the other part of me still has this feeling that if we win tomorrow it could turn around.

Can someone please tell me what film/video the Caps were studying the other day vs. practice? Because think we need to regroup on that tactic. Please tell me that there will be practice today - with adjustments. They do not have to go all Miracle during the practice (i.e. we don't need to make practice punishment), but they need to do something quickly to bring back the team play and confidence!

I understand all the talk about Kolzig, but please tell me that you will not be the same people blasting him if he plays like a rusty 37/38 year old. I just don't know if I can endure another Caps loss along with a few days of threads bashing Olie.

Questions, does anyone know when the Caps will return from Philly? Will it be Thursday night or Friday morning? Do they typically all arrive and leave separately from the airport or do they travel as a group on a bus to and from Kettler? Just wondering what the possibility would be for having fans there to greet them upon return to boost their spirits. Especially if they cancel practice on Friday.

The boys have frustrated me of late, and I did my share of irrational yelling at the television (and plant throwing off the deck again). But seriously, I do not think for a minute that we should stop being in their corner and showing support. Win or Lose.

BearsWoooo:
I think Huet will be back (who wouldn't want to play with the Caps right now?). I think the only reason that he would not come back is if he can't get the term he wants. I am guessing that he will want 5 years; at his age and with prospects in the pipeline, I bet they will only want to give him 2-3 years. So unless another club is willing to give him exactly what he wants, I think they will work something out. RE: Olie v. Johnny, I think that is up to Olie. I would love to see him come back, but I am afraid that he will not if he can't be #1.

Kim - good idea...

Tarik, can you help us out with that? When are the Caps coming home?

Fact is, we either figure it out or we go home. We're playing scared and stupid.
Erskine is truly terrible.
Talk is cheap. You read the articles and the CAPS players are saying how upset they are about their play and how they have to get after it better etc., and then they do the same thing. Maybe in the end we're just a young team who doesn't know how to play playoff hockey yet?
Huet looks bad too. I know he isn't getting much help, but he let in 3 soft goals in each of the last two games.
If OV is our superstar, he better step up. There's no worse reputation than being named MVP and choking in the playoffs.
The Flyers fans are out of control. The players too. But if noone will stand up for Huet and he has to do it himself, we're in trouble. Where's Brashear after Huet is run into? We're telling the Flyers it's OK to run our goalie because we won't do anything about it.
Very frustrating.

I might even let my kids miss school or go to school late to accomplish this. Sounds kind of sappy, but many of these guys are only in their twenties. So many things seem bigger than they are when you are in your twenties. Maybe seeing that the crowd still cares about them will get some of their strut back.

Oh and I seriously do think that they can pull off a win Thursday! Really.

I don't wish an injury on any player, but can we please see Eminger in the line-up. It was apparent from game 2 that a change on defense was needed for Schultz and/or Erskine, but there was nothing done about it. Also, the powerplay HAS TO CHANGE if the caps want to win. It is rediculous the amount of opportunities that are being thrown away because no one wants to get in front. BB MUST make these changes in order to compete.

I am not an Eminger fan at all - HOWEVER, this is his style of game. He is not afraid to get dirty... sure, he makes some stupid plays, but after Jurcina's "there ya go" pass... it cannot get any worse. Eminger will hit guys... that can't hurt playing agaist the Flyers.

And Schultz... c'mon dude... if you ain't 100%, let someone know - it hurt us last night when we went to 5 D-men... especially on the PK.

Test

Test

Kim, You are spot on. This is our team, we support them. In sport you pick a team and you stick with that. For better or for worse, in sickness and in health. Unless you are Jeff from Princeton and then you can pick the team you live closest too at any particular time.

You can't only sing when you're winning, or you're not a true fan. I'm not sure why people are throwing in the towel so early. Plus, people's expectation levels seem incredible high. Were it not for an amazing last couple of weeks in the regular season, our guys would be golfing right now. We achieved something no other team has done (worst to playoffs) and if you are not proud of them for what they have achieved this season then I pity you. I'm not saying we should accept mediocre performances; I was as frustrated as anyone last night, but how about some perspective.

What's all this about sitting a few Euros? You mean those same Euros (Backstrom, Ovechkin, Semin, Huet etc) who got us to the postseason in the first place?

Boo,
Thoughts on Huet/Olie. Huet was hugely hung out to dry last night (remember I only saw 2 periods). The last thing you do after conceding late on in a period is produce a defensive meltdown like Juice did. Considering how he must have been feeling at the end of the first, Cristo was pretty damm good in the 2nd. If we had hung on for another 9 seconds the momentum was with us. The fourth goal wasn't Huet's fault and as someone else has already pointed out, not even Mr P Roy would have stopped it. Plus, he isn't getting any back up from his D in regards to the physical side of things. After Hartnell had been penalised for goalie interference and Huet was skating off, he was obviously giving Hartnell a few choice words to which Hartnell retaliated and tripped Huet up as he made for the bench. It could easily have been a double minor. I don't think Huet is scared of the Flyers or he wouldn't be trash talking the way he was. Remember this is the same guy who won all those games in a row and dragged us into the postseason.

Putting in Olie now is a mistake in my book and I think Huet starts in Game 4 but he needs to get help from the D clearing the crease and Biron needs to get a few bumps early on. Briere needs a smack, bigtime.

Also, on a different note, I couldn't help but be amused at some of the comments about the flyers fans chanting "a-hole" at the refs last night. I doubt many of you would be able to go to a football (soccer) match over here. The language from the crowd, the chants are much more graphic. I'm not saying it's right but you all seem a bit sensitive. Just a little cultural difference I noted.

Very frustrating so far.

I am not a Kolzig apologist, but since the NHL now apparently allows tackling the goalie, it's time to put the bigger goalie with a temper back in net. Let Kolzig give Briere and Hartnell a few whacks to the back of the legs with the big stick. Make the change for game 4. Game 5 is too late.
Also start tackling Biron since it's now legal.

Briere should have gotten 6 minutes for running Huet on one play last night -- 2 for goalie interference, 2 for unsportsmanlike conduct for shoving Huet's stick farther away, and 2 for roughing for hitting Huet in the back of his head as Briere skated away.

Why none of the Caps has planted Briere permanently into the boards is beyond me.

Backstrom is playing even younger than he is. I would put Fedorov on the first line in his place.

The Caps as a whole need to start hitting hard every chance they get.

I know the Hart trophy is for the regular season, but if Ovie doesn't start being the Great 8, I believe some voters will hold it against him.

Let's go Caps!!! Win Thursday and you have home ice advantage again!

When the comcast feed went down at the start of the 3rd I didn't see what happened with Green going to the box. Joe B and Locker never explained what happened either. Green get in a brawl? What happened?

Dave:
Don't get me started about Briere ...

RE: Huet, I've said it before and I will say it again - I don't think that HE is losing these games, but he is not winning them, either. He is capable of more - I have seen it! I am less concerned about his ability in the coming games and more concerned about the players heads. The Flyers may think they have his # - as long as they think that, they will play better. Putting Olie in may shake their confidence a bit (and if they really do have Huet's #, then they will have to start over with Kolzig and figure out his weaknesses). On our side, if the Caps are starting to feel defeatest, a different presence in goal may shake them up, too. The Caps are behind not because of their physical abilities, but because of where they are mentally at this point. Heck, this has become a mental game on both sides! So how do they break through that? A goalie change might do it. Surely something else can, but what? Any suggestions?

(Boy I hope BB reads this board so he knows what to do ... ;-))

O-Lie, O-Lie... You think Bettman scripted this? Caps getting out worked by the rough and tumble Flyers only to have Godzilla save the day for one last hurrah?

What happened to Bruce's win and your in? Huet has looked human and there had always been whispers on whether Huet is a choker come playoff time. Right now Gainey is sitting comfortably with Price leading the way.

Sorry guys but I am still fuming at the fact that we played exactly how we did in Game 2. As much as I love him, I blame BB for not making adjustments and pounding the message home by practicing Monday.

OLIE MUST START GAME 4....

Can he be any worse than Huet? Huet seems completely off his game and the Flyers are definitely in his head. He has given up some goals that would have been saves a few weeks ago. Olie has some good playoff experience.

Plus, I guarantee you Danny B, Hartnell, and all those other chumps will be less likely to go near him. If they do, Olie should just wack them and take a penalty if he has to.

It's now or never.

OUTPLAYED

OUTSKATED

OUTSHOT

OUTHIT

OUTCOACHED

= OUT OF PLAYOFFS

Steve:
I saw another feed on the NHL channel this AM - he got in a fight (kinda). I didn't see the whole thing, but he was definitely scrapping. It caught me off-gaurd since I missed it last night, too.

I'm sick of this blog (technically)... I'll make a bunch of little ones.

1. I've seen 1 game of each series now after last night's MIN/CO game. We are the only team without a "camper" on the PP to sit in the crease. Our #1 PP unit doesn't scare ANYONE. Time to remove Semin or Backs and insert Cooke/Brads/CLARK! Shuffle unit 2 to include removed gentlemen from #1 and also include the other of Cooke/Brads/CLARK.

jurcina SUCKS

ERKSINE SUCKS

the flyers are playing playoff hockey and the caps are not. at some point they need to figure that out and hopefully a switch will turn on that its all about physical play and being smart.

they are stealing our lunch money and kicking dirt on us and nobody is standing up for our goalie or making them pay on the powerplay. a message needs to be sent early on thursday that this will not be tolerated.

until we score on the pp, the flyers are going to continue to play that way because we are so anemic with the extra man.

Hey Clark - now would be a good time for you to come back... I have seen you skate in practice - you look fine.
Just come back for one game and see how it is.

Heck, put Alex in front of the net - he is a big guy and very competitive.

@Dave UK
hahaha ok thanks pick on the guy that leaves for the night! I'm kidding i can take a joke here and there. Honestly I just come on here to talk hockey and get another perspective... and as for moving and picking up new teams too like i had my reasons for each team... Detroit basically slapped my favorite player in the face and said, "well you're not worth the money Mr. Fedorov" I didn't like that so i lost interest in that team...
When I was a leafs fans I lived outside of Toronto this is way back though and I got tired of hearing all the fans talk about how every year they were going to win a cup when it was painfully clear they were far from it...I don't miss Toronto, but i do miss dougy Gilmore.

@ caps fan above (I'm much to tired to scroll up and reread and find the exact person)
I wouldn't sell the flyers short. Just as I wouldn't sell the caps short. The flyers are playing some really good hockey and have a lot of young talent just like the caps... the only difference this series is the flyers veteran leaders clearly are making the difference in this one, and coaching hasn't been up to par for the caps just yet.
As for Ollie I think starting him next game would be a horrible Idea, but thats just me... the guy hasn't played in god knows how long. Plus Huet isn't really playing bad, his defense is. In fact most of the time his Defense almost looks like they are pulling a bit of Sabbotage on him. I think if Ollie was going to start next game he would have saw action in the third last game as Colin pointed out yesterday (stil loved that comment). I think Huet should start next game and if the game gets out of hand then put Ollie in that way he's not under the rediculous pressure to "steal" a playoff game for his team... I say steal cause that's how a goalie like Ollie would look at it at this point.

@Kim

I really like the idea of having fans there to cheer on our Caps when they arrive. You're right about how young the team is, it still blows my mind that OV is almost exactly my age (down to the month, he's actually a couple weeks younger).

Not only is it a good idea, but I'll be getting back to DC from WI on Thursday, and I'm willing to be part of an enthusiastic welcome home crowd Thursday night/Friday, even if I have to shlep out to BWI.

This is the problem with european players. Beautiful skaters, pretty passes, cute plays. Great and exciting stuff for the regular season. This stuff sucks for the playoffs.

I would agree, but have you ever heard about Russian 5? They were part of a team that swept Flyers in the Stanley Cup Finals. Heard about Legion of Doom? Today's Flyers are babies compared to them.

This series will turn around. Mark my words. The Flyers can't keep playing the way they are. The Caps will win game 4 and restore home ice advantage.

Jeff, I don't think the Flyers are playing AMAZING hockey right now - the Caps are gift wrapping their goals for them. Jurcina's pass to the middle of the net, Backstrom not getting off the ice soon enough for Goal 3 last night, Greens turnover which leads to the Game winner of Game 2... the list goes on and on.

Right now, the Caps are beating themselves... believe it or not - that is the truth. They are looking like the team a few months back in which resulted in the firing of a coach. During our run, we did not look like this - there weren't as many turnovers and the players could find the back of the net.

I'm not saying the Flyers are not a good team - I am just saying... you are not seeing the best hockey the Caps have to offer right now.

Have to say I was pretty disappointed by the game last night, to me this is what I heard between the Flyer's screeners and our D-men

Flyer "Hey man, what's up? I'm just going to hang out here ok?"
D "sure, knock yourself out, Huey will just sit behind you and I'll be right here so you don't fall over or anything"

Seriously, I'm not saying I have a bunch of hockey smarts or anything, but when you D is just standing side by side with the other team's screener, that leads to bad things. Also I was pretty pissed that Huet was always shown smiling, he's been doing it since mid way through game 2, and by then I don't see a lot to smile about.

As for the caps woes... If it were my team here's what i would do. Scratch Jurcina... right now BB is not really sending a clear message to his team about how to elevate your game come playoffs... Kukkonen gave ovchekin the game in game 1 and he was scratched for Hatcher... sends a message.
Here's where it gets interesing. I'd actually go out of my way to tell my team to not worry about the physical game and start playing hockey! The caps are playing right into the hands of the flyers right now. Don't you think this flyers team is relishing in the fact that they've turned this series from a highly skilled run and gun into a muck and grind it out along the boards and battle in front of the nets.
I'd tell Semin to keep shooting, I'd tell Backstrom to start shooting.
I'd change the Powerplay set up to an Umberella with Green up to and just have him fire away... he clearly has the hot hand.
I'd bench AO for a couple shifts if he didn't come off when he's supposed to.
I'd spend an entire practice on puck support. Everyone looks so individual out there its like watching an immature Select team. Everyone's moving away from the puck carrier rather then back checking too him.
Another thing is the outlet passes... Id put a stop to that pass along the boards to get it out... the less the puck is along the boards right now the better it is for this team.
To stop this bleeding I'd yell, I'd yell alot... not really AT anyone, but at everyone. I'd make sure they knew that at this point everyone is being evaluated for next season and this is the time I start jotting down stuff to remember and use for next seasons evaluation. I'd make it clear that no one is safe and if you aren't competing out there then you wouldn't be here next year... if that doesn't get them battling for the puck i don't know what would.
I dono what do you guys think?

Just some notes:

1.Win on Thursday and we have home ice
2.Eminger plays (for his win streak alone)
3.Shuffle the lines a bit (Kozlov+Backs=Ovie frustrated)
4.Kolzig in net for Game 5 regardless of the outcome. If this goes to 7 games would you want him in there rusty?
5.Support your team. Ok so the last two games have not been great but up until 9 seconds of the middle period last night they would have won the game going into the 3rd down by one.Don't turn on them like the Philly fans did.

Caps in 7

AP - Huet is probably smiling because of all the comotion in front of him. I think I would do the same thing and I was actually laughing when I saw him smile after that mess with Briere. I guess it would kinda be like talking trash, but I think it's more - "okay, you are humping my leg and it's a pain in the arse, however, you will not get the best of me" (mentally). make sense?

@828
I don't think either team is playing their best... both teams are letting in a lot of goals in the playoffs aside from game 2... Like i said these two teams are young and will end up being something special... just its not either of these two teams time yet. That being said I hope the caps start turning it on I really don't want this series to end yet

BB rode the hot goalie for a long stretch. It was the right thing to do. It appears that he has cooled. It may be time to put Godzilla in and let him clear the crease. He is bigger and will not broker any of that crap of someone in his area. There will be some sore calfs at the end of the game for the flyers when he gets to whacking the backs for their legs for 60 minutes...

Put in Johnson... let his fire inside come out!

Put in Johnson... let his fire inside come out!

Wow I just read a very well written Article by mike wise. The first Article i've ever read by him. He's a great writer! I mean he's a little over the top with how he portrayed Philly the Wacha wacha and this flyers team, But the article was hilarious... http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/15/AR2008041503637.html?sid=ST2008041503786
This will give me a reason to come here during the offseason to read his stuff. Well Written Mr Wise! Keep up the good work!

First thing I thougth after the game was that a switch to Olie, while risky as hell if it fails, would be the way to go. He's clutch, he's big, he's tough, and he's been there. Maybe he'll light a fire under these guys, but I doubt Bruce will make the switch. If we go down 3-1, I don't see how you can't give him the start at home, if only to bid farewell.

Another thought, more bizarre: How about switching Feds and Backstrom? The rookie just doesn't seem ready to play top line in the playoffs, and while Sergei is aging, he's been there and has the grit. Yeah, strange to break up the Ovie-Backs combo, but it's not exactly smoking right now anyway. I don't know, just a thought. I'm concerned that they went over so much film and still played like inexperienced chumps. The Flyers have them spinning.

Sorry, but this series is now OVER.

Washington Capitals are loooooser

loooser loooooser

At least Ovechkin and Semin will play for Russian at World Cup Championship of loooser

bye bye Huet

En françasis: Huet est nul, Biron domine

DUMP AND CHASE!

Capts and Ref: 1

Flyers: 2

ouch...

Good points Rich C, that's what we've got to do. Philly knows that Huet can be rattled. Olie is less likely to crack under pressure and if the right Olie shows up, he should play solid against the Flyers. Not to mention his size is an advantage. I wouldn't want Olie's blocker pad in my throat if I was storming the crease.

It's obvious that the late regular season game plan is effective in this series. Time for big changes or time to go home. I like Ovechkin-Clark-Semin, Bradley-Steckle-Kozlov, Brash-Fehr-Backstrom and leave Fedorov on D. One thing is for sure, the other line combos aren't working. We need grit on every line.

I say you do this:

Ovechkin-Federov-Laich
Cooke-Backstrom-Semin
Fehr-Steckel (if healthy)-Kozlov
Bradley-Gordon-Brash

I would keep Huet in though... he will be alright.

OH, its THE DUNGEEN MAN

Tarik,
I couldn't find your article today. La Canfora sucks, he hasn't been following hockey and especially Caps, and you can see it. Mike Wise is ok, but he is not a hockey man.

We need you, Tarik!

Olie is less likely to crack under pressure????

I would say Huet has been pretty calm ever since he has been here...

*sigh*
I really honestly believe that the caps have to stop worrying about playing physical and start worrying about playing offense... You guys are playing right into the flyers game plan... You put Ollie in and he guts a guy or whatever that's just another dumb penelty to take when the caps are already taking as many dumb penelties as the flyers are. I doubt Ollie would get run at if he was in the net though. I'm very sure the flyers would institute a whole knew tactic for Ollie... this is just the tactic they are using against Huet cause they know it will work... they scouted the caps guys... and they scouted them well.
Really though other then worrying about how to kill Briere and Hartnell or How to get revenge the caps should be worrying about how to get this defense going. I think the more the caps worry about the rough stuff the better it is for the flyers

They need a spark lit under their butts, someone to hit and bring heart...we all know who that is...
LAING...he should be in to get the boys going. They are flat and his flare will get them flying out there. He's not scared to hit and get in dirty and thats where Philly is beating us.

Sorry, but this series is now OVER

bhahaha

It's 1:2, and it's 4 out of 7, you filthy flyers fan. Go back under the rock.

Flyers showed all they could, and Caps didn't show their best game yet, just like Eric Fehr said.

Ovie will explode, sooner or later, little punk Briere will get what he deserved.

Go, Caps!

I honestly think the caps are hitting enough... Enough is enough this isn't a hitting team and they are getting frusterated and it's turning them into idiots. I'm a flyers fan and honestly I'm getting annoyed watching the caps waste games the way they are... Green getting into a fight? He looked like he wasn't sure if he wanted to then tried to bull rush upshall and took a punch to the jaw for it. Then he had to sit for 7 mins. This team has a lot of growing and learning to do and I hope for all us hockey fans sake they find a way to do it in 24 hrs.
Start playing hockey Caps. Let the flyers play their game, but certainly don't stop playing yours. Hitting is not your style puck movement is...lets start with moving the puck and go from there

The Capts shouln't even make the playoff.

They stole the third position to the Hurricanes, because the league want OVY to make playoff.

I really think that your club is a pee-wee team. Bunch of guys that can't be control and are afraid of the Flyers

Dan Briere shows us how to play hockey... Your team is full of Europpeens that can't produce in playoff

That's it.

@TheMan
and On that note I'm going to class... there's no need to trash talk man. Talk hockey but offer something intelligent at least. I don't like reading garbage like that. None of those comments proved anything other then you don't really know what you're talking about. I'm a Briere fan too, but our team is full of europeans as well. To be honest thats a really Discriminating thing to say... most NHLers are European... if you're going to say crap like that please keep it to yourself

Jeff - the Caps are a hitting team... they were once compared as a mix of the Oilers of the 80's and the Broad St Bullies this season.

So, let the Caps do what they do. You are saying all the things that they NEED to do is kinda getting annoying. No offense - I know you are trying to talk hockey, but... You make it sound like the Caps are the worst team in the playoffs right now. That's not really fair...

the Caps DON"T need to change - they need to execute... plain and simple. the Caps will take care of business... if they don't, then so be it. Nothing anyone on this blog can say will make things any different.

Which way to the DUNGEEN of DOOM?

@King Huet

Yes, I've heard of the Russian 5. That was a different era, however. We don't have a Russian 5 that is a physical presence. They wore out teams. Our european lines seem to energize Philly because they're not willing to hit anything. We've lost the forechecking totally - except the 4th line.

@Dave, Kim

I'm not throwing the towel. But allow me not to adore the team that showed up yesterday.

There were games in the regular season that made me proud of being a Cap fan - despite the loss. The game with Detroit for example. Dominating the best team in the NHL, what a game! Or the games against OTT. And the end of the season.

Now we're at the third game in the playoffs and I'm upset. Problems are NOT being addressed. BB is being out-coached - and he's not fixing it. Watching tapes doesn't help if you don't try things on the ice. The PP circle is ridiculous. We're still not crashing the net. If you want to watch the tapes look at how the Flyers crash the net and learn. Players are not willing to pay the price. Maybe they think they are too good? All this is extremely uninspiring.

Ovie... nobody is questioning Ovie's heart and desire. We all love him. But I'm not blind and I'm not going to shut up: he's turning out to be the biggest let down in the playoffs. I agree with Jeff: sit him two shifts if he doesn't come out when he's supposed to.

Sorry about the negativity. It's not the loss, it's how we lost.

@828
sorry if its comming off like that. I'm just really frusterated with the game play the last 2 games. I really don't want this series to end and I have this funny feeling its heading down a short road and I really don't want it too. but it's only 2-1 so they have some time to regroup. I think Sens are the worst in the playoffs right now hands down. Caps and flyers are definatly both side by side in the middle of the pack.
Like i said im a hockey fan first and I'm sure that I'm just as frusterated as you guys with the preformance these last 2 games. REading what BB is saying about the games isn't helping either.

I really think that your club is a pee-wee team. Bunch of guys that can't be control and are afraid of the Flyers

bhahaha... how could pee-wee team beat cheap shot Flyers this season?

Flyers showed everything, their hat of tricks is empty. If they want to intimidate Huet again, go ahead, he is prepared, but the refs are prepared too.

What else? They have been outhit by Caps in the third. If Caps will stop bleeding in giveaways, Flyers are done.

@The man,

"Europpeens"..? Reminds me of "Dungeen".

What? Finland isn't in Europe? How about Russia or Czechoslovakia (Czech republic, whatever)? Check your roster.

@Jeff,

Does he make you proud to be a Flyers fan?

Greg S - they wore them out because they executed... Backstrom is trying to keep control on the boards - that's not going to happen against Philly.

Wide Open Spaces... good passing and you stay away from the boards and find yourself on an odd man rush. At least, that is how I look at the top 2 lines... that's how they are. The 2nd 2 lines - now, that's a different story and maybe that is why they have been more successful.

The fu**ing Capitals cost me my girlfriend.

I was so happy with her. She's a young Hurricanes fan. I love her so much..

But now, she's gone. And I don't like anything about life.

I wish I die seriously.

and that's is all capitals fault

AP: I think Huet was smiling at the Flyers. There is a lot of talk on the ice we aren't privy to and I think he was trying to show he wasn't phased by them.

Kiltman: Spot on geezer. Exactly right with point 5 of your post. Support the team. Its the same set of lads everyone loved 2 weeks ago.

828: I agree, stick with Cristo

Boo: I see your point re changing the goalie may alter things mentally for both teams but I do think sticking with Huet is the right thing to do.

Jeff: There is never a valid excuse to change your team. Ever. These colours don't run.

@Steve R
hey hey don't bring me into that One I was offended by most of what he said... those were very discriminating comments aimed at Europeans. Thats something not to take lightly.
I'm proud to be a flyers fan and a hockey fan, but certainly not with dumb comments like that tainting the sport

I am surprised we didn't make a run at Biron the last minute of the game when it was out of reach. I hate Briere and Prospal. And Richards was more than over the top with his penalty shot score. We needed to hit them, but if we did, I didn't see it. When players get under your skin this much, you know it's playoff hockey!

Timonen, Kapanen, Modry and Prospal.

4 Euros

@Dave UK
colours don't run, but when a franchise gives up on your hero for no good reason... I dono I think I was justified in both situations.

@Jeff
I have read this board all year and gone to many games and I agree with your points. Down to Backstrom needs to start shooting. He can shoot and has scored some nice goals. But it is not over until it is over. You are correct in that they need to play their game. I am sure it is harder than it looks!

@The Man
stop typing now... it's getting awkward

Timonen, Kapanen, Modry and Prospal.

4 Euros

Posted by: Phil Fan

I'm thinking that Nitty isn't from Kansas or Quebec either.

The Capitals cannot win. Crystal-Ball Huet is showing major cracks and Alexander the-not-so-Great is looking sheepish and impotent. Sami Kapanen scored on you last night. SAMI KAPANEN!! He hasn't scored a playoff goal in years. You guys are toast. Philly in 5.

I think Nitty is from the DUNGEEN...

the man - I can bet you lost your girl for other reasons... just a hunch, but re-read what you wrote these past few days.

Allright guys I have to go take an AP test... I'm on zero hours of sleep cause i pulled an all nighter! WISH ME LUCK! I'll be back on around noon probably.
Have a good day everyone. Forget about last nights game... let's start looking forward to thursday night. I'm going to the game
Is anyone on here going?! let me know cause me and some buddies are throwing a tailgate BBQ all day outside the WAcha Wacha before the game, so if you care to join you're more then welcome too.

With all the talk about Eminger most likely coming back into the lineup due to Schultz's re-injury, i also think they should bring back Lepisto and scratch Jurcina or Erksine. Erksine has played like crap in this series and his not lightning quick skating abilities are showing. Put some youth in there to get some speed going. Or heck, even move Laing to D for a game, at least he hits people and finishes his checks.

No one has given any congrats to Fehr for scoring his goal last night and for Donald and David getting the assists. When your fourth line, can keep the puck in the offensive zone and Brashear can actually control it your team should be pumped.

My Kozlov rating for last night was an even. I thought he played much better than game 2, he controlled the puck more and looked for shots and cleaner passes. Plus he did put a ringer off the crossbar.

The only Euro for both teams that got outmuscled is Flash and he is riding a pine now. All other Euros are doing quite well for both teams.

How about Backis shoulder on Richards? Nice... Even Semin went after Modry several times yesterday.

The myth about Flyers physicality is just a myth. They remain cheap shot artists though... Upshall, Briere, they are born to play for cheap shot Flyers.

marh my words, Caps will outhit Fleyrs in game 4 just like they did in the third period.

Fehr and Brash scored on Philly... at least those two goals were not gift wrapped.

Either way - if Philly wins - they will get Swept by the Canadiens... like a maid sweeping the poop out of the dungeen.

Hey Koharski, "HAVE ANOTHER DONUT YOU FAT PIG"

@The Man

WTF?????

@the rest

Going to Olie will only solve one issue - crashing the net. It will open a whole (that should be hole as in 5-hole) other issue set. Olie's weak between the legs, over his glove, over his blocker, going post to post. You all really want that???

This series is not over. It can be won. It will not be easy. The caps have to play OUR game of forechecking, backchecking, puck control, sharp passes and good defense. But it also has to be simplified. Nothing cute and fancy. There isn't enough time and space in the playoffs for a Semin curl and drag in close to the net. Backstrom needs to shoot more - a LOT more. Kozlov needs to find his groove. More shots from the point with Cooke, Liach, and others cleaning up.

@G-rub

Put some youth in?? They're 5 yrs old already!

I agree, though about Lepisto. Bring him up and sit Erskine. Eminger in for Powder Puff. Just don't run them together.

Mauree,

I feel your frustration, I really do. As I've already posted we had two early chances on the PP, two early chances to put into practice necessary changes. And what happened? Same old same old.

No one should have to accept mediocre performances but we are just one tiny win away from a best of 3 series where we have the home ice. I hope the Flyers think this series is a done deal. They will lose Game 4 with that mind set. And thanks for the link last night.

Jeff,
Whatever. Seems you are looking to move over to the Caps from the Dark Side. Not long before you have "supported" every NHL team eh?

Greg S:

Oh man putting those two on a line together would spell trouble. I would put Eminger with Jurcina/Erksine, that way one of them had some guts and put Lepisto with Poti, experience with youth.

I do agree with you though, Backstrom needs to shoot a lot more. I thought him getting laid out last night would waken him up, but apparently not.

Let the rebuild begin again, please!!! Less free skaters, more hardnose D.

@828

Montreal will be no cake walk for sure, but I doubt they sweep the Flyers next series. It won't be easy but neither has this series been. The Flyers have been proving to want it more.

And Huet sucks..

A few comments:

1. I would not split up OV, Backstrom, Kozlov - looked too good all year to scrap it after three games.
2. Keep Huet in net
3. Someone suggested moving Green to forward - give me a break.
4. How hard is it to clear the net in front of Huet? Briere needs to be decked when he gets in there.
5. Really wanted to see Brashear kill someone at the end of last nights game. Why else was he in with 1 minute to go? he didnt even check anyone.
6. Win tomorrow and everyones outlook on here changes. I'm slightly optimistic.

Jeff I thought you went to Princeton? AP tests are for high schoolers duderz...

As much as I see everyone's points about Huet, I'm just itchin for the storyline of Olie coming back and taking names.

Most of you have probably already realized this, and maybe even posted a response in the time it took me to get down here, but the NHL is NOT mostly European. The NHL is mostly Canadian/American. By a large margin. Look at the Caps, for instance. And their prospects. Most of them are North American -- 18 of them, in fact. The other 8 are Ovie, Semin, Backstrom, Federov, Fleischman, Kozlov, Huet, Jurcina, and Nylander, who is on IR, so not counted among the initial 23 (that's 26 total, though. isn't it a 23 player limit? minus the 3 goalies, it is, but i dunno). Point being, it's not called the National Hockey League for nothing (though North American would be more appropriate).

I wish we had the 1998 Playoffs Godzilla in net for this series... but since we have a much older version, I think it's too early to swap goalies at this point. Huet has looked average so far, but a lot of that has to do with extremely poor play by our defense. We've had a ridiculous amount of turnovers in our own end, leading to huge scoring chances that the Flyers keep taking advantage of.

When the Caps caught on fire towards the end of the season, our Defense was limiting the opposing teams to about 20-25 shots on goal a game. The Flyers are averaging around 35 shots or more on Huet. Our offense can also be blamed on it's inability to keep the puck in the offensive zone. Boudreau needs to shake up the lines big time. The team needs more grit and less finesse, or else the series will end early.

Putting Laich on the first line and on the 1st line PowerPlay would be a start. Also, Chris Clark needs to come back ASAP.

@fansince74

a rebuttle:

1.that line isn't working, time to mix it up. Ovechkin-Fedorov-Semin = potent line w/heart

2.Huet sucks

3.Green stays on D w/cannon shot = ain't broke, don't fix it.

4.there is no one on Caps D like Smith or Hatcher that can clear the crease in front of Huet but it makes no difference, Huet sucks.

5.Why would a Flyer fight Brashear at the end of that game?

6.I'm optimistic that the Caps will make some moves in the offseason that will make them better - Too late for that now though-Philly in 5

@ Ben

Not sure the line changes are necessary ... the Capitals need to play better as a team, BUT if there is to be line changes, I really really like your suggestion:

Ovechkin-Federov-Laich
Cooke-Backstrom-Semin
Fehr-Steckel-Kozlov
Bradley-Gordon-Brash

Have you Caps fans ever seen a real hockey game? Most players like to hit and not dance around each other. If the Flyers are the tough team then why was Cote stratched last night. I saw Brashear out there looking for a partner but there was none. Ovie's dive was pretty bad too. If you think that was a legit call, then look at the exact same thing that happened to Richards. No call on that one. Tell Ovie to keep up the ballet lesson. They seem to be paying off.

Bring up Boumedienne or Lepisto and scratch erskine and schultz. And the caps somehow have to put laing in. Erskine and Schultz have played real bad this series.

ok so whats next............
put some grit on each line
play federov on defense
if brash doesnt want to get involved sit him
quintin laing bust his butt for 40 games does he deserve a start?
He certainly wouldn't shy from contact like backstrom did
WE NEED TO GET INTO the game SO PLAY OUR GRIT GUYS
goalie choice doesnt matter if rest of team is floating
Did Cooke dress last night?
did anyone besibes steckle fehr and laich challenge them?

I give my props to Fedorov for playing some good D in the game. Not easy to make that shift, even for a talented former Selke winner.

Yesterday was a bit of head scratcher. I still think we got jobbed by the fat pig. how Laich goes for interfernce, but the 10 Flyers camped in the crease don't is beyond me.

But, really what cost us was the defensive zone breakdowns. On several goals, including Briere's first, you could see the red light coming on before he even got the puck. Not sure why we've had such crap covereage in our own zone, but they need to fix that.... now.

I blame the guy that normally writes the hockey prayers on here before each game...where has he been these past two games. We need some help from the hockey gods to pull this one out!

If the Caps lose - MTL in 4... the Caps have let them win 2 games by not executing... MTL will not do the same.

DUNGEEN, DUNGEEN, DUNGEEN, DUNGEEN...

playoff beard - he only wrote the prayers when we were winning - he did write one last Sunday and lost... basically, JSchon was doing it until we lost...

JSchon - where are you?

Now we have a clearer idea why Montreal went with Price. Not all his fault, a lot of it is Jurcina's. I just read La Canfora's article and the guy is right about a lot of it. Jurcina should be benched. Huet is not playing intense at all. Backstrom and Kozlov are not playing playoff hockey. Top line should be Ovie-Fed-Semin. That way if they gang up on Ovie, there are still 2 other guys that can do damage. Second line should be Laich-Steckel-Fehr. 3rd should be Cooke-Gordon-Bradley. 4th should be Brash-Backstrom-Kozlov. Bench Jurcina and put in Eminger. Call up Boomer or Lepisto, preferably Boomer because he's older. Leave Lepisto to help Hershey.

Its getting ugly, guys. If they lose the next one, they're toast. Our weaknesses have been exposed. Clear idea of what to fix in the off season.

I say start Huet next game, but if he allows a couple questionable goals early on, yank him.

The whole team is pretty bad and it is time for Sergei and Cooke and yes, even Olie, to step up and LEAD. This is the time where the vets have to get the guys ready to play.

And, time to get Feds and OV together on the line.

Top line should be Ovie-Fed-Semin.

Is that what la Canfora said? I read his article too, but I've skipped the most because L Canfora has not been following hockey and Caps for a while and it shows.

Kozlov was very good, I'd definitely keep him. Semin really struggles though he was a but better yesterday. Fedorov looked awesome on the blue line and he won faceoffs.

The Caps are not toast if they lost the next one... isn't that what people were saying on their run for the playoffs... and did they lose, NO.

The Caps are toast when the Flyers get their 4th win.

The Caps have already comeback from a 3-1 series against the Flyers... and WE KNOW this Capital team likes to make things interesting... aka Cardiac Kids! So, no to worry... yes, it would be nice to be up 2-1, but who said the playoffs were easy?

Philly aint that good - the Caps are just making them look good.

Time to start Olie the Goalie. We need the steady veteran to anchor the instability of our youth and right this ship. Plus he's a big goalie - won't get rattled by guys running him. Huet looked tired and slow to react to shots and plays.

Now we have a clearer idea why Montreal went with Price

The idea was that Huet was UFA and he needed a contract, not because Price is better at this point of his career. Beat writes in Montreal called it risky and majority of Habs fans didn't like according to the survey.

It worked really well, what one man's garbage is other man's treasure. Huet is a link between now and future Caps goalies like Varlamov.

Man there sure has been some crazy talk. I took a break from the board just out of frustration, and boy am I glad I did.

First, how about my boy Fehr. Second, this crazy talk about Lepisto needs to stop. He's really not that impressive. How many hooking calls do you think he'd get in the playoffs. Until Alzner is here next year, we've gotta make do with what we have. I'd bench Jurcina if Schultz was healthy and able to play, but looks like Emmy will replace Schultz. All this bagging on Schultz is just plain wrong. He had been playing great before he got injured, and yes using his size. It was however a mistake to play him if he wasn't healthy, because then he does play like a cup cake.

Another thing. I would love the umbrella as our power play, but we simply don't have the players to run it. Mike Green as talented as he is can't quarterback the umbrella, he is simply not disciplined enough. The quarterback of the umbrella can't be the person bringing the puck up the ice, and Green ends up down in the corner too often.

I agree with the criticism of Brash at the end of the game. He has to know that his job isn't to go out there and try to score in a 3 goal game with a minute left. He doesn't necessarily have to drop the gloves, but don't turn away from hits. Who cares if you get a two minute penalty at that point for a little extra business.

Somebody needs to just plant Briere. If it is a cheap shot, so be it. Cross check to the teeth, oh well. Take a few minutes in the box to set a tone.

King Huet - Semin has been struggling??? He has been the one who gets enough separation to take a shot... Green as well.

Kozlov - in my opinion has been invisible all series... and poor Nicky is getting beat up out there. But again, if you don't execute, you get beat up like that... just ask the Philthy Eagles.

Seems to me we've played 1 period of solid hockey through this whole series. When is someone going to stand-up for Huet? Absolutely no intimadation on our parts - the flyers own us there. I heard BB say in all due time and he doesn't want us taking penalties, but we are taking stupid penalties anyways! Looks like this series is over unless we grow up quickly and start playing with pride.

Just cuz it's the cool thing to do:

Ovie - Backs - Brooksie
Chef - Feds - Sasha
Brash - Stecks - Fehr (didn't want to call him fairy)
Brads - Gordo - Kozzie

I know the lines won't change to this, but whatever. Kozlov isn't leaving Ovechkin. At least, I don't think so.

@King Huet

No Lacanfora didn't say that. He said bench Jurcina, but thats a no brainer I think. i came up with the line combos. The most significant part is demoting Kozlov and Backstrom.

@828

No offense, man, but I like to think I know a lot about hockey. If the Caps lose the next game, they are done. Coming back from a 3-1 deficit against this team with what they've got and how they've been playing is unlikely. Technically, 4 and you're out. Realistically, a 3-1 lead in this series will be all it takes. I'm pulling for our boys, like I have my whole life, good or bad, but I'm not stupid and I'm not putting money on them, based on how they've played. When Briere is running your goalie game in and game out and not getting hit or punished for it, well, that pretty much sums it up.

new thread

Jeff I thought you went to Princeton? AP tests are for high schoolers duderz.

He is in middle school and AP tests are too early for him unless he is a wunderkind which I highly doubt.

oo7 - not putting anything agaist you as well... I am just saying - this team has surprised us this year... don't put it past them yet... nor, should you give up on them if they do lose the next game.

Sure, it's unlikely - but name me one thing the Caps have done this year that was not unlikely?

last nite were the vary first hocky game i ever seen i like to see wwf resling and nascars i realy think that that liitle cutie pie briere shuld be my little love man he is so much hottie i relly have a big man crush on him!

I know we all want to win this series but we have to put this entire season... regular and post... into perspective.

We made a fabulous run to make it. Now the brass need to see what we have... so I dont think... barring injury... you will see wholesale changes... like Olie for Huet.

While we all want to beat Philly badly... but this is building for the future... whether we go out in 5 games or advance to the 2nd round.

This process will allow Uncle Ted and GMGM to pinpoint where we need to improve during the off season... as well as who stays and who leaves the team.

So while this is frustrating... it is also good for the future of the team.

Thats all I wanted to say... but I agree it is hard not get upset with the way they are playing... so I try to keep some perspective... and it makes me a little less upset.

All that being said... I still think they should start Olie in game 4. HA!

Go CAPS!

No Ollie wont be rattled, he will just swing his stick a few times just to remind them not to go into crease...but team still needs a banger on Defensey, you touch our goalie and you will pay price...the flyers are not paying much of a price for hitting Huet, either from hitting back or scoring on Powerplay...if caps have a chance both of those must stop.

I officiate amateur hockey of all levels and I must say that when I ever I officiate a game and either one of the teams is from Philly, I know I'm in for dirty play, classless fans, clueless coaches, and self important twits who think that by becoming belligerent they will get their own way. I have never seen a collection of self-proclaimed "hockey fans" who are as completely ignorant of hockey as many of the Philly folks. All they know is how to be dirty (not unlike their city), how to give cheap shots, use sticks as weapons and how to start altercations. Oh, and they are quite good at shouting expletives and showing their true ignorance. Perhaps that is what they mean by brotherly love? Therefore, I find it to be quite humorous when I see one of these people question ANYONE'S hockey knowledge. I can tell you from first hand experience with those people, that most of them, not all, but most have about as much hockey knowledge as they do class, which is very, very little.

Olie isn't the answer.

Laing isn't the answer.

Jurcina looks "tired", but I'm nervous about Emmy and Lepisto amongst the starting 6 D-men on the same night...

@jeff
Your answer to TheMan is right on!

@Greg S.
In response to : "This is the problem with european players. Beautiful skaters, pretty passes, cute plays. Great and exciting stuff for the regular season. This stuff sucks for the playoffs."
That is called "team play". Unfortunately, that is exactly what the Caps are not doing. They are playing to individualistic, except for the power play. The problem with the power play is that they don't have a good point man. OV (he is not the only one) lets too many passes stray back out of the zone and gives many opportunities for short-handed goals or at the very least causing penalties that annul the Caps advantage. They also need a person -e.g. Gonchar - that can one-time that puck. Who is to blame? The coaches or the players? I think both, but I give the blame more to the coaches for not catching and adjusting to the problem. The power play is so stale that my wife - watching her first hockey game in her life - pointed it out how easy it was to defend.
But of course if you enjoy fights and hitting more than pretty plays and great passing, you might want to consider watching MMA - I like that a lot.

@DrinkingPartner
"though North American would be more appropriate"
Good recovery!

@Those "left behind"
The world is not flat and it is not divided in two, Europeans and Americans.

Russia is not in Europe, neither is South Africa, nor Kazakhstan, nor ,,, Oh, hell, and not all Spanish people are Mexicans.

not that it matters, but thor is also a euie, from norway

@ jeff, that article today from wise was terrible. stereotypes abound. boo-hoo, the big bad flyers aren't letting our skill guys skate unabated to the net. let's call in a crooked ref to ensure we advance.

flyers are following the guidebook "how to succeed in playoff hockey" line by line, merely skipping over one paragraph that covered holding a 3rd period 2 goal lead on the road.

not a coincidence that the most consistent player all series for the caps is an ex-flyer.

and again not that it matters, but part of russia is in fact in europe. i believe it's the largest country in europe in fact.

I, my name is Alexander Ovechkikin

I am Alexander Ovechkikin #8 of the Washington Capitals.

I am scare of playing against Pensylvanie cause they are better in hockey than me

why

Because they are not chicken like my teammates... Someday we will be good but not this year

By the way, notre gardien est nul. our goalie is really bad.

We shouldn't have miss the playoff cause we are a bunch of no good players

Briere please help me score.

thank you

Ok back!
@metalCAp and KingHuet
haha please don't remind me of Advanced placement from Highschool... haha by AP i meant Accounting Principals sorry about that.
I think I bombed the test anyway. I'm gonna finish that class with barely a C... I hate accounting and I hate my Prof even more.
Back to hockey though... I don't know why everyone is counting the caps out. Playoffs are all about response when your backs to the wall. Even tho the caps got out played in game 2 their backs were hardly to the wall being tied 1-1. Now it's 2-1 and theres a little more pressure let's see how they respond.
Hopefully they actually make some adjustments rather then talk about doing it. Hopefully BB doesn't become the the backfall to Caps fans and actually impliments some type of order to that team.

@flyers fan.
Geography has never been a strong subject here in the U.S., so I understand your misconception.
Russia is in Asia, although, the area west of the Ural Mountains is called by some the European Russia, primarily for cultural reasons due to the blend of its people with European countries.
Not that it matters, many people are still under the impression that America is only the USA.
Back to hockey. Go CAPS