GDT: Canes @ Caps 10/10/13 7PM: A Night at the Movies

[Vagrant]

How 'bout my boy Brett Bellemore getting some SERIOUS TOI, even in the last minute, and he comes thru flawlessly. Atta boy kid!

I know Vagrant, it's only been 4 games!!

Credit where due, he had a fantastic game. He didn't have the best one against the Penguins, but not many did. He's going to make it a tough decision when Gleason comes back as to who stays and goes. I still believe we might see Murphy demoted. Getting his butt stapled to the bench in the 3rd said a lot. Plus it seems like they're itching to get Komisarek in the lineup. Apparently it was a close call to try him tonight. I bet if he had to change it, Muller would have scratched Sutter or Dr. Dre and rolled with Komi to give him another shifting pairing so he didn't have to gas Faulk in the night before a back to back. I would bet good money we see 7 defense tomorrow night in an effort to scale back Faulk into the low 20's.

Gerbe continues to impress. I loved that signing. It's not even like his shooting percentage is all that ridiculous. The guy put 7 shots on net tonight and could have had 3 goals in the 3rd period alone. I think he's glad to be put back into a position he's comfortable instead of being relied upon solely as a checking forward. Tyler Ennis made him kind of redundant in the "small forward with lots of skill" department over there, he was just too tenacious to keep out of the lineup.

Encouraging to see Lindholm do what I wanted to see from him in just making a play to the front of the net. Hopefully that bounce will give him some confidence. It's not the first NHL goal you dream about, but it counts just the same. That faceoff tie up on the PP before the Semin goal was fantastic. We need a faceoff man who can handle PP minutes pretty badly. Hopefully that goal takes some of the pressure off and he starts looking more to the front of the net. Believe it or not, despite probably 10 or more minutes on the PP, that was Lindholm's first and only career shot and I am not entirely sure it wasn't a pass. Hopefully that changes soon.

What more can be said of Faulk? He's becoming that number one we've never had and it's so exciting to see. He's blooming offensively in front of us. It seems like he's in the mix on every goal we score.

 

[cptjeff]

What more can be said of Faulk? He's becoming that number one we've never had and it's so exciting to see. He's blooming offensively in front of us. It seems like he's in the mix on every goal we score.

I honestly think a Norris might be in his future. Even playing in Carolina. 21 years old, third year in the league, he's already playing at the level of some of the top defensemen in the league, and now he's upping the offensive side of his game dramatically like it's no big deal. We found ourselves a gem.

 

[Vagrant]

I honestly think a Norris might be in his future. Even playing in Carolina. 21 years old, third year in the league, he's already playing at the level of some of the top defensemen in the league, and now he's upping the offensive side of his game dramatically like it's no big deal. We found ourselves a gem.

I didn't want to say anything prior to the season, but year 3 is really the year when the offense comes for defensemen that end up being able to produce at the NHL level. It's few and far between to find guys that produce in gobs before then. Mike Green went from 16 points in 70 games his second year in the league to 56 the next season. Erik Karlsson went from 45 to 76. It just seems to be how it happens. Faulk looks like he's going to be good for 40-50 points this year and it's looking more and more likely he's headed to Sochi. Even more, this offense isn't coming at the expense of his defense. I'm not trying to get "Norris" excited about him, but he's already our best complete defenseman in our short history that was home grown. Not too deep of a pool to draw from, but it's a start.

 

[HisIceness]

I honestly think a Norris might be in his future. Even playing in Carolina. 21 years old, third year in the league, he's already playing at the level of some of the top defensemen in the league, and now he's upping the offensive side of his game dramatically like it's no big deal. We found ourselves a gem.

I remember JR was thrilled to get him at the draft. He actually did a fist-pump when the Panthers took Petrovic.

 

[Lazyking]

The Pk was what impressed me the most tonight. Shut down the Caps easily.

Still need to get our own PP in order and the first line sorted but I liked everything else tonight.

 

[bleedgreen]

Norris is still crazy talk, I'm still struggling sometimes with the number one guy tag, but even I admit I'm impressed with his start. With Pitts out of the way he can really make this team his. I think te offense is still real raw, as is his general poise with the puck. Still prone to youngish turnovers on occasion, but he's on his way. If his offense is truly growing he should be taking the top pp away from Murphy who's as green as it gets back there. Lindholm and Murphy both on the pp bode well for the future, but lack the execution and experience for us to be strong contenders IMO. One would be ok maybe, but both makes it an adventure rarely seen at the NHL level.

Why Harrison over Hainsey on pp2 at this point? Hainsey has knocked most of the rust off and Harrison just doesn't fit.

 

[vippe]

HI guys congrats on the win. Even though it sucks for me as a caps fan to lose vs the canes I was happy to see that Semin scored and that Lindholm did the same. Couldnt see the game tonight since it was in the middle of the night even if I planned to do so hehe.. How has Lindholm adjusted? I was advocating for him to stay one more year in Sweden since I wasnt sure he would be physically ready for this.. so how is he looking?

 

[bleedgreen]

Skilled and quick enough, doesn't look strong enough. I'd say 80% chance we keep him. History would say more like 98%.

 

[bleedgreen]

I'll add one negative thought. The lack of response to Ovie on a really questionable hit on semin with one minute left. Seriously guys, at least some dirty looks and strong language. Make someone think you might do something.

 

[Roboturner913]

^

Normally I would say, take the penalty, shut up and make them pay for it on the scoresheet. But then Alex got tagged with that awful HORRENDOUS embellishment call. I just don't even.....that may be the worst judgement call by any official I've ever seen in any game, in any sport, ever.

 

[garnetpalmetto]

The Joe Thornton School of Russian.

I think the word you're looking for is ебать (pronounced ye-baht)

 

[Finnish Jerk Train]

^

Normally I would say, take the penalty, shut up and make them pay for it on the scoresheet. But then Alex got tagged with that awful HORRENDOUS embellishment call. I just don't even.....that may be the worst judgement call by any official I've ever seen in any game, in any sport, ever.

"Tim Peel's just not a good ref." - Mike Maniscalco

Not that anyone here was questioning that, but it was nice to hear a voice of dissent since the league likes to fine everybody who hurts a league employee's feelings. I don't think they can touch Mike, but I liked hearing it from someone in the media.

 

[Joe McGrath]

I'll add one negative thought. The lack of response to Ovie on a really questionable hit on semin with one minute left. Seriously guys, at least some dirty looks and strong language. Make someone think you might do something.

With 1 minute left in a one goal game it's just not the time or place. The hit was questionable but Ovechkin is just trying to make sure they don't give up the empty better in that spot. He and Semin are friends and he's got no interest in hurting the guy. If it was Brouwer Id be a little more upset but even them that's not the time to give the ref an excuse to even up the call. Peel evened it up anyway because he's an incompetent ****, but thats over now and I won't bash him again for at least another 30 seconds.

 

[bleedgreen]

That's why I'm saying at least give him something, for the love of god yell at him. I'm not saying chop him over the head with a hatchet or worse end up alone in the box with a penalty. This everyone skate away and pretending nothing happened crap is embarrassing. Seen it two or three times already. Teams that win stick up for each other more often than we have. I know it's every year, but every year I find hope we find some sack.

He may be friends with semin, but when he missed with his original attempt he stuck his arms out and popped his friend high making sure he couldn't get by for the empty net even if it hurt him. He does whatever it takes, friends or not. We could learn a thing or two from that. I'm not saying Ovie is evil, I'm saying shots like that should never go unnoticed. He would never allow it.

 

[djboos22]

I loved seeing how excited Skinner got when Lindholm got his first goal.

And the friendship Khudo and Cam showed after the game. This team shows promise of battling hard for each other every game.

 

[djboos22]

I honestly think a Norris might be in his future. Even playing in Carolina. 21 years old, third year in the league, he's already playing at the level of some of the top defensemen in the league, and now he's upping the offensive side of his game dramatically like it's no big deal. We found ourselves a gem.

I remember going to see the Canes in Tampa his rookie year. While I mostly watch my favorite player, Eric Staal, I couldnt help but watch this kid make smart decisions. His skilled skating for a dman was impressive too. This year will be his coming out party.

 

[rocky7]

I loved seeing how excited Skinner got when Lindholm got his first goal.

And the friendship Khudo and Cam showed after the game. This team shows promise of battling hard for each other every game.

that's it about Ward and Khudobin exactly. all this competition between the two is just fan invented bs. it's about the team and with these two the Canes shouldn't have to be worrying about that position this season.



and as far as Ruutu returning. I don't care where they put him but the prospect of Sutter, Bowman and Nash being replaced somehow to go to Charlotte (in that order) is delicious. I am holding out hope that Ruutu can return to form and be an excellent addition to this deepening team.


oh and the hit by OV on Semin was pretty darn close to a head shot and a hit that could have very well caused a serious injury. I don't believe he did it like that on purpose, it's just how it worked out. refs are monitored by the league - by other refs in the audience. hell will freeze over before any ref is brought to task. the guy is and always has been a power tripping dick. Semin is not a diver, any more than most players that try to draw a penalty but refs do focus on him due to the old created, totally unfair and sickening rep the guy carries around with him. and I agree with *bleed* here. I don't care when, where, how or why. you stick up for your teammates every single time regardless of consequences. it goes a long way and what is seriously lacking on this team as a unifying trait. the message should be, 'you don't **** with us, ever'.

 

[Vagrant]

Norris is still crazy talk, I'm still struggling sometimes with the number one guy tag, but even I admit I'm impressed with his start. With Pitts out of the way he can really make this team his. I think te offense is still real raw, as is his general poise with the puck. Still prone to youngish turnovers on occasion, but he's on his way. If his offense is truly growing he should be taking the top pp away from Murphy who's as green as it gets back there. Lindholm and Murphy both on the pp bode well for the future, but lack the execution and experience for us to be strong contenders IMO. One would be ok maybe, but both makes it an adventure rarely seen at the NHL level.

Why Harrison over Hainsey on pp2 at this point? Hainsey has knocked most of the rust off and Harrison just doesn't fit.

RE: Faulk vs. Murphy on the PP .... I think there are a few reasons we haven't seen it more. For one, Murphy is here on the basis of his projection to contribute in that situation. There is literally no other reason to keep him elevated if we're going to shift him as little as we do at even strength and not give him every opportunity to have success with the man advantage. I think when Gleason returns, the very real question of "how much does he benefit from being here", is going to have to be addressed compared to the results he's providing.

Another is that to me, Faulk is not your traditional powerplay point man. He creates most of his offense via his shot instead of his passing ability and vision. Murphy is the more prototypical guy for that situation. I remember watching Faulk on the PP when he was at UMD and thinking, "wow, this guy addresses situations a lot like Corvo", and I still feel that way. His shot selection is better than Corvo's and since he's just a pup his shot power isn't as strong as Corvo's, but the general feeling remains that we're not going to be seeing Faulk whipping the puck around out there. He's a lane changer and shooter where Murphy is a quick, decisive passer that creates shooting lanes for other people and will only shoot as a means of last resort. Murphy is such a dynamic passer that it's almost unfair to compare these two in terms of offensive potential, but it's obvious when watching them that Murphy's decisiveness with the puck in the offensive zone is only matched by his indecisiveness in the defensive end. His comfort level increases exponentially the further away from his own net he plays.

You can have success with a shoot first PP QB, but he doesn't do a lot to make everybody else better, which is what your ideal PP QB will do. Murphy fits that description a lot better. With the number of elite shooters on our team, Murphy is a good fit there.

 

[Incubajerks]

I really can't understand why #20 is so underrated and so little appreciated for what he brings to this team.

 

[Joe McGrath]

That's why I'm saying at least give him something, for the love of god yell at him. I'm not saying chop him over the head with a hatchet or worse end up alone in the box with a penalty. This everyone skate away and pretending nothing happened crap is embarrassing. Seen it two or three times already. Teams that win stick up for each other more often than we have. I know it's every year, but every year I find hope we find some sack.

He may be friends with semin, but when he missed with his original attempt he stuck his arms out and popped his friend high making sure he couldn't get by for the empty net even if it hurt him. He does whatever it takes, friends or not. We could learn a thing or two from that. I'm not saying Ovie is evil, I'm saying shots like that should never go unnoticed. He would never allow it.

How in the world you know that nobody said anything to him? The play continued up the ice where trying to score an empty netter to win the game. Winning the game is the most important thing. Not some perceived lack of machismo. There were a few occasions last night where the guys did exactly what you are asking for. Harrison always does, Skinner of all people came to Murphy's defense, Sutter got the matching penalty with Wilson when there was a questionable play at the red line.

Edit: if no one yelled at him, it was probably because they were yelling at that jag off Peel.

 

[What the Faulk]

I really can't understand why #20 is so underrated and so little appreciated for what he brings to this team.

He has no offensive instincts. None. He's pretty solid defensively, but I'm not counting on him to score much. As a third line center (on this team) that's not good enough. He's fine for the fourth, though.

 

[caniac315]

All I know is it was nice to feel good about the Canes last night. Seems like way too long since I've had that feeling about this team.

 

[rocky7]

He has no offensive instincts. None. He's pretty solid defensively, but I'm not counting on him to score much. As a third line center (on this team) that's not good enough. He's fine for the fourth, though.

yeah pretty much this. Nash has zero offense to offer and if there were any kind of other option he should be in the AHL. he is a boarder line NHL player, period. 4th line as it sits now is where he should be at best imo.



and on D. Hainsey has be impressive and Harrison has been playing aweful and stupid. should be things the coaches can improve on with him as a bottom pairing guy. he has been hurting the team. overall the D still needs work obviously even though a couple of the guys have been doing alright.

 

[Vagrant]

Harrison is overcompensating for Murphy. If you don't trust your partner to take the defensive heat, you're going to take some penalties and you're going to try to do too much. It's the nature of the position and the nature of a partnership. It has to work both ways. There aren't a lot of people you could put with Murphy at this stage and have them look competent defensively. That's why nobody else is doing it. That's why Harrison hasn't been benched for Komisarek.

 

[bleedgreen]

How in the world you know that nobody said anything to him? The play continued up the ice where trying to score an empty netter to win the game. Winning the game is the most important thing. Not some perceived lack of machismo. There were a few occasions last night where the guys did exactly what you are asking for. Harrison always does, Skinner of all people came to Murphy's defense, Sutter got the matching penalty with Wilson when there was a questionable play at the red line.

Edit: if no one yelled at him, it was probably because they were yelling at that jag off Peel.

I actually watched it in both feeds, no one went anywhere near him or said anything. Of course I'm not down there but it's usually pretty obvious when someone is saying something. Winning is the most important thing, no doubt. This is hockey. It's rough and mean. Playoffs are brutal. Is this how we are going to get through that? I see some of the little things. I said we don't do enough. The bigger incidents have predominantly gone without any apparent response. There's nothing "perceived" about our lack of gumption. It hasn't been there. You keep pigeon holing my attitude into I want them taking bad penalties so they "look tough" over winning. That's ridiculous. I want to see someone just even acknowledge these incidents when they happen. Honestly to not do anything in this game IS a little cowardly and I would prefer someone going a little overboard from time to time just show someone cares, but what I'm looking for is the mere acknowledgement of "hey....don't pop my guy in the face".

"Don't slash my goalies arm"
"Don't face wash the little dude"

You know, baby steps towards the idea of sandpaper. Not "slap shot".