Post-Game Talk: Capitals win game 1, lead series 1-0

[Kennerback]

Demidov didn't play well the whole time in that game, even with Armia. Once the defenders took more notice of him, he was in trouble. The same thing happened at the end of the season in SKA, that's why he didn't play. And he didn't show much in this game either.

No pretension, he is young, needs experiences.

Btw, only in this line center is a winger.

I think you play Demidov with any two forwards in the lineup but Laine and it becomes a true second line. Dvorak Heineman, Evans Gallagher, Newhook Armia, Evans Anderson. Pick any. The only one that doesn’t have the acceleration to play an NHL playoff transition game is Laine. That’s despite being amazing on the PP.

 

[dinodebino]

This was better than what I anticipated. The win would have been a complete sign of the Apocalypse.

There is no doubt that this team is the same team you saw in the regular season: lows and highs, one elite line, two promising, yet physically unaccomplished Ds, a very stubborn goalie (who still can’t figure out to read the room in his zone, but that is fine), a young stud who looks like a 19 year old future star, and a pretty decent bangin’ 4th liner in Heineman. The vets are often mismatched, aside from a very powerful Anderson.
Papa Bear who can’t skate but can get away with a lot of stick work because of his rep with the refs and smothers a puck like a hooker doing a facial to her client.
Some blue collar players that give out honest efforts such as Carrier and Gally.
Essentially, what you saw tonight is what you got all season.
The rebuild is not done, Mister Séguin, contrary to what you spewed tonight. More pieces will be added. The fun has just started.

 

[Schooner Goon]

Demidov was put in a position to fail. There's no real center on that line and the other winger is a liability at 5v5.

It is what it is. This is our lineup until the season's over. I still think there's an opportunity for Demidov to set up Laine as #93 adjusts to the NHL playoff pace. Buium looked overwhelmed in Vegas last night too.

 

[habamillions]

Laine will be the most concerning even more than Newhook going forward.

Just not sure how you use a guy so disinterested at 5 on 5. Newhook at least competes for ice, Laine its Armia level variance of off and on intensity

Newhook cam at least skate and bring the puck in the offensive zone. Its once in the offensive zone he is lost. Will be nice to get a 2nd line center to play with demidov.

 

[OnTheRun]

I guarantee zero changes coming for next game.

3-2 OTL, kinda a safe bet here. The prophecy of having 2/3 of our roster en route to the ER after the game didn't happen either.

 

[HabsMD97]

Laine will be the most concerning even more than Newhook going forward.

Just not sure how you use a guy so disinterested at 5 on 5. Newhook at least competes for ice, Laine its Armia level variance of off and on intensity

Laine has never been a part of this team's future he's always been a placeholder, never understood the people on this board clamouring him as the saviour of this franchise when we got him lol. Kent Hughes traded for him since it was an opportunity to buy low and get assets.

 

[salbutera]

I thought this was Laine’s best overall game in a Habs uni - his knee needs surgery …that just reality, no lateral mobility at all.

 

[The Gr8 Dane]

Heineman Evans Demidov
Laine Newhook Armia

 

[Balthazar]

Newhook could be useable at 5 on 5 and should learn PK, which is a MSL utter failure not having him take rep

he can't win a faceoff to save his life

 

[Lycanthrope]

He should be on the ice, maybe have Savard go behind the bench in a suit and tie.

What I mean is even with the limited ice time the fact that he’s in the game and on the bench would have an effect.

 

[sheed36]

Nice to finally have that Florida/Tampa series starting tomorrow night so I can watch that game instead of having to listen to Cuthbert call a Leafs game. I don't really like listening to hockey on mute.

 

[expy]

Caps will adjust defensively, MSL will keep status quo next game. 4-1 Caps.

 

[Apoplectic Habs Fan]

he can't win a faceoff to save his life

No difference than Anderson or Armia on Pk

 

[Bombshell11]

We need a new coach for Demidov, Martin St.Louis has no clue.

He’s still rolling with Laine on the PP. like its been 3 games we’re saying Demi needs to be on the first wave

 

[Kennerback]

Demidov was put in a position to fail. There's no real center on that line and the other winger is a liability at 5v5.

My 2 cents is put Newhook and change the winger + Demidov and you have a true second line

 

[WeThreeKings]

Demidov didn't play well the whole time in that game, even with Armia. Once the defenders took more notice of him, he was in trouble. The same thing happened at the end of the season in SKA, that's why he didn't play. And he didn't show much in this game either.

No pretension, he is young, needs experiences.

Btw, only in this line center is a winger.

Actually, he didn't play much in game 1. Then put up 5 points in the 5 remaining games of that series with 2 disallowed goals.

He was their best player in the series and the extra attention was something he burst through.

Defensive details and pace will be something he will be coached out of. But the lack of offensive plays this game was entirely due to his line mates.

 

[Canadienna]

Yeah..

 

[le_sean]

No difference than Anderson or Armia on Pk

Those guys are big and can win battles along the boards, get sticks in lanes

 

[Balthazar]

My 2 cents is put Newhook and change the winger + Demidov and you have a true second line

Newhook's place is 3rd line wing on a non-playoff team

 

[Apoplectic Habs Fan]

Those guys are big and can win battles along the boards, gets stick in lanes

Thats why i say, he need to learn. Only way its will make him usefull

 

[zx81]

You think a coach has ever put Newhook out on the ice defending a lead in the playoffs? They'd be fired on the spot!

I just checked and I kid you not the commentator litterally said "and Newhook in an empty net". The goalie wasn't pulled but it was an EN.

Can't make this stuff up. Hilarious.

 

[le_sean]

Roy barely touched him and he fell like a sack of potatoes. That replay makes it look even worse for Laine.

 

[Nedved]

Remember when Caufield tried to avoid contact, lost his balance, and was tossed in the corner.

Poor guy.

Not sure what the habs are going to do with these slow starts but the trend has turned into a habit. The difference between period 1 and 3 is astronomical.

I thought Suzuki was the best player on the ice, Monty was the better goalie, but there d was night and day better than our d tonight. Probably the worst game from them as a whole in a long, long time. They need to be better and I hope we don’t see guhle hutson again. Split them up and give them 23 minutes a night each.

 

[Schooner Goon]

You can't possibly explain and/or understand anything.
But you do have Montembeault Derangement Syndrome.

Imagine pinning tonight's game on the one player who showed up right from the start, looked cool all game and kept it close. Such a lack of objectivity and bizarre agenda.

 

[Canadienna]

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