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

[larek]

This team is sofffffff.

If it wasnt for Suzukis prowess this year wed be battling it out with the Sharks and Hawks. We need size, especially up front.

And on the D way to soft

 

[bud12]

Next game, free Xhekaj and free Demidov of the punk Laine

 

[larek]

that NewHole Laine and Demi line need to go asap

Slafkovsky - Suzuki - Caufield
Anderson - Dvorak - Gallagher
Heinemen - Evans - Demidov
Laine - Newhook - Armia

Let Demidov drive that 3rd line

 

[417]

I would have the tendancy to agree with you on this. Though, it does happen from time to time that a coach will blame his players for lack of efforts, it's really tough to envision a player in the playoffs lacking effort....but they could lack courage. They could lack intensity 'cause it's not in them. They could lack hockey IQ. They could clearly lack speed. Anticipation and all that. Way more than effort...for sure.

It’s hard to get away with being a no effort guy on a team.

Lack of intensity or hockey IQ or execution….sure.

Lack of effort means you don’t give a damn.

I don’t think that’s as prevalent as fans think.

And yes, losing in OT last night if we take us back to end of 1st period....that's a scenario we would all take for sure. Thing is...when you are at 1 shot of actually winning a game, there will be frustration. Way more than being blown out 7-1 by a supposed much better team.

Sure but it’s OK to not to have to find a scapegoat.

This was a first time playoff experience for a bunch of players on this team and I thought they responded very well.

An unlucky break on a bullshit icing call did them in.

The team deserves more rope from fans than it’s getting on here IMO.

 

[Benstheman]

Considering overall this team is way less aggressive and physical and smaller than caps
Thot game was pretty good

THe D is just overall too small
Need to add toughness sizel
Need protectors for little forwards

Reinbacher will help in that regard. And I would replace Matheson with a guy with size and physicality like Zadorov.

 

[Habs Icing]

Many of the posters who want Xhekaj to play also complain about the refs.

You really think Xhekaj's truculent play would pass muster with last night's officials? I haven't seen any indication he knows the limit. And to be totally frank the limit for a Habs' player is not the same as the limit for a Caps' player.

If you don't believe me here are some examples.

1) Let's start with the OT icing. Laine is cross-checked at the red line. Replay shows he never touched the puck. That's a penalty. Guhle knows that very well. If the officials thought he touched the puck, it's not a penalty but it's also not an icing call.

2) Leonard takes a run at Demidov who doesn't have the puck. Hits him hard and lays him out. Right in front of the trailing ref. No penalty.

3) Guhle gets the extra penalty because there was a skirmish at the beginning of the 1st and the refs want to control the game. In In two other skirmishes Gallagher takes a cross check to the mouth and Lane is punched in the face by Mangiapane. No penalties given.

You guys want to take a chance on Xhekaj having learned where the line for Hab players is? I like him as a player but those refs from last night would have crucified him.

 

[StCaufield]

Next game, free Xhekaj and free Demidov of the punk Laine

Why is everyone bitching about Laine? He was fine and was actually getting some decent shots off. No wonder players despise the thought of playing here.

 

[Whitesnake]

I don't get why people need scapegoats, especially after a game like yesterday.

There wasn't really anything wrong with any of the lines. They all played very well. And I am not sure what the obsession is with breaking up the first line when it has been one of the top lines in the league and is consistently the team's best.

So much obsession with the second line and they had a good game. Also, the obsession with Xhekaj is nuts as well.

Habs went toe-to-toe with the best team in the east yesterday and could have easily won.

No scapegoats...but tough to think that the Newhook line RIGHT NOW is ideal for playoffs is not realist. Demidov, understandably so, is overwhelmed. Newhook centers a line with low IQ. And Laine is...Laine. And frankly, also tough to think that an Heineman who is the shadow of himself and an Armia who now seems to be holding his stick with 2 elbows is also not ideal.

But for me, it's all good. We were not there this year. At all for me. And we are. This year is not about winning. It's about learning. And hopefully a lesson that will be used later.

As far as Xhekaj is concerned, it's not about him as it is about physicality. When is the last time that the Habs has had teams that could compete in that sphere. Why do we like Anderson so much lately? Is that because he fills the net? And also for Arber it's because we do not understand the double standards IF the goal was to ice the players that deserve it the most. Watching Savard struggling, Matheson making blunders after blunders...(obviously knowing Matheson will NEVER be sat out) and Struble doing his best, you think that Arber could be as good as at least Savard and STruble while adding the physicality we want.

 

[ahmedou]

 

[Whitesnake]

Many of the posters who want Xhekaj to play also complain about the refs.

You really think Xhekaj's truculent play would pass muster with last night's officials?

Euh...yes? I don't understand the examples you are giving...aren't they reasons why Arber would be fine? how many pp's were called yesterday? Do you really think there was so few penalties deserved?

 

[canucklover123]

In all seriousness, I thought Armia had a really good game. Evans as well

 

[Milhouse40]

Xhekaj won't fix the ''problem'' which is....no line can't bring offensive other than the 1st line.
Xhekaj can fix some other part of the game....but not that part Habs actually need

 

[le_sean]

Many of the posters who want Xhekaj to play also complain about the refs.

You really think Xhekaj's truculent play would pass muster with last night's officials? I haven't seen any indication he knows the limit. And to be totally frank the limit for a Habs' player is not the same as the limit for a Caps' player.

If you don't believe me here are some examples.

1) Let's start with the OT icing. Laine is cross-checked at the red line. Replay shows he never touched the puck. That's a penalty. Guhle knows that very well. If the officials thought he touched the puck, it's not a penalty but it's also not an icing call.

2) Leonard takes a run at Demidov who doesn't have the puck. Hits him hard and lays him out. Right in front of the trailing ref. No penalty.

3) Guhle gets the extra penalty because there was a skirmish at the beginning of the 1st and the refs want to control the game. In In two other skirmishes Gallagher takes a cross check to the mouth and Lane is punched in the face by Mangiapane. No penalties given.

You guys want to take a chance on Xhekaj having learned where the line for Hab players is? I like him as a player but those refs from last night would have crucified him.

Their forwards are punishing our D. The only D that can dish out hits is Guhle and even he’s being targeted. Struble, while physical, isn’t Xhekaj when he hits. Struble also isn’t playing particularly well. So why not Xhekaj to give out punishment? You’re worried about penalties, I’m worried that our players are going to get hurt.

 

[Mrb1p]

And on the D way to soft

The D isnt that soft aside from Hutson and Matheson.

Its really the forward that are a combination of soft, tiny, slow and offensively inept.

We need Alex Tuch.

 

[Habs Icing]

Euh...yes? I don't understand the examples you are giving...aren't they reasons why Arber would be fine? how many pp's were called yesterday? Do you really think there was so few penalties deserved?

You conveniently cut off the rest of my post.

 

[le_sean]

In all seriousness, I thought Armia had a really good game. Evans as well

And Heineman was even better. He looks more and more like Lehkonen.

 

[StCaufield]

The D isnt that soft aside from Hutson and Matheson.

Its really the forward that are a combination of soft, tiny, slow and offensively inept.

We need Alex Tuch.

Massive pass on Tuch lol. Gallagher plays a tougher game ffs

 

[Mats NAslund]

Again, the idea that the guy who leads our team in PP goals, is one of the NHLs best players in PP goals this year and historically over his career, is easily replaceable is with all due respect, ludicrous.

Even more so when you’re alternative is replacing him with Emil Heineman who hasn’t scored a goal since January 3rd.

Again, I just think you’re finding the easiest target.

He’s far from a perfect player, but they need to find a way to get him going, not remove him from the equation.

You need to learn how to read

1. I said 5 on 5 Heineman is a better option than Laine (on simple effort level alone and the amount of puck battles Laine loses) Heineman has the ability to win puck battles along the boards, don't need Laine and Demidov on the same line, no one on that line has the ability to win the physical battles. If I had top pick between Demidov and Laine I take Demidov.

2. I said he's replaceable on the PP by guys like Caufield and Demidov not Heinemann (PP wont suffer without Laine, it's 21st in the league at 20%)

3. They have been trying to get him going since they acquired him !


If you're so gung ho on Laine at the very least toss him off that line and use him like they use Savard. PP specialist and 8 to 10 minutes a game on a 4th line. He is absolutely useless 5 on 5

Like another poster posted

Slafkovsky - Suzuki - Caufield
Anderson - Dvorak - Gallagher
Heinemen - Evans - Demidov
Laine - Newhook - Armia

Just For shits and giggles

Heineman - 62 games played 10 goals , 3 on the PP a -4 - Avg of just over 10 minutes per game on a 4th line

Laine - 52 games 20 goals, 14 on the PP a -14 and Avg of just over 14 minutes a game on a top 2 line - Laine is 6'4 200lbs plus and plays like he's 5'6 160 with zero heart!

I wonder if given a chance Heineman to play in a offensive role his stats might not be better....He's 6'2 200lbs and plays big! Let's not forget how well he was playing prior to getting injured.


I'm NOT suggesting Heineman replace Laine on the PP, I'm suggesting he's a better option as a top 6 than Laine is, Laine has had is chances at securing and meriting that role this year and has disappointed.

 

[Habs Icing]

Their forwards are punishing our D. The only D that can dish out hits is Guhle and even he’s being targeted. Struble, while physical, isn’t Xhekaj when he hits. Struble also isn’t playing particularly well. So why not Xhekaj to give out punishment? You’re worried about penalties, I’m worried that our players are going to get hurt.

Last night's refs would have crucified Arber.

 

[417]

As far as Xhekaj is concerned, it's not about him as it is about physicality. When is the last time that the Habs has had teams that could compete in that sphere. Why do we like Anderson so much lately? Is that because he fills the net? And also for Arber it's because we do not understand the double standards IF the goal was to ice the players that deserve it the most. Watching Savard struggling, Matheson making blunders after blunders...(obviously knowing Matheson will NEVER be sat out) and Struble doing his best, you think that Arber could be as good as at least Savard and STruble while adding the physicality we want.

The Habs already have Matheson, Guhle, Hutson and Struble as lefty’s playing, they’re not taking out Savard and playing another lefty on his offside against a heavy forecheck team like the Caps.

It’s Struble vs Xhekaj…and for the amount of minutes either would play, I don’t understand why this is such a talking point.

 

[StCaufield]

And Heineman was even better. He looks more and more like Lehkonen.

Love that comparison

 

[Sasha Orlov]

Every time someone criticizes Laine’s abysmal 5on5 play, the fanboys say they’re “blaming Laine” for the loss lmfao

Stockholm syndrome

 

[StCaufield]

Every time someone criticizes Laine’s abysmal 5on5 play, the fanboys say they’re “blaming Laine” for the loss lmfao

Stockholm syndrome

Yeah it wasn’t that horrendous coverage on the winner or anything. Never mind that

 

[Sasha Orlov]

Yeah it wasn’t that horrendous coverage on the winner or anything. Never mind that

Makes zero sense to respond to my post with this comment

Genuinely no idea how you thought this response tracked

 

[417]

You need to learn how to read

I read just fine thanks

1. I said 5 on 5 Heineman is a better option than Laine (on simple effort level alone and the amount of puck battles Laine loses) Heineman has the ability to win puck battles along the boards, don't need Laine and Demidov on the same line, no one on that line has the ability to win the physical battles. If I had top pick between Demidov and Laine I take Demidov.

Switch Laine and Heineman then.

You really think that’s going to make a drastic difference?

2. I said he's replaceable on the PP by guys like Caufield and Demidov not Heinemann (PP wont suffer without Laine, it's 21st in the league at 20%)

Again the idea that our best PP goal scorer is replaceable on the PP is ludicrous.

Not sure if you’re actually taking stock of what you’re trying to say.

3. They have been trying to get him going since they acquired him !

I’d say they’ve done a pretty good job.

If you're so gung ho on Laine at the very least toss him off that line and use him like they use Savard. PP specialist and 8 to 10 minutes a game on a 4th line. He is absolutely useless 5 on 5

Like another poster posted

Slafkovsky - Suzuki - Caufield
Anderson - Dvorak - Gallagher
Heinemen - Evans - Demidov
Laine - Newhook - Armia

Just For shits and giggles

Heineman - 62 games played 10 goals , 3 on the PP a -4 - Avg of just over 10 minutes per game on a 4th line

Laine - 52 games 20 goals, 14 on the PP a -14 and Avg of just over 14 minutes a game on a top 2 line - Laine is 6'4 200lbs plus and plays like he's 5'6 160 with zero heart!

I wonder if given a chance Heineman to play in a offensive role his stats might not be better....He's 6'2 200lbs and plays big! Let's not forget how well he was playing prior to getting injured.


I'm NOT suggesting Heineman replace Laine on the PP, I'm suggesting he's a better option as a top 6 than Laine is, Laine has had is chances at securing and meriting that role this year and has disappointed.

Look I think if the Habs want to win this series, they need an engaged Laine and there’s nothing in his game last night that suggested he was not engaged.

He was not the problem last night, no one was, and that’s OK