3 dud games.. hope im wrong, but they're coming back down to earth. If you can't outplay an old team playing 3 games in 4 nights and one of the worst teams in the league (the preds), then you're probably not a good team.
GDT: Caps and Pens 7:30 PM
- Thread starter aonb
- Start date
3 dud games.. hope im wrong, but they're coming back down to earth. If you can't outplay an old team playing 3 games in 4 nights and one of the worst teams in the league (the preds), then you're probably not a good team.
SherVaughn30
Registered User
2 days off they were out of sync a bit. I hate losing to the Pens, but this could have happened to Caps if they were playing other teams who played the night before. I said the Pens play aggressive and they were going for it in the 3rd period. Caps were too stagnant starting the 3rd and the bounce back attack at the end was too little too late. I think tonight was one those nights where the PP needed to click, yet it still hasn't. PP philosophy has to change. Get OV off the point so a mobile d-man can move the puck quicker. They should try attack from the left side besides OV's shot.
CapitalsCupReality
It’s Go Time!!
- Feb 27, 2002
- 66,233
- 21,226
Langway
In den Wolken
- Jul 7, 2006
- 32,930
- 10,072
All it takes for them to fall back to last year's slog is 21/24 falling off again. It doesn't really take all that much...
They had their chances in this one and couldn't cash. Very likely took the Pens lightly and got the right thing served up to them. It's the sort of effort and execution that could start a slide. TBD. All about the response.
A league-worst PP and lack of athleticism/endurance from some of their big dogs (8/74 most glaringly) definitely makes you wonder how well they'll manage over a long season.
They had their chances in this one and couldn't cash. Very likely took the Pens lightly and got the right thing served up to them. It's the sort of effort and execution that could start a slide. TBD. All about the response.
A league-worst PP and lack of athleticism/endurance from some of their big dogs (8/74 most glaringly) definitely makes you wonder how well they'll manage over a long season.
WanderingCapsFan
Registered User
ESPN+ game I couldn't watch. Good, because F- the Penguins. Good for my psyche.
Now let's beat the Blues, because I will be watching.
Let's go Caps. It's all about me. LOL.
Now let's beat the Blues, because I will be watching.
Let's go Caps. It's all about me. LOL.
SherVaughn30
Registered User
Ineffective PP is starting to hurt the Caps. There will be some nights that even strength goals are not gonna go in, so have to score some PP goals.
- Jun 25, 2018
- 1,047
- 1,949
My fault everybody. Caps are 0-3 when I’m in attendance, apparently I’m not allowed to see them win. If you wanna make some money betting against the Caps, I’ll be in the building again next Wednesday for the Leafs game.
SherVaughn30
Registered User
True. This has been the difference between Thompson/Lindgren. Thompson has been clutch towards the end of the games, Lindgren not so much.
SecretaryofDefense5
Registered User
WanderingCapsFan
Registered User
SherVaughn30
Registered User
Chuckie is 3-4, LT is 6-0. Thompson also has the better GAA/SV%. I think this was the plan. Have both goalies play every other game until one seems to step up. The way I see it, Thompson has stepped up to get more starts than Lindgren. If the Caps happen to win tomorrow, Thompson then shows he should be the lead guy.
I like a 2/3 to 1/3 start mix. You want you top goalie to play more games but you don’t want it at 80% either. Let’s see what Thompson does tomorrow.
Langway
In den Wolken
- Jul 7, 2006
- 32,930
- 10,072
Def the worst, most frustrating loss of the season.
Re: the PP, when Chychrun's back they ought to think about putting him at the point. There's a lot wrong with the PP but what else is there in terms of personnel? Then on PP2 what's the justification for using Lapierre & Raddysh before Protas? Super questionable. Absolutely have to ride the hot hand as much as possible and further expand 21's role. Dumb not to feed that guy.
Execution with the man advantage isn't fluid and often mainly perimeter fluff. They need to create 2-on-1s by changing the angle and reading/reacting off puck. Or failing that meet at the paint and grind. It's like the 8/74 statues set the tone in being lazy/formulaic. Strome remains the guy that has to take charge. 21/24 are off to hot starts but Strome is the guy offensively 5v5 and manning PP1 that has to make it all go.
Re: the PP, when Chychrun's back they ought to think about putting him at the point. There's a lot wrong with the PP but what else is there in terms of personnel? Then on PP2 what's the justification for using Lapierre & Raddysh before Protas? Super questionable. Absolutely have to ride the hot hand as much as possible and further expand 21's role. Dumb not to feed that guy.
Execution with the man advantage isn't fluid and often mainly perimeter fluff. They need to create 2-on-1s by changing the angle and reading/reacting off puck. Or failing that meet at the paint and grind. It's like the 8/74 statues set the tone in being lazy/formulaic. Strome remains the guy that has to take charge. 21/24 are off to hot starts but Strome is the guy offensively 5v5 and manning PP1 that has to make it all go.
SherVaughn30
Registered User
One goalie is 3-4, 2.76 gaa, .897 sv%, the other goalie is 6-0, 2.81 gaa, .903 sv%. As a coach, which goalie would you go with?
For me, Thompson has had more steadiness towards the end of games than Lindgren. Lindgren was our MVP last season, but so far he hasn't played as well as last season. Was it a career year for Lindgren or is he having an adjustment period from the newer players and more scoring from the team?
For me, Thompson has had more steadiness towards the end of games than Lindgren. Lindgren was our MVP last season, but so far he hasn't played as well as last season. Was it a career year for Lindgren or is he having an adjustment period from the newer players and more scoring from the team?
Last edited:
notDkristich
Registered User
- Jan 27, 2013
- 1,384
- 1,193
There are two constants on the PP for our multi-year struggle. The other personnel have been switched out. It's maddening that no coaching staff wont remove one of them. PP2 is vastly superior to PP1.
Chuckie had some amazing saves tonight blaming him for this one is no mas for me.
I'll say Cap One Arena ice was pretty shit based on the bouncy pucks. Strome had a lay up but the puck rolled at the last instant.
I'll say Cap One Arena ice was pretty shit based on the bouncy pucks. Strome had a lay up but the puck rolled at the last instant.
SherVaughn30
Registered User
I'll take 9-4 to start this season. Only real negative to me is the PP is pretty much nonexistent(distant 2nd is Lindgren is not matching last seasons play so far). Whatever the PP plan was, it needs to be scrapped because it's even worse than last season.
notDkristich
Registered User
- Jan 27, 2013
- 1,384
- 1,193
No doubt, but why is no one throwing shade on one brain cell Carlson? His primary responsibility is to defend and in a 2-2 game in the third period he's trolling for a goal near the Pens goal like he's EK. He should not be leaving CMM to defend a forward in the 3rd period.
Brian23
Registered User
- Dec 3, 2011
- 5,846
- 2,730
I do think they need to swap Carlson out from the point, but the reality is the powerplay is always going to be kinda subpar until Ovi is gone.
It's a "solved" system, but it's one they're just kind stuck in because it's Ovechkin. He doesn't move, he's not quick or apt enough, and the puck is like a grenade on his stick normally so all the defense has to do is pressure everyone else and they'll never get set up. At this point Ovi is purely a turret that can basically be ignored, making it a shitty 4v4 setup.
It's a "solved" system, but it's one they're just kind stuck in because it's Ovechkin. He doesn't move, he's not quick or apt enough, and the puck is like a grenade on his stick normally so all the defense has to do is pressure everyone else and they'll never get set up. At this point Ovi is purely a turret that can basically be ignored, making it a shitty 4v4 setup.
SherVaughn30
Registered User
My thinking is, if the coaches want OV to move to the Bumper spot, he would probably do it. The counter argument to that is he could be more susceptible to injury in that spot. Despite that, they need to generate more shots from different areas in the offensive zone. The whole left side starting from the faceoff dot to the goal line, is untapped! Utilize it and watch PK's have to really adjust their alignment to how they play the Caps PP.
Carlson still plays well enough overall, but this game in that moment he was too impatient.
Honestly I don't think TW should be in the bumper position on the 1st PP. I just don't think he has the skilled handle and quick release like an Oshie. PLD might be a more interesting choice at some point.
Last edited:
I’d like to see a faster power play with the young guys. And shift to left side. OV in the bumper/slot. McMichael-Strome-Protas (or PLD), OV, Sandin (or Churchrn).
SherVaughn30
Registered User
Here is some reflection, that negates jumping to conclusions. Rangers lost at home 6-1 to the 5-7-1 Sabers. I might add Shesterkin was lit up for 5 goals on 12 shots! Wake up call for the Rangers, and this game was no different. Pens got smacked by the Canes 5-1 the previous night, so you knew they were gonna come with a better game against the Caps! Caps had 2 days off, which they might have needed, but at the same time it threw off their rhythm a bit. I think we all agree the Caps didn't play close to how they have shown in their previous 12 games.
The only concern right now, should be the PP. The schemes/execution are not good enough. They have to do some things different(my idea is OV Bumper, and shift players to the left side between the faceoff dot and goal line). OV can still move to the left point but only as a decoy or disguise.
The only concern right now, should be the PP. The schemes/execution are not good enough. They have to do some things different(my idea is OV Bumper, and shift players to the left side between the faceoff dot and goal line). OV can still move to the left point but only as a decoy or disguise.
