Speculation: Caps Roster General Discussion (Coaching/FAs/Cap/Lines/etc) | 2023-24 Regular Season Edition

[Langway]

Barf.

 

[Misery74]

Kuznetsov responded to his healthy scratch with a goal the next game and assist the game after. Since then he has missed 1 game with illness and 9 games pointless streak. Can we bench him again for short-term results?

On pace for 13 + 16 = 29 in 78 games. That stat line might not even get him league minimum contract for next season when we buy him out.

If he can’t be moved, he needs to be moved to wing. There is no point in giving him any defensive responsibilities.

29

 

[trick9]

I’m sorry, but blaming the fans even indirectly for his career arc is absurd….

It’s 100% mental with this guy. But hey at least we got two good regular seasons from that terrible contract, and one postseason of a lifetime. He’ll always have that and I am thankful for that at least.

I wasn't blaming the fans. I would never blame the fans for disliking a player that doesn't care about defending his own end.

 

[twabby]

Referenced earlier, but these lines aren't great!



I get trying new combinations. I get mixing things up on a team that can't score. Heck, I get moving Kuznetsov to the wing.

I don't get trying 8-92-43 yet again. I don't get Kuznetsov on the top line despite being arguably the worst player in the NHL over the past few years.

 

[trick9]

3 massive games that could decide our entire season and we decide to promote the anchor of this team?

O/U 2.5 points from these 3 games? Shocked if they end over.

 

[hockeykicker]

 

[HeyMattyB]

That Fehervary and Lindgren news is better than I was expecting. Based on Carberry's previous statements, I thought it sounded like both could be out for a while?

 

[hockeykicker]

3 massive games that could decide our entire season and we decide to promote the anchor of this team?

O/U 2.5 points from these 3 games? Shocked if they end over.

dont you think you are going a little far here?
Its pitt, nj and carolina on games 35,36 and 37. you win one game and you easily still good

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

I wasn't blaming the fans. I would never blame the fans for disliking a player that doesn't care about defending his own end.

You suggested he mailed it in because he was getting paid and fans already disliked him.

Fan dislike or like has zero to do with his performance.

 

[trick9]

You suggested he mailed it in because he was getting paid and fans already disliked him.

Fan dislike or like has zero to do with his performance.

Perhaps i didn't make myself clear then, my bad. The point i was trying to make was that he doesn't look like a player that's trying to win the fans back over after a bad season but rather a player that doesn't care about his team or the fans but just his own stat line.

 

[zappa4ever]

///

I get trying new combinations. I get mixing things up on a team that can't score. Heck, I get moving Kuznetsov to the wing.

I don't get trying 8-92-43 yet again. I don't get Kuznetsov on the top line despite being arguably the worst player in the NHL over the past few years.

Wonder if Carbs is simply putting the 'misfit old toys' that aren't picking up the system on their own line to not disrupt the 3 lines that are playing the system; very well could be that he's concentrating on the other 3 lines having the system fully integrated while OldV* and Kuz fart around and do the same-old-same-old

*TM pending

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

Wonder if Carbs is simply putting the 'misfit old toys' that aren't picking up the system on their own line to not disrupt the 3 lines that are playing the system; very well could be that he's concentrating on the other 3 lines having the system fully integrated while OldV* and Kuz fart around and do the same-old-same-old

*TM pending

Two guys who are under pressure on a line with Wilson hoping to spark them, otherwise contained and you double Willy (or Ovi) as needed elsewhere.

 

[twabby]

Wonder if Carbs is simply putting the 'misfit old toys' that aren't picking up the system on their own line to not disrupt the 3 lines that are playing the system; very well could be that he's concentrating on the other 3 lines having the system fully integrated while OldV* and Kuz fart around and do the same-old-same-old

*TM pending

If so I hope their ice time reflects this.

Either way I don't know why Kuznetsov keeps getting a sweater. They might as well call up someone from Hershey and move Protas to C.

 

[VaCaps Fan]

Going again on Wednesday for more scouting

 

[Alexander the Gr8]

Sadly I think you are right. What happened to the Kuzy bird celey? The twister pass? All the creativity?

I also wonder if when he didn’t have to be the guy, and could be a middle 6 dude who could show up now and then, if he was happy then. Once he was expected to be 1C and be the teams top playmaker, if he isnt happy with that role.

It could be. I think he also lives in the shadow of Backstrom. 19 set a very high standard for performance at both ends of the ice and professional conduct. The more Kuzy got criticized, the worse he became.

I think he made his money, he got his championship, he has 0 reasons to care at this point.

 

[alphabetical]

View attachment 793922
dont you think you are going a little far here?
Its pitt, nj and carolina on games 35,36 and 37. you win one game and you easily still good

Seriously, there are 8 teams with 40-44 points in the east. It's a logjam for the wildcard positions.

 

[StrikingDistance]

Hasn’t Kuzy been quoted somewhere where he said he lost interest in hockey or it wasn’t fun anymore?

For me: 2018 cup, coke scandal, fat paycheck, and playing in a country that is sending billions to have his fellow Russian countrymen permanently removed from existence. All or part of this adds to his lack of interest and poor performance.

 

[Raikkonen]

Its Kuzy's own mental problems I think

Also if he needs money he can get plenty in the KHL instantly after BO

 

[Silky mitts]

Is the game tomorrow not being televised?
nevermind on Hulu

I keep looking at Huberdeau’s deal to feel better about Kuzy.. Theyre having similar seasons and Huby’s got 7 more to go.

 

[Nick Lang]

Canucks fan here.

Just wondering how Bear looked in his first game?

 

[Holtbyisms]

Canucks fan here.

Just wondering how Bear looked in his first game?

I thought he looked terrific for a guy just starting to learn the system and his linemates. Played around 20 minutes. Cranked a shot off the post, had the goalie beat. He exceeded my expectations and I think I'd be surprised if anyone else feels too much different.

 

[Cappy76]

Canucks fan here.

Just wondering how Bear looked in his first game?

I didn't notice him in the defensive zone (as in no huge gaffes so positive there) and as stated above he had a good shot that rang off the post and seemed to be solid overall, no complaints here after game 1.

 

[CapsSkins]

That was a sick game to be at, that place exploded on ovis second goal that was called back. Also a huge ovation for Shepard on that save, way more fun than football games even when we lose

Hey random Q, are you the same max21 from ES? Haha

 

[Nick Lang]

I thought he looked terrific for a guy just starting to learn the system and his linemates. Played around 20 minutes. Cranked a shot off the post, had the goalie beat. He exceeded my expectations and I think I'd be surprised if anyone else feels too much different.

Well that is good. I really hope he works out for you guys. You've had a good season so far, ahead of expectations. He's a neat player offensively but his defending can be an area of weakness. A lot of critical unforced errors, and has some trouble physically clearing out in his own end.

Did I read here he was sitting tomorrow, or is he back in?

 

[Kolzilla]

Well that is good. I really hope he works out for you guys. You've had a good season so far, ahead of expectations. He's a neat player offensively but his defending can be an area of weakness. A lot of critical unforced errors, and has some trouble physically clearing out in his own end.

Did I read here he was sitting tomorrow, or is he back in?

Looks like he'll be in and TVR is scratched.