Speculation: Caps Roster General Discussion (Coaching/FAs/Cap/Lines/etc) | 2024-25 Summer Edition

[Random schmoe]

I thought about throwing up a quick GDT, but it deserves a Halloween flavor that I don't have the creativity to make right now.

Going to it since my wife got tickets in her law firm's suite, my first game in a year or two.

(Though I've been tempted to buy tix to the last few home games of the year, just in case Ovie is approaching the record.)

 

[MW6]

Has this been talked about? Tom Wilson, 4 PIMs in 8 games??

 

[EXTRAS]

Mcmichael? What is he? What's he gonna be in 2 years?

 

[HTFN]

Yup this, they were young and not fully developed NHL players. Lavi doing just fine with the Rangers youth.

the argument was never that they were ready, it's that they would have been ready sooner if given more exposure and it wasn't happening. I'm definitely on record here saying that he's an IQ player first and foremost and needed exposure to understand how to fit his game to what he sees, and that he had the potential to grow by season because his CHL game blossomed at the same rate.

We'll never settle it because it's impossible right now but there's an argument to be made that we would have seen more of this McMichael last year if he had been developed more in the year(s) prior.

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

the argument was never that they were ready, it's that they would have been ready sooner if given more exposure and it wasn't happening. I'm definitely on record here saying that he's an IQ player first and foremost and needed exposure to understand how to fit his game to what he sees, and that he had the potential to grow by season because his CHL game blossomed at the same rate.

We'll never settle it because it's impossible right now but there's an argument to be made that we would have seen more of this McMichael last year if he had been developed more in the year(s) prior.

We’re seeing Protas and CMM (more so) breakout after they finally have developed as skaters. That took time and physically maturing…they each have another NHL-level tool now as you mentioned.

CMM definitely wasn’t truly NHL-ready until after his reset in Hershey that year. A few more shifts a game/increased ice time doesn’t change that.

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

Mcmichael? What is he? What's he gonna be in 2 years?

Well
Paid!

 

[DWGie26]

We’re seeing Protas and CMM (more so) breakout after they finally have developed as skaters. That took time and physically maturing…they each have another NHL-level tool now as you mentioned.

CMM definitely wasn’t truly NHL-ready until after his reset in Hershey that year. A few more shifts a game/increased ice time doesn’t change that.

This is why the Caps generally bake their prospects. Fever. McMichael, Protas all early by Caps standards. Miro will be early too. Leonard will be early. Lapierre will be fine as well. All NHL time by 21. Looks like all will be regulars by 22 growing at 23.

 

[trick9]

Interesting schedule.

Saturday it's Blue Jackets at home, who play the night before and are on the last game of 3 in 4 days

The day after it's the Caps on a b2b and last of 3 in 4 days in Raleigh against the Hurricanes who have been off for 2 days.

Also in a real ''hey look, someone at the MoneyPuck decided to check the advanced stats'' -moment, the Capitals Playoff odds went from 8.2% to 83.7% in a matter of days.

Caps now rank 2nd in xGF%, only behind the 'Canes and nearly 5% ahead of the 3rd. Oilers are 4th and they are over 6% behind the Caps.

Canes are the only team to rank ahead of them in the SCF%, but Caps rank 1st in the NHL in HDCF% and are the only team above 60%.

 

[qc14]

Also in a real ''hey look, someone at the MoneyPuck decided to check the advanced stats'' -moment, the Capitals Playoff odds went from 8.2% to 83.7% in a matter of days.

I don't think it's particularly sophisticated or accurate but I do appreciate with MoneyPuck (unlike many other models) that the inputs are fairly easy to discern.

 

[wickedwitch]

I'm pretty sure Strome is tied for 2nd in even strength points per game.

 

[HeyMattyB]

The last couple of seasons, I've barely enjoyed watching the Caps play, and it got to the point where I was like, "Am I depressed and incapable of enjoying this? Am I an old/busy adult whose priorities have changed? Have I finally died inside and the rest of my life will be a living death?"

It turns out the issue is just that the Caps had been playing boring, barely watchable hockey the last couple of seasons. Even when they won, it was a grind-it-out slog/snoozefest. And now, suddenly, (IMO) they're playing fast/exciting/enjoyable hockey again.

The other night, while watching a game by myself on the couch, a Cap scored--and I instinctively yelled, "YES!" and did the fist-pump thing. I can't remember the last time I had that kind of reaction to watching the Caps play. And it was like, "Holy shit, I still enjoy hockey! How delightful."

 

[Silky mitts]

The last couple of seasons, I've barely enjoyed watching the Caps play, and it got to the point where I was like, "Am I depressed and incapable of enjoying this? Am I an old/busy adult whose priorities have changed? Have I finally died inside and the rest of my life will be a living death?"

It turns out the issue is just that the Caps had been playing boring, barely watchable hockey the last couple of seasons. Even when they won, it was a grind-it-out slog/snoozefest. And now, suddenly, (IMO) they're playing fast/exciting/enjoyable hockey again.

The other night, while watching a game by myself on the couch, a Cap scored--and I instinctively yelled, "YES!" and did the fist-pump thing. I can't remember the last time I had that kind of reaction to watching the Caps play. And it was like, "Holy shit, I still enjoy hockey! How delightful."

I get such joy now watching the Penguins struggle it's changed the way I enjoy simple pleasures. Last night Crosby played superhuman so the could beat the Ducks in OT and hurt the tank, the Ducks' backup goalie stopped 40 of 40 shots by not Crosby, that's the stuff right there, rivals with no path forward, only through, like the Patriots always have. Caps make the playoffs all the time, I've never seen shit like this.

 

[NoVaCapsFan]

Team looked sleepy last night until they came awake in the third period. Arena was far from packed, and the crowd was disengaged for the most part. I think it was a hangover from the Ranger game, plus Halloween. Lotta sexy witches on the metro late, so there was that.

 

[Calicaps]

I get such joy now watching the Penguins struggle it's changed the way I enjoy simple pleasures. Last night Crosby played superhuman so the could beat the Ducks in OT and hurt the tank, the Ducks' backup goalie stopped 40 of 40 shots by not Crosby, that's the stuff right there, rivals with no path forward, only through, like the Patriots always have. Caps make the playoffs all the time, I've never seen shit like this.

The Caps are legit good and fun to watch in their own right, but the Pens quagmire is glorious and totally sweetens the feast.

 

[895]

Forward Connor McMichael, who made an impact down the stretch last season playing mostly center during the Capitals’ playoff push, is showing signs of a full-fledged breakout on the wing with 10 points (five goals, five assists) and 27 shots on goal in his first nine games. Per EDGE stats, McMichael ranks in the 93rd percentile in top skating speed (22.79 mph) and is also among the League leaders in high-danger goals (three; 92nd percentile) and high-danger shots on goal (12; 94th percentile).

 

[zappa4ever]

Been a pretty amazing start full of rainbows and unicorns, doubt any Caps fan expected a 7-2 start, I was going to be very happy with anything above .500 after 10gms and now we're the darlings of the league currently

When the adversity comes and how we respond will be the next giant question for me and will help answer how we're going to be in the long run

Seems like we've got a strong system and a strong culture/locker room, curious how the outlook will be at gm20

 

[Nogatco Rd]

Latest NYT/Athletic projection has the Caps at a 68% chance to make the playoffs. Forecasted to finish with 96 points, 4th in the Metro.

Source: https://archive.ph/ob5NJ

 

[crab]

Who are legit third line center targets? Almost a 3/4 line technically with how the play the Dowd line.

Ideally Lapierre turns it around this season, but even if he doesn’t I don’t think they should trade him. He has the talent and they need to be patient with him but the team needs to fill the short term gap.

Gourde was mentioned which makes sense but he seems to be struggling. Could be a reasonable target considering that.

Eller was mentioned and he seems to have rebounded but he was a shell of his former self the last season here.

 

[Brian23]

https://x.com/i/web/status/1852715174450393449

Seems odd, maybe Sandin is more banged up then thought? Or do they wanna sub out McIlrath...? I just can't see the later, they seem to love him.

 

[wickedwitch]

https://x.com/i/web/status/1852715174450393449

Seems odd, maybe Sandin is more banged up then thought? Or do they wanna sub out McIlrath...? I just can't see the later, they seem to love him.

I think they want an extra defenseman just in case.

BTW, it's interesting but not surprising that they called up Iorio and not Bear.

 

[Holtbyisms]

I'd say Sandin is probably banged up a little even though he came back. Be surprised if they called Vinny up to sit him but maybe. TVR can play his off side if need be. Iorio has never looked comfortable on his off side in Hershey. When Ness went down they put Vinny on his off side with Mac and it was a trainwreck.

 

[Empty Goal Net]

The Caps play CBJ at home tonight and at the Canes tomorrow night (oddly enough, both games are at 5pm). D pairings may get interesting. Bears are home both nights but with Sunday's game away it would more difficult to get someone here from Hershey.