Game 80 CBJ again. Redemption & pride vs Desperation & Scrappy

Yes that's the pro sport, pro athlete attitude!

That's what Stanley Cup Champions are made of.

Meanwhile the Leafs 8-1-1 Jets 7-3-0 and Vegas 7-2-1 and all of them in the same position with NOTHING to play for.
Jets/Vegas you are correct, but Leafs have something to play for which is winning the Atlantic Division.
 
It's a slump is what it is. The team went through the whole season without one, and essentially saved it for now. Which isn't ideal what so ever since the playoffs are about to start. I hope they figure out a way to start playing the way they used to. Some of this will probably leak into the playoffs as well. Let's see how they handle the next 2 games. If they show up looking the same, we are probably in trouble.
 
Leonard has been really underwhelming
Not to me, as I expected this. Some ppl here were over inflating his tires! Don't get me wrong, Leonard will be a good player for us in due time, but let him have an offseason to work on things that most young players should be working on in the offseason. IT MIGHT DO HIM SOME GOOD TO PLAY FOR HERSHEY, then to completely rush him from collegiate to the NHL! Leonard playing now for the Caps is a bit of a PR hype to the fans.
 
It's a slump is what it is. The team went through the whole season without one, and essentially saved it for now. Which isn't ideal what so ever since the playoffs are about to start. I hope they figure out a way to start playing the way they used to. Some of this will probably leak into the playoffs as well. Let's see how they handle the next 2 games. If they show up looking the same, we are probably in trouble.
There is a very simple saying in sports/life, "When things aren't going right, you simplify and get back to the basics!" The Caps need to stop thinking they are a good team, and start thinking they are a team that needs to work harder than anyone else, and prove they can be a good team again! This team has become very complacent! Right now they aren't even better than the Sharks, who are the worst team in the league!
 
These games really don’t bother me. They got up for canes and won. Who gives a shit about CBJ. We are resting a lot of guys. I expect a full lineup against Pens. Maybe Isles. I’m just not that worried. We’ll be ready. Carbs and team will be ready for game 83+.
 
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Maybe not but the "sky is falling" crowd is getting old when it's plain as day why they've not had their best. It's not like they all of a sudden suck it's 100% just playing out the string.
I think the bigger concern is the availability and ultimate form of key cogs like Thompson and Protas. Maybe the rest figure it out. It can't get a whole lot worse I guess (though I again skipped this one). But what should be expected from Thompson in particular if he's thrown back in there? The blueline and overall team defense needs to be way better in front of whoever is in net. I mean, just look at Kuemper and how he's doing back in Los Angeles now. Structure in front of a goaltender makes their life way easier. All year they've leaned on their Gs making high quality stops at the right time. They're not getting that in addition to...everything else.

At least they've given us reason not to expect much now rather than being overly invested in them finally putting the right foot forward and owning big moments when games really matter. We'll see obviously. Maybe they find their game again. Montreal is probably the most preferable match-up among the East's slate of playoff teams. But if they can't find a way there...I'd definitely wonder how much progress has been made and what sort of answers they'd have.
 
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For the past week I've mentioned to hockey friends that this is becoming concerning.
They just pooh-poohed me. "They'll be fine...," blah, blah.

This is beyond becoming concerning.
When was the last time the Caps had a super reg season and faced the Habs in the playoffs? :eek3:
 
What are talking about? Habs will be highly motivated and want to beat the Caps badly! Habs control their own playoff destiny. They host the Hawks and Canes for their final 2 games. All they have to do is win 1 of their games in any manner, and then they are in to play us!

What am I talking about? Maybe take a look at their message board, they have a 16 page game thread for the Caps vs Jackets.
 
I don't really care about the wins/losses at this point, but the D has been apocalyptic.

Can't win anything giving up 4 goals/game.

Thompson injury isn't an excuse either, they were giving up bunches of goals before he went down.
 
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I don't really care about the wins/losses at this point, but the D has been apocalyptic.

Can't win anything giving up 4 goals/game.

Thompson injury isn't an excuse either, they were giving up bunches of goals before he went down.
In my view this happens when you are cheating the game too much to score goals. Goaltending/Team Defense are a big part of playoff hockey. Caps are not doing proper X's n O's protecting their house so to speak.
 
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Call me when the playoffs start because I’m not watching this crap anymore. Just stupid sloppy crap, I can’t remember the last time someone other than Ovie scoring. The D look like sad, pp is pathetic, and the suck train is picking up momentum.

At least Charlie looked ok, but still another sub 90% night mainly due to the team infront of him.
 
Call me when the playoffs start because I’m not watching this crap anymore. Just stupid sloppy crap, I can’t remember the last time someone other than Ovie scoring. The D look like sad, pp is pathetic, and the suck train is picking up momentum.

At least Charlie looked ok, but still another sub 90% night mainly due to the team infront of him.
Even for Lindgren, not good enough. He has not been the same goalie as last season, which might say that was his peak performance year, and any ensuing years he won't do as well. There is a big difference between an .894 as opposed to a .910 SV%. Lindgren is a backup/platoon goalie and not a regular #1 goalie. LT has shown to be a #1 goalie, as his win% is far greater. Looking at both goalies careers so far, LT has been the far better consistent goalie in the numbers he has put out. Also, it's reflective in their new salary hits as well.
 
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Count me in as one who is worried that they can just "flip the switch" in a week.

Again, today, not a lot of positives.

And, they're missing their best player (yes, I said it!)

Hope I'm wrong, 'cause a first-round exit would suck.
 
In my view this happens when you are cheating the game too much to score goals. Goaltending/Team Defense are a big part of playoff hockey. Caps are not doing proper X's n O's protecting their house so to speak.
I thought the same thing when the pass was made to Wilson in our own slot area and he fumbled it Fantilli. I don't get that pass unless there's no opposition around. Seems very risky come playoff time.
 
I think the bigger concern is the availability and ultimate form of key cogs like Thompson and Protas. Maybe the rest figure it out. It can't get a whole lot worse I guess (though I again skipped this one). But what should be expected from Thompson in particular if he's thrown back in there? The blueline and overall team defense needs to be way better in front of whoever is in net. I mean, just look at Kuemper and how he's doing back in Los Angeles now. Structure in front of a goaltender makes their life way easier. All year they've leaned on their Gs making high quality stops at the right time. They're not getting that in addition to...everything else.

At least they've given us reason not to expect much now rather than being overly invested in them finally putting the right foot forward and owning big moments when games really matter. We'll see obviously. Maybe they find their game again. Montreal is probably the most preferable match-up among the East's slate of playoff teams. But if they can't find a way there...I'd definitely wonder how much progress has been made and what sort of answers they'd have.

That is my concern. They are huge contributors to the 50th season and extremely key players for the playoffs.
 
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