Post-Game Talk: Caps @ desert dogs 10:00pm

[CapitalsCupReality]

Winnik career high 12th goal. Great pickup.

 

[troyerlaw]

Ovie treating himself to a 2-min shift

 

[Holtbyisms]

These types of games happen. No matter how terrible the Coyotes may be they're still a professional hockey team. I'll wait and see if they rebound against CBus before I make any judgement.

 

[EroCaps]

I said at the deadline they needed forward depth. They're counting on everyone staying healthy and/or Vrana making a difference---which he is not close to being ready for.

That said, as long as Kuznetsov shows up this year they'll be right there...

 

[Langway]

Bring up Vrana, then.

They're capped out so they're pretty well stuck with what they've got for the time being. Maybe Vrana gets a chance once the playoffs start if the third line remains a non-factor. I don't know. The middle six is going to be questionable regardless IMO.

I'd consider breaking up the fourth line to distribute their work ethic and grind throughout the lineup better but Trotz won't do it. He loves that trio too much.

 

[troyerlaw]

First team to allow 6 goals by desert dogs all year.

We're ... No. 1!

 

[peterthegreat12]

I said at the deadline they needed forward depth. They're counting on everyone staying healthy and/or Vrana making a difference---which he is not close to being ready for.

That said, as long as Kuznetsov shows up this year they'll be right there...

Kidding of course. GMGM was a bit pompous.

 

[twabby]

At this point I'd drop Connolly to 4 and promote Wilson to 3 or 2.

 

[ALLCAPSALLTHETIME]

37 shots for the Caps over the last two periods. Score effect, I know, but Domingue was the difference.

 

[OviTaughtMe]

I feel like we repeat that mantra too many times over the past 5 years or so....so close to the playoffs with things on the line and this kind of effort is simply discouraging, but not damning.

I have a hard time relating any of their past failures to effort level...

 

[peterthegreat12]

Do the last two games in anyway highlight the fact that the Caps have a hard time against fast teams?

 

[Corby78]

Worst game of the year? Probably? Go beat cbus and forget this happened

 

[ALLCAPSALLTHETIME]

Worst game of the year? Probably? Go beat cbus and forget this happened

Yep. Burn the game tape and bounce back making this game moot.

 

[troyerlaw]

Domingue was the difference.

And holtby.

 

[twabby]

Holtby was bad but let's not pretend the Coyotes weren't snipers tonight either. Sometimes everything goes your way, and sometimes they hit the post like Kuzy and Ovechkin did.

This doesn't excuse their poor effort, but I'm not quite worried about Holtby yet.

 

[troyerlaw]

At this point I'd drop Connolly to 4 and promote Wilson to 3 or 2.

I wouldnt touch 4th line.

I might shuffle around the middle 6, though.

 

[txpd]

At this point I'd drop Connolly to 4 and promote Wilson to 3 or 2.

Connolly is playing 4th line minutes already. Wilson is a good fit for Beagle and Winnik.

 

[troyerlaw]

Holtby was bad but let's not pretend the Coyotes weren't snipers tonight either. Sometimes everything goes your way, and sometimes they hit the post like Kuzy and Ovechkin did.

This doesn't excuse their poor effort, but I'm not quite worried about Holtby yet.

Holtby was bad, bad, bad. To quote Hunter.

As for you not worrying about 70 yet, you are obviously new to our Doom and Gloom Club. We have much to teach you. Welcome.

 

[twabby]

I wouldnt touch 4th line.

I might shuffle around the middle 6, though.

I agree the 4th line is playing great, but maybe as Langway mentioned they could spread some of their good habits throughout the lineup. Especially Winnik and Wilson. Beagle still looks a little off.

 

[troyerlaw]

Beagle still looks a little off.

He made a nice pass to Dvorak, though.

 

[txpd]

not sure I see the moves. you would put Burt with Beagle? Trotz uses Beagle for prime defensive assignments. Cant do that with Connolly and Burt

 

[twabby]

Honestly I'd consider:

8-92-77
90-19-65
26-20/83-14/43
10-20/83-14/43

I do realize that Trotz is dead set on 8-19-77 so I realize it will never happen, but the top 6 above was very good earlier in the year.

(I'd also consider giving Shattenkirk more minutes and paring down 27 and 74's minutes but again, I don't think Trotz will do this)

 

[vippe]

Man that was ugly, especially by Holtby. Better beat Lumbus next game and this can quickly be forgotten.

Honestly I'd consider:

8-92-77
90-19-65
26-20/83-14/43
10-20/83-14/43

I do realize that Trotz is dead set on 8-19-77 so I realize it will never happen, but the top 6 above was very good earlier in the year.

(I'd also consider giving Shattenkirk more minutes and paring down 27 and 74's minutes but again, I don't think Trotz will do this)

Backstrom and Oshie has been the best players on the team, not sure I would want to pry Bäckis away from Oshie.

 

[KoozNetsOff 92]

So we gave up 9 goals in 2 games to the 2 worst teams in the NHL? Excellent!

 

[troyerlaw]

Get a win under the cannon, and all is forgiven