Silky mitts
It’s yours boys and girls and babes let’s go!
- Mar 9, 2004
- 4,688
- 3,701
My conclusion from these numbers are the Caps are super fun
Teams also seem to be taking advantage at times of Orpik's poor puck movement. Overall, though, what stands out to me is the energy levels and lack of focus or execution when it comes to clean exits and getting in on the forecheck. They're back to similar levels of looseness compared to their pre-Kempy play last season. They were cleaner against Boston but since then their exits and sharpness in getting the puck back has been pretty poor by their standards. It doesn't help that both Eller and Burakovsky have done nothing much so far. They seem to be very reliant on Kuznetsov's brilliance 5-on-5 and then killing teams on the PP. That's their easiest route to success but also needs to be coupled with adequate team defense. That aspect of their identity is very much a work in progress and mostly seems to be the fault of the blueliners being a bit ragged.Meh - it's early. But it does look like (i) opponents are taking advantage of Djoos (ii) our PK is not where it needs to be (iii) the 5-man unit team D and transition play we saw against Boston was the exception rather than the rule so for
Burakovsky for Saad?Burakovsky is allergic to winning any sort of puck battles and has no idea how to use his best asset which is his shot. I don't think you should keep both him and Connolly both in the line-up long-term, and Burakovsky is the more ideal trade target for most teams, i'd assume.
Burakovsky for Saad?
Burakovsky for Saad?
His last 2 headshots were not accidental. I think the ZAR one was def overblown, but the one on the Blues player was not overblown.
He knows what he did was wrong. He will change. I also still think this suspension will get reduced dramatically. To like 12 games.
I figured it'd be a good option, only have 2 years left even if we only kept him for those 2 years, the cap would maybe be hard to manage thoughI don't think Saad is an option as Capitals already have 5 forwards at +5m AAV and 3 of those are wingers.
I figured it'd be a good option, only have 2 years left even if we only kept him for those 2 years, the cap would maybe be hard to manage though
I cut that line some slack, though, since they're so heavily relied upon defensively. I do think Backstrom needs to be more of the straw that stirs the drink but Eller also needs to become more of the possession stud he has been previously. Eller's linemates have certainly been a problem at times but on whole their possession numbers are also pretty bad. Only Djoos & Vrana have adjusted Corsi percentages north of 50. Given usage, I'd probably try Stephenson on the second line once Wilson returns and then maybe put Vrana on the third line so as to maximize match-ups or manufacture a depth advantage. Not sure they'll be able to get it otherwise. Still, finding their game more or less revolves around their centers and defense playing at high levels from top to bottom and then the depth wings converting. The C/D performance overall reflects just poor their system play has been lately. Not nearly tight enough.It's not just Burakovsky laying an egg. @Langway is on the money, the team is far too reliant on Kuzetsov and the powerplay to generate offense. The only even-strength goal that 13-19-77 has scored in the past three games was Oshie's empty netter against Vegas. That line has cooled off dramatically since the first two games of the season. Vrana is at least still contributing shots on goal, so hopefully he breaks through soon.
Sitting down? ..... I think they were all accidental!
An elbow to a jaw, is not accidental. Think Bourque on Backstrom. A guy lowering his shoulder into an opponent.... the head is just there, as its hockey played in a gridiron - no where to hide. Incidental head contact. Tom does not come across as a dirty player, he just hits too hard, and too willingly.
No pun intended, ha.
The real problem is - he is a tank and thus the force he is generating before hits; short of charging, there aren't any rules for that. It's just simply frowned upon as the NHL and society comes to grips with head injuries and what to do about it.
Burt's trade value is definitely not at an all time high, so I don't particularly feel a need to rush and sell low on him. I know many are frustrated and want to cut bait, but barring any significant changes to the team or its record, I'd be patient and see if he can finally turn a corner sometime between now and the end of the season. I don't think the type of return that the Caps would get for Burakovsky now justifies shipping him off.
Whereas another "lost" season by him will raise his value? It is what it is.....
He plays better, his probably wont get dealt, as the team will stick by its draftee. If he doesnt play better, then he assuredly will have even less value now.
I'd deal him now, if you get an offer you think makes sense. Team has a few viable W's now in the system in Hershey, so its not like they cant plug in someone else....someone else that can also get no points and no shots. Shouldn't be too hard to emulate those stats....
That more likely means that he doesn't even get a qualifying offer from the Caps, IMO.
Better than paying a 25 pt winger $3.25M (if that what he puts up)And lose him for nothing.
Ovi and Willy would have made great brawlers in the 1970s NHL!The rat definitely tagged him proper 2 times, maybe 3. The ****ing rat strikes again - it sure is easy to hate that guy. Injuring another player is ok with the DOPES if it's seeking revenge for celebrating. Why can't anyone nail that little face licking weasel proper?
We need to make sure Willy doesn't get suspended for the year going after him next game - I think its becoming clear we need more toughness. Seeing Ovi jumped / dropping the gloves was all I needed to see.
If I was playing the caps, I would be going after our best players. What do they have to lose?
Ovi and Willy would have made great brawlers in the 1970s NHL!