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

[Ridley Simon]

the $1 a month was a game changer for me, i seriously recommend

Didn’t know it existed. Where is it, home page?

 

[Ridley Simon]

I not sure I would bring in the highest paid player in the league. It failed poorly with Jagr and would not want that on our young players. Leonard is going to be our big add very soon. Maybe in days if his season ends

I’ve thought about it, and I think you’re right. It could upset the applecart.

I’d love an 8m forward, and an 8m d-man. One of each. Forward replaces Pacioretty, and the defensemen would arguably replace Jensen or TVR.

Obviously you cannot say the team would be “set” or anything silly like that. But they would be a fun, fast, exciting/winning team. Who could do a little damage.

If they play their cards right, that could be as soon as next year.

Dare we say that GMBM may have threaded that proverbial “needle” that we were all talking about, with this retool on the fly?

I’m not 100% sold yet, but it’s sure looking good!

 

[Midnight Judges]

According to money puck, the Capitals now have a 66% chance of making the playoffs.

The Penguins have a 1.3% chance of making the playoffs.

 

[RedRocking]

Dylan Strome now has more goals than Alex DeBrincat, and the same number as Jason Robertson.

All for the low, low price of 5M. And he cost us nothing to acquire. BMac’s pro scouting doing serious work.

 

[Pigskin]

Didn’t know it existed. Where is it, home page?

there is a post about how to do it somewhere ... can't remember, but no popups, no ads as soon as you login

mine must be just about due, didn't know about it for many years

won't be hesitating again

Edit: Click on your profile, its under "Account Upgrades"

 

[Langway]

Turns out it's very good not having a sub-replacement loafer "freelancing" at center ice.

 

[trick9]

Turns out it's very good not having a sub-replacement loafer "freelancing" at center ice.

13-6-1 record in the last 20 games.

Translates to ~53-25-4 record and 110 points through 82 games.

And this was the tough part of our schedule.

 

[Acallabeth]

Yeah, I think this year's Caps are one of the most obvious examples of 'fat cat vs hungry newcomer' contradistinction.

 

[max21]

According to money puck, the Capitals now have a 66% chance of making the playoffs.

The Penguins have a 1.3% chance of making the playoffs.

Haha what a bunch of losers!

 

[Misery74]

They really need to do a better job getting the third line out there.

Do we know how long Milano will be out?

 

[AlexBrovechkin8]

They really need to do a better job getting the third line out there.

Do we know how long Milano will be out?

He was practicing yesterday and was a game time decision last night so probably not long. Fingers crossed.

 

[Ridley Simon]

“they really miss Milano”

Something I thought I’d say, never?

But they do. He hands and skill (and speed) are very complimentary to the rest of the team.

He and Wilson coming back makes this team pretty complete, forwards wise (sitting Sgarbossa and NAK).

Just keep the minutes drain, HJ45, out of the lineup (11F & 7D if so).

 

[AlexBrovechkin8]

Have been really impressed with Malenstyn. He’s like a hybrid Hagelin/Chimera though I don’t think he’ll ever sniff Chimera’s offensive production. He’s really, really good at protecting the pucks along the boards, especially below the hashmarks, to help keep the cycle going and grind down opposing teams. Throws the body but isn’t reckless, unafraid to block shots, isn’t a liability with the puck… he’s a keeper.

Also, appreciation post for John Carlson. I know he’s been a lightning rod for criticism for some of his postseason performances and he’s prone to inexplicable brain farts but he’s a pillar of strength and stability for this team and I think if anything he’s underrated at this point in his career.

Did not expect Lapierre to look this good this early. More so than other players he seems like a guy that lives and dies with confidence and Carberry has done a remarkable job with him this season.

Alexeyev looks much improved… just want to see him shoot more.

Will be fun to see them at full strength. I’d go with these lines and see what happens. This team is fun, hungry, and competitive again, which really is all you can ask for.

Ovi-CMM-Osh
Milano-Strome-Miro
Patches-Lappy-Wilson
Malenstyn-Dowd-Pro

 

[Silky mitts]

Lapierre has drawn interference calls in 3 straight, 4 of the last 7, and 5 penalties in the last 10 games. Hockey IQ is out of control.

 

[Langway]

Just saying: BC's season ends on 4/13 at the latest. The Caps close out the regular season with b2bs on the 15th/16th.

Patches has been alright but, I mean, if nothing else having Leonard around as insurance may be worthwhile. You wonder if NYR won't also think along those lines with Perreault.

 

[twabby]

Will be fun to see them at full strength. I’d go with these lines and see what happens. This team is fun, hungry, and competitive again, which really is all you can ask for.

Ovi-CMM-Osh
Milano-Strome-Miro
Patches-Lappy-Wilson
Malenstyn-Dowd-Pro

I think Protas has been far too good of a playmaker to put on the 4th line. Washington's biggest weakness is a lack of playmakers up front but Protas is one of the few consistently setting up chances for others. More skilled forwards need to be on the receiving end of his passes.

I know I will be skewered for this by the masses, but I think if everyone is healthy they have to drop Wilson to the 4th line. He doesn't bring enough to the table offensively at this point to justify a top 9 spot.

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

Wilson to the 4th line to solidify your criticism of his resigning…..hard pass Dr Evil.


No skewering needed, it’s just not a realistic deployment for him.

 

[AlexBrovechkin8]

I think Protas has been far too good of a playmaker to put on the 4th line. Washington's biggest weakness is a lack of playmakers up front but Protas is one of the few consistently setting up chances for others. More skilled forwards need to be on the receiving end of his passes.

I know I will be skewered for this by the masses, but I think if everyone is healthy they have to drop Wilson to the 4th line. He doesn't bring enough to the table offensively at this point to justify a top 9 spot.

I think the most likely scenario is Wilson goes top six, Miro is scratched, and Pro goes middle six.

Agree re: Protas — he’s been outstanding — but I don’t really think that’s a traditional 4th line in terms of TOI, plus Carberry is willing to shuffle lines and guys once the game gets going to make sure the right guys get the most playing time. I was also trying to blend strengths and weaknesses and veterans/kids.

 

[um]

Wilson to the 4th line to solidify your criticism of his resigning…..hard pass Dr Evil.


No skewering needed, it’s just not a realistic deployment for him.

Agreed. Even Protas on the 4th line is overkill.

I'll be disappointed if Protas ends up a 4th line grinder.

 

[twabby]

I think the most likely scenario is Wilson goes top six, Miro is scratched, and Pro goes middle six.

Agree re: Protas — he’s been outstanding — but I don’t really think that’s a traditional 4th line in terms of TOI, plus Carberry is willing to shuffle lines and guys once the game gets going to make sure the right guys get the most playing time. I was also trying to blend strengths and weaknesses and veterans/kids.

I'd go:

Ovechkin-Strome-Protas
Milano-McMichael-Oshie
Pacioretty-Lapierre-Miroshnichenko
Malenstyn-Dowd-Wilson

I want Protas setting up Ovechkin and Strome and providing a decent defensive element to the top line. The second line has a couple of crafty players and a decent level of skill. The third line can be an insulated but fun option. And the fourth can get tough matchups and play more in lead protecting situations.

Again, on top of very poor underlying metrics Tom Wilson is ranked 227th out of 233 qualified forwards in terms of points/60 at 5v5. Doesn't exactly seem like top 9 production to me.

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

Agreed. Even Protas on the 4th line is overkill.

I'll be disappointed if Protas ends up a 4th line grinder.

Too many bodies right now with a healthy lineup. He can be impactful there still though, but yeah, don’t see him as a grinder, he can still be a playmaker there.

 

[um]

I'd go:

Ovechkin-Strome-Protas
Milano-McMichael-Oshie
Pacioretty-Lapierre-Miroshnichenko
Malenstyn-Dowd-Wilson

I want Protas setting up Ovechkin and Strome and providing a decent defensive element to the top line. The second line has a couple of crafty players and a decent level of skill. The third line can be an insulated but fun option. And the fourth can get tough matchups and play more in lead protecting situations.

Again, on top of very poor underlying metrics Tom Wilson is ranked 227th out of 233 qualified forwards in terms of points/60 at 5v5. Doesn't exactly seem like top 9 production to me.

Keep Ovechkin and Oshie together. For some reason it works.

 

[HTFN]

I'd go:

Ovechkin-Strome-Protas
Milano-McMichael-Oshie
Pacioretty-Lapierre-Miroshnichenko
Malenstyn-Dowd-Wilson

I want Protas setting up Ovechkin and Strome and providing a decent defensive element to the top line. The second line has a couple of crafty players and a decent level of skill. The third line can be an insulated but fun option. And the fourth can get tough matchups and play more in lead protecting situations.

Again, on top of very poor underlying metrics Tom Wilson is ranked 227th out of 233 qualified forwards in terms of points/60 at 5v5. Doesn't exactly seem like top 9 production to me.

Counter:

Ovechkin-Strome-Wilson, which we know works pretty reliably
Milano-Lapierre-Protas, the Jimi/Protas thing also seems to work on offense and defense
Pacioretty-McMichael-Oshie, CMM and Oshie have some time together and do okay
Malenstyn-Dowd-Miroshnichenko, if Wilson is really a boat anchor don't let him sink a good 4th line, Miro can throw the body and the line is still pretty skilled, he'll do fine there for now.

 

[pman25]

Wilson has played the 4th line before this season and Carbery mentioned it was to get some more balanced matchups. I got no issues with it, he’ll still get his fair share on the PP or shorthanded

They will sit Miro in close games and double shift Wilson anyway, so it all works out even if it looks a little weird on paper.

 

[stephenball]

I’m not a Wilson hater, but I actually agree that he slots well with our “fourth” line.