Post-Game Talk: Caps vs Panthers 5:00 PM EST

[maacoshark]

And so are we, with a big chunk of our roster missing!

Agreed. I'm impressed how well this team is playing with so many guys out.

 

[Firsov99]

He isn't perfect but he is playing decent and I think he is improving on the fundamentals and positioning. I have been noticing that he doesn't go down as early or often as Vanecek does. He is clearly ahead of VV right now.

Yes, he has gotten better. He is undeniably better than VV (especially athletically). But I just can’t shake off the feeling that he is too busy in the net. His movement isn’t ergonomic. And he is not a rookie anymore. And we play so well now despite being down so many players. It feels like we can shift into another gear when we get healthier. I would just hate for everything to go to waste if Sam (or VV) doesn’t become a rock before the playoffs.

 

[Firsov99]

And so are we, with a big chunk of our roster missing!

Yes, no doubt. Should be a great game.

 

[txpd]

Carolina will be a huge test. This team is for real.

With this pre season split squad lineup no game is a big test for this team.

 

[SherVaughn30]

Are we still hating on the goaltending or can we call it good now?

I like our team

The 3 Panthers goals were a 2 on 0 breakaway, and two snipes stick-side top corner. Sammy still came up with some key saves when the Caps were holding onto 1 goal leads. Remember, the Panthers are a high powered scoring team just like the Caps. Special Teams was the difference today with the Shorty and PP goal. Going back to Sammy, as he gets more into a rhythm being the #1, where he fine tunes his game, he will make even the spectacular saves on those Panther goals. Save % can be misleading sometimes of the goalie, considering we are #2 ranked in Shots Allowed.

 

[txpd]

McMichael.

 

[John Price]

 

[tycoonheart]

Holy cow Kuzy with 25 mins TOI today.

 

[Firsov99]

With this pre season split squad lineup no game is a big test for this team.

The sky is the limit?

We haven’t played anyone as good as Carolina this season. I am looking forward to this game.

 

[txpd]

The 3 Panthers goals were a 2 on 0 breakaway, and two snipes stick-side top corner. Sammy still came up with some key saves when the Caps were holding onto 1 goal leads. Remember, the Panthers are a high powered scoring team just like the Caps. Special Teams was the difference today with the Shorty and PP goal. Going back to Sammy, as he gets more into a rhythm being the #1, where he fine tunes his game, he will make even the spectacular saves on those Panther goals. Save % can be misleading sometimes of the goalie, considering we are #2 ranked in Shots Allowed.

A yes. Excuses. Reasons. Sv% .864. Were that Vanecek you have buried the guy. Those snipes would have been clean beats with no screens. But ok. I am good with Sammy. I was just checking.

 

[txpd]

The sky is the limit?

We haven’t played anyone as good as Carolina this season. I am looking forward to this game.

I am looking forward to the game too. I just dont think losing with this lineup says much

 

[Firsov99]

By the way, giving Kuzy some PK time is a fantastic decision by Lavi.

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

McMichael.

5v5 something something expected something….

Sammy held the fort there when it mattered.

I’d give him the next start for sure. Let’s see if he can solidify his hold on the #1….fingers crossed.

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

By the way, giving Kuzy some PK time is a fantastic decision by Lavi.

rewarding that hard work.

 

[maacoshark]

Yes, he has gotten better. He is undeniably better than VV (especially athletically). But I just can’t shake off the feeling that he is too busy in the net. His movement isn’t ergonomic. And he is not a rookie anymore. And we play so well now despite being down so many players. It feels like we can shift into another gear when we get healthier. I would just hate for everything to go to waste if Sam (or VV) doesn’t become a rock before the playoffs.

He is too busy in the net. But I've seen improvement the past few games.
I think he needs more games. He should be getting starts in 2 of 3 games unless VV starts to outplay him.

 

[Firsov99]

I am looking forward to the game too. I just dont think losing with this lineup says much

Of course it won’t be the end of the world if we lose now. But our star players will get tested nevertheless. This game might have a bit of a playoffs vibe.

 

[Baszie]

Hags with almost 18 minutes on the ice. He’s effectively a … second line player.

 

[Firsov99]

rewarding that hard work.

And he is paying back with passes, like the one on the PK tonight.

 

[Holtbyisms]

Let's not forget Vitek has 450 GP on his career regular season ledger while Sammy has 226 GP across all leagues. Sammy has never in his career been the #1 guy. I think with more games and some trust that he's the guy he's only going to get better.

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

Hags with almost 18 minutes on the ice. He’s effectively a … second line player.

oh no you didn’t!!

 

[SherVaughn30]

Yes, he has gotten better. He is undeniably better than VV (especially athletically). But I just can’t shake off the feeling that he is too busy in the net. His movement isn’t ergonomic. And he is not a rookie anymore. And we play so well now despite being down so many players. It feels like we can shift into another gear when we get healthier. I would just hate for everything to go to waste if Sam (or VV) doesn’t become a rock before the playoffs.

Sammy can become a rock, Vitek not so much.

 

[Firsov99]

He is too busy in the net. But I've seen improvement the past few games.
I think he needs more games. He should be getting starts in 2 of 3 games unless VV starts to outplay him.

We need a longer sample of his consistent play. And he has to play the puck behind the net more actively. Gotta help your D. He still has time to get better, but it’s not like we can wait a couple more seasons for him to improve.

 

[hb12xchamps]

Joking or not, I think Brunette is eating his words about Ovechkin being the 2nd best goal scorer of all time.

 

[Firsov99]

Sammy can become a rock, Vitek not so much.

Yes, Sam has a better chance.

 

[TheLegendOfPatPeake]

Hags with almost 18 minutes on the ice. He’s effectively a … second line player.

Except he doesn’t do much during those 18 minutes.