Post-Game Talk: Devils and caps 7:00

[Skrudland2Lomakin]

I think a lot of people simply don't think Wilson is one of the team's best 12 forwards at the moment, and thus react with frustration that he's apparently somehow immune from being scratched while guys like Vrana, Burakovsky, Conolly, Sanford, and Winnik get themselves sent to the press box.

I think these people don't understand that all of these players fulfill different roles that a hockey team needs and that it's very likely that the coaching staff makes the call on who is dressing not on who is the best 12 players, but who matches up/is needed for their opponent. Obviously, with the exception of Winnik, all of the aforementioned players fill in a much different role than Wilson. It's sort of an apples and oranges thing to say that Vrana is not playing because Tom Wilson is, a Wilson isn't taking a roster spot from a Vrana.

 

[troyerlaw]

The point of utilizing the heavy game to establish a cycle is to generate shot attempts, and those three players are some of the worst on the team at generating shots. To say they're doing just fine at cycling is probably false.

Interesting game to try to advance that theory during. They have been our best line by far, and have dominated just about every shift

 

[twabby]

I think these people don't understand that all of these players fulfill different roles that a hockey team needs and that it's very likely that the coaching staff makes the call on who is dressing not on who is the best 12 players but who matches up/is needed for their opponent. Obviously, with the exception of Winnik, all of the aforementioned players fill in a much different role than Wilson. It's sort of an apples and oranges thing to say that Vrana is not playing because Tom Wilson is, a Wilson isn't taking a roster spot from a Vrana.

Fitting players to roles led to enforcers having a role when they are clearly useless. Just play the best players.

 

[Dr John Carlson]

Interesting game to try to advance that theory during. They have been our best line by far, and have dominated just about every shift

Sample size.

 

[Ovechkins Wodka]

At least we get a loser point

 

[AtNightWeFly]

They're going to overtime vs Taylor Hall-less Devils. Keep hope alive for point #2!

 

[Ovechkins Wodka]

Fitting players to roles led to enforcers having a role when they are clearly useless. Just play the best players.

I agree, what goon is getting ice time on the recent cup winners?

 

[twabby]

Seriously look at Pittsburgh. They dressed their best 12 forwards and sorted things like PKing and grit out later. Hell Sam Gagner and Scott Hartnell are current 4th liners in Columbus.

 

[Night Shift]

Pen fan coming in peace. Stopped by to ask if anyone is seeing this game on nbcsn? I wanted to watch this game but nbcsn on my cable has been showing all priemer soccer shows since 7:00. Anyone else having issues?

 

[Hivemind]

I think these people don't understand that all of these players fulfill different roles that a hockey team needs and that it's very likely that the coaching staff makes the call on who is dressing not on who is the best 12 players but who matches up/is needed for their opponent. Obviously, with the exception of Winnik, all of the aforementioned players fill in a much different role than Wilson. It's sort of an apples and oranges thing to say that Vrana is not playing because Tom Wilson is, a Wilson isn't taking a roster spot from a Vrana.

Hockey rosters don't have to be paint-by-numbers with X amount of checking forwards and Y amount of scoring forwards. This roster has operated with one fewer grinder/PKing forwards during the games in which Winnik has been scratched. Heck, Connolly and Sanford can also be tasked with a grinding bottom six role that Wilson fills.

More to the point, nobody is saying that Vrana is sitting directly because of Wilson, more lamenting than Wilson is currently a rather one-dimensional player who may not be earning his roster spot currently. This is doubly true when Winnik comes out and outplays him.

 

[troyerlaw]

At least we get a loser point

Didn't think before the game i'd feel relieved about earning one. But i definitely do.

Turned into a gritty, hard-fought game. At least Caps didn't phone this one in. Their lack of scoring wasn't from lack of effort.

 

[troyerlaw]

Yikes. Why kuz in OT? And to start it?? Horrible at FOs

 

[troyerlaw]

Bura please. Flying tonight

 

[g00n]

Canada taking Latvia apart 8-0 in WJC if anyone wants to see some scoring

 

[Hivemind]

Even Kuznetsov is better along the boards than Ovechkin. *sigh*

 

[troyerlaw]

Strong move to the net by moore

 

[Ovechkins Wodka]

Can't win a faceoff

 

[Ovechkins Wodka]

#2 don't do that again

 

[troyerlaw]

nisky was outta gas

 

[aonb]

most brutal shift from niskanen i have ever seen

 

[Hivemind]

Ugh, Nisky that was turrible

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

Damn Burt....so close, great move.

 

[Ovechkins Wodka]

Bura with a nice rush

 

[aonb]

oshie, bura, backstrom

please

 

[Ovechkins Wodka]

Thought Kuz was gonna win it