The Power Play Shots Against number is astonishing in comparison to all other teams (I may be glossing over a team or two that played multiple goalies).
Bob was good, bordering on exceptional, 5x5. The PP, not just in terms of 9 PPGA, but in terms of the inordinate number of shots (and thus pressure) that you typically would presume are from higher danger areas than when 5x5, suggest something quite amiss with the PK.
And not to pile on, but the CBJ power play made Holtby's stats when the Caps were shorthanded look stellar.
I don't think it's so much that Holtby outplayed Bob - it's that the Caps' special teams outclassed CBJ's special teams by a large margin, at least after game 2. That wasn't just due to a goalie change- 0 for 17 on the last 17 PP opportunities, with only 19 SOG in those 17 PP, is nothing but abysmal.
Was at a few of the games, on vacation for the last 3, so was not posting during games.
Had expected a strong showing but a loss going in...the malaise I feel about the series is (I hope) primarily because we were up 2-0 with many opportunities in both OT's to take game 3. So close, yet so far... Do they need to improve - ABSOLUTELY. But am encouraged by 5x5 play, and by PLD not just in regular season, he was battling to the end in game 6 (not just the skirmish). The backend will be better when Z is healthy (he'd better be). We need some more firepower up front. PLD will provide a little more. Cam will be better. Dubinsky won't be getting much ice time. Foligno best get his act in gear. May need a trade for upfront stud, but not sure we have enough assets to bring one. Hate to surrender D, but not feeling that would be enough. Think you've got to keep Bob, but I now see the allure of trading him and a D for a stud up front. I have nothing negative to say about Bob, and I do not think Korpi is near ready, but the need up front is that apparent and there just doesn't appear to be anyone on the cusp (other than PLD) of breaking through. Keep Bob, but then need an FA signing bad...Tavares, as much as a longshot as that may be, we have the perfect winger for you.
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