Post-Game Talk: Game: 1 Caps vs. Leafs

[Lindemann]

Glad we won but if we play like that consistently, we won't go far at all

 

[442]

#43 with the GWG for 443

Never a doubt

 

[hockeykicker]

stole this from sam spade on the main board

 

[bags92]

All things considered I thought 27 was ok. Was his usual no-show offensively and in transition but did a reasonable job in his own zone. I guess I'd give it one more game but just looking at the TOI allocation I'd consider removing Orpik if he struggles again. His minutes were already cut quite a bit tonight.

Orlov: 25:22
Niskanen: 24:36
Shattenkirk: 22:00
Carlson: 19:27
Alzner: 18:52
Orpik: 16:38

I thought the top 3 were all outstanding tonight. You get what you get with Alzner and I'm totally okay with that. Carlson looked slugish but I'm hoping that was just some rust from missing the last four of the regular season. Again, the idea of throwing in Schmidt for Orpik to keep up with the Leafs speed is intriguing to me.

 

[hockeykicker]

Glad we won but if we play like that consistently, we won't go far at all

imo i really think they thought this was gonna be easy cakewalk. think they will play differently saturday

 

[Bourdon]

I thought Backstrom was Backstrom. Oshie, too. Ovechkin was a burden on that line.

I put the start on Trotz.

Something I've noticed all season is that Ovy doesn't have that same half step any more, which makes him ineffective on his off wing, at least on even strength. I think Kuz's speed will make defenders back off, which allows Ovy to be more effective, but moving forward, he'll need to make a change to RW to remain effective even strength.

Still hate Oates though.

 

[Ajax1995]

I really hope we see 19 and 92 flipped soon. Those combo's were dynamic before and I just have never once liked the 8 - 19 - 77 line. I get they want to have a "power" line but its just not a good mesh of skills.

Backstrom and Oshie had great seasons and compliment each other very well IMO. I wouldn't want to split them up. Obviously Ovechkin didn't have a great season but I'm really not sure how much more can really be expected of him at this point in time. Some sure but realistically I don't ever see him being all that more productive regardless of who he is playing with.

 

[hb12xchamps]

Man the main board is terrible. Definitely staying out of that mess and letting other fan bases call the Leafs fans a bunch of whiners

 

[twabby]

I thought the top 3 were all outstanding tonight. You get what you get with Alzner and I'm totally okay with that. Carlson looked slugish but I'm hoping that was just some rust from missing the last four of the regular season. Again, the idea of throwing in Schmidt for Orpik to keep up with the Leafs speed is intriguing to me.

Carlson must still be injured IMO and one more poor game from him should lead to a scratch. Players tend to look lazy and sluggish when they are injured. He's a high ceiling player but right now he's simply ineffective.

 

[txpd]

No joy in mudville tonight I guess. You all seem so unhappy.

 

[bags92]

No joy in mudville tonight I guess. You all seem so unhappy.

I am on cloud 9

 

[Langway]

Man, the turn around on Orlov from Trotz is incredible. This time last year he was lookin' to get sat for Chorney.

He had the lively legs going at times, too. I was curious if his skating or decision-making would hold him back at all and it didn't. That's big.

I'd also like to get Schmidt in but doubt they do it unless maybe they're open to resting Carlson or something. It's likely going to take an injury to get him in the lineup and that's a shame.

 

[bur and 666 others]

All things considered I thought 27 was ok. Was his usual no-show offensively and in transition but did a reasonable job in his own zone. I guess I'd give it one more game but just looking at the TOI allocation I'd consider removing Orpik if he struggles again. His minutes were already cut quite a bit tonight.

Orlov: 25:22
Niskanen: 24:36
Shattenkirk: 22:00
Carlson: 19:27
Alzner: 18:52
Orpik: 16:38

wow, how far Alzner and Carlson have fallen. it was not long time ago they were our best d-men who didn't unlock their potential yet on other hand, good for orlov improving and sticking to his game

 

[Ajax1995]

No joy in mudville tonight I guess. You all seem so unhappy.

Yeah if you didn't know any better you'd have to assume the Caps lost...

 

[Ajax1995]

I'm going to give the Caps credit for coming back and winning that game. Yes I know going down 2-0 is considered inexcusable by many around here but it is hockey and it happens. They didn't panic, showed a lot of composure, and came back and pulled it out. Sure I would have preferred a better start but they were able to overcome it and get the win. Given that this team never seems to start well after a layoff I'll take it.

 

[txpd]

I watching the game at a bww with no sound. They seemed to come out disjointed. They have up awkward looking goals and then they shut them down. I didn't expect the caps A game after layoff. They won. 15 more to go.
Division winners Montreal lost. Edmonton lost. Chicago lost. The Caps won. Next please

 

[Fallschirmyager]

No joy in mudville tonight I guess. You all seem so unhappy.

What's to be happy about? We eked out a win after spotting the team we should dominate 2 goals. I don't see that as great indicator that this team has learned anything from their history of playoff failure.

 

[artilector]

imo i really think they thought this was gonna be easy cakewalk. think they will play differently saturday

I don't think so. They've been through more than enough disappointments to not assume they'll beat anyone easily.

 

[txpd]

What's to be happy about? We eked out a win after spotting the team we should dominate 2 goals. I don't see that as great indicator that this team has learned anything from their history of playoff failure.

In playoffs what matters is win your game. They won. Chicago lost. So, what do you have to be happy about? A W. And the satisfaction of Tom Wilson ruining their day.

 

[Ovie's Neighbor]

Man the main board is terrible. Definitely staying out of that mess and letting other fan bases call the Leafs fans a bunch of whiners

Seriously. I hope we sweep them so we only have to deal with this for 3 more games. Man they are completely delusional.

 

[troyerlaw]

No joy in mudville tonight I guess. You all seem so unhappy.

Relief, yes; joy, no.

 

[troyerlaw]

Scary! I'm glad no one got hurt

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

What's to be happy about? We eked out a win after spotting the team we should dominate 2 goals. I don't see that as great indicator that this team has learned anything from their history of playoff failure.

Come on dude...talk about jaded fandom. A win in the playoffs is a win. They played poorly against a game opponent after a little layoff and WON. As the game wore on, they carried the play. PLENTY to be happy about tonight and feel positive about heading into game 2.

 

[artilector]

No joy in mudville tonight I guess. You all seem so unhappy.

The happiness police needs to work harder.

 

[Holtbyisms]

The tables were thrown, the chairs were caught and all throughout the land rejoiced.