GDT: Return to Play thread (Discuss Capitals games, lineups, who you want in round 2)

[txpd]

For all the anxiety about the D, the Caps are tops in shots against per game in the "playoffs" so far. I'm probably more worried about our offensive structure; we can manage an opposition forecheck if our guys can bring one of our own.

The Caps totally controlled the Flyers in the second period. Flyers went more than half the period without a shot including a couple of power play chances. Keep Kuzy's head in the game and they are fine.

Offensively, the trade in offense from Carlson to Gudas is ridiculous. Kuzy being uninterested and Eller being at home for the baby, I am not sure what more to expect. Especially after you add 6 penalty kills in on top of all that.

Defensively they are strong right now but lets be honest, Kempny and Gudas as the second pair and pair expect to provide the offense is kind of crippling. If Carlson cant play i would expect Jensen to be moved up. At least he can skate enough to create some offensive pressure

 

[Ovechkins Wodka]

He's left handed

Crap! When did RHD become so hard to come by

 

[Ovechkins Wodka]

Hedman and Carlson hurt changes everything

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

All this PP we-are-doomed-w/o-John is unreal. As if we weren't already below zero in PP with him as a part of it.

doomed without Carlson is about 10% PP and 90% everything else he does.

 

[AussieCapsFan]

I want Carolina. Last year we were tired. This year we destroy them.

You're crazy. The Canes are better than they were last year, and the Caps - as things stand right now - are worse.
We have a better chance of beating the Isles

 

[McVechkin]

You're crazy. The Canes are better than they were last year, and the Caps - as things stand right now - are worse.
We have a better chance of beating the Isles

ya. And I don’t buy the tired excuse either.

 

[McVechkin]

What is the latest with Carlsons injury? Any chance he played tomorrow?

 

[SherVaughn30]

9 AM for me, hockey for breakfast!

Same for me.

 

[hockeykicker]

What is the latest with Carlsons injury? Any chance he played tomorrow?

i see no reason to play him tomorrow. but thats just me

 

[HecticGlow]

If we play NYI, it’s a Trotz v Reirden narrative.
If it’s Carolina, it’s a rematch of last year’s first round.

In either case, the Caps would be the underdogs in my books. Carolina are a strong team, and never count out Trotz.

 

[Melkor]

The Caps even without Carlson should easily beat the Isles. From how they looked during the season to what you see on paper, they basically have nothing on the Caps. Carolina on the other hand is a terrible matchup. If the team is smart they will avoid Canes as long as possible at all cost.

 

[txpd]

doomed without Carlson is about 10% PP and 90% everything else he does.

Didnt you know? Carlson isnt that good.

 

[txpd]

i see no reason to play him tomorrow. but thats just me

Lots of reasons for him to play.

 

[twabby]

 

[crab]

Wonderful. No injuries all year and then the playoffs start and the #1D and #1C are injured

 

[Ovechkins Wodka]

Wonderful. No injuries all year and then the playoffs start and the #1D and #1C are injures

Sitting on the couch 4 months and starting the playoffs is hard

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

Sitting on the couch 4 months and starting the playoffs is hard

if you’re lazy...

 

[kicksavedave]

Sitting on the couch 4 months and starting the playoffs is hard

if you’re lazy...

It was pretty easy for me