GDT: Stanley cup champs vs non Stanley cup bruins

[artilector]

It's time for Tom to learn to hip check. Tuck into a ball, do whatever is needed to not target the head. Target the solar plexus to immobilize the opposition and create impromptu power plays.

Yeah -- and I'd also mention Rob Blake with his genius rear-end hits. Safe for the hitter, does not affect the head, but delivers huge amounts of force to tender mid-section areas.

 

[txpd]

Sorry, Oshie's goal was totally legit. Ov's too. I can take or leave Dowd's goal because it was dead center slot and Rask couldnt see the release. Both goals on Halak were legit. Both Kuzy goals were either weird or soft. The rest were good.

 

[marcel snapshot]

I thought the Carlson goal was a pretty legit goal too. Tuuka was pretty shaky in this game.

That one was on Halak. Tukka got yanked after the egregiously soft Kuzy 2nd goal.
Halak actually played pretty well. Stoned Walker at the doorstep and made some other good saves. Can't fault him for Eller's goal either.

 

[txpd]

Tonite is a huge litmus test, already. Roadie part of a B2B, against the hated Pens, as their home opener.

I wouldnt expect a win, but sure would be nice to play well and not get skated out of the building (as we just did to the Bruins)

Litmus test? For what exactly?

 

[Ridley Simon]

Litmus test? For what exactly?

for where they are mentally, and strategically, against their main adversaries. Last nights game was wonderful. Was it a new normal for this group (confidence and cohesion beyond what we've seen before), or was it just one game due to banner raising/#43 suspension/home crowed/B's suck/etc

Pretty simple?

 

[amjay13]

That.game.was.awesome.

I did not see that coming.

I think Wilson does get a slight reduction from 20. Either way, he will be back for the next Boston game in which Marchand will hopefully get his.

Not expecting much tonight, back to back after about as emotional of an opener as you can have. Part of me wanted this off-season to never end.

 

[txpd]

for where they are mentally, and strategically, against their main adversaries. Last nights game was wonderful. Was it a new normal for this group (confidence and cohesion beyond what we've seen before), or was it just one game due to banner raising/#43 suspension/home crowed/B's suck/etc

Pretty simple?

I guess I don't see litmus test in the second of a back to back with travel against a rested home team. Should the Caps win, we will be left asking what was wrong with Pittsburgh? Boston is not a bad hockey team.

I will be happy if they win, but either way, I am not reading much into this game. Certainly not before its played and I see what happens.

 

[Ridley Simon]

I guess I don't see litmus test in the second of a back to back with travel against a rested home team. Should the Caps win, we will be left asking what was wrong with Pittsburgh? Boston is not a bad hockey team.

I will be happy if they win, but either way, I am not reading much into this game. Certainly not before its played and I see what happens.

This is exactly why I see it a litmus test. All signs point to a loss.

Look, if they get blown out, the sky is NOT falling and I'm not going to be upset or angry. At all (unless Pens hurt some of our players, then I will be upset).

But if they play well, polished, and focused....and lose or win? Thats a really good sign for this year. IMO

 

[maacoshark]

That one was on Halak. Tukka got yanked after the egregiously soft Kuzy 2nd goal.
Halak actually played pretty well. Stoned Walker at the doorstep and made some other good saves. Can't fault him for Eller's goal either.

Oh ya right. Forgot about Halak.

 

[Dr John Carlson]

Oh ya right. Forgot about Halal.

That could get you in a lot of trouble in some countries.

 

[kicksavedave]

for where they are mentally, and strategically, against their main adversaries. Last nights game was wonderful. Was it a new normal for this group (confidence and cohesion beyond what we've seen before), or was it just one game due to banner raising/#43 suspension/home crowed/B's suck/etc

Pretty simple?

Where we are mentally and strategically against our main adversaries?

 

[txpd]

This is exactly why I see it a litmus test. All signs point to a loss.

Look, if they get blown out, the sky is NOT falling and I'm not going to be upset or angry. At all (unless Pens hurt some of our players, then I will be upset).

But if they play well, polished, and focused....and lose or win? Thats a really good sign for this year. IMO

Rids, that is not a litmus test. A Republican litmus test is being pro life, say. Democrats must be pro choice. There is nothing in this game that is defining. If the Caps win the game tonight, it might mean that they took the off season seriously and are ready to play. Brooks Orpik said they were all in shape and ready to play.

So, we are talking about different things. If the Caps win tonight, Pens fans will be pissed. That's all I really know.

 

[stanleycaps18]

That was a satisfying evening on all fronts. The pre-game was perfect in my mind, a terrific coda to both the multi-day bender right after Vegas and the summer of the cup. Wrap it all up and move on to back-to-back.

 

[maacoshark]

That could get you in a lot of trouble in some countries.

Lol fn auto correct

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

Just 1 of 82.....

 

[Jacoby4HOF66]

Just saw this. Good for a laugh.