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Showing posts with label Alexander Ovechkin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alexander Ovechkin. Show all posts
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Thursday, September 6, 2012
"We'll run you down, look motherfucker, this is our team"
The 2012-13 NHL season is set to begin on October 11, yet, here we are, nine days from what we can assume will be an official declaration of another dreadful lockout. Oh, well! The following article discusses the Washington Capitals and which of their roster players should be considered "untouchable."
Nicklas Backstrom
Backstrom, 24, is signed through the 2019-2020 season and is going to be Washington’s first line center for quite a long time. He has been playing in Washington since the 2007-2008 season when he immediately made an impact. Backstrom totaled 14 goals and 15 assists in his rookie season with the Capitals, including four goals and two assists in seven playoff games.
Why, yes, Nicklas Backstrom was a finalist for the Calder Trophy after finishing ninth in rookie scoring. I don't know about you guys, but I think Aaron Voros was snubbed.
Please, please, check your statistics before posting any article highlighting said statistics. 40 points is quite the difference. By the way, do you guys think Stamkos will hit 100 goals again next season? Wait, lockout... damn it.
This past season, Backstrom battled through injuries posting a solid 44 points in only 42 games. He looks to regain his scoring touch and stay healthy in the upcoming season and will be a key figure for the Capitals in the many years to come.
Wait for it...
He is locked in with Washington for a long time and should never be moved. He still has room to improve and is one of the best two way forwards in the entire NHL. He should enter the season as the number one season(sic) alongside Alex Ovechkin and another winger, possibly Troy Brouwer.
...BOOM! NEVER be moved, ever? There are so many factors that could make such a commitment a foolish one. I'd like to make my ultimate point, but I'll leave it for near the end of this article. Let's continue.
Brooks Laich
Laich, 29, enters 2012-2013 campaign in his second season since signing a long term deal to stay in Washington. The Capitals’ fan favorite signed a six year, 27 million contract before the 2011-2012 season keeping him in Washington through the 2016-2017 season. He holds a limited no trade clause through the 2014-2015 season, meaning Laich can list five teams before the beginning of the season he would deny a trade to.
In other words, Columbus, Columbus, Columbus, Columbus, and Calgary. And for fuck's sake, it should be, "...to which he would deny a trade." This article may not be as bad content-wise in relation to some of the articles we've buried in the past, but all of these little errors are really irritating.
A trade is almost out of the question however, the Capitals lack scoring and wouldn’t want to move a player in their long term plans and most importantly one of their team leaders. Laich has achieved four straight forty point seasons while bringing solid defensive play down the middle.
This season should will be one where Laich must provide guidance to the younger players while looking to provide offense following the departure of Alexander Semin.
Like most of the team, Laich's points per game has trended significantly downward since 2010. This season, Mike Ribeiro is expected to take over the 2nd-line center position, Marcus Johansson will be pushing for top-six minutes after finishing with a respectable 46 points last year, and Wojtek Wolski is added competition for that final top-six spot. It appears that Laich is only going to be further cemented into his role as a defensive forward. I'll be surprised to see him hit .5 PPG this season.
Laich provides solid fore-check play at the third line center position, also contributing to the Capitals penalty kill. He’s a core player and his contributions on and off the ice have been very valuable to the Washington Capitals and should continue for the future.
I will agree that Brooks is currently a very important player on this Capitals team, but things are beginning to look cloudy. $4.5 million per year is quite a bit of money to throw at your third line center, and the Caps are developing some very intriguing prospects who could be NHL ready by next season. I just don't see him finishing out this contract in a Capitals uniform, whether that means he's traded after this season or three years from now.
Mike Green
Mike Green has fought through injury the past two seasons and looks to rebound in the 2012-2013 campaign. He resigned with the Capitals this offseason, inking for three years earning him around six million per season.
Think of all the prosthetics he could/should buy!
His health is a key concern heading into the regular season and he looks to be ready to go. Green has the ability to return as the top offensive defense-man in the NHL, but his numbers will be determined by Adam Oates strategy going into this season. He will likely be paired with Roman Hamrlik on the first defensive pairing and will also spend time at the point on Washington’s first power play unit.
If Oates' strategy is to pair him with Roman Hamrlik, I wouldn't expect a return to the top. Green's numbers will rely on if his body allows him to play NHL hockey for a whole season. His talent is still there, but after missing 83 games over the past two seasons, he's going to need quite some time to get anywhere close to his former levels of ability and consistency. With a full, healthy season in 2012-13, I'd expect him to put up between 10-13 goals and around 40 points.
John Carlson
Carlson, 22, plays a very similar game to Green and could eventually put up numbers like Green did in his best years. Carlson was selected by the Capitals in the first round of the 2008 NHL entry draft and will be entering his third full season in Washington this fall. He will play alongside his long time defense partner, Karl Alzner on the second pairing.
You didn't screw anything up here. I'm almost proud of you.
Carlson will also spend time on the second power play unit, looking to add to his offensive production. Like the offensive minded Green, Carlson needs to polish his defensive game. He posted great numbers in the 2011-2012 season, registering 7 goals and 30 assists along with an outstanding plus 21 under Bruce Boudreau.
Carlson put up 37 points and a plus 21 during the 22 games Boudreau was behind the Washington bench last season? Damn, this kid is ELECTRIC! Just like that Tigers game on Sunday -- right, Dacque?
Last season, Carlon’s(sic) numbers clearly regressed. The right handed defense-man posted 9 goals and 23 assists, but struggled defensively posting a minus 15. Dale Hunter’s system had a big impact on Carlon’s(sic) numbers, but Carlson needs to become better defensively like his partner, Karl Alzner. He is currently a restricted free agent and still is not close to a deal.
Wow, Carlon had a terrible season, and he was invisible throughout the playoffs. They should trade him for necessary cap space and so he doesn't further degrade Carlson's defensive game.
Seriously, man, did you even proofread your own article? These mistakes aren't that covert.
Braden Holtby
Holtby, 22, stepped into the spotlight in Washington’s playoff run last year and posted phenomenal numbers. The confident Capitals net-minder registered seven wins in fourteen playoff games including a 1.95 goals against average along with a .935 save percentage.
Confident, indeed.
He looks to take over the starting role in goal moving forward in the nation’s capital, battling Michal Neuvirth to become the franchise goalie. The young tandem will share the starts in goal, but Holtby will likely receive the majority of the playing time between the pipes. Holtby will become a restricted free agent next off season and Washington should look to lock him up long term.
Semyon Varlamov went through this situation, and look how that ended. This isn't to say that Holtby won't be a better goaltender than Varlamov, but it's far too early to tell. It's easy to forget that this kid has only played 35 NHL games thus far. Doesn't that make a long-term deal sort of a risky proposal?
If he gets on a roll at the beginning of the season, Washington should extend their fourth round pick from the 2008 NHL entry draft for at least three years, earning Holtby in the range of 3-4 million per season. He’s a player he could easily receive an offer sheet from a team looking to add young talent and Washington needs to avoid this at all costs.
They really don't need to jump the gun on this kid so quickly. If he plays that well this season, then that could be an acceptable contract offer. In the event that a team presents an offer sheet for him, Washington would be fine. They have the financial flexibility to match an offer sheet, but even if they don't choose to do so, the compensatory draft picks should be an acceptable return. After all, the first-rounder they received in the Varlamov trade got them this kid...
Filip Forsberg
Fosberg(sic), 18, was selected by Washington with the eleventh pick of this year’s NHL entry draft and could become a big piece in making the Capitals a cup favorite once again. He’s a young forward with high offensive skill and could potentially put up 30 goals per year consistently when he makes an impact in Washington. He’s a future first line forward and a potential power play specialist and will be an important member of the Capitals core moving forward.
I hope he does it all while wearing the number 21, too. Another reason for you to get traded next year, Brooks!
Forsberg will spend the upcomingg(sic) season in Sweden before playing in North America in the 2013-2014 season. He could spend time in Hershey or Washington during the 2013-2014 campaign, but it will all depend on Capitals management and if there’s room for him in a top six forward role.
I believe it would be better for the Capitals to ease him into the North American game, but Washington is in dire need of offensive scoring threats. Although a few years away, Washington is surely keeping tabs on their future star.
This is the one section of this article with which I can fully agree, and I should also say, "no shit." There is a ton of hype surrounding this kid and Washington should have no need to rush his arrival into the NHL. Much like any top prospect, though, there shouldn't be much thought about trading him, as his risk/reward level is just too low/high.
Where’s Ovechkin?
You might be asking yourself, isn’t Alex Ovechkin untouchable? In my opinion, he’s not. He holds a cap hit close to ten million per season through the 2020-2021 season and isn’t getting any younger. Capitals fans have seen a decrease in Ovechkin’s scoring numbers since the 2007-2008 regular season and Ovechkin posted only 65 points last season, largely due to a slow start.
What looks like a decrease in scoring numbers between 2007-08 and 2009-10 was actually an increase in points per game each season (1.37 in '08, 1.39 in '09, and 1.51 in '10), so disregard that, please. As we've talked about in previous rants, Washington has veered away from the run-and-gun, pass-it-to-Ovie-then-pick-up-your-jaw style of play from those years. Ice time has also become an important factor. Last season, he averaged just over 19 minutes last season, which is down from over 21 minutes the year before, and 23 minutes two seasons before that. If you want Ovechkin to be the one to provide all of your offense, give him more time with which to work.
His no-trade clause kicks in at the start of the 2014-2015 season and he could potentially draw interest from a smaller market team in need of reaching the cap floor and attempting to sell tickets. One team could possibly be the New York Islanders. A team like the Islanders could trade multiple first round picks and young players such as Michael Grabner and Ryan Strome.
The Islanders are certainly in a great financial situation to take on one of the biggest contracts in the league. They'll probably just have to stop paying the custodial staff for the next nine seasons.
If Ovechkin were to ever be traded, it would likely be to a Western Conference team capable of spending toward the cap ceiling. What about Ovechkin for Couture and Pavelski? Or perhaps Ovechkin and a top prospect for Kane and Sharp? Seems more plausible for a team looking to be a cup contender for as long as they so possibly can.
While the NHL season may be in doubt, one thing is certain, none of these players should be moved by the Washington Capitals anytime soon.
Oh, so this includes Ovechkin, now? MAKE UP YOUR MIND, AND I'LL MAKE UP MINE.
The point I wanted to make in the Backstrom section is that no matter how great a player is and how much of a sure-thing they seem to be, there is always room for misfortune and the franchise should be prepared for that. If Backstrom suffers another serious injury, how much confidence could Washington really have in building their franchise around him? Will you be saying the same thing about Holtby if he can't keep the number one spot this season? How many more chances does Green actually deserve? As a team that considers themselves a cup contender, there are some big question marks on this roster. Whether it means actually keeping and extending all of the aforementioned players, or trading them for an entirely new roster, the Capitals will do what's necessary to ice a championship team. Regardless, the idea of an "untouchable" player seems unintelligent.
Nicklas Backstrom
Backstrom, 24, is signed through the 2019-2020 season and is going to be Washington’s first line center for quite a long time. He has been playing in Washington since the 2007-2008 season when he immediately made an impact. Backstrom totaled 14 goals and 15 assists in his rookie season with the Capitals, including four goals and two assists in seven playoff games.
Why, yes, Nicklas Backstrom was a finalist for the Calder Trophy after finishing ninth in rookie scoring. I don't know about you guys, but I think Aaron Voros was snubbed.
Please, please, check your statistics before posting any article highlighting said statistics. 40 points is quite the difference. By the way, do you guys think Stamkos will hit 100 goals again next season? Wait, lockout... damn it.
This past season, Backstrom battled through injuries posting a solid 44 points in only 42 games. He looks to regain his scoring touch and stay healthy in the upcoming season and will be a key figure for the Capitals in the many years to come.
Wait for it...
He is locked in with Washington for a long time and should never be moved. He still has room to improve and is one of the best two way forwards in the entire NHL. He should enter the season as the number one season(sic) alongside Alex Ovechkin and another winger, possibly Troy Brouwer.
...BOOM! NEVER be moved, ever? There are so many factors that could make such a commitment a foolish one. I'd like to make my ultimate point, but I'll leave it for near the end of this article. Let's continue.
Brooks Laich
Laich, 29, enters 2012-2013 campaign in his second season since signing a long term deal to stay in Washington. The Capitals’ fan favorite signed a six year, 27 million contract before the 2011-2012 season keeping him in Washington through the 2016-2017 season. He holds a limited no trade clause through the 2014-2015 season, meaning Laich can list five teams before the beginning of the season he would deny a trade to.
In other words, Columbus, Columbus, Columbus, Columbus, and Calgary. And for fuck's sake, it should be, "...to which he would deny a trade." This article may not be as bad content-wise in relation to some of the articles we've buried in the past, but all of these little errors are really irritating.
A trade is almost out of the question however, the Capitals lack scoring and wouldn’t want to move a player in their long term plans and most importantly one of their team leaders. Laich has achieved four straight forty point seasons while bringing solid defensive play down the middle.
This season should will be one where Laich must provide guidance to the younger players while looking to provide offense following the departure of Alexander Semin.
Like most of the team, Laich's points per game has trended significantly downward since 2010. This season, Mike Ribeiro is expected to take over the 2nd-line center position, Marcus Johansson will be pushing for top-six minutes after finishing with a respectable 46 points last year, and Wojtek Wolski is added competition for that final top-six spot. It appears that Laich is only going to be further cemented into his role as a defensive forward. I'll be surprised to see him hit .5 PPG this season.
Laich provides solid fore-check play at the third line center position, also contributing to the Capitals penalty kill. He’s a core player and his contributions on and off the ice have been very valuable to the Washington Capitals and should continue for the future.
I will agree that Brooks is currently a very important player on this Capitals team, but things are beginning to look cloudy. $4.5 million per year is quite a bit of money to throw at your third line center, and the Caps are developing some very intriguing prospects who could be NHL ready by next season. I just don't see him finishing out this contract in a Capitals uniform, whether that means he's traded after this season or three years from now.
Mike Green
Mike Green has fought through injury the past two seasons and looks to rebound in the 2012-2013 campaign. He resigned with the Capitals this offseason, inking for three years earning him around six million per season.
Think of all the prosthetics he could/should buy!
His health is a key concern heading into the regular season and he looks to be ready to go. Green has the ability to return as the top offensive defense-man in the NHL, but his numbers will be determined by Adam Oates strategy going into this season. He will likely be paired with Roman Hamrlik on the first defensive pairing and will also spend time at the point on Washington’s first power play unit.
If Oates' strategy is to pair him with Roman Hamrlik, I wouldn't expect a return to the top. Green's numbers will rely on if his body allows him to play NHL hockey for a whole season. His talent is still there, but after missing 83 games over the past two seasons, he's going to need quite some time to get anywhere close to his former levels of ability and consistency. With a full, healthy season in 2012-13, I'd expect him to put up between 10-13 goals and around 40 points.
John Carlson
Carlson, 22, plays a very similar game to Green and could eventually put up numbers like Green did in his best years. Carlson was selected by the Capitals in the first round of the 2008 NHL entry draft and will be entering his third full season in Washington this fall. He will play alongside his long time defense partner, Karl Alzner on the second pairing.
You didn't screw anything up here. I'm almost proud of you.
Carlson will also spend time on the second power play unit, looking to add to his offensive production. Like the offensive minded Green, Carlson needs to polish his defensive game. He posted great numbers in the 2011-2012 season, registering 7 goals and 30 assists along with an outstanding plus 21 under Bruce Boudreau.
Carlson put up 37 points and a plus 21 during the 22 games Boudreau was behind the Washington bench last season? Damn, this kid is ELECTRIC! Just like that Tigers game on Sunday -- right, Dacque?
Last season, Carlon’s(sic) numbers clearly regressed. The right handed defense-man posted 9 goals and 23 assists, but struggled defensively posting a minus 15. Dale Hunter’s system had a big impact on Carlon’s(sic) numbers, but Carlson needs to become better defensively like his partner, Karl Alzner. He is currently a restricted free agent and still is not close to a deal.
Wow, Carlon had a terrible season, and he was invisible throughout the playoffs. They should trade him for necessary cap space and so he doesn't further degrade Carlson's defensive game.
Seriously, man, did you even proofread your own article? These mistakes aren't that covert.
Braden Holtby
Holtby, 22, stepped into the spotlight in Washington’s playoff run last year and posted phenomenal numbers. The confident Capitals net-minder registered seven wins in fourteen playoff games including a 1.95 goals against average along with a .935 save percentage.
Confident, indeed.
He looks to take over the starting role in goal moving forward in the nation’s capital, battling Michal Neuvirth to become the franchise goalie. The young tandem will share the starts in goal, but Holtby will likely receive the majority of the playing time between the pipes. Holtby will become a restricted free agent next off season and Washington should look to lock him up long term.
Semyon Varlamov went through this situation, and look how that ended. This isn't to say that Holtby won't be a better goaltender than Varlamov, but it's far too early to tell. It's easy to forget that this kid has only played 35 NHL games thus far. Doesn't that make a long-term deal sort of a risky proposal?
If he gets on a roll at the beginning of the season, Washington should extend their fourth round pick from the 2008 NHL entry draft for at least three years, earning Holtby in the range of 3-4 million per season. He’s a player he could easily receive an offer sheet from a team looking to add young talent and Washington needs to avoid this at all costs.
They really don't need to jump the gun on this kid so quickly. If he plays that well this season, then that could be an acceptable contract offer. In the event that a team presents an offer sheet for him, Washington would be fine. They have the financial flexibility to match an offer sheet, but even if they don't choose to do so, the compensatory draft picks should be an acceptable return. After all, the first-rounder they received in the Varlamov trade got them this kid...
Filip Forsberg
Fosberg(sic), 18, was selected by Washington with the eleventh pick of this year’s NHL entry draft and could become a big piece in making the Capitals a cup favorite once again. He’s a young forward with high offensive skill and could potentially put up 30 goals per year consistently when he makes an impact in Washington. He’s a future first line forward and a potential power play specialist and will be an important member of the Capitals core moving forward.
I hope he does it all while wearing the number 21, too. Another reason for you to get traded next year, Brooks!
Forsberg will spend the upcomingg(sic) season in Sweden before playing in North America in the 2013-2014 season. He could spend time in Hershey or Washington during the 2013-2014 campaign, but it will all depend on Capitals management and if there’s room for him in a top six forward role.
I believe it would be better for the Capitals to ease him into the North American game, but Washington is in dire need of offensive scoring threats. Although a few years away, Washington is surely keeping tabs on their future star.
This is the one section of this article with which I can fully agree, and I should also say, "no shit." There is a ton of hype surrounding this kid and Washington should have no need to rush his arrival into the NHL. Much like any top prospect, though, there shouldn't be much thought about trading him, as his risk/reward level is just too low/high.
Where’s Ovechkin?
You might be asking yourself, isn’t Alex Ovechkin untouchable? In my opinion, he’s not. He holds a cap hit close to ten million per season through the 2020-2021 season and isn’t getting any younger. Capitals fans have seen a decrease in Ovechkin’s scoring numbers since the 2007-2008 regular season and Ovechkin posted only 65 points last season, largely due to a slow start.
What looks like a decrease in scoring numbers between 2007-08 and 2009-10 was actually an increase in points per game each season (1.37 in '08, 1.39 in '09, and 1.51 in '10), so disregard that, please. As we've talked about in previous rants, Washington has veered away from the run-and-gun, pass-it-to-Ovie-then-pick-up-your-jaw style of play from those years. Ice time has also become an important factor. Last season, he averaged just over 19 minutes last season, which is down from over 21 minutes the year before, and 23 minutes two seasons before that. If you want Ovechkin to be the one to provide all of your offense, give him more time with which to work.
His no-trade clause kicks in at the start of the 2014-2015 season and he could potentially draw interest from a smaller market team in need of reaching the cap floor and attempting to sell tickets. One team could possibly be the New York Islanders. A team like the Islanders could trade multiple first round picks and young players such as Michael Grabner and Ryan Strome.
The Islanders are certainly in a great financial situation to take on one of the biggest contracts in the league. They'll probably just have to stop paying the custodial staff for the next nine seasons.
If Ovechkin were to ever be traded, it would likely be to a Western Conference team capable of spending toward the cap ceiling. What about Ovechkin for Couture and Pavelski? Or perhaps Ovechkin and a top prospect for Kane and Sharp? Seems more plausible for a team looking to be a cup contender for as long as they so possibly can.
While the NHL season may be in doubt, one thing is certain, none of these players should be moved by the Washington Capitals anytime soon.
Oh, so this includes Ovechkin, now? MAKE UP YOUR MIND, AND I'LL MAKE UP MINE.
The point I wanted to make in the Backstrom section is that no matter how great a player is and how much of a sure-thing they seem to be, there is always room for misfortune and the franchise should be prepared for that. If Backstrom suffers another serious injury, how much confidence could Washington really have in building their franchise around him? Will you be saying the same thing about Holtby if he can't keep the number one spot this season? How many more chances does Green actually deserve? As a team that considers themselves a cup contender, there are some big question marks on this roster. Whether it means actually keeping and extending all of the aforementioned players, or trading them for an entirely new roster, the Capitals will do what's necessary to ice a championship team. Regardless, the idea of an "untouchable" player seems unintelligent.
Friday, June 3, 2011
What do you mean I write for a blog?
Alex Ovechriguez.
Not never contrived.
I know this article is old, but I’m a really super busy doing all kinds of other things that are too countless to name. Plus a month later, it’s still ridiculous.
Enter any comment thread on a Washington Capitals playoff loss, and the barbs are frequent: "Ovech-Choke" … "Well, we know what the 'C' stands for" … and the rest of it.
Oh! I know! It stands for “Captain”, I think. Or maybe Capitals or “CHKIN.”
There are three “Cs” on his jersey. You gotta be more specific, man.
They're not necessarily fair to Alex Ovechkin as a playoff performer, given his 47 points in 35 games and 24 goals — four of them coming in this postseason.
Correct. End of article. Have a nice summer everyone!
But it's also not fair to let Ovechkin off the hook simply because he's been more competent than many of his under-producing teammates in the playoffs — Alex Semin in 2010, Nicklas Backstrom in 2011 — because Alex Ovechkin needs to be something more than that.
Why? Why is that not fair? What more do you want from the guy? 24 playoff goals in 35 games. Should he play goal? Maybe ref a few periods? Juggle line combos? Rip tickets at the door? WHY IS THAT UNFAIR?
He needs to be the guy who ties the game and then wins it. He needs to be the guy who gets the goal that captures momentum at a critical moment in a game, or in a series, for his team.
No one has been, is ever, or will ever be that guy. No one. No one skates down and just scores. If they could, they’d do it every time. I defy you to tell me who this player is in the NHLs history. And why does it have to be Great 8? Other players are also on the team. Just because he's the captain? Makes sense now. You know why the Islanders didn't make it to the Conference Finals? Doug Weight didn't tie and win every game with a breath-taking goal.
It used to be that Ovechkin wasn’t using his teammates enough. Remember those halcyon days? Now, he’s not automatic enough or something.
He needs to be the guy who said "we're going there, and we're going to win two games" after Game 2 (no matter what the official transcript indicated he said) and backs it up by leading his team to a pair of victories.
For the record, in Games 3 AND 4 Ovechkin gave Washington a 3-2 lead. They blew them of course. Ovech-loss.
The question for Alex Ovechkin, his fans and the Capitals as they face back-to-back games at the Tampa Bay Lightning: Is he that guy?
No. See above.
In Game 3 on Tuesday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning, with the Capitals down 2-0 to the Bolts and facing back-to-back games, Ovechkin's team faces
Facing the face of the faceless face off. Faces of facing faces face facing faces.
what John Keeley of On Frozen Blog feels is nothing short of a referendum on the franchise — and its captain:
This hockey club has the requisite skill and experience to rise to the challenge.
But will they be lucky enough!? That is all that stands in their way, right?
What we don't yet know is if it has adequate leadership. It's a point that's been debated with some robustness for more than a year now: Did the Caps get it right in stitching the 'C' to Ovi's sweater?
No. Unless they started wearing Phoenix thirds, they got it left.
Failure this week in Tampa will bring fresh and heated scrutiny to that question. 2010-11 has not been a year to remember for our captain; its premature conclusion would intensify the evidence against his leadership. And the late-season arrival of Jason Arnott only adds fuel to that fire.
What does Jason Arnott have to do with Ovech-disappointment’s ‘lack of leadership’? If anything, Jason Arnott, a former captain and Stanley Cup winner, should be partially held RESPONSIBLE for Washington’s ouster. 3 assists, no goals against Tampa. NICE JOB OVECH-NOTJASONARNOTT.
This is a postseason tailor-made for Ovi to ascend, but to date, we don't have that breakthrough performance suggestive that he's ready to seize that moment and lead his club. Tonight is one such opportunity.
Please, explain to me why this year was tailor-made for Ovechkin over any other. He had a down year. His centerman was awful in the post-season and had the lowest point total of his career. Their star defenseman played half the season because he was counting ducks in a circle all year. Sounds to me like the odds were stacked against him as an individual in a team sport.
Japers' Rink echoes the sentiments, adding that the Capitals are in danger of being "your father's Capitals" with another playoff disappointment.
I see. They want Ovech-Neverinventedshitever to invent a time machine, go back to the 1987 and score in the Easter Epic. That somehow makes more sense to me than “He’s not a leader and needs to score 9 goals in a 9-8 game 7 win.”
No one expects No. 8 to post an Ovechtrick in Game 3
You sure?
… although his first three-point night since Game 4 against Montreal last postseason would be welcome.
The team changed styles. It’s not about 3 point nights any more. In 9 2011 playoff games, he had at least a point in 7 of them, including 3 2-point games. I don’t even like the guy that much. Why am I doing this?
Where he needs to lead, where he needs to be a difference-maker, is on one five-man unit: The Capitals' terrible, momentum sapping power play.
I know this is going to sound crazy. Maybe teams are focusing on shutting down Washington’s power play? Tampa was 8th this year in PK%. Washington was 15th in PP%. Yes, these are regular season numbers. I refuse to look at the playoff numbers. Using 6 or 7 games to come to conclusions about a team’s ability makes you really dumb.
It's 0 for 11 in this series, and it's 3 for 27 in the playoffs, killing them as softly as it did vs. Jaroslav Halak last year.
You’re really dumb.
The Capitals are 2-2 in one-goal games, and lost Game 1 of this series with an empty-netter being scored. The margin for error is so slim, yet the power play has erred with frequency.
The margin for error is always slim. They are not the Washington Generals. Close, but no. And, also how about that? 2-2 record in what is essentially a primo luck stat. Huh.
Ovechkin has assists on all three Capitals goals in this postseason, but hasn't scored one.
Unbelievable.
In his last 19 playoff games, Ovechkin has one goal and six assists on the man advantage … which can also be read as one power-play goal in his last 19 playoff games.
Fish? Meet barrel.
You can talk all you want about intangibles as a captain, but there's something significant about the kind of kinetic kick-in-the-ass an Ovechkin goal provides his team. It's better than any barking broken English speech he could shout in the locker room between periods.
I want to talk none I want about intangibles as a captain.
Which is to say they need one Tuesday night. A goal that gives them a lead. A moment. Something from their captain, at an important juncture of the game, that brings focus to the task at hand rather than concern about the next bad line change or fluky goal that'll crush their spirit.
You mean like a big power play goal to give them the lead? Something like that?
As Keeley said, it's been a challenging year for Ovechkin. No love for the Hart Trophy. An 18-goal decrease from last season. Injuries that have nagged him and kept the cortisone flowing.
Ovech-hurt. Plus, remember like 2 minutes ago when you said, AND I QUOTE, "This is a postseason tailor-made for Ovi to ascend." Which is it? A challenge? A cakewalk? A walk in the cake?
There's always going to be a section of Ovechkin's fan base, in and out of Washington, that'll say it's not about him — it's about a supporting cast that doesn't step up in the postseason.
I like the undertone that these people are complete idiots. "There's always going to be a section of historians that'll say the Holocaust was not a hoax."
In a seven-game series, based on the history of the player and his team, that's accurate.
Cool. Great article.
In a Game 3, facing a dire second-round predicament against a Tampa team not giving them an inch, it's an excuse. The next 48 hours are Ovechkin's time. There's no other way to measure it.
Measure what? Ovech-time? The next 48 hours? Are you saying there is no other way to judge his 'playoff legacy' than what his team does in TWO games?! He's 25 years old. He MIGHT get another shot at it if he gets traded at the deadline next year.
The thing that bugs me the most is that Washington gets it. GMGM said there is no such thing as a playoff coach, just good coach or bad coach. He got ripped for it, but Goddamn he’s so right. McPhee even added that they’ll keep the roster largely the same and give a try again next year because that is really all you can do. Look for part 2 soon. (Really)
Not never contrived.
I know this article is old, but I’m a really super busy doing all kinds of other things that are too countless to name. Plus a month later, it’s still ridiculous.
Enter any comment thread on a Washington Capitals playoff loss, and the barbs are frequent: "Ovech-Choke" … "Well, we know what the 'C' stands for" … and the rest of it.
Oh! I know! It stands for “Captain”, I think. Or maybe Capitals or “CHKIN.”
There are three “Cs” on his jersey. You gotta be more specific, man.
They're not necessarily fair to Alex Ovechkin as a playoff performer, given his 47 points in 35 games and 24 goals — four of them coming in this postseason.
Correct. End of article. Have a nice summer everyone!
But it's also not fair to let Ovechkin off the hook simply because he's been more competent than many of his under-producing teammates in the playoffs — Alex Semin in 2010, Nicklas Backstrom in 2011 — because Alex Ovechkin needs to be something more than that.
Why? Why is that not fair? What more do you want from the guy? 24 playoff goals in 35 games. Should he play goal? Maybe ref a few periods? Juggle line combos? Rip tickets at the door? WHY IS THAT UNFAIR?
He needs to be the guy who ties the game and then wins it. He needs to be the guy who gets the goal that captures momentum at a critical moment in a game, or in a series, for his team.
No one has been, is ever, or will ever be that guy. No one. No one skates down and just scores. If they could, they’d do it every time. I defy you to tell me who this player is in the NHLs history. And why does it have to be Great 8? Other players are also on the team. Just because he's the captain? Makes sense now. You know why the Islanders didn't make it to the Conference Finals? Doug Weight didn't tie and win every game with a breath-taking goal.
It used to be that Ovechkin wasn’t using his teammates enough. Remember those halcyon days? Now, he’s not automatic enough or something.
He needs to be the guy who said "we're going there, and we're going to win two games" after Game 2 (no matter what the official transcript indicated he said) and backs it up by leading his team to a pair of victories.
For the record, in Games 3 AND 4 Ovechkin gave Washington a 3-2 lead. They blew them of course. Ovech-loss.
The question for Alex Ovechkin, his fans and the Capitals as they face back-to-back games at the Tampa Bay Lightning: Is he that guy?
No. See above.
In Game 3 on Tuesday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning, with the Capitals down 2-0 to the Bolts and facing back-to-back games, Ovechkin's team faces
Facing the face of the faceless face off. Faces of facing faces face facing faces.
what John Keeley of On Frozen Blog feels is nothing short of a referendum on the franchise — and its captain:
This hockey club has the requisite skill and experience to rise to the challenge.
But will they be lucky enough!? That is all that stands in their way, right?
What we don't yet know is if it has adequate leadership. It's a point that's been debated with some robustness for more than a year now: Did the Caps get it right in stitching the 'C' to Ovi's sweater?
No. Unless they started wearing Phoenix thirds, they got it left.
Failure this week in Tampa will bring fresh and heated scrutiny to that question. 2010-11 has not been a year to remember for our captain; its premature conclusion would intensify the evidence against his leadership. And the late-season arrival of Jason Arnott only adds fuel to that fire.
What does Jason Arnott have to do with Ovech-disappointment’s ‘lack of leadership’? If anything, Jason Arnott, a former captain and Stanley Cup winner, should be partially held RESPONSIBLE for Washington’s ouster. 3 assists, no goals against Tampa. NICE JOB OVECH-NOTJASONARNOTT.
This is a postseason tailor-made for Ovi to ascend, but to date, we don't have that breakthrough performance suggestive that he's ready to seize that moment and lead his club. Tonight is one such opportunity.
Please, explain to me why this year was tailor-made for Ovechkin over any other. He had a down year. His centerman was awful in the post-season and had the lowest point total of his career. Their star defenseman played half the season because he was counting ducks in a circle all year. Sounds to me like the odds were stacked against him as an individual in a team sport.
Japers' Rink echoes the sentiments, adding that the Capitals are in danger of being "your father's Capitals" with another playoff disappointment.
I see. They want Ovech-Neverinventedshitever to invent a time machine, go back to the 1987 and score in the Easter Epic. That somehow makes more sense to me than “He’s not a leader and needs to score 9 goals in a 9-8 game 7 win.”
No one expects No. 8 to post an Ovechtrick in Game 3
You sure?
… although his first three-point night since Game 4 against Montreal last postseason would be welcome.
The team changed styles. It’s not about 3 point nights any more. In 9 2011 playoff games, he had at least a point in 7 of them, including 3 2-point games. I don’t even like the guy that much. Why am I doing this?
Where he needs to lead, where he needs to be a difference-maker, is on one five-man unit: The Capitals' terrible, momentum sapping power play.
I know this is going to sound crazy. Maybe teams are focusing on shutting down Washington’s power play? Tampa was 8th this year in PK%. Washington was 15th in PP%. Yes, these are regular season numbers. I refuse to look at the playoff numbers. Using 6 or 7 games to come to conclusions about a team’s ability makes you really dumb.
It's 0 for 11 in this series, and it's 3 for 27 in the playoffs, killing them as softly as it did vs. Jaroslav Halak last year.
You’re really dumb.
The Capitals are 2-2 in one-goal games, and lost Game 1 of this series with an empty-netter being scored. The margin for error is so slim, yet the power play has erred with frequency.
The margin for error is always slim. They are not the Washington Generals. Close, but no. And, also how about that? 2-2 record in what is essentially a primo luck stat. Huh.
Ovechkin has assists on all three Capitals goals in this postseason, but hasn't scored one.
Unbelievable.
In his last 19 playoff games, Ovechkin has one goal and six assists on the man advantage … which can also be read as one power-play goal in his last 19 playoff games.
Fish? Meet barrel.
You can talk all you want about intangibles as a captain, but there's something significant about the kind of kinetic kick-in-the-ass an Ovechkin goal provides his team. It's better than any barking broken English speech he could shout in the locker room between periods.
I want to talk none I want about intangibles as a captain.
Which is to say they need one Tuesday night. A goal that gives them a lead. A moment. Something from their captain, at an important juncture of the game, that brings focus to the task at hand rather than concern about the next bad line change or fluky goal that'll crush their spirit.
You mean like a big power play goal to give them the lead? Something like that?
As Keeley said, it's been a challenging year for Ovechkin. No love for the Hart Trophy. An 18-goal decrease from last season. Injuries that have nagged him and kept the cortisone flowing.
Ovech-hurt. Plus, remember like 2 minutes ago when you said, AND I QUOTE, "This is a postseason tailor-made for Ovi to ascend." Which is it? A challenge? A cakewalk? A walk in the cake?
There's always going to be a section of Ovechkin's fan base, in and out of Washington, that'll say it's not about him — it's about a supporting cast that doesn't step up in the postseason.
I like the undertone that these people are complete idiots. "There's always going to be a section of historians that'll say the Holocaust was not a hoax."
In a seven-game series, based on the history of the player and his team, that's accurate.
Cool. Great article.
In a Game 3, facing a dire second-round predicament against a Tampa team not giving them an inch, it's an excuse. The next 48 hours are Ovechkin's time. There's no other way to measure it.
Measure what? Ovech-time? The next 48 hours? Are you saying there is no other way to judge his 'playoff legacy' than what his team does in TWO games?! He's 25 years old. He MIGHT get another shot at it if he gets traded at the deadline next year.
The thing that bugs me the most is that Washington gets it. GMGM said there is no such thing as a playoff coach, just good coach or bad coach. He got ripped for it, but Goddamn he’s so right. McPhee even added that they’ll keep the roster largely the same and give a try again next year because that is really all you can do. Look for part 2 soon. (Really)
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