October 31, 2006
Some Quick Thoughts On The Caps
Great to see Washington come home from the road trip with five points in four games. It could have easily been less, but thanks to Olie Kolzig's performance in Vancouver, the Caps were able to salvage an extra point that might be looking pretty huge come April.
And speaking of that point in Vancouver: Caps Head Coach Glen Hanlon says the team doesn't practice the shootout and won't start. But now that the Caps have dropped three points in shootouts so far this season, I think it might very well be time to start.
From what I saw of the Caps-Flames game tonight, Alex Ovechkin might have been held without a goal, but there was one sequence in the Calgary defensive zone when he absolutely abused Dion Phaneuf. It was great to see. Too bad we may not see it again until 2008. Which means there was one thing that Dave Nonis was right about.
Nice to see Richard Zednik get his first two goals of the season.
As On Frozen Blog mentioned yesterday, Dainius Zubrus has picked up where he left off last season, and a pair of goals last night put an exclamation point on Game 11. Then again, on a team that takes too many penalties, Zubrus has piled up more PIMs than anyone else -- 22.
One last thought: When I saw Steve Eminger missing from the line combinations at the start of last night's game, this description from Sunday night is the first thing that came to my mind:
Eminger looks nervous at times, lost at times, and flat disinterested at times. Being paired with the struggling Clymer isn’t helping, but the occasional flashes of Eminger’s true ability are more frustrating than anything - some fans are beginning to wonder when and if the talented blueliner is going to put it all together. Expecting him to play like a hardened veteran this season is too much to ask; seeing solid improvement isn’t.
JP noticed too.
Next for the Caps: Three days off before taking on the Thrashers at home on Friday night. In the meantime, the team officially opens its new practice rink on Wednesday afternoon in Arlington.
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5 points in 4 games on a west coast road trip is a great thing for this team, especially so early in the season.
I agree we need the schedule changed so we can see more Ovechkin/Phaneuf.
And congrats to Olie on tying Ken Dryden in wins. Looking forward to him passing Dryden on Friday.
Love your blog and thanks for the mention.
Posted by:
at October 31, 2006 07:22 AM
Great game last night. From the opening faceoff (watch Clark skating for that first puck behind Kipper), you could tell the Caps wanted this game. And I couldn't help but notice the giant bear hug Brashear gave Zednik after his first goal. You'd think they had been teammates for years. This is a team that is really coming together.
Any details on the preactice Wednesday? Is it open to the public? if so, what time?
Posted by:
at October 31, 2006 08:24 AM
Yes on those Zubie PIMs, and I hate to say this because I despise ref-whiners, but... he seems to get whistled for taking a lot of unusual penalties. Like last night along the boards: He essentially got whistled for a penalty because he was bigger than the other guy and because the other guy was in an awkward position. There was absolutely no holding there.
Also, Zubie plays taller than most players in that he plays standing up, with less knee-bendthan most guys. So when he gets his arms out away from his body, he tends to cuff people up high, around the shoulders/head, which draws calls.
Posted by:
at October 31, 2006 12:21 PM
the practice facility opening has been postponed for another 2 weeks. from what i hear, its not nearly ready to be opened. sounds about right since it was supposed to be ready for training camp.
also, from the post: "During the season, the team will hold two-hour practice sessions at the center's main rink, which has 1,200 seats and a high-tech scoreboard. The practices, likely to start in December, will be open to the public."
Posted by:
at October 31, 2006 01:23 PM
1) Calgary has/is struggling big time so far
The Caps should certainly be given full credit for playing an excellent road game, but they caught the Flames at a great time.
2) Overall a VERY sucessful road trip. They mentioned last night that this is the LAST time the Caps will be in another time zone!! Amazing!
Posted by:
at October 31, 2006 01:25 PM
Thanks, face. Selfishly I am pleased that they are behind schedule as I have a meeting scheduled for 1:00 tomorrow. That said, are they skating in Ashburn until the opening?
Posted by:
at October 31, 2006 08:52 PM
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