Tonight, the Caps take on the Habs for their third game of the season. After the last two doosies, it'll be interesting to see what The Kiebler elf, errm, Coach Oates has in store for the Caps lines and game plan tonight.
What we do know is that after Braden Holtby letting in a combined total of 10 goals over the ast two games, Mchal Neuvirth will be in the crease for Washington tonight. Personally, I think Neuvirth should've been in the for their home opener after Holtby's tepid preformance in Tampa. How do you guys feel about Neuvirth starting tonight?
Another thing to keep an eye on during the game tonight will be lines and who's paired with who. Lines are like a delicate souffle, put the wrong players together and it flops. And in he Caps case, the right lines are yet to be discovered. But for their sake, I hope Oates figures it out soon.
As far as predicting who's going to win tonight, while I'm no fortune teller, the Habs do have a signifigantly better record over all being 1-1 with a combine total of 3 goals let in over the last two games against the Panthers and Leafs. So, while I hate to say it, the Habs seem to have the upper hand in tonights duel. But I'm cautiously optimistic the Caps can pull themselves together and turn their doosey of a record around.
Showing posts with label Caps. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Caps. Show all posts
The Canadiens visit China Town
DC Sports Nexus ---- Thursday, January 24, 2013
Caps Fan Appreciation Night & Nexus Happy Hour
DC Sports Nexus ---- Wednesday, January 16, 2013
On Thursday night the Caps are hosting their fan appreciation night at Verizon with an open practice and question and answers with players and fun stuff. You most likely already know that, but did you know that we are having a DC Sports Nexus Happy Hour beforehand!?Come by, say hello, and have a drink or two before we head over to catch the beginning of practice that starts around 7pm.
We will be at Penn Social From 5pm-7pm
801 E Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20004
It's only a few blocks from Verizon! So come down, have fun, teach me about hockey, and get on video if you so desire! I'll probably buy you a drink and I may give away a Caps light switch.
Thanks for reading our site all the time without your help I'd never have realized that hockey existed!
NHL Draft: What we need and what we don't
DC Sports Nexus ---- Thursday, June 21, 2012
As we all (should) know, the 2012 NHL Draft starts tomorrow. The Edmonton Oilers have the 1st pick for now three years in a row, the Blue Jackets have the 2nd yadda yadda, and the Caps have pick #11. As you all know, the Caps got two picks from the Avs (one first round and one second) for Semyon Varlamov during last years off season.
The Caps have pretty good picks this year, compared to last year anyways. Since the Caps desperately need a strong second line Center, picking one up in the draft or with our draft pick and someone's rights (I'm looking at you, Green) seems like a great idea. I'm all for it.
What I'm not a fan of is the idea of trading Green's rights (or any other star UFA's rights) and our #11 pick for Yakupov. He's a right wing. The Caps are up to their ears in right wings, I don't care if the kid is the second coming to Jesus. The Caps don't need a right wing. They need centers and that's what they need to focus on.
Whether that comes in the form of Grigorenko (these Russian names are killin' me), Jason Arnott (personal favorite), or another free agent or draft pick. All I know is the Caps shouldn't waste their draft pick on something they don't need.
While I've been ranting about needing a solid center, I completely forgot to bring up the whole no coach thing. Not having a Coach and picking guys in the draft is a little tricky. I know that GM's basically do all the picking, signing, etc. but they have the coaches input based on the kind of team he wants to run. Without having a coach with input on the kind of team he wants to build is going to be tricky. Yeah, the Caps need a center. But depending on the coach the Caps have, having a strong center could range from being vitally important to just being a good bonus.
In the end, GMGM knows what he's doing and will make the best deal to get the best player possible for the Caps to become a strong contender for the Cup in seasons to come. I just hope the Caps can get a Coach before September.
The Caps have pretty good picks this year, compared to last year anyways. Since the Caps desperately need a strong second line Center, picking one up in the draft or with our draft pick and someone's rights (I'm looking at you, Green) seems like a great idea. I'm all for it.
What I'm not a fan of is the idea of trading Green's rights (or any other star UFA's rights) and our #11 pick for Yakupov. He's a right wing. The Caps are up to their ears in right wings, I don't care if the kid is the second coming to Jesus. The Caps don't need a right wing. They need centers and that's what they need to focus on.
Whether that comes in the form of Grigorenko (these Russian names are killin' me), Jason Arnott (personal favorite), or another free agent or draft pick. All I know is the Caps shouldn't waste their draft pick on something they don't need.
While I've been ranting about needing a solid center, I completely forgot to bring up the whole no coach thing. Not having a Coach and picking guys in the draft is a little tricky. I know that GM's basically do all the picking, signing, etc. but they have the coaches input based on the kind of team he wants to run. Without having a coach with input on the kind of team he wants to build is going to be tricky. Yeah, the Caps need a center. But depending on the coach the Caps have, having a strong center could range from being vitally important to just being a good bonus.
In the end, GMGM knows what he's doing and will make the best deal to get the best player possible for the Caps to become a strong contender for the Cup in seasons to come. I just hope the Caps can get a Coach before September.
Mike Knuble, A Legend
DC Sports Nexus ---- Wednesday, June 6, 2012
I apologize for my "editors" brash article about a player he clearly knows less than squat diddly about. I know I haven't been around because finals are next week, but bad mouthing such a well respected and great player is silly business. Now, let's talk about this guy. A legend of sorts.
As we all know, Mike Knuble was signed back in 2009 to a 2 year deal worth $2.8 million and was given a contract extension in April of last year for a one-year contract extension for $2 million. He was not re-signed this off season. Ok, really?!
Caps, it's like you want to piss me off. You don't re-sign Matt Bradley and pick up Joel Ward instead, which wasn't the smartest move, and now, you're getting rid of the only guy on the team who's a lead by example veteran. Guys like Knuble grow don't on trees, ya know! Guess the Caps are going to have to turn to the likes of Hamrlik for their sage advice. Let's see how good that goes.
Really, Knuble was a great player for the Caps up until Dale Hunter took over and decided to bench him in lieu of a less seasoned player. I'm all for rookies getting ice time, but when you're team is in dire straits and you're playing guys like Keith Aucoin instead of seasoned veterans who can really bring something to the game and the locker room, one is going to scratch their head.
Now, after this season I did have my doubts on a Knuble contract extension but I didn't think the Caps were seriously going to let a valuable asset like him walk. And by valuable, I'm talking integral. He didn't have the greatest stats this season, but considering he was benched what seemed like the majority of the season or put on the fourth line (which I also didn't agree with, btw), you can't really blame him.
He was the kind of guy to give rallying speeches when you're down going into the third of game 4 of a series or a third overtime. He provided leadership and experience, which not many people on this young team have. He's actually won a Cup, people. Not to mention he's played over 1,000 games.
Not re-signing Knuble was a mistake, he provided a strong leadership back bone for the team and was an anchor for the less experienced players he played with. His talents, leadership, and strength will be missed in Washington. I wish him the best wherever he goes and hopefully he'll have the luck to be able to hoist the Cup one last time before he retires.
Camilla is the head writer for Caps Bball. She also writes for Capital Connection and Puckbuddys. Follow her at @Camcoco10.
As we all know, Mike Knuble was signed back in 2009 to a 2 year deal worth $2.8 million and was given a contract extension in April of last year for a one-year contract extension for $2 million. He was not re-signed this off season. Ok, really?!
Caps, it's like you want to piss me off. You don't re-sign Matt Bradley and pick up Joel Ward instead, which wasn't the smartest move, and now, you're getting rid of the only guy on the team who's a lead by example veteran. Guys like Knuble grow don't on trees, ya know! Guess the Caps are going to have to turn to the likes of Hamrlik for their sage advice. Let's see how good that goes.
Really, Knuble was a great player for the Caps up until Dale Hunter took over and decided to bench him in lieu of a less seasoned player. I'm all for rookies getting ice time, but when you're team is in dire straits and you're playing guys like Keith Aucoin instead of seasoned veterans who can really bring something to the game and the locker room, one is going to scratch their head.
Now, after this season I did have my doubts on a Knuble contract extension but I didn't think the Caps were seriously going to let a valuable asset like him walk. And by valuable, I'm talking integral. He didn't have the greatest stats this season, but considering he was benched what seemed like the majority of the season or put on the fourth line (which I also didn't agree with, btw), you can't really blame him.
He was the kind of guy to give rallying speeches when you're down going into the third of game 4 of a series or a third overtime. He provided leadership and experience, which not many people on this young team have. He's actually won a Cup, people. Not to mention he's played over 1,000 games.
Not re-signing Knuble was a mistake, he provided a strong leadership back bone for the team and was an anchor for the less experienced players he played with. His talents, leadership, and strength will be missed in Washington. I wish him the best wherever he goes and hopefully he'll have the luck to be able to hoist the Cup one last time before he retires.
Camilla is the head writer for Caps Bball. She also writes for Capital Connection and Puckbuddys. Follow her at @Camcoco10.
I'm proud to Rock the Red
DC Sports Nexus ---- Thursday, May 3, 2012
I was walking home from my lil' meet up at Starbucks (aka math tutoring. Geometry's hard, ok?) and I was thinking "hmmm, what to write?" When it hit me. I'm proud of the Caps. Yeah, they lost. That really stinks like a carton of cream cheese left out on a hot summer day, but they really, in my eyes, proved they can do it. Last year was a false sense of security, they didn't have the same mentality or work ethic, so to say.
This year, something's different. Yeah, they've had a few bad games but they've been playing with intensity and a different mind set that's really propelled them this far. If you think about it, the Caps have, roughly, the same team as last year. They did stellar in the first round and then went in a downward spiral agaisnt Tampa. You aren't seeing that this year.
So what if they're down two games? The first game the Caps (as well as the rangers) were getting used to each other and the different playing styles, etc. Last nights game was a mix of exhaustion (they played 6 periods, for crying out loud!) and some confusion in the D. They lost. But, in my opinion, they played a great game and the score just didn't reflect it.
No matter what the score of Game 4 is or if the Caps win the series, I'll always rock the red. Let's put this early morning loss behind us and get ready for the game Saturday, Caps fans! LET'S GO CAPS!!!
A song for ye of little faith (Yes, this is an ABBA song. I really just went there);
Written by Camilla Alsobrook (@Camcoco10), Caps BBall's Teen Correspondent. Camilla also writes for Puck Buddy's and Capital Connection.
This year, something's different. Yeah, they've had a few bad games but they've been playing with intensity and a different mind set that's really propelled them this far. If you think about it, the Caps have, roughly, the same team as last year. They did stellar in the first round and then went in a downward spiral agaisnt Tampa. You aren't seeing that this year.
So what if they're down two games? The first game the Caps (as well as the rangers) were getting used to each other and the different playing styles, etc. Last nights game was a mix of exhaustion (they played 6 periods, for crying out loud!) and some confusion in the D. They lost. But, in my opinion, they played a great game and the score just didn't reflect it.
No matter what the score of Game 4 is or if the Caps win the series, I'll always rock the red. Let's put this early morning loss behind us and get ready for the game Saturday, Caps fans! LET'S GO CAPS!!!
A song for ye of little faith (Yes, this is an ABBA song. I really just went there);
It's your Second Chance, Caps
DC Sports Nexus ---- Sunday, April 29, 2012
Game 2. A game where the Rangers can gain a a two game advantage, one step closer to knocking us out of the Playoffs, or the Caps can get back into the groove of things and win, splitting it just like the series against Boston. pretty important, isn't it? Actually, all of the games in the Playoffs are important. Every second count. There are no safe leads (as exhibited in the Flyers-Pens series), no safe players (Torres-Hossa check, anyone?), and no safe team (The Wings were the first out in the West).
That is why giving it all you've got every game is monumentally important. The Caps didn't do that yesterday. They were deflated, they had no offensive zone pressure, the defense was lacking throughout the game, players were taking stupid penalties (come on, Semin!), and, most of all, the players just weren't bringing it. They had less heart than the Tin Man from The Wizard of Oz.
I know, it's a new team, you have to get adjusted. But the playoffs are the Playoffs! You play with the same pressure throughout, don't just give up when you get past the second round. No one's going to win the game for you! And, to all he guys who took stupid penalties, whacking someone on the legs is going to give the other team a better opportunity to score and, thus, win. It's not retaliation, it's stupidity. Just give him a dirty look next time, mm'kay?
To win tomorrow's game the Caps have got to bring it like they did in Boston. To quote Joel Ward from @KCarrera, "...I don't think our desperation level was as strong as it used to be." Simply put, they weren't out their busting their hinneys. If they do that, they can win easily with some of the Rangers bigger offensive players out. Also, just based on the fact they both have the same basic teams as last season and the Caps won the series in 5.
Don't give up yet, Caps fans. Yeah, the Caps are infamous for crapping their pants in the early rounds, but how they played against Boston should give even the most hardened Caps fan a glimmer of hope. It ain't over yet, so don't count out these Weagled underdogs. LET'S GO CAPS!!
a song that seems fit for the game tomorrow;
Written by Camilla Alsobrook (@Camcoco10), Caps BBall's Teen Correspondent. Camilla also writes for Puck Buddy's and Captial Connection.
That is why giving it all you've got every game is monumentally important. The Caps didn't do that yesterday. They were deflated, they had no offensive zone pressure, the defense was lacking throughout the game, players were taking stupid penalties (come on, Semin!), and, most of all, the players just weren't bringing it. They had less heart than the Tin Man from The Wizard of Oz.
I know, it's a new team, you have to get adjusted. But the playoffs are the Playoffs! You play with the same pressure throughout, don't just give up when you get past the second round. No one's going to win the game for you! And, to all he guys who took stupid penalties, whacking someone on the legs is going to give the other team a better opportunity to score and, thus, win. It's not retaliation, it's stupidity. Just give him a dirty look next time, mm'kay?
To win tomorrow's game the Caps have got to bring it like they did in Boston. To quote Joel Ward from @KCarrera, "...I don't think our desperation level was as strong as it used to be." Simply put, they weren't out their busting their hinneys. If they do that, they can win easily with some of the Rangers bigger offensive players out. Also, just based on the fact they both have the same basic teams as last season and the Caps won the series in 5.
Don't give up yet, Caps fans. Yeah, the Caps are infamous for crapping their pants in the early rounds, but how they played against Boston should give even the most hardened Caps fan a glimmer of hope. It ain't over yet, so don't count out these Weagled underdogs. LET'S GO CAPS!!
a song that seems fit for the game tomorrow;
The battle of the dumpster fires
DC Sports Nexus ---- Saturday, March 31, 2012
The Caps are down to the wire in terms of time to make the
Playoffs, they have 4 games left and their opponents are the Habs, Lightning,
and Rags, err, I mean Rangers.
Tonight the Caps face the mighty dumpster fire known as the
Montreal Canadiens, or to some, as the we-only-like-French-speaking-people
team. No matter their name, they’re impressively worse than the Caps this
season.
The Canadiens are going to be coming into tonights game more
pissed than a rattlesnake due to their 4-1 craptacular loss to the Rangers last
night. Not bad motivation, eh? While the Canadiens might be on “fire”, with
their record against, all the Caps need to worry about is a repeat of the
Borque Incident.
I mean, you thought the Caps were bad? Montreal Montreal
With that, Let me bring you down memory lane. Remember that
freaking awesome 2009-2010 season? Ya know, when the Caps won the Presidents
Trophy and were going to win the Cup hands down? Remember that little, 8th
seeded team that made us pull our hair out? Yeah, those were the Canadiens.
It’s been two years and we’ve scincerely murdered them since
then, but with the Caps deadline swiftly approaching, you can’t help but think
that’s gotta ignite the flame a little. And, cripes, Caps, it’s the CANADIENS!
If you guys can kill Detroit
Other important notes:
-The Super Swede is back tonight! Win this one for Backy,
guys.
-Neuvirths starting against Montreals irrelevant and
terrible goalie.
-Renne Borque is going DOWN. Please…?
"Written by Camilla Alsobrook, Caps BBall's Teen Corrospondent. Camilla also writes for Puck Buddy's and Captial Connection."
"Written by Camilla Alsobrook, Caps BBall's Teen Corrospondent. Camilla also writes for Puck Buddy's and Captial Connection."
The Good Ol' Hockey Drinking Game
DC Sports Nexus ---- Wednesday, November 16, 2011
After watching a month of hockey, I have developed The Good Ol' Hockey Drinking Game. You can play this with any NHL game, although the bottom section involves some rules specific to the Caps. Of course "drinks" apply to soda, water, and juice.
I tried to make it simple and easy to remember. Despite all the writing there are basically only a few rules...
I nixed the rule where if a goal is overturned, you must puke up the drink that you took for the goal. Also on the Caps side the Sasha rule was going to involve turning off your TV for 2 minutes so you would hate Sasha even more.
Hope you enjoy!
I tried to make it simple and easy to remember. Despite all the writing there are basically only a few rules...
I nixed the rule where if a goal is overturned, you must puke up the drink that you took for the goal. Also on the Caps side the Sasha rule was going to involve turning off your TV for 2 minutes so you would hate Sasha even more.
Hope you enjoy!
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