2013 Southeast Division Champions Caps Vs. Rangers

[Popeman38]

I heard last night that he could be had for a starting defensemen.

Everyone in the NHL is watching this drama unfold. I don't know if we could fit him in under the cap, but it would be pretty cool to get another skater in here and spread the talent out.

MoJo, Schultz and a 2nd. DO IT.

[DC9]

If they just want a D, I'd reluctantly ship them Sekera yesterday. I think they want more than that.

One of the few teams in the league McPhee has by the balls is the Avs, lol.

Problem with prospects, is if they want one of ours they will probably be shipping O'Reilly and a pick to us (one of the big four) of whom I'd say Kuznetsov is the only one for sale and I'd be asking for a 2nd rounder and O'Reilly at the minimum.

There were rumors on NHL Network last night (pure speculation) that Ottowa was going to make a play because of losing Karlsson for the year (and the lack of star power).

---------- Post added February-15th-2013 at 10:25 AM ----------

MoJo, Schultz and a 2nd. DO IT.

I'd piss, lol.

That's highway robbery. Funny how the first guy I thought of when I read "roster player" was MoJo.

[HBnotBlades]

I'd trade Carlson and possibly other pieces for O'Reilly. A play making center who's an elite penalty killer and defensive forward is a very rare and valuable piece to the puzzle. He's only 22, led the league in takeaways last year, and looks like he'll be a perennial Selke Trophy nominee. His offensive game is still developing, but he could be a more than solid 2C.

[RonArtest15]

I'd trade Carlson and possibly other pieces for O'Reilly. A play making center who's an elite penalty killer and defensive forward is a very rare and valuable piece to the puzzle. He's only 22, led the league in takeaways last year, and looks like he'll be a perennial Selke Trophy nominee. His offensive game is still developing, but he could be a more than solid 2C.

I think Orlov COULD develop into as good or better of a player than Carlson. If the caps feel the same way, maybe they pull the trigger on that trade. Sign me up for the O'Reilly trade. Mojo + Carlson...let's get it done.

The center depth would be INSANE

Backstrom
Ribeiro
O'Reilly
Beagle

[KDawg]

I think Orlov COULD develop into as good or better of a player than Carlson. If the caps feel the same way, maybe they pull the trigger on that trade. Sign me up for the O'Reilly trade. Mojo + Carlson...let's get it done.

That's interesting how different your thoughts are in regards to prospects than mine are.

Most Sabres fans have ONE untouchable prospect, and that's Mikhail Grigorenko (some would part with him, though).

I'd say half of the fanbase doesn't want to see Zemgus Girgensons moved, but half is okay with it.

Everyone else, prospect wise, seems to be fair play. If we could unload Armia I'm not sure I'd be too upset by it. He can be lazy, though he's taken strides with Assat lately. But the WJHC showed really lazy spurts for him. But he's close to untouchable.

As of now I think our top prospects, in order, are:

1) Mikhail Grigorenko
2) Zemgus Girgensons
3) Joel Armia
4) Brayden McNabb
5) Marcus Foligno (I'm not really sure I consider him a prospect)
6) Mark Pysyk

I'd be willing to part with all of them aside from Grigs and Girgs. I'd love to be able to give them McNabb.

Goalies are hard to predict, but a goalie name to keep an eye on is Andrey Makarov. He's playing very, very well. Currently has helped his team to a nine game win streak.

[Popeman38]

I'd piss, lol.

That's highway robbery. Funny how the first guy I thought of when I read "roster player" was MoJo.

My scenario is a dream. Zero chance the Avs let him go for that pile of hot garbage. Hell, we could trade MoJo and Neuvy. Reunite Varly and Neuvy.

[Pick6]

I think the Caps are finally getting Oates system. I am not saying they will make the playoffs, but we as fans will be much happier watching games now. 15 goals in the last 3 games, compared to 25 goals in the first 11 games. That should tell you something right there.

[HBnotBlades]

I think the Caps are finally getting Oates system. I am not saying they will make the playoffs, but we as fans will be much happier watching games now. 15 goals in the last 3 games, compared to 25 goals in the first 11 games. That should tell you something right there.

Keep in mind that Florida is the worst defensive team in the league and the Lightning are ranked #22 (in goals allowed). They certainly look better and have made massive improvements in terms of their break out and neutral zone play.

[btfoom]

i understand but when there are 30 seconds left? would that not work?

The are several issues with this.

First, D-Men aren't the only ones taught how to play defense in their own zone. They are taught how to handle the wings down low, near and behind the net. Centers are taught how to defend the other team's center's, and the forwards are taught how to handle the d-men at the points. Everyone doing their job as a team is what makes a good "D", not 5 men who play defense regularly.

This goes into the second issue - players on the ice are comfortable in how they play their positions and go to places on the ice by feel and intuition, based on years of training on how to handle different situations. 5 D-men would be more likely to sag to far into the zone, leaving the opposing D-Men (or forwards at this point) with open shots and a goalie being screened.

Lastly, winning the draw/faceoff is vitally important in your own zone. Often times, you will see teams send out 2 centers, in case one gets kicked out.

---------- Post added February-15th-2013 at 11:55 AM ----------

Holtby blows. Should have been 4-1. A soft goal and a stupid play by Holtby made that a closer game than it should have been. .

I don't agree that he blows.

In this instance, the major culprit on that goal is Green. He got caught too far into the zone needlessly and was way out of position when TB made a simple outlet pass.

Holtby saw that the puck was pushed a little too far out and tried to make a play. I think had he come a little harder, he would have gotten the puck (and probably the man) w/no goal.

Bottom line, blame that goal squarely on Green, period!!

[ffxdrummer]

I'm not in Holtby's camp or anything yet but are you trying to lay a 1 on 0 breakaway on Holtby? Maybe he should have backed in and not tried to poke it but maybe the defense is a little more liable there for leaving him out to dry.

Bad pinch by the D. Plain and simple.

I don't agree that he blows.

In this instance, the major culprit on that goal is Green. He got caught too far into the zone needlessly and was way out of position when TB made a simple outlet pass.

Holtby saw that the puck was pushed a little too far out and tried to make a play. I think had he come a little harder, he would have gotten the puck (and probably the man) w/no goal.

Bottom line, blame that goal squarely on Green, period!!

You guys said what I said but you said it gooder.

[pjfootballer]

MoJo, Schultz and a 2nd. DO IT.

I second this motion.

[Pick6]

Keep in mind that Florida is the worst defensive team in the league and the Lightning are ranked #22 (in goals allowed). They certainly look better and have made massive improvements in terms of their break out and neutral zone play.

I was going to add this point to my post, but this team up against these same teams at the beginning wouldn't have put up the same numbers.

[DC9]

My scenario is a dream. Zero chance the Avs let him go for that pile of hot garbage. Hell, we could trade MoJo and Neuvy. Reunite Varly and Neuvy.

I'd keep Neuvy. I'd be open to Carlson and Kuz if we had to give up a prospect.

KDawg mentioned untouchables and I think our four (in no order are Kuz, Orlov, Forsberg, and Wilson) are all considered untouchable by the fan base. The Caps seem to be horders when it comes to prospects (which is good) because I think the fanbase (who are mostly Redskins fans) appreciates the "build from within" aspect of the franchise.

But, if you have to give up one, I'd say it should be Kuz.

Imagine the top 3 Centers of Ribeiro, O'Reilly, and Nicky? With Ovi, Forsberg, and Wilson amongst others like Brouwer and Chimi? Come on man?

[SpringfieldSkins]

I don't agree that he blows.

In this instance, the major culprit on that goal is Green. He got caught too far into the zone needlessly and was way out of position when TB made a simple outlet pass.

Holtby saw that the puck was pushed a little too far out and tried to make a play. I think had he come a little harder, he would have gotten the puck (and probably the man) w/no goal.

Bottom line, blame that goal squarely on Green, period!!

I don't blame Green for jumping in. It's another forward's responsibility to realize that he's jumped in on the play and cover for him. Green has created numerous chances by jumping in. All of the defense has in some way, shape or form.

On the breakaway Holtby played way far out. I'm not advocating that he should have backed into the net but he was out in between the faceoff circles. He took a huge risk and it quite obviously didn't pay off. I think Laughlin even commented about how far out he was after the goal. It was a dumb decision on his part.

The second goal against him was because he wasn't holding the post well enough. It took a strange bounce but if he was holding the post, it wouldn't have gone in. That's on him.

The first goal wasn't on him. Flukey goal. Can't shame him for that.


Look, everyone in here seems to be touting Holtby's skill and I don't see it yet. I see a guy who is playing an average to below average game. No, he doesn't blow but I was pretty pissed that he almost gave the game away last night. Holtby isn't positionally sound much of the time and he takes a lot of chances that can cost us. He does make some flashy saves, some of which can be credited to his skill but also some should be credited to his lack of position. He's just meh to me.

If anything can be credited to our three game win streak is the fact that we can actually score goals again all of a sudden. We are playing much better with the puck. This starts at getting out of the zone, transfers into entering the opponent's zone and finishes with with puck control in the zone. Passing is much better. The guys seem to get a grasp of where everyone is supposed to be and it works well. Our play away from the puck, in particular in the neutral zone and in the opponent's zone, has greatly improved. People are forechecking hard and it's paying off. We seem to have 3 respectable lines, or at least lines of guys who play well together. I'd like it if we didn't have two plugs on the first two lines (Chimera and Wolski) but overall, they are working well together.

The reason that we are winning is the fact that we can outscore our opponents. That's enough for me. I just wouldn't claim that Holtby is anything other than average at best.


All that said, I do think that Holtby should be given the chance at the goaltender spot. He's young, raw and very talented. There isn't anything that he's doing that can't be fixed with a bit of NHL experience in my opinion.

[KDawg]

Having been at the Sabres game last night, I'm now 7-0-0 when attending a Sabres or Amerks game. I'm magic.