Joel Ward in the playoffs. WTF?

Not sure what I can say that the title of this thread doesn't already. I guess, as a Caps fan, I am looking for what to expect of him once the playoffs start. GMGM ran out and signed this guy to a nice contract based on his playoff performance last season, from what I understand. But I had never heard of him before last years playoffs. Did he have one good playoffs that landed him some nice loot, or is there more to him? Based on what I saw of him this past regular season I am not impressed. Can Nashville fans, and others, fill in my blanks?

Yes I can fill you in. He is NOT a playoff beast. We Preds fans all thought it was ridiculous on the contract the Caps offered based one just the playoffs performance. He is a good grinder and is a large body but is NOT a goal scorer. He doesn not have a switch he flips for the playoffs. Just honesty, sorry.

He had a good playoff in a contract year and cashed in

Fernando Pisani lite.

Nashville seems to have gotten over his loss. Lol. Cheers.


TOML

Yes I can fill you in. He is NOT a playoff beast. We Preds fans all thought it was ridiculous on the contract the Caps offered based one just the playoffs performance. He is a good grinder and is a large body but is NOT a goal scorer. He doesn not have a switch he flips for the playoffs. Just honesty, sorry.

Based on the 15ish Caps games I've watched this season, and 10ish Preds games last season, I agree.

Lol I remember watching him play in Houston. He sucked. No idea how he got that much better.

He had an unsustainable shooting % versus Vancouver last year in the WC semis and rode it all the way to the bank.

Yes I can fill you in. He is NOT a playoff beast. We Preds fans all thought it was ridiculous on the contract the Caps offered based one just the playoffs performance. He is a good grinder and is a large body but is NOT a goal scorer. He doesn not have a switch he flips for the playoffs. Just honesty, sorry.
He got that kind of money because a lot of teams were after him.

I agree with most people. I think he had a good playoffs in a contract year and cashed in. He's not much of a scorer, it had more to do with luck.

Ward had a top six role and PP time last year in the playoffs for the Preds. He won't get that opportunity on the Caps. He is a good grinder but 3 million a year for 4 years?:laugh:

The hell was Washington thinking?

21 other teams gave him contract offers... to bad the Caps won (so far)

Ward had a top six role and PP time last year in the playoffs for the Preds. He won't get that opportunity on the Caps. He is a good grinder but 3 million a year for 4 years?:laugh:

The hell was Washington thinking?

"$64 million cap? That's like infinite money!"

He got that kind of money because a lot of teams were after him.

Which is sad. He's a 3rd line grinder, but good at what he does. He was good at holding onto the puck and being a big body. I wish he didn't leave the Preds but no way he could've gotten that much money from us. I feel like our defensive game suffered some directly because he left but we are in just fine shape.

He got what he got because GMGM is reaching right now.

This guy is like Ovechkin in the Playoffs only better. I expect 10 goals in the Boston series from him.

"$64 million cap? That's like infinite money!"

"And since Ovechkin is getting like half of that, we still have another half of infinite money to give to a guy who had a great 6 games in the playoffs!"

"And since Ovechkin is getting like half of that, we still have another half of infinite money to give to a guy who had a great 6 games in the playoffs!"

"Impeccable logic! Draw up the paperwork!!"

Yes I can fill you in. He is NOT a playoff beast. We Preds fans all thought it was ridiculous on the contract the Caps offered based one just the playoffs performance. He is a good grinder and is a large body but is NOT a goal scorer. He doesn not have a switch he flips for the playoffs. Just honesty, sorry.
This. The guy scored a ton of fortunate goals and was nowhere near what the media made him out to be. One that comes to mind is a wrap around goal that goes off a skate and goes in the net. :shakehead

One of the worst signings last year. His goals in the Nucks series were all fortunate bounces, I can't even remember if he actually took a legit shot that went in.

The reason a lot of teams were after Joel Ward is the FA market was pretty thin, and he had a good play offs at the right time.

The reason he had a good play offs is he hustled to get to pucks. His shot is not very good. Neither is his skating, really. He can play defense, but he's more of a board battler. He just jumped on loose pucks, and got them on net or on a teammate's stick quickly. It resulted in a lot of PO points.

I wouldn't expect him to repeat that performance. As was mentioned, Ward got top six time in a lot of the games last year. He won't get that in Washington. He scored some fluke goals, too, which is never something you can rely on happening.

One of the worst signings last year. His goals in the Nucks series were all fortunate bounces, I can't even remember if he actually took a legit shot that went in.

Eh, this one was pretty nice.

dijC5yxr0bk

Despite his overall numbers, his ES production per 60 mins is actually higher this year than last year. Just getting less icetime and no PP time.

So, you could say he's played better this regular season than last season. Then translate that to this year's playoffs... last season's performance isn't going to be repeated unless Hunter suddenly throws him in the top 6 and on the PP.

He was a guy with low production in the regular season over his career, who then went on to have a productive 2011 playoffs and play a fairly physical and defensively responsible role.

Can he duplicate that, or approach that level of play? Will Hunter give him ample ice time and opportunities? Well, we start to see this week. Caps fans certainly hope he can be an impact guy.

What McPhee was thinking is that his team had been a regular season juggernaut and a shrinking violet in the playoffs. So he grabbed Brouwer and he grabbed Ward, for their past post-season contributions. Now part of having them on the team made it tougher to even make the playoffs, but they're in now. Those two guys are supposed to improve at this time of year.

Will either show what they've shown in the past — that extra gear that some players summon in the playoffs? We'll see.

McPhee surely has an incomplete until Ward plays a few playoffs games, no? He wasn't signed to score 25-30 goals between October and March, but for April and May.

I think the issue isn't that McPhee picked up Ward to add some toughness in the post season. It's the amount of money given to Ward to add some toughness in the post season. But it isn't my money, so what do I care? :laugh:

He was a guy with low production in the regular season over his career, who then went on to have a productive 2011 playoffs and play a fairly physical and defensively responsible role.

Can he duplicate that, or approach that level of play? Will Hunter give him ample ice time and opportunities? Well, we start to see this week. Caps fans certainly hope he can be an impact guy.

What McPhee was thinking is that his team had been a regular season juggernaut and a shrinking violet in the playoffs. So he grabbed Brouwer and he grabbed Ward, for their past post-season contributions. Now part of having them on the team made it tougher to even make the playoffs, but they're in now. Those two guys are supposed to improve at this time of year.

Will either show what they've shown in the past — that extra gear that some players summon in the playoffs? We'll see.

McPhee surely has an incomplete until Ward plays a few playoffs games, no? He wasn't signed to score 25-30 goals between October and March, but for April and May.

The problem with that line of thought is it's debatable if it even applies to the two players in question. Brouwer's regular season numbers are actually better than his playoff numbers (his GPG in the playoffs is less than half his GPG in the regular season, and his PPG is just over half his regular season PPG), and he wasn't much more than a passenger on Chicago's playoff runs (although I suppose he at least got some games under his belt). With Ward, the idea that he's "supposed to improve at this time of year" is even more dubious considering he's only been in the playoffs twice and his entire "reputation", as much as it exists, is mostly based off one series.

I think the issue isn't that McPhee picked up Ward to add some toughness in the post season. It's the amount of money given to Ward to add some toughness in the post season. But it isn't my money, so what do I care? :laugh:

Clearly you are a bitter Preds fan that nobody should listen to. :naughty:

Seriously though, that contract certainly seemed silly during the summer, but if he can give the Caps a shot in the arm during the most important time in hockey, well, I don't think the fans will complain about his cap hit too much.

The record isn't a long one, it is true. McPhee may well end up deserving mockery for the contract, but he doesn't deserve it yet for banking on a guy to be an impact playoff player, and the first playoffs with the Caps have not even started.

I don't know. I just don't think Wardo is going to be able to turn it on like he did in the Vancouver series. Hopefully he does because he's an awesome person, and all too often players will feel some of the heat for a "bad contract" as if they weren't supposed to take the money or something.

Just don't expect much more than a guy who will provide a bit of depth in the bottom six. He's strong on the puck, so he will help with the possession game. He isn't going to turn into a beast, though. Physically or offensively.

The record isn't a long one, it is true. McPhee may well end up deserving mockery for the contract, but he doesn't deserve it yet for banking on a guy to be an impact playoff player, and the first playoffs with the Caps have not even started.

While I agree with the sentiment I can't see how Ward can even get close to duplicating last season's playoff accomplishments without the opportunities he got last year. He's not going to get top 6 or PP time correct? Maybe he gets fortunate and pots a couple game winners but I wouldn't hold my breath.

Probably not, but it's hard to say. Hunter's lines are unknown. One version of a recent top line had Ovechkin with Laich and Brouwer. Will that remain in place indefinitely? Probably not.

He doesn't need to match last season's contributions, just replace the production of past Capitals no-shows (take your pick), and provide superior physical and defensive play.

Now watch him be ppg in the playoffs :P

I think Ward was just having a hot streak in the Preds/Canucks series ... he's not a PPG player by any means.

I think Ward was just having a hot streak in the Preds/Canucks series ... he's not a PPG player by any means.

Not just a hot streak. He is a playoff icon.

Not sure what I can say that the title of this thread doesn't already. I guess, as a Caps fan, I am looking for what to expect of him once the playoffs start. GMGM ran out and signed this guy to a nice contract based on his playoff performance last season, from what I understand. But I had never heard of him before last years playoffs. Did he have one good playoffs that landed him some nice loot, or is there more to him? Based on what I saw of him this past regular season I am not impressed. Can Nashville fans, and others, fill in my blanks?

Are you impressed now?

Joel ward mvp

hahaha I was just going to bump this

ya' know

EPIC bump lmfaoooo.

All hail Joel Ward!

Joel Ward is simply awesome in the playoffs.

Are you impressed now?

Yup. 3,000,000 goal. And its not my money. Even better. :laugh:

He scores big goals.

Dat clutch playoff performer

He scores big goals.

Ward and Bergenheim seem to like the playoffs that's for sure!

yeee buuudy!

mmmm soo clutch

Good for Wardo.

"Any minute now...secret weapon (Ward) is going to do something". I have said that 10 times per game to my brother. I stopped believing it and it became a running joke after a couple of games. Total shock!

Some guys just have a playoff switch like Sean Bergenheim and Joel Ward.

Well spent $3,000,000. Well spent.

Joel Ward is definitely not a goal scorer...but his hard work and checking are valuable to the team (not $3 million valuable, but valuable nonetheless).

I noticed him playing a bit with Ovie in the 3rd period. I think that was a good adjustment. He provides defensive coverage and board battling for Ovechkin, and he's actually not bad at making plays. His hustle is his greatest asset.

I think he'll produce more for Washington if he sees more like 13-14 minutes...but I don't really think he's going to get it.

Ward is a great team player. Glad to see him score such an important goal.

Trolololololo

Good for him.


Wish I could have seen Philly v. Boston tho. With no home team to cheer for I would love to watch 2 rivals, and top teams kick the crap out of each other. Maybe next year.

Could have seeds 5,6,7,8 in the East all go through to to the 2nd rnd.

Even without the GWG he played a really great series, far better than he played outside of the first 3 weeks of the season.

Impressive first round performance from Ward, makes me feel much better about the signing.

Best prediction thread ever.

HA HA! Joel Ward has been a fave of mine for awhile, long before he was on the Capitals. I just like him. Now he's about the only reason I like the Capitals ha ha. Holtby now too, but I've always been a fan of Ward. Hmm, have you heard of him now? :sarcasm::D

Yes I can fill you in. He is NOT a playoff beast. We Preds fans all thought it was ridiculous on the contract the Caps offered based one just the playoffs performance. He is a good grinder and is a large body but is NOT a goal scorer. He doesn not have a switch he flips for the playoffs. Just honesty, sorry.


http://stickerish.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/YouDontSayBlackWithTextSS.png

Congrats Joel! Great university player glad to see his career having success like this.

Joel Ward...Joel Ward...Joel Ward. :handclap:

Best prediction thread ever.

Thanks. I think. :laugh:

Great goal, Joel!

It was pretty obvious since that butterfly wing flap in Nairobi less than two weeks ago.

That...and Karma

He used to always score big goals against the Red Wings, which is where I first noticed his clutchness. His playoff success does not surprise me one bit.

Big time playoff performer. This is what you pay for, is it not? If you get guys like Ward and Stoll contributing in huge moments like this, you tend to forget about their regular season play and cap hit very quickly.

I like how he admitted that he felt he was letting his team down with his performance before that, awesome goal.

http://stickerish.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/YouDontSayBlackWithTextSS.png

Congrats Joel! Great university player glad to see his career having success like this.

Uh... I never said he couldn't score goals. I'm happy as hell that he got the GWG. But does that make him a playoff hero? I think not. I can't believe what a goal in the playoffs will do on here to make someone a hero. He is not Ovechkin, as much as you all want to think all of a sudden. :laugh:

Oh man, I just love these necrobumps. :laugh:

Similiar to Bergenheim's situation

Uh... I never said he couldn't score goals. I'm happy as hell that he got the GWG. But does that make him a playoff hero? I think not. I can't believe what a goal in the playoffs will do on here to make someone a hero. He is not Ovechkin, as much as you all want to think all of a sudden. :laugh:

:laugh:

The dude scored a game 7 OTGWG. Playoff hero!

Some guys just have a playoff switch like Sean Bergenheim and Joel Ward.

Be very very weary of sample size. Remember playoff beast Chris Drury? The Rangers don't. If a guy actually "has a switch" like that for the playoffs that tells me he's not trying hard enough during the season.

Uh... I never said he couldn't score goals. I'm happy as hell that he got the GWG. But does that make him a playoff hero? I think not. I can't believe what a goal in the playoffs will do on here to make someone a hero. He is not Ovechkin, as much as you all want to think all of a sudden. :laugh:

If the Capitals reach the Stanley Cup Finals, Joel Ward's goal will be remembered as one of the most significant moments in franchise history.

Vancouver Canucks fans, for example, consider both the 1994 and 2011 Game 7 overtime goals special moments in the team's history. While Joel Ward may not be a clutch goal scorer in most situations or a consistent regular season performer, there is a chance he will be remembered for defeating the defending Stanley Cup Champions in Game 7 of the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs with his overtime goal.

If the Capitals reach the Stanley Cup Finals, Joel Ward's goal will be remembered as one of the most significant moments in franchise history.

Vancouver Canucks fans, for example, consider both the 1994 and 2011 Game 7 overtime goals special moments in the team's history. While Joel Ward may not be a clutch goal scorer in most situations or a consistent regular season performer, there is a chance he will be remembered for defeating the defending Stanley Cup Champions in Game 7 of the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs with his overtime goal.
Haven't the Caps been to the 2nd round recently? It's not like it was the damn Finals.

In the words of a super drunk guy one day behind me at a Preds game:

JJJJJJJJJOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOEEEEEEEEEE!
WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRDDDDDDDDDDDD! !!!

10 second pause

JJJJJJJJJOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOEEEEEEEEEE!
WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRDDDDDDDDDDDD! !!!

10 second pause

JJJJJJJJJOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOEEEEEEEEEE!
WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRDDDDDDDDDDDD! !!!

etc
etc
etc

Don´t want to be a Debby Downer and sure, he could be an athlete able to rise his game when it matters, but the most likely explanation is still that it is just a coincidence. That people don´t understand this and think this must be attributed as "clutch" is really quite funny.

Don´t want to be a Debby Downer and sure, he could be an athlete able to rise his game when it matters, but the most likely explanation is still that it is just a coincidence. That people don´t understand this and think this must be attributed as "clutch" is really quite funny.

Hard work pays off. It's not just coincidence

Ward fights for his ice, and not just on the boards but when pursuing the puck around the net. He recognizes that the playoffs are about greasy goals, not puck skills. He has the presence of mind to shadow puck carriers that are going to the net, and he can take out the trash in close.

He doesn't have a lot of them, but what goals he does have you aren't going to get from 40-goal scoring finesse players whose games can dry up in the playoffs. That's why a dozen or more teams were pursuing him last Summer, and why he made out very well as a UFA. No one expected him to contribute a lot of offense, and certainly not in the more finesse-oriented regular season. Yet when open ice closes up in the playoffs, he can provide different attributes up front. If you're in a defensive contest, without a lot of goal scoring, guys like that tend to end playoff games.

The Caps just made that $3M commitment back, off at least two more home playoff dates. No one in Capsland is regretting that contract today, that's for sure. That's exactly the type of player they lacked when they bowed out early in their 120-point seasons. You often score your goals in less flashy ways at this time of year, and those teams lacked those grittier players. Guys like that might have made a meaningful difference against Halak.

With Hendricks and Laich and Ward and Brouwer and Beagle and now Knuble getting ice time, they're relatively flush with guys willing to do that now.

Hard work pays off. It's not just coincidence

I think people would be surprised to see how much **** is purely coincidental. Hell, awards are given out on coincidence.

Haven't the Caps been to the 2nd round recently? It's not like it was the damn Finals.

Right. He should have scored the Cup winning goal last night.

You can only play one series at a time.

Dude has 10+10 in 25 playoff games and now he sends the defending cup champs home.

Players like these win you cups.

Oh look! An ORIGINAL Thread!

Uh... I never said he couldn't score goals. I'm happy as hell that he got the GWG. But does that make him a playoff hero? I think not. I can't believe what a goal in the playoffs will do on here to make someone a hero. He is not Ovechkin, as much as you all want to think all of a sudden. :laugh:

He had 17 points in 18 playoff games with us. He just scored the game-winning goal in overtime in a Game 7.

Basically what I'm saying is, shh. :P

Ward fights for his ice, and not just on the boards but when pursuing the puck around the net. He recognizes that the playoffs are about greasy goals, not puck skills. He has the presence of mind to shadow puck carriers that are going to the net, and he can take out the trash in close.

He doesn't have a lot of them, but what goals he does have you aren't going to get from 40-goal scoring finesse players whose games can dry up in the playoffs. That's why a dozen or more teams were pursuing him last Summer, and why he made out very well as a UFA. No one expected him to contribute a lot of offense, and certainly not in the more finesse-oriented regular season. Yet when open ice closes up in the playoffs, he can provide different attributes up front. If you're in a defensive contest, without a lot of goal scoring, guys like that tend to end playoff games.

The Caps just made that $3M commitment back, off at least two more home playoff dates. No one in Capsland is regretting that contract today, that's for sure. That's exactly the type of player they lacked when they bowed out early in their 120-point seasons. You often score your goals in less flashy ways at this time of year, and those teams lacked those grittier players. Guys like that might have made a meaningful difference against Halak.

With Hendricks and Laich and Ward and Brouwer and Beagle and now Knuble getting ice time, they're relatively flush with guys willing to do that now.
Nice user name.

Oh look! An ORIGINAL Thread!


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