hendricks taking the scratches skate? that mean beagle's in? knuble healthy?
Knuble skated but Bruce says he probably won't play tonight, so probably a game time decision at best as to whether or not he plays. Does look like Hendricks is out though.
you cant really take anything said about injuries/lineup at face value. it certainly appears like knuble is playing regardless of "I doubt it" and Hendricks is the scratch.
Its good news if Knuble is in. He will help keep them focused. Arnott seemed to lose his influence in game one.
Mostly I saw that he just needs to tighten himself up and stay focused. He didn't play atrociously, but there one one play I remember in particular. Roli was on his belly, the net was wide open. Backstrom's blade was on the puck, in the crease, but he hesitated and one of our guys was able to poke it away from him.
We outplayed you guys the last half of the game, even without Gags, but I think the Caps will bring the heat tonight. I hope the Bolts can rise to the occasion.
We are royally F'd if our PP looks like the Red Wings, they've had 6 minutes of PP time within the first 10 minutes of the game and nothing. San Jose's defense isn't exactly elite.
I agree that Backstrom needs to step up his game, that incident that DracoFulmineus mentioned was an especially egregious example of a sloppy play where he really needed to be clutch. First-line, six million dollar players can't make those kind of mistakes. That said, he does have an opportunity to redeem himself this game, let's hope he takes advantage of it.
I hope that Bruce works on capitalizing his scoring opportunities during this game. Tampa takes a lot of line changes and those present a lot of opportunities to take control of the game. He needs to make sure he has speedy players out and waiting to pressure Tampa during those frequent line changes.
1. Only dump if you're willing to chase.
2. Throw every shot from and angle on net, we need rebound goals for confidence amongst other things.
3. Run the goalie, it was discussed here but never executed. Someone has to step up.
Mostly I saw that he just needs to tighten himself up and stay focused..
I'd say that its more than that. He has not scored a goal in 14 games going back to the regular season. He has 1 pt in 6 playoff games where ovechkin, semin, and green all have 5 or 6. johansson has 5pts.
I agree that Backstrom needs to step up his game, that incident that DracoFulmineus mentioned was an especially egregious example of a sloppy play where he really needed to be clutch. First-line, six million dollar players can't make those kind of mistakes. That said, he does have an opportunity to redeem himself this game, let's hope he takes advantage of it.
I am not making excuses but the one variable you have the least amount of control over is "luck" when it comes to the playoffs. I remember that Backstrom play and I also remember the Semin post on the PP that could have made it 3-1. Then you have the TB goal off Hannan's stick. Even worse for me was that OT goal in 2009, Game 3 for the Pens where the Caps could have made it 3-0 were it not for a lucky bounce.
I know you make your own luck to a certain extent but it's usually out of the control of any team.
schultz returned after 4 weeks with his broken thumb. backstrom hurt his thumb february 21. i dont think you can blame this on the thumb. his stick handling has been strong. his puck handling in his own zone and on the pk has been elite. but his offensive game hasnt been there.
* All the signs are there that Knuble is in and Hendricks is out tonight. Boudreau just doesnt want to say it
Why did Sarge only get 16 minutes last game? I presume he got in the dog house with the dog penalty in the first period. He was on for a goal but dont remember it as on him. Still want to know what happened to Carlson. I am predicting a right side injury. I fgured it would bump up Sarge's TOI and maybe it did.
I hope the game is more exciting than this thread. If we lose I am calling in sick tomorrow damnit.
Why did Sarge only get 16 minutes last game? I presume he got in the dog house with the dog penalty in the first period. He was on for a goal but dont remember it as on him. Still want to know what happened to Carlson. I am predicting a right side injury. I fgured it would bump up Sarge's TOI and maybe it did.
I hope the game is more exciting than this thread. If we lose I am calling in sick tomorrow damnit.
I think it had more to do with being behind and having Carlson out. Green's minutes were way up. Schultz only had 16 but Carlson was under 15 and Erskine only 12.
I saw the play when Carlson was hurt. It was fighting for puck and position in Neuvy's crease. TB guy came skating in hard and rocked him pretty good. He didn't flinch but it stung him.
It looked like core body pain: back, abdomin, rib. not a foot, knee or shoulder.
As for Game 2, yeah they better bring a masterpiece.
Bruce is a madman, that right there reeks of desperation, we lost Game 1, it's not the end of the world. I do like the 1st and 4th line, 2 and 3..........no thanks
I like it. I hope BB gives it some time and lets them play. If they stay in the system if should give us more chances have things spread out a little. And maybe Nick turns it up a little.
Bruce is a madman, that right there reeks of desperation, we lost Game 1, it's not the end of the world. I do like the 1st and 4th line, 2 and 3..........no thanks
I like those. Brooks and Semin have been playing good and I bet BB is trying to get Backstroms ass in gear. 3rd line isn't anything special, but who know maybe Fehr makes something happen.
I actually love those lines. 90 with Ovi, Laich to provide some grit alongside Semin and Nicky, Arnott centering a 3rd line with some strength and speed on each side, and a nice 4th line.
