1. It seems like every loss, there is one thing the Caps look at and say "we need to be better with this" in the post game pressers and then don't actually do anything about. This time, it's gonna be penalties.
2. Holtby continues to slump but it seems like the guy just can't catch a break. Whether its a lack of defense or unlucky bounces everything that can possibly go wrong for Holtby is going wrong. People who look at the save percentage of Holtby as a way of evaluating his performance in tonight's game don't know a god damn thing about hockey. It's going to be interesting to see who Oates goes with in the next game. Part of me wants to see him start Holtby again just so Holtby can get back in his groove and get some of his confidence back but I have this feeling Holtby is the last person on his goaltending radar for the next game. I'm guessing Neuvirth gets the next start as Oates searches for the next hot hand.
3. I have a hard time finding Caps fans who can truly and objectively judge Alex Ovechkin's performances game in and game out. Many times, it seems like his poor performances are overshadowed either by other problems with the team or a nice goal he may have scored during the game. The fact is, Ovechkin just looked completely lost tonight. I saw no urgency out of him whatsoever at all times in the game. I am hesitant to give him credit for his assist because it appeared to just be a desperation play to keep the puck in the zone. If history has told us anything, Ovechkin needs Backstrom, plain and simple. He is utterly lost and therefore useless without him. Perhaps I'm being too critical but nevertheless, they need to be reunited.
4. Ryan Suter is insanely good. The guy plays half the game, nets a hat trick and clearly has proven to be the best defenseman in the NHL (arguably).
.....damn you
5. Is Mike Green back? We can only hope so. His first period was the best period of hockey he's played all season. Even before he scored his goal he got a good look at the dot on a pass from Fehr. But the real story is Greenie dangling the shit out of Matt Cooke and following that up with a snipe to the lower right corner. His second goal is undoubtedly lucky but every coach in hockey will tell you, you get the puck towards the net, good things will happen. A lot of people would like to blame Green for the 5th goal but I would like to invite anyone to argue that Holtby was in the correct position for that shot. Spoiler alert: If he was in the right position, there wouldn't have been a 5th goal. But still, keep up the good work Greenie.
No comments:
Post a Comment