I guess in a weird way it feels good to care again. Feels good to be in the playoffs, have expectations, get your hopes up and get KICKED IN THE FOCKING NUTS. Maybe instead of tinkering with lines we should practice changing on the fly. Two bench minors, the last of which tied the game. It's a #$##$ embarrassment.
Reffing that crappy really brings a great game down. It was still close, but how they missed two four minute high stickings that were as obvious as any high stickings I've ever seen... I don't know. And that goaltender interference call? There were some bad calls/no calls the other way too, I just don't care about those. They can keep messing that up, I won't complain.
those two refs should lose their armbands for their performance tonight. The goalie interference on Kozlov was beyond belief, and how do two refs, ostensibly watching the puck, not see the high stick on Bradley turn his face into hamburger? I hate bitching about the refs, but for cryin out loud...
And at some point, we should consider trying to stop that goddamn weakside post play on their PP.
You caps fans are so dumb complaining about the refs. I agree that the goalie interference call was bad, but the flyers DIDNT score on that power play. They tied it up on the power play from too many men. The refs were fine today, they let the players play late in the game. Hey maybe you guys can start watching the Nats, oh yea that's right they lost in 14 innings tonite
"The refs were fine today, they let the players play late in the game."
Guess you watched a different game, today.
I guess you're also too stupid to know that a lot of momentum changes when you go on the PK, no matter if you kill it off, that's at least 2 minutes you weren't scoring. (except for the very rare sher) Surprise, you're an idiot!
Ovie didn't get called for the dive on that tripping call on Tuesday, and the Caps didn't score on the ensuing powerplay. The Kozlov goaltender interference call may have been bull, but no more such than the non-call on Ovie... and as eric points out, the Flytards didn't score on their powerplay either.
It's a wash. Move along... move along.
p.s. I am a Caps fan, season ticket holder down in 104. Sour grapes are just that: sour.
The refs have been giving us calls as well all series. A Flyer (Richards?) lost a couple teeth late in the third from a blatant high stick with the puck right in the area. Play was stopped and no blood, but still. This stuff evens out.
Brashear needs to get out there first shift next game and beat the tar out of someone (Upshall) to get the team going. More fire in their bellies is definitely needed, none of this blaming the refs BS.
None of this blaming the refs BS? Guess you didn't watch the game either.
I've fucking had it with this shitty attitude. CALL A SPADE A SPADE. WE GOT FUCKED. PERIOD.
In spite of facing 10 players on the ice at any one point in time, the caps still remained in it. Pretty obvious who the better team was tonight. Highway robbery that they didn't walk away with the win.
The refs were fine today, they let the players play late in the game. Hey maybe you guys can start watching the Nats, oh yea that's right they lost in 14 innings tonite
Ooooh, burrrrrrrrrn. I thought the Caps loss was bad but now I'm really upset.
In spite of facing 10 players on the ice at any one point in time, the caps still remained in it.
Well they counteracted those "10" by repeatedly putting out a sixth skater.
Refs were a wash.
I give credit to Boudreau for actually changing stuff up though, because I had gotten the sense before tonight that he was far too stubborn to do that. I have NO idea why the Caps' power play ever had Ovechkin on the point. That's a terrible place to exile a 60-goal scorer.
The Caps had an awesome run at the end of the season, yes, and escaped from Game 1 with a win, which I think gave Boudreau far too much confidence.
Dominating a mid-major division like the Southeast to end the regular season is good for momentum, but it can only get you so far.
Oh, and it's not even 7:00 and if I read the words "brink" or "commanding" one more time today, I might puke [cue clever anonymous commentor who uses both].
i hate everything. even with the questionable reffing of this game, the Caps had plenty of chances to put the game away, but didn't. so many point blank shots missed or mis-hit.
how has not a single cap hit the shit out of briere? not dirty hit, i mean a rattle your bones clean hit to make him think twice about hugging the right post every PP.
we were the better team tonight but we lost, yes. the opposite goes for game 1, though.
p.s. i remember on the game winner, when they were fighting for possession on the boards, Fedorov moved from behind the net, to the corner to try and start a breakout in case they got the puck. that was how it all started. as soon as he changed position i thought" fuck fuck fuck Upshall is going to be wide open behind the net".....bleh....
While I am pissed about the state of the series, I'll just say this, 1. They played alot better tonight than the previous three games which is encouraging. 2. Semin has earned my respect over this series. 3. I would love to see Olie play the next game at home (nothing against Huet who has been spectacular at times) but why not see Olie the Goalie, Godzilla, make one last playoff start at home. And you never know, Caps win the next game and that sting in the nuts goes away, replaced by cautious optimism.
I know lots of people ripped him for his previous column, but I think Mike Wise in the Post got it right today. You could almost see all the playoff newbies for the Caps saying, "Oh, so THIS is how I have to play now."
Yeah, they lost, and that hurts, but if they play like that all the time, they'll be OK.
And it looks like injuries (specifically Clark and Pothier) finally caught up to them. You think if Pothier was healthy Jurcina would still be playing?
I sent J-La-C an email about the lack of mentioning of the refereeing. Here's the response I got:
"Great point. Don't think it settled the game but it was dubious.
I wrote a paragraph on it - centered on the kozlov call and some philly stockwork - that ended up on the editing room floor. Cut ... For space purposes I presume
Philly fans may be lower than the scum of the earth, but they certainly did a great job of intimidating those refs last night. Maybe some mafia connected Philly goomba whispered in the ears of the refs that if they wanted to see their kids again, they better call the game the right way.
This has karma written all over it. Since another certain SE team should be playing in Washington's place, fate will keep your not quite there yet, no stanley cup in 30+ years, same goal keeper the Canes beat in the 1st round before taking it all, #8 gatting rattled by some if his own thuggery given back to him for once(thank God), and a bunch of meat-heads for 3rd and 4th lines from advancing. Too bad it wasn't a sweep.
it's called a life outside of the world wide web dude. I don't need to boost my self esteem by having some lame internet personality and witty screen name. I just read the news and made a comment. I'm sure the blog author is glad I stopped by. You minge.
But it's just as easy to come up with a name as it is to post anonymously, and I prefer the former just so everyone can keep straight the people to whom they're responding (with multiple Anonymi, it's harder).
Personal attacks, though, aren't cool, and as far as I'm concerned, an attack is only personal when directed at a non-anonymous poster. Them's the rules around here.
Washington is getting back to playing like they did the last games of the season. This series goes back to Philly for Game 6 and back to DC for Game 7 - guaranteed.
JP, anonymous really doesn't have to leave a name. We know who he/she is: a disgruntled Caniac fan who knows their team's time has passed and is humiliated that Carolina is the first in history to have won the Cup and not make the playoffs the following two seasons.
No, I am a real fan who believes in next year. And the Caps summer is only gonna be a week and a half shorter than Carolina's so join the club bud. Oh and as for humiliation.....dude i was at game 7 when they did win it(after they were just in the final 4 years prior) and I'll take missing the playoffs 2 in a row after taking THE CUP over never having it at all. SEE WASHINGTON. Nobody that experienced that evening in raleigh is embarrassed.
Publishers often don't like to print that kind of thing, mostly because the NHL would get pissed off.
That said, I was pretty mad about some of the calls last night. The high stick bloody face one sticks out in my mind. Can't blame the refs all the time but god, do I hate Philly.
Dear Capitols, Please beat the god damn Flyers. Sincerely, Pens Fan.
I just feel pity for 'Canes fans that come on here and run their mouths. Have some pride. stfu and let the playoffs move on without you. your team shit the bed when they could have claimed the division easily on their own.
btw, we win the SE division, decisively, next year.
Yeah, I'm with ya Decev. I guess what I'm saying is that I get they have reasons to cut that stuff out, but I don't think the reasons are particularly good.
Your team is currently shitting the bed. When they could easily win the series on their own. btw you should be a lot richer than you probably are since you are able to accurately see the future. It pissed me off at first when they got bounced( a feeling you are ganna have real soon) but now I just think it's funny the caps are getting mauled by another team I can't stand. That is what I came on here to talk smack about. Not the hurricanes. Maybe next season.
I hope that Cup in '06 keeps you warm and fuzzy for the next 10 years, especially while you watch the Caps hoist several Cups during that time. But, hey dude, look at it this way. Not making the playoffs give you more quality time watching Nascar. Right, bud?
Anonymous and other clowns of your ILK: I have never in my life felt obligated to troll other teams message boards, especially if my team was no longer playing. This is what you refer to as 'having a life'?
Nascar? Come on dude that one is so played out. The sleeping with my sister one is much better by the way. I haven't seen race since I was a kid. And who says the Caps are gonna be "raising the cup several times"? Last time I checked it was up to the players and they sure don't seem to want it this year of your first ten. That leaves 9 more to get a coupleof championships there Nostradomus(check spelling for that since I am a backwater hick. Are gangs ,murders,carjacking and rapes a funny way to stereotype you DC folk or what?
Sorry...my friends and I are having a blast getting you all riled up. I really did just stop by this morning to read because this is a good news source but i gotta defend against this redneck crap. it irks me.
i don't care what anyone says about sour grapes - when you miss a call that blatant (kozlov) when we are surging, then deflate the momentum, you are letting the refs decide the games - that's crap. the caps lost but they definitely had help. and as far as all the BS about "the calls evened out" - NOT EVEN CLOSE.
Aww, c'mon dad. We're just kidding around. This stuff is all in good fun and it took everybody's mind off last night's loss. I certainly bear no ill will towards our SE brethren. After all, we southerners have to stick together. And really, you shouldn't be unhappy. We did all the heavy lifting today. :-)
I hope that Cup in '06 keeps you warm and fuzzy for the next 10 years, especially while you watch the Caps hoist several Cups during that time.
Believe me, if you had any idea what you were talking about, you know that one Stanley Cup in 10 years is pretty awesome. I'm a Flyers fan who thinks that having two Stanley Cups thirty-something years ago is pretty sweet (plus the long playoff streaks, 2nd all-time NHL win percentage behind Montreal, and five other finals championships).
Thirty teams now in the league, so if you can get your hands on a cup in the last ten years, you're doin' alright.
I also think Caps fans have been particularly deluded into shock by this deficit because of their erroneous #3 seed. The Flyers finished with more points playing a much tougher schedule, coming out of a division which sent four of its five teams to the playoffs, and will very likely make up three of the four Eastern Conference second round teams.
Playing Atlantic foes has made the Flyers battle tested down the stretch, while beating up on teams with losing records down the stretch may have just given the Caps false confidence.
For the record, I absolutely hated the Southeast division formation, and want the Caps back in the Atlantic. I was pretty excited when there were rumors about the Penguins moving west, because I thought it could mean that they'd go to the Western Conference, Nashville would join the Southeast, and the Caps would be bumped up into the Atlantic where they belong.
If you want a wash to the ref's calls then consider the missed opportunities the Caps had: yes, the puck was bouncing on Ovie, but he needs to put that in; Feds hitting the butt end of Biron's stick on a two on one breakaway; and countless opportunities by Matt Cook (in a lot of games) right in front of the net.
I have no ill will towards our loss. The Flyers were a better team, but I like to think we are better fans than some of the Philly fans. We outplayed ourselves at the end of the season (even for a team in the lowly Southeast). We beat Carolina when we had to, we beat Tampa Bay when we had to, and we beat Florida when we had to (unlike other teams with anonymous bloggers). It was a great year, and I am grateful for it after several long painful years. It is a step forward.
Anything worth having is worth waiting for, and the Caps time will come. For my part I'm dreaming of a Flyers vs. Pens Eastern Conference final, to watch these two teams go at it. Unless of course my hard-won pessimism is totally misplaced...
Ben, We didn't think the Caps might do well in these playoffs because we won the SE. Trust me, we all know what a rat hole that diivision is. Our expectation going into this series were based on what the team did over the last 61 games of the season after Boudreau took over. Remember, the Caps started the season 6-14-1. Once Boudreau got here, they went 37-17-7. Over that same period, the Flyers went 29-22-10. The Flyers may have finished a point ahead in the standings, but the Caps were by far the better team over the last three-quarters of the season. So to say we made our mark playing the SE isn't accurate. One thing I do agree with you on is that the Caps should be back in the Atlantic.
b.orr4: The problem when comparing their records over that period is that the schedules aren't balanced. The Caps play most of their games against the weak SE, while the Flyers played most of their games against playoff-bound teams.
This series has been exactly what I thought it would be: Pretty even, but the Flyers have a little more balance, depth, and experience. Neither of these teams are going anywhere this year, but it should be a hell of a rivalry for years to come. The next 10 years should be fun with Ovechkin and Semin vs Richards and Carter.
Yesterday, I gave some stats on the Caps chances of winning game four. Unfortunately, the Caps went against form. So I thought I'd update their chances down 3-1. Sad to report, they don't look so great. In fact, for the Caps to win this series they'd have to make history. That's because the team losing Game 1 and winning Games 2-4 with Games 1-2 on the road and Games 3-4 at home (Philadelphia) has never lost a preliminary round series. On the good news side, the team leading 3-1 under the above scenario has lost game five 58% of the time. So for the Caps to come back, they're going to have to do something never done before in the NHL. Then again, they've already done that when they came back to make the playoffs, so who knows. Right now, they've got to forget about being down 3-1 and just concentrate on winning one period at a time.
It's nice to see everyone in Washington getting excited over hockey again, even if the accentuated whining that goes along with being new to the playoffs gets a little frustrating at times. Have a nice off-season.
How many people who complain about refs have actually watched a game at ice level. It is easy to see a missed call from a luxury suite an upper level seat and especially from your living room or bar stool but trying to catch everything at 99mph happening in front or in back of you is a challenging task. Im surprised the refs get as many right as they do. I am not your typical Flyers fan who believes that every ref is against us and their is some massive conspiracy to keep us down. I have seen as many bad calls for us and well as against us. Why does everyone only remember the bad call that went against your team and not the one that was in your advantage.I was at the 1st game in DC and even though we gave away a winner I still loved every minute of and was glad to see capitals fans supporting their team in a great building. Not sure about the choice of Rocky videos since in both instances Clubber Lang and the Russian wound up losing in the end. In the end I belive it will come down to depth and the Flyers just happen to be deeper this year. Win or lose I am not going to blame the decision on refs or style of play
jp - I wasn't tuning in earlier but way to lay down the law. I can read trash anywhere but I visit this blog because it's smart and interesting. Not sure why people get off on posting that anonymous crap.
Anyway, last night was disappointing but for what it's worth, I'm at peace with it. The Caps made some mistakes, were subjected to some bad calls but they made adjustments and played hard. I think there's a lot to look forward to no matter what happens this season. Either way, I'll be there tomorrow cheering.
That said, we need upgrading at D and if we don't sign Huet, the UFA pool doesn't look promising. Among the many bright spots, Semin might actually deserve the big pay increase next year and despite some shortcomings at the tender age of 22, not many teams would turn down the chance to have Mike Green on their team. Lots of upside but some holes to fill so it could be a lot worse (read: Jagr).
The series isn't over. The team has a pulse after that game. It's faint, but I saw guys playing all out and fighting for each other out there. More guys played well than those that played badly, and a few (like Semin and Fehr) showed me more than I knew they had in terms of grit.
I'm not going to say the refs cost the Caps the game, but they certainly did their best. The ref closest to the Bradley high stick should be fired today. That was simply impossible to miss. Bradley popped up covered in blood immediately and the puck was right there. The high stick on Semin was also an atrocious non-call but at least it was away from the puck; I can forgive that one. The ref who called the Kozlov interference should be fired. Absolutely inexcusable, especially given how many times the Flyers have run Huet with no call.
The Bradley missed call, BTW, indirectly led to Philly's 2nd goal. Later in that shift after the non-call, the Caps took a penalty, and Philly scored right after the ensuing power play expired. If the call is made, the Caps have a 4 minute power play, and none of that happens.
As for Huet, he was great. Two of his saves were unbelievable, and he didn't have a chance on the 3rd goal. A really tough loss for him.
A bunch of other guys played well, and we had some bad bounces. I am much more content to lose a game like that than one like game 2 where the guys just aren't working. I fully accept the loss and Philly earned the win, but they had some major help from the zebras.
The real criticism: for the love of god, could the defensemen learn how to clear a puck? It's like a power play out there every time the Flyers cycle, and the Caps break down spectacularly. On their 2nd goal, I could see it was coming from the way our guys were scrambling, likewise on Huet's 2 huge saves in the 3rd. I think Erskine just closes his eyes and fires the puck every time it touches his stick. He battled, but he sucks.
"How many people who complain about refs have actually watched a game at ice level."
I have. And when a player is fucking bleeding like a stuck pig, it's pretty damn obvious what happened. Not once but twice a high stick didn't called when it was an easy 4 minute call. So it happened behind your back, big deal. You should be forced to make the call each and every time there's blood. Period.
Referees are given too much slack claiming "they're only human" blah blah fucking blah. If they're "only human" then get some new method to call a game, because this system's broken.
75 comments:
dude i bet.
I guess in a weird way it feels good to care again. Feels good to be in the playoffs, have expectations, get your hopes up and get KICKED IN THE FOCKING NUTS. Maybe instead of tinkering with lines we should practice changing on the fly. Two bench minors, the last of which tied the game. It's a #$##$ embarrassment.
As a Flyers fan, I am so thrilled we were able to steal that game.
Y'all outplayed us almost the entire time.
Sorry bout the sensation in y'all's nuts.
Reffing that crappy really brings a great game down. It was still close, but how they missed two four minute high stickings that were as obvious as any high stickings I've ever seen... I don't know. And that goaltender interference call? There were some bad calls/no calls the other way too, I just don't care about those. They can keep messing that up, I won't complain.
those two refs should lose their armbands for their performance tonight. The goalie interference on Kozlov was beyond belief, and how do two refs, ostensibly watching the puck, not see the high stick on Bradley turn his face into hamburger? I hate bitching about the refs, but for cryin out loud...
And at some point, we should consider trying to stop that goddamn weakside post play on their PP.
I feel like I just got kicked in the gut.
F*UCK.
that is all.
Anybody still think Huet is the problem?
You caps fans are so dumb complaining about the refs. I agree that the goalie interference call was bad, but the flyers DIDNT score on that power play. They tied it up on the power play from too many men. The refs were fine today, they let the players play late in the game. Hey maybe you guys can start watching the Nats, oh yea that's right they lost in 14 innings tonite
Well he sure as sh*t isn't the solution, so what's your point?
So...This series has pretty much killed any optimism I have for life right now.
damn
Eric H. - maybe you can go back to jacking off about the last time Philadelphia won a championship in anything.
No one said Huet was *THE* problem. Not that I ever saw, anyway.
Your nuts taste like salty tears, because that's what you've got right now. Tears.
"The refs were fine today, they let the players play late in the game."
Guess you watched a different game, today.
I guess you're also too stupid to know that a lot of momentum changes when you go on the PK, no matter if you kill it off, that's at least 2 minutes you weren't scoring. (except for the very rare sher) Surprise, you're an idiot!
"Anonymous said...
Your nuts taste like salty tears"
I think this about wraps up philly's faithful. Too dumb to know what you actually just said.
Ovie didn't get called for the dive on that tripping call on Tuesday, and the Caps didn't score on the ensuing powerplay. The Kozlov goaltender interference call may have been bull, but no more such than the non-call on Ovie... and as eric points out, the Flytards didn't score on their powerplay either.
It's a wash. Move along... move along.
p.s. I am a Caps fan, season ticket holder down in 104. Sour grapes are just that: sour.
The refs have been giving us calls as well all series. A Flyer (Richards?) lost a couple teeth late in the third from a blatant high stick with the puck right in the area. Play was stopped and no blood, but still. This stuff evens out.
Brashear needs to get out there first shift next game and beat the tar out of someone (Upshall) to get the team going. More fire in their bellies is definitely needed, none of this blaming the refs BS.
None of this blaming the refs BS? Guess you didn't watch the game either.
I've fucking had it with this shitty attitude. CALL A SPADE A SPADE. WE GOT FUCKED. PERIOD.
In spite of facing 10 players on the ice at any one point in time, the caps still remained in it. Pretty obvious who the better team was tonight. Highway robbery that they didn't walk away with the win.
The refs were fine today, they let the players play late in the game. Hey maybe you guys can start watching the Nats, oh yea that's right they lost in 14 innings tonite
Ooooh, burrrrrrrrrn. I thought the Caps loss was bad but now I'm really upset.
In spite of facing 10 players on the ice at any one point in time, the caps still remained in it.
Well they counteracted those "10" by repeatedly putting out a sixth skater.
Refs were a wash.
I give credit to Boudreau for actually changing stuff up though, because I had gotten the sense before tonight that he was far too stubborn to do that. I have NO idea why the Caps' power play ever had Ovechkin on the point. That's a terrible place to exile a 60-goal scorer.
The Caps had an awesome run at the end of the season, yes, and escaped from Game 1 with a win, which I think gave Boudreau far too much confidence.
Dominating a mid-major division like the Southeast to end the regular season is good for momentum, but it can only get you so far.
Fitting that the nut-kicker has an orange 'fro, no? If he had a black and white striped shirt and an orange arm band on, it'd be perfect.
Oh, and it's not even 7:00 and if I read the words "brink" or "commanding" one more time today, I might puke [cue clever anonymous commentor who uses both].
i hate everything. even with the questionable reffing of this game, the Caps had plenty of chances to put the game away, but didn't. so many point blank shots missed or mis-hit.
how has not a single cap hit the shit out of briere? not dirty hit, i mean a rattle your bones clean hit to make him think twice about hugging the right post every PP.
we were the better team tonight but we lost, yes. the opposite goes for game 1, though.
p.s. i remember on the game winner, when they were fighting for possession on the boards, Fedorov moved from behind the net, to the corner to try and start a breakout in case they got the puck. that was how it all started. as soon as he changed position i thought" fuck fuck fuck Upshall is going to be wide open behind the net".....bleh....
oops...I used "brink"...
While I am pissed about the state of the series, I'll just say this,
1. They played alot better tonight than the previous three games which is encouraging.
2. Semin has earned my respect over this series.
3. I would love to see Olie play the next game at home (nothing against Huet who has been spectacular at times) but why not see Olie the Goalie, Godzilla, make one last playoff start at home. And you never know, Caps win the next game and that sting in the nuts goes away, replaced by cautious optimism.
MFSOB
It's time to re-create '88.
I know lots of people ripped him for his previous column, but I think Mike Wise in the Post got it right today. You could almost see all the playoff newbies for the Caps saying, "Oh, so THIS is how I have to play now."
Yeah, they lost, and that hurts, but if they play like that all the time, they'll be OK.
And it looks like injuries (specifically Clark and Pothier) finally caught up to them. You think if Pothier was healthy Jurcina would still be playing?
i hope every flyers fan and player DIES!
And does anyone else miss Kerry Frasier? Yeah, I know he always caught the ire of the fans, but at least he was consistent in his calls!
I'm surprised that neither Tarik, nor JlaC, nor Wise mentioned the refs in the articles. Seriously surprised.
I sent J-La-C an email about the lack of mentioning of the refereeing. Here's the response I got:
"Great point. Don't think it settled the game but it was dubious.
I wrote a paragraph on it - centered on the kozlov call and some philly stockwork - that ended up on the editing room floor. Cut ... For space purposes I presume
Thanks again for the thoughtful email
Cheers"
Philly fans may be lower than the scum of the earth, but they certainly did a great job of intimidating those refs last night. Maybe some mafia connected Philly goomba whispered in the ears of the refs that if they wanted to see their kids again, they better call the game the right way.
This has karma written all over it. Since another certain SE team should be playing in Washington's place, fate will keep your not quite there yet, no stanley cup in 30+ years, same goal keeper the Canes beat in the 1st round before taking it all, #8 gatting rattled by some if his own thuggery given back to him for once(thank God), and a bunch of meat-heads for 3rd and 4th lines from advancing. Too bad it wasn't a sweep.
Ever notice how the trolls from other cities who talk tough are always anonymous?
it's called a life outside of the world wide web dude. I don't need to boost my self esteem by having some lame internet personality and witty screen name. I just read the news and made a comment. I'm sure the blog author is glad I stopped by. You minge.
Way to blow it against the Panthers.
I'm glad everybody stops by.
But it's just as easy to come up with a name as it is to post anonymously, and I prefer the former just so everyone can keep straight the people to whom they're responding (with multiple Anonymi, it's harder).
Personal attacks, though, aren't cool, and as far as I'm concerned, an attack is only personal when directed at a non-anonymous poster. Them's the rules around here.
Washington is getting back to playing like they did the last games of the season. This series goes back to Philly for Game 6 and back to DC for Game 7 - guaranteed.
JP, anonymous really doesn't have to leave a name. We know who he/she is: a disgruntled Caniac fan who knows their team's time has passed and is humiliated that Carolina is the first in history to have won the Cup and not make the playoffs the following two seasons.
No, I am a real fan who believes in next year. And the Caps summer is only gonna be a week and a half shorter than Carolina's so join the club bud. Oh and as for humiliation.....dude i was at game 7 when they did win it(after they were just in the final 4 years prior) and I'll take missing the playoffs 2 in a row after taking THE CUP over never having it at all. SEE WASHINGTON. Nobody that experienced that evening in raleigh is embarrassed.
rage,
Publishers often don't like to print that kind of thing, mostly because the NHL would get pissed off.
That said, I was pretty mad about some of the calls last night. The high stick bloody face one sticks out in my mind. Can't blame the refs all the time but god, do I hate Philly.
Dear Capitols,
Please beat the god damn Flyers.
Sincerely,
Pens Fan.
I just feel pity for 'Canes fans that come on here and run their mouths. Have some pride. stfu and let the playoffs move on without you. your team shit the bed when they could have claimed the division easily on their own.
btw, we win the SE division, decisively, next year.
Appropos of nothing, whenever I hear "Don van Massenhoven" I actually hear "Don van Massivehandjob." Just thought I'd share that tidbit.
Yeah, I'm with ya Decev. I guess what I'm saying is that I get they have reasons to cut that stuff out, but I don't think the reasons are particularly good.
Your team is currently shitting the bed. When they could easily win the series on their own.
btw you should be a lot richer than you probably are since you are able to accurately see the future. It pissed me off at first when they got bounced( a feeling you are ganna have real soon) but now I just think it's funny the caps are getting mauled by another team I can't stand. That is what I came on here to talk smack about. Not the hurricanes. Maybe next season.
I hope that Cup in '06 keeps you warm and fuzzy for the next 10 years, especially while you watch the Caps hoist several Cups during that time. But, hey dude, look at it this way. Not making the playoffs give you more quality time watching Nascar. Right, bud?
Anonymous and other clowns of your ILK: I have never in my life felt obligated to troll other teams message boards, especially if my team was no longer playing. This is what you refer to as 'having a life'?
Nascar? Come on dude that one is so played out. The sleeping with my sister one is much better by the way. I haven't seen race since I was a kid. And who says the Caps are gonna be "raising the cup several times"? Last time I checked it was up to the players and they sure don't seem to want it this year of your first ten. That leaves 9 more to get a coupleof championships there Nostradomus(check spelling for that since I am a backwater hick. Are gangs ,murders,carjacking and rapes a funny way to stereotype you DC folk or what?
Enough. Get back to talking hockey or I start deleting comments.
you're right, the Caps HAVE shit the bed the past few games, but I don't scamper to the opposing team's blogs and cry like a bitch.
in summary, you are a turd.
Sorry...my friends and I are having a blast getting you all riled up. I really did just stop by this morning to read because this is a good news source but i gotta defend against this redneck crap. it irks me.
Should we trade our first round pick?
And nobody is cryng either.....I am simply celebrating the Caps getting hammered.
i don't care what anyone says about sour grapes - when you miss a call that blatant (kozlov) when we are surging, then deflate the momentum, you are letting the refs decide the games - that's crap. the caps lost but they definitely had help. and as far as all the BS about "the calls evened out" - NOT EVEN CLOSE.
And that's the last word on that. Period.
(not you, Silencio)
Aww, c'mon dad. We're just kidding around. This stuff is all in good fun and it took everybody's mind off last night's loss. I certainly bear no ill will towards our SE brethren. After all, we southerners have to stick together. And really, you shouldn't be unhappy. We did all the heavy lifting today. :-)
Heh.
As long as we keep the discourse above that on Tarik's blog, I'm cool.
If anyone still thinks that we do not need a physical, top 4 D-man, And if his/her name is anonymous then i don't care
If anyone still thinks that we do not need a physical, top 4 D-man, THEN THEY ARE CRAZY. And if his/her name is anonymous then i don't care
Sorry...left that off...
I hope that Cup in '06 keeps you warm and fuzzy for the next 10 years, especially while you watch the Caps hoist several Cups during that time.
Believe me, if you had any idea what you were talking about, you know that one Stanley Cup in 10 years is pretty awesome. I'm a Flyers fan who thinks that having two Stanley Cups thirty-something years ago is pretty sweet (plus the long playoff streaks, 2nd all-time NHL win percentage behind Montreal, and five other finals championships).
Thirty teams now in the league, so if you can get your hands on a cup in the last ten years, you're doin' alright.
I also think Caps fans have been particularly deluded into shock by this deficit because of their erroneous #3 seed. The Flyers finished with more points playing a much tougher schedule, coming out of a division which sent four of its five teams to the playoffs, and will very likely make up three of the four Eastern Conference second round teams.
Playing Atlantic foes has made the Flyers battle tested down the stretch, while beating up on teams with losing records down the stretch may have just given the Caps false confidence.
For the record, I absolutely hated the Southeast division formation, and want the Caps back in the Atlantic. I was pretty excited when there were rumors about the Penguins moving west, because I thought it could mean that they'd go to the Western Conference, Nashville would join the Southeast, and the Caps would be bumped up into the Atlantic where they belong.
If you want a wash to the ref's calls then consider the missed opportunities the Caps had: yes, the puck was bouncing on Ovie, but he needs to put that in; Feds hitting the butt end of Biron's stick on a two on one breakaway; and countless opportunities by Matt Cook (in a lot of games) right in front of the net.
I have no ill will towards our loss. The Flyers were a better team, but I like to think we are better fans than some of the Philly fans. We outplayed ourselves at the end of the season (even for a team in the lowly Southeast). We beat Carolina when we had to, we beat Tampa Bay when we had to, and we beat Florida when we had to (unlike other teams with anonymous bloggers). It was a great year, and I am grateful for it after several long painful years. It is a step forward.
Anything worth having is worth waiting for, and the Caps time will come. For my part I'm dreaming of a Flyers vs. Pens Eastern Conference final, to watch these two teams go at it. Unless of course my hard-won pessimism is totally misplaced...
Ben,
We didn't think the Caps might do well in these playoffs because we won the SE. Trust me, we all know what a rat hole that diivision is. Our expectation going into this series were based on what the team did over the last 61 games of the season after Boudreau took over. Remember, the Caps started the season 6-14-1. Once Boudreau got here, they went 37-17-7. Over that same period, the Flyers went 29-22-10. The Flyers may have finished a point ahead in the standings, but the Caps were by far the better team over the last three-quarters of the season. So to say we made our mark playing the SE isn't accurate. One thing I do agree with you on is that the Caps should be back in the Atlantic.
b.orr4: The problem when comparing their records over that period is that the schedules aren't balanced. The Caps play most of their games against the weak SE, while the Flyers played most of their games against playoff-bound teams.
This series has been exactly what I thought it would be: Pretty even, but the Flyers have a little more balance, depth, and experience. Neither of these teams are going anywhere this year, but it should be a hell of a rivalry for years to come. The next 10 years should be fun with Ovechkin and Semin vs Richards and Carter.
Yesterday, I gave some stats on the Caps chances of winning game four. Unfortunately, the Caps went against form. So I thought I'd update their chances down 3-1. Sad to report, they don't look so great. In fact, for the Caps to win this series they'd have to make history. That's because the team losing Game 1 and winning Games 2-4 with Games 1-2 on the road and Games 3-4 at home (Philadelphia) has never lost a preliminary round series. On the good news side, the team leading 3-1 under the above scenario has lost game five 58% of the time. So for the Caps to come back, they're going to have to do something never done before in the NHL. Then again, they've already done that when they came back to make the playoffs, so who knows. Right now, they've got to forget about being down 3-1 and just concentrate on winning one period at a time.
The Southeast division is the only division whose members earn on average less than 1 point per game when playing teams outside their own division.
It's nice to see everyone in Washington getting excited over hockey again, even if the accentuated whining that goes along with being new to the playoffs gets a little frustrating at times. Have a nice off-season.
It ain't over til we lose another game. that's all that matters now.
How many people who complain about refs have actually watched a game at ice level. It is easy to see a missed call from a luxury suite an upper level seat and especially from your living room or bar stool but trying to catch everything at 99mph happening in front or in back of you is a challenging task. Im surprised the refs get as many right as they do. I am not your typical Flyers fan who believes that every ref is against us and their is some massive conspiracy to keep us down. I have seen as many bad calls for us and well as against us. Why does everyone only remember the bad call that went against your team and not the one that was in your advantage.I was at the 1st game in DC and even though we gave away a winner I still loved every minute of and was glad to see capitals fans supporting their team in a great building. Not sure about the choice of Rocky videos since in both instances Clubber Lang and the Russian wound up losing in the end. In the end I belive it will come down to depth and the Flyers just happen to be deeper this year. Win or lose I am not going to blame the decision on refs or style of play
jp - I wasn't tuning in earlier but way to lay down the law. I can read trash anywhere but I visit this blog because it's smart and interesting. Not sure why people get off on posting that anonymous crap.
Anyway, last night was disappointing but for what it's worth, I'm at peace with it. The Caps made some mistakes, were subjected to some bad calls but they made adjustments and played hard. I think there's a lot to look forward to no matter what happens this season. Either way, I'll be there tomorrow cheering.
That said, we need upgrading at D and if we don't sign Huet, the UFA pool doesn't look promising. Among the many bright spots, Semin might actually deserve the big pay increase next year and despite some shortcomings at the tender age of 22, not many teams would turn down the chance to have Mike Green on their team. Lots of upside but some holes to fill so it could be a lot worse (read: Jagr).
The series isn't over. The team has a pulse after that game. It's faint, but I saw guys playing all out and fighting for each other out there. More guys played well than those that played badly, and a few (like Semin and Fehr) showed me more than I knew they had in terms of grit.
I'm not going to say the refs cost the Caps the game, but they certainly did their best. The ref closest to the Bradley high stick should be fired today. That was simply impossible to miss. Bradley popped up covered in blood immediately and the puck was right there. The high stick on Semin was also an atrocious non-call but at least it was away from the puck; I can forgive that one. The ref who called the Kozlov interference should be fired. Absolutely inexcusable, especially given how many times the Flyers have run Huet with no call.
The Bradley missed call, BTW, indirectly led to Philly's 2nd goal. Later in that shift after the non-call, the Caps took a penalty, and Philly scored right after the ensuing power play expired. If the call is made, the Caps have a 4 minute power play, and none of that happens.
As for Huet, he was great. Two of his saves were unbelievable, and he didn't have a chance on the 3rd goal. A really tough loss for him.
A bunch of other guys played well, and we had some bad bounces. I am much more content to lose a game like that than one like game 2 where the guys just aren't working. I fully accept the loss and Philly earned the win, but they had some major help from the zebras.
The real criticism: for the love of god, could the defensemen learn how to clear a puck? It's like a power play out there every time the Flyers cycle, and the Caps break down spectacularly. On their 2nd goal, I could see it was coming from the way our guys were scrambling, likewise on Huet's 2 huge saves in the 3rd. I think Erskine just closes his eyes and fires the puck every time it touches his stick. He battled, but he sucks.
ben,
Respect. Let the best team win. And if you guys advance, please kill the Penguins. Let's not all lose sight of what's important here.
"How many people who complain about refs have actually watched a game at ice level."
I have. And when a player is fucking bleeding like a stuck pig, it's pretty damn obvious what happened. Not once but twice a high stick didn't called when it was an easy 4 minute call. So it happened behind your back, big deal. You should be forced to make the call each and every time there's blood. Period.
Referees are given too much slack claiming "they're only human" blah blah fucking blah. If they're "only human" then get some new method to call a game, because this system's broken.
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