Caps showed something by coming back but not much Holtby could've done on the GW goal. Rough end to a season for em. Sooner or later Ovie is gonna get the Henrik label of being great but never winning the Cup. Crazy to think he's never even been to a final yet. And for all the complaining that is done about the refs being so pro-Pens , they were really trying to get the Caps to a Game 7 IMO. Lots of non-calls that could've went Pitt's way in the 3rd and OT. But here's to hoping that Tampa roughs em up.
I love my team. That was a tough way to go out, but they never gave up. Pens have some sort of magic going for them. Expect them to win the cup now, as sickening as that sounds. I wouldn't say Caps choked or Same Old Caps. They lose a series in 6 games with 2 overtime losses and a Game 3 they completely dominated and lost. That's life. Sadly, that is a Caps fan's life. I would not change much to the team for the 2016-17 season. Maybe a defenseman or 2.
Via Rotoworld: "Speaking of lazy columnists, I’d wager that you’ll see a lot of low-effort types burying Alex Ovechkin on Wednesday morning. This is an especially egregious case of knee-jerk, thoughtless hot takery, though. Ovechkin generated two assists, two PIM, six SOG and four hits in Game 6. With the Capitals eyeing extinction, he generated four points in two elimination games. Ovechkin also has six points in his past four games, a hailstorm of SOG and 12 points in as many postseason games in 2016. The Great 8 also has 82 points in 84 career playoff games. -- Look at what his colleagues “accomplished” during this series. In six games, Sidney Crosby only managed two assists and didn't score a single goal. Evgeni Malkin scored a goal and an assist in the series, and he went four straight games without a point. What's the difference from a lazy media standpoint? Crosby and Malkin enjoyed better support from their teammates while Ovechkin was outstanding. It's kind of awkward to even have to go step-by-step with this stuff any longer, but hopefully we're on the same page now." Well written and I agree. Ovechkin was the best player on the ice that series and Holtby was the best goalie. Problem is, the supporting Pens cast literally ran 4 lines deep. They played good D too. Caps 3rd and 4th lines were invisible most of the series. 2nd line was invisible most of the playoffs, and the Top line was great most of the playoffs. Tough to win with 1 line though. It is truly a team sport.
From what I saw, the Capitals needed more offense than better defense. Dallas showing why their back end was the reason they wouldn't make it far enough. 5 0 Blues through not even 2 periods. How does Seguin not suit up for this game?
amazing Dallas won 7 playoff games, really weak defensively, weak at goalie, weak coaching plus Seguin essentially missed the entire playoffs. He only played in one game and clearly that was a mistake.
If Im the Rangers GM Im already on the phone with Dallas seeing what they would give up for Lundqvist. They get a goalie like that and they instantly become SC favorites for next year.
Jamie Benn and John Klingberg combined for one shot on goal and no points. Just amazing. Their production fell off a cliff in this series. Benn had one goal in the series (41 during the regular season). Klingberg had no goals and one assist. Klingberg was a -2, Benn was a -3. The #1 PP unit was hurt by Seguin's injury, but Seguin was already off the first line before that. Benn was their best offensive forward and Klingberg was by far their best offensive defenseman during the season.
Great point. That was their clear weakness and Henrik would turn it into a strength. Yeah, no need to put down the Stars. They took a superior Blues team to 7 games. Good for them. They were technically the #1 seed in the West, but I don't think anyone felt they were better than Chicago, St. Louis, etc. Caps on the other hand, the CLEAR #1 in the East with no one else really close besides a hot Penguins team, and they let that team end their season. Terrible. Tonight: Look for the Sharks to beat the Preds, but would it be that shocking if the Preds won?
With their goalies and without Seguin everything they accomplished was very impressive. Part of me thought that the Wild had a legit chance to upset them in the 1st round but they played much better than I expected. Truly an elite offense in today's game. Just gotta upgrade that goalie spot next year. Even if Henrik is a pipe dream for them maybe they could trade for one of the Red Wings goalies. Really wont take much to upgrade over what they have now. As for tonight I think the Sharks will take it. Preds have been awesome and it didnt shock me that they beat the Ducks in Anaheim last round but as good as San Jose is at home , it would def shock me if Nashville pulled it off tonight. Im just hoping to see a more competitive game than what we saw last night.
was never too impressed with Dallas. put $100 on St. Louis even tho they were on the road last night, as i felt they were more complete and experienced team. just a hunch really, but was pretty glad i did it.. rooting Nashville tonight, but won't wager it. San Jose has been tough at home.
TDK, I feel for you man. The same issue plagued you guys as before, role players. You and I had conversed about this issue some time ago, Backstrom and Johansen do not come up big in the playoffs as they get deeper into them. They are skilled players, but only dominate against inferior opponents, that give them time and space. I would trade those guys for big skilled players that can't be pushed around. I would call the ducks and see if Kessler is available via trade for Backstrom. I feel terrible for Ovie, he might end up leaving the Caps for a cup contender in the west if he is given the chance.
I disagree on Backstrom. He completely shut down Crosby the entire series and is the QB of a lethal Caps PP. The Top line of Ovechkin-Backstrom-Oshie is the best line the Caps have ever had in their history. I do agree 100% about role players though. The Pens 3rd/4th lines completely dominated the Caps. It was the true difference in the series. They brought in Justin Williams, Mike Richards, etc but they did not show up in the playoffs. The biggest missing piece was Evgeni Kuznetsov. Led the team in points in the regular season, completely invisible in the playoffs this year. Shame.
Backstrom wasn't even always on the top line, though. Some of the series Kuznetsov was centering the top line. I prefer Backstrom to Kuznetsov but Trotz couldn't make up his mind.
Joel Ward is the kind of player you want on your team in the playoffs. Not sure why Nashville and Washington let him go....
