tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540Sun, 08 Sep 2024 17:31:10 +0000Talk and commentary about Washington Capitals NHL hockey.http://capitals-hockey.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (Bill Thomas)Blogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-6630064659855703521Tue, 08 Mar 2011 13:31:00 +00002011-03-08T05:36:36.996-08:00Well, the Capitals made their annual father-son trip down to Sunny Florida, and again it was a huge success winning both games in the extra session. The Caps are a different breed of team this year. While last year's team was a frontal assault version with offense being their main weapon, this year's team has a new look with a more responsible defensive system, and with rare exception the Caps http://capitals-hockey.blogspot.com/2011/03/new-system-starting-to-bear-fruit.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bill Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-3977723262831034826Sat, 05 Mar 2011 16:42:00 +00002011-03-05T08:42:47.579-08:00With a little over a month to go, the Capitals hope to build some momentum and consistency heading into the playoffs. While the Capitals have improved defensively, the offense has been mediocre for most of the season, and if not for a good start, the Capitals would be fighting for a playoff position, as they have barely played .500 hockey since December. The last two games are prime examples, as http://capitals-hockey.blogspot.com/2011/03/heading-into-stretch-drive.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bill Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-1251533386575324842Tue, 01 Mar 2011 04:34:00 +00002011-02-28T20:46:54.661-08:00While I have been critical of G.M. McPhee on many occasions, I will give him credit for picking up an established center in Jason Arnott that will fill a need as a second line center that can only help the Caps in the playoffs. While it's quite likely that Arnott will only be a rental for this year's playoffs, I don't believe the Capitals overpaid by giving up David Steckel and a 2nd round draft http://capitals-hockey.blogspot.com/2011/02/caps-fill-need-with-arnott-and-addition.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bill Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-2822824919759357600Mon, 28 Feb 2011 14:46:00 +00002011-02-28T07:11:33.407-08:00Here we are just hours away from the trade deadline and so far nothing much has taken place as far as trades other than adding Marco Sturm from waivers. While it's apparent that the Caps have pressing needs such as 2nd line center and shut down defensemen, I believe one of their bigger issues is that of goaltending. The Caps decided before the season started to stake their fortunes on two young http://capitals-hockey.blogspot.com/2011/02/any-moves-mr-gm.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bill Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-8336918080370691803Sun, 27 Feb 2011 19:45:00 +00002011-02-27T12:00:20.575-08:00After taking a long hiatus from the Internet and the world of sports, I have decided to once again offer my inconsequential thoughts on the world of Washington Capitals hockey. As we are quickly moving towards the playoffs, I would be less than honest if I said that I am confident of the Capitals chances of going far into the playoffs. Comparing this years team to the President's Cup winners of http://capitals-hockey.blogspot.com/2011/02/after-taking-long-hiatus-from-internet.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bill Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-4156869530984709776Thu, 15 Oct 2009 06:01:00 +00002009-10-14T23:24:09.812-07:00Washington Capitals HockeyIt seems as if Michael Nylander will wile away the rest of his time as a Capital somewhere other than on the ice. His sightings in D.C.have been almost as rare as a fiscal conservative. While it's been stated by some in the know that his style of play just doesn't fit in with the fast paced Capital offense, still one would think that his addition on the third or fourth http://capitals-hockey.blogspot.com/2009/10/nylander-has-to-make-room-in-doghouse.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bill Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-78520511885676057Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:10:00 +00002009-10-13T06:30:32.621-07:00Washington Capitals HockeyIt was Ken Hitchcock of the Columbus Blue Jackets who said last year that "once the Capitals learn how to play with the lead, they're going to be a hard team to beat". Well, apparently the Capitals haven't learned how to do that as of it, because they seem unable to put games away, having given up the lead in a couple games already this year. Championship caliber teams http://capitals-hockey.blogspot.com/2009/10/caps-cough-up-lead-lose-in-ot.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bill Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-1296977270939241204Sun, 11 Oct 2009 01:46:00 +00002009-10-10T19:10:40.900-07:00Washington Capitals HockeyPlaying the Red Wings, one knew that the Caps would have to play a solid game and keep the mistakes and especially penalties to a minimum. For the most part they accomplished it, with Theordore having a very good game in goal, the defense played much better, and the 3rd and 4th lines stepped up and produced both of the Capitals goals. Unfortunately, the Capitals had somehttp://capitals-hockey.blogspot.com/2009/10/solid-game-but-penalities-continue-to.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bill Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-7193922221101295869Thu, 08 Oct 2009 03:40:00 +00002009-10-07T20:54:41.416-07:00Washington Capitals HockeyWatching last night's hockey game between the Capitals and Flyers, you couldn't help but marvel at the talents of some of the key players in the game. They say that great players rise to the occasion and Mike Richards certainly did that scoring a hat trick and going one better than Ovechkin's two. Richards has averaged about 30 goals and 80 points his last two seasons http://capitals-hockey.blogspot.com/2009/10/offensive-talent-on-display.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bill Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-1086963902074385946Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:19:00 +00002009-10-02T08:41:43.530-07:00Washington Capitals HockeyWith the Maple Leafs coming to town Saturday, Cap fans(and especially players)should be in store for a rough and tumble physical style game since one of the primary objectives for the Maple Leafs in the off-season was to return to the physical style play they were known for in past years. With the Maple Leafs bringing in several "tough" guys to make them the kind of teamhttp://capitals-hockey.blogspot.com/2009/10/maple-leafs-turn-back-to-their-old-ways.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bill Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-730752768511457278Fri, 02 Oct 2009 01:44:00 +00002009-10-01T18:57:37.917-07:00Washington Capitals HockeyThe Capitals started off 2009 with a bang by completely dominating the Boston Bruins, and even worse, this butt-kicking happened in the Bruins's house. The Capitals got two goals each from Alex Ovechkin and Brooks Laich, and Theodore gave up just one goal late in the game, when the game was pretty much decided. Not only did the Capitals dominate on the scoreboard, but http://capitals-hockey.blogspot.com/2009/10/caps-start-off-regular-season-in-grand.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bill Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-8816729631725615544Wed, 16 Sep 2009 03:42:00 +00002009-09-15T21:14:49.363-07:00Washington Capitals HockeyThe Washington Capitals have developed one of the best minor league hockey systems with that being evidenced by two of their affiliates winning their respective championships last year. The Capitals future is looking bright indeed with the current lineup of young stars and a developmental system that has produced a goodly amount of talent the last few years. As with all http://capitals-hockey.blogspot.com/2009/09/not-much-room-in-inn-for-baby-caps.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bill Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-2311992963251252638Sat, 12 Sep 2009 23:33:00 +00002009-09-12T16:48:48.945-07:00Washington Capitals Hockey While the Capitals were virtually non existent in the Free Agent market in the offseason, their one major pick-up was an excellent one. Mike Knuble, was picked up from the Philadelphia Flyers and should make one of the top Power Play units in the league even more potent. For while the Capitals have a few players that are willing and able to put the puck on net, the one http://capitals-hockey.blogspot.com/2009/09/knuble-should-make-power-play-even-more.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bill Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-5474198464070505339Sat, 12 Sep 2009 02:41:00 +00002009-09-11T19:55:29.616-07:00Washington Capitals HockeyIt seems apparent to me that the Capitals brain trust has decided to take the Detroit Red Wing path of building a team around skilled players and seem to want to move away from the physical play after letting Donald Brashear flee to the friendly confines of Madison Square Garden. Without the 'Donald' it seems to me that the Capitals are quite likely to be pushed around ahttp://capitals-hockey.blogspot.com/2009/09/capitals-lacking-enforcer.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bill Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-2795885560338346922Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:24:00 +00002009-09-07T07:44:18.752-07:00Washington Capitals Hockey The recent cool weather has made me aware that Fall is right around the corner in this neck of the woods. While many people look forward to Spring and baseball, for me Fall is the time of year I look forward to as a Sports fan because the sports that I enjoy most, football and especially hockey will soon be starting a new season. After being away from the game for a fewhttp://capitals-hockey.blogspot.com/2009/09/smell-of-hockey-is-in-air.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bill Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-211745755299465841Sat, 09 May 2009 00:00:00 +00002009-05-08T17:08:48.016-07:00Washington Capitals HockeyThe Washington Capitals started off like gangbusters but reverted back to old form committing a penalty and consequently giving up a power play goal and it's been all Pittsburgh since then. Chris Clark has had a terrible series committing several penalties and while Boudreau has made many great calls during the year, putting Clark in for the playoffs hasn't been one of http://capitals-hockey.blogspot.com/2009/05/capitals-killing-themselves.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bill Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-8756576541487955393Wed, 06 May 2009 16:25:00 +00002009-05-06T09:42:40.372-07:00Washington Capitals HockeyGoing into tonight's game three against Pittsburgh, the Washington Capitals have every reason to feel good about their position; they have their star player Alex Ovechkin on fire, getting fantastic goaltending from their rookie sensation, Simeon Varlamov, have a two game advantage in the series, and have won five games in a row. Having said that, the Capitals are fully http://capitals-hockey.blogspot.com/2009/05/capitals-confident-but-recall-what.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bill Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-3825755056606051523Sun, 03 May 2009 01:14:00 +00002009-05-02T18:34:26.705-07:00Washington Capitals HockeyThe Capitals played just well enough to win. They had moments where they dominated such as the first part of the second period, but on the other hand they were also very fortunate that the penalty killers did the job as they were in the box a bit too much. Can't do that every game and expect to get a win against the Penguins. Varlamov again showed great poise after http://capitals-hockey.blogspot.com/2009/05/game-1well-take-it.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bill Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-1579988861610248622Sat, 02 May 2009 18:44:00 +00002009-05-02T11:54:55.454-07:00Washington Capitals HockeyWhat an exciting period. Constant up and down the ice action. The Capitals dominated the first 8 minutes or so and should have scored at least one goal, and probably more. Then the Penguins score on a bad goal given up by Varlamov but then he turns around and makes an incredible save on Crosby to keep it 2-2. While many goaltenders would have lost their edge or http://capitals-hockey.blogspot.com/2009/05/lots-of-action-incredible-saves.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bill Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-8883988324735215303Sat, 02 May 2009 17:52:00 +00002009-05-02T11:02:40.926-07:00Washington Capitals HockeyAlthough the Capitals looked a bit tentative for the first ten minutes or so, they turned in around in the latter part of the first period with Steckle's goal, and then Ovechkin drawing a penalty, and scoring on a five on three. That's why Ovechkin is much more than just a scoring machine. He also draws penalties and hits like a power defensemen. I also liked the way http://capitals-hockey.blogspot.com/2009/05/good-first-period.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bill Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-6290095083724904040Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:43:00 +00002009-04-30T07:06:12.568-07:00Washington Capitals HockeyAs I sat there watching time running down in game 7, my thoughts flashed back to game 7 of last year's playoff series against the Flyers and I started to feel a bit of apprehension about the prospects of going into overtime against the Rangers. Fortunately, Federov was able to put one in the net, and the Caps held on to complete an unlikely comeback by winning the last http://capitals-hockey.blogspot.com/2009/04/caps-take-giant-step-forward-with.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bill Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-1533582944396730091Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:02:00 +00002009-04-28T07:22:11.003-07:00Washington CapitalsThe Capitals have once again shown their resilience and never quit attitude by coming back and winning the last two games when it looked as if this series would be done by now. That's the great thing about a seven game series; it is full of plots and subplots and has more twists and turns than the Mississippi River. One day it looks hopeless, the next day you're riding high. http://capitals-hockey.blogspot.com/2009/04/more-drama-than-reality-tv-show.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bill Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-6896863584079541640Sun, 26 Apr 2009 04:34:00 +00002009-04-25T22:00:34.934-07:00Washington Capitals HockeyIt was announced tonight that John Tortorella, coach of the New York Rangers was suspended for game 6 of the playoffs for squirting water on a fan, and then throwing a water bottle that hit another fan. The Rangers in command of the series seem to be self destructing and doing their damnest to give the series back to the Capitals. First Sean Avery acts the fool by takinghttp://capitals-hockey.blogspot.com/2009/04/tortorella-suspended-for-game-6.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bill Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-6533496996500449235Sat, 25 Apr 2009 04:19:00 +00002009-04-24T21:38:39.595-07:00Washington Capitals HockeyRegardless of how this series turns out, one thing has become quite apparent. Simeon Varlamov is proving that he is ready for prime time, and even though Theodore has another year on his contract, this series has shown that if necessary, Varlamov is ready to take the lead role in the nets. For a 20 year old to step into the playoffs for the first time and not only do http://capitals-hockey.blogspot.com/2009/04/varlamovthe-story-of-this-series-for.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bill Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-696177052890918834Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:39:00 +00002009-04-24T06:52:57.990-07:00Washington Capitals HockeyAs quite often happens this time of year, a team with a good defense and a stellar goaltender negates a great offensive team and moves on in the playoffs while the team with loads of offensive talent takes an early summer vacation. While the series between the Rangers and the Capitals isn't quite over yet, it's hard to foresee the Capitals beating the Rangers and http://capitals-hockey.blogspot.com/2009/04/rangers-defense-trumps-caps-offense.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Bill Thomas)0