What do you do with the Capitals?

[ThomasTomasz]

Didn't think the Caps would blow it that bad to the Sabres tonight, but they lost 5-1 and the Sabres took possession of the eighth spot over us by two points.

Given that the expectations for this team were through the roof to start this season, it is a huge disappointment that the Capitals may not make the playoffs. Some things need to change, and I know it was discussed a little bit a while ago.

What would you do if you were the GM of the Caps? A complete rebuild isn't necessary, but it is clear that a change of direction is needed and that starts with some of the players.

 

[wr50l]

You might still end up making the playoffs because the Sabres are not the type of quality that they can extend their win streak much beyond 5. Having said that, I've been saying for weeks that Washington are the softest team in the playoff fold and playing them in round 1 would be a joy for whoever because they don't have the passion for the Cup.

In reference to the current Verizon centre and the fact I'm still salty about Bruce Boudreau calling MSG "quiet" I also have this to add.

WE CAN'T HEAR YOU!

 

[ThomasTomasz]

You might still end up making the playoffs because the Sabres are not the type of quality that they can extend their win streak much beyond 5. Having said that, I've been saying for weeks that Washington are the softest team in the playoff fold and playing them in round 1 would be a joy for whoever because they don't have the passion for the Cup.

In reference to the current Verizon centre and the fact I'm still salty about Bruce Boudreau calling MSG "quiet" I also have this to add.

WE CAN'T HEAR YOU!

I agree with that. Even with adding Joel Ward to the forward group, things haven't gone as planned. Hamrlik finally showed his age, Knuble's been unhappy and nearing 40, was there really the expectation for him to continue throwing his body around day after day?

Semin's deal is up, and Mike Green is a RFA. I would personally let both go. However, I can see the team letting Semin walk but bringing Green back. I view that as a mistake- he's too injury prone and if we bring back Wideman (who has played surprisingly well) we will be fine from the back end offensively.

They definitely need to add some toughness throughout the lineup. It's been a long time coming.

 

[Ravin]

They just need to build some kind of identity for themselves. Like "who are the Washington Captials", the only answer you really get is "Alex Ovechkin". Other than that, they basically have no identity to the team. They had that when they were scoring a bitch load of goals, and IMO they should have just kept the run and gun style that made them a success for the most part, and added pieces to the defence side. When they were out scoring the shit out of everyone they at least were making noise. Now they just flounder along trying to learn to play defence year after year.

 

[Slateman]

Now that I got that out of the way, I think they take the 8th spot.

I also think that in order for McPhee and Hunter to keep their jobs, they have to do well. Backstrom and Green are finally healthy. They're in perfect position to be the underdog/long shot

 

[Ravin]

Hunter keeps his job. He was only brought in this year, they are not going to fire him at the end of the season and bring in a third coach in one season.

 

[wr50l]

Send them to Atlanta.

 

[Ravin]

Send them to Atlanta.

Seattle

 

[Slateman]

Hunter keeps his job. He was only brought in this year, they are not going to fire him at the end of the season and bring in a third coach in one season.

Hunter doesn't keep his job if this collapse continues. Especially when the Caps have 3 goal leads and then play in the NHL equivalent of a prevent defense.

 

[Ravin]

Hunter doesn't keep his job if this collapse continues. Especially when the Caps have 3 goal leads and then play in the NHL equivalent of a prevent defense.

He will keep his job because the collapse has nothing to do with him. They were collapsing before.

You have to understand there is two extreme's with these coaches. Bruce Boudreau was a offensive coach, and wasn't high into defence. Mark Hunter is huge into defence, and now has to basically retrain a group that has been run and gun for the last 3-4 years to not be that. And when you got the offensive talent you do, it is hard to make that switch.

Hunter know's what he is doing. I'm not saying go look at the London Knights and that OHL = NHL, but the Knights are in year 2 of a 4 year rebuild and they are the #3 team in Canada. There is a huge reason everyone wants to play for them, and it is because the Hunters know what they are doing.

If you expected miracles out of the caps once Hunter came in you had way to many high expectations. The caps are right where I thought they would be after the coaching change, fighting for a playoff spot. They need that right now to be honest, because it is those 8th seeded teams that find ways to win in the playoffs and do whatever it takes to win. The caps have had #3 locked up for so many years, I think they just coasted through, thinking they had it easy. Then they run into a team with some passion and heart who steams over them, and everyone is standing around like "OMG, we lost again, how is this happening."

Hunter is the least of your worries. With him as coach, you have a solid base to climb from now. It is the rest of the team that needs to get off their ass.

 

[Rudi]

PLAYOOFFFSSSS

FUCK THE HATERS WE WINNIN THE STANLEY CUP

 

[wr50l]

PLAYOOFFFSSSS

FUCK THE HATERS WE WINNIN THE STANLEY CUP

CAN'T WAIT!

 

[leaffan]

Wr50L Vs ThomasTomasz and the bandwagoners (Rudi)

Should be an excellent series.

 

[Rudi]

Can't I have the bandwagon label removed after 4 years of fanhoodism? :shifty:

 

[wr50l]

Wr50L Vs ThomasTomasz and the bandwagoners (Rudi)

Should be an excellent series.

It's a shame it will only last for a week.

 

[leaffan]

Can't I have the bandwagon label removed after 4 years of fanhoodism? :shifty:

No sorry. Thats the way the rules work.

 

[Slateman]

In like Flynn .... could even win the division ... lulz

 

[wr50l]

Do the Rangers lay down Sunday so they dont face us in 1st round so they get Florida?

No way. There might be some teams who would do that but the Rangers have too much pride in their workrate to take a night off. You'll have to work for the two points although you might be lucky enough to see Biron in goal if Hank's arm needs a couple more days to loosen up.

 

[Slateman]

Team is aggravating as hell. Up 3-0 and just lay down and let the game get close. No killer instinct once we have the lead


Do the Rangers lay down Sunday so they dont face us in 1st round so they get Florida?

That's Hunter. Defensive mindset or whatever Ravin was talking about.

The problem is that this team isn't designed to play defensive hockey. Even our defensemen are geared more towards attacking the goal.

Anyword on Nueivert? Injury looked pretty bad on replay. I'm not sure I really want Haptly in goal for a playoff series.

 

[wr50l]

That's Hunter. Defensive mindset or whatever Ravin was talking about.

The problem is that this team isn't designed to play defensive hockey. Even our defensemen are geared more towards attacking the goal.

How far did the attacking mindset get you? Shit teams like Montreal managed to fend you off because they had the quite typical outstanding playoff goaltending and had no problem scoring on you guys without having much of the puck. And Pittsburgh outscored you because they could play enough defence to make 5 goals for count for a win.