Pa Jayhawk
Well-Known Member
- Nov 15, 2005
- 7,200
- 64
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- United States
Kinda surprised how quite it is around here regarding the NHL playoffs for the number of fans. I guess it is still early, but may as well start it up.
Doing so simply because the way the Caps have looked the two games, and for what they have allowed to happen, their season should and will be over on Saturday unless they seriously change their way of thinking.
Watching the last two games I see one thing that has stood out more than anything else, and I actually think it may be the difference in the series. Philadelphia has repeatedly taken runs at Huet. Don't get me wrong, this is in no way sour grapes and criticizing the ref's or even indicating that the Flyers are playing dirty. This is saying that if the Caps intend to play hockey in the NHL, they need to grow some stones and protect their goalie. It is entirely their fault for allowing it to happen. It is no wonder he got lit up last night for 5 goals, really only 4 considering one was a penalty shot and the 6th was an empty netter. I saw them take runs at him at least 3 times in game 2 and another 2-3 yesterday. On one occasion when Huet got the penalty for retaliating, there was a Caps player just standing there watching this happen, until he decided it was no longer interesting and skated off. Maybe things have changed in the NHL, but I always thought when a player took a run at your goalie, he should get tuned up on the spot. On the fifth or sixth occasion (never should reach that point), he should be leaving the ice on a stretcher.
Then when tensions did rise, it is likely their better defenders and goal scorers that actually did something (Green), and well after the fact. Then to compound the issue, WTF are they thinking by having Ovechkin serve the slashing penalty to have him and Green in the box at the same time? I guess maybe they figured since they really weren't utilizing him in the last 2 games, actually 3 if you consider his goal in game one was the result of a turnover, they may as well put him in the penalty box. At least he is safe in there and they don't have to worry about having to protect him as well. Green could serve as his bodyguard against the Philadelphia fans.
Just seems like getting into the playoffs was their only intent for the season. I know if they continue to let the Flyers make runs at Huet, they deserve to lose. You certainly can't fault Huet, as he seems to be the only one out there that will do anything about the issue. In the same sense, while I think Ovechkin took a dive when Umberger went toe to toe with Ovechkin, watching the replay I'm not certain the intent wasn't there, and the Caps did nothing. You have your franchise rolling around on the ground from the hit, and do nothing. Actually probably wouldn't surprise me if it wasn't Ovechkin intent to spark some interest, unfortunately it seemed like the Caps cared very little.
End rant.
Doing so simply because the way the Caps have looked the two games, and for what they have allowed to happen, their season should and will be over on Saturday unless they seriously change their way of thinking.
Watching the last two games I see one thing that has stood out more than anything else, and I actually think it may be the difference in the series. Philadelphia has repeatedly taken runs at Huet. Don't get me wrong, this is in no way sour grapes and criticizing the ref's or even indicating that the Flyers are playing dirty. This is saying that if the Caps intend to play hockey in the NHL, they need to grow some stones and protect their goalie. It is entirely their fault for allowing it to happen. It is no wonder he got lit up last night for 5 goals, really only 4 considering one was a penalty shot and the 6th was an empty netter. I saw them take runs at him at least 3 times in game 2 and another 2-3 yesterday. On one occasion when Huet got the penalty for retaliating, there was a Caps player just standing there watching this happen, until he decided it was no longer interesting and skated off. Maybe things have changed in the NHL, but I always thought when a player took a run at your goalie, he should get tuned up on the spot. On the fifth or sixth occasion (never should reach that point), he should be leaving the ice on a stretcher.
Then when tensions did rise, it is likely their better defenders and goal scorers that actually did something (Green), and well after the fact. Then to compound the issue, WTF are they thinking by having Ovechkin serve the slashing penalty to have him and Green in the box at the same time? I guess maybe they figured since they really weren't utilizing him in the last 2 games, actually 3 if you consider his goal in game one was the result of a turnover, they may as well put him in the penalty box. At least he is safe in there and they don't have to worry about having to protect him as well. Green could serve as his bodyguard against the Philadelphia fans.
Just seems like getting into the playoffs was their only intent for the season. I know if they continue to let the Flyers make runs at Huet, they deserve to lose. You certainly can't fault Huet, as he seems to be the only one out there that will do anything about the issue. In the same sense, while I think Ovechkin took a dive when Umberger went toe to toe with Ovechkin, watching the replay I'm not certain the intent wasn't there, and the Caps did nothing. You have your franchise rolling around on the ground from the hit, and do nothing. Actually probably wouldn't surprise me if it wasn't Ovechkin intent to spark some interest, unfortunately it seemed like the Caps cared very little.
End rant.