2009 Washington Capitals thread

[MLSman 22]

4) Was this the first NHL game (doubtful though) where both goalies were recent recalls and neither of them had a painted mask? Both tenders were sporting an all white with chrome cage combo?

Specific reference was made during the game on Comcast about the masks. Varly's mask is the only one he has right now, so it can't be sent out for a paint job. Blues was a recent call up and no time to prepare.

[Allsmokenopancake 0]

Varlamov back to hershey

[pantherfan 0]

.953 save percentage and they send him down? Suppose that shows just how strong Johnson has been and how Theodore's 01-02 season proceeds his current stats.

[armada 0]

That's a fragile situation for the Caps. The need to give Theodore plenty of chances to prove the 4.5MIL/per year contract before throwing him under the bus. Varlamovs career is just starting out and a year in AHL won't hurt him.

[interpathway 9]

Exactly. Getting accustomed to North American Pro Hockey is likely a tough transition, even tougher might be the quick AHL to NHL jump he made. He tasted the NHL, won in Montreal and at home in front of a raucous crowd. Varlamov got the taste, and it will only propel himself and his game further. Not to mention, he will be getting MANY more minutes down with Hershey (err, up technically).

[interpathway 9]

Green is a go tonight, as he stated at practice. Semin gave us a doubtful, but came off much more like a "No". Jeff Shultz is expected to be out another 7-10 days. Chris Clark practiced, but wont be rushed. Erskine left practice early with concussion symptoms, might be a little longer for him.

edit: Looks like Varlamov has been dubbed the "Iron Curtain" for when he returns to Washington.

[MLSman 22]

Green is a go tonight, as he stated at practice. Semin gave us a doubtful, but came off much more like a "No". Jeff Shultz is expected to be out another 7-10 days. Chris Clark practiced, but wont be rushed. Erskine left practice early with concussion symptoms, might be a little longer for him.

edit: Looks like Varlamov has been dubbed the "Iron Curtain" for when he returns to Washington.

On Semin, was it his buckling knee or the ridiculous cross check in the back?

"Iron Curtain"...perfect.

[interpathway 9]

When they showed the replay at Verizon it looked like Backes' crosscheck to his back twisted his left knee. However Tarik reported on Capitals Insider that it was Semin's back that was smarting.

[MLSman 22]

Looks that way... pre game report was torso injury

Betts has had a few laughers on TV today:

1. "That's what happens when you put too much rum in the christmas cookies"...in response to being serenaded with a rendition of "Jingle Bells"

2. "Here in Phili where Alex Ovechkin has been a triple expresso mixed with a six pack of red bull"

Did anyone see Cote's left eye? I guess that's what can happen when you are introduced to Brashear's right fist about 10 times.

[interpathway 9]

Wow I feel like an idiot. Had no idea this was an early game. Time to jump on CSN! I see Theodore is in...was Johnny the starter?

[MLSman 22]

Yep...let in 3 goals on 13 shots. One in particular was a bad goal. Just not the caps day...so many chances but could not finish. This game would have been a different contest if they were able to take advantage of the 1st period domination. They looked like they totally ran out of gas in the 3rd...with the only exception being Brash's right hand.

[interpathway 9]

Pretty sure it was Brash's left hand, and Cote's RIGHT eye. Sucker.

Saw the replays, not too happy that Jofrey potted that little slap shot but I really hope this whips our asses into shape for the NYRs. That first period did look stellar on replay though, my God that had to be frustrating to watch live as a Caps fan. Here comes New York.

[MLSman 22]

Pretty sure it was Brash's left hand, and Cote's RIGHT eye. Sucker.

Saw the replays, not too happy that Jofrey potted that little slap shot but I really hope this whips our asses into shape for the NYRs. That first period did look stellar on replay though, my God that had to be frustrating to watch live as a Caps fan. Here comes New York.

I could swear he was thumping him with the right today.

Yeah....really hard for me to watch Caps-NYR too. I am a fan of both teams.

[interpathway 9]

There can only be one favorite team though!

[MLSman 22]

Very true.

It is a dilemma. I grew up a Rangers fan, but have found them to be too corporate as time had progressed. From Ted on down, the Caps organization is personable. The are tech savvy, young, and put on quite a show...not to mention fun to watch. To put it into perspective, I have attended more than 20 games in DC as a New Yorker, and haven't attended a single Ranger's game since 1992. I guess that explains where I am leaning when it comes to a favorite team. It was clear to me last year when I was more upset about the game 7 result against Phily than I was when the Rangers were spanked by the Pens in the second round.

[interpathway 9]

Good to hear MLS.

On another note, is GMGM kicking himself for not keeping Simeon for the Flyers game :lol: ?

[raygunpk 0]

Totally. You gotta ride a hot goalie rather than one just coming back from injury. That's stupid!

[MLSman 22]

Hell....the way the Caps played in the 3rd...I don't even think Brodeur or Luongo could have weathered that storm. They just ran out of gas. For Varly's long term confidence, it's probably a good thing he didn't play.

[adam14 182]

on another note, i heard on NHL On The Fly that the caps are looking at Huet again, because the Hawks are looking to get rid of one of there goalies. Caps need a solid goalie, its undeniable.

[hockeysc23 0]

on another note, i heard on NHL On The Fly that the caps are looking at Huet again, because the Hawks are looking to get rid of one of there goalies. Caps need a solid goalie, its undeniable.

How would that make any sense?

1. Caps already didn't want Huet for the money and the length of contract because of how close a lot of their goalies are to being NHLers

2. Huet would hurt our cap more than Theo.

3. What would we do with Theo?

4. If huet was a solid goalie he would be the #1 on his own team.

[adam14 182]

thats the problem the hawks have, they have 2 overpaid goalies. They need to get rid of one of them, and the caps need one.

[RiSeOnFiRe 0]

thats the problem the hawks have, they have 2 overpaid goalies. They need to get rid of one of them, and the caps need one.

What are u talking about? Why would the caps need an overpaid goalie? Johnson has and will continue to play well, next year is threeormore's contract year, so his numbers will be better and then its all Varly from there. The caps situation in goal is fine.

[raygunpk 0]

thats the problem the hawks have, they have 2 overpaid goalies. They need to get rid of one of them, and the caps need one.

What are u talking about? Why would the caps need an overpaid goalie? Johnson has and will continue to play well, next year is threeormore's contract year, so his numbers will be better and then its all Varly from there. The caps situation in goal is fine.

LOL

[interpathway 9]

Mike Green and Tom Poti will be out against the NYRs.

[dangle 0]

and Semin