Archive for the ‘General’ Category

PITTSBURGH _ I had an okay first round.

Right: Chicago, Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, Ottawa and New York Rangers.
Wrong: San Jose, Detroit and Boston.
Better than .500 but still bad. I never ever should have taken the Leafs.
I thought the Canucks would be under the radar and win.

Brings us to Round 2

Chicago vs. Detroit: Tough test for the Hawks, but they’ve got Toews, Kane and Hossa. Plus a strong defence. Hawks in 6.

Kings vs. Sharks: Boy San Jose was impressive in the first round and the Kings got it done. I will say Sharks show they’ve got it. San Jose in 6

Rangers vs. Bruins: The Bruins sent the Leafs packing in style. They do it the hard way. Boston will win this in seven.

Penguins vs. Senators: Nobody is giving the Senators a chance. It will take great goaltending by Craig Anderson. Senators in six.

Come on gang get in here and give me your picks. Let me know how you did in the first round.

Sorry to see the Leafs go.

WASHINGTON — Didn’t see that one coming.

As it turns out, neither did the Washington Capitals, who were essentially hit by an oncoming freight train as they fell 5-0 to the New York Rangers on Monday night before a stunned crowd at Verizon Center.

The win allowed the Rangers to stave off elimination for a second consecutive game, this time in convincing fashion.

The Rangers move on to face the Boston Bruins (who survived a Game 7 of their own with the Toronto Maple Leafs) in the Eastern Conference semi, slated to open Wednesday in Beantown.

Considering the one-sided nature of the score, it’s easy to forget the Capitals actually came out relatively strong but were thwarted on several occasions by Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist, who posted consecutive shutouts to slam the door on Washington’s season.

Lundqvist’s most important save may have come as Caps D Mike Green was sent streaking in on a partial breakaway. Green got a good shot off, Lundqvist turned him aside and the Rangers turned the puck up the other way on an odd-man rush that saw rookie Chris Kreider leave a delicate drop pass for RW Arron Asham, who stepped into a slapper and blasted it high over the glove of Braden Holtby.

“(Kreider) made a good play. I just got some wood on it and let her go and snuck it by him,” said Asham, a fourth-line checker who ended up with more goals (two) than Caps captain Alex Ovechkin in this series (more on that later).

Green did the right thing in joining the rush and accepting the pass from Mike Ribeiro, but no forward covered up for the mobile blue-liner and it ended up costing the Capitals.

“It was an opening, Ribs made a great play, I had a breakaway,” said Green. “Momentum of the game shifted the other way, they went down and got a lucky shot kind of took the wind out of our sail but we had lots of time to come back.”

The early goal seemed to deflate the Capitals a tad and their frustration increased early in the second period after goals from Taylor Pyatt (after a point shot by Steve Eminger banked off the skate of Derek Dorsett and landed right on his stick) and Michael Del Zotto (whose shot from left point changed direction off the left skate of Caps RW Troy Brouwer) that came 130 seconds apart and turned a tight game into a blowout, given Lundqvist’s play.

As word that the Boston Bruins had overtaken a the Toronto Maple Leafs with a dramatic third-period comeback, the Caps’ thought maybe, just maybe they could mount a similar rally.

Rangers’ captain Ryan Callahan squashed that theory 13 seconds into the third when he streaked in down the right side, shifted expertly to the backhand and roofed his shot. Mats Zuccarello used a nifty shake-and-bake deke to round out the scoring at 6:39 and the only thing to really stick around for was to see if Lundqvist would hang onto the shutout (he did).

“Quite honestly, tough to explain,” said Caps head coach Adam Oates. “It’s funny how over the years the seventh game turns into some form of blowout. I wish I had an answer for that. Obviously we pushed very hard in the first period, he made a lot of great saves. They got a lucky one and every bounce seemed to go their way after that.”

Five different Rangers lit the lamp in this one, including four who produced their first goal of the series (Asham was the only guy in the bunch who had actually scored in the previous six games)

“You see the willingness to compete and guys stepping up, different guys. Different guys putting the puck in the net and it’s great to see. We’ve been fighting to score goals at times in this series, we’ve been getting chances and generating, it’s great to finish like this,” said Rangers D Ryan McDonagh, who was sporting the Broadway Hat after the game for his gutsy performance in the series.

McDonagh was drilled by Ovechkin and missed time as he got some repairs to his face from the force of the check. Partner Dan Girardi was also rocked by Ovechkin later in the contest, but the Rangers’ dynamic duo was pivotal in shutting down the Hart Trophy candidate during the series, specifically during the final five games as he was held off the scoresheet entirely.

“You get to this type of situation and Ovechkin was trying to get his team going — I think it’s a penalty. It is a penalty,” said Rangers head coaach John Tortorella. “But it’s part of the game. Because of their power play being so good, a big part of being a tough team in the playoffs is taking a hit to make a play.”

McDonagh and Girardi were on the receiving end of plenty of hard hits, but played fantastic hockey at both ends of the ice.

There were some very interesting and pointed comments coming out of the Capitals’ dressing room, look for what Karl Alzner said in my game column. His honesty while discussing a painful subject was refreshing, but underlines what a franchise like the Capitals must fight through as they attempt to re-write a checkered post-season history.

I’ll delve into a further evaluation of both the Capitals and the Rangers (later) in the morning and also look ahead to the next round of the playoffs, which opens on two fronts on Tuesday.

In my package for Tuesday’s paper and online at www.winnipegsun.com and www.torontosun.com, my game column focused on the Caps’ inability to escape some of their playoff demons and the sider dealt with Lundqvist’s brilliance.

WASHINGTON — If you’re planning to tune in for tonight’s deciding game between the New York Rangers and Washington Capitals, you’d best be served by having the supplies — because it could be a long one.

A seventh game provides high enough stakes at it is, but the history of both franchises would suggest that overtime (or multiple overtimes…again newspaper editors are cringing everywhere) is a distinct possibility.

Why?

Well, the series has been ridiculously close, with the Caps currently holding a 12-11 edge in goals scored and five of the six games being decided by one goal (two of which, played at the Verizon Center, requiring overtime).

After Game 6, several players seemed resigned to the fact this one would be going seven.

“I kind of thought right from the beginning of the series that it was going to be a long one,” said Capitals D Karl Alzner. “Game 7 against this team is kind of normal now. We’re ready for it.”

The subject of familiarity has been prominent, as the two teams are meeting for the third consecutive spring and fourth time in five years.

Of the Caps’ past nine playoff series, seven of them have gone the distance, including three against the Rangers.

“Our team has been a part of a lot of Game 7s and we have a lot of experience in the dressing room,” Caps RW Eric Fehr said roughly two hours before puck drop. “Hopefully, we can take from that and be ready to play.”

The home team has won each of the previous six games in this series.

Just last spring, the Rangers defeated the Caps’ in Game 7, but that game was played at Madison Square Garden and the Rangers are 0-5 in seventh games played on the road in franchise history.

This marks the first time since 2001 (Colorado Avalanche and Los Angeles Kings) that two teams met in consecutive playoff seasons and went seven games in both.

Speaking of stats, the Capitals are 10-1 vs the Rangers at Verizon Center so they’re hoping home-ice proves to be an advantage one more time.

“You know the magnitude of it, for sure. You’ve got to approach it the same way,” said Caps LW Jason Chimera. “Go out, play simple. It’s going to be a fun night. It’s Game 7 of the NHL playoffs. It’ doesn’t get much better than this.”

I’ve discussed the Ovechkin drought at length, but in case you’re wondering, the man who has been held off the scoresheet the past four games, has two goals and four points in six previous Game 7s. Either he’s due to break out in a big way or the slump will reach an unthinkable five games — unthinkable because Ovechkin averaged a goal per game during the final 23 games of the regular season and finished with 32 in 48 regular-season games.

The Caps are 2-4 in those six Game 7s and only 1-3 when the game is played at Verizon Center, so you can expect the hometown faithful to be on pins and needles.

We’re about to find out if the Caps can exorcise some demons or if they’ll add another chapter to their unspectacular playoff history.

“We’re going to talk about trying to control our emotions,” said Caps head coach Adam Oates. “It’s our building, our crowd, it’s going to be exciting. You know what? You’ve got to be able to take that energy in and just control yourself.

“I really think that the team that handles those moments and the adversity the best, will come out on top.”

Just as the Caps’ have been saying all series long, discipline will be a key factor in this deciding game, as Washington has been guilty of several poorly-timed retaliation penalties.

“Obviously, we have to try not to get into too many scrums, that’s something they’re more interested than we are,” said Fehr. “We’re just going to try and play our game, try to play in their end and create some offence.”

Oates said roughly two hours before the game that neither LW Brooks Laich (groin) or LW Martin Erat (suspected left wrist/forearm) was going to play. However, Oates did mention he was considering one lineup change, so it’s possible Aaron Volpatti might replace youngster Tom Wilson on the fourth line. Volpatti offers a bit more experience, but I like the way Wilson has played in limited minutes and has more offensive upside.

(UPDATE: Looks like Oates agrees with the assessment as Wilson took all of the line rushes and appears to be staying in on fourth unit for Caps)

There had been some concern that Caps D Mike Green may have gotten banged up in the melee that broke out at the end of regulation of Game 6, but Oates said he was “good” so he’ll be in the lineup.

I was on the train when the Rangers held their media availability, but here’s a quick leftover hit from Rangers G Henrik Lundqvist from Sunday night.

“They play really well at home and they’re confident. I think the games we played in that building special teams played a huge part and tonight we played a really disciplined game. It’s going to be key for us because they have a really good power play. You have to respect that. Play hard, but play smart — I think that’s going to be really important,” said Lundqvist, who posted a 27-save shutout in Game 6.

My friends from the New York media were kind enough to pass along a few quotes from Rangers head coach John Tortorella’s media session this morning.

Here are some of the highlights:

On offensive guys like Rick Nash (one assist) and Ryan Callahan (two assists) being held in check so far: “Here we are now in Game 7; I think a few of our guys are due. I’m sure they’re saying the same thing over on their side. I think that’s very important as we enter tonight‘s game.”

On home-ice in Game 7: “I think there is an advantage to the home team but quite honestly we’re the visiting team and we really don’t care.”

On balancing experience and youth? “This is how you hopefully become a playoff savvy team is going through these experiences. We have some of that going through a few last year and I think some guys, they don’t have a clue what they’re doing, they don’t have a clue about the pressure and sometimes that’s good. Hopefully it will be beneficial for us tonight.”

Most consistent part of Rangers’ collective game? “I think we have defended pretty well. We’ve done a pretty good job there. Our goaltending has been outstanding.”

Here’s how we expect both teams to start on Monday:

WASHINGTON CAPITALS

Marcus Johansson-Nicklas Backstrom-Alex Ovechkin
Eric Fehr-Mike Ribeiro-Troy Brouwer
Jason Chimera-Mathieu Perrault-Joel Ward
Matt Hendricks-Jay Beagle-Tom Wilson

Karl Alzner-Mike Green
John Erskine-John Carlson
Jack Hillen-Steve Oleksy

Braden Holtby (Michal Neuvirth)

NEW YORK RANGERS
Carl Hagelin-Derek Stepan-Ryan Callahan
Mats Zuccarello-Derick Brassard-Rick Nash
Taylor Pyatt-Brian Boyle-Derek Dorsett
Chris Kreider-Brad Richards-Arron Asham

Ryan McDonagh-Dan Girardi
Michael Del Zotto-Anton Stralman
John Moore-Steve Eminger

Henrik Lundqvist (Martin Biron)

NEW YORK — In a series as tight as this one between the New York Rangers and Washington Capitals, it’s fitting that a seventh and deciding game is required to determine who is moving on and who is going home.

Sunday brought another one-goal game.

Derick Brassard managed the only snipe in this tilt, taking a sneaky slapper from just inside the blue line that included a screen by Rick Nash and an unfortunate redirection of the left glove of Caps’ D-man Steve Oleksy at 9:39 of the second period.

Five of the six games have been decided by one goal, the lone exception coming in the series opener, when a softie from the left-wing boards by Jason Chimera made it 3-1.

Since that time, five consecutive games have seen one team win by the slimmest of margins (1-0, 4-3, 4-3, 2-1 and 1-0, with plenty of entertainment value in each contest), including a pair that went to OT (both of which were captured by the Capitals on home ice).

“If you lose two in overtime, you’re close,” said Rangers G Henrik Lundqvist, who made 27 saves for his seventh career playoff goose-egg. “It’s just a bounce and you win it, so we know we can do it. We have to play a really hard and smart game. I feel like they always come a little harder in their home building, but we can build on this one.”

Here’s an 8-pack of items from this game that stood out to me:

1) the Rangers got their forecheck going once again, something which has been prevalent at all three games at MSG but not so in the three at Verizon Center. From where I sit, it’s essential for the Broadway Blueshirts to keep the pressure on the Caps’ D if they want to advance.

2) the Capitals were undone by discipline one more time, even if the Rangers finished 0-for-5 on the PP and failed to click on a 44-second 5-on-3. By taking three minors in the opening period, the Caps’ spent too much time killing penalties, limiting captain Alex Ovechkin (more on him later) to six shifts and 5:24 of ice time. In the three games at MSG, the Rangers had 15 power plays to just five for the Capitals. Shockingly, the Rangers were 0-for-15 with the man advantage on home ice. I realize the Capitals weren’t happy with a few calls but most if not all the minors could have been avoided and they must stay out of the box in Game 7, since the Rangers are 2-for-26 (7.7%) in the series and are due to come through at some point.

“Any time our top guys aren’t getting the opportunity 5-on-5, it’s hurting our team,” said Caps F Matt Hendricks. “I think energy guys are spending their energy on the penalty kill instead of the energy on the forecheck and maybe drawing penalties that way. So I think it definitely takes away from our game a lot when we’re in the box.”

“The first thing is, our PK is doing great,” added Holtby. “It’s holding us in this series. Tonight shouldn’t have been so lopsided. We all know that, everyone can see that. That part is frustrating, but I thought our guys did a very good job keeping their composure through it. We won’t use it as an excuse, we will be prepared for tomorrow.”

3) Several Capitals players and head coach Adam Oates expressed their displeasure after the game about an alleged slew-foot attempt by Rangers RW Derek Dorsett during the third period, which led to Mike Green reacting by cross-checking Dorsett in the face and drawing a minor penalty. I didn’t see it that way in real time and after watching the replay, I’m not buying what the Caps’ were selling. At no point does Dorsett try to kick out Green’s feet/skates from underneath him. Yes, his left leg ends up between the legs of Green after engaging for a body check but I don’t see it as a dirty play. Even if the Caps did think it was borderline, they can’t afford to get into trying to exact any sort of retribution anyway. The stakes are way too high.

4) Speaking of Dorsett, he was all over the place in this one, absolutely at his agitating best, taking 14 shifts for 12 minutes of ice time, recording three hits and drawing at least two penalties (a cross-check against Joel Ward and the x-check from Green). I asked Rangers head coach John Tortorella about the impact of Dorsett in the game and after starting to sidestep the question, he came around. “I thought everybody contributed. I’m not going to pick out one name, but I thought that line (with Brian Boyle and Taylor Pyatt) played well and forechecked well. He is what he is. He brings energy and it’s important when you get to this time in the series.”

5) Sticking with the Columbus Blue Jackets trade theme that I wrote about earlier in this series, how about the series Brassard is having? With today’s goal, he now leads all players in the series with two goals and seven points, all coming after going without a point in the first two games. Impressive stuff. “Yeah, (Brassard) has found a lot of confidence and he’s playing well. He’s a great player, a great passer and he sees the ice very well,” said Dorsett, who was also part of the Marian Gaborik trade, along with D John Moore (who is also providing quality minutes for the Rangers). “It doesn’t surprise me at all that he’s having the success that he’s having.”

6) Veteran Rangers C Brad Richards was demoted to the fourth line with Arron Asham and Chris Kreider and played fewer than 10 minutes (10 shifts, 9:34, 5:32 of which came on the power play). Richards struggled for much of the season, found his form during the stretch run but has been fighting it in this series. Here’s the thing about Richards, he’s the type of guy who can erase a bad series with one big goal, or big play. We’ll see if there is one to be made by him Monday.

7) Perhaps the most disappointing player in this series to me (outside of Richards) has been skilled C Nicklas Backstrom. He’s a wizard with the puck, but he’s just not making enough plays in my humble opinion. He needs to be a difference-maker and he’s running out of time to get that done.

8) Ovechkin has now gone four games without recording a point. I realize it’s not just about goals and assists, but for a guy who averaged a goal per game during the final 23 games of the season, this is a major lull in production. During the past two games, the Hart Trophy finalist managed to create some quality chances but hasn’t found a way to beat Lundqvist. Ovechkin had five shots on goal Sunday, three hits and two blocked shots. Tough to imagine him going five consecutive games without a point, but the pairing of Dan Giardi (whom Ovechkin took some frustration out on with a thundering check) and Ryan McDonagh, coupled with the tenacity of Rangers captain Ryan Callahan are doing a fantastic job of keeping Ovechkin in check. If they can do it for a fifth consecutive game, the Rangers’ chances of winning increase exponentially. “You know nobody is going to give up, especially in their building,” said Ovechkin, who has two points in six games. “Tomorrow is going to be a huge game for both teams and we will see what’s going to happen.”

The Rangers are holding an optional skate at Verizon Center around 11:30 a.m. but my Amtrak train only gets to D.C. at one p.m., so we’ll check in with some colleagues to see if anything interesting pops up. Was hoping to speak with Rangers F Rick Nash about preparing for his first Game 7 of the Stanley Cup playoffs but he wasn’t available. Guess we’ll just have to see how he plays.

Tortorella was asked about whether a team coming off an emotional win might have an advantage, given the short turnaround time, with Game 7 set for Monday night at Verizon Center?

“I’m not sure it benefits anybody,” said Tortorella. “Both teams knew it going in. If I’m a player, I want to play right away. They don’t want to listen to coaches at this time of the year and look at video, they want to play the game and find out where they’re at. I think for both teams, that’s what they want.”

The Capitals aren’t going to skate on Monday prior to the game, opting for rest. One storyline to keep an eye on is the possible insertion of F Brooks Laich, who has been dealing with a groin injury for most of the season. He’s been progressing and might not be 100% but he’s going to be tempted to join the fray to see if he can help his team get the job done in Game 7.

It’s an 8 p.m. ET start and the winner moves on to face the winner of Monday’s earlier Game 7 between the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs.

ANAHEIM – Emerson Etem insisted he’d be able to sleep well in the afternoon, despite admitting he tossed and turned a little Saturday night.

The anticipation of playing a Game 7 has built more and more since Detroit won Game 6 in overtime and the Anaheim Ducks rookie knew it.

“This is, for sure, the biggest game of my life,” Etem said after his team’s morning skate in preparation for Sunday’s clash with the Detroit Red Wings.

Their Stanley Cup playoff series is the first of the year to reach the maximum.

Most of the players between the Ducks and Red Wings have been through this before, but that doesn’t mean everyone was nice and relaxed before puck drop at the Honda Center.

“If they’re going to be nervous, they’ll be nervous,” Ducks head coach Bruce Boudreau said. “I think the young guys that haven’t been through it are going to be more nervous than the guys that have been through it and understand it. You tell them how you want them to play and hope they do what they’re supposed to do.”

If you based it on experience, the Red Wings have a major edge, and more players to help their club’s youngsters through the butterflies.
“Just go out and play,” Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg said of his advice. “Guys have been here before, they’ve been in elimination games. Game 7 is maybe a little different. In reality, it’s kind of like Game 6. You have to go out and play and do it well.”

Although this series may not have received as much attention as others in the playoffs, it’s certainly been contested the closest with momentum swings all over the place.

The Red Wings have won all three of their games in overtime. The Ducks have won the odd-numbered affairs.

“You don’t have time to let your mind wander, for sure,”Boudreau said. “You’re always looking at the other bench at who they’re putting on. You’re always looking at who is not playing as well for you as you’d think and maybe making changes.

“You try to think three steps ahead, but it’s difficult. You’ve got to live in the moment at the same time as thinking ahead.

“I know at the end of each of these games, I’m pretty whipped. That tells me I’m having to do more thinking than I really want to do.

“Besides, when you’re trying match wits with Mike (Babcock), who’s been in every pressure situation in the world, it’s not the easiest thing.”

For his part, Babcock disagreed with Boudreau’s assertion: “My wife would tell you matching wits with me isn’t that tough.”