Comments on: Leafs beat Caps 5-4, Stunning Comeback

By: J.P.

J.P. — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 23:06:11 +0000

@ Peter
yeah, that’s my assessment in a nutshell. Thanks for making my point much clearer than I was able to do. Good habits die hard, bad habits get you bounced from the first round of the playoffs…

By: Kate

Kate — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 22:38:48 +0000

I agree with JP’s statement about how the Caps keep using their same predictable method and are somehow expecting different results. After they lost in the first round last year, even players on the Canadiens said it was easy to stop the usually high scoring Caps because their plays were so predictable.

After last nights game, I’m convinced they don’t have a chance of making it past the first or second round, let alone winning a cup. They obviously have a very talented team and work hard for their success, but they need a slighty new direction and less predictable plays to keep the other teams guessing. Ovechkin is an amazing player and obviously one of the main reasons for their success, but he needs to be more of a multi-dimensional player rather than just his ability to score.

By: Peter Hassett

Peter Hassett — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 21:40:36 +0000

@J.P.

I think there’s a contradiction in there. Or at least the players see one.

The Caps dominated the regular season last year, but blew it in the first round.

This year, the regular season is being treated as an 82-game chore to be done as dispassionately as possible before the REAL HOCKEY of the post-season arrives. I hate that.

Some people (me) think they coasted into the playoffs last year. They didn’t have enough momentum to knock out the Habs. This year might follow that pattern. If you don’t set the good habits of getting up for every play, you’re going to pay for it.

I think that’s your point as well, but I wanted to type it out for myself because I felt like it, dammit.

By: J.P.

J.P. — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 20:31:53 +0000

Ya know, after a while, the lack of effort has to be placed upon Bruce’s doorstep. There’s a meme that constantly floats around the Web, and you’ve probably heard some variation of it: “Constantly doing the same thing over and over while expecting different results is the height of stupidity/folly/craziness/insert your own descriptor here” and that’s what we’ve been watching the Caps do for far too long. Bruce is at the top of the hierarchy, responsibility flows down from him for what the players do on the ice. Too often Bruce refuses to react to changing circumstances and make the necessary adjustments on the fly.
We’ve been looking at buying some Winter Classic tickets (even though they’re overpriced to the point that a 4 ticket package in the “cheap” seats w/hotel stay is priced at the $1400.00 mark). Not gonna happen now. Can’t lose that kind of coin for a team that wont give a full effort and for a coach who is unwilling or unable to effect the changes needed. It’s ugly and it’s embarrassing to watch such a bunch of talented players not make an effort. I realize they’ve still got a pretty good record and that it’s the playoff wins that matter, but jeez Louise, now’s the time to be setting the precedent for working hard, dotting the i’s, crossing the t’s, and ya know, finishing off an inferior opponent with ruthless freakin’ efficiency. Coasting on their laurels cost them a chance at the Cup last year, so you’d think that BB/GMGM would realize the consequences of marching down that primrose path again…. Bruce it’s on you to do what your paid to do. Coach. And coach like ya mean it this year, would ya?

By: lulu

lulu — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 17:40:33 +0000

as a friend said, “enough with skating with the kiddies and showing what nice guys thay are…..champions NEED a killer instinct…”

The first sign was long ago when Brooks Liach said they thought of BB as “Santa Claus” ???? Players need to fear and respect a coach….

Even Fedorov, after last spring’s slaughter by the Candiens, said BB is “too soft” with the guys

By: lulu

lulu — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 17:35:07 +0000

I might change my mind, but I’m giving up on the Caps; they are extremely talented, BUT also immature, undisciplined, unfocused and unambitious…this team cannot win a Stanley Cup

By: 28ISGREAT

28ISGREAT — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 15:32:04 +0000

@Tim – I noticed the same thing – funneling the puck to MP for the hatty, and by doing taking 1 or 2 too many passes and missing what were otherwise much better opportunities to put the puck on the net. MP had already had a stellar game – there was really no need to further ice that cake.

By: Dawn

Dawn — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 13:16:59 +0000

I agree with Katie. As much as I love Ovie, Brooks really should have been made Captain after Chris Clark was traded. He has the mindset for a Captain and I think he would get more done as a Captain.

By: Em

Em — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 12:34:02 +0000

God, if the Caps don’t do some serious soul searching and ship-righting in the next 48 hours, the Pens are going to absolutely embarrass them in the Winter Classic. On national television. Look at that, I can’t even call the Caps “us” today, I hate them so much.

By: A Game in a Photo, Caps Fall to Leafs | Clydeorama.com

A Game in a Photo, Caps Fall to Leafs | Clydeorama.com — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 08:42:59 +0000

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