Comments on: Thrashers beat Caps 1-0, Shutout Number Seven

By: Mia

Mia — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 00:45:13 +0000

Here I am, late to the party as is SOP from the likes of me. Regardless, I have to “shamelessly self-promote” yet once again and state that several times in my own blog (Singing from the Crease), I have wondered why NHL teams do not keep a staff psychologist on hand. One NHL team, as far as I know to date, does have one. I prefer to call myself a mental attitude coach, but it all refers to the same thing. I could not agree more with many of you fine commentors – mental stability is LACKING like a (pardon the expression) MOFO. I also agree that BB just doesn’t cut it in the “help the boys get strong in the head” venue. In the last three years I’ve worked with an ECHL team and a few netminders that you all see in NHL creases this season. One of those netminders may just win the Vezina (and no, it’s not Varly, Neuvy or Holtby – how ARE still far from netminders of the Roy/Broduer variety-thanks for mentioning that as well. I may have my own personal interest in touting a team “metal attitude coach” for that CAPS (I WANT THE CUP-AAAAARRRRRRGH), but I solidly believe with all my heart and mind that ALL NHL teams should be juming on board the “nurture the mental growth” bandwagon. Ooops, did I just rant? I’m sure most of you understand. I am always UP for the positive view, so as usual – GO CAPS (but I’m starting to feel like I’m suffering from “battered spouse syndrome” and I do own a Toronto Maple Leafs Jersey). ROCK IT REDS!!!!

By: Chris Gordon

Chris Gordon — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 03:04:33 +0000

I didn’t watch the game because I had no power but the fact that Peter used “Sputnik moment” is deserving of a slow clap.

By: Peter Hassett

Peter Hassett — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 00:48:38 +0000

@DarkStranger44,

That’s a very savvy point, and I’m glad you made it. So much hay has been made– before the season up til now– about the Caps’ weakness in their own net, but it’s unfounded.

Varly, Neuvy, and even weird ol’ Holtby are our guys. I like to think that with every inch closer to 2.00 GAA the get, those critics are humbled a bit more.

By: DarkStranger44

DarkStranger44 — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 00:13:11 +0000

The offense has certainly been MIA since early December. The defense and goaltending have played well enough (or what would we well enough on a AVERAGE offensive team). But, as of late, the offense has been so inept that even a single mistake by a defenseman or a goalie essentially dooms the team which certainly was the case in the two most recent games. We would be losing with a Vezina trophy quality goalie.

By: From Abdelkader to Zuccarello – 27 Jan 2011 | Blackhawks Playoff Tickets

From Abdelkader to Zuccarello – 27 Jan 2011 | Blackhawks Playoff Tickets — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 00:00:50 +0000

[...] Washington Capitals 0; Atlanta Thrashers 1 After a scary start to the season Ondrej Pavelec can now be thanked for helping lead the Thrashers into the All-Star break sitting in the top eight in the Eastern Conference. Pavelec stopped all 36 shots the Capitals threw at him in route to rounding out the season series 4-1-1. The Capitals head into the break four points behind division leading Tampa Bay Lightning and have a 3-1-2 record for their last six games; and have been shutout seven times this season. [...]

By: Scoops

Scoops — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 21:39:22 +0000

“Let’s get that rust off and reclaim [Matt Bradley's] spot as The Greatest Player Ever.” Peter – you’re not the only one. My goal before I die is to get #10 to sign my jersey… 72 times. I only have 70 to go. Here’s hoping I live another 140 years, based upon the time it takes go get each one.

PS – Very witily written. Definitely a much more fun read than most blog spots.

By: GreenGuy

GreenGuy — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 20:50:44 +0000

Oh, and Semin got another 1yr deal for 6.7 mill (same as Backstrom). I like that guy.

By: GreenGuy

GreenGuy — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 20:49:43 +0000

I am not buying the ‘bad bounce’ stuff. Schultz should have been able to slap that puck away. Instead he looked like his usual big goofy self as he got scored on.

Backstrom had a good chance – at the top the slot with the puck with all kinds of disarray in front of the net – instead of shooting, he dishes to Ovi. No chance.

Snowmageddon!!!

By: BobbyG

BobbyG — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 19:47:22 +0000

@Livia: I don’t think there is a sports psychologist for the team. IIRC Mike Green has for himself in the past, plus practicing yoga for relaxation and overall fitness. I agree with you and lulu’s comments about the Caps lack of confidence. IMO as a collective group they would benefit from either or both to help them be better prepared mentally and psychologically for the inevitable stress of the long hockey season.

By: Livia

Livia — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 17:56:18 +0000

Does anyone know, do the Caps have a sports psychologist? Do they practice any kind of stress reduction techniques–yoga, mindfulness or the like? It seems to me that they have behaved in a consistently stoic, gentlemanly manner, on the ice and in interviews, following frustrating shifts and games. Still, underneath that public face, they must be fighting mightily to stave off despair. They’re not having fun anymore. The desperate need to score is overwhelming their spark, creativity and coherence as a team. I hope they find a way to set aside their recent losses and the ever-tightening Eastern Conference standings and just play.