80 replies to this topic

[You Play to Win the Game]

I’ll admit I was wrong about them just going through the motions until Ovi retires and then they’d rebuild. Last season they had all the look of an old team that was barely hanging on, but they weren’t as far off from being really good as I thought. I still think Dubois is vastly overpaid for what he’s contributing, but he has slotted in nicely on the 3rd line.

Also 2nd year with the new coach who grew up in the org. Seems like we've stumbled upon a potentially really, really good HC. Hockey is one of those sports where it matters a lot IMO.

[BSLMikeLowe]

https://www.espn.com...des-free-agents

[1970]

https://www.espn.com...des-free-agents

 

Excellent article.

[JeremyStrain]

I got a ton of questions this offseason around all the moves, because most of the players were unknowns, or underappreciated guys, but I said then, they were all really smart moves aimed and making us a more rounded team. Sometimes it's those guys, not the big name stars, that really make great teams. Look at Vegas, they've been a high level competitor since the expansion draft, and it's because they overstocked on those kind of steady, SOLID players, didn't go for the splashy stars. You can argue the highest profile player they had was a past his prime Fleury in goal.

 

Logan (speaking of Vegas) is an absolute stud. If they don't lock up him and Chychrun soon I'm gonna lose my mind. Chych said this week how much he loved it here in DC and he hopes they knock out a contract soon. So I think that's in the works already.

Just extended Thompson. 6 years, like $35m ish. Less than a $6m cap hit which is pretty fantastic for a guy in the top 3-5 G in the league this year.

 

Chych is next...

[BSLChrisStoner]

NHL Power Rankings: Jets, and Capitals, and Oilers, Oh My!

[DuffMan]

Jack McBain plays for the Utah Hockey Club. Jack McBain was the one responsible for Ovie's injury. The Caps play the Utah Hockey Club today in D.C. Good luck to Jack McBain getting through this game in one piece.

[BSLMikeLowe]

Hat trick for Ovi today. He's now just 13 goals short of breaking the record. Looks like only another injury would stand in the way of him doing it this season.

[You Play to Win the Game]

Just incredible. I never thought he’d be this close this soon.

[BSLMikeLowe]

Before the season I would have wagered it might take an extended postseason run for him to get there this season. And if you had told me then that he'd miss 17 games with a broken leg, I'd double down on next season.

 

While I'm sure he's disappointed he couldn't participate in 4 Nations due to Russia being banned from international competition, the extended rest he's coming off of might benefit.

[DuffMan]

Postseason goals don't count towards the record.

[ivanbalt]

15 goals in two games.  Not a bad return from the break.

[BSLChrisStoner]

• Ovechkin nets 3, now 13 goals shy of NHL record

[Pedro Cerrano]

Remarkable what this guy is doing. Holy hell.

[DuffMan]

Edmonton doing him a solid by pulling the goalie despite being down 3 goals...

[BSLChrisStoner]

• Ovechkin nets No. 888; Caps clinch playoff berth

[DuffMan]

It's going to be close for him to get it. I feel like he needs one more multi goal game.

[JeremyStrain]

It's going to be close for him to get it. I feel like he needs one more multi goal game.

Was hoping that was coming last night when he got the one early.

[JeremyStrain]

Last wish on my to-do list finished out this morning. Caps extend Chychrun. 8 years $72m.

 

Yeah it's a lot, but he's putting up elite numbers. 3rd most goals for a defensemen in the whole league, only 26, and actually plays a solid D on the back end too. With Carlson getting up there in age, having a top flight scorer back there is necessary for the future. Looks like we have another one coming in Hutson from BC, but gotta grab them when you can.

[ivanbalt]

Serious brawling in the 3rd period last night.  And Ovi 3 away now.

[DuffMan]

One to go!!!