2010-2011 NHL season

I watched the whole game and I don't remember seeing a malicious slash. Didn't even realize he was hurt.

 

Things I don't need:

-- A Caps fanboy telling me that the Penguins are dirty. One, because pretty much everyone here has made it abundantly clear that the Pens are dirty. Nobody's arguing it. Two, because I must have missed the consternation over Matt Bradley's attempted murder of Matt Cooke. Admittedly, it *was* Matt Cooke. But Backstrom might have a dinged finger, so clearly *somebody* should be suspended. If not executed.

Pot. Kettle.

 

I didn't think the Bradley hit was that bad, and neither did the announcers on Versus (which no longer include admitted Caps homer Joe Beninati). I thought the game was well called last night, and had the Bradley hit warranted any more than 2 for charging, he would have gotten it. Cooke's back wasn't turned. And the elbow came up when Cooke was already on the ground. I'm not sure Staal deserved 2 for roughing for coming to the aid of his teammate.

Here's a link to the hit. Audio is in Spanish for some reason.

 

I'll try not to take anymore of your "bait." And congratulations on shutting out what's left of the Penguins.

 

Watched the last half of the Pens/Caps game.

Was that the Caps I saw checking?

Pittsburgh looks like an ordinary team now but the Caps aren't exactly giant killers and OV has dropped from superstar status to being a really good player.

 

Buffalo has a new owner who is willing to spend to the cap. Very tough division just got tougher.

 

It wasn't just the hitting. It was the collapsing down low, defending against the cycle and back checking.

It looks like Boudreau's message has gotten through .

Problem is when you institute a new strategy, players have to break some previous bad habits. And it looks like they have.

It was a pretty entertaining game but Jesus, you can't escape McGuire up here. NBC, TSN and now friggijn' Versus.

That goal by OV was an absolute rocket. There's not a goalie on earth that could have stopped that shot.

 

Yeah, the Caps are playing better defensive hockey and collapsing and doing some nice things. I am impressed by how patient they were and how they stuck with the game plan. That will be big-time help once the playoffs start. That said, they still were outshot 39-24 by a team full of AHL forwards last night.

Of course the Penguins looked ordinary. They have nine forwards on the injured list. Is that an excuse? Sure is. Nobody will or should feel bad for the Penguins. That they have found a way to scratch points out and, minus the Long Island Meltdown, work hard enough to be competitive in every game, is a testament to Bylsma and his staff.

Listened to Ray Shero's interview on NHL on the Fly last night. When he spoke about Crosby's situation, it sure, to me, made it seem like the team doesn't expect him to be back this year.