2018 NHL Playoffs:

[nolemmings]

I normally pull for the West in the Finals, but got drafted as a Caps fan this year when my daughter got an internship in DC and started dating a Caps season ticket holder (plus I'm a T.J. Oshie fan, who made a great play on goal #2). They looked real good last night, and Vegas looked lost, as in without a game plan. Way too many shots from out high, nearly all blocked. I get that their last goal in game 2 came from an outside shot that made it through a double screen, but they need better puck movement and have to work on their forechecking. Really, when your top THREE lines have just 3 goals in 3 games you've got issues. Hopefully, they will figure it out---next year.

[CobbSpikedMe]

You're right Todd, they took way too many shots from the outside and most were blocked before getting on goal. I found myself asking why they wouldn't take a shot quite a bit too. They really need to get the puck on net more.

[irv]

Originally Posted by nolemmings

I normally pull for the West in the Finals, but got drafted as a Caps fan this year when my daughter got an internship in DC and started dating a Caps season ticket holder (plus I'm a T.J. Oshie fan, who made a great play on goal #2). They looked real good last night, and Vegas looked lost, as in without a game plan. Way too many shots from out high, nearly all blocked. I get that their last goal in game 2 came from an outside shot that made it through a double screen, but they need better puck movement and have to work on their forechecking. Really, when your top THREE lines have just 3 goals in 3 games you've got issues. Hopefully, they will figure it out---next year.

Yep, those boys, especially their top line have to figure something out, and soon!

Originally Posted by CobbSpikedMe

You're right Todd, they took way too many shots from the outside and most were blocked before getting on goal. I found myself asking why they wouldn't take a shot quite a bit too. They really need to get the puck on net more.

I said/asked myself that numerous times as well last night. Too many passes when the opportunities to shoot were the best choices.
I also thought they dumped and chased it way too much as well, but maybe that has a lot to do with the Caps forecheck?

Either way, they certainly aren't playing to their capabilities, imo, and almost look tired/lazy.

Hopefully the coach and the rest of the boys can pull it together real soon!

[nolemmings]

Originally Posted by irv

I said/asked myself that numerous times as well last night. Too many passes when the opportunities to shoot were the best choices.
I also thought they dumped and chased it way too much as well, but maybe that has a lot to do with the Caps forecheck?

Either way, they certainly aren't playing to their capabilities, imo, and almost look tired/lazy.

Hopefully the coach and the rest of the boys can pull it together real soon!

I saw it just the opposite. I thought they almost took too many shots, mostly low percentage. 25-30 footers, mostly straight on, that would be easy saves for Holtby if they got through. Their only realistic hope on those was for a tip or defection--they weren't even good rebound candidates. It was obvious the Caps were clogging up the shooting lanes, blocking 15 shots in the first period alone. Normally I'm all in favor of trying to get the puck to the net in any form as often as possible, but the Caps walled off the outside shot.

That's why I believe they should have dumped and chased more. Forechecking below the goal line was the strength of their productive fourth line--really the mantra of any fourth line--and IMO the Caps defensemen can be worn down with heavy hitting (other than Carlson and maybe Niskanen), which leads to turnovers. Instead the Gknights seemed frustrated. You say they seemed almost tired or lazy, but they just looked befuddled to me.

[CobbSpikedMe]

You're correct that they took a lot of shots from the outside that were blocked by the Caps. But there were so many times they had a clear shot and they passed it away instead of taking it. That was what I was referring to. That's when I would be yelling at them to take the shot. It was frustrating to watch.

[nolemmings]

3-1 heading back to Lost Wages. Caps looking good.

[commishbob]

Third period got pretty physical last night (game 4) so the next one could get real interesting with LV backs to the wall. I’m rooting for the Caps but all things being equal I like to see teams win the Cup at home. Either way I’m watching the rest of this at the hockey bar.