Re: The NHL Thread
 

:rolleyes

Ovie's done a total 180 this year. I've said all season the change is big and noticeable, even when they were losing at the beginning.

It's never been a question of raw goal amount, it's how those goals are achieved. In addition to blasting one timers from the Ovie spot, he's scoring goals by using his size in front of the goal, rebounds, tips, etc, creating offense instead of waiting for plays to come to him. Furthermore, he's completely overhauled his defensive game. Which I've also been saying all season. And that's really been the problem and why people are so sour on him. His commitment to detail in the d zone has been profound. To use your phrase, he's become a hard working gritty player. He moves his feet, blocks shots (in a smart, selective manner), digs in the corners and plays below the goal line. I kinda keep waiting for it to go back to the old Ovie but so far, it hasn't.

So yes, at this time I would prefer the Caps keep Ovechkin. We'll see what happens when it really counts, but for now I'll enjoy it while he continues to impress me. My skepticism towards him is well documented.

Good try though.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Like I mentioned to you before, I haven't watched a ton of Caps games this season. So if anyone besides you had said this to me, I would never have believed them. But I trust you, so if you say he's playing that well, I'll buy it (is it ok if I buy it just a teensy bit skeptically though?).

And frankly, I'm glad. I've given him such a hard time over the course of his career, but it's all because I hate to see such talent be displayed in such a one dimensional manner. I love the highlight reel goals, but I hate the floating. A complete game being played by a player of Ovechkin's talent? Almost unheard of. And the fact that he's able to still lead the league in goals while doing it is hopefully incentive to keep it up.

I will echo your sentiments in being slightly skeptical and sorta "waiting" for the old Ovie to resurface, but I also have no problem giving him all the kudos in the world if he's made a lasting adjustment to his game.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

i've watched ovie play in person 2-3 times this year.

ill agree with barbogast he looks like a different player. especially compared to last year when he put up a -11 over 3 games at nationwide :lol
i still notice some of the old tendencies when the caps are losing though, he floats a lot more at the top of the D-Zone

Re: The NHL Thread
 

It's absolutely ok to be skeptical about it. If I hadn't actually seen it like I have this year I wouldn't believe it either. The thing is it was instantly noticeable from game 1, and even when they were struggling back in late October and November, his effort level never diminished. So I'm still curious about what will happen should the team get to the playoffs, but so far I can't complain in any way about him this year. And I would if I could.

I agree I think it's important that has goal production has remained steady because it proves that he can still score at the same rate, except when he plays the way he has been, the team is really quite effective. The other important point is that it has a domino effect where now everyone on the teams executes well, including the other usual suspect Mike Green. Ovie has been an actual leader this year, and it's shown in the results.

It's all Barry Trotz.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

This is a knock we've made on Ovie numerous times here as well. How could he be an effective leader playing the way he was? This is further evidence that it works.

All praise Barry.

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:lol :lol :lol

But seriously, Getting Bobby Lou was huge for them. I'm actually wondering if they pick up Richards.

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Let's go Wings!....and Rangers!...in regulation.

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:thumbsup Can't dislike this post!

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Milan always seems to have the empty netter.

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Doh-eth!!!!

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:lol :lol :lol http://streamable.com/e1e

Solid start to the 3rd by Toronto. :lol

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"really economical in goal--except for that."

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Hank's goal, yiiiiiiiiiiiiikes

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Ugly for both teams last night....eeesh.

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Matty likeyed JT's goal last night.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Mf8...-ts=1422579428

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i thought it was a great game
some great chances and great saves on both sides

truth be told, that inconclusive goal should have won it for the Habs

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They didn't help me so it's ugly. lol

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I'm actually okay Toronto is getting destroyed every night. If we plummet to a top 4 pick we may have a good opportunity to rebuild a bit and get a huge talent. if we are worst 4 we have a chance to upgrade to first overall. Imagine? Oh that'd be magical. But it's Toronto. We have no luck..

Re: The NHL Thread
 

As long as Dion Phaneuf wears the "C" with that ridiculous cap hit, the Leafs don't stand much of a chance.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

If Patrick Kane keeps this up, he's going to have to be a Hart finalist. This guy is playing unreal hockey. Amazing what adding a good 2C can do.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

I'm going to take a second to write a little blurb on Patrick Kane, because this guy has become one of the top 3 players in the NHL (with Crosby and Stamkos). The career progression he has made has been nothing short of incredible to watch.

Watch this first goal from last night:

http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/con...14020726-430-h

I mean, that is a SNIPE. He loads that puck up at full speed, picks his corner, and goes crossbar down. I mean, that shot to me is simply amazing. At full speed to get that kind of release that accurately that quickly. Holy shit.

I think for years everyone knew that Patrick Kane had special talent, but between off-ice issues and sometimes trying to do too much on the ice, he kind of felt like he wasn't living up to his full potential (even though his production was still top 20 in the league). He always felt like a guy that could win any award out there (minus maybe the Selke). He's putting it all together now. Defense is leading to offense, and his offensive production is quietly 2nd best in the league. 56 points is 2nd only to Voracek, and 25 goals 5th in the league. He's playing great in all three zones, and has emerged as a vocal leader for the team as well.

I know some people around here don't like him or his personality, but the guy is truly a once-in-a-generation talent, and it is such a joy to watch him grow up and become this player.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Watching the Wings pregame and they said Hamonic is doing his meeting kids thing after today's game in Detroit and is meeting with a metro Detroit kid who losses a parent. That's pretty cool.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

Carey Price currently having an unreal afternoon against the Caps. 4 or 5 truly top level saves.

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It does seem as if he's producing at a less flashy yet more effective level this year. I've noticed that the few times I've watched the Blackhawks this year. He's seemed like a much more mature player.

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DAMN good 0-0 game

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Fuck you Caps. Can't do anything right.

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Unbelievable game though. Hurts to lose that one

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Thanks for sharing that. Great to hear.

We stunk today. Watched it tonight after work. Looked like we were skating in mud. Had no jump and team doesn't play well when Johnson is in net. First slump of season coming??

Re: The NHL Thread
 

A co-worker who's not much of a hockey fan was asking me who the best American player in the NHL was right now. My answer was immediately Patty Kane.

Re: The NHL Thread
 

"@punkrosette: Antti Niemi, who wears 31, is 31 years old, and just made 31 saves for his 31st career shutout on January 31"