It seems a lot of people are asking how the Capitals lost this last game, including the Capitals themselves. A lot of people are saying they don't know.
I'm no expert, just a fan, but I'll say this: Speed.
Re-watch the game, Capitals, watch how fast the Canadians went to the puck. Remember how fast the Canadians closed in on you?
Now watch how fast you shoot the puck on one-timers. Takes a second, doesn't it? Watch how their forwards sped past your defensemen, and how you so rarely seemed to get past theirs.
Now watch the Red Wings dominant game 7 against Phoenix, watch how fast they move the puck, how fast they pass, how fast they get to the corners, and how fast they get to the defense.
Now, I'll say this: Capitals, we know you're one of the fastest teams in the league. We've seen it. And there were moments when Ovechkin was that fast - when he played his heart out and broke his stick.
But were you really pursuing the puck?
If there's one thing I've learned watching Hockey, it's that. To win, to catch the cup, you must first chase the puck.
Right on with that assement.
ReplyDeleteI do offer this bit also. When a team get out to a big lead in the conference race for the playoffs, and they wrap things up early there is a good amount of time for poor playing habits to come into their game. While conversely a team that is in a tooth and nail fight just to make the playoffs can't afford to coast or acquire bad habits. The teams at the middle of the pack that do pick up poor habits, just don't usually make the playoffs, they are sitting home in mid April.
I will say that Montreal has been playing high pressure games from about the middle of March until now. They are able to cope with pressure, they've been under it for a good 2 months now.
However Halak was also amazing after coming back when Price was sat.
I agree with Wallis and Tugnutt.
ReplyDeleteI would also offer the un-original thought that the Caps play one style of game that is supremely suited to regular season, but don't have the ability to quickly adapt/change gears in the postseason. Most teams know how to handle the Caps but don't take the punishment and sacrifice needed in the regular season. But when it comes to the postseason and the stakes are much higher, those teams commit to shutting us down (blocked shots is one big example) and can do so - because the Caps can't find a different gear.
Both individually and as a team, the Caps need to learn to adapt and change their play to suit the game they are playing THAT NIGHT - the run and gun will not always work. Three out of four series indicates that, and quite frankly, the Rangers' series should not have gone to seven either.