Rockin' The Red! - A Washington Capitals Franchise (NHL 10)

[bthomp05]

Re: Rockin' The Red! - A Washington Capitals Franchise (NHL 10)

Not sure really...he seems to have become more of a play maker in his later years I really thought him being on a line with Semin would create some magic but Semin is sooooooo inconsistent. EA really pegged him well...LOL! I'm trying not to get too greddy since the first line is REALLLLY starting to play well together. But yeah, he's not on pace to score 50 which is un-Bure-like

To bad, I was really hoping he would reclaim his heydays. Ow well..

[Axeshun]

Re: Rockin' The Red! - A Washington Capitals Franchise (NHL 10)

I've been meaning to ask you, how has Varlamov developed for you?

[Bure10Beezer34]

Re: Rockin' The Red! - A Washington Capitals Franchise (NHL 10)

I agree with you, I play Football Manager as well and I like it when I get injuries, as you say it provides more opportunities and shows how good you can be as a manager to overcome the problems they cause.

Keep up the good work with the dynasty, I'm enjoying it.

Cool, I'm not the only crazy one. Thanks for making me feel somewhat sane

To bad, I was really hoping he would reclaim his heydays. Ow well..

I agree. What's sad is I'm controlling him cuz I play RW position lock. I guess I've been trying to set up to many plays with him. Been trying to get Semin going lately. I already shoot the puck a ton as I'm sure you can see in my box scores. I put most the blame on me for Bure's performance.

I've been meaning to ask you, how has Varlamov developed for you?

Varly has been developing quite well. He has an occassional bad game but so far he has been very consistent. I've been quite pleased with my gamble on him. I was worried about trading away Jose Theodore but so far it's working out really well. Hope that helps. If you want anything specific let me know

As always, thanks for following gents!

[Bure10Beezer34]

Re: Rockin' The Red! - A Washington Capitals Franchise (NHL 10)

The Hershey Bears signed right wing Jakub Petruzalek to a two year contract.

[Bure10Beezer34]

Re: Rockin' The Red! - A Washington Capitals Franchise (NHL 10)

by Owen Ridley

>>
Bad Blood Continues…>>
>>
Florida Panthers (12-11-1-3) vs. Washington Capitals (18-7-2-0)
>>
Starting Goalies: Tomas Vokoun vs. Semyon Varlamov
>>
This season any game involving the Washington Capitals and the Florida Panthers has been physical and full of emotion. Tonight’s game would continue that trend in a major way. Florida defensemen Jordan Leopold has been on the Capitals most wanted list ever since his slash to center Dave Steckel. “He won’t drop the gloves,” Washington’s resident tough guy Matt Bradley said, “I tried again tonight and Greg Campbell jumped in to rescue him. It’s a shame. I just want to him to man up for that slash on Stecks.” Bradley stood up for his teammate but also assisted on a short-handed goal by Steckel in the second period. Steckel scored a gem by getting past the defense and scoring on the break away with a wrister below the blocker of goalie Tomas Vokoun.
>>
Washington continued their strong play in both the offensive and defensive zones. Something they have excelled at all season long. Alexandre Ovechkin scored his 16^th goal of the season in the third period, the mark put him ahead of all other Capitals in goals. Things started to get a little chippy after the goal and Washington LW Boyd Gordon found himself facing off against an unlikely opponent in Panthers star LW David Booth. Gordon would win the fight and Booth would receive a fractured jaw for his troubles. Florida decided to pull Vokoun with a little less than two minutes remaining. They managed to gain the zone but Capitals defensemen Tom Poti picked off a bad pass and quickly sent it to Ed Jovanovski. Jovanovski saw Pavel Bure breaking through the neutral zone and hit him in stride. Bure buried it for the empty netter.
>>
With the game in hand for Washington and a little less that a minute remaining you would think the game was over. But Florida would not give up. They continued to try and gain the offensive zone. RW Radek Dvorak received a pass in the neutral zone with less that ten seconds remaining. “All I remember was looking down to receive the pass. I knew I had someone streaking up the boards so I made a slight turn, looked up to make the pass and that’s all I remember,” Dvorak recalled. Capitals rookie RW P.J. Tait saw Radek streaking through the neutral zone. “His head was down and I was at full speed. When he looked up I was in line for an open ice hip check. It’s part of the game. I play at one hundred percent for sixty minutes. That’s how my coaches taught me and that’s how I play. I hope Radek is ok and he recovers quickly. I wasn’t trying to hurt him,” P.J. Tait explained. It was P.J.’s second huge open ice hit of the night but this one was the deadliest. After the hit Dvorak went airborne and landed on his shoulder. He would lay motionless for several minutes before being carted off the ice. The damage would be a separated shoulder and Dvorak missing five to six weeks. “It’s a crappy way to end a game,” an upset Jordan Leopold said, “don’t think we won’t be looking for number twenty-seven next time we meet. The rookie better keep his head up!”
>>
1^st Period

Fla. – (4) Stillman (V. Koistinen, Reinprecht) (PP)>>
Was. – (5) Chimera (Knuble, B. Morrison)>>

2^nd Period

Was. – (1) Steckel (Schultz, Bradley) (SH)>>
Was. – (4) Jovanovski (Semin, Bure)
Fla. – (6) Moore (Unassisted)>>

3^rd Period>>
>>
Was. – (16) Ovechkin (Tait, Backstrom)>>
Was. – (7) Bure (Jovanovski, Poti) (EN)

Final – Florida – 2 Washington – 5

Three Stars

3. Alexandre Ovechkin ( 1 – 0 – 1, +1 )
2. Pavel Bure ( 1 – 1 – 2, +2)
1. Ed Jovanovski ( 1 – 1 – 2, +2 )

Florida

23 Shots
18 Hits
26 Faceoffs
7:28 Time on Attack
14:00 PIM
1/5 PP

Washington

35 Shots
22 Hits
17 Faceoffs
6:41 Time on Attack
20:00 PIM
0/2 PP

Points Leaders

15 – 21 – 36 Tait
16 – 17 – 33 Ovechkin
4 – 21 – 25 Green
8 – 16 – 24 Backstrom
7 – 14 – 21 Bure

Game Notes:

Coach Bruce Boudreau made no changes to the line-up.
- C Brooks Laich was injured in the game and would not return. Laich is listed as fracturing his elbow and will miss a week.
- RW Radek Dvorak and LW David Booth would be injured in the game. Dvorak will miss 5-6 weeks with a separated shoulder. Booth will miss a week with a fractured jaw.
>>
>>

[Bure10Beezer34]

Re: Rockin' The Red! - A Washington Capitals Franchise (NHL 10)

by Owen Ridley

>>
First vs. Last…>>
>>
Washington Capitals (19-7-2-0) vs. Philadelphia Flyers (8-13-3-1)
>>
Starting Goalies: Semyon Varlamov vs. Ray Emery>>
>>
Most fans probably saw the match up of the first place Washington Capitals versus the last place Philadelphia Flyers and quickly changed the channel. But those that stayed tuned in were treated to a tight defensive game of these Eastern Conference foes. The Capitals first line continued their strong play when Alexander Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom assisted on P.J. Tait’s 16^th goal of the season tying him with Ovechkin for the team lead. A little later in the first the Flyers got on the board when Simon Gagne was able to push a rebound past Washington’s net minder Semyon Varlamov. After that things slowed down a bit as both teams brought their best defense to the game. Finally in the second period Capitals right wing Pavel Bure was able to break the tie with his 8^th goal of the year. “I know last games was an empty net goal but this makes two games in a row. You have to build on something and that is what I’m trying to do, “Bure said excitedly.
>>
Both teams continued with strong defense into the third period. What was most impressive was with less than two minutes remaining the Capitals stood tall and would not let the Flyers keep position or get into the offensive zone. Flyers goalie Ray Emery was desperate to make it to the bench but with Washington locking down the neutral zone he was not able to get off the ice until fifteen seconds were remaining. The Flyers ran out of time and the Capitals came away with another victory. “I was waiting for them to pull their goalie and it just never happened. I was really happy for the guys. I think it was a huge morale booster. We really shut them down when we had too, “Varlamov said praising his teammates effort. Semyon has been on a tear of late. He’s let in two or less goals in his last five games and has earned a star of the game in four of the last five games. Varlamov has really solidified himself as the number one goalie of this team.
>>
1^st Period

>>
Was. – (16) Tait (Ovechkin, Backstrom)>>
Phi. – (8) Gagne (Giroux)>>

2^nd Period

Was. – (8) Bure (Semin, S. Morrisonn)>>

3^rd Period>>
>>
None

Final – Washington – 2 Philadelphia – 1

Three Stars

3. Simon Gagne ( 1 – 0 – 1, +1 )
2. Ray Emery ( 33 Saves )
1. Semyon Varlamov ( 34 Saves )

Washington

35 Shots
22 Hits
23 Faceoffs
7:42 Time on Attack
6:00 PIM
0/6 PP

Philadelphia

35 Shots
29 Hits
17 Faceoffs
4:33 Time on Attack
12:00 PIM
0/3 PP

Points Leaders

16 – 21 – 37 Tait
16 – 18 – 34 Ovechkin
4 – 21 – 25 Green
8 – 17 – 25 Backstrom
8 – 14 – 22 Bure

Game Notes:

Coach Bruce Boudreau made the following changes to the line-up:
- 2^nd Line: C Derick Brassard
- The Capitals sent down LW Geoff Sanderson and recalled C Derick Brassard.
>>
>>

[Bure10Beezer34]

Re: Rockin' The Red! - A Washington Capitals Franchise (NHL 10)

Gonna go watch my Caps hopefully beat up on the Pens on Versus!!!

[bthomp05]

Re: Rockin' The Red! - A Washington Capitals Franchise (NHL 10)

Gonna go watch my Caps hopefully beat up on the Pens on Versus!!!

Nice win against Philly.

I'm stuck at work, so I wish I could watch hockey.

[Bure10Beezer34]

Re: Rockin' The Red! - A Washington Capitals Franchise (NHL 10)

Hey everyone following, just thought I would let you in on some news. I have about 5 games back logged waiting to be posted. So I will try to get them up in the next couple of weeks...speaking of the next couple weeks...

I will be in and out of town until the start of May so I probably won't be getting to play any games so basically I will be all caught up. Not to mention that it's playoff hockey time in the NHL and I will be glued to my TV...I LOVE PLAYOFF HOCKEY!!! So I know it sucks, trust me it does, I hate not being able to play and post. But I thought I would be fair and let you guys know. Thanks for following as always!

[onlybygrace]

Re: Rockin' The Red! - A Washington Capitals Franchise (NHL 10)

Right on...I see Bure is finally on pace to touch 20 goals at least.

Be safe dude.

[BlueLineBomber]

Re: Rockin' The Red! - A Washington Capitals Franchise (NHL 10)

gives me a chance to actually read what you have done!

[bthomp05]

Re: Rockin' The Red! - A Washington Capitals Franchise (NHL 10)

Playoff hockey is the best. can't wait for your updates.

[Bure10Beezer34]

Re: Rockin' The Red! - A Washington Capitals Franchise (NHL 10)

by Owen Ridley

Lightning Stike With Tanguay...

Washington Capitals (20-7-2-0) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (17-7-2-2)

It was a clash of the top two teams in the Southeast division when the Washington Captials traveled to Tampa to face the Lightning. The Capitals were hoping to add to their growing four game winning streak. While the Lightning were hoping to end it. "We felt pretty good after the first period," center Nicklas Backstrom who scored the only Capitals goal in the first period, "But Alex Tanguay changed all that in the second period. He was lights out tonight." Tanguay would score three goals in the second for the hat trick. The Capitals defense had no answer for him.

Troubling for Washington was that there only two goals came from the first line of Ovechkin, Backstrom and Tait. "We'd love to be getting secondary scoring, of course. I've been juggling lines, calling different players up from Hershey, etc. We do need more consistency from the second, third and fourth lines. That's what the regular season is for. Finding the right combinations and strengths of this team. The first line isn't going to bail us out every night. Tonight was a prime example," Coach Boudreau said after the game.


Starting Goalies: Semyon Varlamov vs. Mike Smith
　
1st Period

TB – (12) Stamkos (Halpern) (PP)
Was. – (9) Backstrom (Tait, Quincey) (PP)

2nd Period

TB – (18) Tanguay (St. Louis, Ranger)
TB – (19) Tanguay (Lecavalier, Halpern)
Was. – (17) Ovechkin (Tait, Backstrom)
TB – (20) Tanguay (St. Louis) (PP)

3rd Period

TB – (6) Halpern (Walker, Veilleux)


Final – Washington – 2 Tampa Bay – 5

Three Stars

3. Mike Smith ( 28 Saves )
2. Jeff Halpern ( 1 – 2 – 3, +2 )
1. Alex Tanguay ( 3 – 0 – 3, +2 )

Washington

30 Shots
26 Hits
20 Faceoffs
6:28 Time on Attack
21:00 PIM
1/4 PP

Tampa Bay

45 Shots
21 Hits
19 Faceoffs
6:49 Time on Attack
13:00 PIM
2/8 PP

Points Leaders

16 – 23 – 39 Tait
17 – 18 – 35 Ovechkin
9 – 18 – 27 Backstrom
4 – 21 – 25 Green
8 – 14 – 22 Bure

Game Notes:

Coach Bruce Boudreau made no changes to the lineup.

[Bure10Beezer34]

Re: Rockin' The Red! - A Washington Capitals Franchise (NHL 10)

by Owen Ridley

First Line Uprights Sinking Ship...

Washington Capitals (20-8-2-0) vs. Buffalo Sabres (9-10-6-2)

Countinuing on the last game of a five game road trip. The Washington Capitals landed in Buffalo hoping to end the trip with a win. The Capitals have had their struggles on the road but have gone 3 - 1 during their time away from the Verizon Center. In the first period the Sabres would have none of it. Buffalo defensemen Craig Rivet would score his first goal of the season and added two assists in the first to help establish a 3 to 1 lead over Washington going into the second.

After the first intermission the game belonged to the Capitals. P.J. Tait came out and scored his 17th goal of the season. Shortly after Alexander Ovechkin recoreded his 18th and 19th of the year. His 18th was a real beauty as Ovechkin bounced on a bad pass while Buffalo was making a line change. He skated in on a breakaway against goalie Ryan Miller and wristed a laser over his blocker. "Miller(Ryan) is one of the best in the league, I was fortunate to get it past him," Oveckin admitted. The Sabres had no answer for Washington's offense as they would not score another goal after the first period. Capitals foward Mike Knuble put them away in the third period with his third goal of the season.
　

Starting Goalies: Semyon Varlamov vs. Ryan Miller
　
1st Period

Buf. – (8) Roy (Rivet, Pominville) (PP)
Was. – (4) Bradley (Jovanovski, Poti)
Buf. – (1) Rivet (Unassited)
Buf. – (3) Stafford (Rivet, Connolly)

2nd Period

Was. – (17) Tait (Backstrom, Quincey)
Was. – (18) Ovechkin (Unassisted)
Was. – (19) Ovechkin (Tait, Backstrom)

3rd Period

Was. – (3) Knuble (Chimera)


Final – Washington – 5 Buffalo – 3

Three Stars

3. P.J. Tait ( 1 – 1 – 2, +3 )
2. Craig Rivet ( 1 – 2 – 3, -2 )
1. Alexandre Ovechkin ( 2 – 0 – 2, +3 )

Washington

41 Shots
12 Hits
27 Faceoffs
9:23 Time on Attack
10:00 PIM
0/6 PP

Buffalo

30 Shots
22 Hits
33 Faceoffs
6:36 Time on Attack
12:00 PIM
1/5 PP

Points Leaders

17 – 24 – 41 Tait
19 – 18 – 37 Ovechkin
9 – 20 – 29 Backstrom
4 – 21 – 25 Green
8 – 14 – 22 Bure

Game Notes:

Coach Bruce Boudreau made the following line changes:
- 2nd Line: C – Brooks Laich
- 3rd Def: LD – John Carlson
Washington recalled John Carlson, D, sent down Derick Brassard, C.

[Bure10Beezer34]

Re: Rockin' The Red! - A Washington Capitals Franchise (NHL 10)

by Owen Ridley

Home Sweet Home?...

Carolina Hurricanes (14-12-3-1) vs. Washington Capitals (21-8-2-0)

After a strong road trip the Washington Capitals came back to the Verizon Center hoping to continue their success against the Carolina Hurricanes. The first period would start out with a bang as offense was the name of the game. The two teams exchanged goals for much of the period. Carolina was lead by Tuomo Ruutu, Sergei Samsonov and Ray Whitney, twice. Washington would find the net with P.J. Tait and Alexandre Semin. Six goals total but the Hurricanes would have the better end of the deal leading by a score of 4 to 2.

As quickly as the firworks went off in the first they would just as quickly be extinguished in the second period. Neither team would score. Going into the third the Capitals knew they would have to step it up to come back and that they did. Nicklas Backstrom would take advantage of an over-aggressive power play by the Hurricanes and score a short handed goal. Now they were down by one. With just minutes left in the game Alexander Semin would score his second of the game to tie it. Both of his goals were set up beautifully by fellow forward Pavel Bure. The momentum would not last as Washington would take a late penalty and Ray Whitney would bury the power play goal to finish them. "I played with Ray(Whitney) for three season in Florida," Pavel Bure said, "He's capable of carrying a team on his back and he proved it tonight. He's a leader in that locker room and the Hurricanes are lucky to have him." Whitney finished the game with three goals and one assist to carry Carolina to the victory.

After the game reporters and members of the media were gathered around Washington defensemen Mike Green's locker. In the last six games, including tonights game, the star defensemen has been held without a point. "I'm not worried about it," Green insisted, "We're winning games, we're playing well and I'm just one guy on the team. It's a long season, I'm not worried." Green at one point was on a point-a-game pace and was looking at a possible 70-80 point season.
　

Starting Goalies: Cam Ward vs. Semyon Varlamov

1st Period

Car. – (8) Ruutu (Whitney, Wallin)
Was. – (18) Tait (Backstrom, Ovechkin)
Car. – (7) Whitney (Staal, Corvo) (PP)
Was. – (13) Semin (Bure, Poti)
Car. – (8) Whitney (Brind’Amour, Staal)
Car. – (7) Samsonov (Larose, Gleason)

2nd Period

None

3rd Period

Was. – (10) Backstrom (Chimera, S. Morrisonn) (SH)
Was. – (14) Semin (Bure)
Car. – (9) Whitney (Unassisted) (PP)


Final – Carolina – 5 Washington – 4

Three Stars

3. Alexandre Semin ( 2 – 0 – 2, Even )
2. Nicklas Backstrom ( 1 – 1 – 2, +2 )
1. Ray Whitney ( 3 – 1 – 4, Even )

Carolina

17 Shots
24 Hits
23 Faceoffs
5:43 Time on Attack
0:00 PIM
2/5 PP

Washington

37 Shots
13 Hits
17 Faceoffs
8:11 Time on Attack
12:00 PIM
0/0 PP

Points Leaders

18 – 24 – 42 Tait
19 – 19 – 38 Ovechkin
10 – 21 – 31 Backstrom
4 – 21 – 25 Green
8 – 16 – 24 Bure

Game Notes:

Coach Bruce Boudreau made the following line changes:
- 3rd Def: LD – Shoane Morrisonn
Washington recalled John Erskine, D, sent down John Carlson, D.