Washington Post Caps beat report Tarik El_Bashir wrapped up a live chat on the Washington Capitals today. Here are some thoughts and comments we had when reading the transcript.
Here is some insight Tarik has on Jose Theodore as goalie moving forward and some adjustments Theo has made.
The thing that turned around Jose’s season was the hip injury. He used
that time to make some adjustments to his game. The biggest adjustment
he made was focusing more on the first shot and THEN worrying about the
second shot, rather than trying to anticipate the second shot before
the first one is even taken.That said, I do think the Caps will be in the market for a goalie
next week. Perhaps not a No. 1 — though Minnesota’s Niklas Backstrom
might be available — at the very least a vet. No. 2 as a backup plan
just in case Theodore gets hurt or struggle
I kind of figured this as well. GM George McPhee and HC Bruce Boudreau do have extreme confidence in the future in the net, whether it be Michal Neuvirth or Simeon Varlamov. The Caps have two of the best goalie prospects in the NHL. BUT, let’s face it, both are just 19 and 20 years old. The Capitals are moving toward their second consecutive playoff berth. The Caps have visions of going deeper into the playoffs, past round 1, unlike last season where the goal was to simply reach the playoffs and break the playoff drought. I cannot envision the Caps moving forward with two young, relatively untested prospects as THE primary backup to Theo in the midst of a playoff run. Nice thought, but I doubt it will be reality.
On Semin and Boudreau and the frustration with penalties …
Boudreau is certainly frustrated with Semin’s penalties. And yes, I do
think it can complicate their relationship. It’s already hard for Bruce
to know what Semin is thinking because of the language barrier, and
it’s even harder when the two can’t sit down and have a heart to heart.
I thought the language
barrier was more of a made up shell for media purposes? I was under
the understanding that Semin knew a little more English than he lets
on. Regardless, Semin is one of those ‘targeted’ players when it comes
to penalties, in Gabby’s eyes, and rightfully so. His mistakes haven’t
changed either. Semin was the same way last season. Stupid penalties
at inopportune times. As I wrote in the mid-season assessment and
awards, along with one of our readers, John, we rated Semin as the most
OVERRATED player on the Caps and this is one of the primary reasons.
Semin has the skill, ability, speed, puck handling, and instinct to be
a great player, but his periodic wild play, bad passes, and penalties
are holding him back.
On Jeff Schultz …
But the truth is Schultz does a lot right on a nightly basis that goes
unnoticed. He’s big, he’s smart, has a great stick and can move the
puck. He’s also 23, and management sees a lot of upside in him. I tend
to agree.
Thank you Tarik. The whipping Schultzie took on the Caps official message board
was nothing short of absurd. He had a bad game. So did Mike Green.
So did Alexander Semin. Overall, Schultz has progressed well
defensively this year and the criticism is a bunch of crap. Yeah, I
would love to see Schultzie throw around the 6’6″ frame, but that is
obviously not the kind of player he is right now. Can we also remember
Schultz is only 23 and still developing.
Word on Caps first rounder John Carlson and the possibility he may finish the season in Chocolatetown …
Carlson can join the Caps or Bears for the playoffs, and I could see
that happening when London’s season is over. But I also think the only
way Carlson gets into a game in Washington in the playoffs is if there
are a ton of injuries on the blueline.
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