After two games, it's pretty clear the Caps are struggling. Not a huge surprise given that they have a new coach in Adam Oates and a new system. With no training camp and preseason games, they are having to learn the system on the fly.
Without truly understanding the "x's" and "o's" of hockey, it seems like an interesting system. It is supposed to be somewhat of a hybrid of Boudreau's high flying offensive system and Hunter's stingy defensive system. What is apparent is that defenders are having to make rushes on the offensive end and offensive guys (particularly the centers) are having to get back and play defense. I noticed a number of times in yesterday's Winninpeg game defensive guys rushing into the offensive zone and offensive guys, especially Backstrom, way back in the defensive zone. It's clear the guys are still learning where to be as it looked like there were times yesterday that guys weren't in rhythm and it just wasn't fluid.
Additionally, Ovi has made the switch to right wing and I'm not sure how comfortable he is there. I know he wants to still have chances from the left side as it appeared later in the game he crept over to the left side. Still, he is too predictable on the left side but I know he likes to bring it down the win and then cut towards the center and release a shot which he can't do now from the right side. Still, Oates wants to have guys that are right handed play the right side and left handed guys play the left side.
I'm sure learning the system will take a little time; however, with a shortened season hopefully they can learn it sooner rather than later as there isn't much time to get behind in the standings and try to play catch up.
A couple of other notes:
1. The PK SUCKS! The Caps are 6 of 12 in PK. 50%!!!! That is ridiculous. What's worse is that it just looks bad. That needs to get shored up.
2. MoJo sucks. With the loss of Semin, a lot is riding on MoJo and he has been less than spectacular. He has been playing on the top line but he is struggling to just skate and move the puck. His poor play resulted in him getting replaced on the top line last night and he hardly played in the third period. He has to get better.
3. Goal keeping has to be better. Holtby has been okay but certainly not great. It will be interesting to see if Hunter's defensive system masked Holtby's inadequacies. In the new system, there certainly will be more pressure on the goalies and hopefully Holtby is for real and not a Jim Carey.
4. The stars have to shine. Ovi, Backstrom, and Green have been the stars of this team for the last few years. They need to step up now. They are veterans and have to lead.
5. Don't panic and stay the course. With losses guys will start to second guess themselves and press but they need to stay the course and fight through it. If they can get up to speed, they will be fine but again they have to right the ship quickly if they intend on making the playoffs this year.
Next game is Thursday night at home. It's not a must win but it is important that they play better. In both games this season, they were outworked and outplayed. That needs to stop. A win will certainly boost their confidence and can get things moving in the right direction.
UNLEASH THE FURY!!!
3 comments:
Couple of thoughts. First, no need to panic - it is early.
That said, Ovechkin should be playing LW. There is no need to change that and frankly it is stupid to try to mess with that. It is especially stupid to do it without a full training camp and with a shortened season.
Ovechkin is out of place and then Backstrom doesn't know how to get it to him because he is playing on the right side. It is a mess. Just go with what has worked.
The PK will get fixed, but it requires the right players. Not having Brooks Laich out there makes a difference, but frankly, I figure they will get this worked out.
I think the new system may work out OK, I just hope the Caps don't fall too far behind other teams and I have to hope that Oates is a good coach. These are also interrelated, but we will only know with time.
I think Oates is a good coach. By all accounts, he is a smart guy. Question is how quickly he can get the guys acclimated to his system.
I don't really care where Ovi plays. He seemed like he was on board with playing RW but he definitely looks more comfortable as a LW. Again, I think it is Oates' idea that right handed players play on the right and vice versa. We'll see how long that lasts. I do imagine if Ovi continues to struggle both he and Oates will decide to move him back to LW.
PK is horrendous. It's interesting because Ovi is playing PK. Don't think it is a bad thing but the guys out there need to be better as 50% is outrageous.
Just got to get a win. Hopefully it happens on Thursday.
I agree. No panicking yet. Another loss and I'd start worrying. I think they'll win against Montreal on Thursday at home. Just a hunch.
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