Eric Mellin: The Curse of the Presidents Trophy Caps Lose Again

First! Go Pens

It's not a President Trophy curse, it's a Capitals curse. They suck.

While the comeback was inspiring, and somewhat expected, I saw a lot of 'public skate' efforts by the Caps last night... most obvious to me were Niskanen and Ovie... what gives?

It's no wonder your fans might be anticipating an early playoff exit, especially after last night's game.

I think you guys match up better against the Bruins, over the last 15 years Presidents trophy teams rarely win the Cup

Not a caps fan, but they had nothing to play for. Sure you want to see them hot before the playoffs, but I bet they come out on fire once the puck drops for game one

This type of play is expected. Every opponent is jockeying for position and have motivation. Caps just waiting for playoffs. Flip the switch in 1st round and then lose to NYR in the ECF

Can Weber just be removed from your team's lineup already? Even your own fans have to know hes just a cheap shot artist
- Guile

Wilson.

So they lost because they are the best?

Can Weber just be removed from your team's lineup already? Even your own fans have to know hes just a cheap shot artist
- Guile

We'll try to get you Trotz's phone number.

While the comeback was inspiring, and somewhat expected, I saw a lot of 'public skate' efforts by the Caps last night... most obvious to me were Niskanen and Ovie... what gives?

It's no wonder your fans might be anticipating an early playoff exit, especially after last night's game.
- skridscousin

They haven't been sharp for over a month - it's worrying, but they had such a large points lead that it is probably understandable. Look at it this way : Caps have been mediocre, Pens have been on an unbelievable streak and the Pens are still 14 points behind. The good news is that the Pens are the only team in the East who appear to be playing well - won't have to see them until the 2nd round.

This type of play is expected. Every opponent is jockeying for position and have motivation. Caps just waiting for playoffs. Flip the switch in 1st round and then lose to NYR in the ECF
- rrentz

Rangers have played this perfectly if they end up with that 7th seed. Not a lock to beat Florida, but I like their chances to get to the ECF.

I think you guys match up better against the Bruins, over the last 15 years Presidents trophy teams rarely win the Cup
- Sharksfan68

They should beat either Boston or Philly, though recent history says that Boston would be the better matchup (I don't assume a 1st round win, but you'd have to say they are solid favorites against either team). The 2nd round is going to be troublesome with Pittsburgh, though.

It's not a President Trophy curse, it's a Capitals curse. They suck.
- Blackstrom2

You think they lose first round ?

They haven't been sharp for over a month - it's worrying, but they had such a large points lead that it is probably understandable. Look at it this way : Caps have been mediocre, Pens have been on an unbelievable streak and the Pens are still 14 points behind. The good news is that the Pens are the only team in the East who appear to be playing well - won't have to see them until the 2nd round.
- MadCap2008

We both have to survive round 1, against whomever... something the Pens haven't been able to do much recently. I'm encouraged by the Pens' new team and coach, and it won't be easy for the Caps to just 'turn it on again'

Who knows... playing safe, or maybe even baiting the Pens into a false sense of security... GO PENS !!

We'll try to get you Trotz's phone number.
- MadCap2008

Good, I'll put it on Craigslist for random male encounters after I have my talk with him.

"The once dominating play of the Caps has been picked apart by teams trying to play catch-up, by teams that are more motivated by a post-season appearance."

That and by teams like the Penguins who are already solidly in the playoffs but are just playing better hockey than most.

We both have to survive round 1, against whomever... something the Pens haven't been able to do much recently. I'm encouraged by the Pens' new team and coach, and it won't be easy for the Caps to just 'turn it on again'

Who knows... playing safe, or maybe even baiting the Pens into a false sense of security... GO PENS !!
- skridscousin

Pens getting a big break likely playing the Isles in Round 1 - that has sweep/5 game series written all over it. Rangers would have been a better matchup.

Good, I'll put it on Craigslist for random male encounters after I have my talk with him.
- Guile

What you like to peruse in your spare time is your business.

One thing to keep in mind is that ingredients for success in the playoffs are different than for the regular season. During the regular season, offensive output and raw talent are what is needed. During the playoffs, working hard and not making mistakes are the most important things. The Pens beat Detroit in the 2009 finals because they did not make any bad mistakes in those last two games - not because of an overpowering offense.

The game last night illustrates why both teams could have an early exit from the playoffs. The Capitals made lots of mistakes in the first two periods and the Pens made lots of mistakes in the third. Seeing Ovi turn the puck over to Sestito last night, leading to a goal, was great - Sestito is an AHL-caliber goon.

Unfortunately I think the Rangers are still a force in the playoffs, as they are the team in the East most capable of playing shutdown mistake-free hockey.

I'm not sure if it's Holtby hitting a bit of a wall from all the games he's played, or if the team in front of him has started to relax too much with such a points lead in the division, but he needs to get that save % up going into the post season for them to go far.

Hopefully it will be the Caps-Bruins in the first round. Caps will win that series in 6 and then they will crap the bed in the 2nd round and that will be it.

You think they lose first round ?
- MadCap2008

yes.

I'm not sure if it's Holtby hitting a bit of a wall from all the games he's played, or if the team in front of him has started to relax too much with such a points lead in the division, but he needs to get that save % up going into the post season for them to go far.


- mw630

I think Holtby should be the least of the team's concerns. Guy has shown up in the playoffs every year, hard to imagine him bombing this year when he's got an inarguably better team in front of him.

I'm not sure if it's Holtby hitting a bit of a wall from all the games he's played, or if the team in front of him has started to relax too much with such a points lead in the division, but he needs to get that save % up going into the post season for them to go far.


- mw630

It's most likely how the team is playing n front of him, not a drop in Holtby's play.