Bruins/Caps 1st Round

biff_hardbody

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Apr 27, 2016
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Any chance Frederic sees the ice to start this series? It would likely mean sitting Debrusk, since Wagner probably goes in on Lazar's right and Kuraly has been a good fit between Ritchie and Coyle.

Fuck Tom Wilson.
 

mwonow

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Any chance Frederic sees the ice to start this series? It would likely mean sitting Debrusk, since Wagner probably goes in on Lazar's right and Kuraly has been a good fit between Ritchie and Coyle.

Fuck Tom Wilson.
Why not sit Wagner instead? A little Freddy would be okay against (Fuck) T** W***** and Garnet
 

Haunted

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I doubt we'll see much of Frederic short of an injury. I think the last 6-8 games were the tune-up and he wasn't inveolved.
 

locknload

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I get the Wilson hate, I even understand the Ovechkin hate. Oshie? Feel like he should get a pass for his heroics in Olympics. He seems like a good dude to boot I can't think of an offensive things he's fine besides score alot.

View: https://youtu.be/MUxJXzKY4LE


I really hope they can take advantage of Washington's weak defensive structure. If they can keep Washington to 3 goals a game they should win this. Tonight should be as many 4th line and callup minutes as they can. I don't want to see the perfection line or Charlie at all.
 

cshea

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I'm guessing the game 1 lineup will be something like this:

Marchand - Bergeron - Pastrnak
Hall - Krejci - Smith
Ritchie - Kuraly - Coyle
DeBrusk - Lazar - Wagner

Grzelyck - McAvoy
Reilly - Carlo
Lauzon - Miller

Rask
Swayman

I personally prefer a DeBrusk - Coyle - Ritchie 3rd line and Kuraly - Lazar - Wagner 4th line, but based on recent games, this lineupseems to be the way the Bruins are leaning. If push comes to shove and they feel they need to get heavy, they can yank Wagner out for Frederic to bang some bodies around.
 

TFP

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I personally prefer a DeBrusk - Coyle - Ritchie 3rd line and Kuraly - Lazar - Wagner 4th line, but based on recent games, this lineupseems to be the way the Bruins are leaning. If push comes to shove and they feel they need to get heavy, they can yank Wagner out for Frederic to bang some bodies around.
Ritchie - Kuraly - Wagner was an absolute force last night, in my opinion. Wonder if they stick with that and go DeBrusk - Lazar - Coyle?

FWIW, I agree your combos would be my preference as well.
 

tmracht

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I love Kase's upside, but the only way I see him getting real run is a situation like Seguin in the 2011 playoffs where he's skating in practice a few weeks then comes in later in the playoffs if they need more offense later in the later rounds. Until that point, I think you're better off not messing with the top 6 and then unless someone like DeBrusk turns back into a pumpkin ride out the bottom 6.
 

Ferm Sheller

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Unless Kase's injury last night wasn't concussion-related, I think he has to be done for at least the rest of this season.

EDIT. NM. Should have googled first. Butch says it was conditioning-related, not concussion.
 

TSC

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The cold hard facts!

The only thing I'm worried about in this series is the defenses ability to match up with the Caps offense. We need Rask to get hot.
If Ovechkin is even 75% (which is certainly possible) - their offense suddently gets very ordinary.

They're also not necessarily a fast offsense, which has been a bit of this teams achilles this year. From what I've seen they more focus on possession in the zone to generate their opportunities.
 

Lupe Whalewatch

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I personally prefer a DeBrusk - Coyle - Ritchie 3rd line and Kuraly - Lazar - Wagner 4th line, but based on recent games, this lineupseems to be the way the Bruins are leaning. If push comes to shove and they feel they need to get heavy, they can yank Wagner out for Frederic to bang some bodies around.
If DeBrusk can't crack that third line-which I do not think he can-I think Frederic is a much better fit on the fourth line than he is. That fourth line should be all about energy, being super physical, and keeping the puck out of the net. I think Frederic-Lazar-Wags would do a much better job at all three.
 

lexrageorge

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I love Kase's upside, but the only way I see him getting real run is a situation like Seguin in the 2011 playoffs where he's skating in practice a few weeks then comes in later in the playoffs if they need more offense later in the later rounds. Until that point, I think you're better off not messing with the top 6 and then unless someone like DeBrusk turns back into a pumpkin ride out the bottom 6.
Kase left the game last night with an undisclosed upper body injury. Cassidy did not sound hopeful when asked.
 

TSC

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RSN Diaspora

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I didn't always hate the Caps. Like a lot of Washingtonians, I'm a transplant and generally rooted for the Caps, Bullets/Wizards, Racialslurs/WFT (pre-Snyder), and later the Nationals when they weren't playing Boston teams. But at the start of the Ovechkin era, Caps fans slowly then steadily became insufferable to the point that I was 100% behind Vegas in the 2018 Cup.

They're banged up, but not to be taken lightly. Ovi, Oshie, and Backstrom are dealing with various injuries, and I remain perplexed by the Kuznetsov / Samsonov situation, but there's a decent chance all or most of these guys are ready by Game 1. And POS though he is, Tom Wilson can still bring it on a skill level. Still, I like our chances. It just won't come easy.
 
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cshea

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The cold hard facts!

The only thing I'm worried about in this series is the defenses ability to match up with the Caps offense. We need Rask to get hot.
I think the Capitals offense is a little overrated because of their stars. I'm not too worried about them at even strength. The Bruins offense was feeble for most of the year but still grades out as outperforming the Capitals. By scoring chances, the Capitals are 21st in scoring chances for per 60 minutes. Defensively, the Bruins allowed the 4th fewest scoring chances against per 60 minutes at 5x5. By expected goals, the Bruins finished 12th in xGF per 60, the Capitals were 20th. The Capitals are actually better defensively than they get credit for. They finished 8th in xGA per 60 (Bruins were 3rd) and were 5th in scoring chances against per 60 (Bruins 4th). People think of the Caps as a run and gun who cares about defense type of team but they really aren't.

The Power Play is another story. The Capitals scored 8.82 goals per 60 on the power play this year, 3rd in the league. The Bruins penalty kill finished 2nd best by allowing only 4.89 goals against per 60 while shorthanded, but the Capitals did go something like 9 for 31 on the PP against us. The Bruins need to A) stay out of the box and B) be better on the kill against them. The last 2 games against Washington we blew leads due to penalty trouble and an inability to kill (in fairness one of them was multiple 5 on 3).
 

veritas

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Counterpoint: Don't fuck Tom Wilson. Anyone. Ever. Make him an incel.

As for what I think they should do with the bottom 6, I think it depends on if Coyle is healthy. Does anyone know what's wrong with him?
 

cshea

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Counterpoint: Don't fuck Tom Wilson. Anyone. Ever. Make him an incel.

As for what I think they should do with the bottom 6, I think it depends on if Coyle is healthy. Does anyone know what's wrong with him?
Last update from Butch was that they anticipated he'd be ready for game 1.
 

wiffleballhero

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I have no clue what "comfortable with his conditioning" actually is supposed to mean, but I thought Kase was surprisingly good last night. I hope he can keep playing (and find a line-mate who can finish off after he creates a rebound).
 

Sandwich Pick

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*We’ve got it out of our systems until the first dirty-looking hit he lays out*

Seriously though, he can’t be that stupid to goon up a playoff game. I like this matchup for the B’s as long as Rask is on his game.
The cheap shot on Aston-Reese was in a playoff game.
 

cshea

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I have no clue what "comfortable with his conditioning" actually is supposed to mean, but I thought Kase was surprisingly good last night. I hope he can keep playing (and find a line-mate who can finish off after he creates a rebound).
He was probably sucking air. Legs not there, something like that. I remember when Pasta returned this year after missing most of camp and the beginning of the season he said he felt like he was run over by a train after playing the first few games. I'd imagine Kase is in the same boat, but with the injury history they probably decided to pull the plug lest his conditioning put him in a vulnerable position where he could suffer further injury.

It's a tough spot. He's been doing conditioning stuff for 2 months on his own (skating before practice with the other injured guys) but that'll only get you so far. He basically got 2 practices and a morning skate before returning to game action after a 4 month layoff, and in reality, before last night he had played 4 periods of hockey in 9 months. The practices and morning skates aren't full go's for players, especially in a year where they have barely practiced due to the schedule. I understand why they did it- this was literally the last opportunity to work him in- but ramping up to game shape in 3 days after such a long layoff was always a big ask.

I'm relieved he wasn't pulled due to a concussion or any other injury, but that'll probably shut the books on his year. The only path forward is through Providence. Providence's year is over, and I'm not sure what the plan is for playoffs down there (there may not be any). Theoretically they could send him down on a conditioning stint and get him 2-3 games and then go from there but if Providence is done, there's no way to get him game action and I would doubt the team would want to insert him into a playoff game with so much uncertainty.
 

RSN Diaspora

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I'm relieved he wasn't pulled due to a concussion or any other injury, but that'll probably shut the books on his year. The only path forward is through Providence. Providence's year is over, and I'm not sure what the plan is for playoffs down there (there may not be any). Theoretically they could send him down on a conditioning stint and get him 2-3 games and then go from there but if Providence is done, there's no way to get him game action and I would doubt the team would want to insert him into a playoff game with so much uncertainty.
There are no real AHL playoffs this year. The Pacific Division has some kind of divisional tournament happening, but that's the extent of it. I don't see Kase coming back this year in any capacity.
 

BostonFanInCanesLand

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I think the Capitals offense is a little overrated because of their stars. I'm not too worried about them at even strength. The Bruins offense was feeble for most of the year but still grades out as outperforming the Capitals. By scoring chances, the Capitals are 21st in scoring chances for per 60 minutes. Defensively, the Bruins allowed the 4th fewest scoring chances against per 60 minutes at 5x5. By expected goals, the Bruins finished 12th in xGF per 60, the Capitals were 20th. The Capitals are actually better defensively than they get credit for. They finished 8th in xGA per 60 (Bruins were 3rd) and were 5th in scoring chances against per 60 (Bruins 4th). People think of the Caps as a run and gun who cares about defense type of team but they really aren't.

The Power Play is another story. The Capitals scored 8.82 goals per 60 on the power play this year, 3rd in the league. The Bruins penalty kill finished 2nd best by allowing only 4.89 goals against per 60 while shorthanded, but the Capitals did go something like 9 for 31 on the PP against us. The Bruins need to A) stay out of the box and B) be better on the kill against them. The last 2 games against Washington we blew leads due to penalty trouble and an inability to kill (in fairness one of them was multiple 5 on 3).
This is promising:
The Bruins are averaging 3.57 goals per game against the Capitals this season. The only team Boston generated more goals against during the 2021 season were the lowly Sabres (4.00). Six of those those seven games against WSH were before the arrival of Hall/Reilly/Lazar. -Conor Ryan
I agree about keeping out of the box. And I am encouraged by the stronger 5v5 play. But it would really help to create breathing room (both in-game and in the series) by cashing in on PP opportunities At a rate closer to the former juggernaut pace.

Getting pucks out of the d zone, hemming the Caps in their own end, forcing sloppy play/penalties and then potting goals - the Caps would melt away with that kind of pressure.
 

RG33

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I am pretty excited for this series and think it fuck tom wilson heavily favors the Bruins. Their top two lines are fuck tom wilson beasts and having Carlo/Miller back and healthy on D makes me much less fuck tom wilson nervous about a defensive collapse this postseason. It will be interesting to see if Tuuka can fuck tom wilson make a difference this postseason. I think that the Bruins will fuck tom wilson win in 5 games.
 

Haunted

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I actually just came to ask whether Swayman would get the backup job. That's great news, and well deserved.


Regarding Kase - I dunno. If the problem actually was conditioning, I feel like maybe a week of heavy workouts and skating might help and then decide?



I know Zboril isn't a top-6 D man when everyone is healthy, but any indication whether he'd be available at all?
 

kenneycb

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With regards to conditioning, it's one thing to workout on your own and it's another to get into game shape. Just can't simulate it.
 

TFP

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With regards to conditioning, it's one thing to workout on your own and it's another to get into game shape. Just can't simulate it.
Yep - and then can't afford to have a repeat of Monday where they have to play a playoff game shorthanded for any stretch.
 

Salem's Lot

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Kase is presumably going to be able to actually practice now. While not the same speed as a game, he will get a chance to ramp up with most of the guys that we saw last night that will also be skating to stay in shape if they are needed. There have been very few actual practices this season due to the condensed schedule, which obviously would have helped Kase get his conditioning back.
 

kenneycb

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Kase is presumably going to be able to actually practice now. While not the same speed as a game, he will get a chance to ramp up with most of the guys that we saw last night that will also be skating to stay in shape if they are needed. There have been very few actual practices this season due to the condensed schedule, which obviously would have helped Kase get his conditioning back.
I would expect the same to hold during the playoffs, which is more about maintenance and adjustments than anything else. I guess skating with the Black Aces could help but I'm not sure how willing I'd be to roll the dice on him.
 

cshea

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Was Kase ever put on the Covid list (i.e., test positive)? Just curious.
Nope.

Again, he's been doing conditioning and only conditioning for like 2 months now. He had 2 full practices (Friday and Sunday) with the main group before trying to play on Monday. Their full "practices" are really not much more than a game day morning skate so he really wasn't put through the ringer. Obviously that wasn't enough to get him through a single game. He played 6:49 before calling it quits.

I was a little surprised Butch didn't rule him out and left the door open for him to play. They clearly think he can still help in some capacity, but there's no avenue to getting him games to build up his strength with the AHL season over. Practice is all they'll have and again, while the intensity will pick up it's not going to come close to simulating an NHL playoff game.
 

The Napkin

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Would imagine they'll probably practice pretty good today and tomorrow which should help him out. But yeah. "shape" =/= "game shape"
 

tmracht

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Yeah I think they aren't shutting the door on him since he will be the break glass in case of emergency kind of player. They won't just toss him in and risk playing 11 FWD again, but if they NEEEED some of offense later in the playoffs I'd assume they would rather go to him than another solid 4th liner.
 

cshea

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Nit pick, but no practice today. Tomorrow and Friday then on to Washington. Though I bet Kase and Coyle will be in doing some kind of workout.
 

The Napkin

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huh. would have thought W/H practice with F off would have been the way to go but what the hell do I know. that's what I get for assuming
 

McDrew

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I have a few thoughts:

Good morning everyone and a hearty fuck you to Tom Wilson.

I'm not sure how to put this, but it seems like Hall's addition provided stability to the 2nd line that then allowed the lower lines to stabilize as well. Some of it was the pushing of talent down with the insertion of Hall. Some of it was Hall making the 2nd line more of a threat and drawing attention away from the other 3 lines. I'm really optimistic about how this team is playing right now.

Playoff beard question: I know the rule is no shaving during the playoffs. Is it important to start fresh, or is a week's worth of stubble ok?
 

Over Guapo Grande

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I have a few thoughts:

Good morning everyone and a hearty fuck you to Tom Wilson.

I'm not sure how to put this, but it seems like Hall's addition provided stability to the 2nd line that then allowed the lower lines to stabilize as well. Some of it was the pushing of talent down with the insertion of Hall. Some of it was Hall making the 2nd line more of a threat and drawing attention away from the other 3 lines. I'm really optimistic about how this team is playing right now.

Playoff beard question: I know the rule is no shaving during the playoffs. Is it important to start fresh, or is a week's worth of stubble ok?
Oh, good question. I try to keep mine at a 2 day look. But maybe I should go clean Saturday AM, and then start anew?

And wasn't @PedroSpecialK a finalist in a playoff beard contest a few years back ? By a few, i mean probably 10.
 

Dummy Hoy

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I have a few thoughts:

Good morning everyone and a hearty fuck you to Tom Wilson.

I'm not sure how to put this, but it seems like Hall's addition provided stability to the 2nd line that then allowed the lower lines to stabilize as well. Some of it was the pushing of talent down with the insertion of Hall. Some of it was Hall making the 2nd line more of a threat and drawing attention away from the other 3 lines. I'm really optimistic about how this team is playing right now.

Playoff beard question: I know the rule is no shaving during the playoffs. Is it important to start fresh, or is a week's worth of stubble ok?
I always sport a beard so I usually trim it up short morning of...
 

yeahlunchbox

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Jan 21, 2008
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I have a few thoughts:

Good morning everyone and a hearty fuck you to Tom Wilson.

I'm not sure how to put this, but it seems like Hall's addition provided stability to the 2nd line that then allowed the lower lines to stabilize as well. Some of it was the pushing of talent down with the insertion of Hall. Some of it was Hall making the 2nd line more of a threat and drawing attention away from the other 3 lines. I'm really optimistic about how this team is playing right now.

Playoff beard question: I know the rule is no shaving during the playoffs. Is it important to start fresh, or is a week's worth of stubble ok?
The year they won the Cup I shaved immediately after they lost their regular season finale and didn't touch or trim until the morning after game 7. I think with the loss last night it's good to start with no playoff beard hair that has seen a regular season loss, but everyone's superstitions are different. Besides, that tactic hasn't worked since that year.
 

PedroSpecialK

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Oh, good question. I try to keep mine at a 2 day look. But maybe I should go clean Saturday AM, and then start anew?

And wasn't @PedroSpecialK a finalist in a playoff beard contest a few years back ? By a few, i mean probably 10.
I just cut my hair after 3 years and trimmed my covid beard yesterday so I'm not winning anything this year