Was there more risk in standing pat or trying to add depth to the team?
That is the question.
But I do not believe we will disrupt chemistry on our team. We are all in pursuit of a higher calling of trying to win a Stanley Cup as a collective for our fans and for each other. Every player on our team knows the power of winning a championship. To be blunt, there is nothing that will help the careers of any and all of our players more than the clarification presented by winning a Cup. Nothing.
John Carlson is playing a lot for us of late too. He is also additive to the lineup.
We believe that great teams give coaches lots of options as to match ups against many different teams.
Match ups are a key consideration.
And the opposite is true as well. We are very tough to play against. We have so much depth and talent up and down our lineup now. We certainly have four lines that can score. We have two weapons now on the power play on defense. We can play big or smaller and faster and on and on. How will the other side match up against us?
And let us not forget the health factor. Isn’t it great insurance to have too many good players on the team entering the playoffs? Mike Green was injured last playoff season, Jeff Schultz as well. Depth is a godsend for a coach. And staff.
And now the intensity level of the play for the last 18 games will be quite high on our team. We need that too as we have such a huge lead in the conference and in the division regarding points.
Thanks Tom Boswell for activating this discussion. Time will tell how the moves turn out but our rationale is clear.
Ted,
Just wanted to throw this out there with regards to hits to the head in hockey. What if, for chronic offenders, the suspension lasted as long as the victim of the hit was sidelined by the injury that they inflicted? That would certainly get coaches onboard who wouldn’t want to lose said players for very long and may actually be effective in cutting back on those injuries.
Stiff? Heck yes. So are brain injuries that can end somebody’s career and, worse still, quality of life.
Thanks for listening
Ted- I agree with the moves. I also agree with the lack of so called “major moves”. There is more depth on this team than in any other year in its history. Contrary to popular belief, our goaltending has been winning a lot of games recently. Just look at the shut-out versus the Rangers as proof. I am very confident that the team can overcome any deficit or injury at this point. The team is set the menu is long its time to start ordering!!? First up? a 7 game series vs. the 8th seed!
Teddy, Way To Go Caps! It’s a SHUT OUT for Jose. Jose! Jose! Jose Theodore!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Very smart moves, Ted. Three of the four have been coached by Bruce, so clearly he knows something of what he’s getting.
And how can you not love a hockey player missing all his front teeth?
I like the toughness these four guys bring. And only giving up one guy, Pothier, make these moves exactly what we needed to add.
Your point about the team is a testament to the ethos of the organization: It’s always about team, and there’s always better.
I think your and GMGM’s strategy is brilliant, even it might frustrate some of the players who have to watch a few games from the stands. I recall well the lack of intensity demonstrated during the last 20 games last season, and how it hurt us going into the Rangers series (and nearly cost us). Having a good bench is critical in any sport, and the Caps now have one. These guys know that, ultimately, this is team sport. Congratulations again for a terrific March 3rd.
Good perspective by Coach Boudreau in the Boz column. One hopes — and I expect — that the team that got torched dealing for Jagr has learned its lessons.
If I have any worry it’s about the draft picks. You can tell I’m a Redskins fan (and a baseball guy).