Washington Capitals vs Columbus Blue Jackets

[DusterDave]

Grubauer to start Game 1. Not sure I like Trotz's decision to bench Holtby here.

[rufio.85]

Grubauer gets the nod for game 1 against Columbus...
Damn, I needed those Holtby wins!

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/...=.4ed2c22b0bef

[PenguinHunter]

Grubauer gets the nod for game 1 against Columbus...
Damn, I needed those Holtby wins!

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/...=.4ed2c22b0bef

Good thing I didn't draft Holtby in my draft!! I was avoiding this goalie situation big time!

[fungchen3]

Caps going into the dance with a goalie controversy.

Ovie & company tend to come up short in the post season as it is.

Columbus can go on a roll and win games in bunches. They are loaded with young talent and a goalie who can enter beast mode.

Jackets in 7.

[rufio.85]

Good thing I didn't draft Holtby in my draft!! I was avoiding this goalie situation big time!

Grubauer has looked good... but I never thought Trotz would ditch Holtby in the playoffs. He never was the reason of their past post-season failures.

With that in mind, I can't put Holtby on my playoff roster, hoping that he'll get the net back... right?
I have Provorov or Theodore next in line...

[hockeyrobot]

Holy crap that is a pretty big call. I guess a lot think his job is on the line so he is going with whoever he thinks gives them the best chance to win.

[4T2]

Dammit, that is going to kill Holtby's offseason trade value in my keeper league

[fungchen3]

Dammit, that is going to kill Holtby's offseason trade value in my keeper league

I traded Holtby in a massive deal for Murray late last night. That said, I think Holtby comes around - he's still a top-end tender. There always seems to be "something" surrounding the Caps, this year it's a goalie controversy. I'd bank on Holtby bagging 40 W next year, unless the Caps get smoked by the Jackets in 5 and Teddy finally drops a nuke on his roster.

[Pit Bulls]

CBJ in the upset - 7 games

[2014olympicgold]

In 25 starts this yr, Grubauer was 15-10-3. He played 35 games.

He had a 2.35GAA, 3SHO, and a 923s%. He had 19 Quality Starts (starts with a sv% higher than the league average or at least 88.5% on nights with 20 or fewer shots).

Grubauer has been the better goalie, and he’s always has been talented and he’s 26yrs old so it’s not like it’s McElhinney overtaking the starter. HOWEVER, what a ballsy choice to start your 1.5mill backup goalie over your 6.1mill starter.

[PenguinHunter]

In 25 starts this yr, Grubauer was 15-10-3. He played 35 games.

He had a 2.35GAA, 3SHO, and a 923s%. He had 19 Quality Starts (starts with a sv% higher than the league average or at least 88.5% on nights with 20 or fewer shots).

Grubauer has been the better goalie, and he’s always has been talented and he’s 26yrs old so it’s not like it’s McElhinney overtaking the starter. HOWEVER, what a ballsy choice to start your 1.5mill backup goalie over your 6.1mill starter.

This whole controversy might be good for the capitals. It might even be a ploy or a magic trick by the coach. Saying he look over here and focus on our goalies ‘controversy’ rather than playing up the fact that our team has sucked in playoffs and is a playoff busy.

Really the the past few years what has Washington had as an controversy going into the playoffs? It’s pretty much been a Finals or disappointment situation because they have entered the playoff as the leagues beat team so often. So maybe just maybe this is what the doctor ordered.

[lucafen4]

How can you vote against a team who's name is abbreviated B.J. .. In 7

[Canucks_fan18]

I like the Caps more then ever as an underdog this year. I think they make big noise or they fade hard like the Canucks did the season after their two presidents trophies. One or the other. I think the big X factor won't be Ovi but will be Kuzy. Ovi has always produced in the playoffs despite what people have thought. This year I have seen Kuzy show game breaking talent and I think he can take the next step.

[Wonko]

I think this is the year where Capitals don't feel the pressure and can go out there and play in the playoffs and actually win...

It starts with a quick 5 game series against Columbus.

My thinking as well. Pressure level is way down. They are barely even the favourites in the first round. Ovi playing great. Kuz playing great. Carlson playing great. Plus they have a one two punch in net this season with Grubauer perhaps even being the dominant play off starter with Holtby ready in the wings should Grubs falter. I really like them for a deep push this year.

[StuntMan12]

Can't believe I changed my pick from Washington to CBJ. I'll never forget this thread

http://hfboards.mandatory.com/thread...-them.2189203/


"be nicer to us Tortz" ROTFL