05-11-2009, 11:13 AM
Evan Wrote:There have been lots of times where the teams are full strength but it looks like the Pens are on the power play. Even if the Caps get the puck they cant even get it out to center ice before having to dump it. Thats pretty embarrassing for a team that prides itself on offense.
I think we are seeing the difference between the elegant european style pass-around hockey that works in the regular season, and the harder style camp in front of the net and play whack-a-mole that works in the playoffs.
Anyone else finding the officiating suspect? At least in games 3 and 4 I thought it was incredibly biased. A call where varly was tackled in the crease, then somehow the caps got penalized sticks out in my mind. Game 5 seemed to be pretty even officiated. (which just fuels the theory of the NHL wanting the series to go to 6/7 games to maximize ovie vs crosby hype)
I think the Officiating has been a little fishy. I mean, 6 penalties in a row for the caps is a little silly, even for a team as physical as they are. The Ovechkin/Gonchar knee collision was totally ridiculous, and the fact the Pens wanted something more than 2 minutes for it was even MORE ridiculous. If you can't take a hit from the Great 8 then stay out of his way?
I gotta say, I miss Brashear. I think if some of those penalties came along with some legitimate enforcement I wouldn't be so upset.
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