Monday, April 9, 2012

Contribution: 2011-12 Caps Report Card Report

Special Contribution
1/5  Disastrous/Far Below Expectations
2/5 Below Expectations
3/5 Average/Meets Expectations
4/5  Exceeds Expectations
5/5  Wayne Gretzky'd It

Alexander Ovechkin  3/5   Key Stats:  38G 27A -8  19:48 TOI
It took a strong finish to get the numbers up, but when the Caps needed him most Ovie stepped up.  Expectations obviously very high here.  Caps should be willing to settle for 35'ish goals from him for the duration of his contract

Alex Semin  2.5/5  Key Stats: 21G 33A 56PIM
You never know what you're going to get here.  When its good, he is an elite NHL scoreer.  When its bad he disappears for weeks at a time and shows minimal interest and effort.  Which Semin shows up in the playoffs will likely determine his future with the Caps

Nicklas Backstrom 3/5  Key Stats  14G 30A, Missed 40 games with concussion
Although the injury was the major story of the year, his hot start followed by prolonged ineffectiveness results in a lower grade.  When the Caps hit their swoon he was nowhere to be found.  

Mike Green 1.5/5   Key Stats: 3G 4A, 50 games missed
Another injury plagued season but these numbers are very un Mike Green like to say the least.  The Caps will need him to step up offensively on the power play in the playoffs.

Dennis Wideman  3.5/5  11G 35A  23:56 TOI
Stepped up early in the season offensively and was rewarded with 1st trip to the all star game.  Logged heavy minutes but frequent defensive lapses keep his grade under 4.

Marcus Johanson  2/5  14G 32A -8
Could have had a breakout year after spending most of the season on the top line with #8, but was unable to take advantage.  With youth still on his side, MoJo will need to step his game up if he wants to take it to the next level.  

Brooks Laich  4/5   16G 25A  5PPG
Although not the most gifted scorer, #21 brings leadership, effort and grit that is found in few of his other teammates.  His goals came at clutch times and he will be leaned on heavily in the playoffs.

Jason Chimera 4/5  20G 19A +4
See above.  The 20 goals were a major surprise, but the blazing speed and effort are expected.  Has stepped up to be one of the teams un-questioned leaders both on and off the ice.

Troy Brouwer  3.5/5   18G  15A  17:11 TOI
By far the most effective of the Caps offseason pickups.  Showed good skills offensively, and the ability to mesh well with #8, #28, & #19.  Is versatile enough to play on any line moving forward and the caps need more of the same from Brouwer in the playoffs.

Matty Perreaualt 4/5  16G 14A +9  12:09TOI
Was not even expected to crack the roster coming out of camp but has elevated his game to the next level.  Made the most out of limited ice time while proving himself early and appears to be a building block for the caps of the next few years.

Joel Ward 1/5  6G 12A
Can you believe we gave this guy a 3 year deal?  After year-long ineffectiveness he appears headed for a seat in the press box during the playoff run.

Roman Hamrlik 1.5/5  2G 11A
See above.  Thanks for coming.  A month as a healthy scratch has rejuvinated him some but whether he will dress in the playoffs remains to be seen.  Clearly past his prime.

John Carlson  2/5   9G 23A -15
Coming off a breakout season last year, Carlson showed major regression.  His offensive numbers went down and defensive lapses went up.  Never a good combination.  Appears to be struggling with Dale Hunter's system.

Karl Alzner   3/5  1G  16A +12
Spent last year in Carlson's shadow but emerged this season as more of a defensive presence.  If he can show similar improvement for next year he will be an elite defenseman.

Mike Knuble 2/5  6G 12A
Healthy scratch for the first time since the 90's this year, and deservedly so.  Nothing seemed to bounce Knuble's way this year and his future with both the Caps and the NHL is highly in doubt.  He will still be counted on for leadership in the playoffs.

Matt Hendricks  4/5  4G 5A 7SOG
"The Paralyzer". These clips only tell half the story.  This guy gives 150% every night on the ice.

Dmitri Orlov  4/5 3G 16A
Strong rookie campaign quickly turned Orlov into one of the caps most counted upon and reliable defenders.  With Mike Green out most of the year, his presence was key in getting the #7 seed.

Tomas Voukoun  3/5  25-17-2  2.51GAA
Numbers solid but nagging injuries kept him from being a major factor.  Likely out until round 2 of playoffs should the Caps advance.

Michal Neuvirth 3/5  13-13-5  2.82GAA
After losing the starting job to Voukoun, appeared to have the playoff job locked up.  But his new "lower body injury" has the remainder of the season in doubt.

1 comment:

  1. hockey seems confusing cuz it's like new rules/bylaws every game? but you seem to crack the matrix here

    ReplyDelete