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Washington Capitals
With Jason La Canfora
Washington Post Sports Writer
Thursday, April 10 2003; 2 p.m. ET

The Washington Capitals will enter their first-round playoff series with Tampa Bay at full strength as all three of the club's injured players resumed their regular spots in the lineup. How will the Caps do? What are your predictions for the post-season?

Washington Post sports reporter Jason La Canfora will be online to discuss the Washington Capitals and their game against Tampa Bay.

The transcript follows.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

Haymarket, Va.: Jason, As the only reporter in the entire DC area to write on the Caps (for the most part), you are the vital link for all Caps fans and should be commended with money and spirits. What the vibe in the Caps locker room with the playoffs?

Jason La Canfora: Hello, thanks so much for the offer of money and spirits. I'll have to run it by my editors first, though. I think the boys are relatively loose and, more than anything, just eager to get the puck dropped. This has been a long week with a lot of prep time and they are definitely ready to play.

Springfield, Va.: The NFL is successful because of the way they market their teams. The NBA is successful because of the way they market their stars. The NHL is not successful because they try and do both. Would you agree with this?

Jason La Canfora: Well, I think it is difficult to compare because so many people are exposed to the NFL and NBA because of their visability on TV - particualrly national TV. They also have much better labor deals, especially the NHL, and major revenue streams that hockey owners can only dream of.

Springfield, Va.: Jason, seems to me the key to the series will be special teams and that has been a problem for the Caps this year. The penalty kill has been bad and the power play inconsistent. Does Cassidy have any ideas on how to fix it?

Jason La Canfora: I think the hope is that everyone will pay a bit more attention to detail on the PK and bunker down now. If you look at the forwards involved - Halpern, Kono, Grier, Zuby - the nucleus is there for some solid PK groups. We'll see how it goes. The best PK is to stay out of the box.

Alexandria, Va.: How far into the playoffs do the Caps have to go for McPhee to keep his job?

Jason La Canfora: I think George is on pretty solid footing and I know Ted thinks very highly of him. George operated under some pretty stiff contraints this season and still brought in a core of solid players - Grier, Nylander, Doig, Lang, etc.

Bethesda, Md.: Jason, how are the Washington coaches preparing the skilled but contact-shy top forwards for the increased physical style of the playoffs? Do you think Tampa Bay will be able to take the Caps out of their game with a few heavy hits?

Jason La Canfora: I think it is a bigger concern about seeing a defenseman like Gonchar get teed-off on. Gonch does not alwasy take hits well and sometimes the contact rattles him. If you look at the forward groups, there are a lot of big bodies. Lang and Jagr do not initiate a lot of contact, but they can grind the puck and work the corners. Grier, Kono, Halpern, Zuby do the same thing. Bondra and Berezin would be the only wingers I would be concerned about in terms of phsycial play.

Reston, Va: Have you been hearing anything from folks 'in the know' in the Caps organization concerning Jagr's condition. Ever since he came back, he's really looked quite ineffective in ways that go beyond timing and conditioning issues due to a layoff. What are the organization's expectations relative to what his playoff production might be, since he's clearly not 100 percent?

Jason La Canfora: Everyone thinks and hopes he will step it up a notch. He is not 100 percent but feels better. I think he will be back to shooting the puck more in the playoffs and his stickhandling and wrist strength should be closer to normal. Jagr paced himself in his return in the regular season and he is an elite big game player. He could have a very big series, particualrly on the PP, because Tampa's checking line is pretty tough and there might not be much space at even strength.

Arbutus, Md.: Winning faceoffs in the playoffs are key to a team's success. The Caps haven't been that great in the faceoff dot during the regular season. But do they match up well in that key area against the "'Ning?" Who are the Lightning's best faceoff men?

C-A-P-S, Caps, Caps, Caps!

Jason La Canfora: Look for former Caps farmhand Tim Taylor to take most of their key defensize zone draws. You'll be hearing a lot of that name if this turns into the long and heated series I think it will be.

Laurel, Md.: Hi Jason. This is just an overall playoff question, but it does have something to do with the Capitals' division.

What is your opinion on the current format in which division winners get the top three seeds? I know things go in cycles, but the Southeast Division has been the league's weakest in recent years. Yes, Carolina made the finals last year, but they were aided by upsets by Montreal and Ottawa (yes they did beat New Jersey). And then they had home ice against Toronto, which had nine more points.

For example, it seems like getting the No. 2 seed is the best scenario this year. The team gets to play No. 7, and if all the top seeds win, it "only" has to play the Southeast Division winner, who is this case has 93 points. No. 1 Ottawa would have to play No. 4 Philadelphia, which has 107 points.

I think the division winners should get home ice in the first round, but maybe they should reseed after that. I believe this format gives an advantage to a weaker division and punishes a good team in a strong division.

Your thoughts?

Jason La Canfora: I am with you. Drop the seeds after the first round and re-seed by overall points.

Springfield, Va.: The Caps are in the playoffs and we can't get the games on network or subnetwork (NC8, WB, Ch. 20, etc.) TV? I would love to watch, but can't afford ticket prices or expanded cable. I'm sure I'm not the only one. Any reason why "regular" TV won't broadcast the games?

Jason La Canfora: Ratings, Ratings, Ratings. That, and the lower advertising revenue those lower ratings generate. It's all about the benjamins, unfortunately. But then again, what in pro sports isn't these days. Ita's all a business.

Upper Montgomery County, Md.: Jason, good to see you in the Live Online chat!

It’s always a great story line when a player emerges from obscurity to dominate during the playoffs. On the Caps defensive corps, I feel that Jason Doig could be a major force (if he stays out of the box). Among the forwards, I think Dainus Zubrus could catch fire and be the man. Who are your picks for players to rise to the occasion?

Jason La Canfora: I think Halpern and Zuby are the two forwards who will really emerge. Halpern was probably Washington's best forward in the two Pittsburgh series and Zuby is built for the playoffs. I think Doig will set a phsycial tone as well, I just hope the adrenaline doesn not run too high and he takes himself out of position to make the big hit. He has been much better with that lately and was certainly the Caps surprise player of the year, in my opinion.

Arlington, Va.: Jason,

When will the Caps address their complete lack of size and toughness? Why was a deal not made before the trade deadline to get this need satisfied?

Jason La Canfora: Well, they have gotten bigger and a bit younger with guys like Sutherby and Grier on the scene. They could really use another solid heavy hitter on the blueline, but the payroll was basically tapped out at the deadline, which is George McPhee could not land a defensemen. They will have a hard enough time re-signing Klee this summer, and still might have to end up traded a high-end forward to get an impact defenseman, although prospect Nolan Yonkman might end up being that guy, and he would come at a much cheaper price.

Arlington, Va.: Jason,
I enjoy your stories!

Question:
I know that the Caps have to play back-to-back games because the LeBron James Circus is coming to town. Shouldn’t they plan ahead to block off the days of possible home playoff games? I would feel that the Caps should have “dibs” on all potential playoff dates. The players are at a disadvantage without the extra day in between games. Why does this happen?

Jason La Canfora: Unfortunately for them, Abe Pollin and his people still book the arena and they had two concerts, the high school basketball game booked in early April, plus the Wizards are still finishing the regular season. You would think they might leave those dates open but until Ted Leonsis has full control of the Washington Sports and Entertainment empire I would think the Caps and their fans will have to get used to it. Check out the October and March schedules as well - another fertile time for other events to be booked at MCI.

Washington, D.C.: Jason,
I very much enjoy your writing, thanks for being here today. Two quick questions -- one, do you know someone who claims to be you is posting messages on the Caps Web site message boards, and two, do you see any change in the locker-room atmosphere this year vs. last years?

Jason La Canfora: Thanks. I got a few emails from people asking me if I was on a message board, but did not know what they were talking about until I spoke with their web people. Don't know a thing about it, but I hear the guy who posts as me is pretty funny, so more power to him.
As for the dressing room, the guys themselves conceed it can be a difficult group of guys to motivate and keep together, but I think they made some real strides this season and seem to be peaking for the playoffs. If they manage to win a series, I think they will be even more in sync.

Washington, D.C.: For two season prior to this one the Caps' power play has been lethal with Bondra firing away from the right point. Why did Cassidy go away from that this season and do you think he's likely to go back to it in the playoffs?

Jason La Canfora: When Oates left they opted to run the power play through Jagr, who does not use the points as much and when he does, they like Gonchar's ability to get the puck on net. The back door plays to Peter just have not been there, and the theory is he wouldn't get as many one-timer even on the right side, because the pass isn't coming from the far side. I could see a lot of changes happening in the playoffs - things can change significantly from game to game - maybe even Bondra on the left side on the first line, with Zuby or Miller in the middle. We'll see.

Arlington, Va.: Jason,

In a previous article you mentioned that there was some dissension in the the Caps locker room over Cassidy's preference for his minor league players. Is that rift still existent, and does Cassidy really believe that the players he is playing are the best option for the Caps? I fail to see how a player like Ciernik is any better than what we have currently in our minor league system.

Also do you see players such as Peat or Alex Henry getting much playing time in this upcoming series or will the Caps continue to rely on Doig for toughness?

Jason La Canfora: I think the Grand Rapid guys who will be in the playoff lineup have earned the right to be there for at least Game 1, and I think most of the players would agree with that as well. Coaches always have certain players they feel more comfortable with, but it will interesting to see how much lineup juggling goes on if the Caps have a slow start to the series.
I do not see Peat or Henry getting in there. Tampa is unlikely to dress Andre Roy and do not have many other tough guys out there and fighting is always way down in the playoffs.

Section 418: All season long the Caps have been a team whose playmakers have, with a few exceptions, preferred to pass and skate and try to make a pretty individual play rather than shoot and crash the net. Is there any reason to think that this is going to change for the playoffs? Will Jagr, Lang, and Nylander now be willing to pay the price to get goals?

Jason La Canfora: Well, that is certainly not Nylanders game, but Jagr and Lang do not shy away from high traffic areas, and score most of their goals from around the crease. The LAng/Zuby combo is all about cycling and getting to the net and the checkling line thrives on that as well. In time we could see Zubrus on Jagr's line, which would bring another element of that as well. There seem to be enough possibilities available, but finding the right mix can be tough. Adding to one line might mean taking away from another.

Washington, D.C.: I'm not a huge hockey fan, but am happy that the Cap's are in the playoffs. It seems like most teams reach the playoffs. How far are the Cap's likely to go?

Jason La Canfora: I think a lot will depend on how the other series shake out. A few upsets could make the path to the finals a lot smoother. Injuries - to Washington and its potential opponents - will also play a huge role. I think the Caps have enough talent to win at least one series, maybe more depending on the opponent.

Herndon, Va.: How is Olie's health going into the series?

Jason La Canfora: Olie seems to be in great shape. Had a nice workload this season and, unlike in some playoff years past - also got some breathers down the stretch. I do not see any reason why he would not have a great series. He has been the Caps MVP all season.

Mt. Lebanon, Pa.: I haven't followed their careers since they left town. How are Lang and Jagr working out down there? Are they on the same line and if so, how's it doing compared with the others? The Capitals won't have the Penguins screwing up their post season play this year. Then again, there are hardly any experienced Penguins left - they've all been sold off now in the latest Craig "We-Won't-Be-Undersold" Patrick Fire Sale. Good luck. Thanks much.

Jason La Canfora: Both are doing well, although they usually only play together on the PP these days. Will be interesting to see what happens with the Pens, eh? Wonder who survives the shake up there. My guess is we have seen the last of Marion on the ice, but you never quite know with that guy.

Glenelg (palindrome-town), Md.: First off, thanks for the great series preview page in today’s Post. Well done. My question is about the Caps power play. Why do you think they perform so inconsistently? Personally, I think they have problems adjusting to different PK styles and suffer from lack of leadership on the ice.

Jason La Canfora: I would like to see them have more a presence in front of the net. All power plays are cyclical but these guys have been up and down all season. If ever there was a time to get it going again, it's now.

Bowie, Md.: Thanks for the chat. What's the mood in "the room" right now? Any idea if Cassidy is going to continue his shift-by-shift tinkering, or if he'll stick with a system more? Finally, any thoughts about Cassidy putting our only hot scorer, Berezin, on the fourth line?

Jason La Canfora: The system has been in place since November, so changing personnel on lines should not really imapct that. I think line juggling is essential in the NHL these days, particularly in the playoffs. Getting just one goal off of playing a hunch and moving a guy around can be vital. I think Berezin will be just that sort of guy. If Miller is not at his best, Berezin can play on the first line on the left side, and he already showed chemistry with Zubrus and Lang, so that will be in Cassidy's mind as well. Where guys start the night is not alwasy as important as where they end up and who they end up with.

Arlington, Va.: Hey Jason, Jay here. Any advice on good places to eat in Tampa after the game on Saturday?

Jason La Canfora: Hey, what's up bro. Glad you made the trip. Burns steak house is excellent, but might be tough getting a reservation on Saturday night. That would be my first choice. Have a safe trip down and enjoy the game.

Washington, D.C.: RE: the power play -- having more people in front of the net would be an ideal complement to shots from the point. Why do one if you don't do the other?

Jason La Canfora: Jagr prefers to make plays down low, draw people to him, read off the PK and move the puck around the crease. I know some within the organization would like to see more stuff from the point, and I think you will see more of that on the second unit, especially if he keeps Calle and Klee on the point there. Both can get the puck to the net, and Zuby is pretty good in the low slot.

Bethesda, Md.: The Caps, man for man, are, physically one of the biggest teams in the league, yet they play soft. Will Cassidy have the courage to play tough in the playoffs or will he continue to sit his tougher players?

Jason La Canfora: I don't think it really has anything to do with the coach or courage at all, myself. Playoff hockey is a different animal. If things get chippy and Tampa takes some liberties - I don't see it happening but maybe Dingman mixes it up a bit - and an enforcer is needed, they would dress one. But especially at the start of the series, and against this opponent, there should not be too much need. If they were playing Toronto or Philly, it's a different story and the fourth line might look a bit different. Doig, Witt, Sutherby and Grier should be enough for this series, or so the thinking goes.

NW Washington, D.C.: Are Doig and (especially) Kwiatkowski the weakest third defensive pairing in the East? Has the coaching staff talked about/hinted/shown in practice that they might go with five D (Klee, Witt, Gonch, CalleJo and Doig) as much as possible?

Jason La Canfora: I think the play of each individual and the pace of each game will dictate the minutes. It will become pretty clear who can handle what, and you would think changes would be made if need be. I am not sure Boyle/Luckowich in TB are a better pair (Boyle brings offense but will be a target in his own end). Of the top of my head I would say Boston's defense is suspect, and lacks playoff tested depth as well. Who knows. A few years ago Cote/Zettler pretty much negated Pittsburgh's second line (Kovalev et al) and when I covered the Red Wings in 1997, Jamie Macoun and Bob Rouse were their second best pair and played a ton of minutes. Strange things can happen in the playoffs.

Washington, D.C.: Aside from the two upsets, any other big surprises for you from last night's games?

Jason La Canfora: I am not surprised three road teams won, but they seemed to be calling things pretty tough and not afraid to blow the whistle. My gut tells me VanMAssenhoven will let the Caps and Bolts play a little but mroe tonight.

Dude (where's my car?): Jason, it was great meeting you again in Vancouver. Do you usually hang out with the team after games?

Jason La Canfora: Nice meeting you as well. Actually, I never really hang out with the team - if you men players, coaches, etc. - but spend a lot of time with the Steve Kolbe, Joe B and those guys. It's a lot of fun to hang out with those guys on the road. The Caps have a lot of good people associated with them.

Washington, D.C.: So, who's the favorite to win the East and go to the Finals? (Certainly not the Caps!)

Jason La Canfora: I think whoever survives the Philly/Toronto series might make it. That is of they still have 20 healthy bodies to dress when that thing is over.

Jason La Canfora: Well guys I've got to run. Thanks for all of the great questions. Should be a fun series to watch and cover and I look forward to getting started. Cheers.

washingtonpost.com:

That wraps up today's show. Thanks to everyone who joined the discussion.

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