Monday, March 10, 2008

Every year, it seems there is a team...

...you know the one...

The one that no one wants to play if they get into the playoffs...

The one that is closing the season with a rush...

The one that has a lot of promise and can do some damage if they get in...

The one whose future looks bright, even if their present is frustrating.

The Caps -- who are by no means out of it, yet (we won't be changing that threat warning graphic for some games yet) -- seem to be that team this year. They're on the wrong side of the playoff window, despite a fine record since Thanksgiving and a host of young guys that have carried the club for most of that stretch.

Last year, there was a similar team...lots of kids in the prospect pool...a decent, if flawed parent roster...a club that closed with a rush (9-4-0 in their last 13 games to finish two points out of the playoffs).

That team is Montreal, owners of the number-two seed in the East this morning.

It helps to take the long view of things...

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Um, Peerles....we're out of it. The truth hurts.

The Peerless said...

Well, no...last year the Islanders closed 6-3-2 to grab the last spot. The year before, Montreal went 10-2 to clinch a spot before dropping their last two games.

Until it's over, it's not over.

Anonymous said...

We're definitely on high alert. Carolina has to go into some kind of tailspin, and the Cappies have to keep playing like it's the playoffs.

Anonymous said...

Check out JP's latest -- the Isles were ONE point out of eight and went 6-3-2 to grab the last spot. We're a lot further out than that. 12-0 probably wouldn't get it done at this point, and that ain't gonna happen. We're definately on high. Hey, they don't call me grumpy for nothing.

The Peerless said...

Well, one way or another, I think we'll know this week...three home games, and you have to think anything less than five points and it's over.