That's a good point actually.

Well yeah... But Riikola has been better...

In all fairness we also lost w Orpik bc Nate Schmidt was miles better and was used as a 7th defenseman. JJ is more like the alzner of the penguins

As a Caps fan that's a good point, but Caps were also extremely lucky when Orpik was on the ice. He had the most offensive zone starts in the playoffs but worst expected goals against. He was absolutely terrible, but Holtby was saving something like .960% when Orpik was on the ice, which was the highest among all players. Basically, we lucked out with him on ice, but you need luck to win the Cup. Caps finally got some.

When you don't let opponents shoot without hitting them, your goalie sometimes gets "lucky," though.

Also, it's not like the Penguins never won with Orpik? https://www.google.com/search?q=orpik+cup+penguins&rlz=1CAHHRN_enUS859US859&sxsrf=ACYBGNQIoSfMV7KPuBz5q411yQWhRiqy9Q:1573332860303&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjRxIHSgd7lAhVPKa0KHYnyBbgQ_AUIEygC&biw=1366&bih=609#imgrc=8gf9FSDItqCYeM:

Yeah. Then the next year Schmidt led Vegas in minutes as they lost to the Caps in five.

Check out the would you rather thread. There’s a guy comparing kuzy to Copp.

https://www.capfriendly.com/forums/thread/282766&post_id=1144358

66% of starts in the Dzone.....+4 on the year.

The problem ain't JJ.

The real issue with this team right now, is really really really low shooting %. But that will even out at some point.

lag

Thank you so much. I love when I'm not the craziest Caps fan on here!