A Brief History Of John Erskines

by J.P. on Oct 6, 2008 11:04 AM EDT

As John Erskine battles for minutes (and perhaps even a roster spot) on the Caps blueline, we pause and reflect upon other John Erskines throughout history (just go with it, people).

For example, there's this dandy John Erskine, the benefactor of the Erskine Programme at the University of Canterbury:

And this next John Erskine, the early-20th Century American educator and author, who noted, "There's a difference between beauty and charm. A beautiful woman is one I notice. A charming woman is one who notices me." Well put, Ersky.

Stepping back in time a couple of centuries, the 2nd Earl of Mar was this dashing John Erskine:

In fact, there were at least ten Earls of Mar named John Erskine, including this chap, "Bobbing John" Erskine, 23rd Earl of Mar:

Which brings us back to "our" John Erskine, who know doubt brings honor to the name (and could probably kick the collective asses of all of the above at once):

Whether or not the Caps' number four can duplicate in 2008-09 the 15 minutes per night that he got in 51 games last season remains to be seen. But if he doesn't, at least he's got his name (and this bad ass crest) to fall back on, which is something.

Or not.

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Comments

Poor guy. Alzner's got his spot.

by tim :) on Oct 6, 2008 11:11 AM EDT reply actions

JP, your awesome, but you apparently have way to much time on your hands...=)

by Leigh on Oct 6, 2008 11:29 AM EDT reply actions

you forgot Abraham Erskine who invented the super soldier serum who created captain america!!!

by luke on Oct 6, 2008 11:32 AM EDT reply actions

haha great post. I'd say he bears a striking resemblance to the 2nd earl of mar

by Sombrero Guy on Oct 6, 2008 11:39 AM EDT reply actions

I wouldn't mess with any of 'em.

by Marky Narc on Oct 6, 2008 11:44 AM EDT reply actions

I look forward to the day when this feature is expanded to include former Caps. I can't wait to learn about all the Jean-Luc Grand Pierre's, Curtis Leschyshyn's and Jason Doig's throughout history.

by maruk on Oct 6, 2008 11:49 AM EDT reply actions

I imagine that current John Erskine might lose a fight to a few of those guys. I mean if Kimbo Slice can fall to a light heavyweight in 14 seconds, John Erskine could be beat up by the duchess of whatever.

by CapsKremlin on Oct 6, 2008 12:37 PM EDT reply actions

One of the funniest yet randomest post's I've ever read.

AWESOME.

I hope Erskine stays and Jurcina goes.

by VT Caps Fan on Oct 6, 2008 12:52 PM EDT reply actions

Keep Erskine, ditch Jurcina.

by Zulu on Oct 6, 2008 1:03 PM EDT reply actions

I'd like to see both Erskine and Jurcina go, Alzner get in as the 6th D with Feds working swing between D and F, and Borque land a forward spot. Don't know if the salary cap math makes that possible without another trade, but that's what I'd like to see.

by this space for rent on Oct 6, 2008 1:21 PM EDT reply actions

That is excellent.

@Luke: first name counts! Unless he's Abraham John Erskine, your dude doesn't qualify here. ;)

Salary cap's a big consideration on whether or not Erskine and Jurcina stay or go, I'm sure... that and getting the kids more on-ice experience... we shall see.

The final cuts, I believe, have to be made by Wednesday?

As for whether Jurcina or Erskine or both or neither should go... there are enough different opinions running around to make my head swim! (((>.<)))! Good luck to Mr. Boudreau in making the decision!

by I Rock the Red on Oct 6, 2008 1:48 PM EDT reply actions

"Je pense plus" should really become a Japers' Rink readers' motto as well :)

by pepper on Oct 6, 2008 1:55 PM EDT reply actions

I'm John Erskine, and I approved this post.

by dcrock on Oct 6, 2008 3:27 PM EDT reply actions

Awesome post and great blog. Longtime reader first time poster.

I think Alzner looks great and I'd like to see him crack the top 6 because he is going to be a great defenseman. But, losing Erskine just doesn't make sense to me. I know he takes some bad penalties and makes some bad passes that result in goals, but he is physical out there and thats what we need. Jurcina and Schultz seem afraid to throw their bodies around and Erskine doesn't care. It's that presence on the ice that we need. Plus, he's not afraid to drop the mitts, which I think makes him even more valuable. Plus at his salary, you aren't gonna get a cheaper player that has experience in the big leagues and will throw his body around like that. I may be wrong, but I'd much rather see Karl get alot of minutes in Hershey to start the season rather than 10-15 on the team. Then if Erskine is really a huge liability and has cost us not just goals, but games, you can make the move.

by pants on Oct 6, 2008 4:12 PM EDT reply actions