Capital Ups and Downs: Week 3

Our top six forwards are good enough that both the first and second lines should be great. So how do we make them both work at the same time?

"My face is my mask."

by jakeshapiro on Oct 19, 2009 11:07 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

The fact of the matter is that teams are very, very, very rarely clicking on all cylinders at any one point. When they are, you know it’s not going to last. A little injury, an unfavorable matchup, a case of the Mondays…whatever it is, you know that perfect pitch just doesn’t last in hockey.

What you hope is that the team achieves it when it matters. That ain’t now, in case you were wondering.

"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"

by fat_daddyo on Oct 19, 2009 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

With the Caps’ penalty kill in the top ten in the League,

You had me at “Caps’ penalty kill in the top ten in the League.”

"It's an incredible place. Every seat feels like it's right on top of you. So can't we just make it official? Every big American soccer game should be played in RFK. We need the home-field advantage. Done and done."

by Bald Pollack on Oct 19, 2009 11:08 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I’d rather have a 100% PK and a 0% PP than any other possibility adding to 100%. PK is far more important than PP in my book.

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Oct 19, 2009 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

So if your team was shorthanded three times and got four power play opportunites per game, you’d rather be 100% on the kill and 0% on the PP than vice versa? That makes no sense.

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by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

I think with the Caps, it’s more important to shut down opposing teams power plays, because the team can score 5 on 5, and I think 5 on 5 is better than pretty much any other team out there. It’s discipline that kills the team, more than anything else (Hi, penalty with 5 minutes to go), and if we can kill off the penalties, we’d be more successful.

Yeah, they’re both important, but you can’t look at this Caps team and tell me that you expect the PP to be an issue. I’d rather us be the stingy team that doesn’t give up goals than the team that goes to 7-5 and it’s up in the air.

And, stat-wise, the Sharks game is the only one in a while I distinctively remember getting more Power plays than PKs, so in the event that we have 3 PKs and 4 PPs, yes. I still want my PK not to allow a goal over scoring on a PP.

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Oct 19, 2009 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

To stipulate, it’s not like the Devils/Preds were setting the world on fire with their PP, but if the Caps PK takes some added confidence from this and builds on it, cool.

"It's an incredible place. Every seat feels like it's right on top of you. So can't we just make it official? Every big American soccer game should be played in RFK. We need the home-field advantage. Done and done."

by Bald Pollack on Oct 19, 2009 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Power plays than PKs, so in the event that we have 3 PKs and 4 PPs, yes. I still want my PK not to allow a goal over scoring on a PP.

Okay, but the origin of the discussion was in ways for the two to add up to 100%, not whether scoring or conceding a powerplay goal is a bigger deal, and if you’re talking ways to add up to 100% you gotta go with the one that puts you up a goal than the one that puts you down a goal, right?

by David M. Getz on Oct 19, 2009 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

in that situation, we can’t really add up to 100%. I’d rather see us score once and kill 3 PKs, though, obviously. I don’t want to see us giving up PKs or PK goals.

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Oct 19, 2009 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

So you can. You go four-for-four on the PP (100%) and oh-for-three on the PK (0%); that adds up to 100%.

by David M. Getz on Oct 19, 2009 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

just to clarify, in th example you give, 0-3 on the PK means allowing three goals, right?

"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"

by fat_daddyo on Oct 19, 2009 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yep, that’s what I meant.

by David M. Getz on Oct 19, 2009 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Someone recently did an analysis of special team net contribution – the formula was something like: [PP% – SHG%] – PK%. Thought that was interesting.

In terms of the Caps, I think their PP% ends up close to 25%, which is realistically just about as good as it’s going to get. Their PK, on the other hand, probably has some room for improvement – ideally, I’d like to see them better than 82% for the year.

So if WM is saying that the PK is where they can most effectively improve the team, I’m with him there.

Or maybe I’m missing the whole point of this thought experiment?

Apropos of nothing: I’d really like to see them stop giving up breakaways against on the PP. To that end, I’d like to see AO on the half boards and maybe Poti on the left point.

"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"

by fat_daddyo on Oct 19, 2009 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

In the end, that’s really what I’m saying. With all the PIMs we give up, the team as a whole needs to step up on the PK, because the PP isn’t going anywhere. A better way of saying it would probably be I’d rather be middle of the pack on the PP and tops in PK, than the other way around.

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Oct 19, 2009 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Granted though, tops on the PP versus middling is like 10% difference, whereas tops on the PK versus middling is like 5% difference.

by red army line on Oct 19, 2009 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’m not explaining it right. It combines to 4-7 if you go four-for-four on the PP with oh-for-three on the PK, so it’s not 50%. That’s a better way to explain it. And if we’re going to go a combined 4-7, I’d rather 3-3 on the PK and 1-4 on the PP.

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Oct 19, 2009 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If you define it like that, it’s impossible to get to 100% with a 0% powerplay isn’t it? So you’d rather the team kill all penalties than have powerplays? Or am I mixed up?

by David M. Getz on Oct 19, 2009 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think the lower the Caps keep the other team from scoring, the better chance the team has of winning. I don’t think there’s a team that can beat the Capitals that doesn’t play in Detroit or Pittsburgh (And even then it’s 50-50) at 5 on 5 play. When games boil down to penalties, it infuriates me (Why, I don’t know) and, while I’d prefer a 4-4 PP AND 3-3 PK in this situation, and yeah, 4-4 PP with 0-3 PK is a net gain, but with the discipline the team seems to have, it’s rarely 4-3 in PP chances with the Capitals on that 4 end.

But to answer that question, I’d rather the team kill all of their penalties and not score on PPs than allow goals on every PK and score on every PP. But since that hypothetical situation is highly unlikely, I’d rather a 10% PP and a 90% PK than a 25% PP and a 75% PK.

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Oct 19, 2009 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The whole “add up to 100” is a part of the confusion. PP% plus PK% does not necessarily have to add up to 100, and in point of fact it’s probably better if it doesn’t, right?

If the thought experiment is: in a hypothetical world where they DID have to add up to 100, and one of the integers had to be 0 and the other 100, which way is of greatest benefit to the Caps? Then I’m with WM – I’d rather the Caps kill all their PK chances, fail on the PP, and take their chances at ES.

"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"

by fat_daddyo on Oct 19, 2009 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I did an awful job of explaining it, but that just about sums it up.

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Oct 19, 2009 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

So WM wants every game to come down to 5 on 5.
Seems silly.

by marks4java on Oct 19, 2009 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

What’s wrong with 5 on 5 hockey?

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Oct 19, 2009 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think I’ve heard it said that a prevented goal is worth more than a scored one.

by snowburnt on Oct 19, 2009 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Who’s the remedial math flunkee who doled out that knowledge?

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

In fact, it’s a lot easier to prevent a goal than it is to score one…over the long haul, scoring is way more valuable than defense, no?

"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"

by fat_daddyo on Oct 19, 2009 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Putting the puck in the net is the single most difficult thing to do. I switched to defense because I’m much better at getting in the way than I am at scoring.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I feel the same way, although I generally described it as, “I’m way better at preventing other people from being productive than I am at being productive myself”.

by David M. Getz on Oct 19, 2009 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs

Rec’d for knowing your skill set and embracing it.

by Sct112 on Oct 19, 2009 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Unfortunately I’ve spent most of my (non-goaltending) time playing forward so I’m actually not that good at anything besides standing in front of the net.

by David M. Getz on Oct 19, 2009 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That’s a skill, and it can pay off pretty well in Men’s League.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey, ya gotta work with what the Lord gave ya.

by David M. Getz on Oct 19, 2009 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

haha indeed. The last few goals I scored in my summer league were brooks laich doorstep specials. I’m not the skater I was back in high school….

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Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.

by Sombrero Guy on Oct 19, 2009 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Same here. I can get myself some chances but really I don’t score from further than 5’ from the net anymore.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thirded – but only because I have a wind-up like Jurcina’s and a shot like his grandmothers (i suspect)

by Scofield on Oct 19, 2009 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Rec’d for comedy gold.

by gfcaps fan on Oct 19, 2009 8:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not so sure, that bitch can shoot

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 8:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The absolute worst part of this picture is the girl checking him out.

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Oct 19, 2009 9:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think it’s awesome.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 9:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

No kidding, she’s hot.

And the picture is hilarious. It looks like Tom Brady in a wig.

by Knee high to a duck on Oct 19, 2009 10:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Tell that to the caps team that lost to the Flyers 6 to 5.

It doesn’t matter how many goals you score if you can’t keep the other team out of the net.

by snowburnt on Oct 19, 2009 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Probably a former goalie…

Why is a shut out so lauded if it’s so easy to prevent a team from scoring?

You can’t tell me that a team doesn’t rally around a beautiful save. I could point to a few instances in the caps-pens series last year where it went both ways. A few times this season where the game turned on a missed opportunity.

by snowburnt on Oct 19, 2009 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why is a shut out so lauded if it’s so easy to prevent a team from scoring?

I never said it was easy to prevent goals, but a SO is so lauded because it represents one individual player having a great game – same reason a hat trick (legitimate or otherwise) is so lauded.

A prevented goal is worth exactly as much as one scored, no more, no less.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

A prevented goal is worth exactly as much as one scored, no more, no less.

…on the scoresheet. Confidence and other things make it different, and I think the electric bills at VC would go up if they have to play their goal horn 10 times a night.

by red army line on Oct 19, 2009 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Confidence and other things make it different

Not buying it. Timing is everything – a big stop at a key point isn’t inherently worth any more than a big goal at a key point.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Not at the time, no, but I think I can point out a certain save that led to a certain 7 game winning streak last season. Better play all around, among other things.

by red army line on Oct 19, 2009 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

A single save led to a 7-game winning streak? Huh?

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

maybe referring to a save Theo made in the 5-4 comeback against NY?

"Baseball is drama with an endless run and an ever-changing cast." - Joe Garagiola
Chowdah Chatter - an outlet for my random thoughts and such.

by crabchowdah on Oct 19, 2009 10:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

or not… thought it was referring to a save by Washington, not against.

"Baseball is drama with an endless run and an ever-changing cast." - Joe Garagiola
Chowdah Chatter - an outlet for my random thoughts and such.

by crabchowdah on Oct 19, 2009 10:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes; didn’t Theo stone Antropov on a breakaway early in the 2nd or something?

by red army line on Oct 20, 2009 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Antropov wasn’t on the Rangers at that point.

by David M. Getz on Oct 20, 2009 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

No. I firmly believe that as lazily as the non-AO Caps played that game they would have lost anyway. Varlamov wasn’t making any saves and nobody was winning the puck. If AO scores there it just gets our hopes up and delays the inevitable.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 5:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The only way I can see “preventing a goal” as being worth more than “scoring a goal” is if it greatly bolsters the respective player’s confidence, since any given goalie is more important to his team’s success than any given skater. But that’s one hell of a tenuous argument, imo.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Preventing one goal against Varlamov is more valuable than scoring one while he’s in net because one against equals 2 or 3 against but one for only equals one for.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 5:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

ouch!

Atta dinnin stick a who!

by Gould Old Days on Oct 19, 2009 5:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nice.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 5:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sadly true. He seems to be getting better though. Only let in two last game.

by Bman21212 on Oct 19, 2009 7:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah. He definitely kept his composure (even after the bad second goal against), which is a good sign.

"Baseball is drama with an endless run and an ever-changing cast." - Joe Garagiola
Chowdah Chatter - an outlet for my random thoughts and such.

by crabchowdah on Oct 19, 2009 10:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t think a shut out has anything to do with a single person, and I think you know that as well.

A prevented goal is worth exactly as much as one scored, no more, no less.

Tell that to the Jersey teams that won the cup. They may have scored goals but they’re remembered for preventing them.

by snowburnt on Oct 19, 2009 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Does a shutout get more team praise than a game in which a team drops 6 or 7 goals on an opponent? I don’t think so (other than there being a popular statistical category set aside for it).

And as far as me “telling that to Jersey,” I’ll tell it to them at the same time I’m telling it to the Gretzky Oilers and see what the general consensus is.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

And a couple of those NJD teams actually scored a lot more than they got credit for. Really only the ‘95 team was offensively impotent and even then I think you’d be surprised when you go back over the lineup.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Apologies for overusing “Tell that to…”

Gretzky and the Oilers were several years before the Trap causing more than a few rule changes.

I guess it could be said that it may have made goals all the more valuable, but still, timely saves and prevented goals are just as valuable as a scored goal, when you look at the swing of things.

by snowburnt on Oct 19, 2009 5:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

timely saves and prevented goals are just as valuable as a scored goal

Right. Exactly my point.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 5:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Tell that to the Jersey teams that won the cup. They may have scored goals but they’re remembered for preventing them.

You can win a Cup with a great defensive team. You can win a Cup with a great offensive team. You can win a Cup with a team that’s good, but not elite, in each department.

Ultimately you can win a Cup the same way you win a hockey game: by scoring more goals than your opponent.

by David M. Getz on Oct 19, 2009 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs

Well put.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 5:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

But if we’re talking about the Caps, and specifically this current Caps team, than you would most certainly prefer to have 100% PK and 0% PP than vice versa. Using the stats you put together here, the Caps would have come out ahead in 52 games, but behind 72 times, and would have had a whopping -60 goal differential over that span of time.

While it may not hold true for all teams, and many individual games would obviously break the trend for the Caps, all-in-all the Caps would be better off with a 100%PK and 0%PP as they currently play.

by jpbryant on Oct 19, 2009 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’d rather 100% win percentage or 100% Powerplay. (Caps should be getting more PP than staying on the PK…)

One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.

by zephyr on Oct 19, 2009 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That commercial has to be one of the weirder things I’ve ever seen.

by sonia on Oct 19, 2009 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hoping Nicky gets back in the scoring groove.

IS PAЯTY NOW

by Your Nation's Capital on Oct 19, 2009 11:12 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Last year at this time it was Ovechkin with a slow start. This year it’s Backstrom. He’s still second in the league in assists, so it can’t be that horrible.

Never lie, steal, cheat, or drink. But, if you must lie, lie in the arms of the one you love. If you must steal, steal away from bad company. If you must cheat, cheat death. If you must drink, drink in the moments that take your breath away.

by gotsparkly on Oct 19, 2009 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nobody’s doubting Nik’s ability but when you go five games without an even strength assist, it’s a cause for some concern. Especially when that coincides with him being moved off the first line. Equally bothersome is that his defensive game seems to be sliding a bit. I have no doubt that Nik will come out of this “slump”, but I’m sure Bruce is trying to figure out how to make that happen sooner rather than later.

by b.orr4 on Oct 19, 2009 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He’s only been off the top line for two games, yes? SJS and the Preds.

IS PAЯTY NOW

by Your Nation's Capital on Oct 19, 2009 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It’s only been two games, though. Someone, I forget who, was a little concerned about the constant shuffling and lack of time to build chemistry, and perhaps this is a part of that. I’d give it a few more games and revisit.

Never lie, steal, cheat, or drink. But, if you must lie, lie in the arms of the one you love. If you must steal, steal away from bad company. If you must cheat, cheat death. If you must drink, drink in the moments that take your breath away.

by gotsparkly on Oct 19, 2009 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

the number that I always heard coaches used to make player assesments was a 5 game span. I don’t know if line pairings are available anywhere online, but I don’t believe Bruce follows that guideline. The changes definitely seem to be more, um…dynamic.

Promote the game, it's the NHL, not SCHL

by kurlNdrag on Oct 19, 2009 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i take it on the chin here everytime i mention this…

but chris clark needs to step down from being captain…and, let me preempt some of the anger… yes i am a fan…his (and federov) are the only new jerseys i own

he doesnt lead this team. he doesnt produce for this team. he fights, ok, but even you guys call it questionable. bottom line, like him or not, injuries and age have serverly diminished his ability to play this game at the NHL level.

what are we like 100-2-1 when ovechkin scores or some insane # that only goes up to practically undefeated when he scores twice?

ovechkin is the face of the franchise, he’s the leader on the ice, he’s the one reporters to talk to……time to step the next step and make him captain…

and you know…to put things in a historical perspective…some historians say that the greatest legacy of George Washington as a president is that he stepped down when he felt it was his time…

i love clark, i spent 300 on his jersey for a reason, but i have to question his selfishness at this point…

by luketheriault on Oct 19, 2009 11:24 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I don’t think it’s fair to say he “doesn’t lead” or that he’s selfish unless there’s something brewing in the locker room, and I haven’t seen any indicated of that at this point.

What advantage do you see to giving the captaincy to someone else at this point? Do you think it would make the team more disciplined or harder working?

by David M. Getz on Oct 19, 2009 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

who are you leading with 11 minutes of ice time???

is there a captain out there with that little?

by luketheriault on Oct 19, 2009 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Leadership and ice time aren’t one and the same. Yzerman only played 12 minutes a night in his last season, but he was the Red Wings undisputed leader. As long as Clark is keeping the team together in the locker room and busting his ass to do whatever he can to help the team when he’s on the ice, he’s a leader.

by David M. Getz on Oct 19, 2009 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

really? thats all yzerman did?

ok

oh wait i forgot

HE WON LIKE A MILLION STANLEY CUPS AFTER SINGLE-HANDEDILY SAVING A THEN FLOUNDERING FRANCHISE!

my god, man….i’m sorry…you guys are just all way too close to this.

by luketheriault on Oct 19, 2009 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Might I kindly direct you the the Community Guidelines.

"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"

by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 19, 2009 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

No one said that was all Yzerman did. The point was that although his skills had diminished he’d proven himself as a leader and the fact that was no longer able to produce at the same level he once did didn’t change that, the same way the fact that Clark’s production and skill have dropped off don’t mean he doesn’t have the respect of the guys in the room or isn’t a capable leader.

by David M. Getz on Oct 19, 2009 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah dude, it was Stevie Y, single-handedly. He’s who turned the team around and won those three cups. Scotty Bowman, Nick Lidstrom, Brendan Shanahan, Igor Larionov, Vladimir Constantinov, Sergei Fedorov, Slava Fetisov, Brett Hull, Luc Robitaille, Pavel Datsyuk, Kirk Maltby, Kris Draper, and Ken Holland had nothing to do with any of that. No siree.

by Knee high to a duck on Oct 19, 2009 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs

Don’t forget Mike Knuble.

by Sct112 on Oct 19, 2009 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He rode the bench for the most part in DET – the guys I mentioned are all integral pieces of either the ‘97/’98 or ’02 runs, or both. And a bunch of them are Hall of Famers or first ballot type guys.

by Knee high to a duck on Oct 19, 2009 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It seems that was a joke that missed its mark.

by Sct112 on Oct 19, 2009 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I laughed, for what it’s worth.

Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.

by jordanDC on Oct 19, 2009 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Interesting take. I think what this may warrant JP, especially as we are approaching the 10th game, is a treatment on the bubble players, and if any look more and more imminent to be “relocated, demoted, etc…” (rhymes with Lloyd Jordan).

by marks4java on Oct 19, 2009 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Too early in the season. Gordon’s basically tied as the longest tenured cap — he’s entitled to a little bit more time before being kicked to the curb.

Atta dinnin stick a who!

by Gould Old Days on Oct 19, 2009 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Amen.

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by winterion on Oct 19, 2009 5:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thought Gordo was the undisputed longest tenured Cap?

by RedBirdie on Oct 19, 2009 6:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

We don’t know what happens in the locker room.

Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.

by jordanDC on Oct 19, 2009 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

we know what happens on the ice!

the lowest shifts per game for players who played in all 8 games!
second lowest time on ice for players who played in all 8 games!
SECOND LOWEST!!!

unless he is the locker room between periods curing small leg pains like Mr Miyagi, i dont know what could happen in the locker room to compensate

by luketheriault on Oct 19, 2009 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why does his time on ice matter?

by RedBirdie on Oct 19, 2009 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

it’s the greatest indicator of the how the coach feels about him…and all these “we don’t know what happens in the locker room” comments don’t apply to bruce.

by luketheriault on Oct 19, 2009 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yet apparently Bruce sees enough in the locker room to keep the C on Clark. So why are we discussing this?

Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.

by jordanDC on Oct 19, 2009 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

really? are we gonna get into one of these??? if you dont like the sub-thread…move on!!! adults are talking.

by luketheriault on Oct 19, 2009 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

CI’d

Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.

by jordanDC on Oct 19, 2009 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs

um, guys lacking avatars (and new to the board) should probably not be hurling insults. Just a thought.

by RedBirdie on Oct 19, 2009 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions 9 recs

aaaand Rec’d

Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.

by jordanDC on Oct 19, 2009 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

just filling in for BP! He seems to be AWOL this morning.

by RedBirdie on Oct 19, 2009 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I believe “BP Minion” is the preferred nomenclature.

"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"

by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 19, 2009 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

oh, right, my bad. I’m a minion. Do I get a badge?

by RedBirdie on Oct 19, 2009 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Possibly, but he never got back to me on the Polish heritage requisite so I’m not sure.

"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"

by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 19, 2009 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey, this all happened during my 11:30 meeting and lunch hour.

Flavored vodka for you all…

"It's an incredible place. Every seat feels like it's right on top of you. So can't we just make it official? Every big American soccer game should be played in RFK. We need the home-field advantage. Done and done."

by Bald Pollack on Oct 19, 2009 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’ve got a problem with my vodka bringing me a taste of the tropics. I like my vodka to remind me of the long, cold Siberian nights. Vodka is for hard asses, weathered survivors. If I wanted to be a tropical pansy, I’d drink rum!

by RedBirdie on Oct 19, 2009 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs

Here’s a nice rec’tini for you, Ms. Birdie.

IS PAЯTY NOW

by Your Nation's Capital on Oct 19, 2009 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Being part of the gestapo includes fine imported cigars and flavored vodka. And if you want to be part of the gestapo you follow the bar rules. Enough with the rebellious jibba jabba.

"It's an incredible place. Every seat feels like it's right on top of you. So can't we just make it official? Every big American soccer game should be played in RFK. We need the home-field advantage. Done and done."

by Bald Pollack on Oct 19, 2009 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

This could all be resolved if we just agreed to drink beer.

"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"

by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 19, 2009 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Definitely drinking tonight after this exchange.

Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.

by jordanDC on Oct 19, 2009 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

"It's an incredible place. Every seat feels like it's right on top of you. So can't we just make it official? Every big American soccer game should be played in RFK. We need the home-field advantage. Done and done."

by Bald Pollack on Oct 19, 2009 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

beer FTW! Speaking of which, tonight is Dogfish burger special night at G’burg. Yum yum, and an excuse to drink.

by RedBirdie on Oct 19, 2009 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That’s one of the worst things about Monday night class. I’m one sad panda about this state of affairs.

by Knee high to a duck on Oct 19, 2009 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hell yea for Punkin Ale.

"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"

by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 19, 2009 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

So rec’d.

by Knee high to a duck on Oct 19, 2009 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nice – I’ve got two bottles of it remaining in my fridge from this past weekend.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I do too… exactly two bottles. Weird.

"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"

by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 19, 2009 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wait – you’re not my wife, are you?

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Hmm, I hope not. Unless I changed genders and married someone without realizing it. Although, it was my significant other who drank the other two bottles, so perhaps that means I’m you?

"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"

by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 19, 2009 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Whoa.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have a whole 4 pack… I’m anxious to try it given the reviews seen here.

Expensive though…

by Sct112 on Oct 19, 2009 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dogfish isn’t cheap, but it is excellent. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

Taking the bartender’s advice to mix a 90 minute with a Punkin on tap was solid gold.

by Knee high to a duck on Oct 19, 2009 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That concoction sounds amazing. I’ll have to try it. Is there a name for such a thing?

"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"

by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 19, 2009 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t think there’s a specific name, she recommended it and I consented.

by Knee high to a duck on Oct 19, 2009 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

As in pour the two into the same pint glass or alternate between the two?

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I took it to mean pour into the same glass. Like a half Guinness, half Harp.

"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"

by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 19, 2009 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Love me a black and tan…

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs

That’s the one. I couldn’t think of the name.

"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"

by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 19, 2009 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, same pint glass. It’s a very pleasing mix.

by Knee high to a duck on Oct 19, 2009 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Interesting. Will have to try it, perhaps at the Rehoboth Dogfish this weekend.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Taking the bartender’s advice to mix a 90 minute with a Punkin on tap was solid gold.

this spring they were mixing Aprihop with everything under the sun. I see the tradition continues.

by RedBirdie on Oct 19, 2009 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I did not care for the Aprihop.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’m partial to the Raisin D’Être.

"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"

by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 19, 2009 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

it was MUCH better this spring with the 90 minute mix. The 2009 batch was by far the worse I’ve ever tasted.

by RedBirdie on Oct 19, 2009 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The 2007 and 2008 batches were some premo beer.

by Knee high to a duck on Oct 19, 2009 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

A bit fruity, even for my effete elitist palate.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I liked the finish and the aftertaste, it was very clean until you tasted the apricots, which then lingered. It was a great spring beer for getting into outdoor drinking, at least for my palate.

by Knee high to a duck on Oct 19, 2009 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Tried the Pangaea? Now there’s an elitist beer.

"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"

by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 19, 2009 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sure did, also did the worldwide stout. Want a truly elitist concoction? Make a Black-n-Tan with 120 minute and Worldwide Stout.

by Knee high to a duck on Oct 19, 2009 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

… and then pour it out and watch the unwashed masses lick it off your $300 Bruno Maglis!

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

This is wandering into Google AdWords spacing territory. Are you really doing your beverages of choice justice anchoring this far to the right?

Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com

by winterion on Oct 19, 2009 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Make a Black-n-Tan with 120 minute and Worldwide Stout.

Ohh…want…

You folks should make your way to Rustico on a glass night..

"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."

by CapitalCentre on Oct 19, 2009 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don’t go through Old Town to get there. Nightmare. Come in from the Potomac Yard side.

You’re welcome!

Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.

by jordanDC on Oct 19, 2009 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Insanity!!!

by Sct112 on Oct 19, 2009 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can’t be a true elitist drinking the cheap stuff…

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

No doubt. I live like 5 minutes from the one in 7 corners. My old job we used to have weekly status meetings there. Not sure why I ever quit.

by Sct112 on Oct 19, 2009 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why was there not a Dogfish Head in Gaithersburg when I was in high school? (Not that I drank at the time.)

by RPI93 on Oct 19, 2009 7:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

have you all tried van gogh espresso vodka? it’s freakin awesome

"No Brooks Laich, no win. Know Brooks Laich, know win."

by kellobellow on Oct 19, 2009 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Interest piqued.

Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.

by jordanDC on Oct 19, 2009 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

seriously, you should try it!

"No Brooks Laich, no win. Know Brooks Laich, know win."

by kellobellow on Oct 19, 2009 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I start serving that when people are crashing late into the night.

One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.

by zephyr on Oct 19, 2009 3:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is it actually caffeinated or just flavored?

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah it’s caffeinated and flavored.

One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.

by zephyr on Oct 19, 2009 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Interesting. I’m not a vodka guy (occasional Greyhound or Vodka Red Bull when it’s time to get my party on), but that sounds interesting.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

honestly, last time I did vodka was shots immediately after the Rangers series, in honor of the $4 million goal from Russia. Worked sucked the next morning.

by RedBirdie on Oct 19, 2009 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I love vodka. Just putting that out there.

Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.

by jordanDC on Oct 19, 2009 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Here, here! I prefer a double on the rocks myself.

One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.

by zephyr on Oct 19, 2009 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yep. I’ll start with fruity drinks, but I usually end up there.

Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.

by jordanDC on Oct 19, 2009 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

How can caffeine and vodka go wrong!?!

/pours another Red Bull/Vodka

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mongo like mango…

If you've read this far...seek help.

by ThePeerless on Oct 20, 2009 6:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

avatar elitist.

by Natty Bumppo on Oct 19, 2009 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’m going to change mine to a gilded Pivo jersey.

Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.

by jordanDC on Oct 19, 2009 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

the players also have been very vocal in their support of Clark.

www.wiseadvertising.com

Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.

by Sombrero Guy on Oct 19, 2009 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

it’s the greatest indicator of the how the coach feels about him

…as a player. As a leader, it’s a completely different story. Play =?= leadership?

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Oct 19, 2009 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly. Equating play with leadership is how guys like Jagr get to be captain.

by David M. Getz on Oct 19, 2009 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs

::shudder::

"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"

by fat_daddyo on Oct 19, 2009 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly. Equating play with leadership is how guys like Jagr get to be captain.

Last year Jim Rome had a righteous rant about Brett Favre, who was named captain of the Jets approximately 1 minute after signing with them. Rome’s rant was that it wasn’t even possible that Favre would know even half of his new teammates, so he would be “Bro’ing” and “Chief’ing” his way around the locker room. “Great catch, man.” “Nice tackle, brotha.” “Dude, great play.” “Hey there homes, what up?”

IS PAЯTY NOW

by Your Nation's Capital on Oct 19, 2009 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

What are you getting at?

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

What do you mean, you don't think Mike Knuble should be captain?

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Oct 19, 2009 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Say what you want about Rivet, he is an infinitely better “team guy” than either Jagr or Yashin.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’ll agree – I just don’t think a guy should be named captain when he hasn’t suited up once for the team yet.

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Oct 19, 2009 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If we’re going to value off-the-ice contributions for captaincy, why not Stretch?

Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com

by winterion on Oct 19, 2009 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Goalie’s can’t wear the c, silly.

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Oct 19, 2009 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs

When did Rivet get named Captain? He was on BUF at least all of last year.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Before making his 2008–09 debut with the Sabres, he was named team captain on October 8, replacing Jason Pominville, the last to be named captain as part of the Sabres rotating captaincy the previous season

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Oct 19, 2009 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nice. I think they gave it to him because he was the first guy to openly come out and say that Buffalo is a nice city.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like it when people lie to me to make me feel good too.

Atta dinnin stick a who!

by Gould Old Days on Oct 19, 2009 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I really like your dog.

Yeah, I’m a dick.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You are not only a handsome, but a powerful man…

"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"

by fat_daddyo on Oct 19, 2009 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I just don’t think a guy should be named captain when he hasn’t suited up once for the team yet.

Further proof that the whole captaincy thing in hockey is vastly overrated. As long as the players want Clark as captain, then he should stay captain. It’s not like he’s leading them into war. If they need him wearing the C to make them play harder then they’re in the wrong line of work.

by b.orr4 on Oct 19, 2009 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

ok, but all it does his give a very rough measure of his skill in comparison to his teammates. Very rough. TOI does not indicate in any way his leadership, how Bruce feels about his off ice, in the locker room, or on the practice ice leadership abilities. TOI says absolutely nothing about how Clark conducts himself. Your argument is completely invalid because it has no basis in reality.

by RedBirdie on Oct 19, 2009 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think the TOI reflects more upon the depth up front—the top 6 will get most off the minutes, and that’s 8, 19, 22, 28, 9 and 21 for right now (throw in 53 in the occasional anomaly and 14 when he gets back, 39 when the Caps play a good team).

by red army line on Oct 19, 2009 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Really 53?

by Yoshietree on Oct 19, 2009 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

He did get 17+ mins the other day.

by red army line on Oct 20, 2009 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

it’s the greatest indicator of the how the coach feels about him

I don’t necessarily agree with that. I think an increase or reduction in ice time relative to a player’s average may indicate performance, but the equation of more ice time = better player is overly simplistic. It doesn’t take role players into account.

"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"

by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 19, 2009 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

if TOI were doled out to the most talented players, Semin would be getting 40 minutes a night. And if the “C” were determined by that, well, we’d have a captain who doesn’t speak to the press, is wildly confusing, and needed to be smacked around by his childhood hero a few times before he started performing at something approaching his talent level.

Thank god that’s not the case!

by RedBirdie on Oct 19, 2009 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs

it’s the greatest indicator of the how the coach feels about him

On the ice given the circumstances the team is in. Not as a leader.

and all these "we don’t know what happens in the locker room" comments don’t apply to bruce.

Why not?

by David M. Getz on Oct 19, 2009 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Have you ever been a part of a hockey team? Do you appreciate the difference between “on ice” and “off ice” contributions?

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes and yes – I usually brought the sodas.

Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com

by winterion on Oct 19, 2009 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Orange slices as a kid; adult sodas for men’s league (notwithstanding KCI’s stupid economic protectionist policy… Down with Smoot-Hawley!)

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ahhh, so you really were Friedman. Poor D’ohboy, not that there’s anything wrong with that.

by Cluster on Oct 19, 2009 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fried

D’oh

Mmm.. fried dough…

Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com

by winterion on Oct 19, 2009 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

mmmmmmm……..holiday breakfast food in my house. Thank god the holidays are coming up!

by RedBirdie on Oct 19, 2009 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

LO!

I have become META.

. . . and it is goo.

Not good, goo.

I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe

by D'ohboy on Oct 19, 2009 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I called Friedman the second that debate was named.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

You dirty UChicago Monetarist, you.

by Knee high to a duck on Oct 19, 2009 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Click here to revisit an epic late-night summer battle that ensued because of the simple phrase: “Value is all relative though—its about supply and demand.”

Only in August.

by Cluster on Oct 19, 2009 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jesus, we started that thing already at the extreme right margin. What a CF.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, but that only adds to the epicness of its scroll factor.

by Cluster on Oct 19, 2009 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hmmm...

What’s Russian for “Grab-Ass?”

I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe

by D'ohboy on Oct 19, 2009 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Alexander Semin?

by CaptainAwesome on Oct 19, 2009 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Grabovski?

by Knee high to a duck on Oct 19, 2009 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

I was in the process of typing this.

Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.

by jordanDC on Oct 19, 2009 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pin the tail on the proletariat?

I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe

by D'ohboy on Oct 19, 2009 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Appropriate, since tails are last and so is he.

by Knee high to a duck on Oct 19, 2009 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Frolov?

"It's an incredible place. Every seat feels like it's right on top of you. So can't we just make it official? Every big American soccer game should be played in RFK. We need the home-field advantage. Done and done."

by Bald Pollack on Oct 19, 2009 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If he weren't Czech

I’d go with “Lubomir Visnovsky.”

It just sounds vaguely erotic.

I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe

by D'ohboy on Oct 19, 2009 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Damnit

That didn’t come through. Stupid SBN. Anyhow, it was a comment about the inherent suggestiveness of Lubomir Visnovsky’s name.

I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe

by D'ohboy on Oct 19, 2009 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

And no

Frolov is not Czech.

I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe

by D'ohboy on Oct 19, 2009 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

But he is getting healthy-scratched tonight (and no, we don’t want him, but I’m sure a “Frolov to Washington” rumor will appear any minute since he is, after all, Russian).

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Really?

Wow. How the mighty have fallen. Still, I wouldn’t be too butt hurt if he ended up here.

I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe

by D'ohboy on Oct 19, 2009 5:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was thinking the same thing. I actually went and looked at the LAK roster to make sure I was thinking of the right guy. I hope they used plenty of Lubomir because he is being fucked.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Too butt hurt? How Keynesian of you.

by Cluster on Oct 19, 2009 7:25 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

ZING!

I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe

by D'ohboy on Oct 19, 2009 10:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey, a defenseman, Nyls and a high pick? Rumor team, assemble!

"It's an incredible place. Every seat feels like it's right on top of you. So can't we just make it official? Every big American soccer game should be played in RFK. We need the home-field advantage. Done and done."

by Bald Pollack on Oct 19, 2009 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

So you’re saying this is a done deal?

You wanna put up the fanpost, or shall I?

"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"

by fat_daddyo on Oct 19, 2009 5:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

bp(4)

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You wanna put up the fanpost, or shall I?

You kid, but I debated doing it to kill some time at work.

"It's an incredible place. Every seat feels like it's right on top of you. So can't we just make it official? Every big American soccer game should be played in RFK. We need the home-field advantage. Done and done."

by Bald Pollack on Oct 19, 2009 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If we get D’ohboy to put the fanpost up we’ll have our rumor on ESPN in no time!

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

This just in...

Also, I’ve lost something in a balloon…

I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe

by D'ohboy on Oct 19, 2009 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs

…I hope it wasn’t that heroin you were supposed to get.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 5:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Damnit

Although with all this Afghan back on the market, it’s no big loss.

I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe

by D'ohboy on Oct 19, 2009 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah. Street value is plummeting. I’m thinking of switching back to trafficking in Easton Stealths but I’m having a hard time finding a willing mule.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Yeah

What with the potential for splintering. If you thought getting some Owens Corning Fiberglass Insulation stuck up there was uncomfortable…

I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe

by D'ohboy on Oct 19, 2009 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow, rec’d.

by Knee high to a duck on Oct 19, 2009 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

As long as it’s not your kid, there won’t be criminal charges.

by red army line on Oct 19, 2009 5:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

JP can get the tweet ready.

IS PAЯTY NOW

by Your Nation's Capital on Oct 19, 2009 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

“Selfishness” is not a word I thought I’d ever see used in describing Chris Clark, but I suppose there’s a first time for everything.

I think there’s loads of speculation here, especially considering we’re not “in the room” and there’s never been word one of anything but effusive praise of Clark’s leadership from the players and suits. But to each his own.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Chris Clark is selfish for subjecting Caps fans to the possible embarrassment of watching Gary Bettman hand him the Cup.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs

I don’t think there would be anything embarrassing at all about that. Especially since knowing the guy, he’d turn around, and immediately hand it to someone else.

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Oct 19, 2009 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

you just got cled.

by RedBirdie on Oct 19, 2009 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Which, to add, has nothing to do with relative skill. When Sakic lifted the cup in 2001, he was more than qualified to be the guy with the C – led by example and scored doing it. How long does he hold the Cup? Five seconds, tops, as he’s turning and handing it right to a grizzled Ray Bourque.

Where did that “Clark Cup embarrassment” comment come from again? It sounds familiar.. poster here?

Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com

by winterion on Oct 19, 2009 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Something lots of people forget

Sakic passed it to Bourque so quickly, in part because he had a separated shoulder. . .

I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe

by D'ohboy on Oct 19, 2009 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

And Borque was a special case. Everyone and their brother knew the whole league wanted to see him raise the Cup. People were probably pissed he didn’t win it the year before after the deadline deal.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 5:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Once every now and then, narrative and actuality conspire to do great things. Saturday, June 9th, 2001 was one such day.

Everything was right.. bright, noble, perfect. As it should have been.

How fickle that sense of immortality was.

Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com

by winterion on Oct 19, 2009 6:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I had a ton of friends outside in the pool at my parents house and I abandoned all of them to watch game 7.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 6:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good call. One of the greatest Stanley Cup Finals series of all time. Both teams were firing on all cylinders, and there were wizards in both nets.

Also, Bourque.

Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com

by winterion on Oct 19, 2009 6:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, it’s a continuity joke by F&B.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Right here.

by David M. Getz on Oct 19, 2009 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If Clark is anything like Joe Sakic, no one should be complaining.

by red army line on Oct 19, 2009 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Until I’m on the ice or in the locker room, I’m in no position to tell Clark to step down. Look, just because Sidney Crosby is the captain of the Penguins doesn’t make him their leader – from looking at things, it’s Bill Guerin.

Look at the history of this team and tell me why as far as the Capitals are concerned we should strip a player of his captaincy to put a different letter on Ovechkin’s chest. What would putting a C on Ovechkin’s jersey change about how the team plays? In my opinion, it wouldn’t change a thing. I think Ovechkin leads by example, and his leadership qualities wouldn’t change, and the team wouldn’t really change how it plays, and frankly, I don’t think Ovechkin would change his game just because he has a C on his chest.

Ovechkin’s going to be the Captain of this team some day, but that day is not today. When I hear players step up and say “We’re not being led how we should be” then I’ll agree with you.

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Oct 19, 2009 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions 6 recs

Until I’m on the ice or in the locker room, I’m in no position to tell Clark to step down.

Amen.

by David M. Getz on Oct 19, 2009 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’m far less concerned with Clark wearing the “C” than I am with him contributing nothing offensively to this team. I hate to say it but he’s not even a third line player any longer. Ideally, he should be on the fourth line playing 10-12 minutes a game and never on the PP.

by b.orr4 on Oct 19, 2009 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Meh. It’s early. They’ve played a bunch of good teams. Let ’em play 20 games (including some of the softer parts of the schedule) and we can start to make informed analyses of this sort of issue.

"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"

by fat_daddyo on Oct 19, 2009 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t think that applies. Matt Bradley isn’t scoring goals because of his superior skill or his ability to capitalize against softer teams… it’s hard work, and playing good, solid hockey. Clark isn’t doing that and until he does, he doesn’t need 3L time and/or PP time. I agree w/ b.orr4.

by Scofield on Oct 19, 2009 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Same here, sadly. Like the guy as Captain but if he’s not showing much of anything on the ice where it matters, ya gotta scale his minutes back and put him in a situation where he can successfully execute the role. If that’s a 4L checker, then so be it.

Just put guys where they have the best chance to succeed in their roles, easier said than done, eh?

"I am... *grins* ... 'Nobody' "

- Odysseus

by war_capitals on Oct 19, 2009 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Meh, 50% of Bradley’s goals are directly because Chris Osgood is not very good. We’re so young in the season that all the numbers for the bottom 6 are insignificant. Realistically how many goals do you expect from these guys? 10? That’s one in 8. I’m not going to look at Bradley’s 2 goals and draw some conclusion about him relative to Clark.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think you can use that… Clark isn’t taking shots (or good shots), not generating scoring chances, and not winning too many battles in the corners (from everything I’ve watched) … it’s not about the “scale” of the numbers… it’s about what you’re seeing on the ice. If a guy isn’t doing it, demote him… it’s not that he’s a bad guy, just right now, he’s not doing it.

(and for the record, i’m not saying promote bradley… obviously his goals aren’t common, but a player surely can be demoted to the 4th line, and work his way back up…. but that includes working his way back up, not just taking it because he scored 30 goals 3 years ago)

by Scofield on Oct 19, 2009 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah I’m with you on the “eyes argument” here. I think Bradley has been better because he has been more active and winning puck battles. The goals are obviously nice but it’s misleading to rest an argument on that when talking about bottom 6 guys this early into the season.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’ve others have said… Just because it doesn’t show up on the scoresheet, doesn’t mean you’re not making an impact.

Clark isn’t making an impact, Bradley is. That’s really my point.

by Scofield on Oct 19, 2009 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mine too. Right now we are essentially two hunters arguing over which guy’s deer is more dead.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Rec’d for the chuckle factor.

"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"

by fat_daddyo on Oct 19, 2009 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

instead, lets grill it up! (you’re not a vegetarian are you?)

by Scofield on Oct 19, 2009 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

HA!!!

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Your avatar grew a moustache!

"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"

by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 19, 2009 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah. In honor of the Labre division’s dominance in the JRFHL.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Rec’tacular!

IS PAЯTY NOW

by Your Nation's Capital on Oct 19, 2009 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Scoob.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah, love Brads, and I always like to see the hockey gods reward hard work and grit, but 99% of Bradley’s goals are of the “holy shit, how did that happen?!” type.

by RedBirdie on Oct 19, 2009 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

We’re so young in the season that all the numbers for the bottom 6 are insignificant.

Individually, perhaps, but wouldn’t you agree that the sum total of 2 goals in 8 games from the bottom six is troubling?

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Boyd Kane.

Otherwise, yeah, it’s worth considering, but not stress-inducing quite yet.

Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com

by winterion on Oct 19, 2009 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah I would definitely agree with that. Let’s say you go with my “10 goals a season” ballpark projection for the bottom 6 guys. That’s 60 goals from your bottom six; almost one a game, but not quite. We aren’t anywhere near that pace.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yep. Bad. Even if you bump that down to 7 goals per guy, that’s one every two games, which is twice the current pace. Not nearly good enough.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I would agree that’s troubling, but am optimistic that Flash’s return will help remedy the situation. Not with him on lines 3/4, but with guys like Laich and Fehr down there, we should get some more punch from the secondary units.

by mechanicsville on Oct 19, 2009 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Amen

by Scofield on Oct 19, 2009 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ideally, he should be on the fourth line playing 10-12 minutes a game and never on the PP.

How do I get that gig?

Signed,

E. Fehr

"It's an incredible place. Every seat feels like it's right on top of you. So can't we just make it official? Every big American soccer game should be played in RFK. We need the home-field advantage. Done and done."

by Bald Pollack on Oct 19, 2009 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ovechkin’s going to be the Captain of this team some day

I wouldn’t bet the house on that, but that’s neither here nor there.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

that’s neither here nor there

No, but it is here.

"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"

by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 19, 2009 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You wouldn’t bet the house that at some point during the remaining 12 years on his contract he’ll become captain. Seriously?

Russian Machine Never Breaks

by macvechkin on Oct 19, 2009 3:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t think pinning the “C” on anyone’s jersey will change how they play. I guess we then sort of agree that post-Clark it’s at Ovie, Brooks, and the long-shot Nicky. I don’t see how Ovie doesn’t get it at that point.

by red army line on Oct 19, 2009 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Charlie Conway learned the hard way that it’s only a letter! But, most of you probably stopped after two of those movies, and if you did, more power to you.

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Oct 19, 2009 6:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Definitely stopped after 2. Saw a brief clip of 3 and couldn’t handle it.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Until I’m on the ice or in the locker room, I’m in no position to tell Clark to step down.

Rec-a-roo and I’m sorry I only have one rec for this. We aas fans do not know what goes on in that locker room, and the decision of who is captain is not ours to make.

Never lie, steal, cheat, or drink. But, if you must lie, lie in the arms of the one you love. If you must steal, steal away from bad company. If you must cheat, cheat death. If you must drink, drink in the moments that take your breath away.

by gotsparkly on Oct 19, 2009 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Here's the thing

Pseudo-leadership qualities aside, this guy brings virtually nothing to the table, and I’m quite sick of watching it. Every line he’s on turns to shit.

So the primary reason for needing a new captain would be, ideally, to have a captain when the team is healthy enough to start scratching Clark.

Russian Machine Never Breaks

by macvechkin on Oct 19, 2009 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

look, i understand there is no point at looking at any stat until at easliest november cause things like streaks or averages look so great or small at the beginning of the season..i get that…

but then i was also saying this last year, so i’m gonna go with my gut.

btw tied for worst plus minus on team, too.

you dont want to make ovechkin captain, fine….there are lot of other people laich…um…laich…well i cant think of any..(ok, that sentence is funnier if you say it outloud instead of reading it)

by luketheriault on Oct 19, 2009 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is it?

Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.

by jordanDC on Oct 19, 2009 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The day Chris Clark stops busting his ass is the day he and Bruce have that conversation. Another player-coach hijinks is not what this locker room can afford right now.

breathe…the jersey still looks great.

from the house that Red Jesus built

by bigonetimer on Oct 19, 2009 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

JP and I had a discussion a few days back about how Clark was standing still on the backcheck/transition of the goal scored by Freoirer ( i know that’s wrong) but that standing still, seems like “not busting his ass” to me. just sayin.

by Scofield on Oct 19, 2009 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Name drop?

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

yes. definitely. :-) it’s his show… or rink!

truthfully, i just didn’t remember when/were the thread was, and didn’t have the time here to go looking for it.

by Scofield on Oct 19, 2009 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh my bad, I thought you meant a real life conversation. Referencing Rink conversations isn’t a name drop, IMO, that’s just the continuity we’ve come to love around here.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Name Drop Fail = Scofield.

by Scofield on Oct 19, 2009 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

if you have access to a replay, scroll back about ten seconds before that rush up ice that resulted in the goal. Clark got absolutely crushed in the corner, face first into the boards. He barely got back to the bench.

from the house that Red Jesus built

by bigonetimer on Oct 19, 2009 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’ve watched the replay, he didn’t do … well,…. anything!!!!

And getting crushed makes standing still “right” where??? if you’re that hurt… you stay down, or change. no excuse. because “coach i’m too hurt to backcheck” isn’t gonna fly on any team (NHL down to Beer league)

by Scofield on Oct 19, 2009 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ever heard of being fine until you make the mistake of standing up? I’m not saying that’s what happened, just that sometimes you stand up after a hit like that and wish you hadn’t.

Never lie, steal, cheat, or drink. But, if you must lie, lie in the arms of the one you love. If you must steal, steal away from bad company. If you must cheat, cheat death. If you must drink, drink in the moments that take your breath away.

by gotsparkly on Oct 19, 2009 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Have another look at the play ten seconds before the rush….I’d say the reaction Clark had to getting facepressed into the boards and shaken up is about right for what happened.

from the house that Red Jesus built

by bigonetimer on Oct 19, 2009 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Then there’s no reason to stay on the ice… if you’re hurt, and can’t do your job… you stay down or get off the ice…

a few seasons ago, he got his teeth knocked out and jaw/mouth broken… but stayed on and DID HIS JOB… last week, he got crushed, stayed on to back check, and he didn’t.

I’m not saying it didn’t hurt… but I am saying he should’ve changed if he couldn’t do what he needs to do. Which obviously he couldn’t/didn’t.

by Scofield on Oct 19, 2009 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Even if he tried to get off the ice there wouldn’t have been time for his replacement to get in the play; and honestly, with the two other forwards that weren’t just smeared into the glass doing such a bad job back-checking I don’t know why the heat is on Clark.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That’s all subjective… to know who would be jumping, when, and what exactly they would’ve done when they hit the ice.

The heat isn’t only on clark… Acouin and Fehr definitely deserve lots of blame on that play as well… but essentially Clark compounded the problem by making it a 5-on-4 rather than 5v5.

by Scofield on Oct 19, 2009 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have to agree with you here. I’ve been quite frustrated with the results for 17 so far, but at the same time, every time he’s out there, you can tell he’s busting his gut. Sounds like captain behavior to me.

by mechanicsville on Oct 19, 2009 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i am NOT advocating the stripping of the captaincy from Clark…

He should step down…if he wants to be a real leader he needs to realize that his usefulness is severely diminished in his current capacity.

by luketheriault on Oct 19, 2009 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Did Chris Clark run over your dog? Smack your mom?

by RedBirdie on Oct 19, 2009 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

he didnt do anything, he never does anything, thats my real problem…

by luketheriault on Oct 19, 2009 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

And now you’re shown to be a fan that bases a player’s value on statistics alone. Clark is one of the hardest workers on the team, and any of his mates will tell you the same.

Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.

by jordanDC on Oct 19, 2009 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

he probably thinks Jeff Schultz is the worse player in Caps history, too.

by RedBirdie on Oct 19, 2009 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Despite wearing the “C,” Clark hasn’t been on the ice much the last two seasons, and no matter how good of a guy he may be or how well he rallies the troops, I question how much true leadership he has provided over that span. Most captains seem to lead by example, and if you’re not on the ice, it’s hard to do that. Maybe he gives great locker room speeches or pulls players aside when they need an earful. I have no idea. But it seems entirely possible that, in the Caps locker room, the issue of who has the “C” on his jersey just doesn’t mean a whole lot. Not saying Clark should be stripped of his captaincy, as that would probably create uneccessary ripples or possible tension where it’s not needed. But the fact that he wears the C also shouldn’t prevent the team from replacing him in the lineup if he plays poorly, and I doubt that would be the case.

by Kolzilla on Oct 19, 2009 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

2)I own TWO jerseys one is clark and one is iafrate

his (and federov) are the only new jerseys i own

Which one is it?

by Moonage Daydream on Oct 19, 2009 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

he also loses points for misspelling Fedorov!

by RedBirdie on Oct 19, 2009 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Day we signed him I went to the game.. I was impressed there was already a guy with a #91 jersey there. Not impressed that the name was FEDEROV.

Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.

by jordanDC on Oct 19, 2009 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was there, too, but I missed that epic foul. Of course, we were using corporate tickets and were safely protected from the dirty proles in the carpeted 200 level.

by RedBirdie on Oct 19, 2009 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

There’s no safe place: I bought two enamelled 91 “Federov” pins on the lower-level concourse. (Damn me for a pervert: I confess if they’d spelled it right I’d have purchased only one…)

by redlineblue on Oct 19, 2009 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pensblog didn’t… more embarassing than throwing hats for a SO hatty.

by Sct112 on Oct 19, 2009 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Anti-Poti lobby is twitching at the thought of JP heaping all that praise on their whipping boy.

by RedBirdie on Oct 19, 2009 11:29 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I’ve got plenty of anti-Poti fodder, too – only four shots in the last three games, etc., but gotta give credit where it’s due.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I am encouraged to see the 2 biggest question-mark areas entering the season, with very positive results. Especially in goal.

by marks4java on Oct 19, 2009 11:30 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I’m willing to forgive Steckel’s lack of scoring due to his FO%. He also has 9 takeaways (tied for second on the team). The takeaways are made more impressive because of his relatively low TOI. He is contributing in ways that are immediately obvious. The lack of scoring could possibly be explained by his low QualTeam too.

"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"

by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 19, 2009 11:30 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Exactly my point – if you’re not doing it on the scoresheet, you’d better be doing it somewhere else, and Stecks is right now.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yup. Steckel is getting it done on the PK and in the faceoff circle, not to mention staying out of the box thus far – although that -3 is raising an eyebrow.

Never lie, steal, cheat, or drink. But, if you must lie, lie in the arms of the one you love. If you must steal, steal away from bad company. If you must cheat, cheat death. If you must drink, drink in the moments that take your breath away.

by gotsparkly on Oct 19, 2009 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

he’s just saving it up for the playoffs…..

by RedBirdie on Oct 19, 2009 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Like I said before, if he doesn’t score all year and gets it done in the faceoff circle, then come playoffs he becomes a scorin’ fool, I’ll take it.

Never lie, steal, cheat, or drink. But, if you must lie, lie in the arms of the one you love. If you must steal, steal away from bad company. If you must cheat, cheat death. If you must drink, drink in the moments that take your breath away.

by gotsparkly on Oct 19, 2009 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Eat it, Oilers, he’s OURS!!!

= The Dot King!

"I am... *grins* ... 'Nobody' "

- Odysseus

by war_capitals on Oct 19, 2009 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He’s UFA at the end of this year, though, and teams looking for a good dot guy might be willing to pay him pretty handsomely. Just sayin’.

Never lie, steal, cheat, or drink. But, if you must lie, lie in the arms of the one you love. If you must steal, steal away from bad company. If you must cheat, cheat death. If you must drink, drink in the moments that take your breath away.

by gotsparkly on Oct 19, 2009 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

We just gotta pony up the money for him, I guess. I don’t like thinking of whether or not GMGM will go out and find a suitable/better replacement for that he brings. See if he’ll take a modest hometown-get-to-play-on-OV’s team discount but sign him unless you can find a guy for the same money who’s even better on FOs.

The “1.” up there was supposed to be a 39, stupid auto-formatting…

"I am... *grins* ... 'Nobody' "

- Odysseus

by war_capitals on Oct 19, 2009 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I figured, no worries. And yes, I agree. He’s due a raise and what he brings to the table is as valuable as scoring, simply because there aren’t that many guys out there that do it as well as he does.

Never lie, steal, cheat, or drink. But, if you must lie, lie in the arms of the one you love. If you must steal, steal away from bad company. If you must cheat, cheat death. If you must drink, drink in the moments that take your breath away.

by gotsparkly on Oct 19, 2009 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He’s also one of the Hershey boys. They seem to be unwaveringly loyal to Bruce, and vice versa.

by RedBirdie on Oct 19, 2009 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Perhaps this Continuity thing is as beneficial to hockey orgs as it is to hockey blogs?

"I am... *grins* ... 'Nobody' "

- Odysseus

by war_capitals on Oct 19, 2009 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs

He’s also one of the Hershey boys. They seem to be unwaveringly loyal to Bruce, and vice versa.

(except for Eric Fehr)

by David M. Getz on Oct 19, 2009 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

point. I’ve never been able to figure out that dynamic

by RedBirdie on Oct 19, 2009 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nearest I can figure is that BB just doesn’t like Fehr, for some reason.

"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"

by fat_daddyo on Oct 19, 2009 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

My guess is it’s durability-related.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The fact that a vigorous “Let’s Go Caps!” can knock him off his skates is also probably a factor.

I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe

by D'ohboy on Oct 19, 2009 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Ha.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hmm, that could make sense. Still, the effective benching in the third on Saturday is weird. I thought he looked darn good out there. (Putting one in the net would probably do wonders for him, but that’s hard to do while you’re riding the pine.)

by gfcaps fan on Oct 19, 2009 9:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah. . . No.

Sorry, I like Stecks, but if he starts looking for lots of money, his (rather limited) skillset can be found elsewhere, and for cheaper.

You can’t keep together a star-laden roster like the Caps’ if you overpay your role players.

I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe

by D'ohboy on Oct 19, 2009 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

How much would you say is "overpay"ing?

by red army line on Oct 19, 2009 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Anything past $1m

In fact, I probably wouldn’t pay him a cent more than he’s getting now. Why? Stephane Yelle: $550k. Manny Malhotra: $750k. Both on one year contracts, both signed toward the end of the summer. Teams are economizing on their 3rd and 4th lines, leaving bargains for savvy shoppers.

I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe

by D'ohboy on Oct 19, 2009 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

For me, I don’t think I’ll have any idea of his real value until a good chunk of this season is in the books. Can he take the next step, or have we seen all he has to offer? I think it’s too early to say.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think we know what we've got.

The dude will be 28 by the next off-season – I don’t think he’s got much more upside, sadly. He’s a good 3rd-liner, but I’d rather have either Yelle or Malhotra if he’s going to ask for more cash.

I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe

by D'ohboy on Oct 19, 2009 5:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, but on the 3rd line he’s not wowing anyone. Let’s see how some time there works out.

A related stat from Stecks’ agent Ben Hankinson (I know):

Wash Capital’s client David Steckel is ranked 3rd in NHL winning 65.5% Face-Offs. He’s taken 32 more faceoffs than any other C in top 5.

"It's an incredible place. Every seat feels like it's right on top of you. So can't we just make it official? Every big American soccer game should be played in RFK. We need the home-field advantage. Done and done."

by Bald Pollack on Oct 19, 2009 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow – Hankinson is an agent and has bad facial hair. Strikes one and two…

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

After I saw that, it led me to think one of two things: either I fail at life, or damn near anyone can be a agent.

"It's an incredible place. Every seat feels like it's right on top of you. So can't we just make it official? Every big American soccer game should be played in RFK. We need the home-field advantage. Done and done."

by Bald Pollack on Oct 19, 2009 5:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey now, it could be both.

(Huge points to the first person to use Hankinson’s picture as an avatar.)

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’d sooner use Mr. Hanky.

I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe

by D'ohboy on Oct 19, 2009 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’m pretty sure that’s his dad.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If you think he’s a good 3rd-liner, I think we have pretty differing opinions on what we’ve got. If he can establish that he is that, however, I think he’s worth a little more than a million buckaroos (and Malhotra took an enormous discount to play where he is, so his salary doesn’t represent market value).

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

And Malhotra is 4th line.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yelle

Yelle does basically the same things Steckel does. He takes faceoffs and kills penalties. Unlike Steckel, he’s old, but he’s also won a couple of Cups and he’s been to the finals with Calgary.

Steckel is what he is, and I like him, but we shouldn’t let the red-colored glasses of fandom hide his limitations.

I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe

by D'ohboy on Oct 19, 2009 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Telling me and J.P. not to get fanboy over Steckel? That’s preaching to the choir. Yelle has 2 Cups? I didn’t realize he’s better than Crosby.

/Seriously, my uncles told me Crosby is better than AO because he has a Cup. You all can imagine how the family weekend went.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 5:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I had a checkout guy at the Trader Joe’s tell me that Ovie was the “third best player in the league after Crosby and Malkin. . . Maybe fourth best after Richards.”

I responded by saying that his bosses probably wouldn’t like the fact that he did drugs at work.

I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe

by D'ohboy on Oct 19, 2009 5:26 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

I would have said “shut up and ring in my coupons.”

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If Ovechkin took his cues from Richards on shootouts, he’d be unstoppable.

Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com

by winterion on Oct 19, 2009 6:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Also

I think Malhotra took a major discount because nobody else was calling. Teams are wising up about the money they give to role players. If you gave me a choice tomorrow between Malhotra and Steckel for the same amount of money, I’d take Malhotra in a heartbeat.

I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe

by D'ohboy on Oct 19, 2009 5:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Word was that Atlanta was offering Malhotra eight million over four years.

by David M. Getz on Oct 19, 2009 5:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Waddell!

/thinking he might take Nyls…

"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"

by fat_daddyo on Oct 19, 2009 5:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hmm

I gotta call BS on that. I’m not saying you’re lying, I’m just saying that sounds bogus.

I buy that he might have turned down more money elsewhere, but I have a hard time buying that he took 1/16 the amount on the table. No sane player/agent would do that.

I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe

by D'ohboy on Oct 19, 2009 5:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Take it for what it’s worth.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I buy that he might have turned down more money elsewhere, but I have a hard time buying that he took 1/16 the amount on the table. No sane player/agent would do that.

700k/8M = ~11.4, but I see your point.

Then again, you look at what Kariya and Selanne did when they went to the Avs or what Hossa did when he went to the Red Wings, and it’s not exactly without precedent.

by David M. Getz on Oct 19, 2009 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, it wasn’t until after I made the post that I realized I had used Yelle’s contract $$$.

I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe

by D'ohboy on Oct 19, 2009 5:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with you completely but Yelle is older than dirt.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He’s only 35, and he hasn’t shown much sign of slowing down. Plus, he kinda looks like Tarantino.

I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe

by D'ohboy on Oct 19, 2009 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ha. I thought Yelle was like 38 going on 65. He looks like he’s slowing down every playoffs but that’s probably because his body can’t hold up with his style of play.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The playoffs in my mind is the determining factor. Not more than $1 million for a 20 pt PK FO specialist, but if he (relatively speaking) pulls a Franzen come playoffs and turns all Zetterberg-y (as in shutdown + goal scoring) then he’s worth more than that.

by red army line on Oct 19, 2009 5:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Zetterbergy sounds like some sort of strange Swedish disease. Do we want Steckel to get the Zetterbergy?

by RedBirdie on Oct 19, 2009 6:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes.

by red army line on Oct 20, 2009 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

And with Boyd Gordon’s slow start Steckel suddenly doesn’t seem very expendable.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Slow start – he was minus-four through four games and is +1 in his last four.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ah, got it. Thanks.

Never lie, steal, cheat, or drink. But, if you must lie, lie in the arms of the one you love. If you must steal, steal away from bad company. If you must cheat, cheat death. If you must drink, drink in the moments that take your breath away.

by gotsparkly on Oct 19, 2009 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

A -3 for a guy that is a defensive specialist is brutal. Add in the fact that Steckel was openly looking forward to taking a larger role on the team this year and I think Steckel is one of the biggest early season disappointments that doesn’t stand on blue ice.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, +1 in the last week isn’t horrid. Brutal start, definitely, -4 in 4 games, but if the trend is upwards, I’m not going to lose any sleep over it yet.

Never lie, steal, cheat, or drink. But, if you must lie, lie in the arms of the one you love. If you must steal, steal away from bad company. If you must cheat, cheat death. If you must drink, drink in the moments that take your breath away.

by gotsparkly on Oct 19, 2009 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gotta disagree (in part). His faceoffs have been stellar, and he’s rebounded from an atrocious first week. Yes, his offensive contributions thus far have been non-existant, but I remember reading somewhere that “all the numbers for the bottom 6 are insignificant.”

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That guy was an ass.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

But yeah, his face offs have been stellar. I’m not so much upset with his statistical offensive production so much as I am upset that he straight up looks lost offensively at ES so far. He really has just made some piss poor decisions with the puck and I haven’t seen him do anything remotely threatening with the puck. I’m not leading a charge for his head, just saying that I’m disappointed in what he’s shown so far.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He did make a real nice pass to Brads on Saturday, but yeah, definitely disappointing (and if you and I are disappointed, imagine how the folks who voted him the 10th most valuable Cap feel). And he is playing with Laing and Bradley – I’d like to see him get some time with Laich and Fehr, perhaps.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’d love to see a Laich/Steckel/Fehr third line. I think they could score but even when they don’t they should at least be defensively responsible. I didn’t see most of the game Saturday so I must have missed that pass. (And that MVC poll has been right in the front of my mind this whole time, I just didn’t want to be the one to bring it back up.)

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Faceoff’s are on the official scoresheet right? (just curious… ) i’m guessing it doesn’t list each player’s faceoff taken, but the total is on there correct?

by Scofield on Oct 19, 2009 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Individual FO stats are all there – I just use “scoresheet” as shorthand for “goals and assists.”

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

gotcha. tks.

by Scofield on Oct 19, 2009 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

JP, would you say Fehr is in the doghouse? Why so few minutes?

by marks4java on Oct 19, 2009 11:35 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Well, you didn’t ask me, but I’d say he’s just getting into game shape, not having the benefit of training camp.

by Stephen Pepper on Oct 19, 2009 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yea. He also didn’t get the benefit of that recovery time in Hershey.

"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"

by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 19, 2009 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Echoing that, I though he was much better against Nashville. Stronger on the puck, playing with an edge in the corners and taking more shots. He needs to start producing, but for a guy who was thrown right into the mix against players who have had a full training camp, he looked a lot better than he did in his first game.

by b.orr4 on Oct 19, 2009 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, two shifts and two penalties drawn is a positive thing, especially when they cashed in on the second one.

Never lie, steal, cheat, or drink. But, if you must lie, lie in the arms of the one you love. If you must steal, steal away from bad company. If you must cheat, cheat death. If you must drink, drink in the moments that take your breath away.

by gotsparkly on Oct 19, 2009 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Even when Fehr was playing well (last season) TOI wise he always seemed to be in the doghouse.

by Scofield on Oct 19, 2009 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hate to give credence to the Backstrom benefits from Ovechkin lobby, but Nik sure has looked lost since he was moved away from AO. Bruce has a real dilemma on his hands in that Knuble and Morrison have done well on the first line but not much on the second and now Nik and Semin are suffering the same fate. Now he’s got to decide who gets to play with Alex and what he has to do to get the second line working.

by b.orr4 on Oct 19, 2009 11:35 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

That is an issue, all right. For my money, I’d like to see them go with Semin and Backstrom on the second line for a while longer.

"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"

by fat_daddyo on Oct 19, 2009 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Being separated from ANY guy you play with for the majority of 2 seasons is probably difficult.

Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.

by jordanDC on Oct 19, 2009 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs

Flash for Selke!

I think Nik and Semin are going to be fine, but if the Sasha at RW persists, it’s the 2L that has to threaten away from the puck.

from the house that Red Jesus built

by bigonetimer on Oct 19, 2009 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think it’s too early to tell with the Semin/Backstrom/2LW second line – they’ve only been together for one game. I’d say revisit this one nexr week and see what happens.

I know Bruce won’t do it, but what about switching Laich and Fehr?

Never lie, steal, cheat, or drink. But, if you must lie, lie in the arms of the one you love. If you must steal, steal away from bad company. If you must cheat, cheat death. If you must drink, drink in the moments that take your breath away.

by gotsparkly on Oct 19, 2009 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Er, the switch if it continues to not produce after a few more games, I meant. Sorry.

Never lie, steal, cheat, or drink. But, if you must lie, lie in the arms of the one you love. If you must steal, steal away from bad company. If you must cheat, cheat death. If you must drink, drink in the moments that take your breath away.

by gotsparkly on Oct 19, 2009 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

There is only one Cap that I’m less worried about than Baxter. He’ll be fine.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rec’d this one for “right, Viktor?”. You said a mouthful.

"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"

by fat_daddyo on Oct 19, 2009 11:38 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Nice to see some love for Juice

To me Juice’s play so far is one of the bigger surprises of the year. He looks damn good.

by Direction 87 on Oct 19, 2009 12:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

yeah, nice to see him pick up where he left off in the playoffs. I was a little worried it might be a fluke.

by RedBirdie on Oct 19, 2009 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I haven’t yelled “GOD DAMN IT, JURCINA” yet. This alone stands out in my mind as a net win for Milan.

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Oct 19, 2009 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

I’m never, ever going to be able to detach the mock arbitration burn from my lexicon, ever. That said, neither have I, and I agree.

Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com

by winterion on Oct 19, 2009 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He took a few shots on goal recently too… bout time, the guy has a cannon.

by Scofield on Oct 19, 2009 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’d take a rifle if it took less than 7 seconds to load.

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Oct 19, 2009 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He’s got a long windup, but I’m more concerned about his ability to put them on net than the activation time. If someone wants to slide in front of Milan and take the body on his slapper, give ’em what they asked for.

Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com

by winterion on Oct 19, 2009 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

A stick can put that puck in the netting with no pain to the body. Plus, these guys are used to getting into pucks fired at high speed. It’s Milan Jurcina, not Al MacInnis. Nobody is shaking in their skates because of Juice.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Didn’t Theodore say that Jurcina had the hardest shot on the team to defend?

Never lie, steal, cheat, or drink. But, if you must lie, lie in the arms of the one you love. If you must steal, steal away from bad company. If you must cheat, cheat death. If you must drink, drink in the moments that take your breath away.

by gotsparkly on Oct 19, 2009 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think the consensus is that Jurcina has the hardest shot, but I doubt he cracks the top five in “hardest to defend”.

by David M. Getz on Oct 19, 2009 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah I’d have to imagine that the two-time-defending-Richard winner is probably “hardest to defend.”

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

it looked tough for Nabakov to handle the other night on the fourth goal that Bradley put top shelf off the rebound on the blast by Juice.

If he can get that shot on net, its going to create some chances. Juice just seems more in the flow of the game, anticipating rather than reacting a little late.

by Direction 87 on Oct 19, 2009 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Relating a video game to real life here (lol)

In my NHL 10 be-a-pro, I play a defenseman with a 5.9 Shooting percentage. Through roughly 13 NHL games, I have 10 goals and 23 assists and something like 190 shots. Of the ten goals, 7 or so have beat the goalie clean, but at least 2 have bounced in off of the goaltender and taken weird bounces. Of the 23 assists, the majority of them come from low shots (I shoot low on purpose) and rebounds that have been jammed in.

It’s long-winded, but the more Juice shoots from the point and hits goaltenders in their leg pads (Or backs of nets) the better he’ll be in my eyes. He has a hard enough shot that it’ll bounce weird off of pads, if he’s lucky. He just needs to be like a baseball pitcher, and keep his fastball low.

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Oct 19, 2009 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

And if Semin were healthy and focused he’d be a 50 goal scorer.

Juice takes forever to shoot. He’s at least as likely to put the puck into the F’s shinpads is he is to put it on net.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’m not arguing that. I’m just saying he’s been doing it lately, and I’d love for him to shoot a little faster, (And my be-a-pro hits a TON of shinpads)

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Oct 19, 2009 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Remember when 55 started going with the half-slapper. He scored 5 goals in 21 games under Hanlon at the start of 07-08.

by red army line on Oct 19, 2009 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The guy is using a Muzzle Loader in the age of the Assault Rifle.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, very solid.

IS PAЯTY NOW

by Your Nation's Capital on Oct 19, 2009 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I made the argument a week or so ago that Juice has been very strong on the penalty kill. He is third in PK TOI and has a solid adjusted +/-. He manages this while playing against higher quality opponents and with lower quality teammates.

"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"

by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 19, 2009 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I remember that and am slowly coming around to it.

"It's an incredible place. Every seat feels like it's right on top of you. So can't we just make it official? Every big American soccer game should be played in RFK. We need the home-field advantage. Done and done."

by Bald Pollack on Oct 19, 2009 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have to share.

Because everyone’s mental image factory should suffer like mine just did. From CI:

I think the organization should put Nylander to work, he needs to earn his pay. Maybe he could be Slapshot, a game usher (they could put him up on the screen holding the stop sign), an ice boy, or possibly a Red Rocker…just a thought.

Posted by: NatyBG | October 19, 2009 1:14 PM | Report abuse

Never lie, steal, cheat, or drink. But, if you must lie, lie in the arms of the one you love. If you must steal, steal away from bad company. If you must cheat, cheat death. If you must drink, drink in the moments that take your breath away.

by gotsparkly on Oct 19, 2009 1:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Nylander wouldn’t be any worse than David was last year.

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Oct 19, 2009 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

was that his name? We called him Token.

by RedBirdie on Oct 19, 2009 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

would be cool to chart these ups&downs for each player, with everyone starting at 0, and seeing where they stand throughout the season (i am a visual learner).

e.g. Semin starts at 0, trends up first week, and down the next 2 , so he’d be -1 on the graph at the end of week 3 (not saying this is what he has been doled out so far, just using a basic example)

by ns on Oct 19, 2009 1:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

So start keeping track!

Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.

by jordanDC on Oct 19, 2009 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yea, make it an ongoing FanPost.

"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"

by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 19, 2009 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Also, it’s a floating benchmark. Surely JP did not set Week One as the baseline for the entire season.

IS PAЯTY NOW

by Your Nation's Capital on Oct 19, 2009 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It’ll be fun to hand out “most improved” and “wtf happened” awards.

Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.

by jordanDC on Oct 19, 2009 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

the “wtf happened” award sounds like something out of the KHL. and I mean that as a positive.

by RedBirdie on Oct 19, 2009 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The trophy is a giant red dragon with a perplexed expression on its face.

"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"

by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 19, 2009 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i just spit my freakin coffee all over my keyboard

by ns on Oct 19, 2009 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have this mental image of a red dragon with a Scooby-Doo like expression. “Ruh roh, WTF?”

by RedBirdie on Oct 19, 2009 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

RED DRA-GON!

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Right. And not all directional arrows are equal.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Someone should propose an amendment.

Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.

by jordanDC on Oct 19, 2009 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

giggity. i’d be up for updating the chart in a fan post as recommended above, but it would be more accurate/useful if there are varying degrees of upsa and downs (# of arrows in addition to up/down)

by ns on Oct 19, 2009 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Whaddya want from me? “Steckel’s up at around a 21 degree angle from even, while Bradley is up 58 degrees”?

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

more decimals, please

by ns on Oct 19, 2009 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If you could compute the gradient along whatever dimensions you’re using for evaluation, that would be great.

by Knee high to a duck on Oct 19, 2009 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I want the second derivative graph as well.

"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"

by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 19, 2009 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

How about the eigenanalysis of relevant factors determining performance in a transform taking Rn→R1?

by Knee high to a duck on Oct 19, 2009 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh man. I would totally have to bust out some old linear algebra notes for that one.

"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"

by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 19, 2009 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Math is my friend.

by Knee high to a duck on Oct 19, 2009 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I liked math in general, but not so much linear algebra. I got a B+ in that class. Literally one or two points from an A.

"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"

by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 19, 2009 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Linear has a lot of “wtf?” moments. On the otherhand, multi-variable was much easier because I already had an n-dimensional intuition to play with, instead of having to build one for the class. The reality is that Linear, Vector and DiffEQ should be one combined class. They borrow from each other and cross over quite a lot, teaching them separately and repeating a lot of content doesn’t make much sense.

by Knee high to a duck on Oct 19, 2009 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sounds about right to me. That was about the time I stopped taking math classes and focused on Comp Sci.

"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"

by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 19, 2009 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I want the second derivative graph as well.

Cheers!

Atta dinnin stick a who!

by Gould Old Days on Oct 19, 2009 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Trigonometry

by red army line on Oct 19, 2009 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

SOHCAHTOA

"Baseball is drama with an endless run and an ever-changing cast." - Joe Garagiola
Chowdah Chatter - an outlet for my random thoughts and such.

by crabchowdah on Oct 19, 2009 10:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The unit circle makes much more sense. I think you’ll like it if you try it.

by Knee high to a duck on Oct 19, 2009 10:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, I do (I think)

"Baseball is drama with an endless run and an ever-changing cast." - Joe Garagiola
Chowdah Chatter - an outlet for my random thoughts and such.

by crabchowdah on Oct 20, 2009 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah, but it would be in relationship to our expectations for that player. a -2 from Semin would still make him a better player than a -2 from Aucoin

by ns on Oct 19, 2009 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

or a +2 for that matter (this coming from an Aucoin fan)

Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.

by jordanDC on Oct 19, 2009 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

And this is the problem in the post-season Cap evaluations.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

hmmm…. what if the Ranking The Capitals (or something like that) was incorporated into the baseline?

"Baseball is drama with an endless run and an ever-changing cast." - Joe Garagiola
Chowdah Chatter - an outlet for my random thoughts and such.

by crabchowdah on Oct 19, 2009 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

“Placed on Long-Term Injured Reserve retroactive to the beginning of the season, which means the Caps didn’t need to lose Chris Bourque on waivers when they did.”

That’s the second time I’ve seen that, and it’s simply not true in this case. They had to place Flash on the LTIR to fit Holtby under the salary cap. If they had done that beforehand to keep Bourque off of waivers with the current roster, then they’d be up a certain creek with one goalie right now.

Now, if we were talking about carrying 8 defenseman rather than protecting Bourque….

by Forsch31 on Oct 19, 2009 2:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

J.P. wrote “the Caps didn’t need to lose Chris Bourque on waivers when they did” (emphasis mine), and putting Fleischmann on IR would have let them keep him for the time being.

by David M. Getz on Oct 19, 2009 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

But we could have had 1000 comments devoted to Chris Smith over this weekend instead.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

I get you’re sticking with this theme, and I won’t discount its relevancy, but I disagree on the notion that it didn’t deserve the discussion it got. A guy that spent half a decade working his way up the ranks, statistically getting better and better, playing a large role on the premier minor league affiliate gets lost from a bad numbers play by the GM when he’s on the cusp of starting his pro career, only to go to the team’s most bitter rival.

I think his name could have been Apricot Tetragrammaton D.D.S. and it would have justified 1k posts. Just because he’s a Bourque doesn’t mean he deserves an automatic handicap to his value based on it. That was a compelling narrative that pulled on the emotions of a lot of Caps and Bears fans.

Too often, I hear the argument that a guy is overvalued because of his last name – until he does well, when it magically becomes a “great hockey family” or some such. Why can’t we detach from it altogether and accept that Washington lost out on what would have been a very handy forward to have around right about now, especially when the bottom two lines could really use him?

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by winterion on Oct 19, 2009 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well put. I think the reality lies somewhere in between – he probably clears waivers if he’s not a Bourque; fans know more about him because he’s a Bourque and are thus more inclined to be upset about losing him; and so on.

And for anyone not wanting to read a 1,000-comment post on a borderline NHLer, there are plenty of blogs that don’t get that kind of participation. Zing!

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

but I disagree on the notion that it didn’t deserve the discussion it got.

I’m not saying it didn’t deserve discussion. I’m just being a dick and poking my finger in the Borque Lobby’s eye by reiterating that his name is what caused all the fuss. I am a very Laissez-faire guy and I wouldn’t tell people something they are interested in isn’t worth discussing. On occasion I may question the choice of forum, but considering Borque was actually Caps property I have no problem with any of the discussion. I was just a bit surprised at the volume generated by a borderline NHL player. Clearly, a lot of people had a strong connection to the guy, and that’s cool with me.

I disagree with your characterization that his name had nothing to do with the response. And I even further disagree that blood lines/family name don’t factor into GMGM’s personnel choices.

I also dispute that he would really help our bottom 6 right now considering he isn’t doing much for PIT and they don’t really have a much better bottom 6 than us (freaking Godard gets dressed). That discussion is moot, though.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I’m kind of annoyed.. they’ve put him in for two games all year, but they keep winning with the absolute train-wreck of a fourth line they’ve got, so they’re not going to want to rock the boat. The real problem is that where Chris belongs, the third line, they’ve got Cooke Staal Kennedy, which is about as good as it gets in the NHL with respect to third lines.

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by winterion on Oct 19, 2009 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I can only speak for myself on this (obviously), but his last name had absolutely nothing to do with my fondness for Chris. For me, it was watching him grow from a marginal AHLer to a star in the league, for his non-stop hustle and his willingness to throw his body around despite his lack of stature and his general love of the game that made me look forward to the day when he finally got his chance to play for the Caps. And then that chance was taken away by our most hated rival. I could live with that if Chris were playing regular minutes in Pittsburgh, but he’s not even getting a chance up there. Which leaves me wondering why they claimed him if they’re not going to play him. I’ve watched hundreds of players come and go, many of them really good players, but this one stings for some reason.

by b.orr4 on Oct 19, 2009 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It’s hard not to think in a paranoid manner like that. =)

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by winterion on Oct 19, 2009 6:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rec’d for the dentist.

The rest is good, too, but I rec for the laughter here.

by gfcaps fan on Oct 19, 2009 9:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry, it won’t let me rec. Boo!

by gfcaps fan on Oct 19, 2009 9:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Caps Practice

Meant to mention this earlier. I managed to catch a few minutes of practice on my way into DC and caught a pretty interesting drill. To start, two players rushed up ice on a 2-0 break. After taking a shot, the two offensive players had to turn and try and catch two new players rushing towards the other end. The drill seemed to be designed to reinforce the need for players to hustle on backchecks. It went back and forth for several minutes at full speed until someone clocked Theo in the head with a slap shot. Theo was OK but my guess was the whole drill was a reaction to the Weber goal Saturday night when Backstrom didn’t skate hard on the backcheck. I’m thinking they got the message.

by b.orr4 on Oct 19, 2009 2:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Nice. Thanks for that.

Per Katie, Theo had a welt on his cheek from a Green slapper – that must’ve been it.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not just the Shea Weber goal. The SJS goal as well.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeppers.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not just the Shea Weber goal. The SJS goal as well.

And the Gaborik goal, but who’s keeping score?

by b.orr4 on Oct 19, 2009 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good call.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

And ~~the~~ both Gaborik ~~goal~~ goals, but who’s keeping score?

Fixed.

Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.

by jordanDC on Oct 19, 2009 3:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

At least one Gaborik goal was on the PP on a rush up ice. It wasn’t a back-checking issue, it was an issue with the D and the forwards not maintaining proper gap-control and letting MDZ slide a pass right up the middle of the ice.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah. On both goals I was like “Why didn’t somebody just step up and crush him?” Probably because they’d get burned.

Doesn’t hurt to try, though. Yes it does.

Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.

by jordanDC on Oct 19, 2009 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Tarik or Corey also said that Bruce skated the crap out of everyone after practice.

Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.

by jordanDC on Oct 19, 2009 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

But bag skates don’t work (per a former player… hmm…).

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I understand the punishment component here, but how about actually working on something that might help your team win? Hey Toronto, try killing a penalty. How about the Habs not allowing the front of their net be a free pass area? These practices have been around forever, and have been ineffective at least as long.

Can’t say I disagree. If you want to work the players like dogs, work them like dogs, but at least do something useful with all that effort.

by David M. Getz on Oct 19, 2009 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t know – with the first of three consecutive day-off practices, I think you can do a little message sending. The timing was right to do it today, if it needed to be done.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 3:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Skating and conditioning are most certainly useful skills. I once had a coach put us through punishing exercises that wouldn’t help your game specifically because sprinting could make you better and he didn’t want us to have any tangible benefit from his punishments. We had to do all sorts of retarded crab walks and such.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Skating and conditioning are most certainly useful skills.

Right. For a team that has had a problem finishing games this season so far, it’d be nice to take “they’re in lousy shape” off the table as a possible reason.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rec’d. Skating and conditioning is the basis for darn near everything in hockey. It’s no accident that many players work with power skating coaches in the offseason, and when you hear about it, you can see the difference a lot of times. There’s absolutely nothing wrong or unreasonable about doing a pure conditioning skate.

Never lie, steal, cheat, or drink. But, if you must lie, lie in the arms of the one you love. If you must steal, steal away from bad company. If you must cheat, cheat death. If you must drink, drink in the moments that take your breath away.

by gotsparkly on Oct 19, 2009 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

But a bag skate isn’t a “pure conditioning skate.” It’s a punishment.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Correct. Also, a bag skate isn’t going to do much for any player conditioning unless they were doing it everyday.

Everyone I’ve every talked to where the coach did this often the players were known for sandbagging just a little bit in these skates and making it look like they are way more tired than they are.

One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.

by zephyr on Oct 19, 2009 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You’re right that it won’t make much of a difference from the conditioning standpoint but I’d like to believe that BB could tell when players are sandbagging. He sees them skate hard regularly (…or does he?) so he should know what it looks like.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

OT this brings back memories of soccer my senior year of high school. Two of our captains got into a yelling match in the middle of practice. Coach sat back and observed for a couple of minutes, said a few choice words, then lined us for for some sprints.

Lots of sprints.

After 20 minutes, we got some unexpected company. The football team had been laughing at us, and their coach decided that their fat asses could use some exercise too. Ten minutes after that, we had an entire football ream retching on the end line.

We freaking ran sprints for over 45 minutes with no break. I know the coach lied when he said if we ran a U lap in under 45 seconds he would let us stop. It was probably closer to 2 minutes, but enough was enough.

I know we weren’t professionals, but trust me, we got the message.

by HateOffSeason on Oct 19, 2009 7:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ah, I see the difference. Thanks.

Never lie, steal, cheat, or drink. But, if you must lie, lie in the arms of the one you love. If you must steal, steal away from bad company. If you must cheat, cheat death. If you must drink, drink in the moments that take your breath away.

by gotsparkly on Oct 19, 2009 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Skating and conditioning are most certainly useful skills.

Absolutely, but when it gets past the point of conditioning or improving skating ability and continues just as a punishment I wonder how effective it really is.

by David M. Getz on Oct 19, 2009 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah I’m reconsidering my original position. Maybe it’s just years of brainwashing that make me believe they matter.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Reconsidering a position is not acceptable – you have to defend to the death any comment you make. This is, after all, the internet. Flip-flopper.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Oct 19, 2009 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs

Ha. Rec-tacular for the triple-ironic liberally salted with wry…

"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"

by fat_daddyo on Oct 19, 2009 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Someone hacked into my account! First some asshole says that it’s too soon to draw conclusions from our bottom 6 production stats, now I’m “reconsidering.” The only thing I’m reconsidering is my former opinion that you guys run a tight ship around here. You need to check on your security.

If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.

by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 19, 2009 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If you want to work the players like dogs, work them like dogs, but at least do something useful with all that effort.

Well, the drill that I saw was definitely intended to fix a problem, but it was also definitely a bag skate. Even Ovie was bending over his stick at the end.

by b.orr4 on Oct 19, 2009 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa.. must be rough on the CBC folks to try and keep the propaganda going, while the Rogers Sportsnet people have it easy by comparison, what with Vancouver, Edmonton, and Calgary.

Montreal’s strategy this season for Carey Price was to roster players he could see over without any difficulty. Alas, a low center of gravity alone does not a good crease-clearer make.

Everyone in Boston is rooting against the Maple Leafs every night.. and the pressure’s working. They’re well on their way to replacing (part of) Kessel with somebody like Cam Fowler or Taylor Hall.

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by winterion on Oct 19, 2009 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

I’m obviously not up on my hockey prospects but are Cam Fowler and Taylor Hall the next hot prospects for next year’s draft.

In any case, at the rate Toronto’s been going this year, they’re earning a lottery pick which was traded to -- Boston for Kessel.

by CapsFan75 on Oct 19, 2009 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cause Boston needed a lottery pick =/

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Oct 19, 2009 8:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, the B’s are laughing this one to the bank.

Yes, CF75, they’re among the dozen names being bandied about for top pick this year. Fowler’s probably the most talented blue liner, and Taylor Hall is considered the most complete goal scorer on this hemisphere insofar as draft prospects, IIRC.. could be getting names mixed up.

When in doubt, HFBoards + Google.

Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com

by winterion on Oct 20, 2009 2:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’m rooting for the Leafs just to screw with Boston’s drafts.

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Oct 20, 2009 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like this a lot.

I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.

by Whiter Mage on Oct 19, 2009 6:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Goalies	Trend	Notes
Jose Theodore	▲	A 2.12 GAA and .929 save percentage in four-plus periods for the week deserves better than an 0-0-1 mark and an injury.
Semyon Varlamov	▲	Everything about the second goal he allowed to Nashville - how quickly it came after the first, the goal itself - was troubling, but a 2-0-0/1.14/.949 week sure is encouraging. Varly has still yet to lose a regular season game in regulation in his career (7-0-1).

Defensemen
John Erskine	▲	Plus-two in just 6:39 of ice time for the week before heading to the IR with an upper body injury.
Mike Green	-	Points in three straight, including his first goal of the season, but the consistency is still not there yet.
Milan Jurcina	▲	Playing solid defense (plus-one on the week, plus-six for the season) and led the team in hits and blocked shots on Saturday night.
Shaone Morrisonn	-	Playing with a snarl. Or rather, he was playing with a snarl, before missing Saturday night's game with an undisclosed injury.
Brian Pothier	▼	For a puck-mover like Pothier to have more minor penalties (two) than points and shots on goal combined (one - a shot) in three games isn't a good thing.
Tom Poti	▲	The Caps killed all 12 power plays they faced in the week's three games, so good on Poti as the shorthanded ice time leader.
Jeff Schultz	-	If a coach has enough confidence in a guy to give him first-pairing minutes with Mike Green, why is he ever scratched? A couple of miscues in the Nashville game stand out, but so does a solid effort against San Jose
Tyler Sloan	-	Filling in admirably, but not doing much.

Forwards
Keith Aucoin	▼	Hasn't shown anything yet during this call-up other than a lack of desire to backcheck against San Jose's fourth line after being out of position on the forecheck.
Nicklas Backstrom	▼	Has gone five games without an even strength assist and has only one helper overall during that span.
Matt Bradley	▲	Still the only non-top six forward with a goal, he potted his second of the season against San Jose and played his 500th career NHL game on Saturday.
Chris Clark	▼	No points, just two shots on goal and a minus-two rating for a week perhaps highlighted by his questionable fight in the Jersey game.
Eric Fehr	-	Lousy backcheck on San Jose's goal, strong first period against Nashville followed up with... a cut in ice time?
Tomas Fleischmann	-	Placed on Long-Term Injured Reserve retroactive to the beginning of the season, which means the Caps didn't need to lose Chris Bourque on waivers when they did.
Boyd Gordon	▼	Another penalty in the Jersey game, followed by a couple of games in the press box (ostensibly with an injury) during which the penalty kill has been superb. Uh oh, Gordo?
Mike Knuble	▲	Six points (five at even strength) and a plus-five rating in three games playing with AO. Predictable, perhaps, but you've still gotta go out there and do it (right, Viktor?).
Brooks Laich	▼	Hasn't scored a goal since the second game of the season and doesn't have a point in any of his last four games (during which he has a minus-four rating, including minus-three last week).
Quintin Laing	-	Q's doing what Q does.
Brendan Morrison	▲	Three helpers in two games with Ovechkin and Knuble after a bad game with Laich and Semin. He was switched back to center that second pair of wingers in the third period against Nashville, so stay tuned.
Michael Nylander	-	Since every passing week is one week closer to the end of this whole mess, one could argue that Nylander's trending upwards. We won't, though.
Alex Ovechkin	▲	Ovechkin had as many points this week (six) as the Redskins did, and he scored the game-winners in both of the Caps' wins on the week. Four goals, two helpers, a plus-four rating and 26 shots on goal in three games without taking a single penalty. MVP-like week.
Alexander Semin	▼	Scored a goal and drew three penalties in the first period against San Jose, but was brutal in the week's other two games. The inconsistency is maddening.
David Steckel	▲	With the Caps' penalty kill in the top ten in the League, kudos go out to the top PK forward (by minutes), who won 68.5% of his 54 draws on the week. Stecks is still looking for that first point of the season, but at least he's contributing elsewhere.

	GP	W	L	OTL	PT
Washington Japers' Rink	22	13	5	4	30
Tampa Bay Raw Charge	19	8	4	7	23
Atlanta Bird Watchers Anonymous	18	10	6	2	22
Florida Litter Box Cats	20	9	9	2	20
Carolina Canes Country	21	4	12	5	13

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Capital Ups and Downs: Week 3

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I'm not so sure, that bitch can shoot