Thursday Caps Clips: Rangers @ Caps Gameday
by J.P. on Oct 8, 2009 6:40 AM EDT
in Caps Clips
361 comments
Your savory breakfast links:
- Previews of tonight's game from Vogs, NHL.com, Peerless, CapsChick and Cap Centre, and be sure to check out our SB Nation partner Blueshirt Banter and Scotty Hockey for pregame coverage from the other side of tonight's match up.
- For those of you sitting behind the visitors bench tonight, remember - you're in the splash zone. Dress accordingly.
- Bruce Boudreau is making an early example out of a couple of veteran blueliners: accountability, every night (quote that didn't make the story: "They had a great seat to watch. That’s in the end what they were doing is watching everything."). Too much, too early? [Washington Times]
- On Alex Ovechkin's white-hot start. [Washington Post]
- Few things make me happier than Allan Ryder's annual NHL Review. Reading it is like walking into Cheers. [HockeyAnalytics.com (PDF)]
- Boyd Kane was reassigned to Hershey yesterday. Good move for both the Caps and the Bears. [The Patriot-News]
- The Caps are still a relatively cheap ticket. [Slap Shot Blog]
- AO got more first place votes than any other player in The Sporting News' "50 greatest players in today’s NHL" list, but when Nicklas Backstrom doesn't even make the esteemed panel's list, you can pretty much send it straight to the circular file. [Penguins]
- More 50-in-50 talk and a couple of other notes from yesterday's practice. [Washington Times]
- Pictures from yesterday's practice. [Caps In Pictures]
- Can the Caps' top line be one of hockey's best... ever? Don't they need a bad ass nickname (The SOB Line?) first? [OFB]
- D.C. has dropped out of the top ten sports town in the nation, despite the Caps' best efforts. Thanks, Danny. [Washington Business Journal]
- This whole "dynasty" thing has strayed a bit from the initial point we were trying to make, but it's always good to know you have smart and witty people who've got your back. [VFtCS]
- A call to arms for putting the Patrick Division band back together. [Two in the Box]
- We've seen plenty of Caps season previews, but here's a look ahead at the Bears' 2009-10 season. [Hockey's Future]
- Since I was a wee lad, whenever I'd think of Smokin' Al Koken (yes, "Smokin'" gets bolded), I'd think to myself, "Now there's a dude from whom I'd buy windows." This is, quite simply, an endorsement deal struck from the dreams of children. [D.C. Sports Bog]
- On this date back in 1997, Adam Oates had a hat trick and added two helpers to hit the 1,000-point mark in style in a 6-3 win over the Isles.
- Finally, happy 50th birthday to former Cap John Blum.
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Corey’s article was good (sounded like they were both in varying degrees of denial). But yeah, too much, too early.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Oct 8, 2009 7:29 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I have to disagree. No sense in waiting to let these guys know that they sucked. I have a bit of an issue that it came out to us, but the fact is that the Caps gave up 10 goals in 2 games. Have to squash that as quickly as you can. If it takes embarassing a couple guys, I’m okay with that.
by Sct112 on Oct 8, 2009 8:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I said it in the last thread — Game 3 is prime message-sending time. Better to nip shit in the bud. If Boudreau is saying stuff like this in March, the team’s in real trouble.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 8, 2009 8:38 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Game 3 is prime message-sending time. Better to nip shit in the bud.
Agree! Nonchalant efforts last year caught up with the Caps in the end – I don’t know the players, so I can’t say what method would be most effective in nipping buds, but I do applaud the effort.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
by fat_daddyo on Oct 8, 2009 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think they were embarrassed. They’re professionals after all. One of them, presumably Erskine, admitted as much when Boudreau confronted him about his poor performance.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 8, 2009 8:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They have to be embarassed. Getting called out sucks, and is embarassing, whether its your boss or a coach or a friend. What makes them professionals is that they take that embarassment and use it to improve play, where as a 12 year old would just stop playing.
by Sct112 on Oct 8, 2009 8:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, but I’d think it would more embarrassing when your coach calls you out in the room more than if said coach drops a quote to one of the beat reporters. Don’t get me wrong, if this drives accountability, I’m all for it, but there’s something about the tactical part involving the press that’s a little uncomfortable to me.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Oct 8, 2009 8:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yea, but since when has Boudreau been anything but candid with the press?
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 8, 2009 8:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tossing out the natural clandestine nature of a coach, it’s nice that he’s candid.
But I think saying that someone was in “disbelief in the existence or reality of a thing” to soneone who’s going to report on it was more quotable than frank. He’s been using words like “embarrassing” since his first year, and most of the guys who’ve been hearing those words are still here. At what point do they tune out?
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Oct 8, 2009 9:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think he picks his spots. I don’t think they tune out. The hammer drops when the hammer deserves to drop.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 8, 2009 9:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That said, we’ve heard/seen plenty of talk before.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 8, 2009 9:21 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yes. Scratch 4. That would say even more. This team has 93 NHL D. It can afford to lower the boom when appropriate.
by TylerG on Oct 8, 2009 9:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
After reading Corey’s article, I now feel it’s Erskine who was in denial. To paraphrase Bill Shakespeare, he’s protesting to much:
I don’t think I made too many mistakes. I was on for a lot of goals, but I don’t think you can say, ‘Just because you were on for a lot of goals it means you had a bad game.’ There are some situations where it’s not your fault."
by b.orr4 on Oct 8, 2009 9:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Coming from Erskine that certainly sounds like denial. He was downright awful.
by David M. Getz on Oct 8, 2009 9:28 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Erskine said that? Oy vey.
I always thought Poti was too professional to deny a bad game to the coach, but I didn’t say so yesterday. It makes me glad that the player who’s actually important to the Caps’ plans realizes what happened, even if Erskine does not.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 8, 2009 9:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Huguenots. Henry IV may be one of my favorite historical figures. But the war didn’t go so well for the Huguenots.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 8, 2009 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Huguenots
Another awesome word. You’re on fire today G.O.D.
by Sct112 on Oct 8, 2009 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Puck Daddy’s going to have a field day today.
by b.orr4 on Oct 8, 2009 9:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
At least he’ll learn something. He’s usually so busy pandering to the lowest common denominator and avoiding any of the obligations of responsibility to audience that he’ll probably just make a lame Chara joke.
by TylerG on Oct 8, 2009 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Chara is naked, lawlz. Don’t follow this link I’m posting ::follows link:: woh, there are hot wimminz here too…
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
by zephyr on Oct 8, 2009 9:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I really could have done without big picture of a very naked Chara on my screen with I’m trying to sneak a peak at PD during the work day.
by RedBirdie on Oct 8, 2009 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think that picture burned my retinas.
Fight, you time-wasting figure skaters!
by boutros23 on Oct 8, 2009 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not to derail this, but DC United lining up naked to block a free kick was pretty, uh, hmmmm…….
And it’s in the dead tree version, too.
by gfcaps fan on Oct 8, 2009 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know. SOOOOOO embarrassed reading the dead tree edition on metro this morning.
by RedBirdie on Oct 8, 2009 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s just nudity. It’s not like you were reading some hardcore porn or something.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
by zephyr on Oct 8, 2009 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought it was art.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 8, 2009 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was a nice picture of an athlete with a phenomenal bod. That it sends men into paroxysms of OMG-how-do-I-handle-this is both predictable and hilarious.
by TylerG on Oct 8, 2009 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We better be careful. I think we’re about 3 posts away about talking about all the reasons these silly social stigmas exist.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
by zephyr on Oct 8, 2009 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It is, but it was a bit funny, especially the accompanying text. Also, I always thought the Post was a bit prudish out of necessity.
by gfcaps fan on Oct 8, 2009 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s not like you were reading some hardcore porn or something.
Damn, I’ve been doing it wrong then.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Oct 8, 2009 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And it’s just ESPN. It’s not like you were reading sports.
Russian Machine Never Breaks
by macvechkin on Oct 8, 2009 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That which has been seen...
….cannot be unseen…
Eagh!
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on Oct 8, 2009 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That rower chick is HOT!
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
by fat_daddyo on Oct 8, 2009 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He’s usually so busy pandering to the lowest common denominator and avoiding any of the obligations of responsibility to audience
Um, have you seen his audience? Pandering to the lowest common denominator is fulfilling the obligations of responsibility to his audience.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 8, 2009 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
That’s definitely his approach. It’s disappointing because he’s capable of more.
by TylerG on Oct 8, 2009 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He’s one of the Top 100 most influential people in the sport for chrissakes!
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 8, 2009 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There are some situations where it’s not your fault
I took that to mean Poti’s own goal, but I could see that coming from Erskine 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 8, 2009 9:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s how I felt upon reading it. For one thing, given his position as 6/7D, he might not expect as much out of himself as Poti would. Hope not, but you never know.
by gfcaps fan on Oct 8, 2009 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, but I’m in the “that talk has been effective” camp. I think Boudreau’s hand for the reins has been just about right since he got here. Caps are a skill/creativity team, and those guys need mental space to perform.
If he lets them fall on their face in October, maybe they’ll learn something from it. Sometimes lessons from experience are the best. I’ve got no problem with the playing time situation so far.
(Well, I’ve got no problem showcasing trade bait. I do have a problem with getting a guy into the lineup just to be an enforcer, because I think enforcers are useless, but I’m going up against the collected wisdom of everyone in the NHL on that one)
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 8, 2009 9:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m all for what you said, but I think the hyperbole to the media can become dangerous. For as good as he is in complimentary situations with players, Boudreau’s used the public embarrassment meme more than once, and has been doing it for at least a year now.
I’m not saying it’s going to happen, but as a fan of another DC team whose coach has been tuned out by his players, it’s not fun to watch.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Oct 8, 2009 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with that sentiment completely. Like I said above, I don’t really agree that it should be made available to our ears, but I do like the fact that Bruce called them on what was definitely a subpar performance.
That said, for all we know he “embarassed” them in front of the locker rom for their third period against Toronto and they didn’t respond.
by Sct112 on Oct 8, 2009 9:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ll be interested to see how Sloan does as a forward tonight.
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 8, 2009 7:54 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Good lord, why? I mean, it’s the first matchup against NYR since a seven-game playoff series. Brashear returns. Can Poti/Erskine recover from a debacle? Will Ersky be scratched? There’s not a lot about tonight’s game less interesting than how a tweener NHL-AHL D plays as a forward on a team about to have Fehr and Flash back from the doctor’s office.
by TylerG on Oct 8, 2009 8:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who starts in goal? If it’s Varly, can he bounce back? If it’s JT60, can he bounce back after the playoff debacle?
by TylerG on Oct 8, 2009 8:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’d think so (but I think Tyler was just throwing out another interesting story line for tonight’s game).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 8, 2009 8:39 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
There are reasons to start both guys. You’d like to see how Varly responds/bounces back, too.
by TylerG on Oct 8, 2009 8:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And if there is one team he should be confident about facing, it’s the Rangers, granted they’re a different incarnation.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Oct 8, 2009 8:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They looked pretty solid ag. the Devils the other night.
by mechanicsville on Oct 8, 2009 8:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There are also times when a goalie needs to sit and reflect on what he is doing wrong.
Russian Machine Never Breaks
by macvechkin on Oct 8, 2009 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
“Interest” is pretty much as subjective as it gets. The Thirty Years War in Europe was fascinating and bears amazing parallels to our modern day life, but I suspect a lot of students have found the pattern of dots on ceiling panels to be more subjectively interesting.
It’s cool to throw out things that someone thinks are more interesting, but it’s kind of weird to tell someone the thing they’re interested in actually isn’t interesting at all. (By the way, I’m also interested to see how Sloan does. I’m a Sloan fan, and he’s being put in a pretty difficult spot)
On a related note, were all of you really all that interested in the conversation with docciavelli yesterday? All them responses to a pretty inane statement by him. I mean, trolling is trolling, right?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 8, 2009 8:43 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I agree that the Thirty Years War was fascinating and that it had an enormous impact on Europe during the period that Catholics and Protestants were fighting about everything.
It has nothing to do with Tyler Sloan, who remains totally uninteresting when compared to other things going on around tonight’s game. But thanks for playing.
by TylerG on Oct 8, 2009 9:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Alright, this tangent shall now cease. And while I see your point, Sparkly did say simply that she was interested in seeing how Sloan will do up front, not that it was the aspect of the game that “most” interested her. It might be 30th on her list. It might be first. Whatever.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 8, 2009 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’d put it on the “interesting” list not because of the who, but because of the what. Putting a healthy scratched defenseman on the fourth line says one or more of the following: Kane sucked (obviously true based on what I could discern in the game threads); Caps want to keep the half a mil of cap space; Nylander will never see Verizon Center ice again.
by gfcaps fan on Oct 8, 2009 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We knew Kane was not an NHLer. We know Flash and Fehr are returning. We knew Nyls was done. We know Sloan will not play F once F&F have returned. (Sorry, alliteration buzzkill.)
by TylerG on Oct 8, 2009 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think cap space was a factor since Kane was going down once Fehr was healthy anyway and keeping him around another week would have only had a marginal impact on the cap. Can’t say I’m shocked about Kane either.
it does further enforce than Nylander is not going to play for the Capitals this season. Period.
by David M. Getz on Oct 8, 2009 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
re: the cap space comment — I meant the extra few days. Which is really pennies, but as they say, a penny saved is a penny……
by gfcaps fan on Oct 8, 2009 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think in all the years I’ve watched hockey, a situation as bizarre as the one playing out with Nylander.
by b.orr4 on Oct 8, 2009 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Well....
….not in a Caps uniform. You never know, there are teams that will sign anyone/anything (Tampa comes to mind immediately, but there are others…)
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on Oct 8, 2009 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is correct, and thank you. There’s lots of things that interest me – that’s just one of them. (One wonders why Bruce didn’t do that to begin with if we were that close under the cap.)
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 8, 2009 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks Gouldie, I’ve for the Thirty Years War wikipedia page open as my lunch-time reading now.
by David M. Getz on Oct 8, 2009 9:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right on. Just remember the moral of the whole story – never ask a Dane to do a Swede’s job.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 8, 2009 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
And hire Swiss mercenaries to do a lot of the fighting, and do i tin someone else’s back yar?
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Oct 8, 2009 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I believe that the Middle East’s problem is that they haven’t had a 30 Years War, or, more precisely, a Peace of Westphalia. Until the independent States learn to recognize the religious autonomy of the other independent States there is bound to be continued friction and violence. Wait, where am I?
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 8, 2009 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wait, where am I?
Blogging from the most powerful city in the world. Duh.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Oct 8, 2009 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good amount of Caps talk on the LaVar Arrington show yesterday, if anyone’s interested (links to the audio here).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 8, 2009 8:10 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
They talked about hockey? For a change?
Not for nothing, and LaVar’s a nice guy, but an absolute train wreck to listen to.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Oct 8, 2009 8:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
honestly – i gave LaVar a solid shot and he’s not half bad. Chad Dukes gets on my nerves more then Lavar does.
by vt caps fan on Oct 8, 2009 9:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He’s okay. I thought he was a total bust when he did that “play with the Caps” feature for Comcast last season, but on the radio he holds his own. Nothing spectacular, and I don’t listen to him all that much. Missed all the Caps talk yesterday for example.
by gfcaps fan on Oct 8, 2009 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Chad Dukes was awesome until they broke him off of Oscar Santana and made him talk sports. Dukes is just blatantly not a hockey fan, and would rather push MMA and Basketball and Football, because he likes them. He views baseball as “It’s there, and people like it” and has blinders on that only show him glimpses of the 1970s when it comes to hockey. “It isn’t an American game blah blah – Basketball – That’s an American game.” gtf over it.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Oct 8, 2009 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rink readers know that the 8-19-28 line is the Care Bears, for its tendency to get too cute and over-pass.
by TylerG on Oct 8, 2009 8:11 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Of course. But that’s not exactly a “bad ass” line name like “The Capital Punishment” line or something similarly overly macho.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 8, 2009 8:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, and that kind of thing comes off as, well, overly macho. A little truth in line-naming goes a long way.
by TylerG on Oct 8, 2009 8:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or…
The “Mutually Assured Destruction” Line
The “Shock and Aw, Crap…Are They On the Ice Again” Line
The “Boudreau Squadron” Line
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 8, 2009 8:25 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Love the second one, Peerless :P talk about truth in line-naming. You KNOW that’s what goes through defenders’ minds (with the exception of maybe Chara, but…he posed nude for ESPN so he no longer counts).
by Becca H on Oct 8, 2009 8:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Shock Or Awe?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 8, 2009 8:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rec’d for the first one Peerless… nice.
by Sct112 on Oct 8, 2009 8:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
How about the “Holy Shit Nobody Can Stop Them But Themselves So Why Does Everyone Hate On The Insane Production” Line.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 8, 2009 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
“Oh no! It’s the HSNCSTBTSWDEHOTIP Line!”
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 8, 2009 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
let’s just call it what the opposing guys on the ice call it. The “Oh damn, they’re gonna score” line!
by RedBirdie on Oct 8, 2009 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Semin’s curling near the offensive blue line, someone’s going to score, anyway.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 8, 2009 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
How about making it simple and just call them what they are: " The Best Line in Hockey"
by b.orr4 on Oct 8, 2009 9:29 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
How about the BOS (pronounced BOZ) line they can all wear flattops, awesome half shirts, and maybe get run over by Bo Jackson in a goal line stand…
by Sct112 on Oct 8, 2009 8:38 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
personally, I call them the Fluffy Bunny line. Very cute, put also the potential to become really ugly roadkill.
by RedBirdie on Oct 8, 2009 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
How ’bout Voldemort – the line that is SO scary lethal that no team dare speak its name…
IS PAЯTY NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Oct 8, 2009 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
haha, my friend actually calls Varly Voldemort
"No Brooks Laich, no win. Know Brooks Laich, know win."
by kellobellow on Oct 8, 2009 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Care Bears is inspiring and awesome and think – if you get beat by the Care Bears, it’s even more painful.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Oct 8, 2009 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I still like the SOB line. They make opponents say it when they’ve got the puck and us say it when they over-pass or take a stupid penalty.
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 8, 2009 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I will never eschew SOB for Care Bears. Never.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 8, 2009 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
SOB was Simon Oates Bondra. I’m not giving that moniker to Semin Ovechkin Backstrom.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Oct 8, 2009 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, you or someone else mentioned that before. It’s so not even close to comparable. Only Bondra actually played his prime as a Cap and will go down historically as a Cap. At least 2/3 of the SOB line are going to be Caps for their prime (and historically). I don’t think there is any way we look back after a decade or so and consider the earlier SOB as more significant to the franchise than the current SOB.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 8, 2009 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for the kind words, Scotty.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 8, 2009 8:19 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, nice words and a nice game day post.
Was this a Freudian slip though?
This game will not be for the faint of heart. Both teams love to turn up the offense and the Caps have suck scary skill … ugh, I can feel my blood pressure rising already.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
by zephyr on Oct 8, 2009 9:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Haha, perhaps it was Zeph, perhaps it was.
And anytime JP – as I’ve said many a time, you do a helluva job, I love coming over here.
BTW – in case you guys didn’t see, Zipay is reporting that Valley will start in net for the Rangers …
I have a blog too! www.scottyhockey.com
Let's Go Rangers!
by Scotty Hockey on Oct 8, 2009 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And Caps are starting Theo.
Go JT60!
IS PAЯTY NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Oct 8, 2009 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting. Too many bad memories for The King already?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 8, 2009 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Torts has AO on his fantasy team.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 8, 2009 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Someone already called that. I didn’t see that coming at all. Any speculation as to why? Lundy tired? Afraid ;)
by Sct112 on Oct 8, 2009 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
In preparation for his approximately 150 starts this year both here and in the Olympics.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Oct 8, 2009 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly – already played three games in four nights to start the season, and will likely play at least five games in Vancouver as Sweden repeats for gold =)
I have a blog too! www.scottyhockey.com
Let's Go Rangers!
by Scotty Hockey on Oct 8, 2009 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just read Zipay’s blog post; I read it that Valiquette is starting sometime in the stretch that starts Sunday, not tonight. My misread?
by gfcaps fan on Oct 8, 2009 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think you’re right.
Here is the quote for others:
With another three-games-in-four night stretch starting Sunday at 5 (and a back-to-back Monday against Toronto at the Garden), Henrik Lundqvist is expected to get a breather, with Steve Valiquette between the pipes for the first time this season in one of those two.
So he’ll be playing the Ducks or Leafs.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
by zephyr on Oct 8, 2009 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just saw that too – my bad. Perhaps Valley will play vs. the Leafs with the Rangers putting Hank in to showcase him to the kiddies on Sunday’s matinee.
I have a blog too! www.scottyhockey.com
Let's Go Rangers!
by Scotty Hockey on Oct 8, 2009 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
[I]t’s always good to know you have smart and witty people who’ve got your back.
Always. Oh, and I’ve got your back, too!
by Becca H on Oct 8, 2009 8:20 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Should we waive Scotty’s initiation into our group of elitists?
by mechanicsville on Oct 8, 2009 8:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
no, he still needs to bring us…..ARUGULA!
by RedBirdie on Oct 8, 2009 9:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You mean he needs to send a carrier pigeon to his personal servant to tell his kitchen staff to send their grocery slave to take a picture of arugula to deliver to his commissioned artist to reproduce a sculpture of said arugula to place on the sidewalk of a busy DC street populated by hobos while a video camera records an exchange between two persons who fight over the right to eat the arugula, but when one dies and the other breaks his teeth on the marble representation, he laughs and then sups on the dead hobo that has been collected for him by his kitchen staff’s grocery slave’s personal butcher, because he, as he pledged long ago, never eats anything but peasant.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 8, 2009 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
No, he just has to promise not to dump a beer on us.
IS PAЯTY NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Oct 8, 2009 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
rather than arugula, maybe Scotty can bring us red ponchos.
by RedBirdie on Oct 8, 2009 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Goddamn, you guys trivialized my awesome contribution to the elitism thread :-).
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 8, 2009 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s the Rangers, DP. Gotta speak slowly and use small woids.
IS PAЯTY NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Oct 8, 2009 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
pictures help.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 8, 2009 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don’t worry, I’ll give you some love. That was some damn good run-on sentencing.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Oct 8, 2009 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I especially enjoyed pp. 24, 28-29 of Ryder’s writeup. Apparently, Mike Green and Alex Semin are pretty good hockey players. Not bad seeing Nicky at #15 on list of best forwards, either. And all this time I thought it was a one-man show.
by mechanicsville on Oct 8, 2009 8:34 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Can we all pool our money together and get Alan Ryder a full-time job in hockey? And I don’t mean like Bill James to the BoSox full time job. I’m talking about something where we all get to read his scholarship. Because scholarship is what it is. He’s advancing the state of knowledge, and it sucks that it happens at a one-report-per-year pace. I want to learn more faster!
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 8, 2009 8:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wait, five minutes ago the Thirty Years War was enough for you.
by TylerG on Oct 8, 2009 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, we covered the Thirty Years War when I was 17. I was firmly in the “ceiling tiles” camp.
I do remember that some dude got defenestrated, and his life was saved because he fell into a wagon full of manure. So, you know, you take your lessons where you can get them.
Gustavus Adolphus da bomb.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 8, 2009 9:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
defenestrated
Nice. That might be my favorite word. Either that or trollop.
by Sct112 on Oct 8, 2009 9:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
“Indefatigable” is always fun 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 8, 2009 9:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Those are all words that would sound awesome when pronounced by Ricardo Montalban…especially ‘indefatigable’.
But Brawndo's got what plants crave. It's got electrolytes.
by hotdog88gt on Oct 8, 2009 9:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Same here. I had a history teacher at Gonzaga College High School SHOW us the meaning of defenestration by throwing another student’s math homework, which he was doing illicitly in the middle of a lecture, out our third floor window. The textbook and notes smashed unto the hood of an SUV on Eye Street and our teacher nonchalantly returned to his lecture.
That’s some good education right there.
I don't care how you score goals. Pretty or ugly. The ballet or the bulldozer. However you do it, just do it. And make sure you do it more than the other guys.
by Holt Worth on Oct 8, 2009 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
why is it that every guy I’ve ever talked to about the 30 years war comes away remembering nothing but the Defenestration of Prague?
by RedBirdie on Oct 8, 2009 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Because the Defenestration of Prague was awesome!
How’s this — I also remember that it wasn’t thirty years long…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 8, 2009 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wait? I thought it was the 100 years war that wasn’t 100 years.
by Sct112 on Oct 8, 2009 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
you are correct, sir. But the 30 years war was fought (on and off) from 1618-1648.
My undergrad specialty was the creation of the modern nation-state as a result of the Peace of Westphalia. I knwo more about the 30 years war than I really wanted to.
by RedBirdie on Oct 8, 2009 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s a wonder that the Spanish Inquisition lasted as long as it did: no one expected it.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 8, 2009 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
You can learn more better if you punctuate correctly. ;), as in “more, faster”.
Just jaggin’.
by S h a g g y on Oct 8, 2009 9:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s assuming I didn’t mean it exactly as written…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 8, 2009 9:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ryder is fascinating reading. Matt Bradley (our Matt Bradley?!) as the best defensive-first forward in the NHL? Well, knock me over with a feather! Off to do more reading.
by RedBirdie on Oct 8, 2009 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I enjoy page 34 or so, where Jeff Schultz is the 13th best defensive defenseman in the NHL.
by David M. Getz on Oct 8, 2009 9:30 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I remember that name from somewhere.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Oct 8, 2009 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It probably sounds off because it doesn’t have the word “sucks” right after it.
by David M. Getz on Oct 8, 2009 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn’t mind seeing, before too long, a top-4 of Green-Schultz and Poti-Kid (probably Alzner).
Pothier-ShaMo is a pretty strong 3rd pairing.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 8, 2009 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think it’d be hard to wrong with that top four down the road but I’m not comfortable with Schultz playing Green given the fact that he’s not a great skater.
Personally I’d stick Alzner with Green (because Alzner’s a smart, solid, all around player who should be able to log big minutes) and Schultz with Poti (because I like those guys as a solid defense-first pairing).
by David M. Getz on Oct 8, 2009 9:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Me too. Gabby tried 55-52 late last year and it was not notably successful.
by TylerG on Oct 8, 2009 9:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Except when it, um, was (as in the best goal differential of any pairing they used last year).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 8, 2009 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Oops. I had remembered it as the exact opposite, the worst ‘regular’ pairing. Funny, I was even thinking of that post. I should have looked.
by TylerG on Oct 8, 2009 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I come out the exact opposite way, actually. I think Green-Alzner is ideal for the future, but Alzner ain’t ready for that responsibility yet. Green-Schultz may not be as natural a pairing, but Schultz is ready now for that responsibility.
I see only three reasonable choices for Green’s partner this year: Schultz, ShaMo, or GuyWeTradeFor. In some ways, GuyWeTradeFor is the ideal because Poti-Schultz is one hell of a shutdown tandem. But if I have to choose between the guys who are here, I’ll take Schultz.
Green-Schultz for 23-25 minutes a night. Poti-Kid and Pothier-Shamo pretty much split the rest.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 8, 2009 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But Green may be ready for that responsibility. And I’m not sure Alzner isn’t. Play with 52 and you spend a lot of time in the offensive zone…
Schultz is ready for anything. He’s demonstrated that time and time again, most recently against PHL. (And after sitting out two games for no particularly good reason.)
by TylerG on Oct 8, 2009 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed, and I’d add to that that I think it would be best for Alzner/Carlson’s development to be paired with a veteran like Poti (not that the Caps have any other veterans like Poti, so I should just say “Poti”), as opposed to having to constantly think “Oh shit, there goes my partner down below the opponent’s goal line again.”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 8, 2009 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
do you think with consistent playing time and a healthy season that Pothier could become a veteran guy who can guide (for lack of a better word) some of the kids coming up?
by RedBirdie on Oct 8, 2009 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
To an extent, but we’re still talking about a guy with only 300 NHL games under his belt.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 8, 2009 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Pothier’s more veteran than his GP shows. He’s been around and he’s been though a lot of adversity.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 8, 2009 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’d agree with that. But he’s not all that well-seasoned, and has just 29 games of playoff experience.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 8, 2009 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn’t be a bit surprised to see Alzner-Pothier as the third pairing if/once GMGM/Don Fishman fix their cap mess.
by TylerG on Oct 8, 2009 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The pairing I’m looking forward to is Alzner-Carlson. The thought of those two patrolling the blueline together for the next decade has me salivating.
by b.orr4 on Oct 8, 2009 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
In the near-term, I am not looking forward to Alzner-Carlson. They will not — and should not — play together until each has 150+ games under his belt. Rookie-rookie or second-year-rookie pairings are a recipe for disaster and for poor player development. Maybe in, uh, 2012-13.
by TylerG on Oct 8, 2009 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I never meant they should start playing together. Two rookies together, no matter how good, would be a disaster. But after a couple of seasons, they could form a dynamite combo and each brings something to the pairing that the other needs.
by b.orr4 on Oct 8, 2009 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I come out the exact opposite way, actually. I think Green-Alzner is ideal for the future, but Alzner ain’t ready for that responsibility yet. Green-Schultz may not be as natural a pairing, but Schultz is ready now for that responsibility.
Ah, see, I was thinking next year or even the year after that. This year I agree that Alzner with Green would be a mistake.
by David M. Getz on Oct 8, 2009 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i agree with that. Alzner is for sure a future first liner. this year, he will be ready for second line. and i like Schultz on the first line. It took awhile, but i’m over his trip last year that cost us a game.
by hockeyman33 on Oct 8, 2009 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gotta forgive the man with the broken rib, eh?
by David M. Getz on Oct 8, 2009 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Problem with that is that Poti is much less effective on the right side. I think that was part of the problem against Philly, and it’s why I don’t understand benching Pothier. We’ve got lots of D-men to play the left side, but only Green, Pothier, and Juice on the right, at least until Carlson arrives. Eventually it should be Schultz-Alzner on the left and Green-Carlson on the right, in any order.
by Kirg on Oct 8, 2009 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Easy to read and insightful!
My biggest take-away was the affirmation that we had average defense and below average goaltending in 2008-09. I think our defense would have been rated much worse if we weren’t so offensively gifted up front and had our forwards control the puck as often as they did.
by topshelf_22304 on Oct 8, 2009 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A call to arms for putting the Patrick Division band back together. [Two in the Box]
It’s all well and good for Caps fans to talk about what we want, but realignment is something that would have to be in the entire league’s interest. “We have a rivalry with the Pennsylvania teams” isn’t a good enough reason to change a 30-team league.
And I do think realignment is in the whole league’s interest. It’s criminal to me that Detroit and Toronto — virtual neighbors geographically — aren’t even in the same conference. That would be one of the great rivalries if it were allowed to blossom.
I also think the fact that Dallas, Nashville, and the rest of the American South are split into three divisions is really bad for the sport. These are natural rivals. You wouldn’t split the California teams, but LA and San Jose are farther apart than Nashville is to Atlanta.
And from a Caps’ perspective, the effect of getting a true American South division and of uniting Detroit with Toronto, Montreal and Boston is that it opens up space in the Mid-Atlantic between those regions for Washington to slide in with Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey.
The details can be played with, as we have in the other thread on this topic (four divisions or six? etc.) But the point is, if you’re a Caps fan and want all the teams to change divisions to accommodate us, it helps to find a reason why a change like that would be good for them.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 8, 2009 9:17 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Word. But looking at the reasons why they changed to begin with is ample reason to revert back to an alignment real hockey fans love:
“Soon after Bettman took office, the NHL’s traditional conferences and divisions were renamed to reflect geography (like the NBA) rather than the league’s history (i.e., the Wales and Campbell Conferences, and the Adams, Patrick, Norris, and Smythe Divisions).
Further, hockey fans despised the changes because “Bettman’s mandate was to make hockey appeal further to many American audiences unfamiliar with the game, and who are traditionally more interested in professional baseball, football and basketball.”
“Bettman has also been accused of aggressively pushing the game into non-traditional markets at the expense of traditional ones in order to chase his dream of a major American television contract and to chase expansion money. This resulted in the league slowly losing its significance in the sports world. This accusation does not come without merit.”
(h/t Armchair GM)
by S h a g g y on Oct 8, 2009 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think that’s a stretch. The changes that we’ve seen under Bettman’s watch may not have been all that successful (I argue the jury’s still out) but to say that they’re the cause of the NHL’s profile being lower than it was in the early 90’s is trying to make causation out of correlation in my opinion.
by David M. Getz on Oct 8, 2009 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lockout had a lot to do with it.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 8, 2009 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lockout was huge, as was the trap and the boring style of play.
But I think the biggest thing is that, realistically, the NHL was a trendy sport in the early 90’s. It happens. Every once in a while a smaller sport makes that push – we saw it with NASCAR a few times, and we see it with lacrosse every few years. That’s what happened with the NHL.
I prefer the slow, steady, painful growth in non-traditional markets for the long term.
by David M. Getz on Oct 8, 2009 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Such as, uh, where? What “growth” is there in FLA, PHX, ATL…
I’ll give you growth in DAL, CAR and mayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyybe NSH. But that’s it.
by TylerG on Oct 8, 2009 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A lot of it has to do with the on-ice product – Florida, Phoenix, and Atlanta have been generally poorly run and when teams are bad they lose support. Happened in Boston, happened in Chicago, happened in St. Louis.
Florida was a mistake because Miami is a bad sports town and just too much of a stretch and analysis of Phoenix is clouded by the crappy arena, but I’m not solid on it either. Atlanta will be fine if it ever gets its act together, and NHL expansion/relocation has worked in Carolina, San Jose, Dallas, Tampa, and Anaheim.
I’m not saying all the moves were home runs, but I do think the NHL is right to try and get in the big non-traditional markets and turn hockey in to a national sport.
by David M. Getz on Oct 8, 2009 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But TV ratings in BOS and STL stayed strong. As attendance indicates - and it came back in CHI before they were good, for reasons we all understand - the fans were there and just needed a reason to believe.
I don’t know of any data that indicates the fans are there in FLA or PHX. Or ATL.
San Jose was a semi-traditional market in the sense that the Bay Area had a successful minor league hockey team for years. Anaheim was semi-traditional by virtue of proximity to LA. Tampa is Canada-south.
I don’t disagree completely, but it over-did the strategy.
by TylerG on Oct 8, 2009 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
San Jose was a semi-traditional market in the sense that the Bay Area had a successful minor league hockey team for years. Anaheim was semi-traditional by virtue of proximity to LA. Tampa is Canada-south.
Exactly – there were markets out there where the league could have (and in many cases, did) succeed, and those are the ones it made sense for them to go in to. For the most part I think the league did well. Of the new/relocated teams in non-traditional markets I’d say San Jose, Tampa, Dallas, and Carolina are successes, than the jury is still out on Nashville and Atlanta (though I expect them to be a success soon), and that Phoenix and Miami look like mistakes.
Atlanta will support a team. It has a ton of people, a ton of money, a ton or Northerners, a strong corporate base, and did well in the four month period the team was actually decent. Once they can get something going there, they’ll be fine.
by David M. Getz on Oct 8, 2009 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But Atlanta has never supported professional sports at a level commensurate with that corporate base, per-capita income level, etc. Even the Vick Falcons had to scrap for sellouts. I hear ya, but ATL isn’t a tap-in.
by TylerG on Oct 8, 2009 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Vick Falcons were 47-48-1, though, and played to 98% capacity the only season I could find data for (2006).
I don’t necessarily expect Atlanta to be only of the NHL’s cornerstone markets but I think it’s more than capable of supporting an NHL team.
I also think one of the big things with new NHL teams in these kinds of markets is that you have to give it time. It’s a long-term process and what the franchise’s viability is in 20 years that matters, and I think Atlanta will be fine in the long run.
by David M. Getz on Oct 8, 2009 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Remember that the NFL’s attendance stats are exceptionally fishy. They exclude allegedly premium seating, even if the premium is only $100/season.
by TylerG on Oct 8, 2009 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You sure your love for Hotlanta isn’t biasing your expectations?
by Sct112 on Oct 8, 2009 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Honestly? No.
But I think from watching the way the fan base responded to the team’s drive for the playoffs and their one playoff series and just how big and wealthy the city is, it can sustain an NHL franchise long term. I don’t expect the Thrashers to be near the top in terms of attendance, ratings, or revenue, but I think they can do well enough to legitimize a team being there.
by David M. Getz on Oct 8, 2009 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was kidding around.
I think that sentiment is legit, but I have real trouble seeing Atlanta as a sports town. When their baseball team was one of the best teams in the MLB for 10 years running and they weren’t selling out playoff games, something is missing. I don’t know that much about it, and maybe that was specific to the Braves, but a town that has already lost one NHL franchise doesn’t rate as a likely success story to me.
by Sct112 on Oct 8, 2009 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah there’s no doubt Atlanta’s just not a sports town. Too many out-of-towners, imo. I don’t think the fact that Atlanta had a team that moved out makes much of a difference. Atlanta in the 1970s is very different from present-day Atlanta.
As for the Braves, they were so good for so long I think it got to the point where the attitude was ‘wake us when it’s the NLCS’.
by David M. Getz on Oct 8, 2009 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Growing up I was a Pirates fan… I hate the Braves. Now that I haven’t cared about a team in post season baseball for what? ~13 years (O’s in ’96? and that little bastard Maier in right field) the fact that the town tuned them out just boggles my mind.
by Sct112 on Oct 8, 2009 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That little prick should have been publicly flogged.
Russian Machine Never Breaks
by macvechkin on Oct 8, 2009 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ll be the first in line to flog him should he ever set foot in Baltimore.
Os last made the post season in 1997, btw.
by RedBirdie on Oct 8, 2009 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I support DMG on this. I think the Thrashers are doing surprisingly well given the terrible quality of the on-ice product. Give that city a winner, and they’ll support it.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 8, 2009 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
PHX has got to be hurt by the relocation issue. They will never grow with that looming over their heads.
I think the NHL has too many non-traditional markets. Some should have a team, but Canada needs more than 6 teams. They can support the biggest bases and deserve a team – say, in Winnepeg. A good idea would be to expand to 32 teams and have 4 divisons of 8.
by hockeyman33 on Oct 8, 2009 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Very true. Personally, I’m not too het up about realignment — I just want the names back.
One of the more attractive things about the NHL, to me, is its strong sense of history and continued connection with the people who got it started some 100 years ago. If there is a Patrick Division again, even if we’re not in it, I think that would be good news.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Oct 8, 2009 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s all well and good for Caps fans to talk about what we want, but realignment is something that would have to be in the entire league’s interest. "We have a rivalry with the Pennsylvania teams" isn’t a good enough reason to change a 30-team league. And I do think realignment is in the whole league’s interest. It’s criminal to me that Detroit and Toronto — virtual neighbors geographically — aren’t even in the same conference. That would be one of the great rivalries if it were allowed to blossom.
OK… try this…
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 8, 2009 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
OK, that didn’t work… but we took a shot at realignment
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 8, 2009 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Makes a lot of sense to me.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 8, 2009 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Question: how do you think Brashear will/should be received tonight?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 8, 2009 9:38 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
He should be cheered when his name is announced. He should be laughed at when he rumbles ineffectively through the offensive zone killing a rush. He should be jeered when he takes two or three bad penalties.
(Not so) Bold Prediction: No fight from Brashear tonight. Sugden scratched that itch less than two weeks ago. If Brashear fights one of the Caps, it’ll come in another game this year.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 8, 2009 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Some kid asked Laich, Steckel and Bradley whether they would fight Brashear at the Convention and it took Brads about 0.2 seconds to say “NO”. It was both hilarious and true.
They know what he’s capable of, and since he left there’s no one on our team who has that Brashear-ness about him. Erskine’s probably the closest to being in his league, and that’s a stretch. My (not so) bold prediction? No fights between Brash and any of the Caps this year.
by Becca H on Oct 8, 2009 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Sugden can go toe-to-toe with older Brash pretty well. I’m happy with having no “enforcer” on the team so far though.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
by zephyr on Oct 8, 2009 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Clark could. Wouldn’t want him to.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 8, 2009 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Clark would get his ass handed to him. Don’t get me wrong, I think he could take every single punch but I don’t see a guy that never fights being able to land a blow with a fighter of Brash’s caliber.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
by zephyr on Oct 8, 2009 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Why should anyone fight Brashear? We’re the team that makes the other team pay for aggressiveness, right? If he tries to engage, decline and draw the penalty, a la Erskine the other night.
by gfcaps fan on Oct 8, 2009 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Clark could. Wouldn’t want him to.
That would be the fistic equivalent of bringing a knife to a gun fight.
by b.orr4 on Oct 8, 2009 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
That would be the fistic equivalent of bringing a toy sword to a gun fight.
Fixed that for ya. I love Clark but he shouldn’t take on a heavyweight – he’s a good middle- to lightweight scrapper.
by Becca H on Oct 8, 2009 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is this a game?
That would be the fistic equivalent of bringing a pool fun noodle to a gun fight.
FTFY.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
by zephyr on Oct 8, 2009 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey now. The Captain > a pool fun noodle.
I mean really.
IS PAЯTY NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Oct 8, 2009 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not the one that brought up fistic! And the noodle could take every punch just like Clark could.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
by zephyr on Oct 8, 2009 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I doubt his name will be announced. Even if he starts (unlikely), they just put them up on the scoreboard without any announcement, right?
"Let the rest be scared of us." - Sasha Semin
by Scott in Shaw on Oct 8, 2009 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yup. I hope to only hear it when it precedes “Two minutes for…”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 8, 2009 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A little warmer than Avery’s debut.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Oct 8, 2009 9:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m betting he gets a warmer reaction than he did in NY. Apparently, the Rangers didn’t introduce the players individually in their home opener because they didn’t want Brash to get booed. I’m wondering if their management is rethinking that signing.
by b.orr4 on Oct 8, 2009 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I dont get NY fans
It’s not like Blair Betts was Mark Messier or Brian Leetch or someone beloved to all Rangers – why do they hate him so much?
by S h a g g y on Oct 8, 2009 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well there was also the time Brashear sucker punched Aaron Ward.
Plus people liked Betts because he was a hard working, girtty, penalty killing, team-first guy. I’d expect the same reaction from Caps fans if someone hit Quintin Laing or Matt Bradley like that.
by David M. Getz on Oct 8, 2009 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not only that, but he got away with it. A five-minute major there might very well have been the end for the Caps, but instead, they rallied and won the game and series (obviously). It was a major turning point in the series.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 8, 2009 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right on all points folks. While our skill players sucked the suck all too often, Bettsy worked shift in and shift out. He did everything he could do (which sadly didn’t include scoring) and he – along with Sjostrom and Hank – made the Ranger penalty kill the best in the NHL.
Brash is a lowbrowed mongoloid who gives hockey players a bad name. And, in addition to the Ward sucker punch and the Betts hit, got his ass kicked by a senior citizen. in Shanny after running around making cheap hits.
I have a blog too! www.scottyhockey.com
Let's Go Rangers!
by Scotty Hockey on Oct 8, 2009 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let’s not mention Shanahan. I’m still mourning that loss to the NHL.
by David M. Getz on Oct 8, 2009 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Quit sugar coating it, Scotty, and tell us how you really feel.
Interested to see Del Zotto and the other kid they’ve got back there, whose name escapes me. Should be a fun one.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
by fat_daddyo on Oct 8, 2009 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Interested to see Del Zotto and the other kid they’ve got back there, whose name escapes me.
Gilroy.
by David M. Getz on Oct 8, 2009 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s what it is. Gilroy.
I’m particularly interested to see who they’re on the ice against – wondering who Torts tries to get out there against the Care Bears, and if he throws the rookies into the fire.
Rangers have played the Pens, Sens, and NJD. Both times I’ve seen them (Pens, but briefly, and the Devils) they’ve looked good. The Caps present a different challenge with their speed up front to the Devils.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
by fat_daddyo on Oct 8, 2009 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pens were a good test and they played them well. The Sens and the Devils look pretty bad so far this year. Esp. the Devils, I could see the NYI battling with them for worst in the division.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
by zephyr on Oct 8, 2009 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
PIT is not the PIT we all know and hate. They’ve had absolutely no urgency or intensity so far this season. Look at their games against NYI and PHX. I wouldn’t take too much from the NYR/PIT game.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 8, 2009 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Staal has always done well against OV so I wouldn’t bet you’d see much of MDZ or Gilroy there. Over the last two games the coaches have been picking MDZ’s spots and limiting both of the rooks in the third periods so I don’t think they would face the Care Bears (haha) that much.
I have a blog too! www.scottyhockey.com
Let's Go Rangers!
by Scotty Hockey on Oct 8, 2009 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, but now Ovie has his personal enforcer – of whom Staal is quite afraid – skating on his line…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 8, 2009 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Bring out your bongos!
I have a blog too! www.scottyhockey.com
Let's Go Rangers!
by Scotty Hockey on Oct 8, 2009 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Every time I see that picture it looks just as weird as the first time.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
by zephyr on Oct 8, 2009 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just as weird? Or just as awesome?
by David M. Getz on Oct 8, 2009 1:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Everybody was kung-fu figh-tin’…
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 8, 2009 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
the vote “awesome.”
I’m still bitter I got stuck in North Carolina and missed that game.
by RedBirdie on Oct 8, 2009 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was at that game, and coincidentally enough I’ll be at tonight’s game. I can only hope (pray) for a rematch.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Oct 8, 2009 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You want Semin to fight Staal again? Semin was lucky he didnt take a beating, and he did get kicked out of the game, but hey – maybe the boys’ will make him wear his strap tonight.
by hockeyman33 on Oct 8, 2009 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Always a crowd pleaser:
IS PAЯTY NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Oct 8, 2009 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s imagining Nicky’s and Mike’s faces at the time is what makes it doubly hilarious for me.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 8, 2009 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Needs some MS Paint bubble-thoughts…
AO and Green simultaneously: “Hooooooolyyyyy sheeeeit”
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
by fat_daddyo on Oct 8, 2009 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
got his ass kicked by a senior citizen. in Shanny after running around making cheap hits
This is some revisionist history of that fight.
I also always love when fans who are in love with their own enforcers rail about those on other teams being dirty. Colton Orr wasn’t exactly a model citizen. Every enforcer is going to have several questionable hits for opposing fans to get up in arms about. Comes with the job.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Oct 8, 2009 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ryan Hollweg who?
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 8, 2009 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So if Brash fought Poti who would you root for?
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 8, 2009 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s just cruel.
I have a blog too! www.scottyhockey.com
Let's Go Rangers!
by Scotty Hockey on Oct 8, 2009 6:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I still think that it was less about Betts and more about the humiliation of Coach Tortorella. IMO that was the real reason Brash got six full days in stir.
And the NY fans are upset more because Brash doesn’t add a lot offensively. AFAICT.
IS PAЯTY NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Oct 8, 2009 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Completely untrue as we would have been more than happy to keep Colton Orr instead of getting Brash. We loved Orrsie, and he brought nothing to the table offensively.
I have a blog too! www.scottyhockey.com
Let's Go Rangers!
by Scotty Hockey on Oct 8, 2009 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fair enough. Thanks for the info.
IS PAЯTY NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Oct 8, 2009 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wild and Baseless Prediction of the Gameâ„¢: A wizard-like save will stun the Verizon Center crowd, as the Caps are robbed of a would-be chip-in goal by the glove of… Valiquette.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
by winterion on Oct 8, 2009 9:41 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
So you think tonight will be one of the 5 games he starts this season or Lundy will get injured? I don’t see him getting pulled unless the Caps put up about 6 quick ones.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
by zephyr on Oct 8, 2009 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or eliminate a 4-0 deficit or something impossible like that.
by S h a g g y on Oct 8, 2009 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sends the wrong signal to bypass your workhorse against the team that put you out of the playoffs…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Oct 8, 2009 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And it’s simply not the way to win a game.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 8, 2009 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Holy crap, you might be on to something with these predictions. Did you read about this earlier in the day or something?
Scotty Hockey just wrote up top:
BTW – in case you guys didn’t see, Zipay is reporting that Valley will start in net for the Rangers …
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
by zephyr on Oct 8, 2009 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nope. All WBPG’s are made with absolutely zero input (hence, the baselessness!)
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
by winterion on Oct 8, 2009 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
that's been updated from the beat guys at the skate to Hank ...
I have a blog too! www.scottyhockey.com
Let's Go Rangers!
by Scotty Hockey on Oct 8, 2009 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Honestly, I have a hard time believing that the Rags wouldn’t start Hank.
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 8, 2009 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
For those interested
The Game Notes have been posted
by PaintDrinkingPete on Oct 8, 2009 10:40 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Auger and Walsh. Meh.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 8, 2009 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wasn’t Auger a ref at the Philly game as well?
by PaintDrinkingPete on Oct 8, 2009 10:43 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yes.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 8, 2009 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There’s an augury joke in here somewhere, but I can’t figger out the punchline…
IS PAЯTY NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Oct 8, 2009 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
In related news, Auger is still looking for the real killer.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 8, 2009 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Beats pitching for the Indians.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Oct 8, 2009 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I dunno...
I bet Ogea is making more $$ than Auger
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on Oct 8, 2009 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also of note this morning: The Penguins getting shut out 3-0 at home by Phoenix, of all teams. That’s a victory for all of us.
"My face is my mask."
by jakeshapiro on Oct 8, 2009 11:00 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Watched the game on the NHL network…Sammy Lepisto getting solid minutes and playing well fro the Coyotes.
by Direction 87 on Oct 8, 2009 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Watched that game, too. I’m not sure you can take too much away from it as far as Lepisto’s performance goes.
Phoenix was playing a very trappy style, especially when they went up by 2, and the Pens just couldn’t figure out how to deal with it. They never got their forecheck going, and they took 10 penalties, so it was a completely discombobulated effort by them.
Lepisto looked good, but mainly it had to do with the Pens looking horrible.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
by fat_daddyo on Oct 8, 2009 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You’d think that Top 4 D would have not given up so many goals.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Oct 8, 2009 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Ha. I watched that game partly to see the stellar Mark Eaton…
PHO didn’t really generate a lot of offense – they scored 2 on the PP and one EN. Pitt just couldn’t get anything going in the O-zone, and the couple of times they did, they killed their momentum with penalties.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
by fat_daddyo on Oct 8, 2009 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think the fact that he was playing at all was surprising to me. Penguins were asleep. Must have been that “trap” game as they overlooked Phoenix for Philly tonight.
by Direction 87 on Oct 8, 2009 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If the Pens give the same effort as last night (doubtful) and the Flyers play like they did on Tuesday, this one will be a blowout.
I was surprised the Bylsma didn’t call a TO to let his troops regroup a bit mentally. The neutral zone was so clogged up, but the Pens kept trying to skate the puck through it. They needed to dump the puck and pound PHO in the corners, which never really happened.
That kind of game plays right to Lepisto’s strengths – he’s got good wheels and decent hands, so he had no problems tracking down the loose puck and getting it out of the zone.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
by fat_daddyo on Oct 8, 2009 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They dumped the puck almost the whole 3rd period but they either A. didn’t win the chase or B. tried to force some crappy scoring chance that went right on to a ’Yotes stick.
I think they just sucked plain and simple. They could have dumped and chased the entire game and I would have been surprised if they got one goal.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
by zephyr on Oct 8, 2009 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They dumped, but they didn’t pound Phoenix down low – thought PHO had basically easy clears the whole period.
Bad efforts happen. No big deal. No way in hell I’m writing off the Penguins, for the record.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
by fat_daddyo on Oct 8, 2009 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I know they didn’t “pound” them down low. Just like I said, they either got beat to the puck or when they would get it they would promptly cough it up.
I don’t think anyone is writing them off either. This is basically them just going through some growing pains again trying to get some line\team\chemistry going.
I’m mad we have to wait so long for the first Caps vs Pens game. Those have been some of the best games the past few seasons.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
by zephyr on Oct 8, 2009 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
“pound them low”+a Sidney Crosby team=[I’ll let you answer this one]
by RedBirdie on Oct 8, 2009 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Boris Valabik thanks you for the shout-out.
by Becca H on Oct 8, 2009 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
PIT refused to dump the puck in when PHX clogged the neutral zone. PIT had no speed or intensity. Not a good game for them all around. I didn’t even realize Lepisto was playing for most of the game.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 8, 2009 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And for those of you keeping score at home, Crsoby has three points for the season and Malkin two. Additionally, Chris Bourque got 9:42 of playing time and Brent Johnson took the loss.
by b.orr4 on Oct 8, 2009 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Johnny did look pretty good though—both of PHX’s goals with him in net were the fault of him being hung out to dry by a lazy Pens defense.
Also, his new mask is quite badass. Even though a few of the Pensburgh commenters seem not to know why it says “Johnny” on it.
"My face is my mask."
by jakeshapiro on Oct 8, 2009 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bourque was completely invisible out there. I don’t know for sure, but I have to think he dressed as a wake up call to the team after the Isles took them to OT? He didn’t do anything to warrant a sweater again, imo.
Johnson was rarely tested, but made a few nice saves. The goals that were scored were not his fault, really; both on the PP and both from close range.
Also of note on the ex-Capital watch: Matt Cooke cost the team a goal (that would have made the score 2-1 with plenty of time left and almost surely led to the tying goal) when he cross-checked Jovanovski in the crease. Thought the call was debatable, but still…not a good effort.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
by fat_daddyo on Oct 8, 2009 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
On the Cooke call, I caught a glimpse on On the Fly this morning, and they had him highlighted to show the penalty. I don’t think there was any question, unless they had been playing the Caps. (whine)
by gfcaps fan on Oct 8, 2009 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, he did give him a shove from behind, but the way Jovo went down was a complete flop in my book. Granted, it was probably an even up as Crosby, erm, “bought” a call earlier in the period with a little tumble of his own.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
by fat_daddyo on Oct 8, 2009 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was a dive, notwithstanding however they want to characterize it on Pensburgh.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 8, 2009 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Other than falling on his face for no reason I don’t think C-Bo played worse than anyone not named Staal. At least he didn’t take a penalty or two like half of his team did.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
by zephyr on Oct 8, 2009 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, they played CBo on Malkin’s line, iirc, and not a checking line, but he wasn’t digging out pucks, wasn’t creating turnovers on the forecheck…not doing any of those “gritty” things that he’s supposed to be able to do.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
by fat_daddyo on Oct 8, 2009 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So do the Caps pick him up when the Pens put him on waivers?
by Stormblue on Oct 8, 2009 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I agree he wasn’t the energizer bunny but the whole team (sans BJ) wasn’t good and barely had the puck. Half of Malkins passes to Chris never made it to him.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
by zephyr on Oct 8, 2009 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He spent most of the night on the 4th line skating with Adams and . . . someone else that I can’t remember right now. He wasn’t skating much with Malkin.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Oct 8, 2009 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also a game that the Crosby haters would feast on. I’m on record that Crosby changed my mind about him, with his play against the Caps in the playoffs last year. He played the kind of hockey that makes you fall in love with the game, and that you devoutly hope to see from your team.
Last night, not so much. In fact, he showcased the sides of his temperament and game that his detractors focus on. He took a couple of slashing calls, which were just undisciplined. And he spent a lot of time with a real angry look on his face, barking at the refs. He followed that up by feeling a stick around his knee and tumbling theatrically to the ice (at other times, he was generally what we remember: a guy that you can’t get off the puck with a forklift).
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
by fat_daddyo on Oct 8, 2009 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He also drew an interference call at center ice that pretty much should disgust most fans. Sid doesn’t fall off his skates all that easily but he did when bumped by a defender. After that call, he pretty much whined the rest of the game.
But Brawndo's got what plants crave. It's got electrolytes.
by hotdog88gt on Oct 8, 2009 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
was that the dive that had even the Pittsburgh TV guys were calling a dive?
by RedBirdie on Oct 8, 2009 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes.
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 8, 2009 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lack of Respect for Backstrom
Continues to puzzle me…he seems to not be on anyone’s “tops” list. Why is everyone else just missing “it” with him? I bet other teams are paying attention.
by Direction 87 on Oct 8, 2009 11:08 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Backstrom has to be watched for some length of time to develop an appreciation for him. He’s not going to make that “rush down the middle and dish” like Magic Johnson leading the break. He’s going to get the puck in the corner, ward off a defender (he’s remarkably strong on his skates), create some space, take his time, and thread a pass to someone in a position to do something with the puck. It’ll have all the excitement of listening to Muzak in the doctor’s waiting lounge. Even when he scores, it’s usually just a flick-o’-the-wrist kind of thing from 10-15 feet. Not much to rave about on SportsCenter there. And he’ll do that a couple times a night. Before you know it, he has 80 points.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 8, 2009 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Shhhh. Maybe he can be signed for less money if no one knows about him.
by gfcaps fan on Oct 8, 2009 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m pretty sure he knows about him, though, and his agent does, as well.
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 8, 2009 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, come on, don’t you know snark when you read it?
by gfcaps fan on Oct 8, 2009 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, actually, I thought the initial response was fairly reasonable: he’ll probably continue to be underrated by the wrong/right people!
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 8, 2009 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, since it’s the Caps who have the only rights to sign him right now, clearly they know how valuable he is. Out on the open market, then maybe it’s not snark, but not what I was thinking.
by gfcaps fan on Oct 8, 2009 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It really does defy logic that guys like Kane and Toews, among others, get much more hype despite producing less than Backstrom.
by Kolzilla on Oct 8, 2009 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I disagree. Kane produced more, at a younger age, with weaker teammates than Backstrom in their respective rookie years. Toews has been a more prolific goal scorer than Backstrom to this point, plays a great defensive game (not that Backstrom’s is bad), and is captaining the resurgent Blackhawks.
That’s not to say they’re necessarily better, but I certainly understand the relative level of attention each is getting.
by David M. Getz on Oct 8, 2009 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hear you, it’s just a little frustrating to see Backstrom rack up nearly 20 points more than either of them and still not receive a fraction of the hype that either of them get.
by Kolzilla on Oct 8, 2009 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nicky is the best-kept secret (well, maybe Laich and Steckel are) in hockey. And while I’d love to see the kid get some love from the media, one day he’s going to have a historic season himself, and all of us in DC are going to look like geniuses for bragging about the guy for years.
by RedBirdie on Oct 8, 2009 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Even more than feeling like geniuses, I hope Nicky helps us feel like fans of the Stanley Cup Champions sometime in the quite near future.
by mechanicsville on Oct 8, 2009 11:48 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
yes, that, too, would be very nice.
by RedBirdie on Oct 8, 2009 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m sensing more and more thatthe so-called “experts” are waking up to just how good Nik is. The color guy on the Versus broadcast continually pointed out that Nik is a lot more than just Ovechkin’s sidekick. When he beats our Crosby for the assist title, they’ll notice him for sure.
by b.orr4 on Oct 8, 2009 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But even then there would be an avalanche of assertions that he only did it because he played with the best goal scorer in the history of earth, whereas Sid plays with dogs.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 8, 2009 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And, you know, Sid has a Cup and all, which, ipso facto, means he’s better.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
by fat_daddyo on Oct 8, 2009 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
As much as I love Backstrom and as much as I hate such lines of argument, Sid is better than Backstrom. Now I’m gonna go puke.
by grapejoos on Oct 8, 2009 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think he was referring to the argument of sid being better than ovi based on him having a cup.
I dunno if anyone disagrees that Sid is better than Backstrom. Although, I think Backstrom is perfect for our first line just based on the fact that he doesn’t fall apart every season.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
by zephyr on Oct 8, 2009 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fair, fair. I think Backstrom is really the perfect player for his role on this team – other than faceoffs, I don’t think I would change a single thing about him even if I could. Hopefully he will stay durable this year. And he is, without question, a top-50 player in the NHL.
by grapejoos on Oct 8, 2009 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
and Ryder certainly had plenty of statistical-based Backstrom love in that monster piece of work he did.
by RedBirdie on Oct 8, 2009 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Better faceoffs would be a plus but I think he’ll hit his stride on those soon enough. It took Sid a long time too — this season he’s been good (expect last night losing 12 of 17, ouch)
I’ll take Backstrom being so-so at faceoffs for now because I love some Laich on PP1.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
by zephyr on Oct 8, 2009 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Watch out or some will start calling you paranoid.
by b.orr4 on Oct 8, 2009 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just because I’m paranoid doesn’t mean people aren’t out to get me.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Oct 8, 2009 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he only did it because he played with the best goal scorer in the history of earth
more props for ovechkin = more hart trophies?
fewer props for backstrom = cheaper contract?
win, win. (one can hope.)
by Natty Bumppo on Oct 8, 2009 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But even then there would be an avalanche of assertions that he only did it because he played with the best goal scorer in the history of earth, whereas Sid plays with dogs.
…woof.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 8, 2009 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow! where did the shirt come from?
by PaintDrinkingPete on Oct 8, 2009 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Some girl puked paint on him.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
by zephyr on Oct 8, 2009 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It looks like something you would have seen at a NKOTB concerts in the early 90’s.
(Not that I would actually know that).
by PaintDrinkingPete on Oct 8, 2009 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seeing that shirt reminds me to check out Perez’ site every once in awhile.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Oct 8, 2009 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am missing something here? I wouldn’t really call playing with Malkin, Gurien and the likes “dogs”.
by Ovechkin on Oct 8, 2009 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t know what that means but the top google result is the Center for Language Education and Development…not really sure what to make of that
by Ovechkin on Oct 8, 2009 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Somebody posted “Capitals Insidered” as “CIed” instead of CI’d or CI’ed…which led to some discussion of what the heck “cled” could mean.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
by fat_daddyo on Oct 8, 2009 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
this is why we need a glossary. i haven’t forgotten..
by Natty Bumppo on Oct 8, 2009 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Crosby only plays with Malkin on the PP so he doesn’t even really count. Peerless was just joking.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
by zephyr on Oct 8, 2009 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
…glad someone got it. Besides, it’d be harder to do it with a picture of Chris Kunitz…he’s more of a chipmunk than a dog.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 8, 2009 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would love, love, LOVE for those ballots to be released so we can see what ass-hats were not even putting Ovechkin in the Top 2. You dominate 1st place votes but finish 2nd? Get off on your hockey-jingoistic self, Canada. And look at this crew – Dan Bylsma ? RUFKM?
Russian Machine Never Breaks
by macvechkin on Oct 8, 2009 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know and I hate to gush but he is SO good!
by Direction 87 on Oct 8, 2009 11:17 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Backstrom for Lady Byng!
IS PAЯTY NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Oct 8, 2009 11:31 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That was one of my bold predictions.
by red army line on Oct 8, 2009 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
According to Tarik, Juice is the odd man out tonight. Any idea why? Erskine clearly needs a break. Or perhaps BB wants to give him a chance to redeem himself?
by Ovechkin on Oct 8, 2009 12:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
My only guess is that Gabby thinks he may need some guys who can drop the gloves tonight.
by PaintDrinkingPete on Oct 8, 2009 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That might be a reason, given the heated playoff series between to two last spring. But I gotta feel like Juice is gotta be better with the gloves off than Shucltz (lulz) or Sloan, each of whom have only 1 NHL fight (and Sloan’s doesn’t really count since he didn’t receive a fighting major). And also, their main enforcer right now is Brash, and I can’t really seem any of the Caps who were here the last two years going after Brash. The only plausible fight I can see is a Erskine-Orr or Bradley-Avery
by Ovechkin on Oct 8, 2009 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But I gotta feel like Juice is gotta be better with the gloves off than Shucltz (lulz) or Sloan, each of whom have only 1 NHL fight (and Sloan’s doesn’t really count since he didn’t receive a fighting major).
That’s the same number of NHL fights Jurcina has and his one was one where he was instigated against.
by David M. Getz on Oct 8, 2009 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know that, but I’m going on size and playing style. Juice is huge and can throw some monster hits while Shucltz plays like a Squirt (Ok I’m exaggerating a little). Sloan has thrown only a couple of big hits (at the NHL level and if I remember correctly the big, clean hit in his first game is what led to his “fight”).
by Ovechkin on Oct 8, 2009 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
How about sitting Poti and letting him figure out what exactly was bad about his game Tuesday?
Russian Machine Never Breaks
by macvechkin on Oct 8, 2009 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But maybe BB wants him a chance to get redemption at New York fans for chanting “Poti Sucks” AFTER he scored a goal on them in the playoffs?
by Ovechkin on Oct 8, 2009 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
How about sitting Erskine, who was an absolute disaster?
by David M. Getz on Oct 8, 2009 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Because Erskine is the best fighter on the team and the only true heavy weight, going against a team that features Colton Orr and Donald Brashear
by Ovechkin on Oct 8, 2009 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Orr’s not there anymore, that’s why they have Brash.
by gfcaps fan on Oct 8, 2009 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
WOW I’m embarrassed, thinking about last years playoffs
by Ovechkin on Oct 8, 2009 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Erskine is the better fighter. Poti is the better hockey player.
I disagree that Erskine’s a true heavyweight. The guy doesn’t even look to fight anymore because of his concussions.
by David M. Getz on Oct 8, 2009 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ok he’s not a true heavy weight. But he’s the closes thing by far that the caps have
by Ovechkin on Oct 8, 2009 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And, in all likelihood, he’s not going to fight Brashear or anyone else on the Rangers, rendering the logic of having in the lineup to do so moot.
by David M. Getz on Oct 8, 2009 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I said that above, I was just trying to see it from Bruce’s point of few
by Ovechkin on Oct 8, 2009 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fair enough, I’ve just about given it up myself.
by David M. Getz on Oct 8, 2009 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah...
…There’s only one fight that anyone wants to see: Semin vs. Staal….
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on Oct 8, 2009 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Also, Erskine did an admirable job against NYR last year, especially at beating Avery at his own game.
by Ovechkin on Oct 8, 2009 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
How about reversing the rotation of the Earth and UN-signing him to a 2-year deal?
Russian Machine Never Breaks
by macvechkin on Oct 8, 2009 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hmm, I like the way you think, sir.
by David M. Getz on Oct 8, 2009 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or Ma’am. And if we’re reversing bad Ks…
If you're after gettin' the honey, then you don't go killin' all them bees.
by Fehr and Balanced on Oct 8, 2009 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not totally directed at you macvechkin, but on topic, it seems as if all of the goodwill Erskine had built up since his play solidified towards the end of last season has disappeared after just one game.
I know his status as a 6/7 D means that any mistake(s) he makes become magnified, but the last two days have felt like a full-frontal assault on him. It’s not like he can decline shifts when Bruce overworks him and tells him to get on the ice.
by Cluster on Oct 8, 2009 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Man, it makes less sense by the day.
Ought to sit Erskine…
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
by fat_daddyo on Oct 8, 2009 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks JP...
For those of you sitting behind the visitors bench tonight, remember – you’re in the splash zone. Dress accordingly.
Because of this, my cubicle here at work is now also a Splash Zone…. ;)
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on Oct 8, 2009 12:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I thought that they fixed that with reinforced glass or something?
I have a blog too! www.scottyhockey.com
Let's Go Rangers!
by Scotty Hockey on Oct 8, 2009 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
At the VC yes, in my cube, now… all I have are padded walls. Thankfully, they let me out on Game nights so I can sit in section 421….
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on Oct 8, 2009 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
tonight’s promotion…
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 8, 2009 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
is that like a snuggie rain coat?
Russian Machine Never Breaks
by macvechkin on Oct 8, 2009 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s like a tarp, with sleeves!
IS PAЯTY NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Oct 8, 2009 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you ignore him
He will go away.
Is this the big strategerie for dealing with Nylander?
by DebCapsFan on Oct 8, 2009 1:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
In a sense, yes. He’s not going to play for the Capitals this season except for in the most extreme set of circumstances (and maybe not even then) and the team has to be hoping he’ll decide to let himself be loaned abroad.
by David M. Getz on Oct 8, 2009 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ain't Pepper weighing in today?
Hmmm?
by S h a g g y on Oct 8, 2009 1:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
He’s swamped with his wedding preparation, I believe.
by David M. Getz on Oct 8, 2009 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
priorities… you have to set your priorities…
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Oct 8, 2009 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just like Gretzky was in ’88.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Oct 8, 2009 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gretz was still at the Rink, damn it!
by DrinkingPartner on Oct 8, 2009 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No Sellout?
Ted and George made a big deal this summer about every game being sold out. Now, I just heard on the pre-Cap report that they’ve got a few hundred seats still available for tonight. If they don’t sellout, somebody gots some ’splaining to do.
by b.orr4 on Oct 8, 2009 2:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’m guessing it’s those last-minute holdbacks they’re doing? That and it’s a 1st tier priced might have something to do with it.
"Good crowd out there tonight, boys, let's really try to win this one."
by Bald Pollack on Oct 8, 2009 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
this game is actually middle tier priced
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 8, 2009 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I assume they’ll find a way to call it a sellout. Hey, Ted can come up with a few thousand personal dollars to make it happen.
by gfcaps fan on Oct 8, 2009 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s bullshit. The Caps need to sell out every single game this season. There is no excuse for their to be open seats left to these games.
Get those Caps employees who were cold calling every person in the tristate area to buy playoff tickets to get back on the horn selling single game tickets.
I’m sick of seeing the 200 section empty too. It’s ridiculous.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
by zephyr on Oct 8, 2009 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Under the Category of "Thank Heaven for Small Mercies"...
Looks like Erskine is back on the 3rd pairing.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
by fat_daddyo on Oct 8, 2009 4:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
68 | 45 | 14 | 9 | 99 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
67 | 28 | 27 | 12 | 68 |
|
Atlanta
|
67 | 28 | 29 | 10 | 66 |
|
Florida
|
67 | 28 | 29 | 10 | 66 |
|
Carolina
|
68 | 28 | 32 | 8 | 64 |
(updated 3.14.2010 at 9:01 AM EDT)
The Vault
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
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- Saturday's Three Stars: Pronger's heroics, Bryz blanks Canes
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