Recap: Caps 5, Islanders 4 (SO)
by David M. Getz on Nov 11, 2009 10:57 PM EST
in Game Recaps
291 comments
[AP Recap - GameCenter - Game Summary - Event Summary]
You'd think that after having been taken to overtime six of the last eight times they'd played the Islanders, the Capitals would have figured out that despite the gulf in talent level between the two teams it was going to be important to out work New York in order to win - even if the Caps took the lead eight seconds in. The way the team rallied from behind was impressive and the team effort was eventually there, but the reality is that the Caps shouldn't have had to dig themselves out of that hole in the first place and shouldn't have had to rely on strong individual efforts from Alexander Semin (11 shots, two goals) and Semyon Varlamov (25 saves on 26 shots in relief of Jose Theodore) to get the job done. The biggest problem a hockey team can have is its players thinking - and playing like - they don't need a full effort to win every night. It's almost tempting to excuse against a team as weak as the Islanders (record notwithstanding) but the reality is that it's such a dangerous habit to develop that trending in that direction shouldn't ever be shrugged off.
Ten additional notes on the game:
- Varlamov is now 2-0-0/0.96/.957 in three career relief appearances. There might just be something to this "he's at his best when he's thrown in to a situation unexpectedly" school of thought.
- The Capitals were a bit more chippy that we usually see them, especially the defense corps. That's definitely something we'd like to see more of. Even better would be to start seeing the Capitals instigate it on a regular basis.
- A lot of the blame for the Islanders' first goal goes to Theo for putting that rebound back in the slot, but why wasn't anyone covering Matt Moulson?
- If you play a 65 minute game against a team with both Andy Sutton and Brendan Witt and neither takes a penalty, you're probably not working hard enough.
- A lot of it has to do with the fact that he plays so many minutes and is so actively involved in the game, but it's hard not to wonder if part of the reason Mike Green seems to get targeted night in and night out is because there's no one in the Capitals lineup willing to do anything about it.
- There's perhaps no unwritten rule I hate more than when referees do everything in their power to avoid putting a team on a 5-on-3. A penalty is a penalty is a penalty. Period.
- I'd take Trent Hunter on the Capitals in a heartbeat.
- Milan Jurcina's boarding penalty in the third period was as bad any anything Alex Semin's done this season. Just a dumb, dumb unnecessary foul to commit, and at a crucial point in the game. Add that to his minus-2 rating, his three shot attempts into opposing players, and a giveaway and you've got a night to forget.
- New plan for Eric Fehr: send him to the net, get him the puck, watch him create chances.
- I totally understand why people want to celebrate the "hat trick" that comes as a result of a shootout goal but it really is ridiculous. It's not a goal and it's not a hat trick, and, frankly, it provides ammunition for the critics who say D.C. isn't a hockey town and the Capitals are only drawing fairweather fans.
After playing them three times in three weeks, the Capitals now get to wait until January 26th before they see the Islander again. Good - I need a break from these games.
Game highlights:
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To be fair, Theo probably should have had two of those three goals, and when a goalie plays like garbage it’s really deflating. I thought the Caps badly outworked the NYI tonight, but Juice and his idiotic penalty along with a horrible seven minutes by Theo cost them an easy path to victory.
Throw another log on the “get Alzer here now” fire. He can’t be any worse than Juice.
Also, 11-3-4. This team is pretty damn good.
by Kolzilla on Nov 11, 2009 11:03 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, just as we were thinking that killing off a penalty with a little over two minutes to go meant the game was won, that happened. Boo!
by gfcaps fan on Nov 11, 2009 11:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Is anyone else driven nuts by the tendency to play the “Victory” video when we’ve got a one-goal lead late in the third? It almost invariably results in either overtime or a loss.
Our lives are this moment, the music, the dance ....
Fan Clubs: Sloan, Schultz
by gotsparkly on Nov 12, 2009 12:29 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Absolutely. All I kept thinking was that was the time when Unleash the Fury was totally appropriate. And Ted promised us!
by gfcaps fan on Nov 12, 2009 7:46 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Augh. I don’t have an issue with Inches so much, but Victory jinxes it almost every single time and it makes me crazy. :P
Our lives are this moment, the music, the dance ....
Fan Clubs: Sloan, Schultz
by gotsparkly on Nov 12, 2009 8:04 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I felt that way, too.
Also, the idiots who count the goals — I’m not fond of it in general unless we’re blowing out the other team, but you totally do not do that after the first goal of the game!
by gfcaps fan on Nov 12, 2009 8:15 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The counting doesn’t bother me so much – it’s a goalie taunt – but I agree that you don’t start that one until after the third goal or so.
Our lives are this moment, the music, the dance ....
Fan Clubs: Sloan, Schultz
by gotsparkly on Nov 12, 2009 8:21 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Giving up three quick goals after that, do you think they might not do that next time? And keep in mind that so many of the games have been one-goal affairs; I just get uncomfortable with it in those circumstances.
by gfcaps fan on Nov 12, 2009 8:30 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Do you think the team might not be stupid next time? :) If we’ve got three goals, I’m good with it, and I’ll even join in when it gets to four or five. To each his own, I suppose – I’m just glad that people are starting to jeer at the goalies and be amusing fans. It makes the atmosphere more fun.
Our lives are this moment, the music, the dance ....
Fan Clubs: Sloan, Schultz
by gotsparkly on Nov 12, 2009 9:21 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Do you think the team might not be stupid next time? :)
You’re not actually looking for an answer to that question, rignt? ;-)
by gfcaps fan on Nov 12, 2009 9:25 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hahaha. No, I was being rhetorical :)
Our lives are this moment, the music, the dance ....
Fan Clubs: Sloan, Schultz
by gotsparkly on Nov 12, 2009 9:46 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
As long as they don’t play “The Hockey Song” during Third Period. Every time I go to a game and they play that song, bad things happen. Never have seen the Caps win when they played if, even if they had the lead. Example: Colorado last year; NY Rangers this year; Columbus this year.
by CapsFan75 on Nov 12, 2009 6:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Aw. I miss The Hockey Song. Personally, I think it’s better than a lot of the crap they put on the big screen now. I loathe the scenes from “Hot Rod” they’re showing now.
by Yoshietree on Nov 12, 2009 7:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I thought the Caps badly outworked the NYI tonight, but Juice and his idiotic penalty along with a horrible seven minutes by Theo cost them an easy path to victory.
So the Caps played good those first seven minutes, it’s just Theo that sucked. Right…
"I'm just doing karate and trying to get females pregnant."
by Bald Pollack on Nov 12, 2009 7:44 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Aside from the first seven minutes, they did play pretty solid. It was obvious for long stretches of the final 40 who the more talented team was. Of course, it wasn’t a 9-1 slaughter (holy crap, Red Wings, sheesh), but I think we played most of the game better than the final score indicates.
Our lives are this moment, the music, the dance ....
Fan Clubs: Sloan, Schultz
by gotsparkly on Nov 12, 2009 8:05 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I know, but to singularly fault Theo when the team wasn’t playing well?
"I'm just doing karate and trying to get females pregnant."
by Bald Pollack on Nov 12, 2009 8:09 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No, I agree with you. Nobody was sharp out there in that first seven minutes.
3 goals in 5 shots is still brutal.
Our lives are this moment, the music, the dance ....
Fan Clubs: Sloan, Schultz
by gotsparkly on Nov 12, 2009 8:12 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
There are two reasons to pull a goalie in-game: a) he’s sucking and you can’t let him go any further, and b) the team’s sucking and they need a wake-up call. I think last night’s hook was for both of these reasons.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 12, 2009 8:54 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Thanks for saying this better than I did.
"I'm just doing karate and trying to get females pregnant."
by Bald Pollack on Nov 12, 2009 9:07 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
An avalanche starts with one snowflake. And that was a bad rebound — again — right up the middle less than a minute after the Caps stuck the Islanders on their heels. It took all the air out of the building. The other goals were merely the snow rolling down the mountain.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Nov 12, 2009 9:15 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Colorado was at home tonight.
Our lives are this moment, the music, the dance ....
Fan Clubs: Sloan, Schultz
by gotsparkly on Nov 12, 2009 9:22 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Er, away against Chicago was night.
Our lives are this moment, the music, the dance ....
Fan Clubs: Sloan, Schultz
by gotsparkly on Nov 12, 2009 9:22 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
cmasisak22
FWIW, George McPhee did not deny the Nylander report by RDS. When I asked if 92 going to the KHL was done, he said “I don’t know.”
Gah! Of course he knows!
"And next year it will be ours."
by Ovechwin on Nov 11, 2009 11:06 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Don’t know if it popped up the game thread, but I apparently our not so reliable source (Chesnokov) says it’s done and the Minsk president was in the house tonight.
by gfcaps fan on Nov 11, 2009 11:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yea, I posted it :P
"And next year it will be ours."
by Ovechwin on Nov 12, 2009 12:07 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
If he’s just waiting for Nylander to finish whatever he needs to do before the deal becomes final, it’s conceivable he wouldn’t.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Nov 12, 2009 12:26 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
…Capitals are only drawing fairweather fans.
Well, there are certainly many new fans. I’m one. I only started following the Caps in the last year or two. A winning team will do that.
But I think we’re learning :) Only a few hats came down this time.
by Smithy on Nov 11, 2009 11:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
At least they don’t throw hats arbitrarily, and at least people know what a hat trick is.
I’ll take silly hat throwers before an empty arena any day, and I’ve seen other fan bases do it as well. Sorry we don’t have the tenured fans that original six teams have, but they all have 50-70 years on us.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 12, 2009 1:44 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I totally understand why people want to celebrate the “hat trick” that comes as a result of a shootout goal but it really is ridiculous. It’s not a goal and it’s not a hat trick, and, frankly, it provides ammunition for the critics who say D.C. isn’t a hockey town and the Capitals are only drawing fairweather fans.
This times 1,000
Russian Machine very rarely breaks.
by macvechkin on Nov 12, 2009 2:48 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
also throwing my support to this. Better 15,000 rabid fans who sorta understand hockey than 15,000 empty seats.
by RedBirdie on Nov 12, 2009 9:59 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
. . . the Capitals are only drawing fairweather fans.
As further indicated by the anguish we suffer, and it’s getting worse each game (the weekend games are the worst) trying to see around the Idiotic Dweebs who get up from their seats while play is on. I an thinking of asking Uncle Ted to install those clamp-in harnesses like they have on rollercoasters. Where the Idiotic Dweebs are released only when the whistle blows.
by Uncle C on Nov 12, 2009 8:44 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Ooh, good call on the locking devices.
Fight, you time-wasting figure skaters!
by boutros23 on Nov 12, 2009 9:06 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’d rather see pressure charges installed. You sit down, you stay down, because if you get up before a stoppage in play, your seat blows up.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Nov 12, 2009 9:17 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Sounds expensive. How about ink spews over the seat, ruining your pants should you return?
by TFG on Nov 12, 2009 10:33 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I support that idea. Maybe gates at the tunnel exits too, for when the ushers aren’t being aggressive enough. Like medieval castle portcullises (portculli?).
by mercurialwinger on Nov 12, 2009 9:39 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I somehow ended up with free club level seats to the Sharks game this season, and the usher guarding the closest tunnel was very strict about letting people in during play… for all of 10 minutes.
She was then reassigned (I guess) to one of the nearby elevators, and we didn’t have an usher there for the rest of the game. The view of the far side net was horrid to start with, let alone with idiots roaming free and constantly in your way.
by TFG on Nov 12, 2009 10:35 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Watching on TV last night, they happened to cut to Ted’s box during the shootout, and there was a guy in the last row of section 100 standing up — entirely understandable during the shootout, except he was the only guy in his row who was standing.
I guess he thought it was OK because he was in the last row, against a wall. However, I suspect he was actually blocking Bettman’s view.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Nov 12, 2009 12:38 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
If that’s not a “Bettman is short” joke, it should be.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 12, 2009 12:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It was.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Nov 12, 2009 1:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
[golf clap]
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 12, 2009 1:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Can we also implement a device to force the dweebs to sit back in their seats? I was at the game Saturday and couldn’t see one end of the ice because these douchey frat boys in front of me were leaning on the edges of their seats the whole time.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 12, 2009 12:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Why not just tell them to sit back?
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 12, 2009 12:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It wasn’t constant, just during the exciting moments. I missed Knuble’s goal, for example, because they all leaned forward right before it happened. Plus they were drunk and belligerent so I didn’t feel like starting something I didn’t care to finish.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 12, 2009 12:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Still, this annoys me, too. The upper-deck sightlines are probably my least-favorite thing about the VC.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 12, 2009 12:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That’s why JP and I sit down in the elite lowel level with our monocles and martinis.
"Let the rest be scared of us." - Sasha Semin
by Scott in Shaw on Nov 12, 2009 6:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You just have to get seats in row A. If I’ve said it once I’ve said it 1000 times, the only seats better than Row A on the blue line are seats in the lower level (top two rows) in the same area and they’re half the price.
/excluding club level
by Yoshietree on Nov 12, 2009 7:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Also on Saturday, a few rows down on the aisle to the section on our right, a guy was standing up, apparently waiting for someone to return at the beginning of the period. Everyone is shouting for him to sit the **** down, and he just stands there smiling. Idiot. Finally the friend returned and they sat down.
by gfcaps fan on Nov 12, 2009 12:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
During the recent game vs. Columbus, two people that were roughly the size of elephant seals rolled into my section roughly one minute into the 2nd. Not content with merely showing up to the game an hour late, they proceeded to make the family of four sitting in front of me completely rearrange themselves rather than wait for a stoppage in play. Then it turned out that 1/2 the family was in the wrong seats, so they stood around for about 2 minutes figure this all out. Meanwhile, the elephant seals just stood there, blocking the entire section’s view. Ushers were nowhere in sight. Good times.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 12, 2009 12:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
By the way, they need to not play the Blackhawks goal song when we score.
Fight, you time-wasting figure skaters!
by boutros23 on Nov 11, 2009 11:09 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
That isn't the "Blackhawks' goal song"
any more than one team has “patented” the foghorn/siren/what have you. The Caps started playing that around the same time the ’Hawks did. The ’Hawks do play it more often, though.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 11, 2009 11:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
This is true, but it’s a crap song.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Nov 12, 2009 12:27 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m partial to AC/DC’s “TNT” myself.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 12, 2009 12:40 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I can’t stand the song, and it reminds me of the Blackhawks when I hear it. I haven’t been out to a game this year, so I hope you’re talking about the dumb song that actually pumps artificial crowd noise (in it’s own sense a dumb idea) and not “Keys to the City.”
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 12, 2009 1:45 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I also hate that song. It’s as if we successfully solved a puzzle that scored a go-ahead goal. Huge buzz kill. Would like to see the Caps go to something more original or the OHHHWHOOAAOOOO Song
by Garyland1177 on Nov 12, 2009 2:59 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
They should do what they did in the mid-1990s..
Back then, they played different songs depending on who scored:
Peter Bondra got En Vogue’s “What a Man”
Al Iafrate got the Troggs’ “Wild Thing” (no surprise)
Keith Jones got Counting Crows’ “Mr. Jones and Me”
There were some others, too.
That, or let each player pick what they want to hear when they put one in the net….
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on Nov 12, 2009 9:32 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Let’s see:
Ovi: Steppenwolf, “Born to be Wild”
Brooks Laich: Black Sabbath, “Iron Man”
Mike Knuble: Dragonforce, “Through the Fire and Flames”
I have no idea on Semin and Green, though I’d be tempted to play “Ride of the Valkyries” for Backstrom.
Our lives are this moment, the music, the dance ....
Fan Clubs: Sloan, Schultz
by gotsparkly on Nov 12, 2009 9:51 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
For Semin, you could go w/ another Black Sabbath song: Paranoid
by bigeugene on Nov 12, 2009 10:07 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
What about Iron Maiden “Powerslave”?
Our lives are this moment, the music, the dance ....
Fan Clubs: Sloan, Schultz
by gotsparkly on Nov 12, 2009 2:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Fairies wear boots.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 12, 2009 1:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
My brain started playing “Witchy Woman” on reading this. Don’t know why.
Our lives are this moment, the music, the dance ....
Fan Clubs: Sloan, Schultz
by gotsparkly on Nov 12, 2009 2:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Mike Knuble: Dragonforce, "Through the Fire and Flames"
What, no “Poker Face”?
by grapejoos on Nov 12, 2009 11:15 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
please be sure to sure the Cartman version.
by RedBirdie on Nov 12, 2009 12:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
yes, yes, YES.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks.
by macvechkin on Nov 12, 2009 12:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
here and here for the uninitiated. mike knuble approves.
S: “this is all getting way out of hand.”
C: “what’dya mean, this song is sweet.”
by Natty Bumppo on Nov 12, 2009 4:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Oooh, hadn’t thought of that one. Good choice.
Our lives are this moment, the music, the dance ....
Fan Clubs: Sloan, Schultz
by gotsparkly on Nov 12, 2009 2:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Speaking of Bondra, odd that he wasn’t put on the screen when they had the quiz about the most GWGs in Caps history. He was in the building last night.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Nov 12, 2009 9:55 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
has anyone said if Theo’s back flared up again? He came of the ice and went to the dressing room. To get treatment? Or to smash some stuff in privacy?
by RedBirdie on Nov 11, 2009 11:10 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Wouldn’t be surprised. On the other hand, if we hear he’s sick, I’m going to be pissed that he started the game.
by gfcaps fan on Nov 11, 2009 11:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Caps post-game show on 1500 is announcing the Nylander deal as though it’s official. Just end the pain already please.
by Kolzilla on Nov 11, 2009 11:10 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
please, Caps, confirm this so I can go to bed happy.
by RedBirdie on Nov 11, 2009 11:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I really cannot listen to that post game show. Jonathan Warner gets so many little things wrong it’s death by a thousand pin-pricks. I’d rather listen to someone act like they don’t know that much, and let the fans drive the conversation. Uuuuggghhhh.
by marks4java on Nov 11, 2009 11:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
To be fair, most of the people who call in are idiots, too. Best part of taking the Metro is that I only catch the tail end of it. And he still gets stuff wrong.
by gfcaps fan on Nov 11, 2009 11:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Happy that it fell to USA-born CAPT. Clark to win one for the team on Veteran’s Day.
IS PЯACTICE ЯINK NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 11, 2009 11:12 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Veterans/Remembrance/Armistice Day is an international holiday…..
by RedBirdie on Nov 11, 2009 11:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It also means a hell of a lot more to the Brits/Canadians/ANZACS/French/etc. than it means to us. For us, WWI was just a prelude…
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 11, 2009 11:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
As a member of the US Military who works with a number of war vets, Veteran’s Day is for ALL US veterans. From WWI, to the war in Iraq. Don’t tell me it doesn’t mean anything to us. Just don’t.
by ArikJames on Nov 11, 2009 11:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You missed the point
Veteran’s day is our version of Remembrance Day. Our traditional day for remembering our veterans is memorial day, which we originally used to commemorate our Civil War dead.
Veterans’ Day is a national holiday here in the states, but ask any person on the street why in heck the Canadian coaches are wearing “flowers” on their lapels and you’ll only get a blank stare.
The fact remains that WWI was a skirmish for the US compared to the number of dead that European nations such as Great Britain and France lost.
Sincerely,
An 2/75 Ranger Veteran
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 11, 2009 11:52 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I have to say, I was slightly irritated when someone tried to get the “U-S-A!” chant going last night. To me, Veterans Day is a reflective day to remember those who never came back and the general horror of war. Jingoistic chanting? not so much.
by RedBirdie on Nov 12, 2009 10:06 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The anthem was really fantastic tonight, too.
Fight, you time-wasting figure skaters!
by boutros23 on Nov 11, 2009 11:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I prefer Bob or Caleb solo
But it was nice to see Bob in dress blues.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 11, 2009 11:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
ah, so that was Bob! I didn’t recognize him without the Caps jersey!
by RedBirdie on Nov 12, 2009 10:07 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
There were some real friggin’ idiots in 412 tonight. Skanky chicks too busy taking photos of each other and standing up during play. My anger was rising…
But Semin was a joy to watch again, and my fantasy team thanks him for the 11 SOG and 2G
Fight, you time-wasting figure skaters!
by boutros23 on Nov 11, 2009 11:12 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
My seats this time were in 106, so we had real nice views of much of the Caps’ work at the goal. IMO they spent a little too much energy trying to get Sasha his hat trick. There were two or three instances where I wondered why Player X didn’t take a shot, then saw he had passed to Semin.
IS PЯACTICE ЯINK NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 11, 2009 11:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
My fantasy team does not thank Theo for his 26.09 GAA and .400 sv %!
by sonia on Nov 11, 2009 11:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Damn, that sucks. :(
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 11, 2009 11:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Thankfully, ESPN scoring on the GAA will average that ~7 minutes with a 60 minute performance from him later, likely, meaning if he allows 2 goals, it’s really only around 4.8ish.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 12, 2009 1:48 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
…and contests that alex ovechkin isn’t part of! take that, haters.
by Natty Bumppo on Nov 12, 2009 9:59 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
really weirdly misplaced comment. applied to BP way way down below.
by Natty Bumppo on Nov 13, 2009 10:27 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Try having Theo AND Mason (CLB). Not a good night for my goalies.
by Yoshietree on Nov 12, 2009 9:18 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Gulp. That’s ultra sucky.
Fight, you time-wasting figure skaters!
by boutros23 on Nov 12, 2009 9:55 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That’s what you get for draftin’ guys who catch funny.
by David M. Getz on Nov 12, 2009 9:59 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Well…in my defense, Theo is (was?) just a temporary replacement for Luongo.
by Yoshietree on Nov 12, 2009 10:22 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m in a 12 man league, so starters are lucky to come by. I ended up with Theodore and Huet, and dropped Huet because no one in my league would take him after 5ish pitiful performances (with a S% of something like .800). He was immediately picked up by another owner and put up 2 shutouts? Or close to it.
I ran with Theodore and Niemi for a while, but Niemi ended up never playing with Huet now succeeding. Picked up Niittymaki a bit ago and he’s served me well (best stats in the league :)) Aquired Pavelec through a trade this week, but I can’t even play the guy against good teams.
All Southeast goalies and I can’t really trust any of them.
by TFG on Nov 12, 2009 10:40 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Augh. Brutal.
Our lives are this moment, the music, the dance ....
Fan Clubs: Sloan, Schultz
by gotsparkly on Nov 12, 2009 10:00 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, luckily I left Mason on my bench, but Theo didn’t help
by wipps on Nov 12, 2009 1:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And someone in a baby blue Crosby jersey. That was your section, yes? I’m pretty sure it was the one next to us.
I understand being a hockey fan and just wanting to come see a game. But you’re an idiot to wear that to a game the Penguins aren’t playing in.
by gfcaps fan on Nov 11, 2009 11:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
But you’re an idiot to wear that to a game the Penguins aren’t playing in.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 11, 2009 11:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, that guy, too. 412 was chock full of douchebags tonight.
Fight, you time-wasting figure skaters!
by boutros23 on Nov 12, 2009 7:33 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I saw him on the concourse. Who wears a pens sweater to Caps-Isles? And who wears the Baby Blue Fail, ever?
by RedBirdie on Nov 12, 2009 10:08 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Apparently Pens fans do. There’s always one. I’ve never understood that.
Our lives are this moment, the music, the dance ....
Fan Clubs: Sloan, Schultz
by gotsparkly on Nov 12, 2009 2:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
every time I see it, all I can think is “that’s the worst rip-off of Minnesota’s awesome circle logo sweater EVAH!”
by RedBirdie on Nov 12, 2009 3:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Some Observations
1) Was I the only person cringing when I saw Jon Sim up for round 10 in the shoot out?
2) Nice shot by Clark to win the shoot out. Nice to see some of that 30 goal scorer return…
3) Other than 7 minutes of the first, the Caps played a pretty solid game. Semin looked great, ditto for Flash (other than on Moulson’s goal) , BMo, ShaMo. Nice return by Green too.
4) Trent Green’s got a great shot…
5) John Tavares is the real deal.. the kid’s going to be a star in the NHL.
11-3-4 after 18 games is great. 26 points in 18 games translates to a 118 point season…which is nice.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on Nov 11, 2009 11:16 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
1. No. I definitely held my breath.
2. Yep. See my comment above.
3. Yep yep yep.
IS PЯACTICE ЯINK NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 11, 2009 11:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
4) Trent Hunter? Or are you comparing his shot to Greenie’s…?
Fight, you time-wasting figure skaters!
by boutros23 on Nov 11, 2009 11:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Probably confusing him with an ex-Redskins QB.
by Kolzilla on Nov 11, 2009 11:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Have the Redskins had a good QB in the last 18 years? (And players not in their primes don’t count)
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 12, 2009 1:49 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I wrote this when I was half asleep last night (check the time). I meant Trent Hunter….
The Isles used to have Travis Green as well, and 35 years of watching hockey got me merging two Islanders together…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on Nov 12, 2009 9:34 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
1) Defintely held my breath every time he touched the puck – not just in the shootout, altough I puckered extra tight then (also with Schremp – dude’s money on shootouts)
2) Clarkie is as much a “30-goal scorer” as Britney Spears is an “artist.” I’m stoked he scored, but cognizant of how freaking unlikely it was.
3) Weird start to be sure. Theo should have had #1. After that, they looked confused. I thought Bruce should have called a TO.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 11, 2009 11:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
If you’d given me odds on Clark winning the shootout, I would have declined that bet. Just wow.
by gfcaps fan on Nov 11, 2009 11:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Totally stoked
But I was thinking Flash or Perrault, given recent history. Fehr’s attempt was just pathetic.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 11, 2009 11:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Perreault was > < close. I was hoping BB would put him out there.
Our lives are this moment, the music, the dance ....
Fan Clubs: Sloan, Schultz
by gotsparkly on Nov 12, 2009 12:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
me, too. But the Phone Booth erupting in delirious cheers was fun.
by RedBirdie on Nov 12, 2009 10:10 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think the “shootout hat trick” may be perceived as some sort of deliberate novelty that makes DC unique. Still makes em look stupid either way.
by marks4java on Nov 11, 2009 11:17 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
The Pens fans did it at least once, which is reason enough for us to avoid it…
by brs03 on Nov 11, 2009 11:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No. No. No.
It makes us look like idiots. Stop. Please stop. If you threw your hat on the ice – for shame.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 11, 2009 11:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’d throw a hat that says: “I threw this hat in irony”
by snowburnt on Nov 12, 2009 1:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You know what would be awesome?
No shootout.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 12, 2009 1:51 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Locker called it the “Ovechkin hat trick” on CSN. I can live with that.
by Garyland1177 on Nov 12, 2009 4:15 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I prefer the “Bettman hat trick,” since it is not possible without his abomination
by renstar on Nov 12, 2009 9:00 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And it was the Selanne hat trick before Ovechkin did it
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 12, 2009 9:03 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And Ovechkin has several legitimate hat tricks already. No reason to cheapen those by making them something else.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Nov 12, 2009 12:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly. The “Ovechkin Hat Trick” makes it seem as if he can’t get a hat trick any other way
by renstar on Nov 12, 2009 1:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I still say the “Ovechkin Hat Trick” is four goals and a broken nose
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 12, 2009 5:14 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
From the Department of Things That Make You Go Hmmm
According to the NHL.com recap:
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman came to the game and met with KHL President Alex Medvedev and others
Hmmm.
IS PЯACTICE ЯINK NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 11, 2009 11:25 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
That was to discuss several things, including the lack of a transfer agreement.
"I'm just doing karate and trying to get females pregnant."
by Bald Pollack on Nov 12, 2009 7:25 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That...
…and maybe some preseason exhibitions between KHL and NHL clubs. Maybe the 4 NHL teams that play in Europe will play a preseason game against 4 KHL clubs, and the KHL maybe will send 4 teams to North America to each play a couple of NHL teams in preseason as well.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Caps on Nov 12, 2009 9:37 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Another reason I’m glad we’re not playing the Isles again for a while is that their TV guys kept pronouncing Perreault’s name “PEAR-oh”. It was driving me up the freaking wall.
by sonia on Nov 11, 2009 11:30 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I don’t know how it’s supposed to be pronounced, but I think that’s pretty close.
by Yoshietree on Nov 11, 2009 11:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Pear-oh, per-oh, ross perot.. How does Joe do it? Pear-oh?
by TFG on Nov 12, 2009 12:38 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m assuming she’s upset about them accenting the first syllable of his name instead of the second. I may be wrong.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 12, 2009 1:52 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Thoughts:
-The Caps played a solid game after Theodore was yanked. Ugly, ugly first period, though.
-Semin was all over the place. This was the sort of game I think people expected when Ovechkin first went down.
-How about those moves by Perreault in the shootout?
-Definite facepalm regarding the shootout “hat trick.”
"Oh, the usual. I bowl. Drive around. The occasional acid flashback."
by The Ghost of Bebop on Nov 11, 2009 11:31 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I remember thinking if MP held the puck a moment longer he would’ve been able to sneak it in
by Icebat on Nov 11, 2009 11:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
But if he held it any longer, they’d already be prepping the ice for Friday.
Kidding aside, nice move in general. I really hope he sticks even with Gordon probable this weekend. A slot should open with Nylander gone, no? Or is there no roster slot problem?
by TFG on Nov 12, 2009 12:40 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Please someone who was at the game confirm or deny this, but after Semins SO goal I’m pretty sure Wes the PA announcer said “for the hattrick” anybody else hear that?
Fehr is fair, but I like Laich
by amkcaps on Nov 11, 2009 11:32 PM EST via mobile reply actions 0 recs
Don’t you know that nonplus/nonminus is useless?
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Nov 12, 2009 9:57 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Adjusted nonplus/nonminus over 60 is a more revealing stat.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 12, 2009 12:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Nonplussed Journalist says: "You must obey behindthenet.ca"
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 12, 2009 12:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yessir.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 12, 2009 12:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Fehr
Sun shines on a dog’s ass every now and then…
Seriously, that goal was 0% hard work/skill and 100% blind luck. I’m glad he scored it, and hope it sparks some confidence in him, but goddamn it was lucky.
RE: Juice’s penalty, my seats are at the other end of the arena, but it didn’t look that bad to me. It looked like he got a penalty for being big and strong and having the temerity to hit someone. Still, I’ll defer to those who watched on TV, since my vantage point was poor.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 11, 2009 11:35 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
RE: Juice’s penalty, my seats are at the other end of the arena
So that means you had a great view of the PP that Shamo drew, right?
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 11, 2009 11:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Riiiight
On Bailey? I wouldn’t trust my memory at that point. After 4 glasses of wine and three beers. I’m happy to just remember the goals…
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 11, 2009 11:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You knew I had to say something. Juice is doing his best to make me look good.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 11, 2009 11:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It's that consistency thing
Forest, meet trees. Everyone’s gonna have bad games. He wasn’t great tonight, although the first goal was hardly his fault.
Also, another episode in “+/- Bullshit Theater”: Erskine and Pothier were “even” despite being on the ice for an even strength goal. Why? They happened to be on the ice when Semin scored. They did nothing. Nada. Zipola. Never even touched the puck or came close to it. But they sure as hell collected their “+.”
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 11, 2009 11:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not sure what you mean by the consistency comment. My point regarding Juice and consistency is that he’s prone to extended periods of poor play. That necessarily takes a long-term perspective.
We all know about the limitations of +/- but if Shamo was -6 in two wins, on the ice for 6/8 goals against and took a bad PIM that led to the game tying goal in the final minutes of the 3rd you’d damn sure be making sure I took notice.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 12, 2009 12:03 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I was actually parroting your position. I agree that game to game, he’s not always consistent… Still ShaMo has bad games. But how often does ShaMo have “good/great” games?
Juice hasn’t played spectacularly lately, but the peripheral stats will, over time, demonstrate his value (I hope).
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 12, 2009 12:07 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Got you. When Juice is good he’s better than Shamo, when he’s bad he’s worse than Shamo. I guess it just comes down to preference.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 12, 2009 12:10 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Juice is like Keynes
He goes both ways.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 12, 2009 12:11 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
In my opinion, Juice’s average is lower. It’s not just the inconsistency — when Juice is on he’s not much better than ShaMo when ShaMo is on. When he’s bad, he’s real bad. And he’s real bad more often than ShaMo.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 12, 2009 12:14 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Unfortunately
No stats back you up on this.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 12, 2009 12:20 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
When the stats are large samples it inherently doesn’t address GOD’s statement. When they are anecdotal (-6 and 2 PIM over 2 wins with only 8 GA) you say they are insignificant.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 12, 2009 12:23 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Also
He’s only -5 over the last two games. According to the NHL.com boxscore, he was only -1 tonight. (No more NHL OTF-induced mistakes for me tonight!)
Still, do you think that he “deserved” to be -1 for the first goal where Theo kicked the rebound right into the slot? Do you think Erskine and Pothier “deserved” to be +1 after Semin’s goal? In the short run, these things look egregious – which is why I like to look at the forest. Sometimes, the trees can tell us things we might not see from far away, but sometimes, we can get caught up in parsing every little game down to the tiniest detail that we overlook the big picture.
Ultimately, the marginal difference here is small. Either way – Juice or ShaMo – it’s likely not pushing us “over the top.”
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 12, 2009 12:55 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Did whoever was on the ice “deserve” a – for the Bergenheim breakaway? On any given goal you can find several guys that don’t deserve a plus or a minus. Yeah, there is fluky stuff to consider, but being on the ice for 5/8 of the goals against when your team is winning can’t just be dismissed. He was in the box for another one. He may not be making egregious mistakes that cost goals, but he’s not doing a ton to keep the puck out of the net either.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 12, 2009 1:03 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
+/- is a dumb stat to look at regardless of how you look at it. It’s a basic stat you can look at, sure, but really, team +/- is the only +/- that matters, and I could really care less who “Deserves” a + or “Deserves” an Assist, because frankly, the whole team can contribute to a goal for or against, and at any point, one person can muck it up or do really well and skew stats.
Frankly, your argument that Erskine and Pothier don’t deserve +’s would mean that you don’t believe in an amount of Backstrom’s +’s or a large portion of the +’s anyone gets while playing on Semin’s line.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 12, 2009 1:58 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Double Reply
I think I was trying to point out how silly and arbitrary +/- can be when taken out of context. This is the reason that I prefer to look at things like behindthenet.ca’s stats. Admittedly, they’re not perfect, but they’re a step in the right direction.
The larger point I’m trying to make (in the midst of a massive migraine), is that we ought to strike a balance between looking at salient events (such as Juice’s penalty last night, or Morrisson’s boarding major the other night) and the overall level of their performance. I’m willing to admit that Juice looks pretty bad some nights, but I’ll follow that by saying that he’s playing with some pretty bad partners (the night of the -4 he was paired with Sloan, who was just downright terrible). Still, despite the errors that stick out in our minds, the stats show him consistently outperforming ShaMo.
In the end, my point’s not really about Juice vs. ShaMo, it’s about how we look at players in general. On a night-to-night basis, it’s great to break down how a particular guy played, but if we focus overmuch on each of these events to the exclusion of the broader picture, we end up with people ranting and raving about how Semin should be a healthy scratch when Ovie returns because he’s dropped behind Laich, Fehr, and Quintin Laing on the depth chart.
This is especially true in the case of defenseman, since the defenseman’s primary job is maintaining a negative (i.e., preventing goals) rather than creating a positive (i.e., scoring goals or assisting on them). This is why fans tend to malign players like Schultz – it’s hard to notice him doing his job, because the very nature of his success is ensuring that nothing happens. So in turn, we focus on the errors where he becomes noticeable. The situation is similar with Juice; we notice his mistakes more frequently (although I’d rather have Sarge than Juice, especially considering age and salary).
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 12, 2009 1:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Still, despite the errors that stick out in our minds, the stats show him consistently outperforming ShaMo.
Dude, this is the crux of the whole argument, and you’re consistently missing it. Juice sometimes out-performs Shamo, and sometimes doesn’t. Over the long haul the averages of Juice’s performances look marginally better than Shamo, but those long haul numbers don’t account for peaks and valleys; the principle concern re: Juice.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 12, 2009 1:57 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Right. For as solid as he plays, you never know when the next behind-the-back hand pass to the middle of his own zone or the next cough-up (a la the PHI series) or the next end-of-the-Montreal-game gaffe might come. With that uncertainty, how do you put him on the ice at key moments in key games?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 12, 2009 2:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
As I note below, you could say much the same thing about Poti, or Green, or Pothier, or Erskine. How many times have we watched Poti screen his own goalie or score an own-goal at a critical moment? How many times have we held our breath when Green makes a dangerous rush out of his own end?
The only way to look at these things with any kind of objectivity is through aggregate statistics, and those aggregate statistics say that Juice isn’t really that bad, just as they say that, for all their mistakes, the ledger on Green and Poti is still positive.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 12, 2009 3:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I actually come down on the opposite side with Poti. He is always good for a failed clear on the PK and a shot in the foot at the wrong time. If I had my druthers he wouldn’t be our go-to man when we need to shut down the opposition to maintain a lead. Unfortunately the rest of the options aren’t much better.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 12, 2009 4:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, my hallergy to that fucking guy has RE-turned. 
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 12, 2009 4:27 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Well done.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 12, 2009 4:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I still think you’re missing the crux of my argument, namely that you can say much the same thing about ANY non-offensive defenseman. As I said before, Schultz is effective, until the moment someone skates around him like a pylon. The question is: how frequently does that happen? Long-range aggregate statistics are the only objective way we have of measuring that.
To put this in recent terms, we look at last night’s game and think, “man Juice took a stupid penalty at a bad time and it cost the team.” But you could say the same thing about Morrisson’s 5-minute major vs. Florida, or his occasional tendency to take penalties while on the PK. The only way to differentiate between “I saw this one time, therefore it must be true over the long run,” and something approaching objective reality (if you accept the existence of such a thing), is through some kind of statistic, and those statistics don’t show Juice being that terrible.
I’m not arguing that he’s the second coming of Chara, or even that the difference between him and ShaMo is significant enough to get totally worked up over, I’m simply pointing out that if we’re going to use long-range stats to argue that Schultz is a useful defenseman (despite his occasional awkward gaffe), it seems odd to ignore them when they suggest that another player actually outperforms what we see on the ice.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 12, 2009 2:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Fair points, but there’s something to be said for the timing of the gaffes. In my comment above alone, I pointed out three soul-crushing mistakes Juice made at the worst-possible times. It’s a pattern.
Schultz? I’ll spot you Dubinsky, but can you come up with another two to match the Juice flubs?
Point being, it’s not just that Juice makes mistakes, it’s when he makes ’em. Sorta like Alex Semin, without nearly the upside.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 12, 2009 3:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Key Moments (non-Sarge)
ShaMo: Getting pushed around like a blocking tackle by Patrick Thoreson before PHI’s second goal in game 7.
Poti: Taking an awful tripping penalty leading to PHI’s GWG in game 7. Or screening Varly on Malkin’s GWG in game 5… Or his decision to do a belly flop to the ice during the OT 4 on 3 against C-Bus.
I’m not trying to be obnoxious or pedantic (but maybe I’m succeeding despite that), I’m just trying to point out that there’s a reason we use statistics, and one of those reasons is to work past impressions based on one or two salient events to see a broader pattern.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 12, 2009 4:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Ask Mike Vanderjagt how soothing statistics are in the face of a brutal anecdote.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 12, 2009 4:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
True, but
How much did people claim A-Rod “wasn’t clutch” before this year’s playoffs? It became a ridiculous theme of “analysis,” that turned out to be demonstrably untrue.
I’m just not a fan of extrapolating very small samples to reach broader conclusions. However, I think football presents a different case than hockey or baseball, since the entire season is a fairly small sample and the playoffs are one-game contests.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 12, 2009 4:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
There's a simple explanation for Arod
He had surgery in the beginning of the season so his body’s clock was still in August or September. Guarantee he won’t be able to hit shit in December this year.
I feel like I float in a sort of interstitial space on the Rink. There is the “eyes” crowd and the “stats” crowd. I don’t really fit in with either. I definitely give credence to the stats but I also use my eyes to flesh those stats out. To me it is important when certain guys make mistakes. For whatever reason Tom Poti seems to make mistakes in two situations (to my eyes): first, when he has the puck on his stick on the PK; second, bad pinching when he has no reason to be pinching. If I’m Tom Poti’s coach I’ll acknowledge that he’s generally reliable, but damn sure try to keep him off the ice during 3rd period PKs and tell him not to pinch ever if we are protecting a lead. That Tom Poti is our “steady veteran defenseman” is possibly the most damning statement about our D corps, IMO.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 12, 2009 4:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It was all there, right from the very beginning.
IS PЯACTICE ЯINK NOW, MAYBE NOT TOO LONG
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 12, 2009 4:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
There is the "eyes" crowd and the "stats" crowd. I don’t really fit in with either.
Some stats just work better than others. We frankly don’t have good defensive stats right now. They’re better than nothing, but I’m a lot more likely to fall back on eyes to judge a defenseman than I am to judge a goalie or a player’s offensive production.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 12, 2009 5:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It’s even touchy with goalies because how do you quantify soft goals and big, timely saves? (Recall that they are the two most important criteria for a G)
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 12, 2009 5:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I generally agree
I think eyes and stats are both necessary, but I think “eyes”-style analysis is difficult to maintain over the course of a season with defensemen, because if they do their job properly, you really ought not to notice them. Our “eyes” tend to remember the salient events and gloss over all the other times where not much happens.
Still, it’s an interesting meta-topic to me…
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 12, 2009 5:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not talking about in-game gaffes. I’m talking about the fact that Juice plays like a solid 4man for weeks at a time, then plays like a questionable 6 man for weeks at a time. Is Juice a 4 or a 6 D? He’s not really either. You can’t confidently put him on the second pair and know that every night he’s up to the challenge. You can (ideally) put him at the 6 spot and when he plays like a 4 it’s all gravy, but as you noted Juice tends to struggle when his ice is cut. Juice isn’t good enough that we should keep giving him ice because he might struggle more if we don’t. Is he going to be 4 Juice or 6 Juice come spring? That’s what I want to know. And long term stats aren’t going to answer that.
Look at Juice’s time in DC. He came from BOS and was possibly our best D for the rest of that season (depressing right?). Then he comes out next season and we expect him to pick up where he left off but he stunk. Picked up his game for a bit, then stunk. Last year he was pretty bad for a lot of the year, then picked it up come playoffs. I’m not convinced that Juice’s good play was a product of “he picks it up when it matters” as opposed to dumb luck. Shamo obviously struggled for much of last year and picked it up after he broke Jason Arnott. I just think Shamo’s peaks and valleys are more subtle and the turnover is less frequent. I feel much more confident that Shamo can maintain the same level of play over the course of a month or two months compared to Juice, even if that play may not have the same ceiling.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 12, 2009 3:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
???
I’m not limiting to this year. I think the stats actually bear this out — particularly because we’re talking about defensive abilities for which there aren’t great stats.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 12, 2009 12:24 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
This is to both you guys
Over the last several years (yes, you can look this up on behindthenet.ca), ShaMo has consistently put up inferior stats (at least as behindthenet.ca defines them) than Juice. Are Juice’s stats miles ahead of Shamo? No, not really. But they are consistently better, and Juice always plays with inferior teammates.
Juice may not be a vastly superior defenseman than ShaMo, but three years’ worth of behindthenet.ca stats do seem to suggest that he’s certainly superior by a noticeable margin. Add in the fact that he’s cheaper, brings a physical presence that ShaMo does not (at least not consistently), and he’s shown occasional sparks of offensive ability (which ShaMo has not, despite playing with Green), and I think the choice is clear.
Maybe the stats don’t tell us everything, but we frequently use stats on this forum to explain why only mouth-breathing idiots hate Jeff Schultz (paraphrasing and generalizing). Turnabout is fair play – if we can use stats to argue that Schultz doesn’t suck (despite not hitting anyone), then if the stats show that Juice outperforms ShaMo, it’s hypocritical not to at least give them some credence.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 12, 2009 12:49 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Our concern with Juice is with the peaks and valleys. That’s not addressed in the stats. Your average of Juice performances is a little better than Shamo, but as you not it’s not a huge difference. Those averages don’t really tell you how good Juice is when he’s on, and how bad he is when he’s off.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 12, 2009 12:57 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
from where I sat, and it’s down by the Caps goal, it was a dive by Park – questionable call by the refs from my viewpoint.
by Zelda on Nov 12, 2009 1:02 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It looked like there might have been some embellishment but I haven’t gotten many looks at it. I think that’s the kind of hit Juice makes a lot and he gets away with it a lot. So many of his hits are the “I couldn’t get there in time to do anything when you had the puck so I’m just going to push/hit you now that I’m here” variety. I think he plays with fire, especially around the boards.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 12, 2009 1:05 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
My concern with Juice isn’t so much the inconsistency as the poor overall play. With that said, Alan Ryder has the players pretty closely matched in terms of defensive contribution, but Juice has a distinct advantage. In 07-08, Juice was a 47 and ShaMo a 40 (bigger is better). In 08-09, both of them dropped off significantly. Juice was a 28, ShaMo a 26. That ain’t a good trend no matter how you look at it.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 12, 2009 1:07 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The fact of the matter is that with Alzner and Carlson in Hershey, and that “2-3 guy” just waiting somewhere via trade or free agency, neither Juice nor Morrisonn can play for this team in two years. Of course, that’s likely bullshit, because one or both will be here. I think Juice is inconsistent, and his lows are bigger than his highs. I think Mo is more consistent, but his highs are (much) lower than Juice’s (As stated by others before) but his lows aren’t really as noticeable. Regardless, I think we all view them as either off the team or 5-6 guys in two years.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 12, 2009 2:02 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Mo and Juice are both UFAs this offseason. I don’t think either of them will be back next fall.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 12, 2009 9:01 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Let's not be premature...
Pothier’s a UFA as well. If GMGM is smart, he won’t want to completely overhaul his defense in one offseason – just look at what a clusterf$%k Toronto’s D has been despite some decent talent. Like an offensive line in football, it takes a D corps a while to jell. If we can get Alzner and/or Carlson up here this year, then maybe all three walk, but if the team faces the prospect of replacing 1/2 of its defense all in one fell swoop, I hope they hold onto one of the three to maintain some continuity.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 12, 2009 12:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Dump ShaMo and Juice right now!… Play Green, Schultz, Poti, Alzner, Carlson, Erskine and Sloan for the rest of the year. Then there’s no overhaul at all going into next year.
Better yet — bring in a star shutdown D right now so there’s continuity with that guy going into the playoffs and next year too.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 12, 2009 5:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Ok, but who would you bring in? At what cost?
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 12, 2009 5:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
(Using just teams I think may be sellers at the deadline) I’d trade the Caps’ 2010 first round pick plus Juice and/or ShaMo for:
Jan Hejda (2M/yr thru 10/11)
or Fedor Tyutin (2.8M/yr thru 11/12)
or Willie Mitchell (3.5M, UFA)
And a 2nd rounder plus Juice and/or ShaMo for
Mike Weaver (800K, UFA)
Joe Corvo (2.6M, UFA)
Zbynek Michalek (1.25M, UFA)
Ron Hainsey (4.5M/yr thru 12/13)
Kurt Sauer (1.75M, UFA)
Barret Jackman (3.6M/yr thru 11/12)
Greg Zanon (2M/yr thru 11/12)
Kim Johnsson (4.85M, UFA)
or Nick Schultz (3.5M/yr thru 13/14)
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 12, 2009 6:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Uf da
Not many of those guys represent significant defensive improvements over Juice or ShaMo. Of them, the top-3 are better, but I’m not sure they get a first-rounder plus a player.
Of the bottom group, Jackman, Zanon and Schultz are interesting. Hainsey is just waaaaay too much $$$. Corvo is Mike Green-lite. Sauer is essentially an American Juice, and Michalek is Juice 2.0.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 12, 2009 6:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Michalek skates way better than Juice does. I haven’t watched enough PHX to really comment on his all around game but you don’t have to watch him skate too many times to realize he moves better than Juice. That alone probably makes him a superior player.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 12, 2009 6:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Sell me on Hejda
You clearly like him a lot and I’ve never seen it.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 12, 2009 6:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Ryder, Alan.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 13, 2009 1:07 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Funny story, I didn’t see them stick out. Which, with Erskine at least, leads me to think he had a good game. Pothier I only want to notice if he’s driving up the ice, which I didn’t see, but I didn’t see him glaringly out of position. No reason to pile on them because they got a “+”.
I'm so sick and tired of the refs explaining the calls like this is the NFL.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 12, 2009 1:55 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
A shot of Semin scoring the shootout goal. I was just glad to see fewer hats thrown on the ice – and more immediate boos from the fans in the know.
Matt Bradley was the 10th Caps shootout score attempt. How great would it have been if he’d scored?
by mercurialwinger on Nov 11, 2009 11:57 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
What a great angle. Love how Roloson is flailing helplessly.
Please, sir, I want some BMo.
by Steck It Out on Nov 12, 2009 12:08 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I know my section went up when Brads jumped the boards. We were all “he’s got this, we’re good”.
Our lives are this moment, the music, the dance ....
Fan Clubs: Sloan, Schultz
by gotsparkly on Nov 12, 2009 12:33 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
us three. My poor dad came and didn’t understand why we were all going nuts for Matt Bradley.
by RedBirdie on Nov 12, 2009 10:20 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t know how to do screen capture, but right now, nhl.com says “Avs Outlast Islanders”. Blind and dumb!
by gfcaps fan on Nov 11, 2009 11:59 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
D'oh
I’m drunk, and even I saw that they lost that game. Nice goal by Sharp, btw. As the Altitude announcers said, “I hope these two teams meet in the playoffs,” because every game thus far has been close.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 12, 2009 12:02 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The goal by Barker was a beauty as well.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 12, 2009 12:03 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
you must be drunk, cause the Avs lost to the Blackhawks, they didnt outlast the Islanders…
by DonCaps819 on Nov 12, 2009 12:06 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
He missed the point. He also admits he’s drunk.
by gfcaps fan on Nov 12, 2009 12:07 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
That’s what I meant. All I know is that the Avs lost. :)
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 12, 2009 12:07 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Nuts, it’s fixed now. Really need to learn screen capture.
by gfcaps fan on Nov 12, 2009 12:10 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And I need to quit drinking so much before and during games.
Nah. I’m lying. That’ll never happen.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 12, 2009 12:12 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
A Bob Dylan concert and a Caps win! Great success!
Please, sir, I want some BMo.
by Steck It Out on Nov 12, 2009 12:05 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Good jorb on the avatar.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 12, 2009 12:15 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Why, thank you. I used to go on Homestar as a kid back in the day.
Please, sir, I want some BMo.
by Steck It Out on Nov 12, 2009 12:34 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And then you had to go and make me feel old… {grin}
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 12, 2009 1:08 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
FWIW, I also noticed the chippiness. Definitely no hockey Christmas cards between DC and Long Island this year.
Our lives are this moment, the music, the dance ....
Fan Clubs: Sloan, Schultz
by gotsparkly on Nov 12, 2009 12:34 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Caps are now first in the conference, third in the league, only 2 points short of first with a game in hand.
Jersey is also only two points behind the Caps with two games in hand on a 6 game win streak.
by TFG on Nov 12, 2009 12:46 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
And we face them on Saturday night in their building. I’m thinking of taking a train up to New Jersey Saturday … anyone else so inclined?
Our lives are this moment, the music, the dance ....
Fan Clubs: Sloan, Schultz
by gotsparkly on Nov 12, 2009 8:10 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm tempted to take you up onthe offer
but I fear it’s a trap.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 12, 2009 2:00 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Unfortunately I cannot make it, but my sister will be in attendance….just look for the ginger in caps garb.
by Yoshietree on Nov 12, 2009 2:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hahahaha. I’ve got my train, my seats, and my hotel booked at this point. I put up a FanPost to see who else will be around and wants to say hi.
Our lives are this moment, the music, the dance ....
Fan Clubs: Sloan, Schultz
by gotsparkly on Nov 12, 2009 2:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
For what it’s worth, Semin is the number one star for puck daddy, Varly gets honorable mention. If it were me, I’d be inclined to switch that. I didn’t see most of the game however.
"And next year it will be ours."
by Ovechwin on Nov 12, 2009 1:08 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Semin must read the Rink.
"My face is my mask."
by jakeshapiro on Nov 12, 2009 1:20 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Funny, I effectively made that joke on the way home from the game.
by gfcaps fan on Nov 12, 2009 7:55 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Flash is HUGE in his interview on NHL on the Fly. He used his non-contact/off-ice/rehab time… constructively.
I would submit that the national teams looking ahead to the Olympics not overlook the Czech Republic. Pavelec, Kaberle and Fleischmann are having pretty good seasons. I don’t know how deep they are elsewhere, but these players could surprise a team or two.
IS PЯACTICE ЯINK NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 12, 2009 2:30 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
ultimately though, we know who the Big Four are (US/Sweden/CAN/RUS). Although the way the Russian stars are dropping like flies….
by Vinn on Nov 12, 2009 2:33 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, everyone knows who the big four are. Which is exactly why the Big Four ought to take a closer look at the Czechs.
IS PЯACTICE ЯINK NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 12, 2009 2:38 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Seems every olympics one of the non-big-4 comes out with a big upset or two, and one of the big 4 is disappointing.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 12, 2009 9:02 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
and the Finns are always overlooked and never failed to announce “Hey, we’re here, too, dammit!”
by RedBirdie on Nov 12, 2009 10:22 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m tempted to put the Finns above Team USA on the big 4. Big 4 seems artificial to me. There’s the big 3 then a group that could surprise some people if you take them lightly. I think USA, CZE, FIN, and probably Slovakia are in that group.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 12, 2009 2:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
me, too. I find that, sadly, US hockey is frequently more hype and reality.
by RedBirdie on Nov 12, 2009 3:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And the Swiss are good enough to steal a game.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 12, 2009 5:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
sorry, should be hype than reality.
by RedBirdie on Nov 12, 2009 8:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Most Fun Game I've Seen in a While
Semin was everywhere tonight. Made me proud to wear his jersey.
I have to say, I have been hating on Clark big time this season, but he is really acting captin-y lately; very impressive. This is in no small part due to the emergence of Perrault. Seriously, I’m sold on this guy he reminds me of a combo of Chris Borque with Nicklas Backstroms rookie year. Lock him up!
I feel the same away about avatars as Ovechkin does about speed limits.
by Ovechkin on Nov 12, 2009 2:36 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Nice of him to step up his game, on the whole. However, that idiotic maneuver that resulted in an Isle breakaway goal was something else.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks.
by macvechkin on Nov 12, 2009 2:47 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Semin was everywhere tonight. Made me proud to wear his jersey.
I couldn’t have said it better myself.
Signed,
M. Lewinsky
There is your miniumum daily requirement of sophomoric humor for today.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Nov 12, 2009 6:51 AM EST up reply actions 9 recs
This just made my morning.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 12, 2009 8:47 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Now that it's been rec'd so much. . .
this post is “sticky.”
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 12, 2009 12:48 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Ha!!
I feel the same away about avatars as Ovechkin does about speed limits.
by Ovechkin on Nov 12, 2009 12:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Ew.
IS PЯACTICE ЯINK NOW, MAYBE NOT TOO LONG
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 12, 2009 12:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Is it time to mention that the team’s giving up over 3 goals a game in contests that Jeff Schultz isn’t part of?
"I'm just doing karate and trying to get females pregnant."
by Bald Pollack on Nov 12, 2009 7:56 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Schultz for Norris!
Our lives are this moment, the music, the dance ....
Fan Clubs: Sloan, Schultz
by gotsparkly on Nov 12, 2009 8:11 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Sarge was skating pretty well with Sloan and Gordo in practice Tuesday morning…
IS PЯACTICE ЯINK NOW, MAYBE NOT TOO LONG
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 12, 2009 8:36 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Schultz for Schultz!
"Let the rest be scared of us." - Sasha Semin
by Scott in Shaw on Nov 12, 2009 6:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Schlitz for Schultz!
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 12, 2009 7:20 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Green for Green!
"Let the rest be scared of us." - Sasha Semin
by Scott in Shaw on Nov 12, 2009 9:13 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Booze ads all get rec’s from me.
Here’s what I’m rocking tonight:
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 13, 2009 1:11 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Gordon's for Gordon
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 13, 2009 8:01 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
OV for Ovie?
"Let the rest be scared of us." - Sasha Semin
by Scott in Shaw on Nov 13, 2009 10:03 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
A Lews & Clark for Clark?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 13, 2009 10:13 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
CHEATER!
That’s from a personalized wall clock company. See?
"Let the rest be scared of us." - Sasha Semin
by Scott in Shaw on Nov 13, 2009 11:51 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
haha. busted. i plead ignorance. it’s the first result on google when entering “perrault beer.”
peace offering:
tiny, tiny schultz’ beer & ale horse and carriage…black and white for authenticity’s sake…
by Natty Bumppo on Nov 13, 2009 12:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Love it. It’s because Schultz plays small, right?
"Let the rest be scared of us." - Sasha Semin
by Scott in Shaw on Nov 13, 2009 3:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Busted! Great work (and nice looking clock, I might add).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 13, 2009 2:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
…and contests that alex ovechkin isn’t part of! take that, haters.
by Natty Bumppo on Nov 12, 2009 10:02 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
1. Theo was pulled to spark the team, not because he had a bad outing. Two caps backcheckers had a chance to tie up the 4th man into the zone. Someone has to find the other FWD when a D-man pinches… 2nd Goal he didn’t even see, screened by 2-3 red shirts, and the 3rd goal … I’ll cover that in 2.
2. Semin reads blogs? He had a great game tonight. Takeaways aplenty (even if he wasn’t credited for many of them) 2 goals, no penalties and two instances of great backchecking. Would be wonderful if instead of a stinker, we could get 1/2 that effort every night. Speaking of Semin, still playing with a brace. Left to the locker room for some treatment on what looked like his back/ribs. As for his give-away. There’s nothing about that play that’s new to us. Nothing about Semin gaining the zone and losing the puck that should be a surprise. These guys have played with him for a few years now, there’s no excuse for BOTH 26 and 52 heading to the dots when 28 was coming across the ice. No excuse either for BMo to stand there just watching him. Sure, his giveaway was kinda weak, should have gotten the puck deeper, but there’s 3 other guys on the ice with responsibilities on the ice at that time who were off doing something else.
3. I’m officially on the “they did that on purpose” bandwagon. Caps are only taking 1-2 penalties in the first-second period on average. BB’s just asking guys to go out there and practice the PK near the end of games. Plus, it’s not a SE opponent, so giving them a charity point just makes it harder for other teams in the east to make the playoffs. I’m OK with this. After all, when we get into the playoffs again vs PITT, we have to be ready for all those late-game-for-PITT penalties that will be called. ;-)
4. I think the “set-pothier-play” may be over. It’s resulted in 3 goals sofar, and tonight was the first night it cost us an odd-man break. No goal resulted, but I’m thinking we won’t see it as often now.
5. Props to Clarkie. Racking up the points on the 3rd line. Guy finally looks healthy, and I think we’re all happier with his play of late.
Lastly. All I want is for us to go out there and dominate NYI on the ice AND score-board… We just seem completely unable to do that and I don’t know why. I’ll keep chalking it up to this team prefers to play with inferior opponents like a cat toys with a mouse. Every so often one gets away from the cat, but more often than not it winds up dead in the end.
by FFSEnough on Nov 12, 2009 9:10 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Well, we all want the Caps to dominate the Isles, but after years of dominating them, the law of averages has caught up. The NYI come to play every night; it’s hard not to like them. I think Roloson played a hell of a game.
And Trent Huner could easily have 35-40 goals if he played for us.
by S h a g g y on Nov 12, 2009 9:22 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And before those years when the Caps dominated the Isles, the Isles were the first version of the Penguins, always ripping the hearts out of Caps fans in the spring.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Nov 12, 2009 9:58 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
[sob]
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Nov 12, 2009 1:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Semin reads blogs?
Dunno about blogs, but he does spend some time at Odnoklassniki.ru, which is the Russian version of Classmates.com. Maybe if his friends there read the Rink?
IS PЯACTICE ЯINK NOW, MAYBE NOT TOO LONG
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 12, 2009 10:59 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Completely disagree about Theo. The first goal was an atrocious rebound into the slot. It’s not even like he just couldn’t control the rebound, he intentionally flicked it with his stick into the slot. Just a terrible play.
Don’t know what happened on the second goal since the Isles broadcast is so incompetent that they didn’t show the goal live or on replay. When they finally did show a replay 15-20 minutes later it was the worst possible angle, giving a bird’s eye view zoomed all the way out. But I guess that’s what you get from a network that things Howie Rose is a good hire.
The third goal wasn’t his fault, but when you’ve given up 2 goals on 4 shots you gotta come up with a big save. The team played terribly in the first 7 minutes, and Theo was no different.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Nov 12, 2009 12:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Short of getting into a rebound control argument, the unmolested Islander (at that point, the 3rd one Theo had) necessitated the puck being cleared from the crease.
Watch Backstrom’s reaction. He knows he wasn’t skating hard enough, and with Park on the doorstep that swipe was Theo’s best option… assuming his D had his back.
by FFSEnough on Nov 12, 2009 12:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Sure, the puck needed to be cleared from the crease, but if that is the case you put it into the corner, not the slot. It wasn’t a hard shot and he should have been able to either put it in the corner or keep it close enough to cover before anyone got to it. There is absolutely no good reason to put that puck in the slot. Something about a frying pan and fire is coming to mind…
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Nov 12, 2009 2:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And just because someone else fucked up doesn’t absolve Theo of his boneheaded play. Watch Theo’s reaction and he knows he made a horrible play as well.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Nov 12, 2009 2:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Re: 2 – Semin had a late takeaway at the NYI blueline that I could’ve sworn was about to be called a hook. The fact that it wasn’t and that AS got the puck for a moment probably reinforces potentially bad behavior. Such is Sasha…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 12, 2009 12:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Difference there vs others is he was moving his feet. Have those love taps been called before? Sure, but based on what was/wasn’t called last night (Rolo’s trip on Laich was the most insane) that was nowhere near a penalty.
by FFSEnough on Nov 12, 2009 12:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I tend to agree, but add in Semin’s reputation and decision-making, and it was dicey for a moment.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 12, 2009 12:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
He will never get a marginal call. Marginal hooks go against him and he never draws an iffy PIM.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 12, 2009 2:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Can’t give this guy a break, can you?
I feel the same away about avatars as Ovechkin does about speed limits.
by Ovechkin on Nov 12, 2009 12:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Personally, I don’t find blogging and/or critical analysis to be about giving breaks.
Someone made a point which jogged a memory of something I observed in a moment last night, so I made mention of it. I’m not sure what else you want from me, but, more importantly, I don’t much care.
And if you need proof that I’m not always negative regarding the player in question, we have a pretty extensive (and searchable) archives.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 12, 2009 1:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I understand this, I was trying to make a joke, clearly didn’t turn out well.
Although I feel as though there are plenty of “breaks” given in some analysis, not that that’s a bad thing.
I feel the same away about avatars as Ovechkin does about speed limits.
by Ovechkin on Nov 12, 2009 3:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Apologies for not catching the joke… some people have been on my case about supposedly being unfair to the guy, so I guess I was a little edgy.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 12, 2009 3:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No problem at all, I actually loved your analysis of Semin in the Round Table (the part about asset management was a great point I hadn’t thought about).
:)
I feel the same away about avatars as Ovechkin does about speed limits.
by Ovechkin on Nov 12, 2009 3:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Jasper's Rink
Filled with edgy elitists. :)
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 12, 2009 4:13 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Another Varly note that I tweeted but hadn’t mentioned here (so I’d like others’ thoughts on it):
Regarding the Hunter goal, Varly needs to keep his golve up when he drops down. Bruce picked on him for it (or the goal, at least) in the Jersey game, but last night it was even more pronounced on the Hunter goal. Irbe: fix it.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 12, 2009 10:28 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Need to partner up with the Nats and have Strasberg come in and pitch a few at him for a week.
by FFSEnough on Nov 12, 2009 10:37 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
True, and my immediate reaction. But seeing the goal on NHL this morning, it was a frickin missile in the upper corner would have been a huge save. But I also noticed that ShaMo and Brads certainly could have been a little more aggressive. Hunter had to do a little half circle to control the puck and wound up for what seemed to be an eternity.
by d_fens on Nov 12, 2009 10:49 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It was a missile, but Varly didn’t give himself a chance. Check out the 5:00 mark here. He actually has it in good position for a moment, then does a little hitch at exactly the wrong time.
It would seem to me to be the very definition of a coachable mistake.
(Note: this isn’t to excuse Brads and Mo on the play – merely to focus on Varly).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 12, 2009 11:24 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I see your point, he flinched or dropped the glove right as the shot was going off. Due to the slow buffer I also got another look at the Tavares shot, right before he seemed to have his glove true. Though that might have just been instinct to save his ear.
by d_fens on Nov 12, 2009 11:49 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
But I also noticed that ShaMo and Brads certainly could have been a little more aggressive.
(Note: this isn’t to excuse Brads and Mo on the play – merely to focus on Varly).
Hey F&B — this is what I was ragging on Mo for last night, even if I was too dumb/tired then to be able to explain it.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 12, 2009 5:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I got ya. I figured that was what you were getting at but in general I have a hard time ragging on a PKer (unless it’s a blatantly terrible mistake) when the PIM that put us SH was a bad PIM to begin with.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 12, 2009 5:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I get the feeling this is a work in progress. It seemed to me that Varlamov has already changed his glove position at faceoffs, and he’s less jittery. If so, he’s having to learn a new set of arm movements to the point of instinct.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Nov 12, 2009 11:23 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, and Cap’s magic number: 109 pts, 54.5 games.
by FFSEnough on Nov 12, 2009 10:41 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
That’s just for a playoff berth? Or for the division?
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Nov 12, 2009 12:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think the magic number is still 16. And they haven’t started counting those yet.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Nov 12, 2009 1:28 PM EST up reply actions 8 recs
This should almost be a permanent sidebar or something. Can’t rec it enough.
by grapejoos on Nov 12, 2009 6:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Given your Lewinsky comment above, when I first read this, I thought you meant something VEEEEERRRRY different.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 12, 2009 11:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
59 | 41 | 12 | 6 | 88 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
57 | 25 | 21 | 11 | 61 |
|
Atlanta
|
57 | 25 | 24 | 8 | 58 |
|
Florida
|
58 | 24 | 25 | 9 | 57 |
|
Carolina
|
58 | 21 | 30 | 7 | 49 |
(updated 2.9.2010 at 9:00 AM EST)
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