Capital Ups and Downs: Week 7
by J.P. on Nov 16, 2009 11:00 AM EST
in Capital Ups and Downs
164 comments
Our weekly look at individual Washington Capitals' ups and downs:
| Goalies | Trend | Notes |
| Jose Theodore | ▼ | Brutal week (0-1-0/7.17/.714) leaves his season numbers in tatters, but more important than just this week, JT60's GAA and save percentage over the last five games: 4.29 and .850. Yikes. |
| Semyon Varlamov | ▲ | Don't look now, but after a 2-0-0/1.02/.964 week (including a marathon shootout win), Varly has a GAA that's half a goal better and a save percentage .019 better on the season than his main competition in D.C. More important? That 7-1-0 record. |
| Defensemen | ||
| John Erskine | - | Led the team in hits and was +1 against the Wild, scratched against Jersey. Such is the life of the sixth/seventh/eighth defenseman. |
| Mike Green | ▲ | A goal and four assists in three games and, with three points while up a man, the key to a power play that went 4-for-7 for the week. |
| Milan Jurcina | ▼ | Bad game against the Isles (including a bad penalty that led to the game-tying goal), out with a muscle pull for the next two. |
| Shaone Morrisonn | - | Led the team in hits against the Isles and blocked shots against the Devils. |
| Brian Pothier | ▲ | Continues to assert himself in the offensive zone with great results, including Friday night's game-winner and seven shots on goal in three games. |
| Tom Poti | - | On the ice for five of the ten goals the Caps allowed on the week (including an empty netter). |
| Jeff Schultz | - | Missed two games, came back to do his thing in Jersey. |
| Swingman | ||
| Tyler Sloan | - | Skating as a blueliner for the two games he played this week, he didn't show up much on the stat sheet... which isn't a bad thing. |
| Forwards | ||
| Nicklas Backstrom | ▼ | Minus-5 rating and just one assist in three games (not to mention a 2-for-10 night in the dot Saturday). Think he'll be happy when AO returns? |
| Matt Bradley | - | Solid work Friday night, a helper and the team's only plus rating Saturday. |
| Chris Clark | ▲ | Assist streak ends at four on Friday, one game after his shootout winner. Eight shots in less than two games since the Knuble injury - a sign of things to come? |
| Eric Fehr | - | Points in four of five entering Saturday night, gets yet another chance to make an impact with Knuble out. |
| Tomas Fleischmann | - | Has pointed in every game since his return except the first and his three-point week includes a power play goal and two extra man helpers. But a minus-six rating on the week (minus-two against the Isles, minus-four in Jersey) prevents him from getting a green arrow here. |
| Boyd Gordon | - | Blink and you missed his return to the lineup and subsequent exit from it. |
| Mike Knuble | ▼ | An assist and minus-two rating against the Isles and a busted finger against the Wild. But the Caps got him for April, not November, so don't worry too much. |
| Brooks Laich | - | An empty netter was his only point of the week, but 14 shots on goal is a nice number for three games. |
| Quintin Laing | - | Played the prototypical Q game on Friday night, didn't do much on either end of it. |
| Brendan Morrison | ▲ | Points in five-straight, including power-play helpers in the past two games where he's subbing for AO on the point (and doing quite well). |
| Michael Nylander | ● | The dreaded yellow circle of "What the hell, dude?" |
| Alex Ovechkin | - | Getting closer to playing, but not in the way that we're all getting closer to dying - most expect the Great Eight in the lineup Tuesday night in Gotham. |
| Mathieu Perreault | ▲ | Goal, assist, plus-two for the week and has yet to have a minus rating in any of his six games. We'll talk about those faceoffs some other time. |
| Alexander Semin |  |
Two goals against the Isles (and countless other fantastic chances) and one of the world's worst turnovers against the Devs. He's trending neither up nor down - he's trending Sasha. |
| David Steckel | - | Dominating the dot (70% for the week and 83% against Minny), but still yet to find the back of the net. It'll come, Stecks. |
8 recs |
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Comments
ooooh, I like the dreaded yellow circle and “Trending Sasha”! Nice creativity here.
by RedBirdie on Nov 16, 2009 11:06 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Agreed! Made me laugh out loud. Always a good thing on Monday mornings.
by mercurialwinger on Nov 16, 2009 11:34 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Would have been a perfect spot for the hair photo…
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Nov 16, 2009 11:48 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Done.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 16, 2009 10:06 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Ha.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Nov 16, 2009 10:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Heh. Rarely does the interwebs make me guffaw out loud. I shot Veuve Clicqot out my nose and almost dropped my caviar spoon. Spot-on, chap!
"I tried to capture the spirit of the thing"
by tuvanhillbilly on Nov 16, 2009 12:05 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
“Trending Sasha” would be a great name for a new fragrance line.
IS PЯACTICE NOW.
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 16, 2009 12:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Smells like roses to some, garbage to others?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 16, 2009 12:19 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Well, the ads could have lots of unicorns emerging from and then disappearing into the mist…
IS PЯACTICE NOW.
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 16, 2009 12:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
does said unicorn have wrist injuries and a penchant for falling down?
by ns on Nov 16, 2009 12:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
couldn't help myself...
ps it is really hard, and nerve racking, to look up pictures of unicorns at work
by ns on Nov 16, 2009 1:00 PM EST up reply actions 10 recs
Rec’tacular!
:: golf clap ::
Run free, my little единорог!
IS PЯACTICE NOW.
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 16, 2009 1:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It would smell damn near irresistible much of the time, then turn rancid on you for no reason at all.
IS PЯACTICE NOW.
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 16, 2009 12:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And then you would think it was your own fault, and find yourself buying another bottle.
IS PЯACTICE NOW.
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 16, 2009 12:25 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Sounds like an emo band to me.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 16, 2009 12:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Perfect setup for...
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 16, 2009 12:29 PM EST up reply actions 7 recs
combined with the hair picture from this morning, Oh. My. GAWD!
(I totally want my very own Emo Bunny)
by RedBirdie on Nov 16, 2009 12:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And you’re gonna name it Snowflake, yes?
IS PЯACTICE NOW.
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 16, 2009 12:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Snowflake is not nearly brooding enough.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 16, 2009 12:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
snowflake is perfect, given that little white nose. Google Translate gives me this for Snowflake is Russian: снежинка. How the heck do I pronounce it?
by RedBirdie on Nov 16, 2009 12:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Bwahahahahahahaha
IS PЯACTICE NOW.
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 16, 2009 12:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, in English translation – Snezhinka.
IS PЯACTICE NOW.
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 16, 2009 12:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
does that qualify as dark and brooding?
by RedBirdie on Nov 16, 2009 1:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
"Trending Sasha" would be a great name for a new fragrance line.
Sounds more like a sitcom to me.
by gfcaps fan on Nov 16, 2009 2:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, Sasha!
Void Boyd! Go with Perreault!
by jordanDC on Nov 16, 2009 2:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Loving the Semin Arrow (now there’s a nice blog handle)
Void Boyd! Go with Perreault!
by jordanDC on Nov 16, 2009 11:07 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Team Sweden boss Bengt Gustafsson was in the Rock for the Devils blowout. I wonder what his triangles were reading?
IS PЯACTICE NOW.
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 16, 2009 11:08 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I’m a huge fan of BMo on the point – he distributes well, keeps the puck in and makes smart plays that haven’t resulted in SH chances.
Plus, doesn’t that give us the second unit we’ve been hoping for? Ovie and Backs on the half-boards, Green and BMo on the points and Laich/Knuble (Brooks Mike?) screening and collecting garbage (when Knuble is healthy). The second unit could then be Poti-Pothier on the points, Semin and Flash on the half walls and the other half of Laich/Knuble screening. Keeps fresh legs out and stops these crazy 2 minutes PPs for Green and Ovie.
You could put Perrault on the half wall instead of Flash on the second unit and move 14 to the front of the net until Knuble gets healthy, or use Fehr’s body for that job.
Thoughts?
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 16, 2009 11:11 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
B.Mo is awesome. What a great pick-up by the Caps (and good on B.Mo for seeing the light and coming here!)
by RedBirdie on Nov 16, 2009 11:14 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’ve become a big fan of BMo doing anything and everything.
IS PЯACTICE NOW.
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 16, 2009 11:15 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
completely agreed – who would have thought he’d turn out to be such a great acquisition?
"No Brooks Laich, no win. Know Brooks Laich, know win."
by kellobellow on Nov 16, 2009 11:16 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed. It’s one of those times you credit GMGM with a touch of genius.
by gfcaps fan on Nov 16, 2009 2:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
A good many of us, actually. But that doesn’t take anything away from GM making it happen.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks.
by macvechkin on Nov 16, 2009 3:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
really? i mean yeah, everyone for the most part seemed optimistic, but i still think he’s exceeded most people’s expectations.
"No Brooks Laich, no win. Know Brooks Laich, know win."
by kellobellow on Nov 16, 2009 6:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
MP to PP? Yes, please.
Void Boyd! Go with Perreault!
by jordanDC on Nov 16, 2009 11:18 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Thinking about it, you’d really want Laich on the second unit to take face-offs – there’s really not another guy there who can be counted to win anything like 50% of them.
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 16, 2009 11:20 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Clarifying – with 85 seeing second unit time.
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 16, 2009 11:21 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Stick Perreault on a wing, then. He’ll produce.
Void Boyd! Go with Perreault!
by jordanDC on Nov 16, 2009 11:21 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think he would, it was more shaking out the Knuble versus Laich on the first and second unit and Perrault’s faceoff ability was my reasoning.
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 16, 2009 11:22 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Sound reasoning.
Void Boyd! Go with Perreault!
by jordanDC on Nov 16, 2009 11:26 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
BMo should stay on the point. Ovie should never be there and I’ve thought this for every one of his seasons.
BMo is sweet on the PK too.
BMo for Prez!
by Caps_Chick on Nov 16, 2009 11:19 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Ovechkin in front of the net
Not a fan of that, I’d rather him be able to float into the soft spots in the D to get open for one-timers. He’s so dangerous because he can sneak into those spots. If he’s screening, you know exactly where he is at all times and he’s easier to defend.
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 16, 2009 12:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, but he’s going to draw a lot of attention down there, opening up more passing lanes perhaps.
We’ll be fine no matter where he’s at, I think.
Void Boyd! Go with Perreault!
by jordanDC on Nov 16, 2009 12:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
We’ll be find no matter where he’s at, but the question is putting him in a position that makes us best. I’ll bet we’re still a 22%+ team wherever he plays, but we’d like to be as effective as we can, right?
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 16, 2009 12:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Indeed. I say give it a try for a couple games and then send him to the point if there’s a remarkable decline.
Void Boyd! Go with Perreault!
by jordanDC on Nov 16, 2009 12:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Why is it they’re still in NJ for practice?
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Nov 16, 2009 12:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe MSG is booked for something else and the ice isn’t down?
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 16, 2009 12:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Bingo. MSG has Metallica concerts yesterday and tonight.
IS PЯACTICE NOW.
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 16, 2009 12:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
GreenLife52 going tonight? I know he loves him some Lars and friends…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 16, 2009 12:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
More likely they went out yesterday/last night, wouldn’t you think?
(I was checking teh Twitterz last night, to see if there were any Caps sightings in Gotham. If there were, the observers kept their fingers to themselves.)
Green looked awful in his post-Devils locker room interview. Deep dark circles under his eyes.
IS PЯACTICE NOW.
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 16, 2009 12:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The more important question is who does Mike Green like more: Guns ‘N’ Roses or Metallica?
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 16, 2009 12:38 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
He might be a little young for GN’R.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 16, 2009 12:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That was more a continuity joke than an actual question.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 16, 2009 1:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, I know.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 16, 2009 1:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Not a little young for GN'R:
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 16, 2009 1:06 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Nice pull. That’s Ovie’s Russian nightclub party right?
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 16, 2009 1:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Aye.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 16, 2009 1:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That night will forever supply snarky blog commenters with great picture pulls.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 16, 2009 1:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That comment says a lot about William Bailey.
A man gotta have a code
by CP2Devil on Nov 16, 2009 1:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And Saul Hudson.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 16, 2009 1:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Not sure about that. Saul actually has put out a fair bit of music and actually created a career. Not saying I like his stuff just saying he didn’t disappear and ruin a legacy. The other guy is just a mess (and always has been) and ruined any shot that band had at longevity.
A man gotta have a code
by CP2Devil on Nov 16, 2009 1:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No doubt. I was just referring to their work with the band referenced. Misunderstanding or something.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 16, 2009 1:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry my comment may have been a bit too nuanced. My point was Metallica is a band that was formed 4 years before G N R and put out 3 releases before Guns put out one and yet the fact that they would be considered a more current band is amusing.
A man gotta have a code
by CP2Devil on Nov 16, 2009 1:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
John Bailey?
Man, that guy’s enemies got enemies.
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 16, 2009 2:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
If he’s young for G’n’R then he’s young for anything good by Metallica.
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 16, 2009 2:17 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Agreed, but I don’t think age factors into it. Plenty of younger people like both bands.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 16, 2009 2:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Fact.
Marginally related fact: when “Appetite” turned 20, I felt ancient.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 16, 2009 2:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Same here.
Metallica in Rock N Roll Hall of Shame didn’t help either. Feels like yesterday when I bought “Ride the Lightning” at Waxie Maxie’s and rushed home to play it on my turntable.
A man gotta have a code
by CP2Devil on Nov 16, 2009 2:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
What’s a turntable… you mean a CD player, right?
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 16, 2009 2:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It’s that thing DJ’s use.
A man gotta have a code
by CP2Devil on Nov 16, 2009 3:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
An iPod?
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 16, 2009 3:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No no, he’s talking about those giant knobs that hook up to a laptop.
by Bman21212 on Nov 16, 2009 4:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You kids are funny.
Somewhere Nipper is crying.
A man gotta have a code
by CP2Devil on Nov 16, 2009 5:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
To break with the joke for a sec, I actually just purchased around seven LPs from a vintage record store on Saturday. Not all use youngins are clueless.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 16, 2009 6:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
A lot of newer rock bands are releasing stuff on vinyl. I think most younger people know what it is but few have ever used a record.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
by zephyr on Nov 16, 2009 8:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
great, so the shitty MSG ice will be even shittier than usual?
by RedBirdie on Nov 16, 2009 12:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
True story – I went to MSG to see the men’s indoor beach volleyball tour back in the days of Karch Kiraly and Sinjin Smith. It was a fun match, then I saw their interview on teevee. Apparently MSG just puts some plywood over the ice and then dumps sand on it. The players were nearly getting frostbite playing “beach” volleyball!
IS PЯACTICE NOW.
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 16, 2009 12:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The American Cup gymnastics competition is held at MSG on occasion and the gymnasts hate it because of the cold. The equipment is on a raised podium (like you see during the Olympics), but between events, you have to wait on the floor, which is plywood with some carpet thrown on top! And keep in mind, they compete for all of about 5 minutes spread over 2+ hours, and these girls don’t have any body fat to keep them warm!
by RedBirdie on Nov 16, 2009 12:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
believe me, there’s a few that I see and am like “a tuna sandwich won’t kill you!” It’s quite disgusting what they’re willing to do, and they don’t see anything wrong with it. And they wonder why they get diagnosed with brittle bones at 20-25-30.
by RedBirdie on Nov 16, 2009 1:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
If you’re splitting an M&M for dinner, there’s a problem.
Void Boyd! Go with Perreault!
by jordanDC on Nov 16, 2009 1:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
please, some of those girls have never seen an M&M!
by RedBirdie on Nov 16, 2009 1:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
don’t they need a decent diet to maintain the muscle needed to do much of their routines?
by ns on Nov 16, 2009 1:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
They’re all on roids.
Void Boyd! Go with Perreault!
by jordanDC on Nov 16, 2009 1:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
we call it the “Chicken-water-fruit” diet. its sadly typical. and the ones that do starve themselves skinny don’t do it year round, only leading up to major competitions. not that it makes it any healthier. some coaches are more in touch with reality than others and won’t flip out about food. Others, not so much. And unfortunately in the US, that includes the national team coach.
by RedBirdie on Nov 16, 2009 1:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Are you an ex-gymnast or something?
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
by zephyr on Nov 16, 2009 2:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
yes. One that had sane parents, fortunately. I also coached for a number of years.
by RedBirdie on Nov 16, 2009 2:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
so protein-water-vitamins/carbs and little fat…
where the hell do they get the energy for all that training?
by ns on Nov 16, 2009 2:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Overbearing parents?
Worked for a lot of the kids on my hockey teams growing up.
Void Boyd! Go with Perreault!
by jordanDC on Nov 16, 2009 2:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
pretty much. And when you’ve done nothing but gymnastics since you were little, sometimes its easier to stay in that screwed up little world than to take the scary step of leaving it.
keep in mind that gymnastics isn’t an endurance sport. there’s a lot of standing around, waiting for your turn on the equipment and stuff. A beam routine doesn’t really require endurance, just some serious coordination.
by RedBirdie on Nov 16, 2009 2:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Great, the sheet will be peachy-keen tomorrow. But at least it won’t smell like dogs.
(Is now checking the dog show schedule…phew, it’s during the Olympic break.)
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Nov 16, 2009 1:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
BMo is great, and still flies under the radar for the most part. I had to watch the MIN game on TV with MIN commentators, and they said something along the lines of “people forget Washington even signed this guy in the offseason!”
"My face is my mask."
by jakeshapiro on Nov 16, 2009 11:19 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
been screaming to get Ovie off the PP point
B.Mo is far more reliable back there. Obviously not as heavy a shot but he’s more responsible, takes less risks, and never seems to get the puck tied up in his skates and caught flat-footed for a SH break. He needs to stay there.
by DonnieKnutts on Nov 16, 2009 11:26 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I like the fact that BMo’s doesn’t have a devestating slapper. His shots are slow enough that they’re perfect for deflection tries and really seem to give goaltenders problems with the traffic created by Laich/Knuble.
by Kolzilla on Nov 16, 2009 11:30 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree on this point. No doubt the puck would stay in the zone longer. Never been fully sold on Ovi on the point, but I get what it does in terms of allowing him more space and ability to float down to the slot area.
A man gotta have a code
by CP2Devil on Nov 16, 2009 11:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Since I’m relatively new here at the Rink, I need to better understand what it means when a player gets neither an up or a down. Does this mean they are consistent?
by Caps_Chick on Nov 16, 2009 11:13 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
no better, no worse than last week. Like Stecks is consistently awesome at face offs, and consistently failing at finding the net.
by RedBirdie on Nov 16, 2009 11:14 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Just wondering because IMO Brads brings it every game. But maybe wasn’t any better or worse last week than the week before so that’s why I asked if it denotes consistency.
by Caps_Chick on Nov 16, 2009 11:17 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m guessing he didn’t get the up arrow because he didn’t bring his goal scoring acumen last week.
A man gotta have a code
by CP2Devil on Nov 16, 2009 11:25 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m ok with Brads staying neutral. He just keeps plugging along, doing what he does best, which is not let the other team score and generally be a bit of a terror on skates. His little improvements every season continue to amaze me.
by RedBirdie on Nov 16, 2009 11:36 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I was just joking.
Your comments echo my sentiments.
A man gotta have a code
by CP2Devil on Nov 16, 2009 11:50 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m ok with Brads staying neutral.
I disagree, tho not vehemently. I think he ottoa get the green up arrow, albeit a small one.
by Uncle C on Nov 16, 2009 12:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Nice choice of picture. Captain Clark after the SO goal.
IS PЯACTICE NOW.
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 16, 2009 11:14 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
It would be really cool to see every month or so a graph of the Caps’ ups and downs through the season so far.
"My face is my mask."
by jakeshapiro on Nov 16, 2009 11:21 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I remember someone suggesting this a while back, and I think the general consensus was “not all green/red arrows are created equal.”
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 16, 2009 12:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Any chance we can add the coaching staff and Fans/Atmosphere to this weekly report?
by SA-Town on Nov 16, 2009 11:23 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Interesting thought, and one (re: coaching, at least), that I had earlier in the season. But I figure that coaching trends and whatnot are better saved for full-blown posts usually. Maybe I can add these, though…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 16, 2009 12:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
maybe as a special addition if the occasion calls for it? It’s an interesting thought for sure :0
by Vinn on Nov 16, 2009 3:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’ve been on the Theo bandwagon for a long while, defending him when he’s had a bad game, gloating when he goes on a nice run, but I am officially quitting on Jose as the Caps #1. The game against NJ was the clincher. He wasn’t godawful but when the team needed him to make the big save, he failed. It’s almost like a veil’s been lifted and I really see Theo for what he is; a once very good goalie who is now the one worst thing a keeper can be-inconsistent. I think the clincher was watching how good Varly was against Minnesota, making saves that I knew Theo wouldn’t. Sadly, I’m now convinced that the Caps will never win a cup with Theodore in net. I’m not advocating jettisoning the guy, just moving him to the backup role and giving Varly 60-70% of the starts from here on out. Varly will probably have his ups and downs too, but I think it will work itself out in time for the playoffs.
by b.orr4 on Nov 16, 2009 11:28 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
So next year do we bring up Neuvirth to back up Varly, or do we sign a cheapie vet backup?
Void Boyd! Go with Perreault!
by jordanDC on Nov 16, 2009 11:34 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It’s got to be Neuvirth. After this season, he’ll have done everything he needs to do down in Hershey.
by b.orr4 on Nov 16, 2009 11:35 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
But don’t you want him getting a load of starts somewhere? Would you try to have them split starts 50/50?
Void Boyd! Go with Perreault!
by jordanDC on Nov 16, 2009 11:36 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah next year 50/50 until the deadline. Then you get a veteran backup if you need 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 16, 2009 11:37 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
50/50-ish for as long as it takes to trade the one you don’t want. As much as we love both of them and recognize how nice it is to have two potential stud young goalies, realistically speaking one or the other’s value to the team long term will be in what they fetch in return once we decide to stick with one, move the other and bring up Holtby as a backup.
"Let the rest be scared of us." - Sasha Semin
by Scott in Shaw on Nov 16, 2009 2:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree mostly. I don’t agree that next year has to be the last year for either one of them. They’ll be pretty cost controlled on the next contract because goalies don’t see the same huge contract jump that scorers do. There is no need to fast-track Holtby so if both goalies look good next year I could see both being extended. But yes, ultimately the value one of those guys has is in his trade value (though letting them mature longer and play more will increase that value, so again, no need to rush them out the door).
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 16, 2009 2:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, yeah, I agree that next year shouldn’t/won’t be the last we see of the dynamic duo. I think it’s somewhat realistic to say that after this year Theo walks, Varly and Neuvy split goaltending duties in ‘10-’11, which Varly at least initially given the chance to be the #1 (maybe 60/40 instead of 50/50). Depending on how ‘10-’11 goes, I could see one of them leaving at the trade deadline in 2012. Holtby gets two chances to lead the Bears to a Calder in the meantime :)
"Let the rest be scared of us." - Sasha Semin
by Scott in Shaw on Nov 16, 2009 3:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Sounds like a plan. I really hope the Caps maintain the affiliation with HER going forward, seems to be a real good fit for both.
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 16, 2009 3:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It’s nice to be able to drive up there once or twice a year, too.
Void Boyd! Go with Perreault!
by jordanDC on Nov 16, 2009 3:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
How would they lose affiliation? What would happen to all the players drafted by the Caps?
by Bman21212 on Nov 16, 2009 4:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The two teams negotiate affiliation contracts periodically. The Caps used to use Portland and Colorado used Hershey. If the affiliation breaks down then the Caps prospects go wherever the Caps set up the new affiliation.
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 16, 2009 5:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Let them fight it out and the winner gets the majority of starts. It’s a real luxury to have two young studs in goal and the competition can only make the team better.
by b.orr4 on Nov 16, 2009 11:39 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Unless you are Halak
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 16, 2009 11:39 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
’Tis always an exception to every rule.
by gfcaps fan on Nov 16, 2009 2:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I feel like Varly has noticeably improved his glove over the course of the season and noticeably improved his positioning – he’s not over-committing nearly as much as he did. I like his potential if that keeps up.
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 16, 2009 11:35 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’ve seen Irbe and Woods fire pucks at that glove for 15 minutes at a time in practice. Seems to be paying off.
Void Boyd! Go with Perreault!
by jordanDC on Nov 16, 2009 11:37 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Varlamov’s glove problems were mental. The hand was there, it just didn’t catch. He doesn’t have a slow hand or anything.
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 16, 2009 11:37 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Still, they’re shooting a load of rubber at it pretty frequently.
Void Boyd! Go with Perreault!
by jordanDC on Nov 16, 2009 11:38 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’d be shocked if he did, since the rest of him is so quick. Whether the problem was confidence in the hand or just a lack of focus, the improvement in results is what counts, methinks.
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 16, 2009 11:39 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Nothing builds confidence like practice!
Void Boyd! Go with Perreault!
by jordanDC on Nov 16, 2009 11:42 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Still needs work and a lot of it, imo.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 16, 2009 12:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No question about it. I’m not screaming for Varly to get all the starts or become the undisputed number one, especially because that means less time with Irbe and Woods. He’s still very raw, but he’s gone from tar-tar to rare. Still not done cooking.
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 16, 2009 12:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
But wholly edible, as he was sushi-grade from the word go.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 16, 2009 12:20 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
I think it’s fair to suspect that he will probably never be a reliable #1 for the Capitals. There are just too many nights when he doesn’t have it, and it appears nothing has changed in that regard this season. It seems Boudreau is trending in the direction of giving Varly more of the starts. One thing I like about BB is that he doesn’t give Theodore too much leeway. He has been very much on top of the goalie situation.
by Kolzilla on Nov 16, 2009 11:35 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Theodore will never, ever, ever be trustworthy.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks.
by macvechkin on Nov 16, 2009 3:10 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Music to my ears.
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 16, 2009 11:36 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think the clincher was watching how good Varly was against Minnesota, making saves that I knew Theo wouldn’t
Varly could always make saves Theo couldn’t. He’s more athletic. If that was the clincher for you then you should have been off the bandwagon the day Varly came onto the roster last season.
Theo’s the same guy he’s been for years now. I think he’ll be up and down a few more times before the Spring. I am just happy he played good longer than I expected during the first month of the season. I think the scenario you mention is the plan Caps management has preferred all along.
As someone who never got off I find it funny how everyone is back on the Varly train. He’s a young goalie who is going to struggle at times as he’s makes the adjustments in his game/technique in order to have success long term. By letting Theo play more now they’ve allowed Irbe more time to help Varly develop better technique, glove, and rebound control.
Before the season I was upset Theo was getting the nod as the starter but as things transpired I believe it all is going to work out for the best.
A man gotta have a code
by CP2Devil on Nov 16, 2009 11:49 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I never consider myself the most reliable evaluator of what I see on the ice, but it appears to me that Varly’s moves aren’t as drastic as they seemed when he first came up last year. His moves seem more economical, so that he doesn’t have to scramble back as much. Overall, just lookes calmer out there.
by gfcaps fan on Nov 16, 2009 2:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree, he looks much more efficient out there.
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 16, 2009 2:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You seem to be reliable in this case. He is definitely being more economical. He’s in position for shots most of the time whereas in the past he tended to overplay the puck and then be out of position if a rebound was to generate another shot. His glove is slowly improving as well.
A man gotta have a code
by CP2Devil on Nov 16, 2009 3:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m convinced that Theo can’t carry us through the playoffs, and I’m not convinced that Varly can wither. Varly’s got great talent, but I’m not sure the mental aspect of his game is up to par to backstop us to a Stanley Cup – yet. That may change, but he’s only 21…..odds are it won’t all come together in the next 60 games. I wouldn’t be surprised if GMGM rents a goalie at the trade deadline – cap space withstanding.
Then again I could just be overly pessimistic on our goaltender situation. It’s just that I’ve been a Caps fan for too long….
Despised in all cities except Washington and Quebec.
by topshelf_22304 on Nov 16, 2009 1:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
What's with the Anti-Backstrom bias?
The dude is easily one of our best forwards and all you do is give him a Red Arrow (leading off with him no less) and make some comment about how he can’t play with AO. Maybe AO wouldn’t do so well without Baxter. Have you thought of that?
BMo needs to stay on the point. Let AO roam the offensive zone without having to worry about (basically the only) PP defensive responsibilities.
I’m a huge MP fan, and I think that the fact that he hasn’t been moved to W yet suggests the Caps think he can play C, but I think that might be the right move. If you watch Potsy’s GWG MP was playing wing defensively in our zone; Clark was playing down low, where the C normally would. That lets MP get the puck and cleanly get out of the zone. (Aside, his speed and shiftiness on the wing really keeps the opposing points honest; they weren’t pinching too hard against him and they basically give him the clear because they don’t want to get burned.) Moving to W enhances the focus on his offensive abilities and takes away some of his defensive deficiency. The only problem is that moving him to W basically locks him to the one side of the ice and I think he’s real effective coming through the middle and making the whole ice his canvass.
Love trending Sasha.
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 16, 2009 11:33 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
with that first paragraph, did you do a drive by CarlosLA? or did I just get CapsFan75’ed?
by RedBirdie on Nov 16, 2009 11:37 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Rule of thumb
If you have to ask…
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 16, 2009 11:38 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Suggestion
Don’t want to add to your worload, JP, but how about a trending chart for the guys in Hershey? Maybe once or twice a month just so we can keep tabs on how the kids are doing.
by b.orr4 on Nov 16, 2009 11:42 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Hasn’t DMG been doing that sort of thing with a report on the Hershey prospects? Or were you thinking more broadly?
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 16, 2009 11:43 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I love the arrows. It’s so easy for us reading-challenged types.
by b.orr4 on Nov 16, 2009 11:54 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The arrows are fun and a nice, quick reference point. Kind of affirming, too – it’d be cool to see green arrows next to Alzner, who’s like a plus bajillion.
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 16, 2009 11:57 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t see those guys enough to feel comfortable giving them something so binding and set in stone as arrows.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 16, 2009 12:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
How Important do we think it is
That Nylander leaves Washington? I’d say him not going to the KHL or anywhere else significantly hurts the Caps’ chances of winning a cup. There’s virtually no chance of upgrading the D without it happening, and I think it’s becoming painfully obvious that the current corps won’t improve much.
Just trying to start some back-and-forth on an off day. How important is it?
by Kolzilla on Nov 16, 2009 11:45 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I’d say it’s pretty important. That’s a lot of cap space for a deadline deal and getting the young guys from Hershey time in the big leagues, getting ready for the playoff run. We’re playing with essentially a 10% cap handicap with Nylander sitting on the bench. The teams we’re going to go up against when it counts are good enough so that the money we’re not able to use on better players is a serious detriment.
I could see it being the difference between getting out of the East and bowing out in the ECF or even the second round again, depending on the draw.
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 16, 2009 11:49 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It absolutely significantly hurts the Caps’ chances of winning a cup. Opportunity cost of what we could be doing if we were able to take on nearly $5M salary.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks.
by macvechkin on Nov 16, 2009 3:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Trending Sasha = GOLD.
Rec’d for that alone.
by vt caps fan on Nov 16, 2009 11:48 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
I’ve been very impressed with Pothier since he got benched. He always seems to turn it up after he rides the pine. Benching him again=Norris?
"Oh, the usual. I bowl. Drive around. The occasional acid flashback."
by The Ghost of Bebop on Nov 16, 2009 12:14 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, now.
Void Boyd! Go with Perreault!
by jordanDC on Nov 16, 2009 1:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, I thought the Norris was being reserved for Schultz…….
Separately, is it just me but Poti is now the dman on the outside looking in. I think that also speaks to the larger picture; I would be happy moving ANY of the 8 dmen we have to clear the logjam and allow a path for Alzner (and Carlson next year). The winner of the Juice/Schultz/Morrison/etc trade bait war gos to – it doesnt matter!
by bigity b on Nov 16, 2009 3:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m going to assume you meant any of the 8 outside of Mike Green.
Void Boyd! Go with Perreault!
by jordanDC on Nov 16, 2009 3:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
is it just me but Poti is now the dman on the outside looking in
What makes you say that?
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 16, 2009 3:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
What a weekend. :P
Yep, the jinx is alive and well. :P annoyed look
Now that I have (mostly) caught up, a moment of bad inspiration occurred to someone who has limited skill with Photoshop.
Our lives are this moment, the music, the dance ....
Fan Clubs: Sloan, Schultz
by gotsparkly on Nov 16, 2009 6:36 PM EST reply actions 5 recs
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
71 | 47 | 14 | 10 | 104 |
|
Atlanta
|
70 | 30 | 29 | 11 | 71 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
70 | 28 | 30 | 12 | 68 |
|
Florida
|
69 | 28 | 30 | 11 | 67 |
|
Carolina
|
70 | 29 | 33 | 8 | 66 |
(updated 3.19.2010 at 1:17 AM EDT)
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