Tuesday Caps Clips: 'A Collapse By 20 Guys'
by J.P. on Nov 24, 2009 6:44 AM EST
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PrintYour savory breakfast links:
- Recaps and other assorted musings on last night's loss from Corey (blog, article), Tarik (blog, article), Vogs, Joe B., Ed Frankovic, Peerless, Hockey Mom, Fight for Old DC and The Ottawa Citizen (which also did a Brian Pothier feature).
- The word from Mike Green: "Brutal game. Def not happy with my performance. Don't hate. See you on Wed caps fans. Your [sic] the best!" [@GreenLife52]
- "The #Caps have had the lead in the 3rd period and lost it in 10 of their 23 games. They are 5-5 in those games[.]" [@cmasisak22]
- "The #Caps have won 13 of 24 games ... a .542 win pct equates to 9-7 in the NFL and 88-74 in MLB." [@cmasisak22]
- The Caps' local TV ratings are down and they're getting trounced by the hapless Wiz (bet that hasn't been uttered much yet this fall). In the Caps' defense, some of their best early season match-ups have been on Versus or called CSN-plus. [Sports Media Watch]
- Alex Semin gives us an injury update. [Capitals Insider]
- Thirteen teams had pro scouts at Saturday night's Caps/Leafs game... all to watch Toronto, right? Right. [CBC]
- Speaking of Saturday night's game, the real reasons Alex Ovechkin had an off-night revealed. [Down Goes Brown]
- Despite missing two weeks, AO's still atop USA Today's MVP leaderboard. [USA Today]
- In case you missed it over the weekend, the NHL has apparently decided it wants to send six teams to Europe to kick off the 2010-11 season, and has contacted their half-dozen first choices to gauge interest. Not on the list? The Caps. Why not? My guess rhymes with "Minter Vlasic." [ESPN]
- Further to that last point, "Reports are that the Capitals will play the Rangers at Yankee Stadium in next year’s outdoor game." [CBC]
- Another interesting note from Elliotte Friedman's fantastic weekly file: "Mathieu Perreault – six points in his first nine games – said he has found the transition to the NHL a lot less difficult than he thought because of the two-referee system. The AHL uses only one ref, and therefore get away with more hooking and holding. NHL players don’t."
- Fresh power rankings, with the Caps down a spot to fourth at Sporting News, holding at fourth at CBC, up one to sixth at CBSSports.com and down two to sixth at ESPN.
- Green's on the hotlist. Or at least he was before last night. [NHL.com]
- A reminder of the battle Tom Poti fights daily off the ice. [New England Hockey Journal]
- If you need a little "feel good" in your day, here you go. [In The Room]
- I'm a sucker for a great hockey card story, and this is a great hockey card story. [FanPost]
- Interesting data that, in part, explains why the Caps looked so lethargic Saturday night. [Behind the Net]
- Bear Tracks! [LDN]
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Interesting note on Perreault. I wonder, if the AHL went to the 2 ref system, would it showcase the speedy, smaller players more?
It might, but the AHL is a one-ref system because it’s a bit of a developmental league for referees, too; they’re learning to make the calls on their own without depending on someone else to see half of it… at least, that’s the line from the Officials’ Association.
Dumb
Maybe getting them used to working in pairs would cut down on the backside refs calling a hook in the corner from 90 feet away.
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...
seriously, “we want them to get practice at something they aren’t going to do” is a preposterous explanation. If anything, they should work the 2 man as far down the system as feasible. Referees need as much game experience as they can get.
Question for those in the know, beyond the NHL (at higher and at lower levels) is there one regulating body that issues certification for hockey referees? Does a referee start out doing youth level games and work his way up through the high level amateur and then to low level pro before having a chance at a lucky jump to the big leagues?
USA hockey certifies the refs through Juniors I believe. I don’t know what happens to make the jump to the pros.
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...
If it’s anything like football, it’s all about who you know. A girl I work with’s husband refs college football, and he has said that you have to basically be invited by a ref at a higher level to move up. You could be an outstanding ref with a great resume and never make it to the big leagues.
Sounds like lots of professions with limited openings and tons of applicants. I’m just not sure if USA hockey certification is enough to go from Juniors to Pros or if there is a separate sanctioning body for the professional refs.
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...
The AHL is a one-ref system because two refs cost twice as much.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 24, 2009 7:36 PM EST up reply actions
Down Goes Brown…. “The Pensblog” for people with brains.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Nov 24, 2009 10:25 AM EST up reply actions
Damn Peerless, what you got against DGB? I sure hope he doesn’t see that comment. Putting Pensblog in with DGB is like comparing Evgeni Artyukhin to Alex Ovechkin.
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...
Even if they continually rail about Ovi while countering how Caps fans are “obsessed” with El Sid, thereby defining irony, headlining a game story with “Diarrhea Cha Cha Cha” will make me laugh every single time.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Nov 24, 2009 1:43 PM EST up reply actions
From the Bear Tracks link:
Right wing Andrew Gordon saw his consecutive game streak come to an end when he missed Saturday’s game against Springfield while on recall with Washington, the first game he missed since March 19, 2008, a streak of 110 consecutive games, 137 consecutive games including playoffs.
SO FЯIENDS, IS BATTLE NOW.
Wow, I had no idea Tom Poti had such ridiculously bad food allergies. That has to be rough.
Fight, you time-wasting figure skaters!
He’s not the only one in the organization, either.
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Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I’m the same way, except instead of peanuts it’s deep fried spam.
"I'm just doing karate and trying to get females pregnant."
by Bald Pollack on Nov 24, 2009 8:21 AM EST up reply actions
The sad thing is that food issues seem to be becoming more common. While Poti certainly seems to have a more serious condition than most, there are a lot of people who just can’t deal with many kinds of food. They don’t go into shock, it just interferes with proper body operation.
Almost any child with any form of Autism is placed on a allergen free diet by specialists. Typically no gluten (wheat), cassein (milk), corn, or soy. You also want to keep processed foods low and avoid unnecessary chemicals. Mounting problem? Many sources are saying that 1 in every 140 children have Autism. Even more prevalent in boys, 1 in every 100. Not everyone responds to this kind of diet, but many do.
Something to keep in mind, although its probably not a problem for Poti, eating this way isn’t cheap. Natural Bacon? $6 a pound instead of $2.50 or so for regular. Animal Crackers? $7 a box instead of $1. You don’t even want to know what organic chicken costs.
by HateOffSeason on Nov 24, 2009 8:41 AM EST up reply actions
My nine year old boy is just like Poti, with a few extras tossed in: allergic to all nuts, particularly pistachio; spring time miseries due to tree pollens, particularly oak; dust mites and animal dander. Epipens at the ready and Albuterol inhaler for rescue. He may be asthmatic, doctors still not sure. But hey, that ain’t stopping him from just about anything. Kid has boundless energy and is, pretty much, like a flea. He is about to enter into the Kettler Hockey “Learn to Play” program. My boy!
"I play Russian roulette every day - a man's sport - with a bullet called life"
New personal rule: All links to Down Goes Brown are mandatory reading.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 24, 2009 8:38 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
I don't like how...
The Florida Panthers ripped off the Springfield Falcons uniform
Its like they took the Springfield colors, the circle logo idea from the Blues, and added the lamest shoulder patch ever.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Nov 24, 2009 8:52 AM EST reply actions
I thought it was a bit more University of Maine meets Minnesota Wild myself.
Its not the most groundbreaking new uni, but I’ve seen far far far worse. Not liking the sunshine patch, but its Florida. Overall, it doesn’t make me want to gouge my eyes out, and they managed to use the Columbia Blue is the right amount (although, hard to go wrong with navy base and columbia accents), unlike a certain team in Pennsylvania.
That Springfield picture must be wrong. There’s no white on either uniform.. Wait, Color?
I actually really like that.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 24, 2009 10:34 AM EST up reply actions
Not on the list? The Caps. Why not? My guess rhymes with "Minter Vlasic."
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 24, 2009 8:57 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Ya beat me to it… Great!
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 24, 2009 9:46 AM EST up reply actions
Marc-Edoard Vlasic is that famous already?
by red army line on Nov 24, 2009 10:14 AM EST up reply actions
From Corey's game article
That said, this one might rank as one of the worst.
Don’t really think Corey needs to hedge his bets here.
TV Ratings Down
It might be that the last three games on Comcast have not been in HD. What gives? Does broadcasting in HD cost them more to produce??
My old eyes need to see the puck!
The #Caps have won 13 of 24 games … a .542 win pct equates to 9-7 in the NFL and 88-74 in MLB.
Someone needs to tell Corey that the NHL standings don’t equate to the other sports. 32 points out of a possible 48 means they’ve earned 66% of all the points available to them. Over a full season, that’s a 108 points. Last night was brutal, but down seven starters and playing on the road for the third game in four nights may have contributed just a slight bit to that collapse. There’s no denying that the blown leads are a definite concern, but I’m reserving judgement until their roster remotely resembles what it was on opening night.
I agree too. The blown leads and penalty issues suck, but I’m willing to give the players the benefit of the doubt for the last three games.
the thing is, the Caps have the 4th lowest PIM/G in the league with 10.2 minutes. best is 8.4 minutes (NSH).
And last year it was what, 25th? But no fights.
by red army line on Nov 24, 2009 1:46 PM EST up reply actions
They’re also T-7th with Buffalo in least minor penalties taken in the NHL. They seem to be improving in that area. If the penalty kill weren’t so terrible then the late penalties wouldn’t be as big of a deal.
is it the PK, or the Caps real talented for rattling off 3 penalties right in a row late in the game? Yes, the PK needs to me better, but the Caps, as a team, have got to stop taking these back-to-back penalties in what is starting to feel like every single game.
Last night the goal against the PK was the first in the string of penalities right? It was Ovie/Erskine/Clark.
"I think the relentless negative coverage in The Washington Post is a real difference from previous years," Redskins general counsel David Donovan said. "But in terms of the way our actual fans are behaving, we don't see any difference."
I just wanted to take this opportunity to extend a special thanks to number 52, Mike Green, for his digital mea culpa. Really, thanks. I feel so much better about that timely pinch in overtime. And the sick cross (our) crease feed late in the third.
Don’t hate, my ass.
Would it kill Mike Green to learn to play some RW? I think not, ’cause he is a shitty defender.
Support your local bakery!
Are you trying to ignite the “move Green to wing” debate again? If so, a warning: it doesn’t lead anywhere pretty.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 24, 2009 10:12 AM EST up reply actions
Rather Green at D eating big minutes than Erskine.
by red army line on Nov 24, 2009 10:15 AM EST up reply actions
Erskine is about the fifth d-man I want eating up top four minutes. Green is the first.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 24, 2009 10:17 AM EST up reply actions
I think it’s pretty well established that Green is playing exactly where he should be, despite recent woes.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 24, 2009 10:18 AM EST up reply actions
I am a Pens fan, and I have a pretty solid Dislike of Mike Green, but you can’t even consider moving him to wing.
One of the things he is great at is his first pass ability. It is not easy to find a defenseman who makes such crisp, quick breakout passes like Green. If he played wing, it would kill the Caps breakout.
Now, if the Caps ever start to struggle, I would try to move him for Shea Weber or another defenseman who will put up less points, but play exponentially better defense……but that’s a different convo altogether
Haha. I have a man crush on him.
That would be the perfect trade for both sides. Nashville would get a player that has the ability to attract fans. The Caps would get a player that would be a beast at both ends.
It’s not like Weber is a scoring slouch, either….
I’d rather trade Semin for Suter.
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...
Bob or Gary? ;)
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Nov 24, 2009 1:46 PM EST up reply actions
One of the things he is great at is his first pass ability. It is not easy to find a defenseman who makes such crisp, quick breakout passes like Green. If he played wing, it would kill the Caps breakout.
Not only that, but his offensive production comes from jumping in as an extra man on the rush. If he is on wing, you lose that completely.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 24, 2009 10:24 AM EST up reply actions
First of all, the “not easy to find…such crisp quick breakout passes like Green” is simply untrue. There are many NHL D who make a great first pass, some of whom don’t even make 5M a year.
Secondly, while his offensive production is excellent and he is a beast on the in transition, it’s precisely because Green jumps so frequently into the rush that gets him and the team into trouble. Teams are filling that space behind 52 very quickly in transition the other way and Green’s partner, if he’s in la-la land hugging the other offensive boards, is facing an odd-man rush. Green has to do a better job making those decisions. A much better job.
Finally, his work in the defensive zone—a silly afterthought—has not improved a lick. His decision making with that ‘great first pass,’ at times, is inexplicable and foolish. He covers a lot of mistakes with his speed, but he takes way too many chances to make the great play rather than the safe play.
I’d take Shea Weber over 52 any day of the week.
Support your local bakery!
Nobody thinks that he doesn’t need to improve his decision making. I think we can all agree on that. Saying he should abandon the position that he has held his entire career is a pretty weighty suggestion though. Every step of his career, his coaches have determined his value to be on the blue line. Currently, we have an offensive weapon who plays Norris trophy candidate D. Yes, he has room for improvement, but moving him to wing hurts the team much more than his recent gaffs.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 24, 2009 1:44 PM EST up reply actions
who plays Norris trophy candidate D.
This is simply not true. He was a Norris candidate last year because he put up 30+ goals, not because he can play D. When he finishes this year with half that total of goals, he won’t be in the conversation.
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by bigonetimer on Nov 24, 2009 1:48 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
He was a Norris candidate last year because he put up 30+ goals
This is simply not true. He was a Norris candidate because he was judged to be one of the top three all-around defensemen in the League.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 24, 2009 1:49 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I stand by my statement.
Support your local bakery!
by bigonetimer on Nov 24, 2009 2:05 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
ladies and gentlemen, I think we’ve found the president of the “Mike Green SUX!!!!!!!!!!” club.
Mirtle, as usual, did a wonderful post detailing the last season Green was an above-average defenseman. Alan Ryder did the same in the recently released Alan Ryder book of hockey goodness.
ladies and gentlemen, I think we’ve found the president of the "Mike Green SUX!!!!!!!!!!" club.
Let’s not get hasty here. bigonetimer is a regular here and seems like good people. It’s just this one argument that we disagree on.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 24, 2009 1:53 PM EST up reply actions
who brings a Norris trophy candidate skill set.
Is that better?
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 24, 2009 1:50 PM EST up reply actions
This is simply not true. He was a Norris candidate last year because he put up 30+ goals, not because he can play D.
GAON/60 last season:
Chara: 2.23
Green: 2.21
Lidstrom: 2.14
Plus-Minus:
Chara: 23
Green: 24
Lidstrom: 31
Corsirel:
Chara: 5.0
Green: 11.6
Lidstrom: 4.4
BTN Rating (+/- relative to team):
Chara: -0.44
Green: 1.34
Lidstrom: 1.15
When he finishes this year with half that total of goals, he won’t be in the conversation.
You can probably say that about any of the finalists.
I have always looked at +/- as an offensive measure: how many ES goals were you on the ice for minus how many against. Green’s a stud here though, no question.
Support your local bakery!
I don’t see how it can be only an offensive measure when “how many against” is one of the calculation’s two component numbers.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
And the PP, where Mike earns a large % of his points, isn’t counted toward the positive.
"I think the relentless negative coverage in The Washington Post is a real difference from previous years," Redskins general counsel David Donovan said. "But in terms of the way our actual fans are behaving, we don't see any difference."
Yeah, but clearly not being on the ice for goals against isn’t a good measure of a quality defenseman.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Nov 24, 2009 3:10 PM EST up reply actions
I prefer to look at penalty minutes and naked pictures as a better predictor of quality defensive play.
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...
do you really want to bring up “naked pictures” in a conversation with Mike Green (and yes, I know whose naked pictures you really mean, and ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww) after yesterday’s little side trip in “adventures in Puck Bunny Land”?
What point? Are you trying to say that Goals Against per time on ice isn’t a defensive statistic?
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Nov 24, 2009 7:44 PM EST up reply actions
No, I think you jumped into context a bit late. Of course GAON/60 is a defensive stat; I happen to consider Corsi and +/- as more indicative offensive strength, but I buy the argument that all four of those stats David mentioned have defensive components.
52 had a fabulous offensive year last year, and it’s my opinion that, on the weight of that statistically superlative offensive year, he got serious Norris consideration. [I happen to think the best defenseman on the team that allowed the fewest goals was the right choice.]
But let’s not confuse ToughLife with Rod Langway in the defensive zone just yet, and that was my original point. He has such amazing tools and yet, his offense-first game can cause serious problems. Teams have gotten an eyeful and have adjusted how they play to capitalize. That 2.21 GAON/60 from last year? Not so pretty this year.
Support your local bakery!
I jumped in late, but I read what you and others wrote. You suggested that Green only got Norris consideration because of his offense even though he is a defensive liability. DMG responded (and I agree) that that is just not true. Green got Norris consideration because of his incredible offense AND the fact that he played above average defense.
DMG posted defensive numbers to support that, but you wrote them off as offensively driven. And even though Green was on the ice for goals against less often than the best defenseman on the best defensive team (and Chara’s GAON/60 is only slightly higher than Green’s this season, but his GFON/60 is way lower), no one is suggesting he is Langway. We are just saying that he is not the “shitty defender” you say he is, and it would be foolish to move him to wing.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Nov 24, 2009 9:01 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t see Goals or Points or Assists up there, where do you get the offensive side of his argument?
"I think the relentless negative coverage in The Washington Post is a real difference from previous years," Redskins general counsel David Donovan said. "But in terms of the way our actual fans are behaving, we don't see any difference."
Which of these stats is solely offense-based and not a measure of all-around game?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Why? There’s no reason to assume he’ll be as productive as a wing in terms of offense because the ways he creates offense aren’t things wings are usually in a position to do. Plus his offense is more valuable from the back end. Generate the offense he does from the blue line is a rarer skill than generating the offense he would as a forward.
Plus there’s no reason to assume he’s not going to improve in his weak areas or that he’s going to play like he did last night every night.
Fold the Mike Green to wingar debate in with the Caps need to trap debate and we just might have a party here.
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...
Regardless of how hard Bruce thinks he’s working them while at the same time being cognizant of injury prevention, the stats and eyes don’t lie: when the Caps get tired they make mental mistakes with puck control and penalties.
That goes to fundamentals: drills.
MG52 knows he screwed up, this is an opportunity for him to become a better hockey player if struck while the iron is hot.
20 guys?
What, did Neuvy not open the door enough on the bench? I don’t think he had much, if anything to do with the collapse.
That said, the third period and OT were atrocious, and thanks to Varly, they were able to get away with a point for the OT loss (as opposed to a regulation loss…)
Still, the Caps should have closed this one out, there were 2 points on the table for the taking and to come home “stealing” 1 is not acceptable.
Let's go Caps!
Neuvy’s back in Hershey. Theo was the back-up last night.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I vote not, give Varly a chance to bounce back since he can’t be blamed for any of the 4 against last night.
"I think the relentless negative coverage in The Washington Post is a real difference from previous years," Redskins general counsel David Donovan said. "But in terms of the way our actual fans are behaving, we don't see any difference."
Because he can’t be blamed for any of the four is exactly the reason, imo, that he doesn’t need a chance to bounce back – there’s no bad performance from which to rebound.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Playing time is the reward, not a day off. Varly’s been really good lately, in fact the only reason that the team has any points to show for the last two outings. Keep him playing until he has an off night or says that he’s too tired to play.
"I think the relentless negative coverage in The Washington Post is a real difference from previous years," Redskins general counsel David Donovan said. "But in terms of the way our actual fans are behaving, we don't see any difference."
Part of a coach’s job is to manage his assets, and Varly’s been carrying a heavy load lately while he has a second goalie who hasn’t played in what seems like ages. I’d throw Theo out there certainly no later than Saturday regardless of how Varly’s playing.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I’ve been all over Bruce for the last night’s/weekend’s asset management so I can’t argue to forcefully against your point.
"I think the relentless negative coverage in The Washington Post is a real difference from previous years," Redskins general counsel David Donovan said. "But in terms of the way our actual fans are behaving, we don't see any difference."
I assume it’ll be Varly, though. He’s hot, Jose’s not (at best), and Bruce likes to give himself the best chance to win.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Except when it comes to not skating his top players into the ice during the 3rd game in 4 nights.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Nov 24, 2009 12:04 PM EST up reply actions
He doesn’t seem to get that part of it (see the tail end of last year’s playoffs).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
If you’re going to throw Theo back in the mix sometime this week, it’s either at home vs. Buffalo on Wednesday or away vs. Montreal, his former team, on Saturday. I’m inclined to choose Wednesday.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 24, 2009 11:05 AM EST up reply actions
Buffalo has been the better team. My guess is that Bruce wants to end the losing streak, and right now Varly gives him the best chance to do that.
"I think the relentless negative coverage in The Washington Post is a real difference from previous years," Redskins general counsel David Donovan said. "But in terms of the way our actual fans are behaving, we don't see any difference."
Buffalo is the better team, yes. My thinking is that Theo has had a rough go of it lately and getting the start at home will be less pressure. Good point about the loosing streak though. I think Bruce will ride however is hot, and currently it’s Varley.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 24, 2009 11:10 AM EST up reply actions
Yep. If I had to bet, my coin’s on Varly.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I was thinking that he needs a start pretty soon to either start getting back on track or provide justification for further pine time, and given that Gabby has been reluctant to start him in Montreal on HNiC in the past, I’d think tomorrow makes some sense. Especially given that Varly has done absolutely everything asked of him lately – why not give him a break when the team in front of him is playing like it is?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Plus this would be Varly’s third start in five days in three cities, with a lot of travel in between. Though I s’pose Theo’s been doing the same amount of traveling.
It’s a wash though unless the Caps’ offense decides to post and the Caps’ D gets out of its own way – Buffaslugs’ goaltending is scary good right now.
SO FЯIENDS, IS BATTLE NOW.
Theodore may have been doing the same amount of traveling, but riding a plane is not the same as riding a plane, making a bunch of stops, and getting back on a plane ride sweaty and exhausted.
by IRockTheRed on Nov 24, 2009 11:05 AM EST up reply actions
This is probably our answer (about tomorrow night, at least):
Boudreau on Varlamov: "We have to be honest — he is playing playing pretty good. He has the net and is saying, ‘I want the net.’ "
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Really, Yankee Stadium? Is this the NHL’s way of ensuring that Washington fans don’t go? I never want to set foot in that temple of greed, let alone have any of my money go to Steinbrenner.
At least it’s a lot closer and bigger than Fenway. Much more accessible to the fans in this area even if it’s the den of satan.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 24, 2009 10:15 AM EST up reply actions
If I’m lucky enough to go to this game in the yankee stadium – It’s pretty safe to say that’ll be my ONLY trip to yankee stadium in my life time – and I’m cool with that.
by vt caps fan on Nov 24, 2009 10:32 AM EST up reply actions
I’m willing to bet that for every person like you, there’s a person like me who lives in the Washington area but originally came from (or whose family originally came from) the New York area. If this happens, I would probably sell some blood and organs in order to go.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Nov 24, 2009 11:53 AM EST up reply actions
I abhor New York, but I’d give just about anything to get to that game.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 24, 2009 11:55 AM EST up reply actions
Pepper, for example.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 24, 2009 11:56 AM EST up reply actions
CC – I would be among your sample group. Family is from Monsey, NY. Grew up a pinstripes fan (through, admittedly, not a Steinbrenner fan. I’d prefer a farm system/draft model to buying the talent, and I’d like to see the MLB get with the program on salary caps.)
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
I had you in mind, my Caps-and-Yankees-fan friend.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Nov 24, 2009 2:47 PM EST up reply actions
I think I’m going to go grab 27 M&M’s from the dish at the front desk.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
by winterion on Nov 24, 2009 2:51 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
F the Yankees
As great as it would be to see the Caps demolish the Rangers in their house (does Steinbrenner even care about the Rangers?)…
Caps vs. Flyers at Camden Yards. Doesn’t that idea make you smile?
If your answer is YES, then you can agree with reason 2934 that Bettman is a moron.
If your answer is NO, then grow a soul and re-answer the question.
by thebigfoist on Nov 24, 2009 12:04 PM EST up reply actions
No, it doesn’t. I’d much rather see that game at RFK. Camden Yards has no interest to me, and as much as I hate Steinbrenner, I hate Angelos that much more.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 24, 2009 12:05 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Wow your hate of Angelos knows no bounds then! I feel like if it were at RFK, that Snyder would find some way to make money off of it. Also, Camden Yards is gorgeous (i.e. the polar opposite of the dump that is RFK) and easy to get to.
by thebigfoist on Nov 24, 2009 12:09 PM EST up reply actions
Yea, I’m not sure why they would choose Camden Yards over Nats Park.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 24, 2009 12:13 PM EST up reply actions
well, I mean, Camden is beautiful, I think its stunningly more beautiful that Nats Park. And its sorta in between DC and Philly, so if those were your teams, I could understand. And maybe they’d have the BBQ going.
But Nats Park is in DC, and the aforementioned bar, and I’m being selfish and want to walk to the game.
Nats Park also deserves to get filled to capacity once, right?
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 24, 2009 12:21 PM EST up reply actions
I’m an O’s fan, so of course I love Camden, but the trend has been to hold the game in an outdoor sports facility in the same city. The neutral site issue doesn’t seem to fit their vision of what the Vlasic should be.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 24, 2009 12:21 PM EST up reply actions
Why Camden Yards? It’s the Washington Capitals….if an outdoor game is going to be played in this area it should be in DC. My vote is for RFK.
Not on January One. The weather is so fluky in late Dec/early Jan here. If they held it on President’s Day weekend, I’d say go for it.
SO FЯIENDS, IS BATTLE NOW.
wasn’t it a couple years ago it was 72 degrees on jan 2nd. no way that would fly for a hockey game given DC’s humidity
I’m pretty sure you could find extreme highs and extreme lows for every January and February day for DC. Some years its 75 and sunny, others have raging blizzards.
yeah, but generally you want to hedge against that sort of thing. Not that Boston or the like would be immune, but DC just doesn’t tend to get cold enough until February or early March
The Kings and Rangers played an outdoor game in Vegas in 1991 didn’t they?
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Nov 24, 2009 1:48 PM EST up reply actions
Was that outside? I know that they play there, but in the MGM?
"I think the relentless negative coverage in The Washington Post is a real difference from previous years," Redskins general counsel David Donovan said. "But in terms of the way our actual fans are behaving, we don't see any difference."
it was outside at Ceasar’s Palace (only pic I could find)
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Nov 24, 2009 2:18 PM EST up reply actions
I wonder what the humidity had to do with the feasibility of that game. Ice is a much happier camper in a dry environment.
Vegas is dry as hell so when you get the water cold enough to freeze it’s actually great ice to skate on. If you do it right around new years you could get weather cold enough to freeze a sheet outside, but I don’t think it’s optimal. If we’re going way out west let’s give one to SJS. You know, the team with the most overlooked fan base in the league?
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...
Best to stay away from Vegas in early January, as CES normally makes it very, very crowded.
The porn show is tempting, though ;)
The best time to stay away from Vegas has to be June-August. I don’t mind CES all that much and I always ended up with some cool shwag from the trade shows.
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...
I hate the Yankees but Yankee Stadium is an amazing atmosphere for a game. But I haven’t been to the new stadium and I haven’t seen anything other than baseball 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...
yeah, same here – i really enjoyed my trip to the old yankee stadium (as much as i dislike the team). i’d definitely consider going to the winter classic at the new one.
"No Brooks Laich, no win. Know Brooks Laich, know win."
Given how many home runs they’ve been hitting in the new Yankee Stadium, the final score will probably 15-12
From the GDT
For superjuan and KellowBellow:
Here is where my parents got the Caps jersey for my beagle: http://www.sportydog.com/wacadogje.html
I am told that the lettering required an embroidery machine.
sweet, thanks! :)
"No Brooks Laich, no win. Know Brooks Laich, know win."
by kellobellow on Nov 24, 2009 10:19 AM EST up reply actions
Yea. I’m over it – but that penalty that was called on ovechkin is the exact hit that chara makes EVERY time he hits someone…..yet he is let go every time.
There’s a difference between that hit and Chara’s hit. When Chara hits people up high like that, they don’t have to bend over.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 24, 2009 10:24 AM EST up reply actions
I wouldn’t mind if our team had a “GIANT” douchebag.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 24, 2009 10:44 AM EST up reply actions
I think that Schultz needs to get on that, like, now-ish.
by thebigfoist on Nov 24, 2009 12:05 PM EST up reply actions
It’s calls like that make me hate the NHL at times. Absolutely brutal at that point in the game. And don’t even get me started on McCreary.
Actually… it’s 4 Months, 16 Days, 12 Hours, 53 Minutes, and 20 Seconds until McCreary’s retirement day…
But who’s counting?
by IRockTheRed on Nov 24, 2009 11:06 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Want to buy “McCreary’s Last Day” bumper sticker.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
by Whiter Mage on Nov 24, 2009 11:09 AM EST up reply actions
fan reputation. hard to say if its legit, or its taken on a life of its own and every team with a high profile Russian is on the lookout for borderline calls when McCreary is on the ice. I remember Detroit fans bitching about McCreary way back at the height of the Russian Five; but that’s also why I think it may have taken on a life of its own.
But that doesn’t stop me from going “[Mike Green]! McCreary, again?! I hate that [Mike Green]er!”
It’s an awfully dubious assertion to say he’s got some sort of anti-Russian bias.
Personally, I just think he’s a shitty ref.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 24, 2009 10:54 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Yea. it would be interesting to see a chart of all his calls and what sort of trends you could find. It certainly seems that he does have more of a hatred towards the Southeast division more than Russians in general. Anytime i see McCreary is leading the charge I can expect some iffy late calls like last night – and am rarely disapointed…mixed with his tackle and pin of jurcina last year that lead to the Nash breakaway goal
It was Mo and it was two seasons ago.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
(Though it was in February of ’08, so it was technically “last year.”)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
And he did almost the exact same thing to a STL dman against DET in the opening weekend games in Europe. (I bet Mr. Bird wasn’t bitching too hard about that one.)
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...
Maybe because you have real jobs and they started between 11 AM and 2 PM?
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...
Last season, we faced a team with McCreary on the ice several times. In more than 50% of those games, we had to overcome a 2:1 penalty deficit to win the game – and did so.
When McCreary refereed for the Penguins during the playoffs last season, they went either 7-1 or 8-1. That includes the game where McCreary called the Caps for everything in sight and the Pens for zip, zilch, nada.
McCreary’s refereeing is in part how a team with middle-of-the-pack PIMs during the regular season was the least-penalized, even fewer PIMs than the Red Wings, during the playoffs. They didn’t change their playing style THAT much!
That tells me quite a bit, actually.
If I get a chance, I’ll do a fan post about my McCreary findings.
by IRockTheRed on Nov 24, 2009 11:10 AM EST up reply actions
Will you be including brand-name or generic tin foil with that?
"I'm just doing karate and trying to get females pregnant."
by Bald Pollack on Nov 24, 2009 11:14 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
We never landed on the moon, man. Open your eyes.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 24, 2009 11:18 AM EST up reply actions
Hey, the numbers are there, in the public record. I’m just looking.
by IRockTheRed on Nov 24, 2009 11:23 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah, but the numbers without context are… well, they’re just numbers. You point to the Pens series, for example, where a) it wasn’t just McCreary calling penalties on one team and not the other and, more importantly, b) the Caps for the most part weren’t really doing what they needed to do to draw penalties.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Right. From what I remember of that series, the Pens spent much more time in our end than the other way around. When you get trapped in the defensive zone, that’s when the PIMs can stack up.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 24, 2009 11:35 AM EST up reply actions
That’s really the crux of this issue. If a guy calls one team for twice as many penalties because they committed twice as many, it’s not a problem.
by David Getz on Nov 24, 2009 11:37 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I also remember observing that the Caps’ excursions into the offensive zone were brief and mostly confined to the boards. I don’t think the Caps were putting themselves into the position to draw as many PIMs as we would have liked, i.e. creating traffic around the net.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 24, 2009 11:43 AM EST up reply actions
the NHL’s reluctance to punish Kunitz with anything more than a love tap for the cross check to Varly throat gave people who wanted to see bias all the reason they needed. From that moment on…….
(which I suppose brings us back to the Wheel of Justice issue……….gotta love a discipline office that is even more dysfunctional that usual during the playoffs!)
Yea. I think it’s a case of pointing out the bad but ignoring the good in order to prove a point. For example, I went to the game last Friday with this guy, and he kept commenting about how bad we are at passing. He would point out every bad pass made as evidence but ignore every good pass we made that night.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 24, 2009 11:55 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah, the idea that penalties should be pretty even is very faulty.
However, I will say that is was criminal how much hooking, holding and interference Hal Gill got away with not just against the Caps, but the entire playoffs. Guy went from 53 PIM in 62 games in the regular season to 6 in 24 games in the postseason, and it’s not because he got faster in April.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Nov 24, 2009 12:14 PM EST up reply actions
Not to say that is the reason the Pens had more PPs or that there is a conspiracy. It’s just been one of my many pet peeves about the officiating in last year’s playoffs.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Nov 24, 2009 12:15 PM EST up reply actions
I bet Hal Gill would move faster if Darren Helm skated him around on his shoulders.
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 Rob Parker on Nov 24, 2009 1:42 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Then why bother to keep track of them?
I should never have opened the can of worms that is the Pens series. I know nobody on this blog believes that McCreary is a dirty rat, and missed penalties left, right, and center, so whatever.
It isn’t just McCreary, no, but it is consistent when McCreary is on the ice, no matter WHO his partner is.
by IRockTheRed on Nov 24, 2009 11:46 AM EST up reply actions
I should never have opened the can of worms that is the Pens series. I know nobody on this blog believes that McCreary is a dirty rat, and missed penalties left, right, and center, so whatever.
Disagree on the latter half of this. Knowing that McCreary sucks raw eggs until they hatch is one thing, inferring that he was on Yonge Street, getting mysterious phone calls from Colin Campbell before that series started, is another.
"I'm just doing karate and trying to get females pregnant."
by Bald Pollack on Nov 24, 2009 11:51 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I didn’t infer that. Please don’t put words in my mouth. All I said was that he missed a TON of calls against the Penguins – many of which I was personally witness to at the Phone Booth, and it was NOT just against the Caps. I also said that in several cases when he refereed for us last year, we were called for more than double the number of penalties the other team was called for.
I re-read my commentary, and never once did I say anything about whether we DID the penalties, but given that one out of three called on us last night was weak as water… chances are we did some of them, but not all.
Lies, damn lies, and statistics… I can prove any point I want.
by IRockTheRed on Nov 24, 2009 11:55 AM EST up reply actions
I’m not putting words in your mouth, I’m simply restricting you from making a leap that is bound to happen. I was witness to the same calls (or non-calls, if you will) last year and can prove any point I want to also. So we’re both pretty, K?
"I'm just doing karate and trying to get females pregnant."
by Bald Pollack on Nov 24, 2009 12:00 PM EST up reply actions
I can prove any point I want.
No, actually, you can’t. Not this one at least.
McCreary officiated two games in the Caps/Pens series – Games 5 and 7. In Game 5 the referees called two non-coincidental minors on each team. In Game 7, there were three penalties called against the Caps (including a double-minor that came long after the game was decided) and none against the Pens.
Missed calls are obviously not quantified, but if you think that the numbers can prove a bias here, I simply disagree.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Not even dipping my toe in the bias argument, but the missed call on Gordon in OT was pretty horrendous. That was a soccer-style “no advantage” non-call, but in the end it took Gordon out of the play for the backcheck and it cost us. Fucker.
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...
Jumping into this argument is probably stupid, but there’s probably a bit of truth to both your positions. Statistics are hard numbers, but I imagine if you ask someone who works with them for a living, they can be interpreted in many ways.
Yes, but interpreting statistics differently and proving something using statistics are very different things.
I think here “proving” was used instead of “supporting”
by red army line on Nov 24, 2009 1:56 PM EST up reply actions
Tonight’s rec’eree – Bill RecCreary.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 24, 2009 11:19 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I’m kind of surprised no one brought up the too-many-men (almost) non-call as evidence of the shitty officiating. How one team can skate with 6 people for :30 seconds and have the call made only after a conference with the linemen is pretty damning. A similar full shift with an extra man on the ice happened last year in the playoffs (in the Penguins’ advantage)… was that also McCreary officiating (I’m too lazy to check)?
Anyhow, the call against Ovechkin was garbage and (to me) it seemed more like the “first opportunity to try and even the number of calls out for the home team” variety. In other words, it wasn’t obviously a penalty, but the Caps had 2 powerplays to the Senator’s none at that point, so time to start blowing some whistles. I’d put more stock in that than any bias/conspiracy.
so we’re back to just plain shitty officiating.
Honestly, I’d rather there be some grand conspiracy. That sits better with me than “Well, the guys we pay quite a bit of money to officiate according to the rule book? Yep, they’re incompetent and we’d be better off with monkeys on skates.”
The issue is getting the best guys, though. Reffing an NHL game is hard and anyone who does it is going to make mistakes. If they make fewer than anyone else, that’s the best you can ask for.
I disagree. Do you think the NHL refs are doing the best job they can do? That’s the best you can ask for, and I don’t think we’re getting 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...
That wasn’t really what I was getting at. What I mean was that you can’t compare the referees to a perfect, non-existent ideal or a robot or something. All you can do is get the best guys out there.
Does every single referee belong there, and is every one doing the best job they could? Of course not. But I think the difference between how the referees perform and the realistic human ceiling is smaller than a lot of people think, and that they’re a far cry from “incompetent”.
Ok I got you. I’m with you on the Nirvana Fallacy thing, but I can’t possibly agree with anyone that the NHL is doing the best they can. The refs they have could very well be the best possible refs to hire, but they are still failing the fans.
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...
Since the start of the 1994 season and including playoffs, the Caps are 32-39-4 in games called by McCreary – hardly something to get up in arms about (and though this is a reply to RB, it’s not meant to imply that she’s up in arms about McCreary having an anti-Caps bias).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 24, 2009 12:25 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Rec’d for the research. What did you use to figure this out?
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 24, 2009 12:27 PM EST up reply actions
I’ll find you out eventually J.P. and when I do, you’ll rue this day!
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 24, 2009 12:33 PM EST up reply actions
Dammit, Fisher. I hope he cheats on Carrie Underwood so she smashes his headlights and slashes his tires.
(Has that joke already been told a million times?)
(I was a little s’prised it wasn’t a Carrie Underwood pic decorating the Clips this a.m.)
SO FЯIENDS, IS BATTLE NOW.
Yeah, this is not a worrisome situation until we hear otherwise.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Coming off an injury and 3 in 4 nights I bet he’s just resting. If he was going to be out they’d find a guy that could really play top line minutes to take that spot.
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...
And now a word from The Boss
Thank you for the emails this morning and for the advice on whom to trade; who to place on waivers; who to cut; who to demote; who to punish; and who to fire.
SO FЯIENDS, IS BATTLE NOW.
I don’t understand why people e-mail him with that crap. Do they seriously think he gives three-fifths of a flying [redacted] what they think? I think it is great that he is open enough to allow fans to e-mail him, but I know that my patience would be seriously strained if I were in his shoes.
And if/when that trade/waiver/cut/demotion/firing happens, do you think those emailers pat themselves on the back and chest bump their reflections? “Aw yeah, I called it. Leonsis knew I was right!”
SO FЯIENDS, IS BATTLE NOW.
To: Ted
From: Guy who told you to trade schutlz
Subject: fire mcphee
Body:
gorge macphee should be fired for letting nick schultz get picked up on waivvers. i hope your happy cause their wasn’t nothing in return what a waste.. u really should fire goerge macphee!!!!!!111eleven11
I know Ted Leonsis loves being connected with the fans, but he is just going to drive himself to an early death if he keeps this up.
After every game, win or lose, he has to justify it. If it is a win, he has to play the “we hired the right people, we have great players, onward and upward” stuff. In the recent case of a couple losses, he played the “injuries” card.
Now, I’m not dissing Uncle Ted. I’m just saying that it is great to be connected, but to take all these emails to heart can’t be good. There is so much pressure on the Caps this year, and I think a lot of that has to do with the pressure that is put on Ted through emails and other communications with fans.
If the Caps don’t win a Cup soon, Ted is going to lose his mind.
Ted is a special guy
He was on a plane that was crashing and he put “own a sports team” on his makeshift bucket list? Who does that? I think he’ll be ok. My cousin Water was on a plane to New Mexico when all of the sudden the hydraulics went. The plane started spinning around, going out of control, so he decides it’s all over and whips it out and starts beating it right there. So all the other passengers take a cue from him and they start whipping it out and beating like mad. So all the passengers are beating off, plummeting to their certain doom, when all of the sudden, snap! The hydraulics kick back in. The plane rights itself and it land safely and everyone puts their pieces or, whatever, you know, away and deboard. No one mentions the phenomenon to anyone else.
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 Rob Parker on Nov 24, 2009 2:54 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Haha. Mallrats?
I bet you were really excited for my setup.
Anyways, I’m not hating on Ted or anything. It just has to take it’s toll on him when he gets these countless emails telling him he should sell the team because he “isn’t a hockey guy.”
I truly think the pressure gets to him. It has to.
Bruce Boudreau and Mike Green just had a relatively lengthy post-practice private discussion. – @cmasisak22
Joke off… go!
“Mike, everything in moderation on Thursday – you know that stuffing will go right to your hips!”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Okay, I'll bite
“We’re going to be issuing a recall on your bobblehead, Greener.”
SO FЯIENDS, IS BATTLE NOW.
by EmilyB on Nov 24, 2009 1:20 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
“Mike, I didn’t bring this up in front of your teammates because I didn’t want to embarrass you, but the contraction of “you” and “are” is “you’re” not “your.”
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 24, 2009 1:24 PM EST up reply actions 6 recs
Bruce Boudreau and Mike Green just had a relatively lengthy post-practice private discussion. – @cmasisak22
Don’t want to get too picky, but if you really want to have a private discussion, shouldn’t it be where reporters can’t see you?
by b.orr4 on Nov 24, 2009 1:32 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
'A Collapse by 20 Guys'
Hope that Bruce included himself in the ‘20 guys’. What a joke!! I am tired of all of the excuses.
Mike Green is horrible. When he does play well, you know it is only matter of time before his gaffes return. “Don’t hate,” he says. Try this one Greenie – DON’T SUCK!!!
Sorry, friend, you seem to have lost your way. Capitals Insider is over there →
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Hiding behind the JP avatar?
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 24, 2009 1:17 PM EST up reply actions
Just past it, hang a left and go down a ways until you start seeing more multiple exclamation point groupings and words in all caps.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I was sending him the long way.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world