Eric Fehr: Healthy and Scoring
by J.P. on Nov 30, 2009 9:30 AM EST
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Print"When Eric [Fehr] is going to the net with reckless abandon, then he's really good.... When he plays on the perimeter and just hopes his shots go in, he's not as effective." - Bruce Boudreau, 11/28
Needless to say, Gabby's right. In fact, not one of the half-dozen goals Fehr has scored this season have come from anywhere near the perimeter. Take a look:
- WSH #16 FEHR(1), Snap, Off. Zone, 18 ft. (video)
- WSH #16 FEHR(2), Backhand, Off. Zone, 13 ft. (video)
- WSH #16 FEHR(3), Snap, Off. Zone, 23 ft. (video)
- WSH #16 FEHR(4), Wrist, Off. Zone, 23 ft. (video)
- WSH #16 FEHR(5), Tip-In, Off. Zone, 19 ft. (video)
- WSH #16 FEHR(6), Backhand, Off. Zone, 11 ft. (video)
Six goals, the distances for which you could lay end to end and barely make it from the end boards to center ice (and that's even with the spotty NHL measuring system in place); Fehr is showing glimpses of exactly what Caps fans had hoped he could eventually become. And perhaps it's no coincidence that Fehr's development as a get-to-the-net forward overlaps Mike Knuble's time in Washington. After all, back in July, we noted that one of the key attributes that the veteran winger brought with him from Philly was a net presence and that "[i]t's hard to think of a better player for guys like Brooks Laich and Eric Fehr to emulate."
Whether or not Fehr's recent surge is The Knuble Effect in action (alternatively, maybe it's the radio gig), the winger seems to be on track for the best season of his career in a campaign that is most certainly make-or-break for him in the Capitals organization. Once again, Fehr is making the most of his ice time and responding well to increased minutes, firing ten shots on goal in his last three games - one more than he registered in his previous eight games - and lighting the lamp three times. Since returning from his most recent injury (a rib injury that cost him six games), Fehr has five goals and three assists in ten games - a 41-goal/24-assist full season pace.
The question, of course, is can he sustain it? If he continues to go to the net and can stay healthy, the two-time WHL 50-goal scorer's chances are pretty good.
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Fehr’s primary value is in whether he makes Flash expendable at the deadline. I still don’t picture Flash as a top-six winger on a Cup-winning team. He’s got all the grit of Charmin.
When Fehr is healthy and goes to high-traffic areas — like he is now — he’s a top-six guy. He’s also a top-six guy with some along-the-boards grit, some size and he’s long been a good Corsi performer.
The better Fehr plays, the more minutes he gets and the more goals he scores, the more likely GMGM can use Flash to bring something back at the deadline.
Fehr had – gasp! – more minutes than Flash on Saturday night. I didn’t go back and compare the two, but I bet that has only happened a few times under Gabby.
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Yeah, that’s another reason Fehr needs to play well so that Flash is expendable: Deprive Gabby of his over-infatuation with his protege.
I don’t think Flash is expendable until his contract is market value. 19-goal scorers for 750k don’t grow on trees.
by red army line on Nov 30, 2009 1:54 PM EST up reply actions
I’d argue that if he doesn’t get back on track, he’s pretty close to at market value.
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Well, postulating on a Fehr departure without a forward in return does something like this?? :
AO – Lars – Sasha
Know Win – BMo – Knuckles
Fehr – MP85 – Cap
Q – Steckel – Professor
(Gordon, Beagle, Giroux, Nylander)
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My best effort to not be. I’ve gotten 105 minutes of sleep.
(Nightmare at 4, false alarm at 7)
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Ahhh. That may have been Gabby’s excuse for skating 4 with under three minutes left at MTL too.
by TylerG on Nov 30, 2009 10:06 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I was with you until I saw Giroux.
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I’m trying to think of depth chart call-ups.. not counting Swinger Sloan, who else comes up from Cocoa?
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Osala
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...
Is there a reason he’s gotten very little opportunity in the form of call-ups? Underperforming? More seasoning needed in AHL? I notice most guys lately have 2+ seasons in Hershey under their belt before getting the call.
Couldn’t tell you. He saw a little last year but his skating was nowhere near where it needed to be. It looked better in training camp but I still think he needs work before he’s a full time NHL guy. Why he didn’t get a look instead of Giroux is beyond me. You know what you’re getting in Giroux, and know that he doesn’t have a future here. Osala ostensibly does so let’s get a look.
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 do remember his training camp experience to be better than that one call-up, but I guess I’m just getting bored with the cliche A. Gordon, Beagle, Giroux, Aucoin crowd.
When I heard Giroux was called up yet again rather than a new face, it definitely irked me. I’d also like a glimpse of Bouchard, but I’m guessing they wanted a winger to specifically play with 8 & 19, and Giroux may (unfortunately) be your best bet, having experience with the team, but damn, it felt like that line would have been better riding a man short.
He’s got all the grit of Charmin.
Don’t worry, Flash is a longterm investment. Under Campbell’s disciplinary system, grit won’t be of necessity in the future.
"Alex Ovechkin makes Chad Johnson look like he's reading the paper."
Apparently, Bruce finally realized what we’ve been saying for months-Fehr needs to play with skilled players in order to succeed. Putting him on a grinding line is like hooking a race horse to a plow. The jury is still out on whether he can be a 20-30 goal scorer in the NHL, but we’ll never know unless he gets extended top-six minutes. What we do know is that when he does get the playing time, he has emerged as an elite goal scorer at every level where he has played.
by b.orr4 on Nov 30, 2009 10:02 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
And BMo as well – Laich-BMo-Fehr has been solid, if not overwelmingly productive on the scoresheet.
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Agreed. But MP85 was first. Put Fehr with either of those guys.
And I still think it’s at least 50-50 that MP centers that second line in ‘10-’11.
He’ll be 34 and a cup winner.. might consider retirement?
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by winterion on Nov 30, 2009 10:16 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
agreed. He’s absolutely clicked here.
Plus, he has kids and he might be looking for a little short term stability over the next couple of years.
Yeah, you have to think that, so far, his time here has been everything he dreamed it would be. And while money is important to every player, he doesn’t seem like the kind of guy who would leave for a few extra dollars. The numbers of years will probably be the deciding factor. Of course, there is always the Knuble factor as another plus for hanging around.
At 1.5 now he’s looking at more than a few extra dollars.
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’m referring to what the Caps would offer for a new contract and what another team might. Say if the Caps offered $2.8 million and another team offered $2.9, I could see him staying. There’s no doubt he’s in line for a big pay raise.
Yeah that money I could see. But at his age I think he may want something long term and I’m not sure we can do that.
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...
Uh…that comment was worth $1.5 million+?
by red army line on Nov 30, 2009 1:56 PM EST up reply actions
He’ll be 34 and a cup winner.. might consider retirement?
Nicely done, even with a R-rated comedy’s worth of sleep.
"Good luck and God speed, Ben. See you on the other side of the pitch."
by Bald Pollack on Nov 30, 2009 10:35 AM EST up reply actions
MP85 hasn’t shown me enough yet that I’d be comfortable with him as next year’s 2C.
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He’s certainly looking like he’ll be capable of being the Caps’ 3C next year, yes.
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If we go 3 scoring lines. We could do it, but I’m not sold on it yet. I could see a kid 4th line. I’d love that. That could be our 3rd scoring line but get carefully managed minutes. Not sure it can work in the NHL though.
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 agree absolutely. He’s not even close to Morrison right now, and while still adding something of a spark, his contributions seem to be declining slightly; and, not to offend, but I worry about him holding up over a whole season. Let’s see how this season goes.
That is, I’m not advocating MP85 C the 2d line next year; I’m simply saying that cap issues may necessitate it, at least until the deadline.
We have a ton of money coming off the books (officially and unofficially) after this year. We may not have cap issues at all, it completely depends on what happens with all these FAs.
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...
what’s the website that does cap calculations and lists pending FAs? I’m curious to see who the Caps might consider re-signing.
capgeek.com
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 knew you;’d come through for me!
ok, so RFAs for next season (current salary)
Semin ($4.6 mil)
Backstrom ($2.6 mil w/ all bonuses)
Beagle ($875,000)
Fehr ($771,750)
Gordon ($761,250)
Fleischmann ($725,000)
Schultz ($715,000)
UFAs
Morrison ($1.5 mil)
Steckel ($725,000)
Laing ($500,000)
Giroux ($500,000)
Pothier ($2.5 mil)
Morrisonn ($1.975 mil)
Jurcina ($1.375 mil)
Sloan ($640,000)
Theodore ($4.5 mil)
obviously, not perfect because Giroux and Beagle aren’t full timers, and no matter what, Nylander’s going to be stashed somewhere next season, so that’s another $4.875 off the books. It’ll be interesting to see who gets re-signed and who doesn’t.
Why is Beagle making more than Fehr, Flash, Gordon, and Schultz? I think probably all the RFAs get resigned except maybe Gordon. Maybe not Beagle either if he’s looking for a raise.
I hope most of the UFAs walk.
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...
It’s b/c Beags was undrafted and those undrafted players often end up making higher NHL salaries than you’d think they should (see Sean Collins for example) because there’s competition (theoretical or otherwise) to sign them.
Often these guys’ contracts includes a lower base salary and some games played bonuses, yielding a hgiher maximum possible compensation.
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I love the spark plug, but you are right. Let’s see how he looks over the long haul. I’d like to see him improve his F/O percentage.
As Tyler mentioned the cap may force the Caps hand on the matter. We got BMo cheap this year. Next year he’s gonna want a big raise.
A man gotta have a code
by Carl Putnam on Nov 30, 2009 10:33 AM EST up reply actions
Agreed. I think MP and Mackan have a nice battle in camp for that spot. I’d like to see them get a veteran 2/3C just in case, though.
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...
Just don’t sign that veteran 2/3C to a long contract with a NMC. We know where that got us.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Hell Yeah!
SE Champs 2 seasons in a row!
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...
Laich-BMo-Fehr has been solid, if not overwelmingly productive on the scoresheet.
And, it should be noted, all good western Canadina boys. That should bring a smile to Don Cherry’s face.
There was a play late in the game Saturday where Fehr was on his arse along the boards, keeping the puck away from a couple of Habs defenders, and I mentioned his name and the “good Canadian boy” quote, rather loudly at that. I’ve got nothing to add other than it was cool.
"Good luck and God speed, Ben. See you on the other side of the pitch."
by Bald Pollack on Nov 30, 2009 10:38 AM EST up reply actions
You were in the wrong part of Canada to be hailing Fehr as a good Canadian boy.
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...
It sounded better as mock derision, I swear.
"Good luck and God speed, Ben. See you on the other side of the pitch."
by Bald Pollack on Nov 30, 2009 12:37 PM EST up reply actions
The only people who’ve scored goals in the last two games have been Ovi and Fehr. (Not Flash or Laich or any one else.)
Rocking the Red since 1975
Figures
Semin has been invisible.
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...
Was that Tomas Holmstrom or Eric Fehr Saturday night? Couldn’t see much of a difference.
"Alex Ovechkin makes Chad Johnson look like he's reading the paper."
I could he got taken down to the ice by one opposing player. It takes 3 guys to take down Tomas.
A man gotta have a code
by Carl Putnam on Nov 30, 2009 10:27 AM EST up reply actions
Holmer’s ass is about 3 times bigger.
by RedBirdie on Nov 30, 2009 10:43 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Why am I not surprised you two would zero in on that fact.
A man gotta have a code
by Carl Putnam on Nov 30, 2009 10:48 AM EST up reply actions
even a man would notice Holmer’s giant rear! :) But I’ve got nothing but respect for the guy. He takes a beating every single night.
Notice yes, but I first think of his crazy beard and toothless gap. If you substitute Serena for Tomas well then…
He takes a beating every single night.
That is why I’m a huge fan. The guy does the dirty work better than most. Can only imagine bruises he’s got from the whacks he takes, especially from goalie sticks.
A man gotta have a code
by Carl Putnam on Nov 30, 2009 12:44 PM EST up reply actions
There’s a bad Varly joke in here somewhere.
"Let the rest be scared of us." - Emo Bunny Sasha Semin
by Scott in Shaw on Nov 30, 2009 4:24 PM EST up reply actions
But it’s only a half-slapper, so divide by two.
"Let the rest be scared of us." - Emo Bunny Sasha Semin
by Scott in Shaw on Nov 30, 2009 4:25 PM EST up reply actions
Real quick – anyone else notice Goat on espn.com – NHL page? Pretty cool if you are him. (I’ll be honest it was a mistake to click on it, because we all know espn and hockey don’t mix)
Here’s the link
That’s awesome. Someone screen grab that… and throw it in the Clips comments.
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Just for funsies
And further to the BMo discussion above, I was curious about BMo’s plus/minus. So it was off to NHL stats for me, sorting on +/-, and found a fascinating result. With the major difference being Knuble’s 5 fewer GP due to injury, their stats are nearly identical:
Knuble: 5-10-15, +/- 10, PIM-18, PP-1, GW-1, S-42, S%-11.9, TOI-16:26, Sft/G-20.2
Morrison: 8-11-19, +/- 10, PIM-18, PP-2, GW-2, S-40, S%-20.0, TOI-16:53, Sft/G-19.5
Is it possible to argue that he shouldn’t be making Mike Knuble money right now?
SO FЯIENDS, IS BATTLE NOW.
Their stats are so identical, they are ranked 16 (Knuble) and 17 (Morrison) in the Plus/Minus rankings. I don’t know what the tiebreakers are, since they are both +10.
SO FЯIENDS, IS BATTLE NOW.
My guess is that the tiebreaker is the alphabet.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
# WSH #16 FEHR, Tip-In, Off. Zone, 19 ft. (video)
# WSH #16 FEHR, Backhand, Off. Zone, 11 ft. (video)
For sure, the best thing about Fehr’s 2 goals against Montreal was how they came. The first was a tip-in from an Alzner shot. If you notice, Ovechkin’s always looking to set up a tip-in, but he has rarely played with anyone who could regularly convert. I love the tip-in as a set play. The teamwork and creativity it requires are rivaled in sports only by the alley-oop. Fehr’s hands are clearly good enough to tip in Ovechkin passes.
The second was a garbage goal, pure and simple. I loved having him there to put in the rebound.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Florida
|
53 | 25 | 17 | 11 | 61 |
|
Washington
|
54 | 28 | 21 | 5 | 61 |
|
Winnipeg
|
56 | 26 | 24 | 6 | 58 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
53 | 23 | 24 | 6 | 52 |
|
Carolina
|
55 | 20 | 25 | 10 | 50 |
(updated 2.10.2012 at 3:26 AM EST)
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