From Hunter to Hunted
by J.P. on Nov 4, 2009 2:30 PM EST
209 comments
"Run, chase, hunt down, hit, whatever word you want to use that would be correct." - Ken Hitchcock on whether his team was targeting Alex Ovechkin on Sunday
As outraged as you might have convinced yourself you are at the "revelation" above, that opposing teams might enter a game against the Capitals with a strategic objective to engage the team's stars physically is hardly news. Recall Ranger defenseman Marc Staal prior to last spring's first round playoff series:
"I think if you get physical with [Ovechkin] - and also with guys like Semin and Backstrom - kind of get them frustrated and off their game a little bit, as much as we can, we have to do it. Maybe getting it in the back of his mind that he's going to get hit every time he shoots it or comes down the wing; that's what we want."
When we discussed the integrally-related topic of team toughness a week ago, we noted the following:
That the Caps aren't physically intimidating opponents is no surprise. George McPhee acknowledged this would be the case this past offseason when he said, "If people want to screw around, then you beat them up on your power play" - the Caps skill, theoretically, is their deterrent. The problem with that approach (putting aside the obvious issues the Caps are currently having with the extra man) is that it's only effective if the officials make the right calls... and if your skill players get up after they've been fouled. And Mike Green almost didn't on Saturday night.
In the season's first weeks the Rangers, Islanders and Flyers all ran the Capitals' top defenseman with more-or-less unanswered impunity. Now the best player on the planet is on the trainer's table. Sure, part of the story over the next couple of Ovechkin-less weeks is the team's ability to replace AO's offense, tightening up defensively, and so on. But the bigger-picture story is preventing - or at the very least combating - opponents from continuing to take runs at Ovechkin, Green and other Capitals.
George McPhee and his foot soldiers like to cite the Red Wings as an example of a team that has gotten by without needing any on-ice policemen, but even those Red Wings went out and signed Brad May this past off-season because, as Detroit GM Ken Holland noted, "in 82 games some nights you have to protect yourself. We usually protect ourselves with a good power play, but if things get out of hand, Brad can play on our fourth line and bang some people. He has a dimension we don't have right now with fisticuffs." Added Wings head coach Mike Babcock, "He provides a physical presence. We don't feel we have much of it.... Sometimes, it's a priority."
For this Caps team, a physical presence has become a priority. It has become, perhaps, the priority.
McPhee has expressed a willingness to acquire "that element" if it's needed. I'd say that need has been made clear. Painfully so.
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Spot on.
This is indeed the No. 1 issue facing the ‘09-’10 Caps. The only threat to WSH making the playoffs is the loss of star players to punky goons. (The only threat to WSH going deep in said playoffs is a related absence of grit… and maybe a D. Won’t know about the latter until Karl Alzner gets here.)
Obviously: GMGM’s muscle-free experiment was a failure. Teams have run the Caps’ stars willy-nilly. WSH has earned its reputation as a team that will not answer to thugs. This WSH team is all skill, no grit, little tough, even less response. The Caps need someone(s) who can discourage the recent chicanery and someone(s) who can punish it.
Keeping in mind that WSH needs an enforcer and sandpaper — and that this may be two different players — who should WSH pursue? MIN is going nowhere fast and Derek Boogaard is a UFA next year. Dallas/Tom Hicks is in financial straits and Steve Ott is a pending UFA too. If Scott Walker wasn’t a $2.5M cap hit, he’d be of interest. Scottie Upshall is out of favor in PHX.
by TylerG on Nov 4, 2009 2:32 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
I’d love to get Boogey or Ott.
The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.
by Steck It Out on Nov 4, 2009 2:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Boogaard is worthless. Ott is a scumbag but would be an ideal fit. Upshall would be a great addition. I am 100% categorically opposed to acquiring anyone that can’t play hockey at an NHL level.
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 4, 2009 2:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Boogaard is a capable player, but I’ll confess your comment is sending be over to Behind the Net’s data….
by TylerG on Nov 4, 2009 2:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Boogaard: 0.00 GFON/60. Not a horrid Corsi for a guy with his role though. -7ish.
by TylerG on Nov 4, 2009 2:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
He only plays 5-6 minutes of very carefully managed minutes a night. He’s a bad PIM waiting to happen when he isn’t fighting because he thinks he’s playing in the 80s and it’s ok to take a run at every guy who is near the puck. I really have no use for him as an NHL player.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 4, 2009 2:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’d much prefer an Ott/Upshall type to a Boogeyman type. But if the alternative is injured stars, I’ll take whatever insurance I can get to minimize the chance of that happening.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 4, 2009 2:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Bingo. Agreed. That’s the job description.
by TylerG on Nov 4, 2009 2:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
We need Jean-Francois Jacques!
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
by jordanDC on Nov 4, 2009 2:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
True
MIN did have a famously healthy squad. I can’t think of a single star on that team that had health problems. That means he’s doing his job, right?
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 4, 2009 2:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m sure Gaborik’s groin problems were Boogaard-related.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 4, 2009 2:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That would be a scandal.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
by jordanDC on Nov 4, 2009 2:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Obviously not. But Gaborik, Bouchard, Demitra, Brent Burns, and Marc Andre Bergeron all missed time while Boogaard was “protecting them.” Some more, some less (MAB and Bouchard about 10% of a season, not a ton but not insignificant). Does that have anything to do with Boogaard? I don’t know. I have no idea how all those injuries happened. I’m just saying I don’t buy into the possibility that one enforcer could keep a team healthy. I don’t know why I have to go to MIN to figure that out. How much time did Semin miss from a cross check to the back? What was the response?
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 4, 2009 3:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Ovie punched somebody in the back of the head and then there was a lot of hugging.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
by jordanDC on Nov 4, 2009 3:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m just saying I don’t buy into the possibility that one enforcer could keep a team healthy.
I agree completely (and, in fairness, some of those guys were Band-Aid Boys before Boogeyman arrived).
Team toughness still needs to be demonstrated, with or without an upgrade in individual pugilism.
But I think that in addition to sixty-minute team toughness, you need to have a willing participant for “immediate reaction” incidents, and I don’t see that guy on this roster.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 4, 2009 3:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That’s why I differentiated between muscle and sandpaper in my comment.
by TylerG on Nov 4, 2009 3:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
True enough that some of those Wild were Band-Aid Boys already, but we’ve got one or two of our own we’d like to see protected, no?
As for the “immediate reaction” thing, I don’t think you can differentiate it from 60 minute toughness. Why didn’t Brash help in the “immediate reaction” category? Because he barely played any hockey so he was almost guaranteed to not be on the ice when the “immediate reaction” was necessary. “Immediate reaction” has to be a mindset among the players that play. Brooks Laich needs to hit the ice thinking “if someone fucks with my C or opposite wing I’m putting my first through his face.” Laich doesn’t have that attitude. Knuble doesn’t have that attitude. Steckel doesn’t have that attitude. We’ve got guys with the physical attributes to “immediately respond,” they just don’t have the fortitude to go about it like 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...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 4, 2009 3:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t disagree, and I don’t think bringing in a thug guarantees you anything other than some in-game entertainment.
But if the choice is between a thug skating 7 minutes on the 4th line and Tyler Sloan doing so, give me the guy who scares people.
As to why Brash didn’t help in the "immediate reaction," I honestly don’t think he was terribly interested in doing anything other than skating his shifts, putting on the occasional sideshow, and collecting his paycheque. There are plenty of guys who cost half as much and fight twice as often who do a decent enough job in the role.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 4, 2009 3:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Definitely agree Re: Tyler Sloan.
Also agree that Brash doesn’t seem too interested in policing or even fighting anymore (his fights with Sugden looked like he was just obliging the young lad). Maybe if we got a guy on the league minimum who could do it, but we’re close enough to the cap limit as is, and most of the capable enforcers make about a mill. That’s too much for one of those guys, IMO.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 4, 2009 3:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Cough
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
by jordanDC on Nov 4, 2009 3:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Entry level contract distorts it a little bit, and I believe they actually use him to play hockey as well.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 4, 2009 3:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
They’ve skated him on their first line, in fact.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 4, 2009 3:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That’s what I thought. He may not be a stud of a hockey player, but if you can skate with a first line you’re decent enough to be out of the “enforcer” category.
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 4, 2009 3:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
So we’re going with the working definition of “enforcer” as “someone who can’t do anything else” rather than “someone who enforces, regardless of what else he might do”? I’m not being snarky – just trying to make sure we’re all on the same page.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 4, 2009 3:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I suggest “enforcer” for anyone who holds players accountable (that’d include guys like Wendel Clark or Brendan Shannahan) and “goon” for guys who can’t do anything else (i.e. Riley Cote and Jody Shelly).
by David M. Getz on Nov 4, 2009 3:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No, you’re right. Define your terms is a fundamental rule. When I read “enforcer” I think Brash. When I think about what this team needs, “team toughness” I think Alex Burrows, Rick Rypien, Kevin Bieksa, and Ryan Kessler. I’ll take any of the latter, none of the former.
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 4, 2009 3:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’d love any of the latter.
I think that, to an extent, folks around here might be undervaluing the “thug/goon/pugilist” role because, for a couple of years, we had one who wasn’t interested in being anything other than a sideshow. Maybe I’m wrong, but I think a guy who is hungry and embraces that role can still be a part of a good hockey team.
That said, every day of the week I’d rather a guy who fights less, but at the right time and for the right reasons during the course of his regular hockey-playing shifts. That’s not even debatable, imo.
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by J.P. on Nov 4, 2009 3:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I also burned a lot of pixels last night maintaining that winning fights isn’t important, so I’m vested against the enforcer role.
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 4, 2009 3:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think winning ‘em is nearly as important as engaging in ’em. It’s not as if the guy that “wins” most fights comes out completely unscathed and no worse for the wear.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 4, 2009 3:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Is that Fedoruk lying on the ice? How does that guy not realize he needs to stop fighting.
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 4, 2009 4:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Is that Fedoruk lying on the ice? How does that guy not realize he needs to stop fighting.
too many concussions. Memory loss.
by RedBirdie on Nov 4, 2009 4:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That’s the fight where Fedoruk’s face first got broken.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlG8qjbKAiA
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
by Chemmy on Nov 4, 2009 4:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Is that Fedoruk lying on the ice? How does that guy not realize he needs to stop fighting.
He considers it and then gets his paycheck?
by David M. Getz on Nov 4, 2009 4:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I was also being at least partly sarcastic. I can agree that if we are going to waste a jersey on someone that is going to play 5-7 minutes a night it may as well be a guy that is a) actually playing his natural position and b) a guy that’s willing to drop the gloves without hesitation.
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 4, 2009 4:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
When I think about what this team needs, "team toughness" I think Alex Burrows, Rick Rypien, Kevin Bieksa, and Ryan Kessler. I’ll take any of the latter, none of the former.
Yeah, I like the Canucks too.
by David M. Getz on Nov 4, 2009 4:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
At night I dream
That John Carlson can be our Kevin Bieksa.
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 4, 2009 4:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And that SDR can be our Burrows.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Nov 4, 2009 4:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
If only.
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 4, 2009 4:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, he actually contributes on ice in addition to pounding suckas.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
by jordanDC on Nov 4, 2009 3:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
(And this Nylander’s back to GMGM sitting on 8D and so on, but that’s another story.)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 4, 2009 3:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Problem is Tyler Sloan should scare people. Take a run at Semin? Better hope you’re not out on the ice with Sloan the rest of the game, lest he unleash that fierce open ice (and very legal) hit of his.
So why the heck isn’t he hitting more?
by RedBirdie on Nov 4, 2009 3:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
One hit wonder?
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
by jordanDC on Nov 4, 2009 3:40 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 4, 2009 3:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Why wait till someone takes a run at Semin? Hit everyone on the other team hard at all times, especially if you’re a forward.
In my opinion hitting is vastly overrated for defensemen because it’s hard to hit in your own end, at the opponent’s blue line, or in a defensive position in the neutral zone without getting a little out of position, and vastly underrated forwards whose hits are more likely to lead to chances, who can dictate when they have the chance for hits more often, and who can get two or three feet out of position to make a hit more often.
The only Capitals forwards who hit enough are Ovechkin and Bradley and I’d say Laich and and Steckel are borderline in the category. Really there’s no excuse to not hit as a forward and that Caps need to start doing it.
by David M. Getz on Nov 4, 2009 3:44 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Semin was just an example. I’m perfectly open to the Caps coming out and setting a hitting tone early.
by RedBirdie on Nov 4, 2009 3:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Very very accurate and well said.
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 4, 2009 3:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That’s the kind of fear-instillin , accountability-demanding player the Caps need though.
by TylerG on Nov 4, 2009 2:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Upshall would be nice. I think he’s banged up at the moment.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
by jordanDC on Nov 4, 2009 2:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Just day-to-day. Unless PHX was hiding something, I think he was in the doghouse before that.
by TylerG on Nov 4, 2009 2:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Dave King was on XM this morning saying he’s week-to-week with something lower body (or was it upper?). Scored a goal in the last game.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
by jordanDC on Nov 4, 2009 2:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You are correct he’s day to day. They recalled Boedkker as insurance. Upshall was used as the whipping boy ;last week to illustrate a point about taking dumb penalties. He’s an instrumental piece of the puzzle here in the desert. He has 4 goals this season already. He would cost way more than Caps could afford and frankly more than they should pay for what they actually need.
A man gotta have a code
by CP2Devil on Nov 4, 2009 3:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Steve Ott is one of those people that I’d rather not see on the Caps.
by RedBirdie on Nov 4, 2009 2:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Steve Ott’s one of those people I’d rather see on the Caps than on any team the Caps have to play against.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 4, 2009 2:48 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
well, ok, its kinda hard to argue that point.
Personally, I wouldn’t mind seeing him in the Siberian Men’s Beer League.
by RedBirdie on Nov 4, 2009 2:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Is there room for him with Chris Simon already there?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 4, 2009 2:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I can relate – I’d be very conflicted about him myself. I can’t stand the guy, but he’s exactly what the Caps need.
I guess the bottom line is this: Stanley Cup with Ott versus second round playoff exit without Ott, I take the former.
by David M. Getz on Nov 4, 2009 2:48 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Btw, this was going to be the post pic (would’ve dovetailed nicely with the title), but I went another direction with it:
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 4, 2009 2:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I took a closer look at the pic JP did use. Nice to see BMo in the mix, fighting his way into AO.
IS PAЯTY NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 4, 2009 2:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’ll go on record as someone who was never terribly fond of Hunter, and I really wanted this team not to need Hunter v.2. And maybe we still don’t … but what we do have right now isn’t working.
I still hope it’s a matter of coaching tendencies or general philosophy, and something we can correct without renting an enforcer.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Nov 4, 2009 3:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Further to JP’s point, the cost of replacing Ovechkin. Not that he’s replaceable. And we have thirteen years invested in him.
IS PAЯTY NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 4, 2009 2:41 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Yeah, I’m feeling a bit guilty about making that post now. Guess I wasn’t knocking on enough wood at the time. Really though, it was done in the thought of the kind of salary we would have to take on if we just didn’t have #8 around, not that we would have to replace him due to injury.
by HateOffSeason on Nov 4, 2009 2:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The Professor might need to step up to the plate if this continues.
"My face is my mask."
by jakeshapiro on Nov 4, 2009 2:45 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I think The Professor’s more than willing, and is waiting on a green light from the bench boss.
by David M. Getz on Nov 4, 2009 2:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
he looked pissed the other night, me thinks.
by lancerevo on Nov 4, 2009 2:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Brads is always willing. Just not on the ice when the need arises. Heck I’m about ready to request he play on the top line anyway. Unlike others he’s doing his job at both ends of the ice.
A man gotta have a code
by CP2Devil on Nov 4, 2009 3:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Professor, what's another name for pirate treasure?
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 4, 2009 5:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
We can’t have our big scorers risking their health disciplining goons.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
by jordanDC on Nov 4, 2009 2:54 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Btw, Pension Plan Puppets is having a discussion about picking up a center, with Nylander in the discussion.
http://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/2009/11/4/1114677/what-do-the-leafs-do-at-centre
The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.
by Steck It Out on Nov 4, 2009 2:47 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
That which is referred to as the “Nylander Comedy Option” doesn’t seem to be something they’re taking seriously
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Nov 4, 2009 2:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And I’m too lazy to create a sign in over there to point out to them that he a a NMC too.
by HateOffSeason on Nov 4, 2009 2:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You don’t have to create a sign-in, just agree to their tems and click “Join PPP” and start lecturing. It’s just that easy!
I (heart) SBNation.
IS PAЯTY NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 4, 2009 2:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Their premise seems to be that he allows GMGM to waive him, and then claim him on re-entry waivers. That would require a waiving of the NMC anyway
by renstar on Nov 4, 2009 3:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It would be funny if he agreed to be waived with intention to go to the Leafs, and then some team comes out of left field to claim him.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
by jordanDC on Nov 4, 2009 3:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
and that is why it would never happen. he’d have to be traded straight up
by renstar on Nov 4, 2009 3:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I can’t remember the waiver rules. Are this season’s entire waiver claims schedule based on last season’s finish, or does the NHL ‘re-seed’ after a certain number of games?
by TylerG on Nov 4, 2009 3:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Re-seed based on standings as of o/a Nov. 1.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 4, 2009 3:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
means Leafs are in prime position to pick anyone they want.
by RedBirdie on Nov 4, 2009 3:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Pretty sure it’s last season, and then when you make a claim you go to the end of the list?
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
by jordanDC on Nov 4, 2009 3:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It’s not fantasy. You stay where your standings position is.
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 4, 2009 3:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Right-o. I knew I wasn’t pulling that out of my ass.
Though drawing from fantasy hockey isn’t much better.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
by jordanDC on Nov 4, 2009 3:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I knew that and totally forgot. Thanks for stopping by though to everyone who came over. You guys were a big help. :)
Pension Plan Puppets*
* Blog contains less than 2% puppet content by weight.
by Chemmy on Nov 4, 2009 3:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Funny how this went from NOT A PROBLEM to BIG PROBLEM.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
by zephyr on Nov 4, 2009 3:01 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
GMGM thought it was not a problem. I’m not sure that, er, anyone else agreed.
by TylerG on Nov 4, 2009 3:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, I thought I agreed. But then again, I bought into the talk about “team toughness,” but haven’t really seen it demonstrated as advertised.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 4, 2009 3:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed to a point…. did you ever buy all-the-way in?
by TylerG on Nov 4, 2009 3:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I bought in enough to take a “let’s see if it works” approach. And I’ve seen enough, I think.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 4, 2009 3:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I agreed with the premise, still do. I don’t believe we have the personnel, 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...
by Fehr and Balanced on Nov 4, 2009 3:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And that’s my point with this post. Smarter hockey men than I can hash out the “who” – I’ll I have done is pointed out that the problem exists and that I believe something needs to be done.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 4, 2009 3:10 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I’m off the same mind. I thought ans till do we don’t need a Brash type guy on the team. However, like you two I assumed that guys on the team would stick up for their own and it wouldn’t be a big deal. I have been proven wrong. If we could make a deal or two and change the complexion of things without bringing in a goon type I’d be fine with that. I don;t think we need a fighter, just some fight,
A man gotta have a code
by CP2Devil on Nov 4, 2009 3:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don;t think we need a fighter, just some fight,
Well said, if not well typed.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 4, 2009 3:16 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
One of these days I’m going to learn to use the preview button and edit my posts.
A man gotta have a code
by CP2Devil on Nov 4, 2009 3:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
(“I’ll” = “all”)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 4, 2009 3:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, and I completely agree with you up until the “dedicated enforcer” part.
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 4, 2009 3:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
What “dedicated enforcer” part? The McPhee quote about “that element?” I don’t take that to necessarily mean an enforcer in the classic sense of the word, but rather an increased physical presence not currently in the organization.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 4, 2009 3:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I guess I was just interpreting some of your comments as acquiescing to the call for an enforcer. Apologies. We clearly need a more physical element, but I’m just not budging from my requirement that they be able to play hockey. Ideally I want our physical element to be on the ice in the playoffs, and enforcers don’t see much ice then. We needed a physical element against PIT but it had nothing to do with fighting or not fighting.
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 4, 2009 3:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
We needed a physical element against PIT but it had nothing to do with fighting or not fighting.
Agreed. It had to do with reacting or not reacting when our goalie got cross-checked in the neck, for example.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 4, 2009 3:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Basically, it seems like we’re looking for the type of player that Chris Clark was supposed to be. If he’s not chipping in offensively then he can at least make himself a nuisance on the ice (which he’s already doing, but it would be nice if he were being disruptive to the other team).
by Kolzilla on Nov 4, 2009 3:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Not just “was supposed to be,” but was.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 4, 2009 3:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Matt Cooke.
"Let the rest be scared of us." - Sasha Semin
by Scott in Shaw on Nov 4, 2009 4:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Nah
Doesn’t really fight, too small, etc.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 4, 2009 5:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
But a gritty nuisance who disrupts the other team. I think if you look back to old threads like the one where we picked 07-08 Caps vs. 08-09 Caps, you’ll see that a lot of us said that we miss Cooke (but not at the salary he got elsewhere).
"Let the rest be scared of us." - Sasha Semin
by Scott in Shaw on Nov 4, 2009 6:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
He's fine as a pest
But I don’t want a guy like Cooke watching our skill players’ backside. There’s a damn good reason he got let go from Vancouver – Burrows offered all of the skill (and then some), none of the headaches, and he would fight.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 4, 2009 6:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Completely agree. Cooke is also terrible about taking bad PIMs (though he wasn’t that bad in his brief time with the Caps).
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 4, 2009 7:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
his time with the Caps was among his most disciplined stretches, apparently. Although it was a bitter ’Nucks fan who told me that, so who knows if its true.
by RedBirdie on Nov 5, 2009 10:49 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with that statement and I’m not bitter.
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 5, 2009 12:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
you bought into team toughness because you saw it in action all summer here, as we continued to fight the good fight against avatar-less posters, Penguins fanboys, drive-by Cleds. Imagine if the Caps were here—this place would go to hell in a handbasket.
by RedBirdie on Nov 4, 2009 3:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Getting Erskine back shoudl be a bit of an improvement here – though I still think he’s limited due to concussions.
Problem is there is little sandpaper in the bottom 6 forwards. Fehr, Steckel, Gordon, Laing Laich? Clark and Bradley have a little, but aren’t doing much in that category.
by Stormblue on Nov 4, 2009 3:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Steckel and Laich do enough. Neither drops the gloves a ton, but they’ll both do it when they need to.
by David M. Getz on Nov 4, 2009 3:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think they bring enough sandpaper for bottom six forwards.
by David M. Getz on Nov 4, 2009 3:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes…. if you have other B6ers with more grit. And save 10 — who is more heart than grit — WSH doesn’t.
by TylerG on Nov 4, 2009 3:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Precisely what I was about to say. In a vaccuum, 21 and 39 are plenty tough enough. But on this team, where it’s lacking, I’d like to see a little more snarl out of ‘em. On a team that presses John Erskine and Matt Bradley into pseudo-enforcer roles, everyone’s got to ramp up their individual toughness a bit above their normal comfort zone.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 4, 2009 3:21 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Including the bloggers. Take off the keyboard, mofo!
by TylerG on Nov 4, 2009 3:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That’s fair. I think the difference is “in a vaccum” versus “on this team right now”. If everyone played with the attitude those guys have (I’m including being willing to do the hard stuff beyond fighting in this as well), I don’t think the Caps have this problem.
by David M. Getz on Nov 4, 2009 3:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I disagree. I don’t think either of them make the game tough enough on the opposition and I don’t think either of them fight enough, if we’re going with the team toughness angle. Laich and Steckel will go to the hard areas, but how many guys question going to the hard areas with them? Being able to take punishment and fight through it is distinct from handing out the punishment.
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 4, 2009 3:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I see where you’re coming from, but I’d say that with regards to fight frequency I really feel like some of that has to do with Boudreau (for the whole team, not just those two).
by David M. Getz on Nov 4, 2009 3:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’d say a lot of the team attitude comes from BB. When you play a team that is chippy to a man, you know it’s the coach (Hobart I’m looking at you, scumbags). You don’t think John Stevens is part of the reason the Flyers play the way they do? Sure with them it’s institutional, but Stevens definitely encourages those guys to push the line and be physically aggressive.
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 4, 2009 3:35 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah, DMG is pointing at the room and I think JP and I think it’s the room + BB and GMGM.
In a related story, tonight should tell us something.
by TylerG on Nov 4, 2009 4:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Also The Boss, who likes to have a happy locker room.
Plus our number one line is currently known as the Care Bear Line. Maybe it should get a image overhaul. We could call it the Gremlins Line:
IS PAЯTY NOW
by Your Nation's Capital on Nov 4, 2009 4:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Really? What makes you say that? Stecks has 2 NHL fights (2 more in the A) and Laich has 3 in the NHL, none in the A.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 4, 2009 3:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That is what makes me say that. They fight on occasion, when needed. Laich went after Ruutu after a questionable hit and stood up for himself against O’Bryne; Steckel fought Voros after a hit on Bourque. Neither guy’s an enforcer by any stretch but if everyone on the team did what they did (and were allowed to by the coach), we wouldn’t have this problem – though I suppose that goes back to “in a vaccum” versus “on this team right now”.
by David M. Getz on Nov 4, 2009 3:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And for Laich especially, if he’s playing top 6, he really needs to take it upon himself to keep the opposition honest with the skilled guys on his line. I haven’t seen that yet.
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 4, 2009 3:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
True. If he wanted his mythological status to climb even higher he needs to emulate Brads or Max Talbot. Take one for the team, dammit.
by cuqui on Nov 4, 2009 3:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think most of us regulars agreed with the idea and thought it would work OK if everyone could man-up. We talked about it a ton and that was the impression I got.
That was back when the players were all saying that they didn’t need an enforcer and every man was going to get dirty for themselves blah blah blah. They’ve now made it obvious that they can talk to talk but not walk the walk.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
by zephyr on Nov 4, 2009 3:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
In keeping with others, I disagree that the team is soft, that it’s news that teams pay special attention when playing against superstars, and that getting an enforcer is a top priority (at this time). But to each their own.
I did say here before the season started that I preferred that we go a little overboard (invest) in roughing/instigator penalties early in the season so that we get a strong reputation versus a weak reputation. Our players will fight, but if things remain the way they are they’ll be doing a lot more of it later in the sea
by Icebat on Nov 4, 2009 3:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I did say here before the season started that I preferred that we go a little overboard (invest) in roughing/instigator penalties early in the season so that we get a strong reputation versus a weak reputation.
Had that happened, I don’t think we’d be where we are right now.
And I don’t think they’re soft or that it’s news that teams pay special attention when playing against superstars.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 4, 2009 3:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Had that happened, I don’t think we’d be where we are right now.
Well I certainly can’t argue with that statement :)
by Icebat on Nov 4, 2009 3:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I should probably know the answer to this, but who do the Penguins have that would retaliate if someone took a run at Malkin or Crosby?
by Kolzilla on Nov 4, 2009 3:14 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Godard, Cooke.. I’m sure Guerin would do something if nobody else could.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
by jordanDC on Nov 4, 2009 3:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
A lot of guys. Orpik, Knuitz, Guerin, Cooke, Godard, Talbot, Kennedy. Heck, Crosby will even throw ’em from time to time.
Personell’s only part of the Caps problem. I have no doubt Clark, Laich, Bradley and a couple others would thrown down when needed. Their coach needs to let them.
by David M. Getz on Nov 4, 2009 3:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
But, but, but…. Brads tried to fight the big bad other guys and they said no….
by TylerG on Nov 4, 2009 3:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I should probably know the answer to this, but who do the Penguins have that would retaliate if someone took a run at Malkin or Crosby?
The rest of the team.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 4, 2009 3:18 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
I’m convinced that an enforcer in this day and age is a roster burden. And, guys who are one step below that, who aren’t “enforcers” as much as they are “fighters” (lacking the dimension to contribute within the rules, see: “Riley Cote”) aren’t an appreciable improvement.
But what the Caps sorely lack is a guy who will put an opponent’s head on a swivel. A guy you’d better account for when he’s on the ice, because he will make your shift 45 seconds of “where is he?” The Caps have a lot of the skill guys, and in fact, too many of the same guy at too many positions (do they need a Semin and a Flesichmann?…a Pothier and a Poti?) and none of this kind of player.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Nov 4, 2009 3:26 PM EST reply actions 4 recs
Totally agree, 100%.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 4, 2009 3:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
We’ve got that guy unfortunately he’s in the OHL right now. I said it over the summer. What I wouldn’t give for him to be a couple of years older.
A man gotta have a code
by CP2Devil on Nov 4, 2009 3:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Right.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 4, 2009 3:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And a couple of concussions fewer.
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 4, 2009 3:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Can team toughness be learned through experience? Maybe with a team as young as the Capitals, an incident like the one Sunday will make some of the players realize that, hey, if we don’t stick up for our stars then there will be consequences. Maybe the Ovechkin injury and Hitchcock’s comments afterwards are part of the team’s evolution.
by Kolzilla on Nov 4, 2009 3:35 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
McPhee has expressed a willingness to acquire “that element” if it’s needed. I’d say that need has been made clear. Painfully so.
Well someone DID just come back from a conditioning stint today…
"I'm just doing karate and trying to get females pregnant."
by Bald Pollack on Nov 4, 2009 3:36 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I love how your team’s problem is you can’t find somebody to punch people in the face.
I wish I cheered for a hockey team with talented players. Sigh.
Pension Plan Puppets*
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by Chemmy on Nov 4, 2009 3:42 PM EST reply actions 10 recs
we want to send you Nyls! He’s talented.
by RedBirdie on Nov 4, 2009 3:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’d take him, he’s a ton better than Matt Stajan.
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by Chemmy on Nov 4, 2009 3:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
But does Stajan have estimable chops and savvy…?
by mechanicsville on Nov 4, 2009 4:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I understand all of the words in that sentence on their own.
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by Chemmy on Nov 4, 2009 4:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry, joke fail from an earlier thread. Nevermind.
by mechanicsville on Nov 4, 2009 4:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Inestimable chops and savvy ™ is a copyright of Shaggy Enterprises.
by S h a g g y on Nov 4, 2009 4:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Haha. Rec’d for the line of the day.
I love how your team’s problem is you can’t find somebody to punch people in the face.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
by zephyr on Nov 4, 2009 3:47 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
You’ll always have your truculence!
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 4, 2009 3:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
also, we welcome all persons who wish to join the Red Side and cheer for the Caps.
by RedBirdie on Nov 4, 2009 3:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
They’ve been cheering for us the past two playoffs.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
by zephyr on Nov 4, 2009 3:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The Leafs don’t choke except for in January or the Conference Finals so don’t blame us.
Pension Plan Puppets*
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by Chemmy on Nov 4, 2009 3:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
might as well cheer the rest of the season, right?
by RedBirdie on Nov 4, 2009 3:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You’re cute.
Pension Plan Puppets*
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by Chemmy on Nov 4, 2009 3:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
absolutely adorable, right down to the little bunny ears.
by RedBirdie on Nov 4, 2009 3:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
We could root for the Penguins, where they have a player who can punch somebody in the… in the… well, a couple feet lower than the face, and from behind.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Nov 4, 2009 5:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I always thought our comments needed more Chemmy. Keep comin’ over, our Northern brother.
Fight, you time-wasting figure skaters!
by boutros23 on Nov 4, 2009 5:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I really hope McPhee doesn’t overreact and go out and get a Riley Cote/Steve Ott type. Last year, the Caps had Brashear, and they had the same problem. In Bruce’s system, whomever the enforcer is will get 2-4 minutes a game, and have little effect on actually “enforcing”. He might occassionally star in a youtube matchup, but won’t keep the stars from getting run at, that simple.
What the Caps need is a Dale Hunter-type – someone with skill who can also pummel you if you get out of line. But those players are very rare and once you have one, you don’t let him go. GMGM’s not going to miraculously find one who can come in and fit under the cap.
This team’s got several holes – if I’m GMGM, I don’t think the enforcer hole is my number one priority. This is really more of a coaching issue, not a personnel issue – Bruce has to convince the guys to stand up for each other physically, but smartly. They haven’t – not since Huet kept getting run in the Flyers series, not last year, and still not this year. That’s what’s disappointing.
by katzistan on Nov 4, 2009 3:47 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
I was thinking “Colton Orr” and for some reason “Steve Ott” came out. Please redact.
by katzistan on Nov 4, 2009 3:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And here I was typing up my “I wouldn’t lump Ott and Cote together” response. Drat.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 4, 2009 3:49 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I was doing the same thing.
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 4, 2009 3:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Colton Orr plays like two minutes a night but when he doesn’t fight he does a good job of getting the puck down the ice. He has to have a positive zone shift – a really high number of his shifts end with the other goalie smothering the puck.
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by Chemmy on Nov 4, 2009 3:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Just tell Quintin Laing that he’s going back to Hershey if he doesn’t start blocking fists with his face.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
by jordanDC on Nov 4, 2009 4:04 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Just tell your biggest player to punch somebody. Who’s your biggest player?
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by Chemmy on Nov 4, 2009 4:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Ask somebody else.
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by Chemmy on Nov 4, 2009 4:07 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
I don’t think DMG has much pull in the room, unfortunately.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
by jordanDC on Nov 4, 2009 4:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Next would probably be Jeff Schultz…
by David M. Getz on Nov 4, 2009 4:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
hey, Schultzie got in a fight last season!
by RedBirdie on Nov 4, 2009 4:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Or rather, he was fought.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
by jordanDC on Nov 4, 2009 4:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Definitely a good time for passive voice.
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 4, 2009 4:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Schultz had a fight imposed on him last season.
by David M. Getz on Nov 4, 2009 4:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
rec’d for an accurate description.
(which Nylanders us back to: why aren’t the Caps imposing fights on other teams?)
by RedBirdie on Nov 4, 2009 4:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
(which Nylanders us back to: why aren’t the Caps imposing fights on other teams?)
“And then Jared Boll jumped him,” Boudreau said. “There were seven guys on the ice. I couldn’t understand [why] nothing was done.”
[…]
“We had a couple of guys go and challenge Chimera after that and he didn’t want to do anything,” Boudreau said. “If he’s not going accept that challenge, he’s not going to accept a Donald Brashear challenge. So I don’t think would have stopped them from doing anything.”
by David M. Getz on Nov 4, 2009 4:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
that’s very gentlemanly of them not to force a fight and all, but sometimes, a guy just needs to get whacked real hard.
by RedBirdie on Nov 4, 2009 4:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That picture of Chimera punching Shamo in the fanshots says otherwise.
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 4, 2009 4:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Milan Jurcina, and he’s not going to punch anybody for some reason, I’m guessing lack of coordination.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
by jordanDC on Nov 4, 2009 4:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Fehr, Schultz and Morrisonn seem to be pretty large. None of them want to punch somebody in the head?
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by Chemmy on Nov 4, 2009 4:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Fehr’s arms might fall out of their sockets if he tried, Schultz is a lover—not a fighter, and Morrisonn had a great opportunity the other day but failed to get the job done.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
by jordanDC on Nov 4, 2009 4:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Alright Morrisonn’s the guy. Problem solved.
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by Chemmy on Nov 4, 2009 4:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks. Now we can get back to talking about how Mike Green should be a wingar.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
by jordanDC on Nov 4, 2009 4:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
wingar? Is that some new gangsta terminology that I should know?
by RedBirdie on Nov 4, 2009 4:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
that’d be “wingah!”
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Nov 4, 2009 5:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Just saying, do you want to take a good hockey player off of your team to replace him with a guy who punches people in the face?
If you don’t, then someone needs to answer the call who’s already there.
Pension Plan Puppets*
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by Chemmy on Nov 4, 2009 4:21 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I agree completely. Or get a new guy that can play AND (or WHILE) punching faces.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
by jordanDC on Nov 4, 2009 4:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Morrisonn’s never been the same since Vinny instigated a fight with him. Never.
by Stormblue on Nov 4, 2009 4:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Spelling errors added to indicate sarcasm
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
by jordanDC on Nov 4, 2009 4:14 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Taht wuz a grate reply.
Maybe play with an edge, be a little more physical -- maybe be more of a prick out there.
by jordanDC on Nov 4, 2009 4:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Can team toughness be learned through experience? Maybe with a team as young as the Capitals, an incident like the one Sunday will make some of the players realize that, hey, if we don’t stick up for our stars then there will be consequences. Maybe the Ovechkin injury and Hitchcock’s comments afterwards are part of the team’s evolution.
Could be. It’s happened before.
by cuqui on Nov 4, 2009 5:05 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
So is Feds! Shot looks a little familiar…
by cuqui on Nov 4, 2009 7:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Failure of execution, not necessarily of strategy
McPhee’s strategy for “defending” his team after losing Brashear was to punish the opposing team by scoring power play goals. However, our power play has been mediocre at best for much of the year. Do you think that if the Caps’ PP was running at 30% teams like C-Bus would be taking runs all over the ice? Maybe they would, and maybe they wouldn’t, but at present, they don’t even have to think about it.
I’m not necessarily saying that some of Ovie’s teammates didn’t need to take a hard look in the mirror on Sunday night, but I do believe that before we go out and acquire some sandpaper, we might want to get the PP up to 25% (+) efficiency before we judge the efficacy of GMGM’s strategy.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 4, 2009 5:35 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
They take runs at guys who score power play points so they won’t score…
…power play points.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Nov 4, 2009 5:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Right
But there’s a better than even chance that the run won’t work. For each time you knock a player out of a game, there are 100 times where you just piss him off (like Thompson did to Green) and that team comes back and beats you on the power play.
I’m only pointing out that McPhee’s strategy (underlying team toughness + power play as deterrent) is failing at more than one point. I think the PP is probably easier to fix, given our roster.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 4, 2009 5:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
we might want to get the PP up to 25% (+) efficiency before we judge the efficacy of GMGM’s strategy.
Gonna be hard to do with Ovechkin injured (which makes the whole thing rather chicken-or-the-egg).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 4, 2009 5:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
True
But the point remains – if the Caps had a much more dangerous PP, this might not have gone down in quite the same way.
The PP should be improved for its own sake, but I feel that improving it is a cheap and easy way to begin addressing this problem, one that doesn’t require a roster move.
If we were to make a roster move, however, I’d advocate trading Eric Fehr for Chris Stewart. Or maybe Cody McLeod.
God how I wish the Nyls for Byfuglien trade had gone through…
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 4, 2009 6:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think Colorado makes that trade.
by David M. Getz on Nov 4, 2009 9:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe, maybe not
Stewart is only up with the big club because of injuries. They’re both former 1st-rounders. Fehr likely has more offensive upside, whereas Stewart offers more grit. The Avs already have grit with guys like Tucker, Durno, McLeod and Jones, and they’ve got a big player down in Lake Erie in Ryan Stoa. Fehr’s lack of durability probably nixes it, though, the more that I think about it. It’s nice to dream. . .
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 4, 2009 9:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
21 | 13 | 4 | 4 | 30 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
19 | 8 | 4 | 7 | 23 |
|
Atlanta
|
18 | 10 | 6 | 2 | 22 |
|
Florida
|
19 | 8 | 9 | 2 | 18 |
|
Carolina
|
21 | 4 | 12 | 5 | 13 |
(updated 11.20.2009 at 9:16 AM EST)
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
