Recap: Capitals 7, Panthers 4
by David Getz on Nov 7, 2009 10:34 PM EST
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When Bruce Boudreau told reporters yesterday that he was still mad about the team's third period performance Wednesday in New Jersey, I was somewhat hopefully, but not necessarily expecting all that much. After all, Boudreau had made his displeasure and frustration clear a number of times this season and his team seemed to keep coming out with inconsistent efforts. But whatever was said, either by Boudreau or someone else in that locker room, appears to have made an impact for the time being at least, as the Caps came out with back-to-back efforts like the ones they've thus far far been reserving for the likes of Philadelphia, San Jose, and Boston.
That effort made the crucial difference not only in last night's game, a closely contested affair, but in tonight's game, where the Capitals, in large part due to the compete level the team had demonstrated over the course of the home-and-home, dominated an exhausted Florida squad. Not only did it lead the team to victory, but it was also a welcome change from a team that had all too often been finding itself outscored in the final frame, and offers fans hopes the team's problems are only temporary.
Ten additional thoughts on last night's game:
- Starting a goalie on back-to-back nights is something you generally only see reserved for Roberto Luongo/Martin Brodeur/Miikka Kiprusoff types, not guys in a platoon system, and tonight showed why. Jose Theodore looked a little slow and his rebound control was off, to say the least.
- The sign of a great player is the ability to make teammates better, and so far Mathieu Perreault's done just that. Chris Clark, Eric Fehr, and (the winger version of) Tyler Sloan have all looked like different players with Perreault.
- Quintin Laing had a very Quintin Laing-like game, with four hits and two blocked shots. Oh, and according to @cmasisak22 (via Brooks Laich), "...Quintin Laing blocked a shot with his ribs in the 1st, broke his nose in the 2nd and scored in the 3rd." All in a day's work, right Q?
- Speaking of Laing and Perreault - more surprising, a goal from 53 or a goal from 85?
- That was a physical game, to be sure, but sixty-four credited hits? Someone down at the Verizon Center has an itchy trigger finger. Still, it is nice to look at the game's Event Summary as see at least one hit credited to sixteen of the team's eighteen skaters (neither Perreault nor Brendan Morrison were credited with one).
- Alexander Semin now has eight minor penalties on the season. Six of them have come in the offensive zone.
- Yesterday I was ready to declare Tyler Sloan a better NHL forward than Quintin Laing. Tonight I'm ready to declare him a better NHL forward than NHL defenseman.
- Somehow Milan Jurcina wound up a minus-4 on the night. Yikes.
- Mike Knuble now has five goals on the season, scored from a total of approximately sixteen feet from the net.
- Thirteen of the eighteen skaters who dressed for the Capitals had at least one point, and four had at least two. That's primary, secondary, and tertiary scoring (and how you get to seven goals).
On a final note, we'd like to offer congratulations to Mathieu Perreault on his first NHL goal. For a guy who's been undersized his whole life, never complained, and has worked his tail off to get to this level, it's a fitting reward. Enjoy it kid. You're earned it.
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Fluky -4 for 23. There was only one goal on which he might have made a different play that would have had an impact.
Next meaningful topic for WSH fans: How to keep 85 on ice after 15 returns. (And, perhaps after 12:01pm tomorrow this gets a little ea$ier. And with 27 as a bonus.)
I don’t think it’s a Sunday thing — I looked and didn’t see a Sunday exception — but I buy the second part. Good catch.
Well, we all hope he clears so I’m sure we’d rather have word on that tomorrow rather than Monday. But yes, I think there are non-stops to RUS from IAD every day of the week. ;-)
I think we’re all hoping—but thinking—the same thing. Unless someone thinks 92 can still contribute to the team. Maybe a diehard SC fan???
by red army line on Nov 8, 2009 2:41 AM EST up reply actions
how does waiving Nyles affect the cap space?
Rock the Red! Rock the White! Rock the Blue! Rock the Pens!
by RedskinFan4Life on Nov 7, 2009 10:55 PM EST up reply actions
It doesn’t until he is either claimed by another team (Caps on the hook for 1/2 of the remaining contract) or he goes to the minors or another league (no hit against the cap but we are still paying him in full).
Russian Machine very rarely breaks.
thanks for the 411
Rock the Red! Rock the White! Rock the Blue! Rock the Pens!
by RedskinFan4Life on Nov 7, 2009 11:11 PM EST up reply actions
I wasn’t thrilled with Sloan on a couple of those goals, and they seemed to be paired. That said, I smile a little every time I see someone try to beat Jurcina 1 on 1 for a puck behind the net. He’s wrecking people right now.
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Yeah, I didn’t think Sloan had a very good game. Definitely the weak link of that pairing tonight.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Nov 7, 2009 11:56 PM EST up reply actions
Actually
Watching the highlights on NHL On the Fly, I think his line will change. He wasn’t on the ice for one of the goals, so he should have only been minus 3. Still. . . none of those really looked like “his fault.”
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
Which one don’t you see him out there? The first? He’s definitely on for 2-4. You say it wasn’t “his fault” because he didn’t cough the puck up or get beat one-on-one. But watch the second and third and his slow feet keep him from making any sort of impact on the play because he’s caught chasing.
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...
Too much beer
to say exactly. But I just watched the highlights, and ShaMo and (Poti?) were definitely on the ice for one of the goals. Kulikov’s goal was hardly Juice’s fault, and neither was the weak-ass rebound goal (again, too much beer to remember which goal it was. Jose’s rebound control was terrible on what was essentially a dump-in, and Sloan didn’t tie up his man’s stick. One of the three (Repik’s) goals was somewhat Juice’s fault.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
Oops. My mistake. I only saw the quick highlights, and the frame was too close. Looking at the NHL.com highlights, he’s actually on, but he’s paired with Morrisonn for some reason. That’s what threw me – when I saw NHL OTF, I only saw Morrisonn on the ice and figured he was out there with Poti per usual.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
Fair enough assumption. That 4th one he didn’t do anything wrong really. He wasn’t egregious on any of the goals but I do think the second and third demonstrate his lack of speed and quickness pretty 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...
3rd Goal
Bradley lost Repik. Juice could have made a better play, but I don’t fault him for any of those goals. His positioning on the first goal was odd, but Theo should have had that one.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
I’m always amazed by how much time some of you guys put into this. Watching the game and then poring over game highlights to see who’s on ice for each goal? More power to you, I guess.
This was actually a coincidence. I happened to be looking at the box score just as the highlights came on NHL OTF. I saw Jurcina as -4, but I didn’t see him on the ice for the 4th goal so I was like “wtf?”
Sometimes, I go back to watch the highlights of home games – between beer, chatting with friends and general excitement, I sometimes forget exactly what occurred during a game I’ve actually been at – the highlights serve as a quick reminder.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
his mom blogs, its absolutely heartbreaking to read. that little boy (and his family) has been through so much.
in case anyone is interested, here’ his mom’s blog: http://age30books.blogspot.com/ This kid is a hard core trooper.
I’m actually friends with his mom. He was so excited to get invited to sit in Ted’s box. Then he went to a game, his dad showed him where Ted’s box was, and he was bummed and thought it would have been a better seat. lol He’s too funny.
Some of you season ticket holders may remember him being fan of the game at the Blackhawks preseason game. His mohawk was super long and dyed red. He was beyond excited. I was so happy that he got to meet everyone.
Anybody else notice Bruce take Semin off the first line? About effing time. Also 85 deserves to stay up, nice to somebody play two way hockey.
I noticed that, as well. I assume he’ll be the healthy scratch when Ovi’s back ….. unless he can get untracked. He seems to be having trouble getting set up to shoot.
BB credits that to him having no one to talk to on the bench. Sounds a little reasonable, but these guys are professionals and their game shouldn’t suffer because for three games there’s no one to talk to in Russian.
by red army line on Nov 8, 2009 2:44 AM EST up reply actions
Completely disagree here. The PP chance where Semin had a beautiful saucer across the ice to BMo is a prime example. Semin wanted that puck to come back across, rightfully so. BMo had no empty net to look at and we had 4 guys all in a line close to the net. While it may not have made it back to Semin, Backsrom and either Laich or Knubes (I can’t remember who was on) would have stashed it.
That’s the kind of thing you need to communicate to your line-mates, especially one you are not used to playing on the PP with. Semin says he understands, but has a very hard time forming sentences.
I actually thing he played a good game minus that bonehead “I’m gonna take the puck from between your legs” bs. He was making great passes and opening up space for Backs and Fleischmann (and Brooks in the 3rd). He just didn’t get the space to shoot last night because with Ovie out of the lineup, it’s his job to create the space and attract all the attention.
I don’t think Semin looked that bad last night.
Agree with you that Semin understands but has a hard time forming sentences. That’s what he says.
When he was put on the 2nd line, okay, the second line didn’t score but they were actually in the offensive zone and creating chances so, for the next line change when the 1st line went in, they had good position and could shoot.
He’s been here for years. I think he knows enough English to communicate things like “Open!” and “Pass!” He could not be relaxed, as OFB points out in their first fifth review. That all comes back to the “grow up” aspect.
by red army line on Nov 8, 2009 12:23 PM EST up reply actions
Professional hair stylists to the VC, please.
by TylerG on Nov 7, 2009 10:40 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
AO: Hey Greenie?
MG: Yeah Ovi?
AO: I adopted a dog this afternoon at the shelter here in DC.
MG: That’s great! How’s it going so far?
AO: So far so good, considering…
MG: Considering what?
AO: Well, he has a bit of a problem.
MG: And the problem is?
AO: The dog, he has no nose.
MG: No nose? How does he smell?
AO: He smells awful, he’s a dog….
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 7, 2009 10:50 PM EST up reply actions
That joke was no match for the ones the British used in the War.
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And one was salted peanut!
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 8, 2009 1:49 AM EST up reply actions
Glad someone caught the reference to the Killer Joke. :)
Remember, we can’t put the killer joke up here…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 8, 2009 9:09 AM EST up reply actions
i wouldnt mind chillin in that box for a game….
by twistedlogic on Nov 7, 2009 10:51 PM EST up reply actions
I’ll take things I never want to see again for $800, Alex.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks.
by macvechkin on Nov 7, 2009 11:00 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
maybe they’re discussing how to stay injured longer…..the team seems to be doing fine without them.
or is it the opposite? they look concerned and want to get back on the ice to score goals?
Rock the Red! Rock the White! Rock the Blue! Rock the Pens!
by RedskinFan4Life on Nov 7, 2009 11:03 PM EST up reply actions
Someone has to get the nachos guard the door…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 8, 2009 9:13 AM EST up reply actions
Ya know...
There’s more than a resemblance….
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 8, 2009 9:12 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Oh man, it’s dead on!
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 8, 2009 9:23 AM EST up reply actions
You know the Caps will be gunning for them…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 8, 2009 4:45 PM EST up reply actions
Speaking of goonery, how excellent was it to see a Cap get boarded and gloves hit the ice immediately?
Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men's blood...Make big plans, aim high in hope and work. - Daniel H. Burnham
Fan Clubs: Sloan, Schultz
It would be more excellent if I felt the fight was a result of the boarding. Bradley went after McArdle, who he was going at it with all shift, and not McCabe who actually hit Laing from behind. I’m not even sure Bradley noticed the boarding before he fought McArdle.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Nov 9, 2009 12:40 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Yeah, I think the implication that the fight was in response to the board is a bit far-fetched (see it all unfold here, btw).
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Excellent point about JT starting back-to-back
I found the decision puzzling. When are you going to get starts for your young backup goalie if not as part of a back-to-back?
nice to look at the game’s Event Summary as see at least one hit credited to sixteen of the team’s eighteen skaters (neither Perreault nor Brendan Morrison were credited with one)
Love this about MP - is he even able to hit? lol
Rock the Red! Rock the White! Rock the Blue! Rock the Pens!
by RedskinFan4Life on Nov 7, 2009 10:55 PM EST reply actions
Which is weird because I coulda sworn MP had a hit early on the forecheck on the shift that resulted in his goal.
I don’t see the hit at all…..if anything, a poke at the puck. hardly qualifies as a tap, much less a hit.
Rock the Red! Rock the White! Rock the Blue! Rock the Pens!
by RedskinFan4Life on Nov 7, 2009 11:02 PM EST up reply actions
I saw him try back behind the net. Didn’t work so well, but his skills are…other.
I saw Nicky deliver a very solid crunchy hit in the waning moments of the third period. That Panther will be feeling it for some time.
IS PЯESS BOX NOW
I might also submit that the extra skating the Caps have done in practice may be paying off here, endurance-wise.
IS PЯESS BOX NOW
Yes, sucking pays off.
But seriously folks, yes, the Caps looked MUCH fresher late in the third (and in the 3d in 4 nights) than FLA.
That’s because they took the second off. Really, I was sure we were going to lose that game 4-2 after the second.
No kidding. I want to know what got said in that second intermission in that locker room, because holy jumping Mary did they come out of the gate flying in the 3rd.
Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men's blood...Make big plans, aim high in hope and work. - Daniel H. Burnham
Fan Clubs: Sloan, Schultz
Gotta say I’m comin around on Q. Could never complain about effort but the results, and not just the two goals, have been a lot nicer lately.
Absolutely, positively have to keep MP up here for a while and see if he can last. I don’t care if that means sending one of our depth defensemen to Hershey, should it come to that. Of course, hopefully by noon Monday it won’t come to that. :-)
Another game where I couldn’t have told you if Semin was playing, except for two more ridiculous penalties on the scoresheet.
Is it too early to start including Flash in these 2010 and beyond cap discussions? This guy is a beast right now. He wasn’t this good even when he was good last year.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks.
yes i think so - i’d still like to see a full season from him before discussing any contract
Rock the Red! Rock the White! Rock the Blue! Rock the Pens!
by RedskinFan4Life on Nov 7, 2009 11:13 PM EST up reply actions
I believe Flash has earned his way to the first line - permanently. When Ovi’s back, the first line will be Ovi/Backstrom/Flash. The second line will, of course, be our “normal” case of characters: Laich/Morrison/Knuble.
So you are saying Semin get’s 3rd/4th lined for a while? I think I’m ok with that.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks.
Actually, he’ll be a healthy scratch since I think the 3rd and 4th lines are all set. However, it will be awhile before Ovi’s back. In an interview with Dmitry Chesnakov, Ovi has now said the doctor does not want him to skate for another week — at least. So that’s at least three more missed games. And then when he’s back to skating, it will take at least another week before he’s back to game shape.
So, it’s Long Term Injured Reserve for Ovi. (So Semin’s job is temporarily safe.)
LTIR would mean Ovie’s out until Nov. 25, I believe. I know LTIR gets $9.5 mil freed up, but my guess is Ovie will be back before then.
Not if Chesnokov is right. It’s already Nov 7. He can’t skate until Nov 14-16 at the very least.
It will take him a bit of time to get himself in game shape — like a week or more. It will be pretty close to Nov 25.
(I hope Sasha gets it in gear by that time. I feel as bad for him as I feel for my own kids when they struggled. Very painful to watch.)
What makes you think Semin is in any danger of playing away from the top two lines, much less being a healthy scratch? He probably deserved it after the Devils game on Wednesday, but if it wasn’t done then what sense does doing it now make?
Semin was more or less invisible until the halfway point of the third, after which he turned on the jets, be it out of shame or just getting his game back together. Does that continue? Who knows? But I sincerely doubt he gets scratched.
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 8, 2009 8:26 AM EST up reply actions
The Devils game was the last straw for many people. (I didn’t watch it. I think it was in God’s plan for Cox to go down — it would have been too agonizing to watch.) Everyone was already mad at Semin before the Devils’ game and that game sealed his doom.
While he took penalties yesterday, I didn’t think he was that bad on the whole. I thought he looked like he was trying. It’s more a matter of Semin being the “odd man out” when Ovi returns. The second line is great together so there’s not really any incentive to break them up.
My own take: If Ovi were coming back on Wednesday (which he’s not), Semin would be the healthy scratch begins as he’s the odd man out with the current line combinations and the least productive forward at the moment. (If you were analyzing the stats on the year, Clark would be the “logical” person to scratch as he actually has more PIM and less goals than Semin but scratching the captain, esepcially when the captain has contributed recently — ain’t happening)
But since Ovi is not coming back any time soon, Semin is still safely in the lineup, somewhere. Maybe putting him on the third line with Perrault will get him started again. Perrault is good at getting everyone ignited and makes the people around him better. (And there’s less pressure on the third line.)
The Devils game was the last straw for many people. (I didn’t watch it. I think it was in God’s plan for Cox to go down — it would have been too agonizing to watch.) Everyone was already mad at Semin before the Devils’ game and that game sealed his doom.
Arousing the ire of the fanbase over a terrible performance, even over years, isn’t going to get Semin scratched. That’s purely on the coaching/front office. Sealing his doom? If that were all it took, Jeff Schultz would have contracted a dread disease long ago.
It’s more a matter of Semin being the "odd man out" when Ovi returns. The second line is great together so there’s not really any incentive to break them up.
Unless you consider the incentive to get one of the premier talents in the NHL back on track and you can’t possibly find a place for him on the first line. Semin isn’t going to be the odd man out with his talent level unless he mails it in for months at a time.
(If you were analyzing the stats on the year, Clark would be the "logical" person to scratch as he actually has more PIM and less goals than Semin but scratching the captain, esepcially when the captain has contributed recently — ain’t happening)
Why not? Clark has been scratched for far worse players even as late as last season, all while still wearing the C. Ask 30 coaches who they want on the ice between the two and you get 28 > 17 30 times, unless there’s a fight to be had.
Maybe putting him on the third line with Perrault will get him started again.
I’d love to see Perrault on a line with some real offensive talent, which Semin indubitably is. In fact, Semin is probably the most talented offensive player on the team.
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 8, 2009 9:00 AM EST up reply actions
I would personally move Semin to the third line and scratch Clark. Clark has spent more time in the penalty box besides.
Give Perrault a good offensive talent to work with. And less pressure on Semin. I watched him last night and he seems to be having trouble getting set up properly.
This is a great point, I cant imagine what the lines are going to look like when OV comes back.
Laing-Steckel-Semin sounds like a great PK line so maybe its a good 5 on 5 line as well.
Yeah, it doesn’t make sense, but at some point everyone will be healthy and you are going to need to figure out who you can take out of the line-up.
If Boudreau were making the decision today, Sasha would be the odd man out. First off, the second line of Laich/Morrison/Knuble has gone very well and I don’t think that group should be broken up. The third line of Fehr/Perrault/Clark has also been on a roll. And the fourth line of Laing/Stecks/Bradley is good. Since Sasha can’t break into any of those lines when Ovi’s back, he’s the logical person to scratch. (Of course, we’ll have to see who’s healthy in late Nov. or Dec. when Ovi comes back.)
I’ve been on Semin hard lately but I don’t think you scratch him unless it’s in response to a brutally egregious game, like NJD. He’s been doing better since then and he’s still one of our most talented players. If you want to demote him I can see that, but I don’t really see why you’d just take him out of the lineup. If MP can make Clark and Sloan look like offensive threats I’d like to see what he can do with legitimate offensive threats.
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 8, 2009 1:36 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I don’t really want to demote Sasha as he’s one of my favorites. Yes, call me crazy, but I like Sasha.
It’s just that it’s hard to figure out where to put him when Ovi comes back, given our current cast of characters. Normally, he would go to the 2nd line (if he weren’t on the 1st) but the 2nd line is really good together and I was surprised they were broken up. If you wanted to keep Ovi/Backstrom/Flash together and Laich/Morrison/Knuble together, the logical place to stick Semin would be the third line. Only problem, they would probably not scratch Clark as he’s had lots of assists lately. And, Fehr had an assist also.
Ovi won’t come back Wednesday but if he were, they would scratch Semin to give Fehr more of a chance. (He and Fehr would be the healthy scratch rotation.)
I also don’t think Sasha’s been quite right on the health front this year. Sick or hurt, that guy is trying to play through something. And with Ovechkin out, the pressure on him to rack up GPs is pretty strong.
He’s going to have a fantastic February or March — just watch. Inconsistency means having big ups too.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 8, 2009 1:55 AM EST up reply actions
You’re right about the big ups. It’ll come. I’d hope he holds off a bit (wouldn’t mind a Feb. hot streak) because we don’t need that valley coming in April-May. I’ll take a hot streak Jan.-Feb. followed by a slump down the stretch and a hot spring. Of course, the problem with inconsistent players is you don’t get to choose (or even get a heads up).
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 you don’t get to choose the length of time the ups or downs will take. A hot Semin in rounds 1 and 2 of the playoffs, and then an ice cold Semin in round 3 is almost worse than not having him be hot at all.
[Yeah, I wrote “hot Semin.” He’s been on the Caps since 2003 — get over it already]
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 8, 2009 2:03 AM EST up reply actions
Those of us that read message boards and the like already get enough Semin jokes to not giggle. One Caps game I went to in 2006-2007 vs PIT (Caps led 2-0 before losing), I was subjected to listen to the PIT fans’ taunts of “Your name’s See-min! clap clap clap-clap-clap”
by red army line on Nov 8, 2009 2:49 AM EST up reply actions
You’re probably right about Sasha on the health front. He got cross checked in the Islander game last Friday and was in pain when he went off the ice. (I don’t remember it but heard about it.) In an interview with Russian press, he said he was okay but I really wonder….
He had two assists in the Columbus game. (Yes, he fed at least one assist to the very guy who has basically replaced him.) But after that, it’s been nada. In the past, he would get at least one point in most games but this is a long dry spell, even for him.
I think that is true. He got cross checked in the Isles game last week and was in pain. He said he was okay afterwards but I’m really wondering about that. He had 2 assists vs Columbus and then nada.
To me, he looks like he’s having trouble setting up his shot. He seemed to have energy, actually made a few hits and was trying
Only problem, they would probably not scratch Clark as he’s had lots of assists lately. And, Fehr had an assist also.
As much as I like those guys, neither of them looked like even a remote offensive threat until they played with MP. Put Semin on the third line with MP and see what happens. You get the message to Semin that you aren’t happy with his effort (and put him on a line with one of the hardest workers out there) and give MP a chance to show what he can do with a real top 6 wing.
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...
Sounds good. Let’s do it on Wednesday. Move Eric Fehr to the top line and leave our “normal” second line intact (the KLM line who’s been flying high lately, so to speak).
The Flash/Backstrom/Fehr line has worked in the past. It ignited Fehr’s socring streak. The fan boards called them the “teen line” when they were together. Yes, let’s reunite the teen line. And, meanwhile, Semin, Perrault, Clark can be our third line.
I’ve been on Semin hard lately but I don’t think you scratch him unless it’s in response to a brutally egregious game, like NJD.
Agreed. There was a window where a benching would’ve sent the message, but now it’s like when you smack your dog for pooping in the house when you find it hours later – he doesn’t know what the hell he’s being hit for.
OK, not exactly…
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by J.P. on Nov 8, 2009 10:07 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
And Rabbits can’t be house trained at all.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 8, 2009 10:25 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
1) They didn’t have sufficient bodies to afford to scratch Semin after NJ.
2) If Ovi came back Wednesday, Semin would be the scratch being as he’s the “odd man out” as opposed to being benched as punishment. Let’s face it, Flash had moved ahead of Semin in the depth chart.
No, he hasn’t. Semin’s proven that he can be a point-per-game player for extended periods of time. Fleischmann’s had a good six game stretch.
Besides, Brooks Laich isn’t so good you can’t move him to the third line and go with a top six of Ovechkin, Backstrom, Semin, Fleischmann, Morrison, and Knuble.
And if BB wants to finally achieve the wondrous “3 scoring lines and a checking line” make up he’s going to need Semin to do 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...
Actually, Laich has more points than Semin at this point. We have 4 wingers with a Point Per Game average of 1 or greater. Ovi, Laich, Flash, and Semin. Knuble isn’t too far off that pace. So, if they were choosing someone to bump to the third line among that group, they would choose among the “hot hands”; hence the bumping of Semin to the third line. (Well, that means 3 scoring lines, when everyone’s back.) I’m sure Semin would move back up (as soon as someone else gets cold or he gets hot.)
But we’ll be waiting awhile for that.
Flash is playing at a career-high level right now. I agree he belongs in the 2010 cap discussions, at least for now.
Think so. (And, if Semin can’t get untracked, consider him good as gone. I hate to see that happen but that’s a fact.)
Perhaps, but I think people are overreacting to Semin’s poor play right now. He’s in a slump, and without Ovie taking up defenders’ attention, he seems to be adjusting poorly. He will be around all year (barring injury) and will get back to putting up points.
Maybe this is his convoluted way of getting his agent to ask for a discounted price
by red army line on Nov 8, 2009 2:50 AM EST up reply actions
Can I gently point out that the phrase “get untracked” drives me CRAZY? You want on the tracks. The train goes choo choo on the train tracks.
Regards,
Troy Aikman Hater Club
Russian Machine very rarely breaks.
by macvechkin on Nov 8, 2009 2:54 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
1) I’m surprised they didn’t start Varlamov in goal — Theo looked tired. (There’s a reason they don’t usually use the same goalied in back to backs.) But at least things worked out for the Caps.
2) The person sitting in front of me had the feeling (after Period 1 that we would win. (“Feel it in my bones”). He also has the feeling that Ovi will be back on Wednesday.
3) I do have a bittersweet feeling. If Ovi’s back, Semin will be a healthy scratch on Wednesday. There’s no room on either the 2nd line or the 3rd line for him. He’s the logical person to scratch. (I feel sad since I like Semin.) My husband thinks they’ll still find a place for him.
He also has the feeling that Ovi will be back on Wednesday.
Not happening. I caught the tail end of Dmitry Chesnokov on the radio postgame, and he says Ovie’s been told by the doctor not to skate for a week. Even if that was yesterday, we’re looking at him being out at least another weeek.
You know. I don’t have a problem with that. I genuinely don’t. I want to see the guys win enough games with Ovi out – and some against serious contender teams – to convince them that they can play, play hard and serious hockey, and come out on top without Ovi. I think after these two games they might just be starting to get the idea. Having Ovi come back now doesn’t help any.
Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men's blood...Make big plans, aim high in hope and work. - Daniel H. Burnham
Fan Clubs: Sloan, Schultz
Must have been a translation issue
I think you mean “play,” since he’s already been skating at Kettler.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
Unless his doctor now doesn’t want him to do even that, which I’m now thinking.
So answer to the question on when Ovi will be back:
Наверное, нескоро
Transcribed as : navernoe, neskoro
Translates to "probably not soon"
A night of firsts… Zach Miskovic got his first goal as a pro for Hershey tonight in a 4-1 win over Manchester.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Nice job, Mouse. (That’s my nickname for Miskovic as Miskin is the Russian word for mouse and assume that Miskovic is the Serbo-Croatian variant.)
Puck Surprise
If you got a puck, who did you get?
I got Laing.
Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men's blood...Make big plans, aim high in hope and work. - Daniel H. Burnham
Fan Clubs: Sloan, Schultz
Flash! Good night for the guy. usually when I get someone, they suffer a nasty injury the same night.
(although the kid in front of me got Sloan and I was wicked jealous.)
I’m wicked jealous! The guy behind me got Varlamov.
Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men's blood...Make big plans, aim high in hope and work. - Daniel H. Burnham
Fan Clubs: Sloan, Schultz
Speaking of Semin, if I’m his agent, I’m not talking to the press about not taking discounts right now. I’d worry about what exactly the market is for a guy who needs #8 around to be productive.
(but see last fall, when he carried the team through Ovechkin’s poor start)
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 8, 2009 1:57 AM EST up reply actions
And Backstrom hasn’t looked great lately either.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
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...
The difference is that Backstrom still produces, even when he doesn’t look that great. Semin just racks up minors, apparently…
Russian Machine very rarely breaks.
Backstrom had the quietest two assists I ever did see.
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 spin-o-rama shot was something special. Goalie couldn’t pick it up, so it skidded right over to Flash for the easiest goal of his life. That was a sweet play, and I’m not sure why folks aren’t talking about it it more.
Good things happen when Backstrom shoots the puck.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 8, 2009 10:07 AM EST up reply actions
You think that was a pass, or a shot that just didn’t quite wrap all the way? Regardless, your point about good things happening when Backis has the puck is well taken.
"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."
When a man comes around the side of the net, spins around with his back to the goal and then whips a deceptive puck right on the goalie — yeah, even if it’d have been Adam “pass first, ask questions later” Oates I’d have called that one a shot.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 8, 2009 10:26 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah I forgot about that. It was a nice move from behind the net. I’d like to see more assertive plays like that from him. Just take it to the net and make the goalie make a 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...
Might have something to do with 28’s production lately. BB’s been going with 14/19/28 on a line since Ovie went down. We see Knubes added to the top line and suddenly the top two lines look crisp and exciting. Would like to see what happens next game with the lines like:
14/19/22
21/9/28
What will be the lines when Ovi’s back? There will be decisions to make.
Do we put Ovi in the line with Backstrom and Knuble, move Flash down, which would result in a line of Laich, Morrison, and Flash? Or do we leave Flash, Backstrom, and Knuble together and put Ovi on the line with Laich and Morrison and that line becomes the first line because Ovi’s on it? At this point, Flash is ahead of Semin in the depth chart and Semin is the odd man out among the top 6 forwards.
If only because Laich can play on a wider range of lines; he can be the “crash the net” piece of a scoring line or a solid part of a checking line. Semin really only has one slot he can fill.
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...
Yes, Semin has to be on a scoring line, either 1st or second, although he was banished to the third line once. Last year, he had a variety of line mates (and scored with most of them). Here’s the list: Fedorov, Backstrom, Nylander, Laich, Aucoin, Ovi, Flash, Laich. There are probably more but that’s who I can think of.
In what sense?
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...
Playing with a superstar goal-scoring Russian to be effective.
by red army line on Nov 8, 2009 2:55 AM EST up reply actions
Oh you mean AS going to ATL to play with him. That makes more sense than probably any other NHL team but I can’t see how GMGM would ever allow that to happen while we have his RFA rights.
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...
With draft picks and cap space for another player, I could see it happening, but not likely. My original “Atlanta with…” was a little tongue-in-cheek, seeing as it’s not even certain Kovy stays in ATL.
by red army line on Nov 8, 2009 3:02 AM EST up reply actions
No, but it makes sense from Semin’s perspective and ATL’s. If they want to prove they want to win and keep him happy there aren’t many better options than that. I can just say there is no chance GMGM will trade Semin within the division. You don’t want to see him 6 times a year with something to prove; and you don’t want to compete for a playoff spot with him and Kovalchuk together. Scary thoughts. I’m down on his play but I’m not insane.
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...
Atlanta would have to offer an outrageous price for GMGM not to match, assuming Semin isn’t locked up by then. What do we reckon the over-under is on that price? I’ll go with $6.8 million.
by red army line on Nov 8, 2009 3:11 AM EST up reply actions
I don’t think GMGM would lock him up at that price before July 1. I could see some jerk GM tendering an RFA offer sheet like that. I think it would be real hard to fit that number into this team right now to be honest. Then you decide to either take the picks and let him go or match it and then trade him like BOS did (they didn’t match but they were so aggressive in insisting they would match that basically TOR had to negotiate the trade before hand).
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 figure GMGM would match up till that price, or around it, sorta like how Vanek got signed for more than he’s worth. GMGM has to be careful, of course, so I think that price is closer to what Semin will be signed for if he’s signed prior to going RFA than what it would be if the Caps had more cap room.
The question is, if a team offers 6.8, does GMGM match? I’m not completely sure about the cap situation, but I think he does.
by red army line on Nov 8, 2009 3:30 AM EST up reply actions
Based on this I think 6.8 would have to be a short-term deal.
9.5 for AO, 2.8 for Knuble, 6.8 for Semin, call it 7 for Backstrom and you’ve already hit your top 6 budget without talking about a 2C and 2W. Flash is due for a raise if he keeps this up such that we’d want him to be a solution there and I doubt we get as lucky as we got with BMo, but I’ll give GMGM the benefit of the doubt and just put 1.5 for the 2C. We’ll still really need to make some savings other places. Between the two rookie goalies and Carlznerson we could go to a lot of ELCs and get good production per dollar such that we can compensate for busting the budget on the top 6. But in a couple years those guys will all need contracts and raises, and GMGM shouldn’t leave himself boned on that front.
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...
Weren’t people talking 5M for Semin and 6M for Backstrom a few weeks ago? Semin has a lot to get working on to merit that kind of raise.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks.
Semin’s a #1 W on quite a few teams in this league. You’re not keeping a guy like that for 5M. An argument can be made for him playing down to 5M at this point of the year, but I don’t quite buy it after 1 bad game and a small slump (that coincides with our top C’s slump, and PP slump)…etc.
GM would be smart to lock Semin up now for cheap. Semin would be smart to wait until after the Olympics.
The list of wings that are better than Semin is very short. I’m going to go ahead and say he’s a #1 wing on most teams. He’s a ppg guy, or even better – there just aren’t that many of those around.
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 8, 2009 11:17 AM EST up reply actions
Except that two of the wings better than Semin are on the Caps. He is behind Ovi and Flash in the depth chart.
You keep repeating this, but I have yet to see any evidence of it.
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 8, 2009 11:39 AM EST up reply actions
The Caps actually have a lot of PPG wingers. The following guys have averages of over 1.0 points a game: Ovi, Laich, Flash, Semin. Knuble isn’t far behind. Laich is ahead of Semin in that department.
If you’re choosing among wingers with high PPG averages to place on two lines and there’s an overage in that department, the hot hands are the ones to be used and the cold ones bumped down. Hence, why Semin would be bumped down today. (But it would be very temporary. Until one of the other guys slumped and he got hot again.)
PPG <> Depth chart slotting. Especially when you look at a guy like Laich who depends on having a strong group around him to get those pucks to the net. If you look solely at his production you overlook the specific role he plays. Just because he is scoring more doesn’t mean he’s necessarily the bigger offensive threat than Semin; and it definitely doesn’t mean he creates more than Semin.
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...
Only behind Ovie. Did you read F&B’s FanShot on the 5 best NHL wingers? Semin comes in (probably close to where he should be) at #5. Those top-5 in the world at their position guys don’t come cheap. Normally.
by red army line on Nov 8, 2009 12:26 PM EST up reply actions
I wasn’t really trying to guess at what the final deals will look like. I was just working with RAL’s suggestion; I’m assuming Nick gets more money than Semin because he’s better and more important. If Semin gets 6.8, Baxter is looking at 7+. I hope it doesn’t go that high for either.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
I’ve always thought Nick would get a longer deal at a lower hit than Sasha. After all, Backstrom knows this deal means he’s feeding the puck to the NHL’s best goal scorer (for now at least) for the next 11 years. And through my eyes Semin looks like he’s the better player right now, the way he can control the puck on his own, score on his own, etc…no question Backstrom is top-line talent, but he barely breaks pt/gm I think with 2nd-line type linemates, while Semin had 2nd-line linemates last year and was 4th in pts/gm. Just my two cents.
by red army line on Nov 8, 2009 3:06 PM EST up reply actions
I could potentially see Backstrom signing a real long term deal that has a lower cap hit than Semin, but I’m not banking on it. He would command, and deserve, more money than Semin on the open market.
I’m actually kinda shocked that you think Semin is better than Backstrom. More talented, yes. Better, no. Instead of making me rehash it all just go back and look at my “Backstrom v. E. Staal argument” (hint: consistency). Throw in Semin’s injuries and bad penalties and it’s not all that close to me. Backstrom is also younger and has more upside.
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...
Backstrom’s potential is to be better than Semin right now, yes, but I see those flashes of brilliance from Semin from time to time, and in the playoffs Semin just competes hard and he has saved the Caps from two embarrassing postseason defeats. That stands out strongly in my mind, that he’s THE best when it really matters (at least until Ovie turns it on). That so far is indispensible.
Backstrom is very consistent, yes, but on raw point totals from last year he averaged slightly over a point per game spending most ES shifts with Ovie while Semin was with 91 or someone else and Semin had a higher pts/gm, not to mention I think he’s a better penalty killer. While Backstrom is really good, he’ll never take over a game like Semin does. Granted, Semin has those “valleys” in performance as well, but I think that higher-reward player deserves more money. There needs to be something for a player that’s visibly effective.
I have no idea why, but I also feel like Semin will be pressing hard (with his agent; no perverted imagery intended) to go with the crazy-GM market value, not the Caps’ perceived value.
I will say though that Semin has been slipping and Backstrom gaining, and as soon as New Years Backstrom may pass Semin in my mind.
by red army line on Nov 8, 2009 3:27 PM EST up reply actions
To each his own, and very soon Backstrom will be clearly better.
by red army line on Nov 8, 2009 3:28 PM EST up reply actions
That stands out strongly in my mind, that he’s THE best when it really matters (at least until Ovie turns it on).
I’m not even sure what this means. But AO and Backstrom were the two best Caps in the playoffs. Semin didn’t save the Caps from two embarrassing defeats. I don’t know where this is coming from. We lost to PHI, Semin’s best series. We beat NYR, but I don’t even think Semin was top 3 in that series (Varlamov, AO, Backstrom). He was invisible against PIT. Sure he was injured, but I didn’t see him working all that hard; it relates to something DMG has discussed before. You have to bring something to the team when you aren’t scoring, and I’m not sure what Semin brings when he’s slumping/hurt.
You keep focusing on his points per game and wanting to ignore his injury history. It doesn’t work like that. One of these players was a top 10 scorer, one wasn’t. One has reached the elite. One hasn’t. You’re still enamored with Semin’s potential, and I guess that’s fine. But at some point you’ll have to come to grips with the fact that Semin is more Alex Kovalev, and less Alex Ovechkin.
It’s not fair at all to say Backstrom can’t or won’t take a game over. I’m not sure where that’s coming from at all. He’s in his 3rd year and still getting better. I’d bet we do see several games when we look back and say “Damn, Nick took that over.”
And if Semin wants crazy-GM value he’s gone. And probably to the KHL. Then he’ll be more Alex Yashin than even Alex Kovalev. I wonder how your analysis comes down if we are talking about Nikita and Sven instead of Nick and Sasha.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
Semin in my mind was more responsible for the wins Games 1 and 5 against PHI and Game 3 against NYR than any other Cap. He’s a high-risk, high-reward venture. However, I was stunned to see that unlike Kovalev, Semin still produces when he’s invisible. And then you have that ability to take over a game—a game-breaker, if you will. Backstrom, until he realizes that he himself can create his own chances and has a great shot, won’t be. Around the NHL there aren’t that many (discounting goalies and defensemen): Ovie, Malkin, Kovalchuk, and then it gets more difficult. Semin is right up there, and I feel like the Caps won’t be able to win in the near future without Semin.
Moreover, the Caps are a high-pressure team that rely on the offense and goalies a lot. Say they come up against Detroit in the SCF and Ovie has to stare down Lidstrom, Rafalski, and Zetterberg every time he’s on the ice. I doubt Ovechkin’s line gets that much done at ES. Through in Semin, who can take over a game on his own, and suddenly the Caps have a chance. That’s my reasoning. And granted the “injury history” we look at, it’s been two years really. Not enough in my mind to use that as a big swaying factor.
by red army line on Nov 9, 2009 12:51 PM EST up reply actions
Game 1 v. PHI? 2 goals by Green and AO basically manufacturing the GWG on his own? That game? Game 3 against the Rags was a 4-0 shutout. Semin played real well that game, but so did AO and Backstrom and Varlamov. It wasn’t one of those games where Semin took over and made the difference. The Caps just dominated that day. And, the single biggest play of the game was Nick stopping Callahan’s empty net bid and then taking the puck down the ice and setting up that Semin goal. Sure, Semin gets credit for the goal but that entire play was about Nick, IMO.
Your SCF hypothetical is well taken, but what in Semin’s history makes you think he’s going to be in “game breaking” shape when he has gone through 3 physical playoff series?
What production are you talking about when he’s “invisible.” When he’s invisible what does he add? Other than PIMs? He’s not out there physically punishing opponents, and his defensive game seems to track with his offensive game so when the O is off, so is the D. He’s not bringing a ton of intangibles to the team either.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
by Rob Parker on Nov 9, 2009 1:08 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Glad I saw your post pop up while I was writing mine. I was about to say the same exact thing regarding those playoff games.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Nov 9, 2009 1:12 PM EST up reply actions
I mean I thought he wasn’t producing at all (of course all this is last season) and yet there’s a helper here, goal here, takeaways, etc. Going from memory, he sets up Green’s first goal, he was really good in Game 5 (setting up Backstrom’s PPG and scoring one of his own) and in Game 3 vs New York granted Backstrom did make a critical play but Semin’s skill (IIRC he had to bat it out of the air) finished it.
To sum it up
high-risk high-reward
And I think it’s a smart one to take on a short deal.
by red army line on Nov 9, 2009 1:50 PM EST up reply actions
Maybe this is why I am not, was not, and will not become an NHL GM.
by red army line on Nov 9, 2009 1:51 PM EST up reply actions
If he doesn’t get untracked from his current slump, he’s gone anyhow.
His market value is currently the pits.
I do believe that the GMs in the NHL take longer than a one month view.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 8, 2009 1:58 AM EST up reply actions
At this point, a GM from another team could make a lowball offer to get him off our hands. (Would GMGM accepts it? Probably not now.)
GMGM would be foolish to accept a lowball offer just to get Semin off our hands. And he doesn’t strike me as foolish.
(Nylander, Morrisonn, Jurcina — Now those are the guys where a lowball offer may be fair)
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 8, 2009 10:09 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Is it possible to make a lowball offer for Nylander?
by David Getz on Nov 8, 2009 10:16 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I would rather Semin not be gone. For I’m one of the crazy people who likes him and is suffering big time. I’ve never seen anyone fall so precipitously on the job as Semin, except for one of my current office mates. Last year, my office mate was loved on the job. Then, he got a new immediate supervisor, didn’t hit it off, and things have really gone to h*ll for him in a big hurry.
Dude, Semin is still scoring at ~1ppg. He’s had a bad stretch of 4 or 5 games in October and early November.
You want to see someone who fell from grace much further? Look at the guy we just placed on waivers.
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 8, 2009 11:43 AM EST up reply actions
Semin still is at a point per game — or has he now fallen below that? But that’s what I mean. He was a top line forward, over a point a game, then everything fell apart for him in a VERY short time frame.
It took until the end of the last season for Nyls to fall. (In many ways, he got Wally Pipped out of a slot when injured.) Then Backstrom emerged and they acquired Fedorov. So he fell down the depth chart.
There’s a huge difference between everything falling apart and having a short — or even extended — slump. All indications are that Semin still fits in this system and still has overwhelming offensive skills. He’s still a top forward.
Nylander was terrible for pretty much the entirety of last season, whether or not that was his fault was debatable, but the performance was awful for a very long period of time. We’ve yet to see anything like that with Alex Semin. Nothing remotely close.
Backstrom emerged in ‘07-’08 with 55+ assists in his rookie season.
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 8, 2009 12:33 PM EST up reply actions
Addendum, he carried the team for an extended period when OV was off-track at the beginning of last season. He can do it without Ovechkin and has proven that empirically.
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 8, 2009 12:34 PM EST up reply actions
See also: playoffs 08
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...
At least at that point Ovie was in the lineup—no question he deflects some of the attention away from Sasha.
by red army line on Nov 8, 2009 3:08 PM EST up reply actions
It certainly seems like an extended slump. For all the people who railed on him for inconsistency, he was actually pretty consistent last year — usually had a point in most games. We had other inconsistent forwards then; namely Flash, Fehr, Laich; etc.
I don’t think he’s a “wrong” fit for our system. He is probably pressing. And I bet there must be an injury issue going on. (Maybe he was hurt worse by that cross check in the back in the Isles game.)
There is one blogger, “Storming the Crease”. While they are otherwise a very analytic blog, the author really hates Alexander Semin and has pretty much had a daily rant against him since the Detroit game (or, at the very least, a link to a previous day’s rant.)
It certainly seems like an extended slump. For all the people who railed on him for inconsistency, he was actually pretty consistent last year — usually had a point in most games. We had other inconsistent forwards then; namely Flash, Fehr, Laich; etc.
We still have inconsistent forwards who wear those same jerseys. Flash has been back for all of 4 or 5 games, Fehr just came off surgerys, Laich had a great first couple of games and then didn’t much of anything until recently.
Alexander Semin is branded inconsistent because of what we perceive as his approach to the game — he has the skills to dominate any given game, but doesn’t seem to want to do that some nights. Some nights we get the 2 goals and a helper Alex Semin, the guy with the lethal wrister handcuffs the best of netminders and sometimes we get the three-stick-penalties-in-the-offensive-zone Alex Semin, the guy who can singlehandedly cost you a game. Someone else said it much better than I can: “Alex Semin giveth and Alex Semin taketh away”.
I don’t understand the last paragraph you wrote in the context of this discussion.
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 8, 2009 1:26 PM EST up reply actions
because I saw this discussed in the gameday thread, Bruce claims he didn’t yell at the team during the 2nd intermission:
Boudreau didn’t scream at his players between the second and third period after the Panthers took a 3-2 lead. He said he spoke to them – calmly, he claims – about the importance of taking two straight from a division opponent that had begun to surge a bit after a slow start to the season.
“I didn’t yell at them,” Boudreau said. " I just told him the benefits of wining. I wasn’t yelling. I just told them there were a lot of benefits to us winning tonight. I was talking about the benefits of where we are in the standings. A divisional game against them, it could really depress a team like that. If we can put more space between us and other teams in our division the better."
WWMKD?
(What Would Mike Keenan Do?)
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 8, 2009 1:58 AM EST up reply actions
Wrong Mike.
(Keenan got slightly more than nothing, and at least his hands were tied)
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Nov 8, 2009 2:44 AM EST up reply actions
Oh I get it now…but otherwise tell me you aren’t defending Keenan/that trade?
Russian Machine very rarely breaks.
Of course not. Just can’t give up a chance to take a shot at Milbury.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Nov 8, 2009 2:58 AM EST up reply actions
Milbury didn’t get nothing for Luongo… he got next to nothing for Luongo and Jokinen in the same trade (Oleg Kvasha and Mark Parrish). The two guys Milbury got were good players, but not all stars like the other two.
And after that, we can discuss Milbury trading Chara and a draft pick that became Jason Spezza to Ottawa for Alexi Yashin….
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 8, 2009 9:16 AM EST up reply actions
What would Keenan do? Fehr would move to first line. 2nd line would be left alone — it would be the normal cast of characters. Bradley would move to 3rd line. Sloan would move to 4th line forward. And if neither Green nor Schultz were ready, someone would be called up from Hershey as soon as Nyls clears waivers.
props to Pots
another solid game, looked confident and poised and played a lot. also an awesome hit in the 3rd right by the offensive blue line. he was good.
Beautiful game. Both our offseason acquisitions and our call-ups are playing great, and Flash continues to be Gabby’s version of Flash.
"My face is my mask."
Great recap DMG. The first two bullets hit the nail on the head. Luckily, as shaky as Theo looked Clemensen was just terrible. At least three of those goals were soft. You gotta love the way the team played though; only one of those goals could be considered pretty or cute (last one); the rest were garbage variety goals. I think at least 4 Caps goals were directly caused by Caps out-hustling Panthers. That’s what we’ve been looking for. If we out-hustle, or skill will take care of the rest.
As for Juice, you can’t be a -4 in a 7-4 victory. You can blame Theo and Sloan for that first goal, and hold Juice blameless for the last goal. But on the second and third he wasn’t very good, even if he wasn’t glaringly bad. On the second his lack of speed and quickness made him ineffective against whichever FLA dug the puck out of the corner; on the 3rd he was a step slow every time the puck moved and as a result he was scrambling in no-man’s land for most of that play.
Who would have guessed that MP’s first NHL goal would have been from charging in hard on the forecheck and stuffing the puck through the goalie. Nothing finesse about it but great to see.
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 we out-hustle, our skill will take care of the rest.
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 loved seeing MP’s first goal come in the kind of play we all thought we’d be seeing out of Chris Bourque.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 8, 2009 2:00 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Ooh, well put.
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...
Every undersized player I’ve ever seen have success in the NHL played in the same way. I’m not sure I can put it into words, but there’s a certain tenacity, a certain energy level, a certain style of ducking hits and of making hits unexpectedly on bigger guys that those little guys always carry. If I had one word for it it’d be “surprising” — those little guys take you by surprise. And if they don’t have it, I don’t think they can make it in the NHL. St. Louis may be the most talented little guy I’ve ever seen, but he’s got that same drive as undersized grinders who I watched in the NHL for years.
I’ve never seen that style of play from Chris Bourque. I hadn’t seen it before from Perreault. We saw it tonight, and we’ve seen it from him since his callup.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 8, 2009 2:10 AM EST up reply actions
I know what you mean. Small guys cannot succeed if they don’t have it. Nik Antropov can be disinterested and not force himself into the play, but his size and skill are going to draw attention always. MP and other little guys make it impossible to ignore them. They are there, on the puck, doing something whenever they are on the ice.
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 bourque still with the big club?
or has he been sent down already. he hasn’t produced, that’s for sure.
They can’t send him down – Period – without putting him on waivers. He’s been in a few games recently and I think has 1 or 2 points.
I loved seeing MP’s first goal come in the kind of play we all thought we’d be seeing out of Chris Bourque.
I agree. “I’m more and more getting the sense that Mathieu Perreault is the player we all hoped Chris Bourque would be” was a bullet point that was left on the cutting room floor.
He wasnt't -4
Or at least, shouldn’t have been. He wasn’t on the ice for one of the goals. . . the scorekeeper f’ed up.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
aargh.
Never mind. He WAS on the ice, but strangely paired with Morrisonn, and not Sloan.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
Ha. I was literally just writing a comment to tell you to watch the highlights again. We were watching the same highlights at the exact same time… whoa.
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...
Madness.
Still, most of those goals weren’t Juice’s fault. Theo was crap on three of them, and Bradley lost his check on the other. I thought Repik’s goal was slightly Juice’s fault, but watching it again, Brads comes way down low and tries to hit Repik behind the net. Repik got up and got to the slot while Brads was still picking himself up in the corner.
This is why +/- can be bunk.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
Yeah +/- isn’t a great stat, but c’mon. At the extremes it says something. Your team scores 7 goals across all 4 lines and you weren’t even on the ice for one of them? Then you “happen” to be on the ice for all 4 goals against? I maintain that he wasn’t the main culprit on any of the goals but he wasn’t exactly helping the team either.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
Also
If you watch closely, Juice and Sloan were getting off the ice when Perrault scored. Juice dumped the puck in and went for a change – hence Erskine and Pothier got totally bunk +’s. This was one of those nights where +/- lied. Badly.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
Hysterical. If you want to get down to it the only person that deserved a + on the MP goal was MP. +/- isn’t a great stat, maybe not even good, but neither is Juice.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
Not on this day. We can both agree that Carlznerson > Mo’ Juice.
Like I always tell my homies, Mo’ Juice, Mo’ Problems.
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...
No Juice, No lumbering defenseman with questionable discipline
Know Juice, Know lumbering defenseman with questionable discipline
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 8, 2009 10:16 AM EST up reply actions
I tend to agree. I see that minus-4 as a statistical anomaly (although if he’d been minus-2 I probably wouldn’t feel that way).
“He was only half as terrible as we all thought” {grin}
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 8, 2009 10:16 AM EST up reply actions
whoa
Consider yourself Keanu-catted.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 8, 2009 2:27 AM EST up reply actions
finally home, wow what a game. too tired for more commentary, but just for the record, my prediction for MP from last night:
i’m calling first nhl goal tomorrow night at home
by kellobellow on Nov 6, 2009 10:00 PM EST
freakin booyeah! :)
"No Brooks Laich, no win. Know Brooks Laich, know win."
by kellobellow on Nov 8, 2009 1:55 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Well done. I’ve been a bit busy and haven’t had time to make something up carefully postulate on a WBPG (“Wild and Baseless Prediction of the Game”) for some time. Still, it’s good to know someone else has taken the mantle. =)
“freakin booyeah!” indeed, miss. “freakin booyeah!” indeed.
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BB Postgame...
He seemed extremely satisfied talking about Flash. Almost exuded “I told you so.” Frustrating, but not shocking, that most of his time talking about MP was about how the salary cap was going to dictate where he played.
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 got that too, although I think he emphasized the fact that MP doesn’t have to pass through waivers. Maybe before he goes he can give Fehr some advice on seizing opportunities.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks.
Ha. Yeah it’s about waivers and that’s the shame.
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...
We WILL have cap room now. Nyls is on waivers so when he clears, that frees up some space. And Ovi will go on LTIR (if Chesnakov’s report is correct).
So cap space will not be a problem.
Clearing waivers doesn’t take Nyls off the cap. He still has to be moved somewhere and still has the right to refuse assignment.
That said, the waiver decision is probably a precursor to an overseas loan.
The only part I don’t get is that there doesn’t even be a rumor as to where he might be headed. I don’t see the waiver happening unless there’s a plan. Odd.
Only if they are going to take the full cap hit. Re-entry isn’t going to happen At least that seems to be the general consensus.
I dissent from the general consensus. Half salary for each team seems fair. It wouldn’t surprise me at all to see the teams engineer a re-entry waivers “trade” like the waiver trades in baseball.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 8, 2009 10:18 AM EST up reply actions
But isn’t the issue the 50% cap hit? I mean, it’s doable, I suppose, but with the team so flush to the cap as it is, it’s got to be a last resort, no? Also, even with the expiring contracts, you’re taking a gamble on next year’s cap availability as well.
Option 1 is for Leonsis to pay all of the rest of Nylander’s contact (100%) for the next two years, but he is loaned to another league (AHL, KHL, SEL, whoever) and counts as 0% on the salary cap.
Option 2 is for Nylander to be placed on waivers, then re-entry waivers and then be picked up by the Wings or another NHL team. Then Leonsis pays only 50% of the salary but he counts 50% against the cap both this year and next year.
Obviously, we don’t know if either option is possible. I would guess that the Caps would prefer Option 1 because of the ‘10-’11 salary cap implications, but I’m not so sure — it’s not my millions of dollars that would be spent. And if only one of the two options becomes available, I think you have to take it.
I guess Option 3 is the status quo, and Nylander comes off the salary cap next year no matter what. The real question is whether they would accept Option 2 at all, knowing that Option 3 is possible and that would be entirely within their control.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 8, 2009 11:49 AM EST up reply actions
How does he come off the cap next year no matter what?
"Let the rest be scared of us." - Sasha Semin
by Scott in Shaw on Nov 8, 2009 11:56 AM EST up reply actions
He doesn’t have a NMC clause for the final year of his contract so at the very worst the Caps can stash him in Hershey where his salary won’t destroy the Caps cap hit.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Nov 8, 2009 12:20 PM EST up reply actions
Ah, I knew that. Brain fart.
"Let the rest be scared of us." - Sasha Semin
by Scott in Shaw on Nov 8, 2009 1:09 PM EST up reply actions
Without looking at all the variables, I’d be inclined to agree that getting rid of half the cap hit is better than nothing at all, and hey, it’s always fun to play with other people’s money. If the acquiring team dumps him into the ether next year, Caps are then off the hook, right?
I don’t think so, as his salary has to come from somewhere. Semin, Backstrom, and Flash are RFA after his year I think, so I doubt GMGM would want $2.4 million of anchor salary against the cap.
by red army line on Nov 8, 2009 12:29 PM EST up reply actions
Since Ovi’s not coming back any time soon, Fehr may get an opportunity after all. We’d like for a way to have the first line do something without breaking up the second line. And the best way for that to happen is to put Fehr on the first line with Flash and Backstrom. That line has worked in the past and is the one where Fehr started his scoring streak last year. So try that one again.
So we can leave our KLM line of Laich/Morrison/Knuble together. It’s strange. The line makes no sense on paper or when analyzing skill sets but it seems to work. At least it’s working at the moment.
As someone proposed earlier, Perrault makes anyone else with him better. So put Semin with him.
Just a request, but can we leave KLM for describing Vladimir Krutov/Igor Larionov/Sergei Makarov? There’s a lot of history in that name.
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 8, 2009 8:19 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
The real KLM line played Goulet/Gretzky/Lemieux to a standstill. Ours simply isn’t in that caliber – ours is hardly playing the same game as those 6 guys.
I’m fond of all those players individually, not sold on them as a line and certainly don’t buy them being in any way, shape, or form comparable to the Soviet KLM line.
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 8, 2009 8:48 AM EST up reply actions
I know our KLM boys are no way as good as the original Russian version. And yes, the skill sets are not what people would recommend. But they started off the year great. And have been fabulous lately.
None of which makes them in any way comparable to Krutov/Larionov/Makarov. That name is taken, we can figure out another name for that line if we need to. I don’t think it’s going to stay together that long (or at least, it shouldn’t).
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 8, 2009 9:01 AM EST up reply actions
There’s a difference between what’s been done and what’s being done. Flash and Fehr are healthy now, whereas OV is injured – the lines are going to change when he comes back. When he does, I hope it’s the last we see of the 21/9/22 line – Laich and Knuble fill the same role, while that same role goes wanting on other lines.
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 8, 2009 9:21 AM EST up reply actions
Laich and Knuble fill the same role, while that same role goes wanting on other lines.
This. Laich is not a finisher. This is why I like the idea of 14-19-22 as much as I do.
Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men's blood...Make big plans, aim high in hope and work. - Daniel H. Burnham
Fan Clubs: Sloan, Schultz
Laich finishes, but he’s not a sniper and he doesn’t create too many of his own opportunities, the same way that Knuble is a finisher and doesn’t create that many of his own opportunity.
They’re not skill players in the same sense that Semin and Fleishmann are, but they are finishers.
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 8, 2009 11:20 AM EST up reply actions
Rec’d. “KLM line” should be retired. It’d be like reusing the Great One, or the Splendid Splinter, or the Production Line, or Mr. Hockey.
We’re smart enough to come up with a name that hasn’t been used already for arguably the best line of all time.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 8, 2009 10:20 AM EST up reply actions
I guess no more “Alexander the Great” then, seeing as the real one was probably the greatest military mind in history.
by red army line on Nov 8, 2009 12:30 PM EST up reply actions
When Mogilny or Ovechkin become generals in the Red Army, we’ll stop using that comparison. The nicknames worked because they weren’t directly comparing the two Russians to the Macedonian prince, rather making the historical reference to a dominant force in a completely different field.
Your analogy would work better if we called Scipio Africanus “Scipio the Great”. We don’t.
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 8, 2009 12:38 PM EST up reply actions
Metaphorically, the generalship sorta kinds already happened. It isn’t a perfect analogy, but regarding originality I think my statement holds.
Of course, I didn’t grow up watching the KLM line, so I lose sympathy there, and quite frankly such nicknames aren’t that important to me. I grew up watching Jagr-Oates-Bondra. Yuck.
by red army line on Nov 8, 2009 3:14 PM EST up reply actions
I dunno – 14-19-22 was absolutely monstrous out there last night. I have a really hard time breaking that one up. As long as the Caps have as many people out as they do, and some key players, Bruce is going to have to roll all four lines, and the last two games suggest that he’ll put out there whoever’s getting the goals, and never mind this 1/2/3/4 business. That means that everyone’s going to get their chances, and if they produce, they’ll see ice time.
Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men's blood...Make big plans, aim high in hope and work. - Daniel H. Burnham
Fan Clubs: Sloan, Schultz
The KLM line (21/9/22) produced well (before the reorganization) and the reorganized 14-19-22 line was “monsterous” as you said. Unfortunately, we have only one version of Mike Knuble.
Now the question: how do we maximize the productivity of our top two lines. And build up the first line w/o sacrificing the 2nd and vice versa?
Do we go with:
14/19/22 and 21/9/16 (the ending line and moving up Fehr to 2nd line) or do we do 14/19/16 (Fehr to 1st line) and 21/9/22 (normal 2nd line).
Wasn’t Fehr with Laich and Morrison when he got that goal? And Fehr has produced on a line with Flash and Backstrom.
Of the two, I have to go with 14-19-22 and 21-9-16. Fehr hasn’t shown that much when he is moved to the top line, but he might be able to do something on the second when paired with Laich and BMo (who seem to have a ton of chemistry together).
I don’t think we can discount Semin so easily, though. Semin is having a tough time finding his stride this season and losing Ovi out of the lineup did NOT help. He still takes frustration penalties, and I don’t doubt he’s really frustrated out there. (Not excusing, just explaining.) It might take him a couple of extra games to find his stride. For the next game at least, I’d stick with the lines that Gabby had in the third:
14-19-22
21-9-28
53-39-10
16-85-17
The D might need a shake or two, though.
Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men's blood...Make big plans, aim high in hope and work. - Daniel H. Burnham
Fan Clubs: Sloan, Schultz
Your lines sound pretty good. Of course, what happens when Ovi’s back? Okay, that’s all academic since he’s likely going to LTIR anyhow.
Would we leave the 14-19-22 together and put Ovi with Morrison and Laich? Which makes that line the first line and our latest first line as the second line.
(If Semin gets going again before the return of Ovi, then we have other options.) But at this point, Semin is behind Ovi, Flash, and Laich in the depth chart. (I like Semin and this is so hard to watch.)
(If Semin gets going again before the return of Ovi, then we have other options.) But at this point, Semin is behind Ovi, Flash, and Laich in the depth chart. (I like Semin and this is so hard to watch.)
What is this based on? You cannot seriously be advocating a position that ranks Flash and Laich ahead of Semin in offensive production. You keep repeating this position, but what’s your support of it? 5 or 6 bad games for Semin? You keep repeating that you like him and that this is hard for you, but that’s really not germane to the discussion at hand.
Knuble scored had two goals and two assists last night, does that make him the number one forward on our depth chart? Is Morrison ahead of Backstrom because he’s been better in the last couple of days? Of course not. So where is this position coming from?
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 8, 2009 12:29 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
As you pointed out, Flash has been very inconsistent over his career. There’s a bounty of goals now, but it could dry up at any time. Same with Laich. I hope they both keep scoring, but I’m not counting on it. Remember that Semin has also missed time this year with injuries. 7G in 15 games is nothing to sneeze at and all prior indications are that he maintains something close to that pace so long as he’s healthy. Not so much with the other two you mentioned.
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 8, 2009 1:35 PM EST up reply actions
About Laich. Where is the best fit for Laich, as a general rule? Should he do the 2nd line or the 3rd line? He scores more on the 2nd line but the third line is energized by his presence.
The beauty of having a guy like Laich is that you don’t have to paint him into either box. He’s versatile, and those guys are indispensable for a Cup run. When we’re thin on checkers, he can check. When we’re thin on top 6, he can play top 6. Ideally if we are talking about a team that wins the Cup he’s playing on a dominate 3rd line that has some offensive punch (look at PIT’s 3rd line). I’m fine with him as the 6th guy in the top 6 but hopefully we don’t have to play him that highly in the depth chart.
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 also like (pun not intended) that Brooksie can take draws on the #1 PP. I don’t think that’d hurt 19 in the FO development department that much.
by red army line on Nov 8, 2009 3:15 PM EST up reply actions
I’m not sure what your second sentence means, but I’ll go on record as saying I’ll be absolutely shocked if Nick isn’t an above-average faceoff man by the time he’s 25. He’s young, still developing physically as a player, and still learning. He’ll get over this faceoff stuff.
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 meant that losing those 3 PP FOs to Laich (or however many) is really insignificant I think because 19 will be taking around 20 a game.
Yes, he will be better in the FO dot, but for the time being having Laich take draws on the PP may help. Even last year with the #2 PP all too often 19 lost the draw and the puck went down the ice, running 20 secs or more off the clock. And in terms of FOs 19 hasn’t found consistency like other Cs we’ve had in the past couple of seasons.
by red army line on Nov 8, 2009 3:32 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah I like Laich on PP1 for now; and I think FOs might be a reason to go 21/19/8 instead of 22/19/8.
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...
Why do you have a powerplay defenseman (#8) on your power play forward lines?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 8, 2009 8:09 PM EST up reply actions
I’m talking general lines; 21 works on the PP with 19 but I think FOs are a reason to have 21 play ES with 19 instead of 22.
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 was just giving you a hard time.
Sure would be nice to see Ovi on the half-boards some time though
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 9, 2009 8:56 AM EST up reply actions
I don’t see why you are so certain he goes to LTIR. He’s missed 3 games. They play 3 games this week. I’m doubtingg he gets to 10 missed games.
Because Ovi talked to Dimitry Chesnokov and said the doctor does not want him to skate for another week, which means 3 more missed games this week. And, after that, he’ll need some time to get into playing shape, which will be getting close to the 10 game mark.
funny just two nights ago, everyone was saying 14-19-22 looked slow and out of sorts…. what a difference a night makes
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by RedskinFan4Life on Nov 8, 2009 1:22 PM EST up reply actions
About Sloan having a rough night – remember he was playing injured tonight, so that might account for the rough spots.
Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men's blood...Make big plans, aim high in hope and work. - Daniel H. Burnham
Fan Clubs: Sloan, Schultz
You’re right in a way. I forgot he got banged up in the game on Friday At least whatever it was, it was so minor he can play with it.
Yeah, but it still doesn’t mean he was at 100%. I also think that Jurcina is not a good pairing for him.
Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men's blood...Make big plans, aim high in hope and work. - Daniel H. Burnham
Fan Clubs: Sloan, Schultz
"...Quintin Laing blocked a shot with his ribs in the 1st, broke his nose in the 2nd and scored in the 3rd."
The Quintin Laing Hat Trick.
I’d like to see players playing their natural positions. We’re unusual in having most of our scoring punch coming from the left side: Ovie, Semin, Flash, and Laich are all natural LWs. They should play there. Then we have Backs, BMo, Steckel, and Perreault/Gordon at center. That’s fine. The real problem is RW. Knuble is really our only productive RW. We need Clark and Fehr to pick it up and become effective 2nd and 3rd line RWs. So why not put them there and let them see how effective they can be over 5-10 games?
Agreed, the Semin to RW move this season certainly was made to bolster our depth on that side and he is versatile enough to play it…I just don’t think Bruce has enough faith in Fehr to handle the 2R and that’s why he’s sticking with 28 over there. Clark looks revived with Perreault and has made some nice plays, but he’s barely adequate at 3R.
Semin to PK
I think the way to “fix” Sasha is to have him start killing penalties more frequently. Regardless of what anyone says on here, he’s not getting benched/scratched. In the past, killing penalties has seemingly focused his game, but this year he’s only getting 23 seconds of SH TOI/G, versus a 1:31/game last year. Admittedly, part of this is up to Sasha – he can’t kill a penalty if he’s in the box himself. Still, it’s something Bruce ought to give consideration to.
I'm trying to work out a deal with a club in Europe
by D'ohboy on Nov 8, 2009 11:46 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
That’s one of the reasons I like seeing he and Backstrom forming a de facto 1A line, with OV and BMo forming the other one. Backs and Semin can go out and PK together, then after the penalty OV and his line are out there immediately to begin an offensive push. That PK pairing gives us a legitimate short threat and a lot of skill pushing the point men and harassing the half-boards.
by Knee high to a duck on Nov 8, 2009 11:48 AM EST up reply actions
Needless to say, I agree with this.
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I’ve noticed that when Sasha’s on the first line, he doesn’t do PK. He’s done more PK when on the 2nd line.
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