Capital Ups and Downs: Week 6
by J.P. on Nov 9, 2009 11:00 AM EST
in Capitals Ups and Downs
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Our weekly look at individual Washington Capitals' ups and downs:
| Goalies | Trend | Notes |
| Jose Theodore | ▲ | A strong performance on Friday night in Sunrise earned him Saturday's start in which he looked understandably less sharp. Still, a 2-0-0/2.51/.912 week keeps his hold on the #1 spot firm. |
| Semyon Varlamov | - | To the untrained eye, he looked pretty good in Jersey. But Bruce Boudreau didn't see it that way (calling two of the three goals allowed "iffy"), so Varly stays in Chez Bow Wow and doesn't get a start against a bad team in a back-to-backs when the #1 guy has a recent history of back spasms. |
| Defensemen | ||
| John Erskine | ▲ | Shaking off the rust after missing nearly a month, has a plus-five rating over his last four games. |
| Mike Green | - | Had his nine-game scoring streak snapped in Jersey, then was injured early in Florida. Get well soon, GreenLife52. |
| Milan Jurcina | - | Ugly minus-four on Saturday night (though his play wasn't as bad as that would seem to indicate), has still yet to find the back of the net this season and is pointless and averaging just one shot per game in his last ten. |
| Shaone Morrisonn | ▼ | Didn't register a single shot last week... except for the boarding late in Friday night's game. |
| Brian Pothier | ▲ | Responded to Wednesday's healthy scratch with a goal, three assists and a plus-six rating over the next two games (which included loads of PP time with Green out). |
| Tom Poti | - | An assist and a plus-three rating in Saturday's stat-padder, but wasn't credited with a shot on goal all week. |
| Jeff Schultz | - | Injured on Friday night, missed on Saturday. |
| Swingman | ||
| Tyler Sloan | ▲ | Versatility earns him his own position on this list. Had a pair of goals as a forward and played well when shifted back to D on Friday, but struggled on the blueline Saturday. |
| Forwards | ||
| Nicklas Backstrom | - | Seemed to get his groove back once paired with Fleischmann and Knuble, ended the week with three helpers, a plus-three rating and a 56.3% faceoff win rate. |
| Matt Bradley | - | A beautiful pass to set up Laing's goal (and some wrestling) on Saturday night highlight his week. |
| Chris Clark | ▲ | Helpers in each of the week's three games and a fight in Jersey. Good stuff, Cap'n. |
| Eric Fehr | - | Finally got back in the lineup Saturday and produced an assist in limited ice time. |
| Tomas Fleischmann | ▲ | Three goals, one assist and a plus-four rating for the week and five goals and seven points in his last five games overall. We are all, for the moment, seeing Flash as Gabby has always seen him. |
| Boyd Gordon | - | Still hurt (and the PK still misses him). His games played by season over the last three campaigns: 71, 67, 63. Expect 59 this year? |
| Mike Knuble | ▲ | Two goals, three assists and a plus-four rating over the weekend is how a veteran rebounds from a couple of bad games in a row. |
| Brooks Laich | ▲ | 18 points in 17 games on the season, including four last week. Laich also hasn't taken a penalty in his last nine games and has just two minors on the campaign. |
| Quintin Laing | - | Had one more goal than and the same number of shots as Alex Semin last week. Another interesting Q stat: he's been credited with fewer blocked shots on the year than Knuble or Backstrom. |
| Brendan Morrison | ▲ | Called out by his coach for a bad penalty in Jersey, responds with two goals on Friday. |
| Michael Nylander | - | Has agreed to be put on waivers, still would have to agree to any loan to another league (KHL, AHL, etc.), but it's another step closer to what everyone wants. |
| Alex Ovechkin | - | Of the countless AO vids on YouTube, this has to be just about my least favorite. It's gonna be a long |
| Mathieu Perreault | ▲ | A burst of energy who has made Chris Clark and Tyler Sloan look like serviceable NHL wingers, which is no small accomplishment. |
| Alexander Semin | ▼▼ | One down arrow wasn't enough to capture the disappointment of what Semin is doing with his opportunity to be the team's top scoring threat. No points and as nearly many offensive-zone minor penalties (five) as shots on goal (six) for the week. Brutal. |
| David Steckel | ▼ | The only Caps forward still looking for his first goal of the season (minimum seven games played), Steckel was point-less on the week and was on the ice for all three power play goals the Caps surrendered in the three games. He did win 62.5% of his draws overall, however. |
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C’mon JP, tell us what you really think of Semin’s performance :)
BTW, love the new category of ‘Swingman’.
"I tried to capture the spirit of the thing"
I think we’d all agree that Semin is a far better player than he demonstrated last week and further that he was awful, overall, in those three games. Maybe the second red arrow is a bit much, but only issued because of how great Semin can be. I expect him to slay the Isles, Wild and Devils single-handedly this week.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
When do we finally play CAR? That’s the magic tonic for 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...
Maybe Sasha needs some more training at a hockey Semin-ary?
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Nov 9, 2009 11:44 AM EST up reply actions
-1
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
by winterion on Nov 9, 2009 12:12 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Per Corey:
McPhee also said Alexander Semin was banged up on Friday night [Keith Ballard did nail him pretty good while he was widing up for a shot] and “toughed it out” on Saturday, but needed a little bit more rest than what he got yesterday.
So.
IS PЯACTICE ЯINK NOW
So pardon Semin’s inconsistent play, he’s just frail and injury prone. :-)
Russian Machine very rarely breaks.
by macvechkin on Nov 9, 2009 2:57 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Pirate walks into a bar with a steering wheel hanging out of his fly.
Bartender: “You can’t be all that comfortable with that steering wheel hanging out of your fly?”
Pirate: “Yaaaar! It’s drivin’ me nuts!”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Nov 9, 2009 3:06 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I hate veal. And I’m a lousy tipper.
IS PЯACTICE ЯINK NOW
by EmilyB on Nov 9, 2009 3:08 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
http://www.philben.net/images/blog/RobotChicken2.jpg
http://www.newprotest.org/projects/welding/images/20070913_driving_01.jpg
http://www.babeled.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/driving-me-nuts-781×1024.jpg
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oZh4VryOLqA/SBOpUD431WI/AAAAAAAABCQ/wPGHfejT1Dg/s400/pirate.bmp
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 9, 2009 10:30 PM EST up reply actions
Semin is another down-arrow away from the Tri-Force of Shame
by WolfPackof1 on Nov 9, 2009 11:19 AM EST reply actions 3 recs
rec'd!
and speaking of the triforce…
by Natty Bumppo on Nov 9, 2009 1:37 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
If Semin gets two down arrows, shouldnt M Perreault get two up? Just sayin
by MetalCap on Nov 9, 2009 11:20 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
No. Two arrows isn’t something you’ll see often. Like Haley’s Comet. Or Sasquatch. Or Tom Poti clearing a puck with authority on a PK. As good as Matty was, he wasn’t two-arrow good, imo.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
No, he was three green arrow good. He got his, Sloan’s and Clark’s.
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 11:28 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
And a fraction of Pothier’s for the stolen assist.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 9, 2009 11:30 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Just to play devil’s advocate, can you be certain the puck would have gotten to Clark without the tip?
/ducks
I think this whole thing is getting more attention than it’s really worth.
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
Was I ever in it?
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
Oh agreed, but … oh wait. We spent 1000 comments on Chris Bourque. Carry on :)
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
Perreault’s goal celebration is top notch, TOP NOTCH!
But Brawndo's got what plants crave. It's got electrolytes.
Erskine’s +5 surprises me. I haven’t paid close enough attention to him, but to those who have: luck or genuine contribution?
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 9, 2009 11:26 AM EST reply actions
That’s good to hear then.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 9, 2009 11:27 AM EST up reply actions
When he’s not playing like crap because he’s being asked to do things he’s not good at or he’s injured.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 9, 2009 10:32 PM EST up reply actions
When Erskine is rested and his already-marginal skating isn’t slowed by injury/exhaustion/whatevs, he’s effective. It’s when he’s not rested that he…..
Sounds like a perfect 7 man for when we try to break Carlson and Alzner into the Caps lineup.
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 Hershey contingent were reporting that Alzner has trouble clearing the crease. Erskine might be a suitable pairing in that respect.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 9, 2009 11:33 AM EST up reply actions
What I was getting at is that a 7D usually won’t play every night and some guys are better in that role than others (Erskine > Juice). But with Alzner and Carlson we’ll want them playing most days, but it’ll be nice to have a veteran that can step in when one of the rookies needs a night in the pressbox.
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...
Gotcha.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 9, 2009 11:36 AM EST up reply actions
BTW, I don’t get tired of seeing photos of Perreault celebrating.
Fight, you time-wasting figure skaters!
by boutros23 on Nov 9, 2009 11:28 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Is it me or does he look as though he should have a beret and a cigarette hanging out of his mouth?
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
Does Perrault have a nickname, yet? Can we give him one, yet? I nominate “Pee Wee,” in the affectionate old-timey way, not the modern creepy sitting-alone-in-a-movie-theater way.
Mattieu “Pee Wee” Perreault.
If that’s not “masculine” enough I think “Pistol” works pretty well, too.
Okay, I’m done dredging up old, overused nicknames.
I don't care how you score goals. Pretty or ugly. The ballet or the bulldozer. However you do it, just do it. And make sure you do it more than the other guys.
Don’t force nicknames, it’s shameful.
Void Boyd! Go with Perreault!
by jordanDC on Nov 9, 2009 11:53 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Agent Zero disagrees.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 9, 2009 11:54 AM EST up reply actions
Correct response.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 9, 2009 11:55 AM EST up reply actions
What? I wait for everyone to just use a shortened version of his regular name, as is currently popular(and very lazy and lame)?
I don't care how you score goals. Pretty or ugly. The ballet or the bulldozer. However you do it, just do it. And make sure you do it more than the other guys.
Let’s call him Dave Steckel and hope it gets him into 82 games a season.
Void Boyd! Go with Perreault!
Perreault-y doesn’t have quite the same ring to it…
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 9, 2009 11:59 AM EST up reply actions
I know, just kidding.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 9, 2009 12:00 PM EST up reply actions
how about this ? Perrault Noir? he’s like a smooth wine….
Rock the Red! Rock the White! Rock the Blue! Rock the Pens!
by RedskinFan4Life on Nov 9, 2009 7:10 PM EST up reply actions
I actually like Perry, but it reminds me too much of Matthew Perry or someone who works for local public radio.
“He has RINGS on his FINGER.”
I don't care how you score goals. Pretty or ugly. The ballet or the bulldozer. However you do it, just do it. And make sure you do it more than the other guys.
Le Petit Fromage
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Nov 9, 2009 12:09 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I like “Rosey” and I think it fits, but its already been taken by Vladimir Ruzicka
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Nov 9, 2009 2:33 PM EST up reply actions
Nicknames have to be earned — see: Bongos.
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
by gotsparkly on Nov 9, 2009 11:59 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
That shortens to Bag – I’d be wary of that one. Maybe Sparkplug or similar, but I think it’s too early to give him one yet.
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
I said: “Say Hey,” Sparkplug.
…
“You’re not gonna do it, are you?”
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...
Wire reference?
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 9, 2009 12:35 PM EST up reply actions
No, Sealab 2021. Howlin’ Mad Murphy.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
That would have been my second guess.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 9, 2009 12:52 PM EST up reply actions
Mine was meant to be making fun of the whole idea. Nicknames are supposed to just come naturally…not be contrived like this.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
Normally, yes, but the reason I started this whole fiasco was to avoid the “shortened name” nickname plague that’s currently wrapped it’s unimaginative hands around hockey(much the same way A-Rod, K-Rod, etc. have taken baseball by storm). It’s something my hockey watching buddies and I have noticed and vehemently resisted. To the point where Jiri Hudler became “Scuttles.” Why do we care? Because it’s one more little element of hockey becoming gentrified to become (unnecessarily) “relate-able” to a broader audience. Okay, now that I’ve used a socioeconomic term I’ll get off my soap box.
And just add that “sparkplug” is “bougie” in French.
I don't care how you score goals. Pretty or ugly. The ballet or the bulldozer. However you do it, just do it. And make sure you do it more than the other guys.
Seems odd. “Bougie” translated literally is “candle”. I suppose they could use the same term, 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
You should check out this book called “Tropic of Hockey”
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
Laich also hasn’t taken a penalty in his last nine games
That’s going to cease being a positive stat regarding Laich very soon, if not already.
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 is that? Not disagreeing, just curious as to the reasoning. Isn’t staying out of the box a good thing? Or is no penalties an indication of not being agressive enough (i.e. there should be some penalties taken somewhere along the line)?
I want Laich to start picking up PIMs five at a time. Maybe a couple roughs in there. Most of our top 6 is very finesse and not the kind to really stick up for themselves. If Laich is out on the top 2 lines I want him being the physical conscience of those lines and do a little more to keep opposing teams honest.
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...
Okay, that’s where I thought you might be going (didn’t want to assume), and I agree. I’m thinking that should apply to Knuble as well.
I cut Knuble a little slack because of his age. The old dog has seen his battles and I’d rather keep him in the lineup and slamming home garbage goals. If the situation calls for it I wouldn’t oppose him dropping the mitts, but I think Laich has more of an affirmative duty to go out seeking some skulls to bust.
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 mustache would do him some good, too.
I don't care how you score goals. Pretty or ugly. The ballet or the bulldozer. However you do it, just do it. And make sure you do it more than the other guys.
by Holt Worth on Nov 9, 2009 12:07 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Vehemently disagreeing. Laich does the dirty work, he just does it like a man, and an intelligent one at that.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks.
I don’t know where “does it like a man” comes into play. I wasn’t suggesting otherwise. I would take issue with your assertion that he does the dirty work. He does some of the dirty work; I’d like to see him do all of the dirty work. Right now he’s cleaning the dishes, I’d like to see him take out the garbage too.
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...
18 points in 17 games, leading the team in PPG ( and taking his punishment working around the net), and playing a complete game without being a source of boneheaded penalties? How much greedier can you get?
Russian Machine very rarely breaks.
Just a little. Drop the mitts and punch some faces when teams start taking liberties with our skill players.
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...
disagree with you there….if he’s racking up the points for the team, taking a penalty will do at least two things — 1) take his contributions off the ice, 2) give the other team a PP…
ok - three things -- 3rd being would make me very disappointed and throw something at the screen
Rock the Red! Rock the White! Rock the Blue! Rock the Pens!
by RedskinFan4Life on Nov 9, 2009 7:13 PM EST up reply actions
I see where F & B is coming from though I think this version of Brooks Laich is more than good enough. Still holding out hope for a Brads-Steckel-Laich 3rd line, which might encourage Brooks to play with a little more nastiness.
I actually think the nastiness is more necessary on the top lines. That third line isn’t going to get pushed around, and isn’t carrying valuable cargo. The top lines are where we need some protection so that’s where you want the nastiness to come out.
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...
Q on Backstrom?
If he had a decent week at a +3 why the no change? Is it because the bar is set so damn high for him?
(if so – not a bad thing)
Actually I thought Backstrom played poorly this week except for the third period against FLA Saturday. He and Semin were more or less invisible for the most part.
I wish Semin were invisible last week…
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Nov 9, 2009 6:54 PM EST up reply actions
I wish Semin were invisible, period. That would give the Caps an unimaginably strong wild-card to play. Not as strong as Theo being invisible, perhaps, but still very useful.
Passing to him might be hard, but once he got the puck? Good luck.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
how would you pass to somebody invisible? i feel like it’d be easier to stop somebody invisible cuz they’d have the puck on their stick and you’d be able to see that. he’d be a devil in the defensive zone tho (and much harder to nail for retarded penalties in the offensive zone….)
by twistedlogic on Nov 9, 2009 11:05 PM EST up reply actions
Wouldn’t you just see his equipment floating around out there? I’m not so sure it would be much of an advantage.
Void Boyd! Go with Perreault!
i was assuming that the equipment was part of his person, so it’d be invisible too.
by twistedlogic on Nov 10, 2009 9:11 AM EST up reply actions
No up for Q?
Blocked shot(s?), played through a broken nose, scored a non-garbage goal and he’s just meeting expectations? What, was he playing with Jurcina?
What’d he do the other two games? I’m asking partially due to old age.
"I'm just doing karate and trying to get females pregnant."
by Bald Pollack on Nov 9, 2009 11:56 AM EST up reply actions
BTW, Kopitar is poised to tie or pass AO in goals scored tonight. Hawks at Kings in the only game on a Hall-of-Fame Monday.
Anze passed Ovi in scoring the first night Alex sat out, and has 13 goals in 17 GP to Ovi’s 14 in 14.
We should give OV a nice round of applause that it has still taken the League at least 10 days to catch up with him, and maybe more if Hawks D and Cristobal Huet can contain Kopitar.
IS PЯESS BOX NOW
Wasn’t there a similar case last year with Semin? I think he held the goals and points for another week and plus-minus for another month. Something like that.
by red army line on Nov 9, 2009 12:30 PM EST up reply actions
That’s interesting. I was just looking at the other “league leader” stats, and #4 in the NHL for +/- is … Mike Knuble.
IS PЯESS BOX NOW
His two-way effectiveness is certainly on full display.
by red army line on Nov 9, 2009 1:27 PM EST up reply actions
Big fan of the “Ups and Downs” J.P.
It works well with my USA Today’ized brain. Now all we’re missing is pie charts.
"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."
Not a fan of USA Today, but I agree. Wouldn’t surprise me to see other bloggers start copying it.
"My face is my mask."
by Jake Shapiro on Nov 9, 2009 12:41 PM EST up reply actions
UnFehr...
Fehr returns to the line up and picks up an assist. That’s a pretty positive trend (vs. being out with an injury). He should get an up arrow.
Let's go Caps!
One assist does not a trend make. Moreover, there were certainly implications coming out of the Caps’ camp that he was out a little longer than they had hoped/expected.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
He needs to start eating and drinking whatever Flash is consuming.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks.
Awesome-sauce.
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
by zephyr on Nov 9, 2009 12:58 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
“Gasoline”
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Nov 9, 2009 10:55 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Rec’d for a great Chocolate Mousse reference.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Nov 10, 2009 2:03 AM EST up reply actions
At what point does GMGM have to pull the trigger and try to move Fehr? Eventually he’s going to turn into Giroux.
"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."
Except Fehr has already played 116 NHL games. Giroux has only played 25.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 9, 2009 12:58 PM EST up reply actions
And Giroux has a 70 goal season in the A, and Fehr doesn’t. The point is neither seems capable of living up to their potential in the NHL.
"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."
But Fehr has at least stuck around in the NHL, while Giroux is incapable of matching his performance in the minors and is a perennial ’tweener.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 9, 2009 1:08 PM EST up reply actions
I’ll argue the only reason that Giroux isn’t in Fehr’s position is because Fehr is on the roster.
"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."
Fehr has at least been reliable defensively. Giroux is pretty much scoring or not contributing. You can’t put him on a checking line role and get much from him.
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...
Admittedly, comparing Fehr to Giroux is a bit harsh. But Fehr doesn’t really seem to fit onto the 3rd line either. He’s better than Giroux, which is why he’s in the NHL, but he isn’t a Bradley or a Laich or a Steckel type. He’s a guy like Flash that needs to be scoring to be earning ice time.
"I think the relentless negative coverage in The Washington Post is a real difference from previous years," Redskins general counsel David Donovan said. "But in terms of the way our actual fans are behaving, we don't see any difference."
I think Fehr hasn’t really gotten a chance to cement his role in our lineup. Obviously a lot of that has to do with him being injured, but I think he could be a solid 3rd line guy, or potentially a 2nd line guy, or maybe just a 4th line guy that gives you honest minutes. He really hasn’t been given that chance, IMO. BB stuck with Flash through thick and thin and let the guy play through problems and carve out a niche on this team; I don’t think Fehr has been given that chance. Am I satisfied with what he’s done? No. Do I still expect him to live up to his draft position? Not really. But I do think it’s too early to say he can’t make it in the NHL.
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...
Or maybe you just don’t want to change your handle…
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 9, 2009 1:29 PM EST up reply actions
Busted! I’ll just say Donald Fehr is the inspiration for the name and I’m a pro-union kinda guy. (I feel dirty typing 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...
If this were a baseball blog, perhaps, but seeing as you spend most of your time on this Caps blog, I’m disinclined to believe you.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 9, 2009 1:38 PM EST up reply actions
And if you knew me better you’d call bullshit on the second half of the sentence 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...
You some sort of Pinkerton?
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 9, 2009 1:43 PM EST up reply actions
As in Scottish Detective or Weezer album?
One guy just drove his semi as a float. I guess semis are cool.
As in these guys.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 9, 2009 1:49 PM EST up reply actions
I thought you were going with this one.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
Due to its conflicts with labor unions, the word Pinkerton continues to be associated by labor organizers and union members with strikebreaking.
I’m actually impressed I remembered this stuff from my freshman year history class.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 9, 2009 2:08 PM EST up reply actions
I agree with everything you just said (except for maybe the part about the 4th line guy). To be clear, I’m not advocating Fehr be shipped. I was simply asking when he crosses the threshold and becomes a known quantity rather than a guy with potential. Once that happens his value will undoubtedly go down and it might be in GMGMs best interest to shop him around before that happens.
"I think the relentless negative coverage in The Washington Post is a real difference from previous years," Redskins general counsel David Donovan said. "But in terms of the way our actual fans are behaving, we don't see any difference."
I’m to the point where I’d like to see Fehr shipped for another prospect who has been decent, but never lived up to the hype. Maybe a change of scenery/system would help them both. Don’t know who off hand but I like that deal better than getting a 4th round pick or something similar for Fehr. I don’t see Fehr ever getting a serious, long-term shot under BB.
Fehr seems to have his best productivity for us on the 2nd line. He did well with Flash on his line (and a varying cast of centers which included Backstrom, Feds, Nylander, and Steckel.)
Anyone move for him to be on a line with Flash and Backstrom for Wednesday?
And presumably he earned that roster spot over Giroux and others.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 9, 2009 1:19 PM EST up reply actions
I’d draw a distinction there. I think Fehr’s failures (thus far and perhaps for the foreseeable future) relate to his inability to stay healthy, whereas Giroux’s have been due to an actual lack of skill. Basically, I’m not sure Giroux hasn’t lived up to his NHL potential.
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I see your point. But you know Giroux as a tweener, at some point that could be Fehr too. When does GMGM have to start shopping him for him to still have potential.
"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."
Fehr is still 25 and has time to put it together. Laich didn’t do much at his age, people (including me) were calling for Flash’s head at times last season, etc. Not saying he should be handed a spot in the lineup every night, but it’s probably a little early to give up on him altogether.
fully agree. the need to see him put together a consistent injury-free stretch of hockey is super important – just hope we get that chance.
Should the Caps be that team or should they be willing to risk missing out for a pick/prospect without the injury problems?
"I think the relentless negative coverage in The Washington Post is a real difference from previous years," Redskins general counsel David Donovan said. "But in terms of the way our actual fans are behaving, we don't see any difference."
I guess it depends what they can get for him. I probably wouldn’t trade him for a fourth-round pick, for example. Second-round pick? Maybe. But it’s nice to have the kind of F depth that the Caps do.
Yea, “depends what you can get” is the standard response here. As DMG’s prospect reports said last week, there is a lot more depth on the blueline than on F, so I’d be inclined to keep him for now.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 9, 2009 1:34 PM EST up reply actions
I know this would never happen, but what about trading for a blue chip F prospect and maybe giving up one of the 10 or so good goalies we have on the farm along with Fehr?
I doubt that’d be enough to get a blue chip F. Those are the most sought after players nowadays because they have the greatest potential to outperform their contract. D and G take a long time to develop so they usually won’t light it up on the ELC, but forwards can come right in and contribute because offense is the easiest part of the game if you’ve got the skill.
If consequences dictate the course of action, then it doesn't matter what's right, it's only wrong if you get caught. If consequences dictate the course of action, then I should play God...
I agree that it’s not a big trend, but it sure is a heckuva lot more than he was contributing before….if he doesn’t do much more next week, then flat-line him.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 9, 2009 3:20 PM EST up reply actions
I guess the Steckel and Semin bashing shouldn’t be a surprise given the recent spate of posts here but I still just don’t agree with it at all.
by markbona-capsfan99 on Nov 9, 2009 1:47 PM EST reply actions
most of us dont, i dont think – it seems to be a small few who are insistent about semin being “TEH WORZT EVAAAAR!!!”
i think the important thing is, is that some people are not viewing it with as much reason as you are. and while YOU are able to see that semin is in fact playing shitty right now – it will change, and discussing possible trades and what semin’s value is in the market is just overkill.
Yes, he’ll do the usual ebb and flow of a Semin season. Stretches of brilliance and stretches of this, otherwise completely unreliable.
UNSUBSCRIBE.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks.
maybe i’m still sleepy from lunch but i’m not udnerstanding fully what you’re saying..are you asking me to unsubscribe from something?
heh – no, i’m saying i want to unsubscribe from the inconsistent/disappearing/maddening alex semin.
Russian Machine very rarely breaks.
I involve myself in those discussions just for fun, because who doesn’t like being a video game GM?
Semin for Frolov + Moller, pull the trigger!
Void Boyd! Go with Perreault!
or Kovalchuk!
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 9, 2009 2:28 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah yeah yeah!
Void Boyd! Go with Perreault!
by jordanDC on Nov 9, 2009 2:29 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Nice avatar change.
"If you're gonna die after 24, might as well jump out at 23:59, no?"
by Laich It Or Lump It on Nov 9, 2009 2:30 PM EST up reply actions
I’ll tackle the former; Steckel’s being given a prime opportunity to be a viable ES asset, yet he continues to squander the chance. The fact that Perreault, who has the ability to make his linemates better, not to mention has been a shot in the arm on 5v5, makes him a much better candidate for 3C than the guy who came into came with no competition.
"I'm just doing karate and trying to get females pregnant."
by Bald Pollack on Nov 9, 2009 2:15 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Thiiiiiiis.
Deathmatch between Steckel and Goyd Bordon for 4C, give 3rd line spot to Matty boy.
Void Boyd! Go with Perreault!
i like boyd gordon, always have. but i’m afraid to say his days in DC are numbered, for sure. A deathmatch seems to be the only responsible way to determine this though – so i agree.
Boyd can be QA’d for another year and will likely receive it, as the organization seems to have a proclivity with not getting something in return when letting an asset go. That said, if Steckel re-signed say, in the $900-1.1m neighborhood, they’ll need to figure out what to do, assuming Mackan and the MP conglomerate effectively represent in next year’s camp.
Further to the “MP for 3C” argument, (and sample size/opponent stipulations, of course), but if he stays neck and neck with Stecks in GAON/60 over the next couple weeks with the Rangers and Habs coming up, then who knows?
"I'm just doing karate and trying to get females pregnant."
actually, i think stecks has done okay. i think he should get a " – " . while he hasn’t scored goals, he isn’t being asked to. he’s a physical player and wins faceoffs. what i have seen of him is this - i have seen him have a few opportunities to score and he has created chances for others.
Rock the Red! Rock the White! Rock the Blue! Rock the Pens!
by RedskinFan4Life on Nov 9, 2009 7:21 PM EST up reply actions
while he hasn’t scored goals, he isn’t being asked to.
Disagree. On the third line, more is asked of him to contribute on ES. He wasn’t setting the world on fire there, with the Gordon injury, he’s playing on the 4th line with familiar teammates, and naturally clicking a little more.
i have seen him have a few opportunities to score and he has created chances for others.
Aside from him whiffing on some chances and passing to linemates to do the same, his production this year is half of what it was last year. He’s scored goals before, albeit in the A, and has got to find his touch soon because I sure don’t want to team to overpay who a guy who’s really good on faceoffs, occasionally on the PK, and that’s about it.
"I'm just doing karate and trying to get females pregnant."
Wait, you don’t agree that Semin had a bad week?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Semin’s week was so bad, someone should write a County/Western song about it…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Nov 9, 2009 3:27 PM EST up reply actions
His week was so bad that he would probably be a healthy scratch if Ovi were coming back on Wednesday.
I never saw anyone fall so precipitously as Semin this week.
He’s averaging a point a game!! I think they’ll keep him in the lineup.
by mechanicsville on Nov 9, 2009 10:11 PM EST up reply actions
I guess the Steckel and Semin bashing shouldn’t be a surprisegiven the recent spate of posts heregiven that David Steckel’s the only forward yet to score a goal and Alex Semin had a awful week in which he hurt his team much more than helped.
Contract negotiations:
GMGM: You remember that week at the beginning of November? The one in which Semin took all those penalties while Ovie was out and cost us some games?
Agent: The name of the game is winning, and we won two of the three!
by red army line on Nov 9, 2009 3:54 PM EST up reply actions
Agent: I don’t believe in bad penalty-related discounts.
by David Getz on Nov 9, 2009 7:37 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I don’t think either side would argue that three games made up a material portion of Alex Semin’s career in Washington.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
They could serve as an example of his “downs”
by red army line on Nov 10, 2009 8:42 AM EST up reply actions
Corey on GMGM on ....
Corey’s Twitter’s going nutso this morning, but here’s the gist:
Green: Per Gangsta, he expects to play Wed.
Schultz: Per Gabby, should skate tomorrow.
Gordo: Per Gabby, will need a few more hard practices before being ready.
Ovi: Per Gabby, probably won’t play Wed but isn’t ruled out beyond that. Per McPhee, they’re going to play it smart but he only expects Ovi to be out another week or two, maybe a tad more but definitely not 4-5 weeks. Ovi himself says he was kidding about that.
Nylander: Something’s up, there’s “stuff going on” and “decisions have been made” but GMGM isn’t spilling until tomorrow.
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
We didn’t want to spoil the surprise, but here’s the big news: Thursday will officially be Michael Nylander day in the city of Washington!
No speed limits > driving in circles.
"I'm just doing karate and trying to get females pregnant."
by Bald Pollack on Nov 9, 2009 2:16 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Roundabouts dear chap, which sounds an awful lot like a guilty pleasure Elvis song I like.
"I'm just doing karate and trying to get females pregnant."
Damn you for sticking that song in my head.
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Florida
|
50 | 24 | 15 | 11 | 59 |
|
Washington
|
51 | 27 | 20 | 4 | 58 |
|
Winnipeg
|
53 | 24 | 23 | 6 | 54 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
50 | 22 | 23 | 5 | 49 |
|
Carolina
|
53 | 19 | 25 | 9 | 47 |
(updated 2.4.2012 at 6:07 PM EST)
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