Capital Ups and Downs: Week 11
Our weekly look at individual Washington Capitals' ups and downs:
| Goalies | Trend | Notes |
| Michal Neuvirth | ![]() |
Didn't get much help Saturday night... and needed an awful lot the way he played. Now an ugly 0-2-0/4.56/.845 on the (NHL) season. |
| Jose Theodore | ![]() |
He'll need to be better than 1-1-0/2.97/.872 in Varly's absences, whenever they are. |
| Semyon Varlamov | ![]() |
Followed up a 26-save shutout - his second whitewashing in four starts - with a trip to the IR. On the plus side, the Caps have the luxury of being extra cautious with him... for now. |
| Defensemen | ||
| John Erskine | ![]() |
The wear and tear is wearing and tearing Erskine down to the point where he seems nearly worn and torn out. |
| Mike Green | ![]() |
The return of "Game Over" Green Friday night couldn't save a week full of turnovers and blown assignments... with Team Canada no doubt watching. |
| Milan Jurcina | ![]() |
After a minus-eight stretch in his previous six games, an even week (with a scratch thrown in) may qualify as a "good week," but the Caps need more out of Juice. |
| Shaone Morrisonn | ![]() |
Returned from injury with a zero-point, one shot on goal, minus-one week in which he averaged under 18 minutes of ice time. Sounds about right. |
| Brian Pothier | ![]() |
On injured reserve with a rib injury. It's a shame, as he was coming off a three-goal, four-assist, plus-11 November. |
| Tom Poti | ![]() |
Minus-three for the week (and that includes a plus-one in Tampa), and on the ice for six of the 12 goals the team allowed for the week. |
| Jeff Schultz | ![]() |
A plus-two week has him fourth in the League in plus/minus, and three four-block games speak further to the blueliner he's becoming. |
| Swingman | ||
| Tyler Sloan | ![]() |
Scratched twice, Sloan's NHL time is running out with Laing's pending return and perhaps a recall of Karl Alzner for the blueline. |
| Forwards | ||
| Keith Aucoin | ![]() |
His most recent recall was short and relatively unproductive, which, fittingly, makes it the Keith Aucoin of recalls. |
| Nicklas Backstrom | ![]() |
Two goals, two assists, plus-four and an epic OT shift against Carolina, the "wow" moments are coming with greater frequency with each passing week. |
| Matt Bradley | ![]() |
A happy and healthy new baby gets an up arrow, especially when supplemented with a great interview. |
| Chris Clark | ![]() |
If the captain isn't contributing on the scoreboard, he's gotta be doing other things... like not letting his team put up three poor efforts in a row (including a pair against the League's two worst teams). |
| Eric Fehr | ![]() |
A goal in Tampa followed by three point-less games, Fehr will look to go from scorching hot to cold to just plain consistent. |
| Tomas Fleischmann | ![]() |
Another Cap forward looking for consistency, Flash posted a goal and three helpers this week and now has seven points in his last six games (after picking up just one in his previous six). |
| Alexandre Giroux | ![]() |
If it wasn't for Nylander's departure, Giroux being returned to Chocolatetown would qualify as great news. As it is, it's merely very good news. |
| Boyd Gordon | ![]() |
In the past two months, Gordo has played 5:55 of hockey. Sigh. |
| Mike Knuble | ![]() |
Off to a slow start since returning from the IR with a minus-three rating in two games. No doubt it takes some time to get back to game speed, but a finger injury shouldn't inhibit one's ability to crash the net. |
| Brooks Laich | ![]() |
Like his new-found mentor Knuble, Laich had no points and was minus-three for the week... but he played all four games. |
| Quintin Laing | ![]() |
Q's getting closer to returning, but when he comes back, who sits? |
| Brendan Morrison | ![]() |
No points, three shots on goal and a celebration on a puck he shot wide... ouch. |
| Michael Nylander | ![]() |
Hasta la vista, baby. |
| Alex Ovechkin | ![]() |
Returned from suspension with three multi-point games (seven points overall) and 23 shots on goal in four games. |
| Mathieu Perreault | ![]() |
Food poisoning sidelined him in Buffalo and one point in his last ten games might sideline him a little more frequently going forward. Update: Perreault has been returned to Hershey. |
| Alexander Semin | ![]() |
Two goals, three assists, plus-four and 20 shots on goal in three games, a "passenger" in the fourth. That's our Sasha! |
| David Steckel | ![]() |
Followed up his first goal of the season with no points, a minus-two rating, two shots on goal and diminishing ice time (less than ten minutes per game for the week) in four games. The face offs are still there, though (67.4% for the week). |
3 recs |
482 comments
|
Comments
Schultz for wingah?
"After the Cold War, the AK-47 became Russia's biggest export. After that came vodka, caviar, and suicidal novelists (and a couple good hockey players)."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 14, 2009 11:27 AM EST up reply actions
Interesting (to me anyway)
This season Schultz is 14th in PP time on the team. All of his points have come at even strength
But he was out there on the PP unit when the Caps were down 4-3 in the 3rd: The Caps PP that allowed the SHG
Why was he out there? Because he is 5th in PK time on the team and he was killing the penalty to Erskine where there was an overlap where we went on the PP.
There should have been a faceoff on the Toronto penalty that put things at 4 on 4 for the intervening 13 seconds. I wonder why Schultz was left on the ice with us trying to tie up the game on what we knew would be a PP shortly after that faceoff.
Seems like a mistake. But then there’s that hindsight thing.
… I should point out that I just remember him having probs at the point during a PP stint and was looking at his times to see if there was a story.
I don’t have numbers regarding if he was thrown out there After the SHG. But seems like that would be rather counterproductive. It makes more sense to me that it happened as described above.
Haha, I love the Nylander graphic!
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Dec 14, 2009 11:10 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
16×16 icons are fun to make. Stupid easy.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
Love the iconography, but I do think that we have a bit of a mixed message going. The up and down arrows are clear but the red crosses and dashes look now like plusses and minuses, as tho they are additional ups and downs. Perhaps something other than a dash for status quo and a red cross as a flag to make it more apparent that it’s a healing and not a plus.
Purely my $.02, ignore at your pleasure.
DC, where Hockey is a baffling ordeal.
by Chris meet Alex on Dec 14, 2009 11:42 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Fair points. I think putting arrows on either side of the dash (i.e. <—>) might work for that one.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I did the up and down arrows first, without old school black bordering. The others, I did with. In retrospect, I want to border those icons.
Secretly, I was waiting to do something about the cross/dash issue until someone spoke up about it. For those who had C-meet-A in the pool, congrats.
My current train of thought is band-aid for the injured, arrows on the dash, and probably tweaking the up and down arrows to match the rest of the set.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
Yup. I’m That Guy. Can’t help it… I’m a usability geek.
DC, where Hockey is a baffling ordeal.
by Chris meet Alex on Dec 14, 2009 11:52 AM EST up reply actions
I think a band-aid would work well for injuries.
"So much on my mind I just can't recline. Blastin' holes in the night 'til she bled sunshine."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Dec 14, 2009 11:54 AM EST up reply actions
That also works in case we get some Swiss players.
by HeartbreakRidge on Dec 14, 2009 12:32 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
poor Martin Gerber
I lived with a blind guy for a while, then he figured it out and demanded back rent.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 14, 2009 8:28 PM EST up reply actions
BTW, in my defense… I had been biting my tongue, hoping the problem would be fixed for a few weeks now. So I was trying NOT to be That Guy.
DC, where Hockey is a baffling ordeal.
by Chris meet Alex on Dec 14, 2009 1:18 PM EST up reply actions
So, were you the one who just proved this is a closed society and the rules do not apply equally to all?
was that aimed at JP?
They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.
Look, you’re new. Why not try playing nice at the outset? You’ll find this is a fine place if you make even a minimal effort.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Funny about the definition of “nice.” I am one of the nicest people I know. I find it hard to believe that you think many of the postings by your regulars are “nice.” They aren’t.
I’m a total asshole.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
by D'ohboy on Dec 14, 2009 10:12 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah, but your head’s a donut, so, what’r ya gonna do?
by David M. Getz on Dec 14, 2009 10:13 PM EST up reply actions
I meant but examples of people on here not being nice. I think we’re a pretty nice group as a whole. Sarcastic, sure, but nice.
by David M. Getz on Dec 14, 2009 10:14 PM EST up reply actions
Well I'm on my last Number 9
So don’t mind if I do!
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 10:16 PM EST up reply actions
First, I guess my sensibilities are different from yours. Second, nothing I said was not nice. Talk about being overly sensitive! Some on here could start a new Martyr Lobby, the “Don’t Criticize Me Martyr Lobby.” The teacher has his pets and does not like dissension.
HA!
Amazing. The Semin Martyr Lobby thinks everyone else is too sensitive! (And that parent comment was not nice.)
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 10:19 PM EST up reply actions
So why is it ok to call a supporter of someone a name with negative connotations, but it’s not ok to suggest that maybe some people were not taught certain things well by their parents, teachers, priests, or whoever? Maybe I should have said that some people did not LEARN things well? Would that have been better and more to your liking? Seems a bit of a double standard.
What name with negative connotations?
(Please say Jizz)
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 10:24 PM EST up reply actions
This is hillarious now. So much action over nothing. We need a hockey game to talk about. Are you all xenophobic?
Bwaaaaaaaahahhaahaha
Ovechkin is my favorite player!
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 10:28 PM EST up reply actions
Don’t worry, I’m sure (s)he meant to call us xenophobes in the nicest way possible.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 14, 2009 10:30 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Some of the awesomest people in history were xenophobes! It’s totally a complement.
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 14, 2009 10:30 PM EST up reply actions
Look, if English was good enough for God, Jesus, and all the apostles I think those stupid foreigners could just stop this spiteful insistence on speaking foreigner!!
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
by fat_daddyo on Dec 14, 2009 10:31 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
And seriously, did you mean Jizz? Or did I say something else with negative connotations?
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 10:28 PM EST up reply actions
I’m late to this party – where the hell did it start?!
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 15, 2009 12:50 AM EST up reply actions
WHY DO I KEEP MISSING THE TROLLS?!
GODDAMN IT!
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 15, 2009 1:05 AM EST up reply actions
Speaking personally, yep.
I’m everything-phobic, by the bye.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
Trypanophobic.
Wait, no. Trypanophobia’s not funny.
by David M. Getz on Dec 14, 2009 10:36 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I hate that one.
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 14, 2009 10:36 PM EST up reply actions
I hate that one.
Me too. I hate needles. I almost fainted getting my flu shot this year.
by David M. Getz on Dec 14, 2009 10:38 PM EST up reply actions
Then don’t get rabies 15 years ago.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 10:39 PM EST up reply actions
Oddly enough, I did not have it when I was younger.
by David M. Getz on Dec 14, 2009 10:41 PM EST up reply actions
The fear, or rabies?
I only started getting really bad vasovagal reactions a few years ago.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
The fear. It’s actually weird. When I was a kid I didn’t mind injections, but sometimes I’d feel sick after wards (throat would close up, lightheaded, etc). It got to the point where I was so anxious about that happening that it started happening before I got the shot…
So, yeah, I get my my injections lying down now.
by David M. Getz on Dec 14, 2009 10:44 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, that’s pretty much the only solution. I’ve never liked needles, but my reactions have gotten much worse as I’ve aged. The nurses I’ve spoken to have told me that’s not uncommon.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
Maybe you think about it more as an adult? As a kid you’re almost too stupid to get all worked up? As a kid I just had to look away and if I didn’t see the penetration I was fine. Now I’m fine either way.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 10:51 PM EST up reply actions
It’s definitely just the worry. Heck, when I was a kid I didn’t like getting shots (who does), but they didn’t phase me. I’d be eight years old, watching the needle going in, going, “this is pretty bad ass”.
by David M. Getz on Dec 15, 2009 9:34 AM EST up reply actions
Did you have to get the shots in the stomach? That’s brutal! (or so I hear)
by mechanicsville on Dec 14, 2009 11:14 PM EST up reply actions
When I got my wisdom teeth pulled, they thought something was wrong cause my heart rate and blood pressure spiked before they were about to put me under.
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 14, 2009 10:39 PM EST up reply actions
I have terrible luposlipaphobia.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
by D'ohboy on Dec 14, 2009 10:37 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I am learning so much on this thread.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 10:38 PM EST up reply actions
The fear of being pursued by timber wolves around a kitchen table whilst wearing socks on a newly waxed floor?
by David M. Getz on Dec 14, 2009 10:38 PM EST up reply actions
That shit is REAL
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 10:39 PM EST up reply actions
Misread that as Trypophobia. The irrational fear of clusters of holes or circles.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Dec 14, 2009 10:41 PM EST up reply actions
I have that too. It’s why I haven’t been to see a Caps game in the Nylander era.
But…I’m finally free.
by David M. Getz on Dec 14, 2009 10:42 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
And I trust your analysis will improve as a result! :)
by mechanicsville on Dec 14, 2009 11:16 PM EST up reply actions
What is it, anatidaephobia?
Wait, shoulda stored that for the Ducks GDT…
by red army line on Dec 15, 2009 8:12 AM EST up reply actions
Definitely coulrophobic.
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 14, 2009 10:35 PM EST up reply actions
Do you think you have pantophobia, Charlie Brown?
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Dec 14, 2009 10:34 PM EST up reply actions
Nope. I am Xena-phobic though. I had a bad experience one time. Let’s just say that leather outfit can conceal a lot of things.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
by D'ohboy on Dec 14, 2009 10:29 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Pitchin’ or catchin’?
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 10:31 PM EST up reply actions
Hope you pulled the E break. Wait, uh…
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 10:34 PM EST up reply actions
Are you all xenophobic?
Weak. If you’re going to try and invalidate the message by invalidating the messenger, at least make it plausible.
The criticism of Semin is about his play. Not his English. Not his passport. Not his lifestyle. Not how he interacts with the media. Just his play.
Also, ya know, Ovechkin. Backstrom. Varlamov. Bondra.
by David M. Getz on Dec 14, 2009 10:32 PM EST up reply actions
And I actually hate Canadians more than any of those other countries.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 10:33 PM EST up reply actions
Gustaffson. Cote. Kolzig. Pivonka. Krist I believe that’s enough examples
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
Calle Jo, one of my personal faves.
by David M. Getz on Dec 14, 2009 10:34 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Wow, mine too. Awesome.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Dec 14, 2009 10:39 PM EST up reply actions
My favorite player before a comical Russian in a baseball cap donned black.
by red army line on Dec 15, 2009 8:14 AM EST up reply actions
Well, I can’t speak for anyone else, but I had/have no idea where you’re from. But we’ve had commentors from other countries and never had any issue with them.
by David M. Getz on Dec 14, 2009 10:37 PM EST up reply actions
we hate you because you're a foreigner?
We can’t tell your nationality past your username and picture. Even if we wanted to, that’s just not possible
They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.
Oh, you may be right.
In that case…still no. Everyone one the site other than J.P. was an outsider at one point. Other than some light-hearted avatar-related heckling I think we’re pretty receptive to new people.
by David M. Getz on Dec 14, 2009 10:40 PM EST up reply actions
that might make sense
but not the way it’s commonly used in english. That being said, I haven’t been here for too long and seem to be doing just fine. The rink is very welcoming to newcomers that add to the conversation.
They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.
Meh, I’m actually glad I dropped by tonight. I’ve been having a shite case of writer’s block today, and this cheered me up immensely.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
Sorta. I do defense analysis, and part of that means writing really effing long reports. I couldn’t concentrate today – there was construction in front of my house until mid-afternoon.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
Yeah, I was going to get some work done tonight, but this discussion has been too amusing. I’m almost positive the work will be there for me in the morning.
by mechanicsville on Dec 14, 2009 11:29 PM EST up reply actions
i’m a haole and i’ve been treated very well by all the regulars.
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 14, 2009 11:37 PM EST up reply actions
Are you asking if they're being xenophobic towards you?
How are they supposed to know where you come from?
"And next year it will be ours."
Just stop it. F’real.
Chill out or be gone – it makes absolutely no difference to me, but you’ve fucked up an entire thread now, so I know which way I’m leaning.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I dunno, I’ve had fun. It’s like talking to the shitfaced freshman girls at the end of a hockey party. You know they’re a mess, but it’s fun all the same.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
You’re not getting laid, D’ohboy.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 14, 2009 10:21 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
That's what I said!
But he won’t listen.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 10:22 PM EST up reply actions
Didn’t you see up the thread?
His wife’s on his lap as we type.
I for one am profoundly jealous
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
I may have stretched the truth a bit. She was actually across the room on the couch calling me a dork for laughing at a bunch of inane comments on a blog.
I think your wife and mine would get along quite well.
by mechanicsville on Dec 14, 2009 11:20 PM EST up reply actions
Second, nothing I said was not nice.
The teacher has his pets and does not like dissension.
You put an insult right after you said you were nice! Not a damning insult to be sure, but one nevertheless. Chill, go to sleep, come back when you’re head is cleared tomorrow. We like new people, but you really aren’t adding anything constructive to the conversation
They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.
Second, nothing I said was not nice.
Someone did not teach their children well.
^ Evidence
The teacher has his pets and does not like dissension.
The issue isn’t disagreement. You can disagree with anyone and everyone. In fact, a heck of a lot of people disagree on a lot of things. Ask F&B and D’ohboy whether Jurcina or Morrisonn is better. Ask me and macvechkin to evaluate Eric Fehr. Ask J.P. and gotsparkly to asses Tyler Sloan’s NHL credentials. Debate and discussion is fine. The issues are twofold: (1) personal attacks and (2) making strong statements without providing evidence. When you do that, people aren’t going to be receptive to your point, regardless of whether or not they agree with you.
by David M. Getz on Dec 14, 2009 10:23 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Ask F&B and D’ohboy whether Jurcina or Morrisonn is better.
Sadly, I believe that ShaMo has settled this one for all of us. D’ohboy ate our lunch…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 14, 2009 11:00 PM EST up reply actions
Actually, you drank my Juice.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
by D'ohboy on Dec 14, 2009 11:01 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Would it be entirely inappropriate to insert a Semin joke here? Or should we focus on 5-6 defensemen exclusively?
by mechanicsville on Dec 14, 2009 11:23 PM EST up reply actions
Semin is soooo much better than juice, imo.
by red army line on Dec 15, 2009 8:16 AM EST up reply actions
I don’t doubt that you’re nice. And I don’t believe I said that “many of the postings by [my] regulars are ‘nice.’” I suggested that newbies should be nice and show some respect to the established community they’re entering. I don’t think that’s too much to ask.
In other words, don’t do this:
![]()
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 14, 2009 10:16 PM EST up reply actions 9 recs
Rec your couch!
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 14, 2009 10:16 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
What did the five recs say to the post?
That was green blooded!
"After the Cold War, the AK-47 became Russia's biggest export. After that came vodka, caviar, and suicidal novelists (and a couple good hockey players)."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 14, 2009 10:19 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
No he wants Jizz on your couch, not mud.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 10:29 PM EST up reply actions
Nice people definitely insult another person’s upbringing on no foundation whatsoever. That’s the nicest thing I know!
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 14, 2009 10:22 PM EST up reply actions
Am I the only one who thinks that seminrocks is about to pull off that latex facemask, and it’ll be docciavelli underneath?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 14, 2009 11:25 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I doubt that. A true troll would not be a booster of any of our players. And would be overly negative besides.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Except that doc’s not a stereotypical troll. He’s a bit of a True Believer, that one. I think he actually believes his own nonsense. Kind of like seminrocks, come to think of it.
Doesn’t make either one any less annoying.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 15, 2009 12:51 AM EST up reply actions
12 down arrows and only 6 ups. For a team that’s top in the league, I guess the sum really is greater than the parts.
They may be tops in the league, but they still didn’t have a very good week.
by David M. Getz on Dec 14, 2009 11:12 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah, it was one good game and three sub-pars from where I was sitting.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Glad I missed most of that dud in Toronto, though I think that Tor is a much better team than their record shows. Carolina: blech, they are awful.
Did Toskola get an up arrow this week? He made a couple 10 bell saves in the first that really kept the Leafs in it.
"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 was about to say it, too. Not a good week, too many red arrows.
Q: Your rival, Sidney Crosby: dislike him?
Ovechkin: "I love him."
Q: You send him cards on his birthday?
Ovechkin: "I send him cards every day."
by Marshall Pirate on Dec 14, 2009 11:21 AM EST up reply actions
Three out of four “young guns” with up arrows. But they’re nearly the only guys who had a good week. We know what this team could be doing if everyone was clicking at the same time…
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Dec 14, 2009 11:40 AM EST up reply actions
This looks like as good a place as any to insert as succinct a sentence as our dear moderator has uttered here. Upon further review, this may be more a line of poetry than it is a sentence.
Regular Season Means Dick.
by mechanicsville on Dec 14, 2009 1:24 PM EST up reply actions
Nylander squared away! But isn’t it impossible to square the circle? That’s what they say in mathematics.
Rocking the Red since 1975
No, I think we squared his negative value and got a positive. Shweet.
by red army line on Dec 15, 2009 8:17 AM EST up reply actions
This looks like as good a place as any to insert a succinct sentence to the Caps’ dear majority owner’s repeated utterance.
“2 points is 2 points” is a great mantra to have when you’re coming down to the wire trying desperately to get to the playoffs. It is not a good motto for a team to hang its hat on for an entire regular season campaign.
Okay, maybe two not so succinct sentences.
I totally agree with your sentiment here. As far as one week is concerned, though, I think it’s a bit rash to get too worked up. There’s no doubt the Caps have numerous areas in which they can improve (and they may have just come across about 4.8 million ways to adress these concerns). But, for now, 1st in the conference, 1st in the league, and an 11 point lead in the division buys a lot of patience.
by mechanicsville on Dec 14, 2009 9:35 PM EST up reply actions
We will eventually have to do some pruning among our blue liners but that can wait — for now.
It’s now a 9 point lead in our division. Atlanta won. Grr!
Rocking the Red since 1975
That is not acceptable
we need double digits!
They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.
Trends over the past week (four games), but it’s wholly unscientific.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Goddman vortex of death this weekend, our PP. 2 shorties in 2 games for the 2 worst teams in the league. Nice.
While only scoring one goal in those two games on the PP (and none the game before). In other words, against the two worst teams in the League, the PP went minus-one in two games. Um, not good.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I’m at a complete loss. What is the difference on the PP? Attitude? Are they too lackadaisical? How can the best PP in the game only score once against the worst PK in the league.
"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."
Tired players, lack of effort (often getting outworked by the PKers — which drives me nuts) and occasional statistical aberrations. A week is always a small sample size for something like the PK.
The biggest problem the PP faces (in my book) is that they focus as a team too much on one super PP line. With this talent they should NOT have Ovie out there all two minutes. They should have two, super aggressive PP units and grind them down on the PP like you would with a lengthy ES shift or two. BMO has clearly shown he’s quite clever back there on the point, so let’s get rid these super-long shifts (that don’t do Ovie any good later in the game) and play a smarter team game here.
DC, where Hockey is a baffling ordeal.
by Chris meet Alex on Dec 14, 2009 11:47 AM EST up reply actions
And by grind I mean, pass it around and MOVE THE FEET on the PP and tire out the PKers quickly. Which also has the lovely effect of tiring out the whole team.
DC, where Hockey is a baffling ordeal.
by Chris meet Alex on Dec 14, 2009 11:49 AM EST up reply actions
You just hit one (two) of my pet peeves of the PP. Far too often I see the Caps standing still waiting for that back door play to open up. They just stand in their positions and don’t make the PKers work hard. Makes for an incredibly easy PK.
The other applies to ES as well as PP. Shift length. BB is perhaps the worst coach at reigning in playing time and managing ice time. As was shown by the shorty that TOR scored, AO was gassed and couldn’t chase down the player, that will happen when you average shift is over a minute long. Boudreau needs to reign that in with the star players and actually coach.
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 14, 2009 11:54 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
This.
Everyone in my section has heard me bitch regularly about shift-length. I’m lucky to have a lot of very knowledgeable STHs around me and we all gripe about it constantly. Rather than talk of curbing his shift lengths, BB has actually talked about how amazing it is that Ovie can take such long shifts. Afraid it might not be changing anytime soon.
DC, where Hockey is a baffling ordeal.
by Chris meet Alex on Dec 14, 2009 12:15 PM EST up reply actions
/me, letting this lie.
DC, where Hockey is a baffling ordeal.
by Chris meet Alex on Dec 14, 2009 1:07 PM EST up reply actions
Ovie taking long shifts can be good
He has amazing stamina. Double-shifting can take him away from the D1 and into the D2 line. However, he should do it regularly. It should be more of a trump thing if he gets shut down, because as we all all, it entails quite a bit of risk for getting caught empty
They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.
However, heshouldshouldn’t do it regularly
Assuming that’s what you meant, I agree. But, thus the crux of the problem, BB DOES tend to do it too often (for my tastes).
DC, where Hockey is a baffling ordeal.
by Chris meet Alex on Dec 14, 2009 5:12 PM EST up reply actions
I have no problem with double shifting your best players when you need a goal. But that isn’t what happens. AO just stays on for shifts longer than a minute an entire game, for every shift. BB needs to rein in AO’s (among others) shift length so that AO has the gas to take that double shift late in the third when the Caps need a goal or two (or so AO doesn’t get caught late in a PP leading to a short handed chance against).
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 14, 2009 6:02 PM EST up reply actions
Spot on, SME
AO’s long shifts throw things—including AO—off kilter. The PP is an obvious place to reduce his time: he creates a few chances the other way when he misses, and BMo makes more feet move anyway.
I’m sure Ovechkin ‘needs plenty of work’ to do his thing. I wonder just the same at the decision to routinely skate skate him at 60s and 70s. Maybe the bench minors are committed to manage Ovechkin’s minutes.
by redlineblue on Dec 14, 2009 12:16 PM EST up reply actions
What’s the deal with the “passenger” thing for Semin? I guess I missed something.
"So much on my mind I just can't recline. Blastin' holes in the night 'til she bled sunshine."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Dec 14, 2009 11:36 AM EST reply actions
After one of the particularly bad games, BB said something about how we had a whole lot of “passengers” on the ice (i.e., rather than “drivers”). That tweet is from the next game.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Dec 14, 2009 11:38 AM EST up reply actions
Gotcha. Thanks.
"So much on my mind I just can't recline. Blastin' holes in the night 'til she bled sunshine."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Dec 14, 2009 11:51 AM EST up reply actions
Up arrows are the 8-19-28 line, plus Flash, Brads, and Sarge.
My uninformed analysis is that the balance of the team had some trouble adjusting to AO’s return. They were playing pretty good hockey while he was out. The chemistry, the ice time, the mojo is different when he’s in.
This does not explain Mike Green, or frankly most of the rest of the d-corps.
ALEX, FЯEE
Knuble’s return, too – 21-9-16 was working well.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
But what can BB do? He’s either got 8-19-28 or 8-19-22 up top. If you keep 21-9-16 together, then one of Semin or Knuble goes to the third line or sits.
Don’t think that’s gonna fly.
ALEX, FЯEE
The way Knuble looked in both games I wouldn’t have been surprised to see him on the 3rd line…especially given the chemistry/production of 21-9-16. I know it’s 20/20 hindsight, but when the team is playing like they were against the Leafs, a little proven production could have been just what the doctor ordered.
It looks to me like 22 may have come back a tiny bit early. Not sure what the rush was, but I guess they know what they’re doing.
And why couldn’t 22 play on the third line? He did in Philly.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Both good points. 22 needs more conditioning (and technically his finger isn’t fully healed either), and yes he could play 3RW.
ALEX, FЯEE
Bringing him back “early,” and sticking him on the top line for his first game back – those were among the bigger Boudreau head-scratchers of the week.
"We’re still working on some things over in Europe, and we’ve been close in the last week or so. Some things get in the way, but we’re just trying to work that out, and hopefully it can be worked out soon."
The assumption was that Carolina and Toronto would have been good cames for him to come back and get his legs they are awful afterall.
And really who cares what lines those guys are on. If Knuble needs to be on the second line, call the third line the second line and Fehr/Bmo/Flash can be the 3rd line.
"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."
If BMo centers the third line, then who’s supposed to center the second line? Wilson?
Rocking the Red since 1975
I know a Swede in Grand Rapids…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 14, 2009 11:02 PM EST up reply actions
The issue as I see it is that the Caps forwards have “pairs” that seem to work well together, as opposed to threesomes:
Backis and Ovie
Ovie and Semin
BMo and Knuble
Flash and Fehr?
Brads and Stecks
This is both a positive and a negative, since it allows for flexibility, while also leaving lines a bit unsettled and typically leaving at least one guy playing out of his preferred comfort zone. For example, Flash and Fehr should, under optimal circumstances, skate with an offensively-capable center. Since Backis skates with Ovie, this seems to suggest BMo ought to be their center, but BMo and Knuble clearly have some chemistry together. Likewise, (or is it Laich-wise?), Laich’s offensive skills are somewhat wasted if he’s skating 3rd or 4th line minutes.
In part, this is why I’m somewhat disappointed by Perrault’s demotion. His production had dropped off of late, but I thought that his playmaking/puckhandling abilities were a nice compliment to Flash and Fehr, while allowing BMo to center Brooks and Knuble. That gave us three solid offensive lines. Perhaps Wilson will show the same kind of offensive chemistry with Fehr and Flash, but it remains to be seen.
Still, there are about 27 other teams (I think SJ and Chi have similar “issues”) that would be happy to have this problem.
"We’re still working on some things over in Europe, and we’ve been close in the last week or so. Some things get in the way, but we’re just trying to work that out, and hopefully it can be worked out soon."
You forgot one: 19 and 28. Basically, anyone 19 plays with has chemistry because he’s that good.
I thought Perreault was still creating out there for the most part. His production wasn’t the same but he was still forechecking and making opportunities. The way Knuble skated the last game or two I thought he might be a good fit with MP. It would manage his minutes, let him play with a guy that can do the forechecking, and let him get to the net and finish when the puck gets there.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 12:49 PM EST up reply actions
You’re right – should’ve mentioned that one… Backis is a one-man chemistry set.
"We’re still working on some things over in Europe, and we’ve been close in the last week or so. Some things get in the way, but we’re just trying to work that out, and hopefully it can be worked out soon."
I think he looked better with Clark and Sloan because they seemed to understand better where he wanted them to be to receive passes. Maybe more importantly, they also don’t try and create their our shots. Flash and Fehr tend to like to handle the puck some. I think MP may be best playing on a line with grinders opposed to more skilled wingers. I’d love to see what the possession numbers were line wise depending on who he was paired with.
A man gotta have a code
I thought Flash had a ton of chances in those games with MP. Sure he carries the puck more, but he also found open space and MP found him.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 1:11 PM EST up reply actions
DAMN YOU F&B with your fast fingers. Reply speed fail for me.
DC, where Hockey is a baffling ordeal.
by Chris meet Alex on Dec 14, 2009 1:13 PM EST up reply actions
He’s a seasoned vet. Just look at those games played comment totals.
"So much on my mind I just can't recline. Blastin' holes in the night 'til she bled sunshine."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Dec 14, 2009 1:37 PM EST up reply actions
Holy Crap!
How much schooling can you be gettin F&B, getting your SBN degree?
DC, where Hockey is a baffling ordeal.
by Chris meet Alex on Dec 14, 2009 2:16 PM EST up reply actions
An SBN degree would probably be as useful as the ones I have now. And I’ve been pretty derelict with my schooling this year. Doesn’t really matter much. Just trust me, I’m doing ok.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 2:27 PM EST up reply actions
I do recall chances for Flash. I’m not saying that MP can’t play with those guys. It may be that I’m reading too much into what I’ve seen on some shifts. It was a small sample size in both cases line wise.
Who were MP’s linemates on the 4th line in Hershey last season?
A man gotta have a code
4th line was MP, Bouchard, OO.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 1:42 PM EST up reply actions
The Anti-Fehr-with-Flash lobby feels that MP was the solution and had the chance to be able to make those two productive together. I was sad to see that go away without giving it a few more games.
DC, where Hockey is a baffling ordeal.
by Chris meet Alex on Dec 14, 2009 1:13 PM EST up reply actions
The Anti-Fehr-with-Flash lobby feels that MP was the solution and had the chance to be able to make those two productive together.
Mr. Fedorov is my father, dude; call me Sergei.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 14, 2009 3:36 PM EST up reply actions
Ahem. Uh. I meant this season. Ahem.
DC, where Hockey is a baffling ordeal.
by Chris meet Alex on Dec 14, 2009 4:00 PM EST up reply actions
Last eyar, they also played with Backstrom (late Jan/early Feb), Stecks, and even Nylander, besides Feds. They worked well with Backie.
Rocking the Red since 1975
True, but that’s pretty much a non-starter moving forward isn’t it.
DC, where Hockey is a baffling ordeal.
by Chris meet Alex on Dec 15, 2009 2:04 PM EST up reply actions
Onomatopoeia Fail
No need to apologize. Humor swing and a miss… (meant “Ahem” as embarrassed stumbling, not pompously clearing throat)
DC, where Hockey is a baffling ordeal.
by Chris meet Alex on Dec 15, 2009 2:08 PM EST up reply actions
I believe it’s his only down arrow since Ups and Downs premiered. He did have a dash a couple weeks ago. Besides that its been all up arrows.
A man gotta have a code
Unfortunately he did deserve it though, some of those missed chances were brutal. Not to mention agonizing to watch.
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Dec 14, 2009 1:22 PM EST up reply actions
Even when Semin gets an up arrow you take a shot at him. This is so unfair, no one on this team gets criticized except for Semin. Green makes just as many turnovers and you never say a bad word about him. Why do you hate Jizz?
Go Semin!
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 14, 2009 4:20 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Awww J.P.
I guess we all miss snark sometimes. K_C has been battling the Semin Lobby all season. He also modified the “Go Flyers!” meme. That comment is full of win.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 4:26 PM EST up reply actions
Still waiting for Holiday Murphy to make an appearance.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
What episode do I have to pull holiday Murphy from? Maybe the Alvis-time one. But the ladies love the mustache, and I’ve never been one to spurn the attention of my ladies.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 4:30 PM EST up reply actions
you’re like the Tiger Woods of the Rink when it comes to the attention of the Rabbits. Ms. F&B would not be pleased! I hope for your sake she’s not Swedish and you don’t have golf clubs within easy reach.
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
I don’t own golf clubs, but a hockey stick can do plenty of damage. She doesn’t like my involvement with the Rink irrespective of the Rabbits.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 4:44 PM EST up reply actions
Ms. F&B will not be making an appearance on Jan. 2, I take it?
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
In all likelihood she’ll be at work. She manages a lounge so she works nights.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 5:16 PM EST up reply actions
Heh. It’s all good. It’s not even my snark, I just thought it was obvious (and brilliant). You must really be a busy guy if you’re missing the continuity on your own Rink. K_C has had it out for the Semin Martyr Lobby for weeks now.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 4:31 PM EST up reply actions
I missed it, too. I clearly must not be reading Japers enough.
:-(
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 14, 2009 4:33 PM EST up reply actions
clearly, we need a link to the highlights of K-C taking down the Semin Martyr Lobby. Natty?
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
Anything with Jizz in it really ought to be.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 14, 2009 4:50 PM EST up reply actions
As long as it’s not Japers’ Rink +, that should be fine.
by red army line on Dec 15, 2009 8:22 AM EST up reply actions
Sticking up for him is fine. It’s the willful manipulations of criticisms and the claims that no one else gets criticized that bother me.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 14, 2009 6:59 PM EST up reply actions
You must get a buzz from trying to live up to your name. The comments about Semin are particularly vicious and mean-spirited. It leads me to believe that some people can only feel better about themselves by tearing down others. How about the willful and obssessive criticisms?
The comments about Semin are particularly vicious and mean-spirited.
How about the willful and obssessive criticisms?
This is exactly what he means. There’s no personal vendetta against Semin. He gets criticized because he does things that deserves criticism. Just like everyone else.
by David M. Getz on Dec 14, 2009 8:55 PM EST up reply actions
Besides, he’s a fucking Killer. You think he should be nice?
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 9:00 PM EST up reply actions
So, David, tell me, why is it you seem to key in so much in defense of the criticizers of Semin? I find that curious. By the way, the comments often are very personal in nature, crude, classless, and crass. Someone did not teach their children well.
Wow. Now it’s about our parents? Sheesh. What was classless, crude, or crass? DMG jumps in on these because there is no Green Martyr Lobby. Nobody gets up and says “Why y’all always pickin’ on Green?” When he makes a boner late in the game. We rip on him and move on. But when people talk about a Jizz boner all of a sudden it’s like it’s a malicious attack on him. You’re pretty new here, so you’ve probably missed a lot of the background discussions that started last season, but basically every Cap has taken his share of hating when they mess up. For some reason it’s just the Semin fans that take this all way too personally and get the defensive “woe is Sasha” attitude. Also, the Semin Martyr Lobby constantly mischaracterizes the critiques against him. It’s obnoxious.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 9:28 PM EST up reply actions
Depends. Not tobacco.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 9:39 PM EST up reply actions
Mostly pole. :)
"We’re still working on some things over in Europe, and we’ve been close in the last week or so. Some things get in the way, but we’re just trying to work that out, and hopefully it can be worked out soon."
by D'ohboy on Dec 14, 2009 9:45 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Shut up Keynes
I already told you I was drunk and you tricked me!
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 9:47 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
This is quickly turning into a hilarious thread. More trolls please – their fur is tickly.
"We’re still working on some things over in Europe, and we’ve been close in the last week or so. Some things get in the way, but we’re just trying to work that out, and hopefully it can be worked out soon."
Zzzzzzzing!
(I’m not sure this fits with my vision for a kinder, gentler Rink, but I laughed my ass off)
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 14, 2009 9:48 PM EST up reply actions
I’ve found that most smokers of non-tobacco aren’t nearly this quick-witted. Well played!
by mechanicsville on Dec 14, 2009 9:48 PM EST up reply actions
Hey, watch it pal.
In other news, this thread is teh awesome.
"After the Cold War, the AK-47 became Russia's biggest export. After that came vodka, caviar, and suicidal novelists (and a couple good hockey players)."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 14, 2009 9:57 PM EST up reply actions
You gotta bust out the “This thread delivers” pic of what’s his face.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 9:59 PM EST up reply actions
Geek card check

"After the Cold War, the AK-47 became Russia's biggest export. After that came vodka, caviar, and suicidal novelists (and a couple good hockey players)."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 14, 2009 10:01 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
D’ohboy already gave you props but that was awesome.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 10:08 PM EST up reply actions
So, David, tell me, why is it you seem to key in so much in defense of the criticizers of Semin? I find that curious.
Who’s being criticized or in what manner isn’t really the crux of the point, analysis is. I’m not interested in lobbying for or against any player on a personal level and I don’t have a vested interest in anyone other than members of the Capitals doing well.
I would agree with F&B’s comment. It’s been my experience that with Semin, more so than other plays, the argument about his value and his style of play gets misconstrued.
by David M. Getz on Dec 14, 2009 9:44 PM EST up reply actions
I also noticed that Schultz is another player who people have tended to get very polarized about.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Should’ve been with us when we were making the argument for Schultz on the Canadian Olympic team over at PPP the other day.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
Ah man, comedy gold right there.
Oh Leafs fans, you are so delightful unintentionally amusing
They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.
There’s a very vocal portion of the fan base that thinks he’s terrible, rarely provides any evidence to support their claim (probably because there isn’t much), and won’t hear otherwise. The result is that people who think he’s a solid player wind up defending him over and over and over and it looks like they love him. It’s not that they love him, per se, just that they think the classification of him as a sub-NHL caliber player is silly.
by David M. Getz on Dec 14, 2009 9:52 PM EST up reply actions
He ain't Erskine
They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.
I agree that classifying Schultz as a sub NHL caliber player is silly. I’ve spent some time refuting that particular assertion by pointing out the fact that he’s usually second in the Plus/Minus department among our blue liners.
Rocking the Red since 1975
First, once you concede that Mike Green is really a forward, as he doesn’t bother to play defense anyway
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
It goes beyond plus-minus, I think. IIRC, Mirtle has a ton of stuff from last year on defensemen, and Schultz does quite well.
Plus I didn’t even realize Evgeni Malkin was playing the first four times I saw PIT play DC last year.
by red army line on Dec 15, 2009 8:26 AM EST up reply actions
Shut up I love him!
Schultz for Norris!
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 9:56 PM EST up reply actions
Now that Nylander’s gone, it’s like we have to make the circles ourselves?
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Dec 14, 2009 10:17 PM EST up reply actions
We already got two in 8…
(ducks head)
Or did I just say Ovie is twice the player Nyles is?
by red army line on Dec 15, 2009 8:30 AM EST up reply actions
Twice? An 8 turned on its side means infinity.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Dec 15, 2009 9:23 AM EST up reply actions
So, were you the one who just proved that this is a closed society and the rules do not apply equally to all?
The baseless insult so nice it needed to be said twice.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 14, 2009 10:12 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Did you have to sign up before you could join? . . . Check.
Can someone take away your membership privileges if you behave like a prick? . . . Check
Will people call you out and make you feel bad if you say stupid things?. . . Check
Will you get more leeway once you’ve been here more than a day and actually contributed to the discussion somewhat? . . . Check.
Sounds like a closed society with unequal rules to me. Isn’t that kind of the point? If I wanted to read comments made by any yokel with more fingers than brain cells, I’d read the Caps Insider comments. If you haven’t heard, we’re elitists ’round these parts.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
by D'ohboy on Dec 14, 2009 10:15 PM EST up reply actions 6 recs
Rec’d for use of the word “prick.” It’s one of my favorite insults. This thread is so awesome.
"So much on my mind I just can't recline. Blastin' holes in the night 'til she bled sunshine."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Dec 14, 2009 11:18 PM EST up reply actions
Thank you for proving my point. What is vicious and mean-spirited about saying that Semin is inconsistent and prone to either being dominant or being horrendous? Like DMG said, the criticisms aren’t personal, they are criticisms of his game.
But, in the interest of a kinder, gentler Rink, I ask that everyone refrain from all vicious and mean spirited criticisms of Green’s turnovers, Theodore’s inconsistency (OMG, Three-or-more!!!!), Poti’s inability to clear the zone, Steckel’s lack of scoring, Juice and Shamo’s lack of puck skills, Erskine’s lack of … skill, and Boudreau’s ice time management. Will somebody please think of the children!
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 14, 2009 9:11 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Why didn’t you mention AO’s shift length? Are you playing favorites? Of course you would blame BB for “ice time management” but you conveniently forget to mention the personal responsibility of the “Two-time-defending-league-MVP,” if you can call him that. You also don’t mention Steckel’s inability to score or Bradley’s inability to keep his blood inside his body. Even in your attempt to defend yourself you clearly demonstrate your favorite sons and refuse to treat all players equally.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 9:16 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Steckel’s lack of scoring
You also don’t mention Steckel’s inability to score
Snark fail.
You got me on the other ones, though.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 14, 2009 9:25 PM EST up reply actions
Well...
Lack of scoring and inability to score aren’t really the same thing because…
Aw shit you got me.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 9:30 PM EST up reply actions
Sorry, you are wrong. Many of the comments often are vicious. I did not say yours specifically, but you have been identified as the be-all end-all chronicler of negative points about Semin.
Three times now you have said that criticisms of Semin are vicious and personal (along with crude and classless). Care to provide any examples of such criticisms that extend beyond his play?
And no one ever said I am the be-all end-all of anything. I’m just one of many who are tired of the antics of the Semin Martyr Lobby.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 14, 2009 9:29 PM EST up reply actions
Always remember

Seriously, his name is “Semin Rocks” I’m in the Semin fanclub, but damn. Semins gets his praise when he has his 3 goal nights, and his lumps when he isn’t noticeable at all, and ends up -.
They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.
Anyone who disagrees with you? Dude I love Semin. But you are whining about how he is not treated fairly, yet have not come up with one post about flaming semin even when he is good.
Look above this, read the chart. Hey, guess who got an up arrow. Semin did!
Having disagreements are great, debates are half the reason the rink is around. But making lots of posts about how someone is not treated fairly with no supporting evidence, well that’s rather trollish in behavior.
They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.
That’s a strawman. The issue isn’t agreeing or disagreeing. It’s providing evidence for claims that people are unfair or personal in their attacks on Semin. If that’s your opinion, that’s fine, but if you don’t provide examples and start insulting people and questioning their upbringing, you’re going to be met with resistance.
by David M. Getz on Dec 14, 2009 9:46 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Go check the archives for the Most Valuable Cap pole
Check where Jizz is.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 9:48 PM EST up reply actions
Pole?
Whatcha got on the brain over there?
Jizz lover…er, wait…
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
And BP is gonna get all worked up reading this. (Don’t get any ideas, big guy.)
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 9:53 PM EST up reply actions
Dude…I don’t care if you’re working over your bald polack, but please, keep it to your self.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
My parents taught me to share the finer things in life
Is that so wrong?
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 9:57 PM EST up reply actions
Dude, we’re on a blog. Presumably, we’re all in our mom’s basement, posting with one hand and “keeping it to ourselves” with the other.
"We’re still working on some things over in Europe, and we’ve been close in the last week or so. Some things get in the way, but we’re just trying to work that out, and hopefully it can be worked out soon."
It's a Cluterf*ck!
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 10:13 PM EST up reply actions
btw, I'm writing a paper
and I just wrote a fehr and just system. I’ve been here too long
They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.
by Bman21212 on Dec 14, 2009 10:03 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I win!
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 10:09 PM EST up reply actions
his lumps when he isn’t noticeable at all
Semin it or Lump it?
by red army line on Dec 15, 2009 8:32 AM EST up reply actions
“K_C has had it out for the Semin Martyr Lobby for weeks now.”
“we need a link to the highlights of K-C taking down the Semin Martyr Lobby. "
from the FB guy
Pretty well implied; just a different way of saying it.
But that doesn’t mean he just hates on Semin. He just challenges the Semin Martyr Lobby when they act like Semin should be above critique. I have no problem with that.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 9:40 PM EST up reply actions
I think you’re stretching there, but whatever. I’ll be the face of the He Man Semin Haters Club if you want me to be.
Now, care to address the main point of my post with some examples of the vicious personal attacks being unleashed by my minions?
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 14, 2009 9:43 PM EST up reply actions
YOU HAVE THE POWER!!!!

"We’re still working on some things over in Europe, and we’ve been close in the last week or so. Some things get in the way, but we’re just trying to work that out, and hopefully it can be worked out soon."
It’s not just here. There’s been several bloggers around the Caps’ blogosphere who are really negative towards Semin. No, this blog is actually not the most negative on him. I can think of two other blogs are are worse in that department.
Rocking the Red since 1975
2 more?!?!?!
Guess that means we need to step up our hatin’ game, K_C.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 9:33 PM EST up reply actions
2 more?!?!?!
i think japers’ rink needs to eat up a few more caps bloggers..

by Natty Bumppo on Dec 14, 2009 11:53 PM EST up reply actions
Papa’s home. Time for the kids to stop jumping on the bed.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 14, 2009 10:01 PM EST up reply actions
Can we compromise and just take our shoes off?
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 10:10 PM EST up reply actions
Semin is not the only Cap who’s inconsistent or gets penalized. He just gets credit for it.
We have several forwards who are inconsistent in production, running hot and cold. They include Laich, Flash, Fehr.
We also have numerous players who are prone to taking minor penalties, besides Semin.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Laich, Flash, and Fehr combined cost less than Semin. Forgive us for expecting more from the guy that makes more money, has more talent, and is looking for a big raise. Complaints are gauged to expectations so players with more skill, and thus more expectations, are held to higher standards. Semin also has a much much longer track record of making the same mistakes. How is this news to the Semin Martyr Lobby? Will you guys even still be Caps fans when he runs back to the KHL?
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 9:33 PM EST up reply actions
I’ll still remain a Caps fan, regardless of what personnel moves they make.
I will, of course, not be happy if any of my favorites leaves the team on his volition or gets traded.
Even though I pointed out Fehr, Flash, and Laich as inconsistent, I’m a fan of those guys too.
Rocking the Red since 1975
I am too. But I’ve ripped on Flash, and recently Laich, for not playing well. But you don’t see the Bubbles Lobby getting up in arms about it. They accept when Laich isn’t playing well. I’ve criticized Fehr when he plays a perimeter game. I just want to see every Cap play to the best of their ability. Semin is extremely inconsistent, and expensive, and looking for a raise. That all has me more than a little concerned but I’m more than willing to point out his ridiculous talent and his great plays. I just get rankled when the Semin Martyr Lobby acts like I’ve got it out for him personally, or otherwise.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 9:42 PM EST up reply actions
I can’t really think of anyone that is spared criticism around these parts when it’s due. Even AO doesn’t get a pass because he’s the two-time MVP.
I’ve never sensed an anti-Jizz sentiment here. The only Cap that seems to be fairly despised is Nylander, and, thank God, he’s no longer a Cap.
I hate Poti!
Seriously. Check my PK post and tell me it’s not obvious which Cap I hate the most.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 9:50 PM EST up reply actions
Well, F&B, we know of your Poti hate. And we love you for it.
And to touch on an earlier point you made, as part of the Bubbles lobby, I think he’s been playing like crap lately. I’m not going to get my panties in a twist because someone pointed it out on a blog, especially when I know it’s true.
When exactly did the whole “Bubbles” thing start? I think I missed that.
by red army line on Dec 15, 2009 8:37 AM EST up reply actions
Ask Becca.
{ducks}
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 15, 2009 9:42 AM EST up reply actions
I’d hope that just because of his situation we make fun of him more, but not in a hurtful way. I bet all of us would rather be in his position, as a former NHL star and active player with a wife and half a dozen kids being paid $5 million to sit in the press box (or now play for Grand Rapids in the AHL) than be in our current position.
by red army line on Dec 15, 2009 8:36 AM EST up reply actions
The difference between Semin and most of the other players who are streaky scorers is that when a guy like Laich isn’t scoring he is doing other things to help the team. When Semin isn’t scoring he is usually a liability on the ice.
And no, Semin isn’t the only player prone to taking penalties, but I have also seen several others called out for the same problem (Juice, Erskine and Poti all take their lumps, as did Gordon when he was playing).
But perhaps the biggest problem with Semin’s faults compared to other players’ is that with other players, like Green for example, they are consistently doing good things with an occasional mistake thrown in. That is much easier to swallow than a pattern of several games of pure domination, followed by a streak of games of total uselessness.
Plus, the salary and expectations thing F&B mentioned. Semin’s worth isn’t given nearly as much attention if he isn’t negotiating a new contract that could be $6+ million a year.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 14, 2009 9:36 PM EST up reply actions
Semin Song
You take the good, you take the bad,
you take them both and there you have
The Facts of Life JIZZ, the Facts of Life JIZZ.
There’s a time you got to go and show
You’re growin’ now you know about
The Facts of Life JIZZ, the Facts of Life JIZZ.
When the world JIZZ never seems
to be livin up to your dreams
And suddenly you’re finding out
the Facts of Life JIZZ are all about you, you.
"We’re still working on some things over in Europe, and we’ve been close in the last week or so. Some things get in the way, but we’re just trying to work that out, and hopefully it can be worked out soon."
by D'ohboy on Dec 14, 2009 9:39 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
It’s like it was written just for him!
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 14, 2009 9:41 PM EST up reply actions
I had to cut out the part about “the boys you hate, you date,” but otherwise…
"We’re still working on some things over in Europe, and we’ve been close in the last week or so. Some things get in the way, but we’re just trying to work that out, and hopefully it can be worked out soon."
Why would you cut that part out? Locker room has a couch for a reason, you know…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 14, 2009 11:22 PM EST up reply actions
I disagree with your assessment. I do not agree that when Semin is not scoring he is a liability on the ice. That’s an overstatement. I also disagree that Green only has “occasional” mistakes. I don’t know why it is harder to swallow pure domination followed by less than that (I certainly and profoundly disagree with “a streak of games of total uselessness.” ). That is an overly-harsh, exaggerated statement. Total uselessness? Really?
True, he's not totally useless
He actively hurts the team. I’d prefer useless.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 10:00 PM EST up reply actions
You’re right, total uselessness was an exaggeration. During that bad stretch when AO hurt his shoulder Semin was very useful for teams like the Devils.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 14, 2009 10:00 PM EST up reply actions
Damn you, F&B!
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 14, 2009 10:01 PM EST up reply actions
Shit
Is that where I’m at now? Damn.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 10:23 PM EST up reply actions
It’s on your profile page.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 10:25 PM EST up reply actions
In the username. If this guy sticks around, Fehr will probably pass it. Awesome work.
Incidentally, you know what the second guy gets for 15,000? A set of steak knives.
"After the Cold War, the AK-47 became Russia's biggest export. After that came vodka, caviar, and suicidal novelists (and a couple good hockey players)."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 14, 2009 10:25 PM EST up reply actions
So what do I get?
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 10:26 PM EST up reply actions
First prize is a Cadillac El Dorado, thanks to SBN numerous partnerships.
"After the Cold War, the AK-47 became Russia's biggest export. After that came vodka, caviar, and suicidal novelists (and a couple good hockey players)."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 14, 2009 10:29 PM EST up reply actions
Nice, a roomy trunk for after I take my Huckleberry on a long ride.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 10:30 PM EST up reply actions
Must mean third place gets kicked off the blog. I better step it up.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 14, 2009 10:27 PM EST up reply actions
That’s right, 3rd prize is you’re fired.
Always be posting.
"After the Cold War, the AK-47 became Russia's biggest export. After that came vodka, caviar, and suicidal novelists (and a couple good hockey players)."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 14, 2009 10:28 PM EST up reply actions
Yes total uselessness, as in he is doing nothing to help the team win. Just look at the streak of games around his infamous New Jersey game. Streak of total uselessness right there. And before that he was playing really well, domination.
That sure sounds like domination followed by uselessness. Followed by domination (now). And that sure sounds like inconsistency to me, which is what he’s criticized for.
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 14, 2009 10:01 PM EST up reply actions
Semin is not the only Cap who’s inconsistent or gets penalized. He just gets credit for it.
Yes and no. He gets held to a higher standard – maybe an unfair one – because of his skill. But he also takes worse penalties than anyone else – for example he’s leading the team in offensive zone penalties.
by David M. Getz on Dec 14, 2009 9:48 PM EST up reply actions
That’s right we need to be more PC here don’t you know. It is really starting to wear thin with all the Barney generation people on here lately. Good grief get a grip. Some folks around the rink have skin thinner than Matt Bradley’s.
Last year, it seemed that the main “whipping boy” in the Caps blogosphere was Schultz. While Schultz is nowhere near being one of my favorite players, I did feel like the criticism of him was out of proportion to his deeds.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Um, were you here last year? Because I can recall oodles of praise for Sarge around these parts…
"We’re still working on some things over in Europe, and we’ve been close in the last week or so. Some things get in the way, but we’re just trying to work that out, and hopefully it can be worked out soon."
I was on last year. I’ll admit my impression on the Schultz criticism didn’t necessarily apply just to Japers’. I read lots of negativity on multiple sites. (Not just Japers or CI)
I read a lot of the statistical analysis and Corsi ratings last year.
Rocking the Red since 1975
Yeah, you won’t find too many Schultz haters here…
by David M. Getz on Dec 14, 2009 9:49 PM EST up reply actions
Someone did not teach their children well.
Questioning the quality of an anonymous stranger’s parents is pretty much as classless and uncivil as you can possibly be.
"We’re still working on some things over in Europe, and we’ve been close in the last week or so. Some things get in the way, but we’re just trying to work that out, and hopefully it can be worked out soon."
by D'ohboy on Dec 14, 2009 9:45 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
My dad would beat you up if he heard that!
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 9:47 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah! When they aren’t sodomizing farm animals, my mum and da’ are the greatest.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
Evidence?
I do not think this word means what you think it means.
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
by fat_daddyo on Dec 14, 2009 9:52 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I realize that I’m feeding you, but I find this thread entertaining, so I’ll keep doing it…
I wasn’t part of your little argument. I don’t care what you think about Semin, or what you think other people think about Semin. Criticizing someone’s parents is low and uncalled for.
"We’re still working on some things over in Europe, and we’ve been close in the last week or so. Some things get in the way, but we’re just trying to work that out, and hopefully it can be worked out soon."
You know, there’s a good chance that some of the bile comes from the dickweed sarcasm such as that employed in your post.
by mechanicsville on Dec 14, 2009 9:53 PM EST up reply actions
That may be true, but the Semin Lobby has been overly sensitive to criticism long before I started using my dickweed sarcasm to fight the good fight.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 14, 2009 9:56 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I get it. This blog is both informative and entertaining. It seems, though, that many commenters tend to enjoy shouting others down who disagree with them. Not sure why that is.
by mechanicsville on Dec 14, 2009 10:05 PM EST up reply actions
You’re wrong.
SHUTUP!!
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
by fat_daddyo on Dec 14, 2009 10:06 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
UP YOURS PAL!!!
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
by D'ohboy on Dec 14, 2009 10:07 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I’m not your pal buddy!
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 14, 2009 10:08 PM EST up reply actions
Put that thing away, Keynes!
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 10:11 PM EST up reply actions
Such a friendly place. Why would I go anywhere else?! Thanks goodness we’re all rooting for the same hockey team. Y’all are Caps fans, right.
by mechanicsville on Dec 14, 2009 10:08 PM EST up reply actions
Allow me...

"After the Cold War, the AK-47 became Russia's biggest export. After that came vodka, caviar, and suicidal novelists (and a couple good hockey players)."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 14, 2009 10:07 PM EST up reply actions 6 recs
How could you not trust that face?
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 10:11 PM EST up reply actions
Is that Jason Campbell after Rendle-El drops another pass?
by mechanicsville on Dec 14, 2009 10:12 PM EST up reply actions
Rendle-El
Um, that’s Randle-El…no references to the governor of PA should be inferred…or implied for that matter.
by mechanicsville on Dec 14, 2009 10:14 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, but I’ll take a double minor and sit in the box while the team blows the lead, like the topic of the night.
Or maybe that’s too personal an attack?
"After the Cold War, the AK-47 became Russia's biggest export. After that came vodka, caviar, and suicidal novelists (and a couple good hockey players)."
by Bald Pollack on Dec 14, 2009 10:15 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Don’t turn it over at the blue line now, pal, all you got to do is dump it in the corner and walk away with the win!!
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
Serious question…all (or most) joking aside. Do you sign Semin at the end of the season? I watch all of the games, just like you guys, and he’s as maddening as they get. But it makes me nauseous to think of letting him get away. I suppose the way the rest of this season and hopefully, a lengthy postseason goes, before we can make a good determination on this one.
by mechanicsville on Dec 14, 2009 10:22 PM EST up reply actions
Depends on the money!
As always, as with anyone.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 10:23 PM EST up reply actions
Liar! You want to trade him immediately for a bag of pucks! The evidence is right there on the interwebs!
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 14, 2009 10:24 PM EST up reply actions
Correct.
That is, if he doesn’t mute the entire issue by taking himself to the KHL preemptively
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
If a snowflake turns the puck over in Siberia, but nobody’s there to see it, did it really cost his team the game?
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 10:26 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
You want Sasha to talk less than he already does?!
by mechanicsville on Dec 14, 2009 10:27 PM EST up reply actions
Post season will be key. Without delving too much in to pop psychology, the knock on Semin from scouts and analysts has been his concentration. If that’s the case, maybe he brings it all post season long like he did last year before he was hurt and in ‘08. If that’s the case, I’d be happy to deal with the problems he has during the regular season since the Cup is the goal.
by David M. Getz on Dec 14, 2009 10:27 PM EST up reply actions
THIS
Thats why I love semin and want him to stay. This years playoffs will be a great gauge, but it seems like he can bring it when he needs to in the playoffs. Anyone got any stats on that?
They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.
IIRC 4 goals, 8 pts vs PHI, then 11 pts vs NYR but like 1 pt vs PIT. He’s good excellent in the playofffs until he gets hurt.
by red army line on Dec 15, 2009 8:43 AM EST up reply actions
Truth. If his body holds up long enough.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 10:31 PM EST up reply actions
So we bench him 3 weeks of the last month, then bring him in just before the playoffs?
They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.
Maybe bench him through the first two rounds?
by red army line on Dec 15, 2009 8:43 AM EST up reply actions
That’s what I’ve been thinking. He’s shown himself to be beastly in the playoffs. Even with the thumb against Pgh, he held his own. And do the Nylander’s dollars affect the Semin situation, in your opinion?
by mechanicsville on Dec 14, 2009 10:32 PM EST up reply actions
Nah, Nylander’s NMC is up after this year anyway, so the team would have gotten him off the roster no matter what.
by David M. Getz on Dec 14, 2009 10:33 PM EST up reply actions
It’s just that the style he plays relies so much on the wrist. My wrist hurts like hell just trying to pull off a Semin-esque shot.
by red army line on Dec 15, 2009 8:44 AM EST up reply actions
I haven’t been following, I don’t think. Who is the Semin Lobby? Moi?
by red army line on Dec 15, 2009 8:41 AM EST up reply actions
Erskine’s lack of … skill
Now I need to clean my screen.
by red army line on Dec 15, 2009 8:31 AM EST up reply actions
I am quite new here( Sept. 09), and have not seen many comments made by you on the Rink. All that i’v seen so far from you is " why does Semin get picked on so much" and “why are you so vicious and mean-spirited” type comments. IMO, Semin gets raged on because he is highly skilled but not always focused and somewhat fragile. It’s his inconsistancy that fuels this debate.
My question to you is, is there anything else about the Caps, or hockey in general, that you would like to discuss? Cap room issues? Player trades? The play on the ice? Team Canada’s starting goalie? Anything?
Finally, the men and women here at the Rink are a lighthearted and fun bunch with a bit of snark and sarcasm. It’s what i like about the Rink. If you are gonna be prudish about it then maybe this is not the site for you. That’s your call, not mine.
This is the Blog of the Free, and the Home of the Snark!
’
If you don't wanna get hit, KEEP YOUR HEAD UP!
by dlw66 on Dec 15, 2009 12:34 AM EST up reply actions 7 recs
Just read that again
Someone has to stick up for Semin.
by red army line on Dec 15, 2009 8:23 AM EST up reply actions
That up arrow for AO is paying off – he’s killing in the Washington Post online poll for best athlete of the decade.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
It’s best DC athlete of 2000-2009, right? Even with my Caps bias, I don’t understand how anyone else could possibly be the right answer.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Dec 14, 2009 8:17 PM EST up reply actions
Agreed. Especially given that the Redskins, Wizards, and Nats have been downright awful as of late.
Rocking the Red since 1975
And I did read the Olie arguments too, and they’re lovely, but still.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Dec 14, 2009 10:04 PM EST up reply actions
With all the empty nets BMo missed one down arrow doesn’t even come close to what he deserves. Luckily my (other) fantasy team has been steamrolling (2PA has nothing on my league lead) so I didn’t need those goals. But God Damn.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 14, 2009 4:25 PM EST reply actions
I’m totally claiming ignorance on this, so someone help me out. What’s the deal with Tyler Sloan? Can the Caps send him down without losing him? I thought that was why he was up with the big club because they didn’t want to lose him to the waiver wire and get nothing in return a la Bourque? I was really high on his play earlier in the season, but he hasn’t shown me much lately (at least when he wasn’t scratched). It seems to be his play has declined since he returned home for that short period due to a death in the family.
The Caps can send him down without losing him because he’s not very good, and not capable of consistently playing at an NHL level.
That said, he still has to go through waivers.
The caps aren’t getting rid of him because their defensive depth is “a position of strength”. But they fail to note that all of their “depth” players are 5-7 D men at best.
Now drink with me deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 14, 2009 6:10 PM EST up reply actions
Thanks. I thought they didn’t send him down initially because they thought he would be claimed off waivers. I wasn’t sure if he was at that point where waivers is necessary to go back and forth between Hershey. I just assumed he was at that point since he was still in DC. I guess that answers my question.
The Caps can send him down without losing him because he’s not very good
Damn, beat me to it.
Of all our iniquities ignorance may be the worst
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 14, 2009 7:00 PM EST up reply actions
in total agreement about our C
I think we can all agree on the fact that the Caps don’t have Clark on the ice for his offense, or for his defense really. So he wears the “C” for a reason. That reason HAS to include doing his absolutel damndest to keep this uber powerful team from throwing out stinkers like the Toronto debacle. C’mon Cap you get an intermission between the second and third period to rattle a few facemasks if necessary.
A danger to myself and others on the ice
OT: Barnburner in Montreal
4 – 3 Sabres now…gonna be a big finish
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
So I joined this thread about 45 minutes ago when it said “197 comments, 119 new”. It’s now at 384.
Key phrases/analysis added: “Jizz boner”, “ball gagged”, “strippers on lap”, “wife on lap”, “terrible luposlipaphobia”, “shit faced freshman girls”, and a Star Trek photo.
I love this site.
by Cluster on Dec 14, 2009 10:55 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
I don’t know whether to be proud or ashamed that I contributed many of these key phrases.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
be proud, say it with pride brotha!
They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.
The discussion here tonight is getting crazy. (You can always count on good snark here.) I may not always agree with sentiments expressed but it’s generally worth reading.
I noticed that this site and Capitals Insider are the de facto boards for this team. The new “official” boards are really lame — even more lame than the old official boards. (Most of the posters for the “old” official board have moved off to a new, unofficial board and it seems like the level of discourse has really degenerated over there.)
Rocking the Red since 1975
They made a new “official” board this fall and it’s really lame. Not many people even post on that board. (The old “official” board had plenty of posters but there were some awfully stupid posts there. One Caps blogger actually referred to the “old” board as “Darwin’s Waiting Room”. As in members of the pre-human species.)
Rocking the Red since 1975
So, I’ve been off the internet for a few hours. Did I miss anything?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 14, 2009 11:26 PM EST reply actions
Nope. Nothing to see here. We had some trolls, but we smoked ’em out with some flaming Jizz.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
Today’s thread wasn’t really trolley, in my humble opinion. Certainly some disagreements and some wise cracks.
Rocking the Red since 1975
I guess that’s the Trolley to take MN to Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Okay, how do you spell “trolly” as in the adverb/adjective that means “troll-like”?
Rocking the Red since 1975
Dude, that’s a picture of where I work (basically)
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 15, 2009 12:54 AM EST up reply actions
Oh, them trolleys are real enough when one hits you. And the brakes ain’t great.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 15, 2009 12:59 AM EST up reply actions
At least Brendan Witt gives as good as he takes, when motor vehicles are involved.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 15, 2009 1:32 AM EST up reply actions
I always wanted to be a trolley conductor!
by mechanicsville on Dec 15, 2009 10:43 AM EST up reply actions
Damn, this thread is awesome. Thanks for the pre-bedtime laughs, folks.
"So much on my mind I just can't recline. Blastin' holes in the night 'til she bled sunshine."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Dec 14, 2009 11:30 PM EST reply actions
It’s the cost vs. performance that might allow him to slide through. At $2.5m/year, he’s a gamble even for a team that needs a tough veteran d-man. The Avs put Tom Preissing through waivers a few days ago and it was the same deal – decent player fallen on hard times performance-wish who’s simply making too much money. The Caps wouldn’t know anything about having someone like that lying around, now would they?
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
It’d be awesome if they accidentally waived Cam instead…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 15, 2009 12:54 AM EST up reply actions
…and every single other team in the league happened to yawn at the same time. For 24 hours.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 15, 2009 1:12 AM EST up reply actions
Good Morning
Kings lose. Caps still on top of the league. All continues to be right in this world for at least one more day.
If we win, we stay on top. If we lose in regulation tonight, Colorado ties us. And it the Penguins also win, they’re on top.
Rocking the Red since 1975
NJD is a point back with game(s) in hand.
by red army line on Dec 15, 2009 8:48 AM EST up reply actions



















































