A Look at The Capitals' Blueline
by J.P. on Dec 15, 2009 11:00 AM EST
417 comments
When Karl Alzner was recalled yesterday, he brought the total number of defensemen on the Caps' NHL roster to a whopping nine. Even with Brian Pothier out of the lineup with a rib injury and Tyler Sloan getting a lot of his minutes up front (when he gets a sweater, that is), there's a logjam on the blueline which must be resolved, especially if the Caps are going to eventually spend some of those sweet, sweet Nylander bucks on a new (to them) rearguard.
As this unit is viewed generally as the team's Achilles heel, the decision of who stays and who goes is all the more important, so let's take a look at some of the numbers through 33 games. First, stats at five-on-five, ranked by plus-minus per sixty minutes (GP - games played; QC - Quality of Competition; QT - Quality of Teammates; Pts/60 - Points per sixty minutes; GFON/60 - team goals for per sixty minutes; GAON/60 - team goals against per sixty minutes; +/-ON/60 - GFON/60 minus GAON/60; Corsi - Corsi rating; Pen+/- - Penalty plus minus per sixty minutes):
Some of these numbers are surprising - first and foremost the fact that John Erskine has the lowest GAON/60 of the group and how bad Alzner's numbers are (albeit in an extremely small sample). Some aren't as surprising - Mike Green has the highest GFON/60 and Jeff Schultz is leading the way in plus-minus, even though he's playing tough competition. In fact, Schultz has the best five-on-five plus-minus per sixty in the entire NHL among blueliners who have played at least ten games... and Erskine and Pothier round out the top three, respectively, with Green not far behind.
As for Erskine's numbers (and Pothier's, for that matter), you can see that he has been somewhat hidden (more or less tied for the weakest competition) and his Corsi shows he's been somewhat lucky to be on the right side of the plus-minus ledger. Anyway, there's plenty there for discussion in the comments, but let's move on.
Next up - just a couple of four-on-five numbers, ranked by goals against per sixty minutes (TOI/60 - time on ice per sixty minutes):
It's no secret that the Caps' penalty kill has struggled, and part of the reason is that a couple of their supposed defensive stalwarts - Shaone Morrisonn and Tom Poti - haven't been getting the job done. Erskine has become nearly unplayable down a man (and his minutes reflect that - only two defensemen in the League have a worse GAON/60), and no one with a decent sample size is really distinguishing himself here, save perhaps Milan Jurcina. Granted, a few saves here and there could help these numbers out, but the blueliners have to help out their netminders as well.
Finally, some general numbers, ranked by games played (TOI - time on ice per game; Hits - hits; BkS - blocked shots; TkA - takeaways; GvA - giveaways; GvA/60 - giveaways per sixty minutes of ice time T-G/60 - takeaways minus giveaways per sixty minutes of ice time):
A few more interesting numbers here, especially those last two, which measure puck possession and protection. Sure, Green turns the puck over with maddening frequency, but not nearly as often per minute as Erskine. Add in Green's takeaways, and he looks even less bad better.
Again, there's a lot of data in these tables, but, taken together, they paint a pretty good picture of where the Caps' blueline is at the moment, and who are the likely - and deserving - candidates to go when room needs to be made.
* Sloan's statistics include time spent at forward. Simple stats via NHL.com, advanced stats via Behind the Net.
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Couldn’t be clearer: John Erskine ($1.25M this year, $1.25M next) should go, pronto. And Shaone Morrisonn ($1.98M) It’s time for WSH to play its best team every night. Neither of those guys is on it.
That really wasn’t directed at anyone in particular, just at the haterz, generally.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Nah. OFB is just angry that Big Joe Finley wasn’t included.
"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 15, 2009 11:12 AM EST up reply actions
Erskine has become what Juice was most of last year – a small minutes guy with some physicality who is unplayable on special teams.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Agreed, Erskine and ShaMo are the most likely candidates to be moved and they can probably find takers, although Mo might be a little harder. For my money, the Caps need to get older on defense. That’s why I wouldn’t be against taking a look at a guy like Aaron Ward. He’s not great, but he’s won a Cup and has a ton of playoff experience.
JP suggested this yesterday: Pick up Ward, whose deal expires after this year. Make him your 7D. Waive Ersky, who has a $1.25M cap hit next year.
But you still have Ersky under contract for next year unless someone bites (which they wouldn’t).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Those were the two players I was thinking of before I started reading the intro and they are the two players just begging to go after you get done looking at the data.
Hockey players aren't like other people. Witt after being hit by a car:
I’m okay. No big deal...I’ve got to go play some hockey. I’m a hockey player.
couldnt agree more. Definately surprised to see ShaneMo ranked so low in so many categories when some in this forum have been claiming he’s back to ‘07-’08 form. He’s the first to go easily. Gotta say though, Erskine providing sandpaper has saved him a spot on the roster. With money not an issue, I would be okay with him as the #7 d only to activate against the Philly’s of the world. When the team is fully healthy, going to say bye-bye to Sloan.
Morrisonn’s been hitting more this year than before. Hits are memorable, so folks are left witht he impression that he’s playing well. He ain’t.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 15, 2009 12:13 PM EST up reply actions
Mo also, in my opinion at least, was pretty good for the team’s first 4-6 games. First impressions mean a lot.
by David M. Getz on Dec 15, 2009 12:14 PM EST up reply actions
Also coming off a strong finish to last year.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 15, 2009 3:52 PM EST up reply actions
Although Alzner does only have 1 GA and 0 TA, but still…
Sorry, TkA and GvA is what I meant.
by red army line on Dec 15, 2009 11:13 AM EST up reply actions
Anyone buying into the theory that Poti has regressed this year, perhaps due to the foot injury he suffered in the playoffs?
I’m going to start tracking Poti’s PK clearing attempts, because I don’t think he’s as bad as folks around here say.
Maybe I’ll be proven wrong, maybe I won’t. I’m going to call it right down the middle.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
because I don’t think he’s as bad as folks around here say
9.49 GA/60 (4on5) says otherwise.
by Yoshietree on Dec 15, 2009 11:19 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I think a lot of the PK problems are due to the forwards not pressuring the points and allowing the opposition to keep the Caps tired and pinned in their own zone. Poti’s going to have the most goals against on the PK because he’s given the most PK time among defensemen. I think it is unfair to place the blame on “the D” at large and Poti in particular when it comes to PK struggles.
Maybe the PK clearing attempt tracking will invalidate my opinions, we’ll see.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Everyone plays a part – the forwards, the defensemen and the goalies. And yes, Poti’s going to have the most goals against on the PK because he gets the most time. But his rate is incredibly high there, though QualComp explains some of it.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Mr. Face, meet Mr. Palm.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 15, 2009 11:27 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Great insight Jordan, where’d you pick that stuff up?
Poti sucks. He blows a clear (or tries to) basically every PK shift he takes. He’s also the most effective screen the Caps have on the team. Poti for wingaaaaaaar!!!! (On another team.)
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 15, 2009 3:57 PM EST up reply actions
I picked it up from your mom, hah!
We’ll see about the PK clears. Like I said, I’m going to start tracking them for Poti:
BCL – round the boards clearing attempt
MCL – up the middle clearing attempt
RCL – rainbow clearing attempt
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
You forgot about his usual approach, the WTFCL
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 15, 2009 4:07 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Those are generally just failed RCLs.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
And the Juice special. The HPTTSCL – Hand pass to the slot clear.
"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."
by Sct112 on Dec 15, 2009 4:15 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Was it really necessary for you to remind me of this?
by mechanicsville on Dec 15, 2009 4:35 PM EST up reply actions
Poti for what it’s worth will probably can pick up his play, to the level of competent and be a good Special Teams player. I don’t think we are in a position to replace him this year, next year with his salary though….
ShaMo and Ersky are nearly unplayable on special teams and bring no added value over ready replacements. IMO get what you can get for ShaMo. Maybe an extra pick nets us a guy like Ward, at which point you could waive Ersky. I wouldn’t get rid of BOTH until and if we can get another blue liner, Sloan is fine as 7B but I’d worry about depth if he was a true 7. A couple of injuries and it’d be ready or not here you go Johnny C.
It’s pretty evident that Sloan, much as we may be thankful for what he’s done, has outlived his usefulness with this team. There is simply no reason to keep him around.
Yes… because the Caps can bank cap space between now and the deadline. Why not bank the most you can so if a $6M guy is available, maybe…
Absolutely, but keeping Sloan around over someone in the Alzner/Carlson salary range isn’t going to impede that. If you’re talking about bringing a bigger hit now…and then a 6 million salary at the deadline, I could be convinced to agree with you though.
Carlson is an AHLer all year. Period. There’s no reason to bring him up now, to start his RFA/UFA clocks ticking, etc. He’s going to be a better player for having spent the season in the A.
Sorry, wasn’t trying to imply it would be Carlson coming up…but someone in the Carlson/Alzner pay range. I agree whole heartedly about keeping him in Hershey this year.
Ok, apparently my point is getting through, either because I’m not putting my thoughts into words or because you’re missing it (probably the former) let me try and reword.
If the team intends on making a move for a high priced assett now…then holding onto Sloan makes sense to save the money for the a deadline deal. If the team intends on using a low priced asset (Alzner, Carlson, anyone else that makes less than 1.8-2 million) then there is no need to hold onto Sloan as the 1.5 – 2.5 million needed for a significant deadline addition will be there.
Does that help?
Yeah, I hear what you’re saying. But I think that part of your Best Six D is Alzner, no question. He’s gotta be up and playing every day. Period. He’s better than anyone you can get via trade, particularly at his price point.
With Alzner, Sloan is No. 9. So yes.
No, it’s on me – I misread what you’d written and failed to realize you were talking about “now” vs. “months from now.”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
You mean having Sloan now instead of Carlzner to save money for later.
I don’t like this idea and here’s why – you’ve got an asset already in Alzner. Now’s the time to develop that asset so you can maximize its efficacy in the spring.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Am I really not making any sense at all today? That’s the complete opposite of what I was trying to say.
You’re right about Carlson, but if Sloan is going to sit on the bench as an 8/9 D because Alzner is here anyway he’s not really saving money. He’s preventing cap banking, albeit moderate. I don’t really see a need from him once Boyd and Q are healthy.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 15, 2009 4:00 PM EST up reply actions
Reading below fail. My bad.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 15, 2009 4:02 PM EST up reply actions
(I think you mean “no” – no reason to keep him around)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
This fanpost is sort of doing that: http://www.japersrink.com/2009/12/14/1199995/spend-ted-leonsiss-money
Hockey players aren't like other people. Witt after being hit by a car:
I’m okay. No big deal...I’ve got to go play some hockey. I’m a hockey player.
I’m guessing you started working on this during Juice’s current bed-wetting period, but I think that his QC and QT compared to his GA and GF/60 (not to mention age and salary) may make him the most appealing asset to trade.
"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)."
Sure – he’s the most desirable of those bottom guys to keep, so that would follow logically.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Well I mean from a “logjam removal” perspective. Otherwise we’re back to trying to get something, anything for 4 and/or 26.
"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 15, 2009 11:21 AM EST up reply actions
Right. I guess the question becomes, would you rather get, say, a second round pick for Jurcina or just waive Erskine?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I wouldn’t mind taking a second round pick for Jurcina. They could package the pick to make a big trade later in the year.
Green – steady guy the team trades for
Poti – Schultz
Pothier – Alzner
is a pretty good 6. I think Jurcina’s expendable.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 15, 2009 12:22 PM EST up reply actions
Despite his talent, I think the consensus on Carlson (which I’m beginning to agree with), is to leave him down in Hershey so as to not start his contract/RFA/UFA clock.
If we get desperate, we can always use Sean Collins, or Sloan if he’s still around.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
And regardless, if we do call up Carlson is it definitely not to play 7D. He needs to be on the ice one way or another.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 15, 2009 4:03 PM EST up reply actions
I sorta like the approach Detroit used with Ericsson (I think it was) in 2008. They called him up and let him sit and watch them play during the postseason.
by red army line on Dec 15, 2009 4:29 PM EST up reply actions
I think DET also had a bunch of injuries so they didn’t actually have a 7D. They needed a body and Ericsson ended up playing quite a few games because another guy got hurt. Unless things drastically change we’ll have plenty of other options for 7D. Plus, Grand Rapids isn’t that good and HER is going to be challenging for the Calder Cup. No reason to take Carlson out of some serious games that he could be accruing experience in order to watch NHL hockey.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 15, 2009 4:50 PM EST up reply actions
Bucking the trend, I’m actually OK with Erskine as a 7th D, as long as he’s actually used that way.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 15, 2009 12:31 PM EST up reply actions
So am I…to a degree. I like his as a seventh defenseman who dressed for certain matchups and can fill in short term. But I think that ideally the seventh ‘D’ has to be able to become the sixth ‘D’ for an extended period, and I don’t know if I trust Erskine with that.
by David M. Getz on Dec 15, 2009 12:32 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t think that is a bad idea. Erskine is a perfectly serviceable 7th D. He isn’t a night to night guy, he’s a good guy to have around when Duco comes back to town in January. He can sit a lot and when they need him or someone else needs a break he can get some 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."
And unlike Juice, Erskine plays well in that limited role. Juice somehow can’t get his head right if he’s not playing every night.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 15, 2009 4:04 PM EST up reply actions
And, no sooner is it said than Juice is the healthy scratch tonight.
by mechanicsville on Dec 15, 2009 4:37 PM EST up reply actions
To allow Erskine to play… with Alzner no less (odd, seems like they always prefer Alzcina when they get the chance).
A bit of a head-scratcher I’d say, unless they’re afraid of David “2 seconds of icetime” Koci taking liberties.
If the Caps are basing their lineup decisions on Koci…yeesh!
by mechanicsville on Dec 15, 2009 4:46 PM EST up reply actions
But, the big question is… how does Erskine play having sat in the press box for 8 straight games? That’s a tough assignment for anyone, and I’ve always felt his skating, while not as bad as most believe believe, is not up to infrequent use. I’m thinking he’d REALLY be a pylon playing once every so often.
DC, where Hockey is a baffling ordeal.
by Chris meet Alex on Dec 15, 2009 1:10 PM EST up reply actions
Those nachos. All those poor nachos.
And beer. Gallons of beer…
The Erskinator. Not coming this spring.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 15, 2009 1:14 PM EST up reply actions
Agreed. Erskine has been at his best getting spot duty. It’s why I think he could hold a job as a 7th D.
Juice, for example, seems to do worse after a break or with limited playing time.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 15, 2009 1:36 PM EST up reply actions
He wouldn’t be there for 8 days though, he could spell Poti on one night, Pothier three nights later. These guys are always fighting dings and nagging injuries. It will shuffle the pairings a bit, but as long as he is the odd man out and not relied on to be a consistent minutes guy he’s pretty servicable.
"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."
Both points make sense… hopefully it will/would work.
DC, where Hockey is a baffling ordeal.
by Chris meet Alex on Dec 15, 2009 1:16 PM EST up reply actions
QualComp/QualTeam is a tricky beast. One could dismiss Erskine and Pothier’s good numbers by attributing them to his weak QualComp, but one could also dismiss Schultz’s good numbers by attributing them to his extremely high QualTeam. In fact, his QualTeam is second in the league among blueliners (min. 10 GP). It’s interesting how these metrics can shape some of the other BtN stats.
"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 15, 2009 11:21 AM EST reply actions
But when his QualTeam (of late anyway) is based on playing with the insanity, inconsistency and brain-fart that is Mike Green… he’s getting a high QT and is also charged with covering up the mistakes of of the guy who helps give him high QT.
Right. These stats don’t tell the whole story. Add to the mixture some direct observation and some dobber hockey and the picture takes shape.
"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 15, 2009 11:27 AM EST up reply actions
And the picture is worth a thousand words, or at least these three: Schultz for Norris!
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 15, 2009 11:29 AM EST up reply actions 5 recs
I’m thinking of making up cue cards listing Schultz’s standing among NHL defenseman. That way, when the idot behind me starts yealling “Schultz Sucks” during the anthem, I can just hold up a sign and not even have to acknowledge his existence.
Is that the sequel to the “Free Alex” movement? The “Educate Schultz Haters” movement?
"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 15, 2009 11:52 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I often thought about passing something like that around in 404 when I sat there. Not as much Schultz hate in 407 where i moved to in the playoffs and for this season.
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Dec 15, 2009 1:34 PM EST up reply actions
I’m in 408 – we should meet up sometime during a game and hold “Schultz for Norris” signs.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
by D'ohboy on Dec 15, 2009 1:38 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
haha, hit up kinkos and pass them out with a print off of DMG’s and J.P.s fact based breakdowns. It’ll be a public service announcement
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Dec 15, 2009 1:58 PM EST up reply actions
Where is this 400 level you speak of? Are you talking about the uneducated rabble at the top of the VC?
"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."
Sigh. While I consider myself an elitist, I have yet to forget my blue-collar, average Joe roots.
/living in 402 and proud
//row A
Do you occasionally shout something like “Green for WingaH” just so that you fit in? Or do you simply remain below the radar and hope to make it out alive.
/ enjoying my flavored vodka where I can see the puck.
"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."
That’s where I used to sit – there was some dyseducation there.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 15, 2009 2:37 PM EST up reply actions
The “All your fault” chant that raises so many’s ire originated in the lower bowl.
by Gin and Tonic on Dec 15, 2009 2:40 PM EST up reply actions
I prefer sitting in the 400’s. Yea there are a ton of nuts, but that’s what makes it fun.
"And next year it will be ours."
I prefer the 400’s as well – you can see the entire ice, and watch plays develop from up there. Notjobs notwithstanding, I don’t consider it “blue collar” to sit upstairs. I do so by choice – and also do so in Hershey, where I could sit five rows from the glass for under $25.
SRSLY. Though I do like my upstairs corner seat.
FWIW, section 209, row A/B down towards the 18-19-20 seats end in Hershey? Don’t sit there. You’ll be staring at the bars at the end of a staircase instead of the far end of the ice. :)
I’m perfectly happy with my cheap, nosebleed corner seat. If I wanted to be an elitist in the lower bowl, I couldn’t afford season tickets right now.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
I’ve seen it mentioned a couple of times, so I’ll take a moment to ask, what exactly are leaners? Obviously, people who lean…but why is that a problem?
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
It’s a problem, because when someone in front of you is leaning in a raked seating area, it makes it hard to see past them.
Actually, I think he’s referring to forward (at least that’s the problem I have). Our seats are center ice-ish and so we are parallel to the benches and thus if the person to my left leans forward I can’t see 1/4 of the ice (usually the area where the puck happens to be at that moment).
DC, where Hockey is a baffling ordeal.
by Chris meet Alex on Dec 16, 2009 11:46 AM EST up reply actions
There’s a reason the media all sit up there too. I remember a few years back I was sitting at a preseason game up in the 400s and in the next section over Matt Pettinger was there watching the game.
I went over and started chatting with him and he cited being able to see the entire ice and watch plays develop as the reasons he was up there and not somewhere else in the mostly empty arena.
by Gin and Tonic on Dec 15, 2009 3:30 PM EST up reply actions
Scout seats are up high in the corners. That should tell you all you need to know.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 15, 2009 4:08 PM EST up reply actions
Teams save money where they can? Or teams don’t want to give up prime seats for guys that don’t pay full fare?
"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."
This goes down to Juniors and lower levels so the issue isn’t cost. The issue is watching the play develop and seeing how players read and react in the play.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 15, 2009 4:51 PM EST up reply actions
Having gone to over 100 Caps games in the lower bowl (parents are STHs), I can say without question the best seat I’ve ever had was first row, center ice in the upper deck for one random game. You can see the play much more clearly. I’ve never sat at center ice, lower level before, though.
I also like variety. I like sitting in different seats for different games. There’s an excitement to sitting against the glass that you don’t get elsewhere.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 15, 2009 5:17 PM EST up reply actions
Definitely true. The speed, size, and violence are much more apparent down low. I’m just pointing out that when the guys that are paid to evaluate talent pick their seats they pick the upper corners.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 15, 2009 5:20 PM EST up reply actions
There are no perfect seats… each seat has benefits and down-sides… it’s what you prefer.
DC, where Hockey is a baffling ordeal.
by Chris meet Alex on Dec 16, 2009 11:49 AM EST up reply actions
Johnstown—-1st row against the glass, center ice—-$12.
LIVING IN PA IS NOT A CRIME. LIKING THE PENS OR FLYERS IS.
I had some guy a few rows behind me saying that Ovechkin was passing to Semin a lot in the game against Carolina because Semin wasn’t on the Russian Olympic team. I bet the guy $1,000 that Semin would be on the team but he wouldn’t take the bet.
Also, Semin had 2 goals at that point, looking for his hat trick….
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Dec 15, 2009 3:31 PM EST up reply actions
It’s also filled with tons of long-time season ticket holders, people who pre-date the arrival of Ovi.
by Gin and Tonic on Dec 15, 2009 3:31 PM EST up reply actions
We sit up there so we can look down on you.
Section 415 and proud of it.
by Gin and Tonic on Dec 15, 2009 2:39 PM EST up reply actions
Whatever happened to the plan that was bandied about last year in terms of taking Erskine off the D, making him a wing, and turning him into the de-facto “enforcer”? I think that’s still a much better plan than having him mess things up on the blue line.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 11:22 AM EST reply actions
There are cheaper enforcers available who are better at, y’know, enforcing.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Yeah, $1.25M for an enforcer. Nuts. Rangers-like.
But we knew that the Ersky extension was a TERRIBLE idea when GMGM did it last year. So. Predictable.
Well, yeah, but if you can’t/don’t want to waive him, and he’s terrible on the blue line, there’s not too many other options. And in his defense (no pun intended) as an enforcer, he did do a pretty good job on Avery last year in the Rangers series
As my wife pointed out to me, “Erskine skates like old people have sex”.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 11:31 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
That’s why I said “not too many other options” and “if you can’t/don’t want to waive him”
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 11:36 AM EST up reply actions
If you look at behindthenet’s RATING rather than +/-ON/60, it shakes up our top 4 a little bit, which passes the gut check more than seeing Erskine in that 2nd row.
Schultz – 1.64
Pothier – 1.35
Green – 1.01
Erskine – 0.94
Poti – (0.59)
Sloan – (1.36)
Juice – (2.06)
ShaMo – (2.23)
And by “our top 4”, I just mean the top 4 in +/- as shown above, not like they are the top 4 defenders.
If you rank them by ‘Defenseman who should be the model for the guy on Brawny paper towels,’ then Erskine is No. 1.
by TylerG on Dec 15, 2009 11:37 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I miss the old Brawny man. He was much more brawny than the new Brawny man.
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 11:39 AM EST up reply actions
I’m afraid of what we’d have to give up.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
It’s not like he’s been a world-beater this year. Although we’ll probably be competing with the Devils for his services if the Ducks do decide to trade him (he almost certainly won’t want a trade, it just depends on whether the Ducks end up caring).
I know he hasn’t been a monster this year, but that doesn’t mean the Ducks won’t want a ton back in return for him anyway. Look at what they asked for for Pronger..
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Who had a year left on his contract and wasn’t about to end his career. I doubt they get even half of that return for Nieds, give or take. Unless they can start a monster bidding war…
He’s going to be the big name guy on the move if they choose to move him, probably.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Yeah, but I think that just means teams would be less likely to make a move, period. If they do trade him they’re not getting 4 good assets like they got for Pronger.
I believe that would be the sure hall of famer.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 15, 2009 12:26 PM EST up reply actions
All those people with Alzner 27 sweaters would be kicking themselves.
"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."
It would only be short term: I’m sure they’d be correct again in the fall.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
No argument, but I’d still laugh.
"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."
Screw that….make Niedermayer wear 72
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 15, 2009 12:56 PM EST up reply actions
You kidding? I wish I had bought an Alzner 47, I’ve been an Alzner fangirl that long…
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Dec 15, 2009 1:48 PM EST up reply actions
For 3-4 months.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 15, 2009 4:12 PM EST up reply actions
And then there would be 3 times as many Niedermeyer 27s than Alzner sweaters.
"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."
And then the Alzner 27s and the Niedermayer 27s could meet on the ice for the intermission and brawl.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 15, 2009 4:51 PM EST up reply actions
If he goes any time before Laing is activated, that makes things interesting.
"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 15, 2009 11:45 AM EST up reply actions
Aaron Ward has cleared waivers, according XM Home Ice. So I guess McPhee has no interest (along with the rest of the league)
Definitely okay with that. I know I heard a few people saying he’d be a good pickup, but Ward’s been mediocre to lousy for the Canes this year (and wasn’t exactly brilliant for the Bruins last year, at least from what I saw). Granted, Carolina as a whole has been mediocre to lousy this year, but he’s been one of their worst.
We don’t need another dead weight D-man here – especially one who is getting up there in years.
Now way anyone was going to take him on the way down, I think, unless they really had to have him and were late in the order. This has re-entry written all over it, he’ll get snapped up most likely (hopefully by a team we have to play a few more times…)
Right – any interest would be upon re-entry.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Jim Rutherford is a master at cap/asset management.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 15, 2009 4:13 PM EST up reply actions
Fact. That Cole for Williams swap was genius.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
And locking up Samsonov after a great 1/3 of a season? Genius. I hear they are trying to get younger, good thing they gave up Patrick Eaves for Aaron Ward.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 15, 2009 8:36 PM EST up reply actions
Two
He sucks.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 15, 2009 4:13 PM EST up reply actions
Erskine has become nearly unplayable down a man… and no one with a decent sample size is really distinguishing himself here, save perhaps Milan Jurcina.
I wouldn’t even say “perhaps.” I would say “most definitely”. Among Caps D, Jurcina has the best GAON/60 besides Poth, who has a small PK sample size. Juice has a sizable PK sample size, a high rating (4.99 – best among D on PK), high QualComp (1.218 – only trailing Poti) and very low QualTeam (-1.013 – only trailing Pothier). The combination of these stats shows he is a solid contributor on the PK. Hopefully that translates into decent trade value.
"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 15, 2009 11:47 AM EST reply actions
Yeah, that hedge was a little harsh on Juice. I’d say he’s doing the job.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Yep, that was more about bringing some statistical Juiceboxes to the game than nitpicking your diction.
"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 15, 2009 11:54 AM EST up reply actions
JP – wonderful work. This is why I read this site. Well done.
by vt caps fan on Dec 15, 2009 11:51 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
From the Juice Lobby (Offices at 17th and K and on the web at www.juicelobby.com)
We here at the Juice Lobby would just like to express our client’s wholehearted approval of the analysis presented above, and relay the following quote:
“All you haters, drink my Juice!”
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
by D'ohboy on Dec 15, 2009 11:57 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
I refuse to rec this no matter how accurate it is
But I am going to leave a flaming bag of poop outside your offices when he reverts back to form. I’m hoping I don’t have to do that because I prefer to poop in a toilet and last time I carried a bag of poop on the metro I got some weird looks.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 15, 2009 4:16 PM EST up reply actions
Jeff Schultz, RFA
Jeff Schultz is an RFA this off-season. $715,000 this year. Do you offer him a multi-year deal (and dollars and term) and when?
Let them remain blissfully ignorant so that the price will stay low. Sarge is a like a great bar with a super-cheap happy hour that nobody knows about – I’m afraid that word will get out, the place will get packed with douchebags, I’ll have to fight my way to the bar only to find out that the beer that used to be $3 is now $6.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
I’d wait. Wait and see what happens on the Backstrom/Semin front and have a better idea how things look down the road.
by David M. Getz on Dec 15, 2009 12:08 PM EST up reply actions
Thats really the trouble. Schultz is playing very well but is he playing well enough to potentially hamstring GMGM come negotiations this summer? Essentially: is Schultz worth not being able to sign Semin?
"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."
Schultz ain’t going to be an impediment to signing Semin. Nylander’s gone, and with Theo’s 4.5 Million coming off the books, there’s plenty of room.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 15, 2009 12:40 PM EST up reply actions
Theo’s 4.5 come off the books as well
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Dec 15, 2009 1:37 PM EST up reply actions
Fellas
No need to argue. You’re both right: Theo’s $4.5m comes off the books after this year.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
I can verify. Capgeek.com has Theo’s $4.5M coming off the books this offseason.
by David M. Getz on Dec 15, 2009 1:42 PM EST up reply actions
Some folks over at Jasper’s Rank were saying Theo’s $4.5M coming off the books this offseason.
"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 15, 2009 1:48 PM EST up reply actions
@tarikelbashir: I’m hearing that Theodore’s $4.5 million comes off the books after this season.
by TylerG on Dec 15, 2009 1:52 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
I wish.
No seriously, dream job. I wish.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 15, 2009 1:56 PM EST up reply actions
Liar!
Everyone knows your dream job involves bubbles.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 15, 2009 4:18 PM EST up reply actions
Dmitri Chesnokov just reported that Theodore’s contract will extend through ‘11/’12.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 15, 2009 1:55 PM EST up reply actions 6 recs
The SovSport version, though, noted that his source might have been joking.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 15, 2009 1:56 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
Not sure I’d like that news. Okay, while Theodore hasn’t done that well lately, he is not that bad a guy. Still, he’s not really worth 4-5 Mill a year for 2 more years.
When did Dmitri talk to Theo, anyhow?
Rocking the Red since 1975
Per Garrioch: The Caps are looking to trade Theodore and his $4.5m cap-hit in a three-way deal that will see Evgeni Malkin go to the Kings.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
by D'ohboy on Dec 15, 2009 1:55 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
@walsha sez the room is too hot and malkin’s agent is wearing a hilariously bad Xmas tie.
ALEX, FЯEE
And then weeps openly on air
And asks the NHL to investigate the unfortunate premature demise of the modern NHL dynasty.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 15, 2009 4:19 PM EST up reply actions
According to this thread, the Caps have something like $36m to work with. Shouldn’t be a problem signing Schultz with all this dough lying around.
by mechanicsville on Dec 15, 2009 1:57 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Apparently Theo is on the books as 7 different players. Its been a profitable year for him.
"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."
He should only be on the books as 2 players
Bad Theo and Mediocre Theo.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 15, 2009 4:20 PM EST up reply actions
hahah…. awful reading compression fail on my part. Glad I could provide everyone with way to entertain themselves at my expense.
hangs head in shame
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Dec 15, 2009 2:01 PM EST up reply actions
No reason for shame. This thread turned out great. It’s like a recap of every media joke in recent memory. And none of them ever get old. Think of it as an unintended assist.
A man gotta have a code
haha no doubt, I laughed several times.
Somehow I saw
Nylander’s gone, and with Theo’s 4.5 Million coming off the books
and interpreted it as “Nylander’s gone, and with his 4.875 Million coming off the books”
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Dec 15, 2009 3:33 PM EST up reply actions
Will 1.5 really hamstring GMGM though? And let me throw that in the other direction. Should GMGM be signing Semin to a deal large enough to potentially hamstring GMGM in contract negotiations with Sarge?
Valid for sure, but given how much uncertainty there is this summer, what is the gain by doing it tomorrow? Does Schultz not know how much he’s worth?
It won’t be as simple as Schultz for Semin, other things will have to be in place, but it might boil down to that. I’m not advocating it either way, I’m just curious to see arguments.
"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 it comes down to why the issue exists in the hypothetical. If it’s because one guy is asking way too much, then I think you have your answer.
by David M. Getz on Dec 15, 2009 12:48 PM EST up reply actions
what is the gain by doing it tomorrow?
I don’t know if anything is actually gained by doing it tomorrow. But if we’re only talking about 1.5 milion per, I don’t think it matters when it’s done.
Though I’m a fan of getting players locked up before any other teams have the opportunity to bid for his services. I’m not saying it’s likely another GM is going to throw out a huge number for Schultz, but stranger things have happened.
It won’t be as simple as Schultz for Semin, other things will have to be in place
Obviously. I was just trying to throw the question out in the other direction. I don’t want to start a flame war, so I’ll keep my thoughts/opinions to myself until I’ve had a few cocktails.
I don’t expect that there would be a flame war, at least not from me. I’d love to get Schultz locked up. The expectation is that if they were able to lock him up now it would be for less cash than he would go for if there were other teams in the hunt, and likely would be less than he would go for in 2011 when he’s got another year under his belt and he’s a UFA.
The question then becomes from GMGMs side: Why wouldn’t you pull and Erskine like signing and sign him in December. The only real reason I can think of, if Schultz is willing to sign (big if), is that he doesn’t want to tie up assets until he has Semin/Backis in the fold, or knows he should let them go.
"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."
He won’t be arb eligible yet, will he? I wouldn’t mind seeing them lock him up for a long time if they can, at a good price, but otherwise it’ll probably just be another QO. He doesn’t have the leverage to earn anything more favorable than that.
You’re the CBA guru… If it’s just QO, there’s no reason to throw down – wait and see if this season was a fluke.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
In what sense? His performance is pretty consistent with what it’s been in the past.
by David M. Getz on Dec 15, 2009 12:12 PM EST up reply actions
True, but this year, I’ve found that he has less, “WTF, Schultz???” moments. To my eyes, his skating, passing and decision-making have improved somewhat (as they should, given his age). If we can just QO him, give him another year to show that the improvements are for real.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
At the same time, you run the risk of him being better next year that this year, thus driving up his price. I guess it just depends what negotiations strategy Schultz’s side decides to pursue.
by David M. Getz on Dec 15, 2009 12:16 PM EST up reply actions
I think that’s sorta what I was trying to say below. I think if he manages to get in the top-5 or 10 in the league in +/-, regardless of how flawed that stat is, he can use it to his advantage in negotiations. He’s never going to put up many points, though.
IIRC, a QO must simply be 10% more than the previous year, which would leave him making around $800k next year. Would you rather have him at that, or lock him up at something like $1.5m/year for 6 years?
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
The latter. $1.5M’s not much for a guy like that, especially since the real value of the contract (and probably the percentage of cap space it takes up) goes down as it progresses.
by David M. Getz on Dec 15, 2009 12:22 PM EST up reply actions
Not to rain on your Schultz parade, but what if he ends up sitting through another playoffs again? We knock Semin for his durability, and he’s played far more playoff games than Schultz has.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 15, 2009 4:24 PM EST up reply actions
What happened to Schultz in 07-08? I’m drawing a blank.
by red army line on Dec 15, 2009 4:31 PM EST up reply actions
Ribs or ankle. Something like that. It all worked out ok because it got Eminger into the lineup, and we know how that turned out.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 15, 2009 4:52 PM EST up reply actions
Sk84fun is a CBA guru. He/she knows all.
"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 15, 2009 12:16 PM EST up reply actions
I was thinking “she” but I didn’t want to guess wrong. Guru is gender neutral anyway.
"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 15, 2009 12:32 PM EST up reply actions
Rare and valuable enough in and of itself…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 15, 2009 1:37 PM EST up reply actions
Well you’re apparently much better at parsing the legal parlance of the CBA than I am. And it’s not from lack of trying on my end.
"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 15, 2009 1:44 PM EST up reply actions
I believe it’s 4 full years in the league before player-elected arbitration, so he’s got one more to go.
"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 15, 2009 12:13 PM EST up reply actions
Yes, 4 pro seasons, but he will have 4 after this season. Last summer was his RFA with no arb. summer and he accepted his QO.
This year his QO will be 5% increase, current salary $715,000 so $750,750.
And unless something happens re. injury, it will have to be a one-way QO, not that it matters much at this point since he is not waiver-exempt at this time.
sk8, how long until he’s a UFA? He’s playing so well, and has shown such steady development, that I’d be very happy to see the Caps give him an above market deal for an RFA if they can find a way to buy a couple or three UFA years.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 15, 2009 1:22 PM EST up reply actions
The ‘12-’13 offseason I think (when he’s 27).
"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 15, 2009 1:58 PM EST up reply actions
That’s a long time from now. Hmm, it’s tough to justify locking Schultz up through ‘14/’15 right now. I love the guy, but contracts of that length should be few and far between. I’d probably just extend him for one or two years with a moderate raise this offseason. At the very least, I wouldn’t want to take the injury risk of a 5 or 6 year deal if I didn’t have to.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 15, 2009 2:01 PM EST up reply actions
If he got an multiyear extension, it’s likely to be similar to what Juice got in ‘07 (2 years, under $1m per), so I wouldn’t expect it to break the bank.
"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 15, 2009 2:03 PM EST up reply actions
I’d do that in a heartbeat. And given the market for RFA contracts, Schultz would be smart to take it.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 15, 2009 2:05 PM EST up reply actions
So ‘06-07 counts as year one? I thought because he started in juniors, that clock didn’t run?
"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 15, 2009 1:59 PM EST up reply actions
Not sure what you mean by started in juniors.
He played pro hockey for all of the 06-07 season in Hershey and Washington and arbitration rights are based on professional experience not accrued seasons. Take a look at 12.1. The max number of pro experience before one gets arbitration rights is 4 pro. And Schultz has 4.
Also, his contract signing was announced on Aug 31, 2005. The first year (05-06) of the contract slid due to his playing in juniors as a teenager. 06-07, 07-08, 08-09 he played on his ELC. This season he is playing on a contract which was accepting his QO (and he did not have arb. rights.)
Not necessary for this discussion given his pro experience, but also he has a Feb ’86 birthdate so he was 19yo per the CBA as of 9/15/05, the year he signed his contract.
Gotcha. For whatever reason I thought he started the year in Calgary and finished with the Caps, hence my (mistaken) impression.
"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 15, 2009 2:49 PM EST up reply actions
FYI, only time it is possible for a player to start a season in the CHL and finish in the NHLwould be in an emergency call-up situation or after a player’s junior season is over.
Also, pro experience is defined by age and pro games played in pro league and/or NHL depending on age.
Cool, thanks for the wisdom.
"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 15, 2009 2:52 PM EST up reply actions
I’d prefer it sooner, rather than later, but perhaps GMGM is hoping that the contract will serve as a carrot.
Sarge shouldn’t get a ridiculous contract, because he scores about as a pauper in a brothel. That being said, there’s a part of me that’s worried that he’ll be in the top-5 for +/- at the end of the year and use that as an argument to make $2m or so.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
I prefer sooner for (my perception of) a guy like Schultz.
If he’s showing continuous improvement offer him a fair contract with an intangible to sweeten the deal (i.e. free ear docking).
I’ve always liked the idea of rewarding people for doing what they’re doing as opposed to the off-season thing: “Here’s $3 million in beer money for the off-season layoff for doing what you did. Have fun, and um, try to do the same next year please.”
A well-played early contract extension could apply pressure/perspective on those who may be waiting for a bidding war.
And all the chicks you used to pull are now talking to dudes with blowouts.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 15, 2009 4:17 PM EST up reply actions
There are people who are not wising up. Fortunately they are not people of import.
The rep at the auto shop I go to for maintenance said over the summer when we extended Schultz, “I don’t know why we kept that bum.” Seems fitting.
"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 15, 2009 12:10 PM EST up reply actions
The response, “because he’s good at hockey”.
by David M. Getz on Dec 15, 2009 12:13 PM EST up reply actions
The things that jumps out at me is offense. Schultz is second in 5-on-5 point production. Obviously I like Sarge, but he shouldn’t be the team’s second highest scorer defenseman.
Grab Ville Koistinen on reentry waivers.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I think the answer is trying to get the guys who have the skills to get more involved. See if you can tweak things to get Jurcina more shots, and Pothier and Poti more involved.
by David M. Getz on Dec 15, 2009 12:17 PM EST up reply actions
I think part of this is just down to the Caps’ offensive style. There’s not a whole lot of “pass it back to the point and blast away” going on, either at 5v5 or 5v4. That tends to be how d-men get points, especially 5v5.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
True. I guess my concern is with puck movement, but I think Pothier and Schultz do an okay job with that even if they don’t get many points.
by David M. Getz on Dec 15, 2009 12:23 PM EST up reply actions
And they don’t cycle it as much either. So many goals off the rush. Also problematic for playoff success.
And no matter what you do, Juice will not get more shots. He just takes forever to get it off and it’s not even that accurate. It’s a wasted skill.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 15, 2009 4:30 PM EST up reply actions
Ironically the one guy with a game that complements Juice’s shot (in terms of creating time and setting him up positionally) is on his way to Grand Rapids.
No. There is no person that can make Juice’s shot effective.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 15, 2009 4:53 PM EST up reply actions
It worked several times (those times when he didn’t force the play offside, natch). It was like they actually had, dare I say it, chemistry.
There’s one scenario in which Juice’s shot is effective: practice.
"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 15, 2009 5:14 PM EST up reply actions
You talkin' about PRACTICE???
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 15, 2009 5:18 PM EST up reply actions
Is there a better example of why the NHL > NBA?
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 15, 2009 5:20 PM EST up reply actions
I mean, I go hard for a GAME, bu’ choo talkin’ ’bout PRAGDIS?!
"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"
by fat_daddyo on Dec 15, 2009 6:05 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
He’s broken the glass in practice, how many nets has he broken.
"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."
by Sct112 on Dec 15, 2009 5:39 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Exactly!
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 15, 2009 5:40 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t see why having the teams best GAON/60 means he should be waived. That number means more than any other number. No, Erskine should not play on the PK, but you don’t need 6 PKing d-men.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
Yeah, that’s fair as long as his role is limited the right way. He shouldn’t be an everyday guy even if he’s paid like it, but there are bigger issues in terms of guys doing worse with bigger roles, at least for stretches.
Plus, he’s become a bit of a “toy” for Boudreau in my opinion. One of Bruce’s flaws has been a tendency to rely on certain players (Flash, Steckel), even when they’re not playing well, or are clearly out of their depth. Perhaps the time has come to take this particular toy away.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
How about four that can get the kill to 80%?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Hershey’s PK is OBSCENE this year. Last time I looked, it was 93%, and that was before they went 5:5 last Saturday night…
No, not really…
If you look at Carlson, and Alzner, who are both eventually coming up here, the fact that the Bears can kill penalties quite effectively will eventually affect the Caps. Maybe not immediately, but it will.
No, it’s completely irrelevant. The AHL is a totally different league – individual performance doesn’t translate directly (Exhibit A: Alex Giroux), and team performance most certainly does not necessarily translate (Exhibit B, 05-06 Bears vs. 05-06 Caps).
I like the Bears, and I’m glad they’re playing well, and I’m excited that Alzner is coming up, and that Carlson is (eventually) on his way, but let’s not get carried away – the performance of the Bears PK has little to no Bear-ing (heh-heh) on how the Caps will perform, outside of the possibility that adding Alzner will improve matters somewhat.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
Ok, so other than the possibility that Alzner will single-handedly improve our PK, how exactly is it relevant? I’ve given you my perspective – I’d like to hear yours.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
First off, I am not talking about just this season, nor do I believe that Alzner will single-handedly improve our PK. It’s NOT particularly relevant to this season, and I don’t believe I said it was.
We have four defensemen going to be UFA at the end of the year. Three of the four are underperforming. At least one or two will probably be replaced, either from outside the organization, or from within.
NEXT season, when Alzner is up for good (if he is not this season), and when some of those underperforming defensemen are off the books, then there may be some impact from bringing Carlson up as well.
I haven’t said anything about any one defenseman being the savior of the PK. I merely stated that the Bears have a wicked good penalty kill, and that some of our blueliners for next season may well come from there, which should have an impact on our PK next year.
That is all.
Alzner will singlehandedly improve our PK!
Because he can skate and move the puck.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 15, 2009 4:33 PM EST up reply actions
Weirdly, I had never noticed what a good skater he is until you were harping on it during his last callup. Yet another reason to watch him.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Dec 15, 2009 7:28 PM EST up reply actions
Whether it does or not I think comes down to the coaches. Seems like French runs a nice PK unit. I find it hard to believe that a single system will go 93% in the AHL and only 80% in the NHL.
by red army line on Dec 15, 2009 2:18 PM EST up reply actions
Even if that were the case, it’s still not relevant for the Caps, unless we fire both Boudreau and Woods and replace them with French.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
I don’t think that has to be the case. I don’t know how much this happens, but couldn’t BB just try to implement French’s PK system?
by red army line on Dec 15, 2009 4:32 PM EST up reply actions
Yes.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 15, 2009 4:35 PM EST up reply actions
Given the skill of the AHL, I find it completely plausible that a system that works down there wouldn’t work at all up in the NHL. Take Pro and College Football? Steve Spurrier, anyone?
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 15, 2009 2:42 PM EST up reply actions
Actually, I believe that one of this team/organization’s major strengths is that we play the system top to bottom, giving us a plug-n-play system. I would reverse your theory and say that the teams the Bears are playing against may not be as skilled at the power play as the teams the Caps are playing against, which would also impact the Bears’ PK statistics, considering we have players down there who could be making an impact up here… at least in the form of a couple of defensemen. :-) The system is identical top to bottom, and it does work, when everything is clicking right, top to bottom.
That’s not what I’m getting at. I mean that just because a system works as well as it does in one league does not mean it will work the same or better in another. The PK/ES D zone, we play, for example, is awful in the NHL – Wings are never fast enough to get to the points to pressure the D before a pass or a shot, the opposition is able to throw the puck to an always open point man, etc. It bothers me to know that playing a slightly tighter point gets the puck out probably an extra 50% than with the current system. Then again, we have a #1, 2, and 3 D, then we have 4-5 #6es (which will now change with Alzner up here permanently), so having the wings down lower to help is probably necessary.
But that’s what I mean.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 15, 2009 2:55 PM EST up reply actions
Ah. I see what you’re getting at now.
You’d like to see us apply more pressure when on the PK. So would I, bluntly. The team doesn’t move its feet enough.
It’s starting to, though, and I’ve seen it improve, albeit slowly, as the season builds, both on the PK and on the PP.
I think the team simply needs to play a little tighter than they currently do, and then Jizz will finally explode out of the zone.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 15, 2009 3:21 PM EST up reply actions
Actually, it’s amusing watching warmups in Hershey. They are virtually identical to the Caps’ pregame warmup routine, down to the order in which they do what little warmup thing.
Technical terminology here.
Having watched several Bears games, both this season and last, it’s amazing to me how alike the teams are, in many ways.
Bears, from my understanding, changed their PK after Woods left and are much more aggressive now. Considering the organization’s preference for systematic continuity I think there may be a lesson to be learned, but I agree that it’s limited.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 15, 2009 4:32 PM EST up reply actions
I sure would like to see the Caps PKers challenge the points even a little bit.
by mechanicsville on Dec 15, 2009 4:43 PM EST up reply actions
Of course I would.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 15, 2009 4:53 PM EST up reply actions
And Exhibit B is erroneous. Don’t compare 05-06 to 05-06. How about 05-06 Bears to 07-08 Caps. When we got filled up with HER talent we were a much better team. Sure, we didn’t win it all like them, but when that high quality AHL talent came to the big club it definitely showed.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 15, 2009 4:34 PM EST up reply actions
The question is – did special teams statistics see any carryover/correlation? Seeing as I’ve scoured the internets for archived AHL stats and turned up nada, I’ll just have to leave it as an unanswered question.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
That’s a fair question, and I’m sure the transfer from AHL to NHL isn’t seamless and directly applicable. I’m just pointing out that if you have good players that can do it in the AHL that generally bodes well for you in the NHL.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 15, 2009 5:11 PM EST up reply actions
Did you look on the AHL site? It’s buried but historical team stats are on the site, www.theahl.com.
Look under standings and then pick the category and season or playoff season. And yes, IIRC, the 05-06 Bears team was very good on the PK.
Also, Troy Mann is the one that has worked on improving the PK this year, with a system that is more similar to the Bears PK of 05-06. There have been a few write-ups about it, as well as on Joudrey and Pinizzotto, who are 2 effective PKrs for the Bears.
Yeah, but that’s the AHL, which Neuvirth did a good job of showing the gap between the two leagues the other night.
No one in the system not on the current team will improve the Capitals PK this season.
Also, PK is equally on the forwards as well. 4 people have to work as a unit, and with Laing and Gordon out, I’m not sold on PK numbers yet.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
I’m not sure Neuvirth’s performance in the last game is representative of his talent.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 15, 2009 5:56 PM EST up reply actions
And I’m not sure Q is going to make our PK any better.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 15, 2009 6:07 PM EST up reply actions
In all seriousness, though
This is great stuff. I’ve been interspersing some of this data into posts here and there during the Juice-Muffin debates (for some reason, I think ShaMo should be called Muffin).
With regard to Erskine, I know that he looks decent in some of the stats, but I think that his QualComp and QualTeam, combined with his TA/GA ratios really tell the “true” story. Every time I watch him play, particularly when he was paired with Pothier, I was amazed by how much time his defensive partner spent covering for him. He compounds his lack of skating with poor decision-making, as evidence by his TA/GA ratio.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
Gordon is already called Muffins. And I personally call Kaberle Muffins after his pathetic All Star skills competition accuracy “shooting” performance. What a hack.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 15, 2009 4:37 PM EST up reply actions
Why? Kolzig spawned the Muffins name for Gordon, I know that much.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 15, 2009 5:11 PM EST up reply actions
I dunno. Maybe it’s because, like eating a muffin, ShaMo sounds like a good idea at the time and really should have been tastier/better than he is, but afterward, you just feel disappointed and wish you hadn’t eaten the muffin.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
by D'ohboy on Dec 15, 2009 5:15 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Or maybe it’s because Shamo plays like he ate the kind of muffins I bake.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 15, 2009 5:21 PM EST up reply actions
I shit the muffins you bake for breakfast!
(forget it, he’s rolling)
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 15, 2009 5:31 PM EST up reply actions
Ecstasy Muffins? That would be insane. Is that even possible?
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 15, 2009 5:40 PM EST up reply actions
Not to get off topic, but…I thought Bob Woods was supposed to be the missing piece to ignite the defense, you know? He “understands” how to play an aggressive defence to compensate for the uber aggresive style of Boudreau. He wasn’t “old school” like Jay Leach and would encourage players to join the rush. Etc etc etc. If anything, the defense looks more passive than ever, and I’ll readily cite F&Bs post about the PK as evidence.
I realize it may be impossible to quantify Woods contribution to date, but would any of these stats be illustrative of a change in defensive strategy? Who then/now has the higher/lower QC/QT? Maybe Pen +/- and T-A/60?
maybe should have put this under the DMG/D’ohboy thread a couple posts above…
by ThreePingPost on Dec 15, 2009 12:48 PM EST up reply actions
He "understands" how toplay an aggressive defencefind an avatar to compensate for theuber aggresive style of Boudreaulack of profile uniqueness. He wasn’t "old school" like Jay Leach and would encourageplayers to join the rushcommenters to get an avatar.
Sorry dude, too tempting.
"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 15, 2009 12:54 PM EST up reply actions
There were some here (not me) who thought this was going to be the case. Personally, I found it difficult to believe that an assistant coach who used the same system and ideas as the head coach was going to make any profound impact on players, especially guys like Erskine, Poti, Pothier and, to a lesser extent, Muffin and Juice, since they’re all “old dogs” to one degree or another.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
Right, I think there was a lot of prevailing optimism when the season began that the D corps in place from last season would make major improvements, and that hasn’t really been the case other than with Schultz and arguably Green. It’s becoming more and more evident that the rest of the guys are what they are.
Pothier, also, has made good strides and is looking like his old self (for better or for worse)
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 15, 2009 12:54 PM EST up reply actions
Actually?
I disagree. It isn’t going to be a miraculous overnight transition. I have been seeing changes – Schultz, in particular, looks way better than he did last season, and while yes, he’s only one player, I have seen several fundamental changes in how the Caps operate – more net-crashing, fewer blasts from the point with nobody home in front. Better forechecking/backchecking.
I feel that Woods is making a difference, and that it’s just going to take a little more time to fully materialize. Alzner played under Woods last year, and did very well in Hershey; it may well be that the guys who have been coached by Woods in the past, and are used to him, will improve faster than the guys who have not been.
Our defensemen since Woods took over coaching defense:
- Green is getting more ice time than he really should, but there’s nobody else who can take that much ice time and be remotely effective. His big mistakes often come at or near the end of long shifts, or at points where he is unable to get off the ice when he really should. He’s double-shifting power plays, and he’s out there for ungodly minutes at a time. His play has changed somewhat, in that he is not being quite as much a forward in a defenseman’s suit; he is playing more defense than he did last season, and his points production is showing it. You can see the change in his playing style since Woods took over coaching the defense, and I believe that it will only get better as time goes by.
- Erskine played fantastically last season after he came back from his concussion; those improvements have disappeared this year, but apart from 4 games in 2006-07, Erskine never played for the Bears. That is not enough time for him to be able to say he’s had any significant coaching from Woods in the past.
- Jurcina came to us from the Bruins, and never had a stint with our AHL affiliate, so he’s never been coached by Woods at all prior to this season.
- Morrisonn played for the Providence Bruins and Portland Pirates in his AHL days. No Woods in his past.
- Pothier played for the Binghamton Senators when he played in the AHL, and apart from a 4-game conditioning stint with Hershey last season on his return, has never been coached by Woods. Still, by nature, he appears to be very coachable, and seems to be improving under Woods’ coaching. It may be that because I hadn’t seen him pre-injury, that he is just getting back to his pre-injury form, but he looks really good out there, and he’s great at the breakout. I’ll be glad when those ribs heal up enough to let him back on the ice.
- Poti, our big veteran defenseman, has never played an AHL game in his career. ‘Nuff said. He went straight from university to the NHL and never looked back. Of course, he’s been playing at the NHL level since 1998-99… but he’s never been coached by Woods until this season.
- Schultz. What more can I say? HUGE strides in the right direction. The extra 15# he put on over the summer? Or being reunited with Bob Woods. Or both? It seems to me that the rapport between coach and player is very evident here.
- Sloan… Let’s face facts. Yes, he’s been coached by Woods, but the only defenseman older than him on the team is Erskine. Sloan has more value to the team in that he skates well, and can play either defense or forward, but until last year, he had never played at the NHL level, despite several years in the AHL (since 2001-02, when he played for the Syracuse Crunch.) The flipping back and forth between forward and defenseman this season has not helped Sloan’s defenseman stats. He’s the only defenseman who semi-breaks my theory, but he has also been career AHL to this point.
Woods does make a difference, for the players who have been coached by him in the past. As our blue line comes up from Hershey (Carlson, Alzner, etc.), they will continue to improve.
by IRockTheRed on Dec 15, 2009 1:49 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
But it’s good points. Woods needs more than a couple months at his job before we can really assess his performance. And play sometimes gets worse before it gets better with a new coach, after the systems are changed. (look at Minnesota)
Truth is, Caps have had a bad few games, but they’re playing well this year.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 15, 2009 1:54 PM EST up reply actions
Why are you people always attacking Mike Green? That’s truly mean spirited of you. Weren’t you brought up right?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 15, 2009 1:57 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Bout fucking time.
/SeminRocks
"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 agree. It’s completely classless, crass, crude, tactless, inane, obtuse, insensitive and other such synonyms.
"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 15, 2009 2:31 PM EST up reply actions
Part of the problem with Green is that he gets caught out. I recall at least one game where he was trying to get to the bench, but if he’d gone, the other team would have had a breakaway, so he had to keep playing. I’m not sure what can be done to prevent that, but my point is that it doesn’t always appear to be a voluntary thing that he’s on the ice as long as he is at a time (though sometimes, it is…)
When the puck is in deep, he’ll probably want to go join in in the offense. He needs to take the change then instead of waiting, having the puck come back out and then being unable to go for a change since he has to play D.
by red army line on Dec 15, 2009 2:21 PM EST up reply actions
Watch the shifts tonight. A game at altitude might not be kind on the visitors.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Well, we know AO will be alright: he was already in his double-long-ass-shifting ways at that point :-).
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 15, 2009 2:47 PM EST up reply actions
The problem I see with this line of thinking is that it’s still BBs system they’re running. The guidance is a little different, but the outline is the same as it was. It doesn’t make sense to me that Erskine is as bad as he is this year, given really relatively few changes.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 15, 2009 2:45 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t necessarily disagree that Woods is going to be good for Carlson and Alzner. I think part of the point was that there was a lot of chatter about how some of the other youngish D like Morrisonn and Juice were also going to improve under Woods, and that hasn’t been the case.
I think it’s a rapport thing.
The players who have played under Woods in the past are improving; the ones who have not… not so much. I don’t know why not, though, which is the maddening part for me.
Could it be that the ones who are improving are young, and they’re undergoing the natural process of development, whereas the other guys are older, and pretty much are what they are?
Correlation does not equal causation.
Grand Rapids A-Go-Go
by D'ohboy on Dec 15, 2009 1:57 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
That could also be a factor. Let’s look at age:
- Alzner — 24-SEP-1988
- Schultz — 25-FEB-1986
- Green
- 12-OCT-1985——————————————————-
- - Jurcina — 07-JUN-1983
- Morrisonn — 23-DEC-1982
- Sloan — 15-MAR-1981
- Erskine — 26-JUN-1980
- Pothier — 15-APR-1977
- Poti — 22-MAR-1977
(I stand corrected on age, BTW – my brain missed the 1977 parts on Pothier and Poti for some weird reason… number-dyslexic today.)
Pothier, however, has also shown marked improvement, and we can’t argue he’s a spring chicken, since he’s older than everyone but Poti…
Well, Juice has been noticeably better now than he has on average before. Is it just an extended high? Possibly.
I think it’s fair to say that our D is about the same, but only because some guys are elevating (Juice, Schultz), while others are regressing (Erskine, ShaMo, sometimes Poti).
I believe Juice’s mean level of performance has risen, but not all the way to his current level of performance. I expect some regression, but not all the way back (on average) to how he was last year.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 15, 2009 1:58 PM EST up reply actions
I also think that Woods has been good for our defense for having them just make the simple play. When the puck is loose in front of our own net, we are much better about just clearing it the hell out of there, anywhere. It isn’t a breakout, it usually isn’t even out of the zone, but we are giving up fewer goals from just loose pucks in front by just making the simple play to put the puck into a less risky position on the ice.
by HateOffSeason on Dec 15, 2009 2:47 PM EST up reply actions
I know this is off topic buuut....
D’ohboy’s post about BB’s toys (and his mention of Steckel/Flash) reminded me of the whole Ranking the Caps exercise. Has there been any thought to taking another look at the final rankings during the season?
Too soon, dude!
Just kidding. But I do think that’s a great time killer for the dead times. Summer is the obvious time to do it, but January/February can start to feel a bit boring too — especially with the olympic break coming this year.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 15, 2009 1:23 PM EST up reply actions
Per tarik:
*Karl Alzner, who has yet to skate in a loss with Washington this season (5-0-0), will be in the lineup and will be paired with John Erskine. Meantime, rookie center Kyle Wilson will make his NHL debut, likely on a line Tomas Fleischmann and Eric Fehr. It’s Wilson’s 25th birthday.
*Based on the skate, the healthy scratches on ‘D’ will be Milan Jurcina and Tyler Sloan. Boyd Gordon (back) and Quintin Laing (broken jaw) also got in some extra work.
Yay for Q! He got to go on the trip.
ALEX, FЯEE
WooHOO for Q! :-) Glad to hear it, and also that Gordon is skating. I’ve been worried about that back of his…
Here’s hoping for a happy, happy birthday for Wilson!
I’m pretty sure Q was on the ice last Friday when I went down to Kettler. He had a full cage on, which looked kind of weird on an NHL player.
"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 15, 2009 4:25 PM EST up reply actions
Tarik also channeled sk8 and posted the Skrastins hit that was discussed in the clips thread.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 15, 2009 4:06 PM EST up reply actions
You know, the leap from AHL to NHL is a lot harder if you’re paired with Erskine. Not sure that’s a good combo.
How on Earth did #4 find his way into the lineup tonight?!
And to your comment, Erskine makes any combo not so good.
by mechanicsville on Dec 15, 2009 4:31 PM EST up reply actions
is this the science of trying to find out if Alzner makes Juice better, can he make Erskine better too? Try to improve Erskines marketability?
Promote the game, it's the NHL, not SCHL
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
82 | 54 | 15 | 13 | 121 |
|
Atlanta
|
82 | 35 | 34 | 13 | 83 |
|
Carolina
|
82 | 35 | 37 | 10 | 80 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
82 | 34 | 36 | 12 | 80 |
|
Florida
|
82 | 32 | 37 | 13 | 77 |
(updated 4.12.2010 at 9:21 AM EDT)
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